East Side is temporarily closed due to water damage. If you have an appointment, please check your voicemail or text reminder for the location, or call us at 651-788-4444 to confirm where your provider is seeing patients during this time.
After Hours Care clinic will be closing at 7:15pm on Friday, August 22nd. We will have on-call providers available by calling 651-788-4444.
651-788-4444

Volker, Mark, MD

I specialize in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine. What drew me to this field is the opportunity to help people move better, feel better, and return to the activities they care about most. Whether it’s getting back on the field, back to work, or just back to daily routines without pain, my goal is to support each person in reaching their own definition of recovery.

Special Interests

  • Physical Medicine and Rehab (PM&R)
  • Sports Medicine

My Approach to Care

My approach to care is rooted in the core principles of physiatry: restoring function, relieving pain, and building treatment plans that are tailored to each patient’s goals. I take the time to listen and understand what matters most to the person in front of me, then work collaboratively to create a path forward. I especially enjoy using image-guided procedures, which often offer immediate relief and help improve function right away. There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing someone walk out feeling better than when they came in.

I was drawn to Entira because of the people and the shared sense of purpose that drives the work here. During my medical training, I had the chance to rotate with Dr. Tim Hernandez, and I was struck by the way he connected with patients, showing empathy, kindness, and genuine interest in their lives. Through my interviews, I came to see that this approach wasn’t unique to him but part of a broader culture centered on thoughtful, patient-first care. I knew it was the kind of environment I wanted to be a part of.

One of the most important things I’ve learned is that good care doesn’t always mean having the answer right away. Sometimes it means asking the right questions, collaborating with others, and being honest enough to say “I don’t know—yet.” I believe that listening well and staying curious are just as important as technical skill.

Outside the Office

Outside of work, I love spending time outdoors, especially near a lake with a good book or out hiking in a national park. Whether it’s a quiet afternoon on the dock or a tough hike with rewarding views, being in nature helps me reset and feel grounded. I also prioritize exercise as part of my daily routine. Starting the day with a workout helps me stay focused and energized for whatever comes next.

Fun Facts

If I weren’t a provider, I’d probably be a high school science teacher and a coach for wrestling and track. I’ve always enjoyed mentoring and teaching, and I think it would be incredibly rewarding to help students grow both in and out of the classroom. I also enjoy finding moments of fun and balance outside of work. While I don’t sing karaoke, if I ever did, it would be Barbie Girl. Ice cream is my go-to favorite and something I could eat every day without getting tired of it. My favorite Minnesotan hot dish is chicken wild rice. It is warm, hearty, and always a reminder of northern Minnesota. If I could have any superpower for a day, I would choose teleportation so I could hike Zion in the morning, read lakeside in Minnesota by lunch, and be courtside at a Timberwolves game by evening.

Health Tips

If there’s one health tip I swear by, it’s to keep moving. Whether it’s a walk around the block, a gym session, or dancing in the kitchen, staying active is one of the best things you can do for your body and mind. Motion is lotion. If I could prescribe a vacation, I’d send people to Zion National Park. The movement, the scenery, and the chance to unplug can make a big difference in how you feel.

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