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Neha Anand, D.O.
Hometown: Katy, TX
Medical School: UNT Health Science Center Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine
I chose PM&R because: I really enjoy working with people who need help improving their functional quality of life!
On my days off, you’re most likely to find me: In the kitchen baking something or on my couch binging crime dramas.
If I were stranded on an island, I would HAVE to have: A knife? I probably won’t survive for long, but a knife would give me a fighting chance!
I chose PM&R because: I really enjoy working with people who need help improving their quality of life!
If you see my earbuds in, I'm probably listening to: My audiobooks
Medical School: UNT Health Science Center Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine
I chose PM&R because: I really enjoy working with people who need help improving their functional quality of life!
On my days off, you’re most likely to find me: In the kitchen baking something or on my couch binging crime dramas.
If I were stranded on an island, I would HAVE to have: A knife? I probably won’t survive for long, but a knife would give me a fighting chance!
I chose PM&R because: I really enjoy working with people who need help improving their quality of life!
If you see my earbuds in, I'm probably listening to: My audiobooks
Zach Dawes, D.O.
Hometown: Lafayette, LA
Medical School: William Carey University College of Osteopathic Medicine
The most interesting fact about me is: I keep my hammock and fly rod in my car at all times.
I chose PM&R because: I want to learn to help patients with disabilities and follow their progress.
If I were stranded on an island, I would HAVE to have: a hammock, fly-rod, and cooking supplies.
The most rewarding thing about being a resident is: Carrying a pager!
My dream job would be: Paralympic sports physician
If you see my earbuds in, I'm probably listening to: The National, Mac Miller, Trombone Shorty
Medical School: William Carey University College of Osteopathic Medicine
The most interesting fact about me is: I keep my hammock and fly rod in my car at all times.
I chose PM&R because: I want to learn to help patients with disabilities and follow their progress.
If I were stranded on an island, I would HAVE to have: a hammock, fly-rod, and cooking supplies.
The most rewarding thing about being a resident is: Carrying a pager!
My dream job would be: Paralympic sports physician
If you see my earbuds in, I'm probably listening to: The National, Mac Miller, Trombone Shorty
Colby Smith, D.O.
Hometown: Texarkana, TX
Medical School: William Carey University College of Osteopathic Medicine
The most interesting fact about me is: I can’t hear in my left ear, I guess you can say I’m literally that guy that hasn’t heard the half of it.
I chose PM&R because: Helping patients become more independent and increase their quality of life is the most rewarding thing I’ve ever done.
On my days off, you're most likely to find me: playing board games, playing disc golf, watching sports, or hanging out with friends.
If I were stranded on a deserted island, I would HAVE to have: A hidden immunity idol. I’m not going home tonight, Jeff.
The most rewarding thing about being a resident is: I'll let you know in a few months haha
My dream job would be: Professional Answer: Medical Director of an inpatient unit and have a small outpatient clinic. Dream Answer: Professional Disc Golfer and Reality TV show winner (there is still a chance)
If you see my earbuds in, I'm probably listening to: a podcast about Survivor or Big Brother.
Medical School: William Carey University College of Osteopathic Medicine
The most interesting fact about me is: I can’t hear in my left ear, I guess you can say I’m literally that guy that hasn’t heard the half of it.
I chose PM&R because: Helping patients become more independent and increase their quality of life is the most rewarding thing I’ve ever done.
On my days off, you're most likely to find me: playing board games, playing disc golf, watching sports, or hanging out with friends.
If I were stranded on a deserted island, I would HAVE to have: A hidden immunity idol. I’m not going home tonight, Jeff.
The most rewarding thing about being a resident is: I'll let you know in a few months haha
My dream job would be: Professional Answer: Medical Director of an inpatient unit and have a small outpatient clinic. Dream Answer: Professional Disc Golfer and Reality TV show winner (there is still a chance)
If you see my earbuds in, I'm probably listening to: a podcast about Survivor or Big Brother.
Daniel Trinh, M.D.
