Directory
We're proud to recognize the achievements of our alumni before, during and after their time here at VCU.
As our training opportunities continue to grow, so does our representation in academic and community settings across the country. Take a look at what the graduates of our residency and fellowship programs are doing now.
If you'd like to update your information in this directory, please contact us!
2025
2024
2023
2022
2021
2020
2019
Adam Hills MD — MSK Rehab, Mayo Clinic
Randy Jenkins MD—General PM&R, Johnson Willis Hospital, Richmond, VA
Thomas Phan MD— VCU Pain Medicine Fellowship
Joseph Seacrist MD — General PM&R, Virginia
Kate Zakrzewski DO—General PM&R, Philadelphia
2018
Chris Arbonies MD — Oshner Clinic, New Orleans
Chris Beal DO— VCU Pain Fellowship
Jess Hupe MD— General & MSK rehab, VCU Dept PM&R
Russ Lacey MD— TBI rehab, VCU Dept PM&R
Rondy Lazaro MD — Sports Med Fellowship, Bon Secours & VCU PM&R
Seth Haywood MD—VAMC Integrative Pain Fellowship
Olivier Rolin MD - Pediatric Rehabilitation, VCU Dept PM&R
2017
Dan Contract — Private Practice, York, Pa
Anne Eliason — Private Practice, Maryland
Mike Kwasniewski — Moss Rehab, Phil, Pa
Jack Smith — Pain Med Fellowship, VCU
Sean Stockhausen — Private Practice, Bethlehem, Pa
Godfrey Thuku— Pain Med Fellowship, VCU
2016
Angel Chang, M.D., PM&R Private Practice/Contracting for "Integrative Sports & Spine", San Diego, Cal.
Greg Condie, D.O., pain medicine fellowship, VCU Department of PM&R
Joelle Makon, M.D., Sheltering Arms Hospital, Richmond, Va.
Heather Martin-Balint, M.D., PM&R Staff Physician at Mercy Health, Youngstown, Ohio
Jimmy Newman, M.D. sports medicine fellowship with Summa Health System, Akron, Ohio
2015
Wiaam Ahmed, M.D., UMASS PM&R
Chris Bednarek, M.D., interventional pain fellowship, York, Penn.
Udayan Kulkarni, M.D., pediatric rehab fellowship, Emory, Atlanta, Ga.
Sean McAvoy, M.D., SCI fellowship, VAMC/VCU Department of PM&R
Revati Mummaneni, M.D., Locum Tenens, travel
William Robbins, M.D., polytrauma/TBI Fellowship, VAMC/VCU Department of PM&R
Brad Stovall, D.O., pain fellowship, VCU Department of PM&R
2014
Kerge, Teresa, pain fellowship, VCU Department of PM&R
Powell, David, SCI fellowship, Boston
Tower, Don, physician, McGuire VA Medical Center, Richmond, Va.
Tucker, Jason, research, McGuire VA Medical Center, Richmond, Va.
Zeckser, Jeff, pain fellowship, Scottsdale, Ariz.
2013
Sanderlin, Barry, Carolina orthopedic specialist, Hickory, N.C.
Bovinet, Chris, interventional pain specialist, Spine Center of SE Georgia and Brunswick Pain Center
Jackson, Steven, Health Partners Medical Group, Division of SCI, Minneapolis
Agha, Mohammad, assistant professor PM&R, University of Missouri-Columbia
Wilson, Jim, Maine Medical Center/NE Rehab Hospital, Portland, Maine
Carter, Will, assistant professor, VCU Department of PM&R
2012
Tubbs, Jeff, section chief SCI, McGuire VA Medical Center, Richmond, VA.
Eason, Audra, private practice, Alabama Pain Physicians, Birmingham, Ala.
Armendariz, Rebecca, Banner MD Anderson, Palliative and Rehab Medicine, Phoenix
Reis, Tim, private practice, Advanced Spine and Pain Center, Clayton, N.C.
Hickman, Allison, medical director of outpatient PM&R services, McGuire VA Medical Center, Richmond, Va.
Jennings, Cara, Palliative/PM&R Medicine, Bon Secours St. Mary’s, Richmond, Va.
2011
Smith, Marcus, physician PM&R, McGuire VA Medical Center, Richmond, VA.
Castillo, Camilo, National Rehab Hospital, Washington, D.C.
