Franklin Evaristo Caldera

Franklin Evaristo Caldera is a Clinical Professor in the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at the Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania. He holds key administrative roles including Chief Medical Officer at Penn Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine and Vice Chair of Clinical Services for Rehab Medicine at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania.

• Education
  • BS in Biology, Binghamton University (1998)
  • DO in Osteopathic Medicine, New York College of Osteopathic Medicine (2002)
  • MBA in Business Administration, New York Institute of Technology (2002)

Dr. Caldera specializes in Pain Medicine, Musculoskeletal Ultrasound, and Neuromuscular Disorders. His research explores Medical Cannabis as an opioid alternative, Post-COVID Rehabilitation, and Interventional Spinal Procedures. Recent work focuses on optimizing pain management strategies and understanding long-term recovery from severe illnesses.

He has contributed to publications in journals like Cureus and Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, addressing topics such as psychogenic seizures, radiculopathy, and cell therapy for spinal degeneration. His clinical expertise includes Diagnostic Musculoskeletal Ultrasound, Fluoroscopic Spinal Interventions, and Electrodiagnostic Testing (EMG/NCS).

Dr. Caldera also serves as Vice Chair of Diversity for the Department, driving initiatives in inclusion and equity, and was a member of Penn's COVID Planning Task Force. He oversees interdisciplinary care pathways and quality improvement programs in outpatient and inpatient rehabilitation settings.