Hometown: Fort Smith, AR
The most interesting fact about me is: I have multiple depending on the day: 1. I have played Yu-Gi-Oh competitively since 2011. I have been a repeat contender at the annual National Yu-Gi-Oh tournament. 2. I was part of a caving team that found a new species of cave millipede in 2012. 3. I have gotten lost in a Hawaiian jungle whilst barefoot and covered in mud. 4. I know the whole discography of Car Seat Headrest. 5. My retirement plan involves my becoming a Waffle House line cook, slinging hash all day as a salty old man.
I chose PM&R because: This is the field where I can work with the patients at their absolute zero and get them back to a functional state at the end of our time together. I feel that I get to know the patient on a personal level as we go through the journey to recovery together.
On my days off, you're most likely to find me: Asleep in my bed surrounded by several blankets while Hulu plays in the background.
The most rewarding thing about being a resident is: Learning how to become a full-fledged physiatrist!
If I were stranded on an island, I would HAVE to have: That package from Castaway that Tom Hanks never opened.
My dream job would be: An inpatient Physiatrist working with patients with TBIs or spinal cord injuries...or a Waffle House line cook.
If you see my earbuds in, I'm probably listening to: Mom Jeans/The Hotelier (or any Midwest Emo band), Car Seat Headrest, Philip Glass, or Erik Satie
The most interesting fact about me is: I have multiple depending on the day: 1. I have played Yu-Gi-Oh competitively since 2011. I have been a repeat contender at the annual National Yu-Gi-Oh tournament. 2. I was part of a caving team that found a new species of cave millipede in 2012. 3. I have gotten lost in a Hawaiian jungle whilst barefoot and covered in mud. 4. I know the whole discography of Car Seat Headrest. 5. My retirement plan involves my becoming a Waffle House line cook, slinging hash all day as a salty old man.
I chose PM&R because: This is the field where I can work with the patients at their absolute zero and get them back to a functional state at the end of our time together. I feel that I get to know the patient on a personal level as we go through the journey to recovery together.
On my days off, you're most likely to find me: Asleep in my bed surrounded by several blankets while Hulu plays in the background.
The most rewarding thing about being a resident is: Learning how to become a full-fledged physiatrist!
If I were stranded on an island, I would HAVE to have: That package from Castaway that Tom Hanks never opened.
My dream job would be: An inpatient Physiatrist working with patients with TBIs or spinal cord injuries...or a Waffle House line cook.
If you see my earbuds in, I'm probably listening to: Mom Jeans/The Hotelier (or any Midwest Emo band), Car Seat Headrest, Philip Glass, or Erik Satie
Suzanne Abou-Diab, M.D.
Hometown: Little Rock, Arkansas
Medical School: UAMS
The most interesting fact about me is: I enjoy art, specifically spray painting and using marbling to create unique pieces.
I chose PM&R because: I like being able to become a part of the patient’s journey towards recovery, seeing their progress, and providing them with the resources and tools to enjoy their life.
If I were stranded on an island, I would HAVE to have: a knife, a lighter, and chocolate for my sanity.
My dream job would be: Touring the world and sharing culture, nature, and food on a TV show.
If you see my earbuds in, I'm probably listening to: A little bit of this, a little bit of that. Johnny Cash, Amy Winehouse, Fairuz (google her).
Medical School: UAMS
The most interesting fact about me is: I enjoy art, specifically spray painting and using marbling to create unique pieces.
I chose PM&R because: I like being able to become a part of the patient’s journey towards recovery, seeing their progress, and providing them with the resources and tools to enjoy their life.
If I were stranded on an island, I would HAVE to have: a knife, a lighter, and chocolate for my sanity.
My dream job would be: Touring the world and sharing culture, nature, and food on a TV show.
If you see my earbuds in, I'm probably listening to: A little bit of this, a little bit of that. Johnny Cash, Amy Winehouse, Fairuz (google her).
Josh Estes, M.D.