Jasper, Nick, Orthopedic Associates, Spartanburg, S.C.
Hoff, Jeremy, Hampton Roads Orthopaedics, Newport News, Va.
Soteropoulos, Costa, Capitol Spine and Pain, Woodbridge, Va.
Sinha, Amit, assistant professor PM&R, University of Pittsburgh
2010
DiNicola, Tony, Orthopaedic Associates, Spartanburg, S.C.
Dawson, Chris, Orthopaedic Specialists of SW Florida, Fort Myers, Fla.
Seymore, Dominic, Harbin Clinic, Rome, Ga.
Robinson, Luke, Carolina Orthopedic Specialist, Hickory, N.C.
Steinmetz, Brian, Clinical Faculty, OSS Health/Sinai Hospital of Baltimore, Md.
Enck Medic, Robin, PM&R private practice, Annapolis, Md.
2009
Pai, Ajit, Chief PM&R, McGuire VA Medical Center, Richmond, Va.
Caruso, Debbie, physician, McGuire VA Medical Center, Richmond, Va.
Snyder, John, Spine Institute of Virginia, Chester, Va.
Wetzel, Ryan, Oaktree Medical Center, Easley, S.C.
Dery, Fred , Steidler Ortho Clinic, Iowa City, Iowa
Chen, Tao, Pain Medicine Group Practice, Mobile, Ala.
Jones, Aaron, Sheltering Arms Hospital, Richmond, Va.
Niedzwecki, Christian, Peds-PMR Fellowship, Birmingham, Ala.
2008
Andrus, Jenny, Norfolk Pain Management, Norfolk, Va.
Gibbs, John, Sheltering Arms Hospital, Richmond, Va.
Dillard, Charles, Peds-Rehab, Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU/VCU PM&R
2007
Clarke, Darius, HealthSouth, Richmond, Va.
Huang, Emily, Locum Tenens, New Zealand
Merrell, Chris, Department of Orthopedics, Charleston Medical University
Sureja, Raj, Orthopedic and Spine Center, Newport News, Va.
2006
Bansal Sahai, Shimul, Arizona Spine and Sports Center, Chandler, Ariz.
Beckworth, Jeremy, Emory Spine Center, Emory University
Hou, Andrew, Advanced Orthopedics, Richmond, Va.
Lesher, Katrina, Pediatric Rehab, Orlando, Fla.
McNamee, Shane, VA Central Office for Clinical Informatics, Cleveland, Oh.
Santos, Katia, IP/OP PM&R Brooksville, Fla.
Seeman, Ben, Spine and Pain Management, Richmond, Va.
2005
Bridges, Henry, Southern Virginia Rehab, Martinsville, Va.
Brutus, Ralph, Innovative Physician Services, Ludlow, Mass.
DeMordaunt, Dallin, Orthopedic Rehab Specialist of Nevada , Reno, Nev.
Frankel, Jason, Partners Healthcare, Boston
McCoomer, Norman, Alabama Pain Center, Huntsville, Ala.
2004
Enders, Lisa, Orthopedic Specialty Center, Baltimore, Md.
Orr, Merle, SCI Rehab, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wis.
Irwin, Nicole, Loma Linda, Calif.
Barnard, Barbara, Hattiesburg, Miss.
2003
Brokaw, Jake, Orthopedic Specialty Center, Baltimore, Md.
Gibellato, Matt, Ortho Virginia, Richmond, Va.
Godbout, Chris, Medical Director NASH Pain Clinic, Rocky Mount, N.C.
Slater, Dan, St. Mary’s Hospital, Grand Junction, Colo.
Walker, Robert, Eastern Virginia Medical School
2002
Qutubuddin, Abu, physician, McGuire VA Medical Center, Richmond, VA.
Mujteba, Nayyer, Duluth, Min.
White, Joy, Desert Ortho Center, Rancho, Mirage, Calif.
Gadi, RK, deceased
2001
Bruma, Larisa, Essexville, Mich.
Butts, Clifton, Richmond, Va.
Drake, David, Medical Director Interventional Pain Clinic, McGuire VA Medical Center, Richmond, VA
Leyton, Matthew, Virginia Beach, Va.
Silver, Timothy, medical director, St. Francis Rehab, Richmond, Va.
