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I chose to dedicate my career to people who have cancer because I was inspired by the experiences of my loved ones living with this condition. From them I learned the impact that cancer has on a person’s functional abilities and how it can affect his or her independence and sense of self. I became determined to improve the quality of life for those living with cancer—a goal that has shaped my character and drive as a physician.

As a physiatrist—a specialist in physical medicine and rehabilitation—who is trained in rehabilitation and palliative medicine for people who have cancer, my goal is to help preserve and restore people’s ability to perform daily activities so that they may maintain dignity and independence. For example, if someone is experiencing fatigue and difficulty walking, I can provide that person with a customized supportive brace and physical therapy to regain strength and stamina. Currently, there are just over 50 physicians in the country who have double board certifications in physical medicine and rehabilitation and palliative medicine.

I believe in an integrative approach to care. At Perlmutter Cancer Center, I combine natural treatments, like medical marijuana and exercise-based interventions, with medications and minimally invasive office procedures for expert pain and symptom management. Also, I collaborate with rehabilitative therapists, social workers, psycho-oncologists, pain psychologists, and nutritionists to devise a treatment plan tailored to each person’s unique needs.

In my research, I am interested in the use of medical marijuana to improve quality of life for people who have cancer. Additionally, I research the integration of oncologic rehabilitation and palliative medicine in cancer treatments and best practice models for delivering care.