Hometown: Little Rock, AR
Medical School: UAMS
The most interesting fact about me is: How horrible my golf swing is, I can slice the ball two holes over.
I chose PM&R because: Patients work hard every day in rehab so they can gain some functionality back, I want to be able to maximize their recovery to allow them to gain a better quality of life.
On my days off, you're most likely to find me: Losing to my six year old nephew at Mario Kart, playing soccer or basketball, watching a new crime thriller, dropping at retail row with the lads.
If I were stranded on an island, I would HAVE to have: I would to HAVE to have sunscreen...I would simply pass away from the sunburn alone.
My dream job would be: A premier league footballer but I am slightly too clumsy with my feet. 🙂 As of right now I think it would be incredible to be a cancer rehab physician. This patient population has been through trauma physically and emotionally and most share a common enemy. I believe it would be so rewarding to work in cancer rehab.
If you see my earbuds in, I'm probably listening to: Eden, John Mayer, Jon Bellion, Underoath, lately been into EDM including R3HAB and Illenium.
Medical School: UAMS
The most interesting fact about me is: How horrible my golf swing is, I can slice the ball two holes over.
I chose PM&R because: Patients work hard every day in rehab so they can gain some functionality back, I want to be able to maximize their recovery to allow them to gain a better quality of life.
On my days off, you're most likely to find me: Losing to my six year old nephew at Mario Kart, playing soccer or basketball, watching a new crime thriller, dropping at retail row with the lads.
If I were stranded on an island, I would HAVE to have: I would to HAVE to have sunscreen...I would simply pass away from the sunburn alone.
My dream job would be: A premier league footballer but I am slightly too clumsy with my feet. 🙂 As of right now I think it would be incredible to be a cancer rehab physician. This patient population has been through trauma physically and emotionally and most share a common enemy. I believe it would be so rewarding to work in cancer rehab.
If you see my earbuds in, I'm probably listening to: Eden, John Mayer, Jon Bellion, Underoath, lately been into EDM including R3HAB and Illenium.
Tyler Estes, M.D.
Hometown: Pea Ridge, Arkansas
Medical School: UAMS
The most interesting fact about me is: I think too many things are interesting (nerd), so I'll go with a fun fact instead: One of my co-interns, Josh, has the same last name as me but there is no relation. We had never met before med school, but because a lot of groups were decided by alphabetical order we wound up working together a lot. We now have a "secret" plan to tell the support staff we are related in various ways for funsies.
I chose PM&R because: I wanted to work with people with disabilities. My wife and I have been engaged in the disability community for years now, and plan to continue helping through our careers (she's an OT).
On my days off, you're most likely to find me: Netflixing, hiking, or doing projects at my house. Usually with my wife, Katie, and dog, Duke.
If I were stranded on an island, I would HAVE to have: Supplies enough to stay? It's an island; I'm not leaving.
My dream job would be: I want something with different stuff going on each day. Maybe 2-3 days a week in clinic/hospital, some time spent on admin/running my own clinic, and maybe some time at a side-gig working with device manufacturers or something cool.
If you see my earbuds in, I'm probably listening to: Lately it's been Bryce Vine and AJR (thanks Josh)
Medical School: UAMS
The most interesting fact about me is: I think too many things are interesting (nerd), so I'll go with a fun fact instead: One of my co-interns, Josh, has the same last name as me but there is no relation. We had never met before med school, but because a lot of groups were decided by alphabetical order we wound up working together a lot. We now have a "secret" plan to tell the support staff we are related in various ways for funsies.
I chose PM&R because: I wanted to work with people with disabilities. My wife and I have been engaged in the disability community for years now, and plan to continue helping through our careers (she's an OT).
On my days off, you're most likely to find me: Netflixing, hiking, or doing projects at my house. Usually with my wife, Katie, and dog, Duke.
If I were stranded on an island, I would HAVE to have: Supplies enough to stay? It's an island; I'm not leaving.