2000
Swartz, Zachary, Moses Cone Hospital, Greensboro, N.C.
Ripley, David, Craig Hospital, Englewood, Calif.
Pezzella, Nickolas, Virginia Beach, Va.
Nichols, Stephen, Mt. Washington Hospital, Maryland
Brunsvold, Kristin, Birmingham, Ala.
1999
Johns, Jeff , Brooks Rehabilitation, Jacksonville, Fla.
Hardman III, Joseph, Neurological Institute of Savannah, Dublin, Ga.
Tellis, Angelo, Coastal Rehab Center, New Bern, N.C.
Wagner, Robert, Capital Spine and Pain Center
1998
Carone, Patrick, Indiana, Pa.
Christopher, Anne, Chesterfield, Mo.
Hsu, Gin-Ming, Pittsburgh, Pa.
Twigg, Aaron, Clarksville, Md.
Wisor, Doug, Capital Spine and Pain Center
1997
Wall, Ben, Coastal Rehabilitation, Wilmington, N.C.
Westerkam, W. Randy, HealthSouth, Columbia, S.C.
Burnett, Derek, Caribbean Rehabilitation Medicine Associates (CaRMA), Inc., St. Thomas USVI
1996
Baird, John, Louisville, Ky.
Craig, Earl, PM&R, Indiana University, Indianapolis
Groah, Suzanne, director, SCI research, National Rehabilitation Hospital, Washington, D.C.
Miller, Michelle, Peds Rehab, Ohio State University
1995
Kaelin, Darryl, director, BI Rehab: Shepherd Center and Emory University, Atlanta
O’Grady, Michael, Department PM&R, Emory, Atlanta
Ray, Thomas, private practice, Hickory, N.C.
Smith, Jerry, Sierra Pacific Ortho Center, Fresno, Calif.
Stewart, Deborah, Brooks Medical Center, Jacksonville, Fla.
1994
Conti-Wyneken, Andrea, PM&R, Indiana University, Indianapolis
Hinnant, Christopher, Los Angeles
Hedrick, William, Fort Wayne, Ind.
McGowan, James Pat, VCU PM&R, Richmond, Va.
1993
Carlton, Thomas, The Rehab Center, Charlotte, N.C.
Dec, Katherine, Chippingham-Johnson Willis Sports Medicine, Richmond, Va.
Hawkins, Hillary, Sheltering Arms Hospital, Richmond, Va.
Leghart, Gregory, Sheltering Arms Hospital, Richmond, Va.
McNeil, Barbara , Coastal Rehab Associates, Wilmington, N.C.
1992
Buschbacher, Ralph, chairman, Department PM&R, Indiana University, Indianapolis
Buschbacher, Lois, PM&R, Indiana University, Indianapolis
DeCarlo, Richard, deceased
Florian, Tom, Lumberton, N.C.
Stelmack, Bruce, Carilion Health System, Roanoke, Va.
1991
Walker, William, VCU PM&R
Lum, Tom, deceased
Henry, Michael, Rehab Management Systems, Sacramento, Calif.
1990
Walsh, Zane, Physician’s Total Rehab, Fayetteville, N.C.
Breland, William, St. Marys Medical Center, Walla Walla, Wash.
Gaughan, David, private practice, Daytona Beach, Fla.
1989
Rucker, Karen
Zasler, Nathan, director: Concussion Care Center, Richmond, Va.
Dorfman, Daniel, OMNI Orthopedics, Canton, Ohio
Severs Council, Susan, Chattanooga, Tenn.
McKinley, William, professor PM&R and director SCI rehab Medicine, VCU PM&R, Richmond, Va.
Biewen, Paul, Orthopedic Consultants, Edina, Minn.
Wooton, Jane, Sheltering Arms Hospital, Richmond, Va.
Salcido, Richard, chairman, Dept of PM&R, University of Pennsylvania
Pang, Kam-Fai, Kansas City, Mo.
1988
Liguori, John, Coastal Rehab Associates, Wilmington, N.C.
1987
Johnson, David, Dayton, Ohio
Nambiar, Prabhakaran, SCI Service VA Med Center, Memphis
Vasquez, Blesila, VA Med Center, Bay Pines, Fla.
Cockrell, Janice, Legacy Emanuel Children’s Hospital, Portland, Ore.
