The research of John W. Sperling, M.D., is focused on shoulder disorders, which are a major burden on the health care system. Dr. Sperling works with a multidisciplinary team of researchers to develop innovative strategies for the treatment and prevention of shoulder disorders. Focus areas: Rotator cuff disease. Together with a multidisciplinary team, Dr. Sperling has made substantial progress in understanding rotator cuff disease and has identified novel treatment strategies to help patients who have these conditions. Shoulder arthritis. Dr. Sperling has one of the largest referral practices worldwide for the treatment of shoulder arthritis. This unique practice has helped drive the understanding and development of innovative treatment modalities to help patients with the pain and loss of quality of life associated with shoulder arthritis. Significance to patient care. Rotator cuff disease and shoulder arthritis represent some of the most common conditions for which patients seek medical attention. Currently, there are very few options to reverse the course of these disease processes. Dr. Sperling and a team of scientists have already identified several promising molecular pathways to help patients with these problems. This unique team of basic science researchers and clinicians is well-positioned to translate these exciting findings into improvement in inpatient care.