My dream job would be: I want something with different stuff going on each day. Maybe 2-3 days a week in clinic/hospital, some time spent on admin/running my own clinic, and maybe some time at a side-gig working with device manufacturers or something cool.
If you see my earbuds in, I'm probably listening to: Lately it's been Bryce Vine and AJR (thanks Josh)
Ibrahim Samarra’e, M.D.
Hometown: New Orleans (born in Baghdad)
Medical School: Louisiana State University School of Medicine – New Orleans
The most interesting fact about me is: I have lived on three continents.
I chose PM&R because: I want to help people achieve their maximum level of functionality because I have experienced temporary deficits in functionality before. I want to to help others through that journey.
On my days off, you're most likely to find me: at the gym, biking, running, or playing video games
The most rewarding thing about being a resident is: having a direct hand in patient care
My dream job would be: to teach residents and students in an academic setting
If you see my earbuds in, I'm probably listening to: right now I have a 2000s alternative rock playlist on repeat
Medical School: Louisiana State University School of Medicine – New Orleans
The most interesting fact about me is: I have lived on three continents.
I chose PM&R because: I want to help people achieve their maximum level of functionality because I have experienced temporary deficits in functionality before. I want to to help others through that journey.
On my days off, you're most likely to find me: at the gym, biking, running, or playing video games
The most rewarding thing about being a resident is: having a direct hand in patient care
My dream job would be: to teach residents and students in an academic setting
If you see my earbuds in, I'm probably listening to: right now I have a 2000s alternative rock playlist on repeat
Merna Shoukry, D.O.
Hometown: San Diego, CA
Degree: Arkansas College of Osteopathic Medicine
The most interesting fact about me is: I love all things DIY and painting!
I chose PM&R because: I love being able to help patients improve their quality of life and support them in their healing journey!
On my days off, you're most likely to find me: Hanging out with my friends and family!
If I were stranded on an island, I would HAVE to have: A hammock, a book, and lots of good food!
The most rewarding thing about being a resident is: Learning everyday from many different providers and being able to incorporate it all in my own practice.
My dream job would be: A medical director in a pediatric rehabilitation unit.
If you see my earbuds in, I'm probably listening to: Michael Bublé, Thomas Rhett, and Adele
Degree: Arkansas College of Osteopathic Medicine
The most interesting fact about me is: I love all things DIY and painting!
I chose PM&R because: I love being able to help patients improve their quality of life and support them in their healing journey!
On my days off, you're most likely to find me: Hanging out with my friends and family!
If I were stranded on an island, I would HAVE to have: A hammock, a book, and lots of good food!
The most rewarding thing about being a resident is: Learning everyday from many different providers and being able to incorporate it all in my own practice.
My dream job would be: A medical director in a pediatric rehabilitation unit.
If you see my earbuds in, I'm probably listening to: Michael Bublé, Thomas Rhett, and Adele
Neil Simmons, M.D.
Hometown: Hot Springs, AR
Degree: University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
The most interesting fact about me is: I learned how to slalom ski when I was eight years old!
I chose PM&R because: I fell in love with the patient population, and how much improvement you can see with certain individuals after spending time with us.
On my days off, you're most likely to find me: Fishing or outdoors somewhere!
If I were stranded on an island, I would HAVE to have: A fishing pole and a big book collection!
The most rewarding thing about being a resident is: Finally being a doctor!!
My dream job would be: Interventional Pain Attending
If you see my earbuds in, I'm probably listening to: Classic Rock - Led Zeppelin
Degree: University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
The most interesting fact about me is: I learned how to slalom ski when I was eight years old!
I chose PM&R because: I fell in love with the patient population, and how much improvement you can see with certain individuals after spending time with us.
On my days off, you're most likely to find me: Fishing or outdoors somewhere!
If I were stranded on an island, I would HAVE to have: A fishing pole and a big book collection!
The most rewarding thing about being a resident is: Finally being a doctor!!
My dream job would be: Interventional Pain Attending
If you see my earbuds in, I'm probably listening to: Classic Rock - Led Zeppelin
Huy Tran, D.O.
