About
Dr. Steven Knope trained at some of the most rigorous programs in American medicine. He completed his premedical studies at Columbia University and earned his medical degree with honors in internal medicine from Cornell University Medical College in 1988. His residency took place at UCLA Medical Center, where faculty selected him as the first recipient of the Sherman Melinkoff Teacher of the Year Award. Cornell also honored him with three prizes: the David Drusin Memorial Prize, the Weiss Prize for Excellence in Clinical Medicine, and the Sarah O'Laughlin Foley Prize in Clinical Medicine. He holds board certification in internal medicine from the American Board of Internal Medicine. Before opening Knope Clinic, he served as Chief of Medicine, Chairman of the Department of Medicine, and Director of the ICU in the Carondelet health system in Tucson.
Dr. Knope brings a depth of experience that extends well beyond the exam room. He served as the official internist for Colorado Rockies spring training in Tucson and sits on the editorial board of the American College of Sports Medicine's Health and Fitness Journal. He speaks nationally on obesity, fitness, and exercise. His clinical passions include exercise physiology, cardiovascular health, nutrition, and evidence-based preventive medicine. He treats conditions ranging from obesity and diabetes to cardiovascular disease, hypertension, infectious disease, and complex musculoskeletal injuries. Before medicine, he performed as a professional French horn player, appearing as a featured soloist at Lincoln Center and on WNYC radio after earning a Bachelor's of Music from Mannes College of Music in New York City. He has also completed four Ironman triathlons and holds a third-degree black belt in Kenpo Karate. Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Dr. Bernard Lown has praised him as courageous and deeply principled.
Education & Training
Undergraduate
Columbia University (premedical studies); Mannes College of Music, Bachelor's of Music
Medical School
Cornell University Medical College (graduated with honors in internal medicine, 1988)
Residency
UCLA Medical Center
Additional Training
Sherman Melinkoff Teacher of the Year Award, UCLA Medical School; David Drusin Memorial Prize, Cornell; Weiss Prize for Excellence in Clinical Medicine, Cornell; Sarah O'Laughlin Foley Prize in Clinical Medicine, Cornell
Certifications
Conditions Treated
Who is Dr. Knope right for?
Dr. Knope is a strong fit for adults who want a physician deeply invested in their long-term health. Patients managing cardiovascular disease, obesity, diabetes, hypertension, or complex chronic conditions benefit from his internal medicine expertise. He also serves athletes and active adults seeking evidence-based guidance on fitness, nutrition, and injury management. Patients who value direct, uninterrupted access to their physician, including same-day visits and hospital care, will find his practice well suited to their needs.
Similar Doctors Nearby
Dr. Nora BarsonyMD
diabetes, type 1 diabetes, thyroid conditions +6 more
Dr. Gerald MorrisMD
diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure +6 more
Dr. Amanda Bacchus-MorrisMD, MPH
diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure +7 more
Frequently Asked Questions
Dr. Knope treats a broad range of conditions including obesity, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, high cholesterol, diabetes, infectious disease, influenza, COVID-19, and musculoskeletal injuries. He also manages complex medical problems that may require specialist coordination. His background in sports medicine makes him particularly effective with active patients dealing with performance or injury concerns.
Yes. Dr. Knope holds board certification in internal medicine from the American Board of Internal Medicine. He earned his medical degree with honors from Cornell University Medical College in 1988 and completed his residency at UCLA Medical Center.
Dr. Knope grounds his practice in evidence-based medicine. He places strong emphasis on exercise, nutrition, and preventive care as essential tools for long-term health. He treats each patient as the sole focus of his advocacy, with no insurance interference shaping his clinical decisions.
Yes. Dr. Knope cares for his own patients in the hospital and does not rely on hospitalists. He personally oversees every step of care, from the office visit through any inpatient stay.
Dr. Knope combines his internal medicine expertise with deep knowledge of exercise physiology, sports injuries, and performance health. He speaks nationally on fitness and obesity and sits on the editorial board of the American College of Sports Medicine's Health and Fitness Journal. This makes him well suited for active patients and those using exercise as a cornerstone of disease management.
Yes. Castle Connolly has named Dr. Knope a Top Doctor every year from 2019 through 2025. Top Rated Doctor has recognized him annually from 2016 through 2025. His work has also received coverage in the Arizona Daily Star, Money magazine, the Wall Street Journal, and the New York Times.
Yes. Dr. Knope authored the first book on concierge medicine, titled Concierge Medicine: A New System to Get the Best Healthcare, published by Praeger in 2008. He also authored The Body/Mind Connection in January 2000.
Dr. Knope completed his premedical studies at Columbia University and earned his medical degree from Cornell University Medical College in 1988. He then trained at UCLA Medical Center for his residency, where he earned the first Sherman Melinkoff Teacher of the Year Award from UCLA Medical School.
Doctor profile last updated April 11, 2026