Wenchun Qu

Wenchun Qu, M.D., Ph.D., is a Professor of Anesthesiology and Associate Professor of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Mayo Clinic, with a primary appointment in the Department of Pain Medicine. He is based at Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida, and is affiliated with the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine. Dr. Qu serves as Associate Director of the Center for Regenerative Biotherapeutics and leads a regenerative pain medicine research laboratory focused on stem cell and gene therapy for degenerative spine and joint conditions.

• Ph.D. in Occupational Science, University of Southern California
• M.S. in Biostatistics, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California
• M.D., Second Military Medical University
• Residency in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Mayo Clinic
• Fellowship in Pain Medicine, Mayo Clinic

Dr. Qu's research is centered on regenerative medicine, particularly the development and clinical translation of stem cell and gene therapies for back pain, neck pain, osteoarthritis, and spinal cord injury. His work integrates genetic engineering to create next-generation stem cells and focuses on the manufacturing of clinical-grade biotherapeutics. He also explores artificial intelligence applications for clinical decision support in musculoskeletal and spine care, aiming to optimize precision medicine.

His recent publications reflect a strong trend in clinical trials and translational research, particularly in mesenchymal stem cell therapy for lumbar and cervical facet joint pain, spinal cord injury, and knee osteoarthritis. These studies emphasize safety, efficacy, and imaging correlation in interventional pain management, showcasing a multidisciplinary approach combining regenerative biology, radiology, and clinical outcomes.

Dr. Qu has received numerous scientific awards, including:

• Top-cited author, High-Impact Research from STEM CELLS Translational Medicine (2022)
• Excellence in Research Award, Mayo Clinic Rochester (2019)
• Multiple Best of Meeting Awards from ASRA and AAPM (2013–2018)
• Transform the Practice Initiative Award, Mayo Clinic (2016, 2017)
• Winning Scientific Abstract Award, American Academy of Pain Medicine (2025)

He has led and participated in significant research initiatives, including clinical trials on allogeneic mesenchymal stem cells and adipose-derived stem cells. His leadership roles include directing research courses, serving on grant review committees, and co-chairing the Mayo Clinic China Regional Development Group to advance global healthcare collaborations. He is actively involved in education, innovation, and international outreach.

Dr. Qu directs the Regenerative Pain Medicine Research Laboratory at Mayo Clinic, which focuses on developing novel stem cell therapies using genetic engineering. He is also a key member of the Center for Regenerative Biotherapeutics and contributes to multiple Mayo Clinic innovation and research management teams, including the Research Operations Management Team (ROMT) and the Executive Group of the Center for Regenerative Medicine.