Meet Dr. Mark Kufel
Alaska Roots & a Lifelong Interest in Chiropractic
Born and raised in Anchorage, Dr. Mark Kufel developed an early interest in science, anatomy, and how the human body functions. His interest in chiropractic became personal when he watched his father struggle with a severe lumbar disc herniation and experience significant improvement with chiropractic care.
That experience helped inspire Dr. Kufel to pursue chiropractic as a career and ultimately return home to care for patients in the community where he grew up.
Dr. Kufel completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Alaska Anchorage. Throughout his college and chiropractic education, he worked as a commercial fisherman in Bristol Bay and Cook Inlet-an experience that reflects both his Alaska upbringing and the strong work ethic he has carried throughout his career.
Education & More Than Three Decades of Experience
Dr. Kufel earned his Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Palmer College of Chiropractic West in San Jose, California, in 1991. During his senior year, he served as Student Body President of the International Chiropractors Association.
After graduation, Dr. Kufel returned to Alaska and has spent more than three decades caring for patients in the Anchorage community.
His approach emphasizes personalized chiropractic care based on each patient's individual needs, physical demands, and goals. He believes that good care begins by listening to the patient, performing a careful evaluation, and developing an appropriate treatment plan designed to improve movement, function, and quality of life.
Dr. Kufel is certified by the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners and has been a member of both the Alaska Chiropractic Society and the American Chiropractic Association. He continues his professional education through clinical seminars and has also shared his experience with students through presentations and educational opportunities.
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Caring for Patients Through Every Stage of Life
Throughout his career, Dr. Kufel has enjoyed caring for individuals and families across a wide range of ages and activity levels.
He has a particular appreciation for working with children and young athletes. His approach to younger patients emphasizes age-appropriate, gentle chiropractic care with attention to mobility, musculoskeletal function, and the physical demands that come with growth, sports, and an active lifestyle.
Whether caring for a young athlete, a working adult dealing with pain or injury, or someone who wants to remain active as they get older, Dr. Kufel focuses on understanding what each patient wants to be able to do and helping them work toward those goals.
An Alaskan Life Inside & Outside the Office
Dr. Kufel's connection to Alaska extends well beyond his professional life. An avid outdoorsman, he enjoys sport fishing, hunting, mountain biking, climbing, and skiing, and has shared his appreciation for Alaska's wilderness and outdoor lifestyle with his children.
Adventure and the outdoors also have deep roots in his family. His grandparents were accomplished mountaineers, and his grandmother was a member of the historic first all-women's expedition to successfully summit Denali in 1970.
His parents also made their own contributions to the Anchorage community. His father, Frank, worked in education and served as a school administrator at Wendler Junior High and Steller Alternative School. His mother, Marianne Nieman, contributed to the development of drug and alcohol treatment programs in Anchorage, including work associated with the Chemical Dependency Unit at Providence Hospital.
For Dr. Kufel, practicing chiropractic in Anchorage has allowed him to combine his profession with the community and lifestyle that have been part of his family for generations.
A Commitment to His Anchorage Community
After more than three decades in practice, Dr. Kufel continues to bring enthusiasm, experience, and a genuine interest in people to the patients he cares for.
As a lifelong Alaskan, he understands how important staying active can be to the people who live here. His goal is to provide thoughtful, individualized care that helps patients move better, function better, and continue participating in the work, recreation, sports, and everyday activities that are important to them.