Khokhar, Manmohan, Johnston-Willis Hospital, Richmond, Va.
1986
Milner-Brage, John, Cedar Falls, Iowa
Piechal, William
Stutesman, James, Lynchburg, Va.
Stutesman, Andrea Allen, Lynchburg, Va.
Jones, Albert, med director, Sheltering Arms Hospital, Richmond, Va.
1985
Crawford, Cynthia, Florida Rehab Institute, Vero Beach, Fla.
Sidhu, Jatinder, Richmond, Va.
Yanessa, Richard, Arnot-Ogden Med Center, Elmira, N.Y.
1984
Pelligra, Sam, Hand Management Specialty, Greensboro, N.C.
Ferguson, Steve, Knoxville, Tenn.
1981
Midha, Meena, retired
2025
Michael Cole
Jonathan LeCrone
Ziv Rechany
2024
Michael Abdou
Christopher Nebzydoski
Andrew Wondra
2023
Riley Johnson
Graham McRary
Brennan Wright
2022
Harnek Bajaj
J. David Li
Connor McElligott
2021
Calvin Chen
Elysha Dinh
Joshua Lee
2020
Seth Haywood
Thomas Phan
Simone Francis
Samuel Luebbert
2019
Chris Beal
Maimouna Bah
Nicolas Maximiv
Ashley Rodgers
2018
Jack Smith
Godfrey Thuku
Thomas Lione
Keith Pride
2017
Greg Condie
Moustafa Ahmed
Stephanie Marcy
Rebecca Shoemaker
2016
Burhan Haleem
Rammurti McKenzie
Claudia Ramirez
Brad Stoval
2015
Teresa M. Kerge
Aisha Rahman
Justin H. Thompson
2014
Christopher Bovinet
Caitlin Innerfield
Henry Lee
Islam Saleh
2013
Audra Eason
Maria Eppig
Mauna Radahd
Andrew Medvedosky
Timothy Reis
2012
Jose Barreto
Jeremy Hoff
Michele Martin
Costa Soteropoulos
Jacqueline Weisbein
2011
Christopher Dawson
Anthony DiNicola
Scott Fuchs
Ripal Parikh
Igor Smelyansky, MD - BC Interventional Pain Management Physician, http://www.omegapaindoctor.com/
2010
Frederick Dery
Ehab Shalaby
John Snyder
Ryan Wetzel
Barton Wild
Ayasha Williams-Sharron
2009
Jenny Andrus
Jonathan French
Gregory Moore
Konrad Ng
Kenneth Powell
Robert Westrol
2008
Daniel Heller
Joshua Levin
Norman McCoomer
Lane Peterson
Raj Sureja
2007
Dale Ratclifee
William Beckworth
Andrew Hou
Benjamin Seeman
2006
Puneet Aggarwal
Jennie Brenenborg-Baublitz
Nadeem Khan
2005
Lisa Grant-Enders
Llewellyn Packia Raj
Kimberely Yvette Smith
2004
David Berkower
Craig Neleson
Antonio Quidgley-Nevares
2003
Sergey Iliyev
David Kim
2002
Clifton Burt
2025
Makinna Moen (VCU)
Robbie Svoboda (VCU)
2023
Rajbir Chaggar (VCU)
2022
Kevin Forster (Cleveland)
2021
Jordan Adler (New York)
2020
Elisabeth Acker (Michigan)
2019
Siena Ona (East Carolina)
2018
Sean McAvoy (VCU)
2014
Steve Jackson (VCU)
Will Carter (VCU)
2013
Jeff Tubbs (VCU)
2012
Camillo Castillo (VCU)
2011
Tim Hudson (Colorado)
Tracy Kent (UNC)
2010
Ajit Pai (VCU)
Deborah Caruso (VCU)
2009
No fellow
2008
No fellow
2007
Steven Deschner (VCU, neurology)
2006
No fellow
2005
Merle Orr, M.D. (VCU, PM&R)
2004
Kamalendra Mondal, M.D. (St. Lukes (NY), internal medicine)
2003
No fellow
2002
Ron Daniels, M.D. (VCU/MCV, anesthesia)
Lourdes Alfonso, M.D. (Suny, PM&R)
2001
Vidya Jayawardina, M.D. (Rochester, PM&R)
2000
Methu Ramasamy, M.D. (Albany Medical College, PM&R)
Noreen Orevillo, M.D. (St. Francis Medical Center, PM&R)
Somkiat Hemtasilpa, M.D. (Suny Buffalo, PM&R)
1999
Raymond Milan, M.D. (East Carolina University, PM&R)
Mahammad Saddique, D.O. (Schwab Rehab Hospital, PM&R)
1998
Sari Eapen, M.D. (Mt. Sinai)
1996
Alfredo Sison, M.D.
