PA Mack Brings Home Silver for Team USA in World Karate Championship
“Whether it’s treating patients or training for competition, my mindset is the same”
By Dave Andrews
November 10, 2025
Few professions demand the same focus and discipline as medicine—except, perhaps, the martial arts. For Alli Mack, PA-C, MS, MPH, those worlds aren’t separate; they’ve shaped who she is.
In addition to being a third-degree black belt in karate, Mack is a dedicated PA who works full time at the American Hip Institute in Chicago. She knows that success in both arenas requires decisiveness, determination, and relentless drive.
“Whether it’s treating patients or training for competition, my mindset is the same,” Mack said. “You show up, you work hard, and you keep improving.”
Pursuing Excellence on the World Stage
Earlier this year, Mack proved once again how unceasing dedication can pay off. Competing for Team USA at the World Shotokan Karate-do Association Championships, she earned a silver medal—her fourth time medaling at the prestigious tournament, where she previously captured one gold and two bronze medals.
Her international success builds on a remarkable record that also includes 14 U.S. national championship medals, the first of which she won at the age of nine.
Now 31, Mack shows no signs of slowing down. In addition to a demanding role at the American Hip Institute, she trains up to seven times a week and teaches a weekly karate class.
“My goal is always to work at the highest level professionally and, for as long as possible, perform at the highest levels athletically,” she said. “I honestly don’t know how not to do that.”
Someone who can attest to Mack’s dedication is her longtime instructor, John DiPasquale, president of the American Shotokan Karate Association. He’s watched her evolve from a driven young competitor into a disciplined professional.
“She’s very consistent, which can be extremely difficult for someone who works long hours in such a demanding field,” DiPasquale said. “I’ve always been impressed by how she manages it all—and does it at such a high level.”
Even during PA school and the early years of her medical career, Mack never wavered from her commitment to training, DiPasquale added.
“She’s not one to make excuses,” DiPasquale said. “If she’s got a goal, she’s going to reach it. That’s why she’s such a great role model for her teammates and her colleagues.”
[See Mack and other PAs who go beyond on AAPA’s new Nationwide PA Impact Map!]
Benefits of Having an Athlete’s Mindset
Mack’s passion for competition is matched only by her dedication to providing care. Her years of athletic experience give her a unique perspective—especially when working with patients who share that same drive to perform.
“The ability to understand and connect with the patient is a huge advantage,” she explained. “Athletes, in particular, want a full understanding of the medicine because performing at a high level is a significant part of their identity.”
Having dealt with several of her own injuries over the years, Mack can speak from experience when discussing treatment plans and recovery timelines. With an athlete’s mindset, she focuses on helping patients weigh the pros and cons of different procedures, and understand how each decision could affect future performance.
That empathetic, informed approach stood out early in her career. After completing her residency at the American Hip Institute, she was offered a full-time position—an acknowledgment of both her skill and her ability to connect with patients.
Benjamin Domb, MD, medical director of the American Hip Institute, says Mack embodies the core values he looks for in his clinical team.
“As a leader among our APPs, Alli has truly embraced her role managing procedures, and she continually inspires others to meet our high standards of excellence,” Dr. Domb said. “Athletes like her who have pursued excellence in their sport often bring discipline, repetitive practice, and teamwork—all of which are qualities that translate perfectly to healthcare.”
Leading, Teaching, and Inspiring Others
Outside her clinical work, Mack is passionate about education and sharing what she’s learned. She has presented at multiple conferences for advanced practice providers and orthopaedic surgeons, often focusing on ultrasound-guided joint injections and innovative hip procedures and treatments.
When she speaks publicly, she often weaves in lessons from her karate career. Those experiences performing on some of the biggest stages, she says, add to both her credibility and confidence.
“I relish any public speaking opportunity—large groups, small groups, it doesn’t matter,” she said. “I love being part of the educational process, sharing information, engaging with other providers, and hopefully inspiring as many of them as possible.”
Dr. Domb says that Mack’s drive to make a difference extends well beyond the podium.
“Her passion for improving patients’ lives is something she feels deeply,” he said. “It’s a pleasure to work alongside someone who brings that level of purpose and positivity every day.”
The Journey Continues
As Mack looks ahead, she knows that one day she’ll “age out naturally” of high-level competition—but she doesn’t see that as slowing down. Instead, it’s another opportunity.
“I’ll always train, always teach, and always keep learning,” she said. “Karate has shaped who I am, it’s taught me discipline, humility, and how to push through challenges. Those lessons carry over into everything I do as a PA.”
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