Javier I. Soares Velez, MD

Inpatient Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (Physiatry)

LVPG Cliniciani

Accepting New Patients

Overview

Area of focus i

  • Amputee Rehabilitation
  • Prosthetics and Orthotics
  • Stroke Rehabilitation
  • General Medical Rehabilitation

Languages spoken

  • English
  • Spanish

About

Philosophy of care

I bring a multidisciplinary approach to care by providing patients and their caregivers the education, tools and resources to be able to get back to functioning and an improved quality of life. A team approach is essential to the success of physiatrist patients; we work closely with physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, case managers and social workers, among others.

Why I entered medicine

I grew up exposed to medicine. Having a parent as a doctor made it seem very natural. I enjoyed going to the office with my father and seeing the work he did with his patients, so for me medicine was a natural choice. I always enjoyed anatomy and musculoskeletal medicine, and when I explored physiatry I found it was so much more than rehabilitation and treatment of musculoskeletal conditions. I appreciated the holistic approach of physiatry for a multitude of conditions, with a focus on rehabilitation, regaining function and improving overall quality of life after a medical event.

Personal interests

Working with military veterans, I have developed a special interest in amputee rehabilitation, providing the education, guidance and resources to function with limb loss. Working closely with therapists and prosthetists to establish a continuum of care for this patient population is essential for successful rehabilitation and community reintegration.

Education

Undergraduate
University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras Campus, Bachelor of Science (BS), 2005

Medical School
Universidad Central De Caribe School Of Medicine, Doctor of Medicine (MD), 2009

Training

Residency 2014
Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, VA Caribbean HealthCare System, San Juan, PR

Fellowship 2015
Hunter Holmes McGuire VA Medical Center, Richmond, VA

Certifications

American Board of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation - Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation

Publications & Clinical Trials