1994
Kenneth Moore
2018
Samuel Clanton
2017
Joan Hou
Xin Li
2016
William Robbins (VCU)
Caroline Sizer (Georgetown MedStar NRH)
2015
No fellow
2014
Frederick Aziz – private practice, Yakima, Wash.
2013
Isaac Darko – VAMC, Cincinnati
Foluke Akinyemi – VAMC, Fayetteville, N.C.
2012
Jay Granier – VAMC, St. Louis, Mo.
Yevgeny Zadov – private practice, Hershey, Pa.
2011
Blessen Eapen – VAMC, San Antonio
Billie Schultz – private practice, Rochester, Minn.
2010
Shietal Bavishi – private practice, Cincinnati
Matthew Goodwin – VAMC, Little Rock, Ark.
2025
Lubens Lavaud, DO
2024
Peyton Kremer, DO
2023
Michael Eaton, DO
2022
Sam Jacobs, DO
2020
Todd Mingin, DO
2018
Rondy Lazaro, MD
2017
Carmen Wong, MD
2024
Nathan McKenty, MD, MPH (Michigan)
Graduation Keynote Speakers
2025 Graduation Keynote Speaker: Gabriel Gorin, MD
We were honored to have Dr. Gabe Gorin as this year's keynote speaker. Since joining VCU PM&R in 2020, Dr. Gorin has been a trusted mentor to many residents and fellows, and was thoughtfully chosen by this year's graduating class to deliver the keynote address.
2025 Keynote Address:
Welcome everyone!
A few weeks ago, Dr. Hupe reached out to me asking if I would speak in today’s graduation. I was surprised to be honest but honored and a little scared at the same time. I have never spoken in public in a situation like this, ever!! Immediately my instincts screamed at me, just say NO!! It is easy, I have done it a million times… I consider myself pretty good at the art of saying no, but NOOOOO, I didn’t this time. (I’ll tell you more about saying NO later). So, here I am, in front of you, speaking in public. Therefore, I have to start off by thanking Dr. Hupe and the graduating residents for thinking of me for this task. I thank you because I feel appreciated, but also because you prompted me to step outside of my comfort zone. I am grateful to be able to be here and be part of your lives. So again, thank you. Also, I would not be here, amongst you, if it wasn’t for Dr. Cifu, so my eternal thanks go to him for helping me join the VCU PMR team, especially at a time when COVID threatened me with unemployment.
I was asked to speak to the graduates about things I have learned along the way in practice. Maybe about career advice. Maybe what I will say next is just my interpretation of what I was asked to do here today. English is obviously not my first language, so you will have to excuse the possible “misunderstanding” (wink). Career and practice, those words got me thinking, what do they actually mean. The Merriam Webster dictionary defines career in several ways, first a profession for which one trains, and which is undertaken as a permanent calling, such as a career in medicine. But it is also defined as a course or passage and also to go at top speed especially in a headlong manner. Its origin comes from Latin, and in turn, sounds a lot like the same word in Spanish: carrera. The word immediately brings to mind a race or raceway, and in fact, some roads are even called that way, Carreras (come on, say it with me, Carreras; gotta roll the Rs…). So, maybe it's a path, hopefully not one where you have to rush through, but one with twists and turns, surprises, maybe unexpected side paths, abrupt ends, slides, maybe even a nice waterfall and hopefully good companionship for the road.
What about practice then? Here we find the definition that fits best as the continuous exercise of a profession. But it also means systematic exercise for proficiency. Note here that mastery is not mentioned. Maybe the word is trying to tell us something, something about staying open to learning, to continue growing, to practice medicine and always recognize that nobody knows it all, and we are and should be perpetual learners.
As your friendly neighborhood PM&R attending, let me tell you something, you might think the residency and fellowship mountain is the Everest of your careers. That was just the training climb! The real ascent? The career, that’s the next part. It’s steeper, the holds are smaller, and sometimes, the only belay you’ll have is your own grit and maybe a well-timed text to a former attending or fellow resident when it’s least expected!
