Department Spotlight: Physiatry
October 22, 2024
More than likely, you know someone who has been impacted by chronic or acute pain. Fortunately, there is a talented team of healthcare professionals committed to rehabilitating and enhancing the life of any patient living with pain.
At Renown Health, these team members represent the Physiatry department, who are charged with a goal of maximizing physical function, managing pain and nurturing independence. Headquartered at Renown South Meadows Medical Center, patients suffering with a disability, chronic pain and physical impairments can rest assured that they have the most caring and compassionate physiatry experts on their side throughout the entire physical rehabilitation process.
What is Physiatry?
Physiatry (also known as physical medicine and rehabilitation, or PM&R), is a medical specialty that helps diagnose and treat conditions related to the musculoskeletal and nervous systems. Unlike other medical fields that often use surgery or medication, physiatry emphasizes non-invasive techniques, therapies and interventional procedures to help with pain and improve physical function.Renown’s physiatry team has a holistic approach to care, combining medical expertise with personalized rehabilitation strategies to support long-term health and independence. Physiatry is hyper-focused on diagnosing, managing and treating conditions that affect physical function and quality of life.
The Physiatry Philosophy
Our Physiatry team’s treatment philosophy centers around a multidisciplinary approach that combines medical care with rehabilitation and healthy lifestyle changes. They offer a variety of programs and services, including:
- Home Exercise Programs: Customized exercises designed to strengthen muscles, improve flexibility and support recovery.
- Physical Therapy: Hands-on care from skilled therapists who guide patients through techniques to restore function and reduce pain.
- Well-Being and Lifestyle Support: Emphasizing overall health and encouraging lifestyle changes that support physical and mental well-being.
At Renown, the Physiatry department is full of friendly faces, including:
- PM&R and pain medicine physicians (also known as physiatrists)
- Medical assistants
- Physician scheduling coordinators
- Patient access representatives
- Practice site leaders
Physiatrists set each patient up for success with education, treatment planning and management. They take advantage of cutting-edge technologies and interventions for pain, such as:
- Epidural Steroid Injections (ESIs)
- Facet Joint Injections
- Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)
- Trigger Point Injections
- Joint Injections (Knee, Shoulder, Hip)
Physiatrists are also masters of multidisciplinary care, coordinating with members of a patient’s healthcare team (including physical therapists) to ensure they have the best treatment plan possible.
Playing a crucial supportive role, physiatry medical assistants (MAs) assist our physiatrists in caring for patients on both a clinical and administrative level. From helping during procedures to providing education and guidance, these medical professionals are key in ensuring each patient’s visit – and as a result, their rehabilitation journey – is successful.
“My normal day in Physiatry is very smooth,” said Rosita Gans, Medical Assistant. “I make sure my schedule is at 100% to prioritize patient needs. It helps that everyone is so respectful and friendly.”
Our patient access representatives (PARs) and physician scheduling coordinators are the front faces of physiatry. They serve as a patient’s first line of communication when checking in, making an appointment, handling insurance verifications and several aspects of follow-up – all with a smile on their faces.
“My job as a PAR involves checking patients in and out, verifying their insurance and demographic information, scheduling and following up on appointments, referrals to Special Procedures and more,” said Andrea Ruiz, Patient Access Representative. “I am in contact with patients on a daily basis.”
“It’s all about making sure every patient is taken care of in a timely manner,” added Kasey Sinfellow, Physician Scheduling Coordinator.
At the core of keeping things running, you’ll find Antonio Quintana, Practice Site Leader. Thanks to his expert leadership skills and can-do attitude, his department has been able to reach new heights. A large part of this team’s success lies in their approach to the practice of physiatry. For them, there is no such thing as a “cookie cutter” treatment plan.
Dr. Casey Keating, a pain management physician working with the Physiatry team states, “We understand that there is no ‘one size fits all’ when it comes recovery. We come up with a plan of action customized to meet your needs.”
Is Physiatry Right for You?
Is Physiatry Right for You?
