Get to know board-certified physiatrist Dr. Amir Annabi and learn what drives his personal approach in caring for patients. Dr. Annabi specializes in sports medicine and nonsurgical spine treatments. He sees patients in the Great Neck office.
What is your practice philosophy?
My practice philosophy is the restoration of function. Patients will often see a physiatrist looking for pain management and the terms are often used interchangeably. However, I do not believe that managing pain is enough. Pain can sometimes be alleviated by limiting activities and inhibiting lifestyle such as asking a runner not to run if it causes joint pain. But while addressing the pain, that results in a worsening of the quality of life. My philosophy is helping patients maintain quality of life and enjoyment of their hobbies and activities.
What made you choose to become a physiatrist?
Patients will often ask me “what is a physiatrist?” The field of physiatry is a revelation for patients once they understand its purpose as it was for me when I became exposed to it. The term physiatrist refers to a physician who is specializing in physical medicine. Addressing all the ailments, limitations, aches, and pain of the physical body. I was drawn to the field because the physician is focusing on making a direct difference in restoring function and improving quality of life for our patients who are not candidates for or seek to avoid surgery.
What trends in your specialty area do you see emerging?
The future trend in physical medicine and rehabilitation is regenerative medicine. Current research and techniques are focusing on treatments such as PRP and stem cells that regenerate and restore healthy tissue and function. A lot of promise has already been shown in this area and a lot of advancements are on the near horizon.
How do you stay current in your field?
I stay current in my field by reviewing journal articles, researching current trends in medicine, and focusing on lifelong learning through attending conferences and discussions with peers.
Outside of work, what are your personal interests?
My personal interests are reading, travel and hiking. What ties the three together is discovery and exploration of the world around us either through the discovery via the experience of others or by directly visiting what the world has to offer.