But, fear not! You are rehab/pain physicians! You can fix anything with a well-placed injection (ask Dr. Cifu!!), a meticulously crafted exercise program, and the unwavering belief that movement is medicine. Remember that! While the surgeons are busy playing Operation with scalpels, we are empowering people to reclaim their lives, one functional movement at a time. We can truly be the health span whisperers!
Now a little background about myself. As many of you already know, I am from Colombia, South America, or as I call it the true deep south! I am actually a second generation Colombian, descendant of Polish and Romanian immigrants that left those parts of the world looking for a better situation. Many immigrants at the time of my ancestors' departure, the early 1930’s, were intending to go to the United States, but entrance was denied to many, so they found their way to other places, like Cuba, central and south American countries, and in my case, Colombia. Now, here I am, about 100 years after the time my great grandparents were trying to get to these lands... talk about playing the long game!
So, here I am, now an American citizen and part of this amazing, sometimes mind-boggling country. I am part of the working force, and VCU is my 4th job since graduating from residency, so I have some experience with the ups and downs in the career path. I will say, every time it has been hard to leave the job, as it was to leave my homeland. Usually because of the human aspect of leaving people that I’ve learned to like and care about. But it has also been easy, because opportunity allows us to create moments of adventure, new beginnings with its unknown positives and negatives.
I suppose what I am trying to say is that life is filled with coincidences, strokes of luck or misfortune. Chance is a big part of our lives. That does not mean that chance is everything, but I think it is important to acknowledge that it plays a big role in everyone's existence. Where you were born and raised will change your views of the world. Who your parents are, where they're from, their stories will alter how they raise you and how you perceive what happens around you. Your friends, acquaintances, fellow countrymen/women, will nudge you in one direction or another. Circumstances push and pull to mold you into the person that is you! But we can still make our own choices, and hope that chance smiles at us, like I am smiling at you now! I smile, because I can see all of you, at a point of inflection in your lives: finishing residency or fellowship, about to start a new chapter in your lives....your careers, your paths! Change is the only constant and as such, it applies to the practice of medicine. Practice, seen as a process, more than a final destination. Always practicing, exploring and learning.
So……How many PMR docs stay in their first job? Google didn’t know. However, the AMA reports that most physicians stay in their first job for six years, but for those finishing residency or fellowship in the past 6 years, the average time is now less than 2 years. Is it failure to have to change jobs? I believe that’s a matter of perspective, even if it is a failed attempt, there is always something to learn from that, and hope that the next time, you don’t step on the exact path that led to that “failure”. Hey, “failing” can be great, otherwise I would not be here at this moment!
Remember that when it comes to career paths there is no right or wrong. It’s what you make of your experience that will matter in the end. What did you learn, how did you treat your colleagues, underlings, superiors, support staff, strangers, etc. ………You are following your own path, but you are never alone, and as long as you realize this, your career, your path will be better for it. In that path, remember that your personal growth does not have to suffer because you are now attendings. On the contrary, you should grow and be better every day, since we have the opportunity to make those decisions every day, every moment. And yes, as Forrest plainly put it in my favorite movie, Forrest Gump, “Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you’re gonna get”, we should always be prepared for the unexpected, be flexible like a strong bamboo, fluid like the water, and, hopefully …. Enjoy the chocolate!!
Your career and life require nurturing and attention, so I want to make sure I mention many things that I think are worthwhile for a good life, and work as part of life!
Just bear with me a bit longer....
Your job is not you and you are not your job. You are many things, and your job is part of you, but IT should not define you. Remember that being a doctor requires dedication, persistence and courage, but it’s easy to forget that you also need to be dedicated to your loved ones, be persistent in your efforts to create bonds with your friends and family as well as your coworkers, and the courage to understand that your job is an important part of your life, but it should not be the only thing that matters. Your job is in many ways like any other relationship in that you can work on your side of things, but can’t expect to change the other person, you have to learn how to communicate, express your needs and grow, hoping that the other side grows along with you. But your identity should not be a reflection of your job, your success in it, or failure.
