Francesco Sammartino, MD
Physician, Assistant Professor
Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
Make an appointment
614-293-2225Conditions and expertise
- Back Pain
- Chronic Pain
- Complex Regional Pain Syndromes
- Electromyography
- Failed Back Surgery Syndrome
- Muscle Spasticity
Locations
- Outpatient Care Powell
Academics and research
Department: Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
About
- Gender
- Male
- Additional languages
- Italian
Biography
I am Francesco Sammartino, MD, and I specialize in physical medicine and rehabilitation, chronic pain management and neuromuscular conditions in the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. My practice focuses on restoring function, reducing pain and helping patients improve their quality of life through individualized, evidence-based care.
As a physician in the department, I care for patients with conditions including back pain, chronic pain, complex regional pain syndromes, failed back surgery syndrome and muscle spasticity. I also perform electromyography (EMG) and provide advanced interventional treatments such as nerve blocks and spinal cord stimulation.
My background in neurosurgery, rehabilitation medicine and pain medicine allows me to bring a unique perspective to patient care. I work closely with each patient to develop a personalized treatment plan that focuses not only on pain relief but also on restoring function, maximizing independence and improving overall well-being.
I have a special interest in treating thoracic outlet syndrome, muscle spasticity and trigeminal neuralgia. My goal is to help patients achieve meaningful improvements in their daily lives by combining the latest evidence-based therapies with compassionate, patient-centered care.
Highlights
- Completed a unique clinician-scientist training pathway spanning Neurosurgery, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, and Pain Medicine.
- Developed an internationally recognized research portfolio in neuroimaging and neuromodulation.
- Contributed to advances in deep brain stimulation, focused ultrasound, and other neuromodulation technologies through research and collaboration.
- Serve as a faculty member at The Ohio State University, integrating patient care, research, and education.
- Built a clinical practice focused on advanced pain management, neuromodulation, and functional restoration.
Conditions and expertise
- Back Pain
- Chronic Pain
- Complex Regional Pain Syndromes
- Electromyography
- Failed Back Surgery Syndrome
- Muscle Spasticity
- Nerve Block
- Spinal Cord Stimulation
Locations
Please note: Not all physicians schedule patients at each listed location.
Credentials
Education
- Fellowship - Anesthesiology, Pain Medicine
- The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, United States
7/1/2025 - 6/30/2026 - Residency - Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
- The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, United States
7/1/2022 - 6/30/2025 - Residency - Internal Medicine
- The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, United States
7/1/2021 - 6/30/2022 - Fellowship - Neurological Surgery
- The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, United States
3/18/2019 - 3/17/2021 - Fellowship - Neurological Surgery
- The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, United States
7/1/2016 - 3/17/2019 - Fellowship - Neurological Surgery
- Toronto General Hospital-Western Division, Toronto, ON, Canada
7/1/2015 - 6/30/2016 - Doctor of Medicine (MD)
- University of Udine, Udine, Italy
9/1/2002 - 10/16/2008
Certifications
-
American Heart Association National Center
7/31/2026 -
American Board of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
7/1/2026
Academics and research
I am Francesco Sammartino, MD, assistant professor in the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at The Ohio State University College of Medicine, and I specialize in neuromodulation, neuroimaging, pain medicine and rehabilitation neuroscience. My research focuses on developing and advancing innovative approaches to improve outcomes for individuals with chronic pain and neurological disorders.
My work explores the intersection of neuroscience, rehabilitation and pain medicine, with particular interest in neuromodulation technologies and their application to complex neurological and pain conditions. I study the mechanisms underlying pain and neurological dysfunction and investigate how advanced interventions can improve function, reduce symptoms and enhance quality of life.
A major focus of my research is the use of neuroimaging and neuromodulation techniques to better understand and treat conditions such as thoracic outlet syndrome, muscle spasticity and trigeminal neuralgia. My research also examines emerging technologies, including deep brain stimulation, focused ultrasound, and other neuromodulatory approaches, with the goal of translating scientific discoveries into meaningful clinical advances.
My training across neurosurgery, physical medicine and rehabilitation and pain medicine has shaped a translational research approach that bridges neuroscience, clinical care and rehabilitation. In addition to my research activities, I contribute to medical education and mentorship while working to advance the field of pain medicine and neuromodulation through scholarship and collaboration.
Research interests
- Deep Brain Stimulation
- Focused Ultrasound
- Neuromodulatory Approaches
Academic information
- Department:
- Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
- Division:
- Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
More about my research
News and media
My news coverage
Consulting and related relationships
At The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, we support a faculty member’s research and consulting in collaboration with medical device, research and/or drug companies because a faculty member’s expertise can guide important advancements in the practice of medicine and improve patient care. In order to provide effective management of these relationships, the University requires annual disclosures from all faculty members with external interests related to their University responsibilities.
As of 11/3/2025, Francesco Sammartino has reported no relationships with companies or entities.