Portrait of Carlin H. Senter
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Carlin H. Senter, MD

Sports Medicine • Orthopedic Sports MedicineDirector, Primary Care Sports Medicine
Sports Medicine Mission Bay
415-353-2808
Portrait of Carlin H. Senter
Portrait of Carlin H. Senter
ucsf logobch logo

Carlin H. Senter, MD

Sports Medicine • Orthopedic Sports MedicineDirector, Primary Care Sports Medicine
Sports Medicine Mission Bay
415-353-2808

On this page

About me

Dr. Carlin Senter is a primary care sports medicine doctor who focuses on helping patients of all ages stay active, reduce injury risk and achieve peak performance. She has particular interests in exercise counseling and exercise prescription as well as in treating sports concussions. She serves as the director of Primary Care Sports Medicine Service within UCSF Division of Sports Medicine and Shoulder Surgery and is co-director of the UCSF Sports Concussion Program.

Senter's research focuses on enhancing musculoskeletal education for primary care clinicians. She designs programs to increase knowledge of the musculoskeletal system and improve diagnostic skills among medical students, residents and practicing clinicians. She also co-chairs two annual continuing education courses in sports medicine.

Senter earned her medical degree at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA. She then completed a residency in internal medicine at the University of Washington Medical Center, followed by a fellowship in primary care sports medicine at UCLA.

Senter belongs to the American College of Physicians, American Medical Society for Sports Medicine, American College of Sports Medicine and Society of General Internal Medicine. She has received numerous awards for teaching and service.

Senter grew up in the East Bay, where she was a three-sport high school athlete. As an undergraduate at Harvard College, she rowed for Radcliffe crew. She supports the San Francisco Giants as part of UCSF Health's partnership with the team to provide players and staff with top-tier medical care and promote community well-being. She is also team physician for the University of San Francisco, Academy of Art University and Washington High School.

In her free time, Senter enjoys running in the Marin Headlands, visiting the latest exhibit at the de Young and eating It's-It ice cream sandwiches.

Education & training

Board certification

  • Sports Medicine, American Board of Emergency Medicine/Sports Med
  • Internal Medicine, American Board of Internal Medicine

Fellowship

  • Sports Medicine, University of California at Los Angeles

Residency

  • Internal Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine GME

Internship

  • Internal Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine GME

Degree

  • MD, University of California Los Angeles Schl of Medicine

Locations

    My work

    Targeted orthopedic care for women athletes

    As part of the Women's Sports Medicine Center, Dr. Senter offers specialized care for female-identifying athletes.

    Reviews

    Average rating

    4.9
    4.9 out of 5 Stars
    260 ratings
    About provider reviews

    Showing 1-6 of 65 reviews

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    • 5 out of 5 Stars
      December 27, 2025

      I appreciate the care and experience given to me at this appointment. I felt listened to, my knee was examined and was given thoughtful feedback on what the problem was and next steps.

    • 5 out of 5 Stars
      December 3, 2025

      Dr. Senter provided easy to understand information, was positive and encouraging, and listened to my concerns.

    • 5 out of 5 Stars
      November 26, 2025

      Dr. Senter is fantastic. Not a 5 but a 10!!

    • 5 out of 5 Stars
      November 12, 2025

      Dr. Senter was very engaging and compassionate. I very much appreciated that she walked me through my diagnosis and the full array of treatment options.

    • 5 out of 5 Stars
      October 28, 2025

      I was very impressed and pleased with Dr. Senter. She made me feel instantly comfortable and worked with me to try to uncover the problem. I thought she was interested and engaged in the process & really heard what I had to say.

    • 5 out of 5 Stars
      October 7, 2025

      Dr Senter is the best

    Please check with your health insurance plan regarding coverage for this type of care. Not all providers at UCSF Health are covered by every insurance plan.

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