Name: Nick Beatty
Medical School: New York College of Osteopathic Medicine
Graduation Year: 2012

Q: What is your hometown?
A: Milford, CT

Q: Where did you attend for your undergrad studies and what field(s) did you study?
A: Providence College, BS in Biology with a minor in Computer Science

Q: Why did you join AOCPMR?
A: AOCPMR is the only organization with the mission of supporting and educating osteopathic medical students in the field of PM&R. The benefits of joining the College and getting involved with my school Chapter were clear, and the support from the College in all student activities has been unmatched. I value the opportunities provided by, and benefits of, all the national PM&R organizations, but AOCPMR is truly a family-like organization for osteopathic medical students.

Q: What first attracted you to Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation?
A: I was struck by the unique focus of the physiatrist in improving function and quality of life in addition to the typical physiological metrics of other specialties. My initial exposure to PM&R revealed physiatrists asking patients the question, “What are your goals in life and in your day and how can I help you obtain them?” vs. “What happened to you and how can I fix it?” It was a paradigm shift for me, and I’ve been interested in the profession and its various fields since that initial exposure.

At one of the national meetings, a non-physiatrist presenter commented, “I love attending PM&R meetings and working with physiatrists because physiatrists are real people. When I discuss medicine or a patient with a physiatrist, I find I truly connect with that person.” I‘m sure many other students, residents, and attending immersed in PM&R understand that characterization well.

Q:  What do you like to do in your free time?
A: What is this concept you speak of? OK, all kidding aside, I used to play lots of soccer but now enjoy Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, exercising, non-fiction reading, and listening to various types of music.

Q: What is one goal you have for AOCPMR in the coming year?
A: That’s simple: to have established AOCPMR Student Chapters at every COCA-accredited medical school in the country. It is a goal that involves teamwork and persistence, particularly with newer schools, but it’s important and worth everyone’s efforts.