Arnold E. Cuenca, D.O., C.A.Q.S.M

Dr. Cuenca was raised in San Diego, where he attended Southwest High School located in the South Bay and attended college at UCSD, graduating with a degree in Cell Biology and Biochemistry in 1998. 

Research science occupied his time for the next 2 years, eventually having his name published in several scientific journals for his contribution to The Burnham Institute in La Jolla. However, as much as he liked science, it was not his passion.

Dr. Cuenca began his path into the medical field by attending Western University of Health Sciences in Pomona, CA. During his medical school years, he served as President of his medical school class and earned several distinctions, including Student of the Year.

South Bay San Diego would be his home for the next 3 years folllowing medical school, where he would eventually serve as Chief Resident of the Scripps Family Medicine Program. The Scripps Program is based in a federally-qualified community health center, emphasizing outreach to the underserved community. As Chief Resident, not only did Dr. Cuenca continue to fulfill his physician role as a "teacher", but also expanded the sports medicine curriculum.

Dr. Cuenca continues his role as an educator by mentoring Pre-Med/Medical Students, Resident Physicians and serving as Clinical Faculty for multiple medical education programs. In addition, Dr. Cuenca also serves as the Community Advisor for UCSD Pre-SOMA, which he also founded in 1999. UCSD Pre-SOMA is a pre-medical organization where college students can learn more about osteopathic medicine and participate in opportunities to work with physicians. He additionally serves as a mentor for both the UCSD Health Professions Mentor Program and the AOA iLearn Program.

Because of his interest in Sports Medicine, Dr. Cuenca completed a 1-year Fellowship in Primary Care Sports Medicine at the Western University of Health Sciences-OPTI/San Diego Sports Medicine and Family Health Center Program. The San Diego Sports Medicine Program was established in 1984, and is the longest, continuously running Primary Care Sports Medicine program in the country. During his Fellowship Training, Dr. Cuenca served as a Team Physician for SDSU, as the Medical Director for several San Diego events, and provided sports coverage for other local and international events. He currently serves as a Team Physician primarily for Cal State University San Marcos, but also assists with Team Physician duties for SDSU.  

Dr. Cuenca has also participated in the Flying Samaritans, a volunteer organization that provides free medical, dental, and vision care to various clinics in Mexico. These experiences provided further confirmation of his commitment to Family Medicine and community service.

Education

• UCSD: B.S. Cell Biology and Biochemistry
• Western University of Health Sciences: Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.)
• Scripps Family Medicine Residency Program: Chief Resident
• Western University of Health Sciences-OPTI/San Diego Sports Medicine & Family Health Center: Sports Medicine Fellowship

Certifications

• Board Certified in Family Medicine 
• Board Certified in Family Practice & Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment 
• Board Certified in Sports Medicine
  

Distinctions

• AAFP National Scientific Assembly Outstanding Exhibit/Poster (2006)
• Joseph Weiss Memorial Scholarship Award (2004)
• Western University President's Award (2004)
• Who's Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges (2004)
• Western University Student of the Year (2002)
• Western University President's Award (2002)
• William G. Stahl Memorial Scholarship Award (2001)
• Sigma Sigma Phi Honors Society Award (2001)

Faculty Positions

• Sports Medicine Faculty-UCSD Department of Family and Preventive Medicine 
• Clinical Assistant Professor of Family Medicine/OMM-Western University of Health Sciences
• Clinical Adjunct Faculty-SDSU Exercise and Nutritional Sciences/Athletic Training Program

Pre-Medical Programs

• Mentor for the UCSD Health Professions Mentorship Program
• Mentor for the AOA iLearn Program
• Founder/Advisor for the UCSD Pre-SOMA program