Name:  Libi Galmer, D.O.
Undergraduate: New York Institute of Technology
Medical School: New York College of Osteopathic Medicine (combined 7 year BS/DO program)
Internship:  North Shore University Hospital at Plainview – Traditional Rotating Internship
Residency: New York Presbyterian – Columbia and Cornell

Q: What first attracted you to Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation?
A: Without knowing it, my path to PM&R began when I was a child.  I was fortunate to have exposure to Osteopathic medicine early on.  My father, a former MD anesthesiologist, decided to undertake the study of Osteopathy and would spend hours showing me what he had learned and discussing its philosophies.  It was because of his enthusiasm, and more importantly, the logic of the practice, that I knew I wanted to be a DO.  Upon entering medical school, I did not know about the field of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, but as I learned more about the field, it became the logical choice to fulfill my vision as a future physician.  It is one of the few medical specialties where, rather than fragmenting the body into organ systems, the patient is addressed as a whole. Having always believed in the ideals that the body functions as a unit, and that form and function are related, PM&R seemed, to me, to be those very principles in practice.  Furthermore, I would be able to combine modern medicine, technology and procedures, as well as my knowledge of the musculoskeletal system and biomechanics to restore a patient’s function.  I truly find Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation to be a wonderfully diverse field, and the support for growth and development will almost certainly lead to huge strides within the medical community as a whole.

Q: Do you practice a specific specialty?
A: I am currently entering my PGY3 year of residency training.  Although I have not settled on a specific specialty of practice, I have been able to immerse myself into various specialties during my training.  We are fortunate enough to rotate through 6 different sites, including an orthopedic hospital, a cancer hospital dealing strictly with the rehab needs of cancer patients, two academic centers with both inpatients and outpatients, a pediatric hospital, and a traumatic brain injury/spinal cord injury hospital. These rotations have opened my eyes to different avenues and potential areas where I can concentrate my practice, but I have not settled on a specific direction yet.  I can say, however, that I am certainly enjoying the process and will continue to explore all that the field has to offer!

Q: Why did you join AOCPMR?
A: I became interested in joining the AOCPMR during my PGY2 year with the intention of meeting other like-minded osteopathic physicians within the field, as well as contribute to the field on a larger scale by helping to promote and advance the field of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.  I believe it is very important to know people in the field, especially on a national level, as there is always so much to learn from colleagues and mentors in the osteopathic and physiatric community.

Q: What do you love about belonging to AOCPMR?
A: Although I am a fairly young member of the organization, I have already met several colleagues with whom I have shared interests, and whom I am already working with on a few projects.  In addition, I find it to be a great resource to learn what is new and emerging within the field of PM&R.  It is wonderful to see so many enthusiastic and motivated physiatrists working toward a common goal of advancing our field.

Q: What do you like to do in your free time?
A:  That is a tough question to answer, since I value my free time so much! I recently moved to New York City for residency training and I love exploring the city and all that it has to offer.  I consider myself a foodie and love to sample the wonderful cuisine in town and I also love to cook.  Whenever I have I few days off, however, I always find myself travelling to new places stretching the 4 corners of the world.  I also love the outdoors and spend a lot of time sailing, biking, and skiing.