Name: Shounuck I. Patel, DO
Undergraduate: The George Washington University – Bachelor in Business Administration
Graduate School: Drexel University – Masters in Medical Science
Medical School: Midwestern University – Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine
Internship: Northshore-LIJ/ Plainview Hospital, Plainview NY
Residency: UMDNJ-NJMS/ Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation

Q: What is your hometown?
A: Kendall Park, NJ

Q: What first attracted you to Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation?
A: Entering medical school, I was originally interested in Neurology and Psych. As I learned about and became intrigued with Osteopathy and the musculoskeletal system. I was torn between the mind and the body until I found out about PM&R which embodied the best of all worlds. With an interest in business, the interdisciplinary nature of Physiatry was attractive. The cutting edge of medical technology in the field added excitement. But what solidified it for me was the majority of the patient population that is unique in its motivation for recovery, be it for returning to sports or reintegration into society.

Q: Why did you choose your residency program?
A: UMDNJ-NJMS/Kessler is simultaneously a challenging and rewarding program. We have a vast array of experiences ranging from our several MSK/pain/EMG rotations with renowned attendings (including two VA locations), to Children’s Specialized Hospital (filled with zebras), to the freestanding Kessler Institute (which is a model SCI and TBI system). And though my interests remain fairly steadfast in the musculoskeletal arena, I wanted to get as thorough an education as possible in all aspects of physiatry.

Q: Why did you join AOCPMR?
A: Although my residency program has a lot to offer as aforementioned, it is not perfect. All of my attendings thus far have been accepting and even enthusiastic about OMT, but none of them are DOs. And since I am a firm believer that Physiatry and Osteopathy are intimately related both conceptually and practically, I joined AOCPMR to foster that bond in myself and our communities. The AOCPMR provides the perfect opportunity to cultivate the Osteopathic tenants that resonate through PM&R.

Q: What is one goal you have for AOCPMR in the coming year?
A: The goal that I am going to strive for is to strengthen our benefits for our resident membership.