Build good relationships. Obviously with your close ones. At work, it should be just as important to find and nurture healthy, growing relationships. Work will likely be the place where you spend most of your waking hours, so you may as well make the most out of it. Having good work relationships will improve your sense of belonging and will make even a terrible day more bearable. I am thankful to the many people, docs, nurses, cleaning staff that I have been able to work with throughout the years, because they have helped me create a sense of belonging wherever I have worked, and I find myself “richer” in people that I care for and care for me no matter the distance between us. Having friends at work will improve your health and life, so work on it and don’t neglect this aspect in your careers. Nobody is an island. Humans evolved as part of groups, and we are better as a whole in functional groups. Find your tribe and your world and life will be better! Community and relationships matter at work and at home. Your relationships may be the most important thing that drives your happiness and health span. Take good care of them and they will take care of you!
--Exercise, be active (take the stairs where possible) If there is something close to a miracle drug, it is exercise. Even a little is better than none. Strength and cardio (don't forget to include your feet). There is more to it, but that lecture is for another day!
--Breathe, most humans have forgotten how to breathe properly. Knowing more about your breath can help your wellbeing. We often forget those muscles, but as PMR we should also own them.
--Prioritize Sleep. I know residency, fellowships and some jobs will still take a toll on your sleep. Life will keep throwing things at you that may interfere with this vital aspect of our lives. Do your utmost to make this work, create routines and the right environment, manage stress, don’t eat, drink or exercise too close to bedtime, make your room dark and a sanctuary for sleep, keep the room cool and more. And, if you have a cat like I do, good luck!!
--Dial in your nutrition. This may be boring and fascinating at the same time, but your mind and body will thank you in the long run. You have to play the long game here too and remember that it doesn’t have to be perfect.
--Mental health is just as important as your physical health. If you think you need help, reach out to your close ones or professionals if needed, it’s not a sign of weakness
--Caring for others requires that you care for yourself if you want to be able to truly “care”. Be gentle to yourself in words and actions. We are usually our worst critics. Words have power, including self talk, so use them wisely! Your thoughts and feelings are trying to tell you something, but they are not truly real, it’s how you interpret them and deal with them that matters.
--Learn to truly Listen. The world is all distraction and we have to work to not let it!
--Gratitude can raise your spirits, even in dark moments. Expressing gratitude will make you happier and more satisfied with your life.
--Self-reflection/mindfulness can lead you to a more fulfilling existence and relationship with the world around you. This is important in any situation in life, the more mindful we can be, the more likely we are to appreciate our situations and the situations of those around us and hopefully make us more likely to be present with them.
--Don’t let perfect get in the way of good
--Small changes can lead to great ones, so be patient and gentle with yourselves
--Enjoy the path. If you are only looking for the destination, you will miss a lot of great things!
-Watch your expectations as they may not always fit with reality. That's where flexibility comes to the rescue!
-Remember the power of NO (I told you I would come back to this). YES is a wonderful word, but if you say yes to everything, you may not be able to do what matters most to you. It means you may be doing things on somebody else’s agenda. One needs to say yes a lot, but you have to make yourself say NO at times. It may take time and practice, but eventually it gets easier.
-Know what you don’t know. Acknowledge this fact and life becomes simpler. It is wiser to say I don’t know than believe that you know everything.
FINALLY: --we are a miracle of chance, billions of years from the Big Bang, we are humans in this point in time, conscious beings made of stardust, a chance of 1 in trillions some say… and one day, after our path is done, careering down our lives, we will all be stardust again!
May your lives be full! Welcome to a new beginning! Congratulations!!
Lectureships
*2025 Tripti B. Jena Lecture
Presentation Title — “Precision Rehabilitation: The Convergence of Medicine, Engineering, and Human Potential”
Speaker — John Hermansen, MD
Date: Friday, May 16, 2025
Time: 8:00am-9:00am
Please join us for our annual Tripti B. Jena, MD lecture on Friday, May 16 at 8am at Sheltering Arms Institute.
To Register click here - 2025 Tripti B. Jena Lecture
*2025 Annual John & Rosa Cifu Lecture & 4th Annual Sheltering Arms Institute Research Symposium
Speaker - Anne McDonnell, Director of Brain Injury & Spinal cord Injury Services , Cantor Grana, Buckner, Bucci
Date: Friday, October 17, 2025
Time: TBD
Location- Sheltering Arms Institute -(More Information To Come)