Dr. Mark Calarco, National Medical Director for Clinical Diagnostics, American Addiction Centers

“One of my guiding leadership and life principles is COMPASSION, which enfolds the word ‘passion’ within its meaning. Compassion for others drives me to constantly strive to eliminate human suffering and to improve the health and well-being of our patients.”

Dr. Mark Calarco has served as the national medical director for American Addiction Centers (AAC) from 2013–2018. With the addition of Dr. Lawrence Weinstein, who assumed that position in August 2018, he has been appointed national medical director for clinical diagnostics. In this position, he works closely with Addiction Labs to conduct medical and laboratory research as well as develop innovative products and services that will improve patient outcomes. Calarco brings more than 25 years of experience to the role, including a background in family and emergency medicine.

As a child, Calarco developed an interest in health care and a passion for helping others after losing his brother due to a medical error. He went on to attend medical school and to become a family physician. Today, his commitment to clinical excellence and serving those in need has never been stronger as he leads a team of providers who are transforming lives every day.

Calarco is also a thought leader in the addiction industry and an established researcher. In 2017, he led two original studies at AAC with the findings presented to the American Academy of Addiction Psychology. His talents also include speaking five languages—Spanish, French, German, Japanese, and Italian.

Credentials and Education

• BA,Biology, University of California, Santa Cruz
• BA, Psychology, University of California, Berkeley
• DO, Chicago’s Midwestern University College of Osteopathic Medicine
• MBA, Arizona State University
• Advanced Studies Certification in Addiction Medicine (AOAAM)
• Board Certified – American Osteopathic Board of Family Physicians
• Board Certified – American Board of Anti-aging and Regenerative Medicine
• Certified Physician Executive– American Association for Physician Leadership
• Certified Medical Review Officer
• COLA Certified Laboratory Director

Professional Associations

• American Osteopathic Association (AOA)
• American Medical Association (AMA)
• American Osteopathic Academy of Addiction Medicine (AOAAM)
• American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM)
• American Academy of Anti-Aging and Regenerative Medicine (A4M)
• Medical Group Management Association (MGMA)
• American Association for Physician Leadership (AAPL)

Career Highlights

• Board member, TN State Medical Laboratory Board – Governor Appointed (2014 – 2020)
• Medical staff, Dept. of Family & Emergency Medicine, HCA – Centennial Medical Ctr. (Current)
• Adjunct clinical professor, Lincoln Memorial University – DeBusk College of Medicine (Current)
• Clinical medical faculty, Midwestern University School of Medicine (2004)

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