Before bringing his skills into the operating room, Dr. Mark Kryskow trained and served as a professional military and assault climber in the United States Army, specializing in technical mountaineering and ice ascents. These experiences demanded preparation, technical mastery, decisive action, and calm under pressure—the same qualities that now define his approach to surgery and trauma care.
A Relentless Advocate for Patients
Dr. Kryskow is known for an approach to patient care that is grounded in compassion, honesty, and perseverance. He treats every patient like family, standing beside them from the first consultation through recovery. In both lifestyle and mindset, he often sees much of himself in the patient population he serves.
Patients and caregivers describe his care as deeply personal and unwavering. He is candid, attentive, and relentless in pursuing solutions, believing that no operation should be undertaken lightly, and never without true expertise. This philosophy, instilled early in his training, continues to guide every decision he makes in the operating room.
Leadership in Trauma & System Innovation
- Trauma & Critical Care Leadership: Serves as Director of Trauma Critical Care at Berkshire Medical Center, delivering advanced surgical care informed by real-world rescue and high-acuity trauma environments.
- System Innovation in Austere Settings: Co-founder of the Regional Mountain Trauma System (RMTS), integrating ski patrols, transport teams, and trauma centers to improve outcomes in alpine and remote regions.
- National & Professional Leadership: Recognized for expertise in rib fracture repair, slipped rib syndrome, and costal margin reconstruction, with leadership roles in the Chest Wall Injury Society (CWIS), including Past Membership Chair and educational contributions such as the Ribcast & FractureLine podcasts.
Military Service & Foundations
Dr. Kryskow has served more than 20 years in the U.S. Army (O-4), completing numerous missions and earning multiple commendations. His military service includes:
- Six Army Achievement Medals (AAM)
- Four Army Commendation Medals (ARCOM)
- Distinguished Honor Graduate — ranked first in his class at both military mountaineering and assault climbing schools
These experiences shaped his understanding of leadership, discipline, and performance under extreme conditions—principles he now applies to trauma surgery, system design, and medical education.
Life Beyond The OR
Outside the hospital, Dr. Kryskow finds clarity and focus in the mountains. A lifelong mountaineer, skier, and backcountry explorer, his time in demanding terrain reinforces the discipline, resilience, and situational awareness that define his approach to trauma care.
Hobbies & Interests
- Mountaineering
- Skiing and backcountry travel
- Training in challenging and austere environments
Fun Facts
- Former professional climber sponsored by Black Diamond and Mountain Hardwear
- Skis 100+ days per year worldwide