Hometown: Da Nang, Vietnam
Degree: Kansas City University of Medicine & Biosciences College of Osteopathic Medicine
The most interesting fact about me is: I spent hours outdoor in subzero weather fixing my car or shoveling snow. I don't mind unpleasant external factors as long as I do what I love.
I chose PM&R because: I appreciate the importance of functionality in improving the quality of life. I want to help patients successfully return to their daily life after hospitalization. I also enjoy accompanying patients along their life journeys and addressing their needs.
On my days off, you're most likely to find me: Outdoors or in my kitchen. I would turn into a "zombie" if I stay in bed too long.
If I were stranded on an island, I would HAVE to have: Machete, water container, and my wife.
The most rewarding thing about being a resident is: I am learning by practicing and being responsible for my decision. More importantly, I know that I am going to have immense support from my attendings and colleagues.
My dream job would be: A well-rounded physiatrist who has achieved work-life balance.
If you see my earbuds in, I'm probably listening to: Hans Zimmer's scores, Vpop, The Carpenters, etc.
Degree: Kansas City University of Medicine & Biosciences College of Osteopathic Medicine
The most interesting fact about me is: I spent hours outdoor in subzero weather fixing my car or shoveling snow. I don't mind unpleasant external factors as long as I do what I love.
I chose PM&R because: I appreciate the importance of functionality in improving the quality of life. I want to help patients successfully return to their daily life after hospitalization. I also enjoy accompanying patients along their life journeys and addressing their needs.
On my days off, you're most likely to find me: Outdoors or in my kitchen. I would turn into a "zombie" if I stay in bed too long.
If I were stranded on an island, I would HAVE to have: Machete, water container, and my wife.
The most rewarding thing about being a resident is: I am learning by practicing and being responsible for my decision. More importantly, I know that I am going to have immense support from my attendings and colleagues.
My dream job would be: A well-rounded physiatrist who has achieved work-life balance.
If you see my earbuds in, I'm probably listening to: Hans Zimmer's scores, Vpop, The Carpenters, etc.
Nam Vo, D.O.
Hometown: Anaheim, CA
Degree: Kansas City University of Medicine & Biosciences College of Osteopathic Medicine
The most interesting fact about me is: I asked my parents if I could invest $100 in bitcoin back in early high school (2010), but they said it was better used for something more physical, like books.
I chose PM&R because: I love being in a field that can realize tangible, functional improvement in patients.
On my days off, you're most likely to find me: Practicing and playing in tennis tournaments, learning how to code, cooking new recipes, or playing Valorant.
If I were stranded on an island, I would HAVE to have: Coffee and In-n-Out burgers. Life isn't life without coffee and burgers.
The most rewarding thing about being a resident is: The ability to learn and practice in a field that I am passionate about.
My dream job would be: As a kid: professional mattress tester (getting paid to sleep? name a better profession!). As an adult: professional mattress tester + physiatrist.
If you see my earbuds in, I'm probably listening to: Rap, R&B, citypop, lofi, or standup comedy.
Degree: Kansas City University of Medicine & Biosciences College of Osteopathic Medicine
The most interesting fact about me is: I asked my parents if I could invest $100 in bitcoin back in early high school (2010), but they said it was better used for something more physical, like books.
I chose PM&R because: I love being in a field that can realize tangible, functional improvement in patients.
On my days off, you're most likely to find me: Practicing and playing in tennis tournaments, learning how to code, cooking new recipes, or playing Valorant.
If I were stranded on an island, I would HAVE to have: Coffee and In-n-Out burgers. Life isn't life without coffee and burgers.
The most rewarding thing about being a resident is: The ability to learn and practice in a field that I am passionate about.
My dream job would be: As a kid: professional mattress tester (getting paid to sleep? name a better profession!). As an adult: professional mattress tester + physiatrist.
If you see my earbuds in, I'm probably listening to: Rap, R&B, citypop, lofi, or standup comedy.