A Growth Mindset
The road to Renown’s Physiatry department has been different for every team member. Some were unfamiliar yet curious about physiatry and wanted to learn more; others always felt that PM&R was a passion.Regardless of the journey they took, one common theme arose that everyone on this team can agree on: they chose Renown and our physiatry practice partly because of the wide variety of career and skill-based growth opportunities.
"I chose to work at Renown because there is a lot of room to grow and enhance my skills,” said Rosita Gans.
“There are so many opportunities for growth at Renown,” added Kasey Sinfellow. “I always wondered what the Physiatry office was all about. Now that I’m here, I’m able to continue learning all about this field of medicine I previously did not know much about.”
The drive to help patients in pain is rooted deeply within the Physiatry team’s culture. Plus, with Renown’s rich benefits package, joining this team was a win-win situation for both the employee and the patient.
“I first started my career in the medical field in a care facility; when I heard about the amazing benefits at Renown, I made the switch to become a PAR here,” said Kaitlin Harris, Patient Access Representative. “I ended up choosing Physiatry due to my prior experience helping people who were in pain.”
The work our growth and development-minded physiatry professionals have put in has paid off tremendously, including the recent addition of five new clinical team members.
“Renown’s Physiatry team has experienced exciting growth over the past few months,” said Antonio Quintana. “Our department has welcomed three new medical assistants and two new physicians: Dr. Emma Rickles and Dr. Aaron Prado.”
“Adding two new providers to our team and reconfiguring both offices to accommodate all five providers is definitely a notable accomplishment within this team,” added Kaitlin Harris.
The Physiatry department’s growth not only enhances their capacity to deliver comprehensive care but also fosters a collaborative environment where their expertise can thrive. With each employee bringing unique skills and perspectives, our Physiatry team offers more tailored treatment plans and improves patient outcomes, ultimately enriching the overall experience for everyone involved.
Comfort for Patients, Comfort for the Team
When you walk into the Physiatry office, you are immediately welcomed with a warm smile and a “How can I help you?” This infectious positivity is not only extended to patients, but it is also extended to one another.Any field of healthcare can be intense at times, and to combat that stress, having a safe place to fall is key. Many members of this team report feeling at peace with their fellow colleagues, noting that they work hard to ensure everyone is comfortable at all times during their workday.
“Our department is one of the most comfortable to work for because we all respect each other and work together as a family,” said Andrea Ruiz. “Our leadership is so willing to help us, especially when we are short-staffed. All the providers in our department are very understanding. It makes everything less stressful for us. I am greatly appreciative to all coworkers in physiatry.”
Working in Physiatry at Renown is a great source of pride for this team. Take Rosita Gans, for instance. She has never once regretted her decision to Fight the Good Fight with us as a physiatry MA.
“My job experience at Renown is very rewarding because wherever I go, I can say that I am proud to work at Renown,” said Rosita Gans. "I've never regretted choosing Physiatry because the providers are especially respectful, family-oriented, helpful and approachable. The entire team is very helpful; we work together hand-in-hand. If we ever notice that someone is struggling, we always help that person.”
Culture is often defined from the top down. Leaders and physicians in this department take that commitment seriously, cultivating a culture of kindness throughout the entire team.
“I chose Renown because of the amazing care team, and I’ve stayed because of the doctors I work with,” said Kaitlin Harris. “They truly have a passion for what they do every day, making the days fly by effortlessly. Antonio picked me for this team, and I couldn’t be happier.”
“Our department is the easiest to work with because we help each other, the providers help us grow and our leaders are here for us when we need help,” added Rosita Gans. “In short, we are like a family. We treasure our bond as a team.”
Looking for a new lease on life? Our Physiatry department is actively accepting new patients! To discover if physiatry is right for you, ask your primary care provider to send a referral to the Renown Physiatry Neuro-Rehabilitation Clinic. This dynamic, encouraging team will ensure you feel comfortable every step of the way.
“The Physiatry department has made me feel like a welcomed member of the team since day one. It feels like home,” closes Kaitlin Harris.