Establishing Trust
No matter how fast life gets, nurse practitioner Mark Cloutier is dedicated to slowing down and delivering quality patient care. “I was first drawn to nursing because I felt comfortable caring for people during vulnerable moments,” he shares. “When I had the opportunity to work in orthopedics after earning my master’s degree, I was excited because it’s such a practical, hands-on field where you often get to see people heal.” In addition to nine years working with Erlanger Orthopaedics, Cloutier enjoys applying his expertise to keep student athletes healthy, saying, “It’s a great way to give back and stay connected with the community.”
The good news is that most musculoskeletal pain is manageable and often temporary, and with the right understanding and care, most people recover and get back to doing what they love.”
My Credentials
Master’s of Nursing:
The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga – Chattanooga, TN
Certifications:
Board Certified, American Association of Nurse Practitioners
1. What does your day-to-day look like?
I work as a nurse practitioner in a busy orthopedic walk-in clinic that provides same-day care for injuries and painful musculoskeletal conditions. We treat everything from acute sports injuries to chronic joint pain, with on-site x-rays and a range of procedures and resources. It’s a fast-paced environment, but we do our best to keep care timely yet personal.
2. What do you love most about your profession?
It’s incredibly gratifying to be a resource the community can assess, diagnose, and often begin treatment the same day, which can bring immediate relief and reduce a lot of fear and anxiety. And if more specialized care is needed, I have access to an incredible team here at Erlanger Orthopaedics with top-tier surgeons, non-operative specialists, therapists, and trainers to get patients exactly what they need.
3. What’s the key to making a great first impression?
It’s about connecting with people on a human level. Early in my career, a mentor told me that if you don’t enjoy your time with patients, then you might as well quit, because a truly fulfilling medical practice comes from enjoying time spent with patients and being there to serve them. That advice has stayed with me, and I still try to carry it with every patient encounter.
4. What would you consider to be your main strengths?
One of my main strengths is consistency – showing up every day with dedication. Consistently providing a thoughtful, thorough exam and treatment plan, even when the clinic is busy and I may start to feel the need to hurry. Understanding that is what every patient deserves because they have also sacrificed a lot to be there.
5. What is your philosophy when it comes to the care of your patients?
My philosophy of care is inspired by the old-time country doctors you see in shows like “Little House on the Prairie” or “The Waltons.” They weren’t just medical providers, they were trusted members of the community, showing up with compassion, practicality, and service. I try to carry that same spirit into my practice every day.
- 423.893.9020
- 1809 Gunbarrel Road Chattanooga, TN 37421
- erlanger.org/ortho
