Dr. Mark Kryskow
Dr. Kryskow is one of the nation’s leading surgeons in chest wall and trauma care, recognized for his work across the full spectrum of chest wall injury, reconstruction, and trauma-system innovation. His practice blends advanced surgical skill with systems-level leadership to deliver precise, patient-centered care in both hospital and alpine environments.
About Dr. Kryskow
Clinical Leadership & Experience
Board-certified in General Surgery and Surgical Critical Care, Dr. Kryskow brings more than 20 years of combined military and civilian experience to the care of complex injuries—including slipped rib syndrome (costal cartilage disruption/subluxation), rib fractures, and costal margin reconstruction.
He advances the standard of care throughout the Berkshires and beyond by:
- Serving as Director of Surgical Critical Care and Trauma Medical Director at Berkshire Health Systems
- Pioneering advanced approaches in chest wall and rib fracture surgery
- Applying minimally invasive, robotic, and ultrasound-guided techniques to improve precision, reduce incision size, and optimize recovery
- Founding the Regional Mountain Trauma System (RMTS) to improve trauma outcomes in rural and high-altitude environments
- Integrating military discipline, alpine expertise, and an understanding of active, high-risk lifestyles into every patient’s care
Mission – Service Across Settings
Dr. Kryskow’s core mission is to deliver expert, uncompromising surgical care rooted in compassion, honesty, and relentless advocacy—treating every patient like family and staying with them from injury through full recovery. Guided by decades of military service, he strives to operate only with mastery, never abandon a patient’s journey, and continuously advance care in both clinical and austere environments.
Key Areas of Distinction
- One of the highest-volume rib surgeons in the Northeast – rib fracture stabilization and chest wall reconstruction
- Advanced treatment of slipped rib syndrome and painful chest wall disorders
- A robust robotic surgery practice (~50% of clinical volume), including abdominal and thoracic hernias
- Ultrasound-guided techniques enabling smaller incisions and improved outcomes
Advancement
- 20+ years of combined military & civilian surgical service
- Leader in emerging research on slipped rib syndrome and painful chest wall disorders
- Surgical lead for CWIS-sponsored interventional research initiatives
Credentials & Board Certifications
- AOA Board of Surgery – General Surgery
- AOA Board of Surgery – Surgical Critical Care (CAQ)
Core Specialties
- Chest wall injury and reconstruction
- Functional chest wall syndromes
- Trauma–critical care
- General surgery
Regional Mountain Trauma System
A Trauma System Built for Elevation
As co-founder of the Regional Mountain Trauma System (RMTS), Dr. Kryskow is advancing trauma care in alpine and remote environments. RMTS connects rural hospitals, EMS, ski patrol teams, transport units, and trauma centers into a coordinated, rapid-response network—ensuring patients receive the right care, without delay.
In mountain regions, patients often face hours-long transport or arrive at facilities unequipped for complex injuries. RMTS exists to close this gap—bringing advanced trauma coordination to the communities and landscapes that need it most.