For Dr. Cliff Valentin, medicine was a natural career choice. He's a third generation doctor who counts 10 physicians among his close relatives, including both parents and his wife who is a pediatrician. "My family introduced me very early on to the idea of helping people," Dr. Valentin says.

It was the unique perspective of physical medicine and rehabilitation that drew him to his specialty. "This is the only field to focus on how the problems that we diagnose affect the functions of daily living, for example, going to the grocery store," he explains.

Dr. Valentin specializes in treating neck- and back-related pain without surgery. Among the conditions he treats are simple acute back strains, compression fractures related to osteoporosis, arthritis, herniated discs and pinched or entrapped nerves.

To design the treatment plan that's best for each individual, Dr. Valentin relies on a two-part evaluation. A physical examination and electrodiagnostic studies, help him locate the source of pain. Then a thorough functional assessment tells him how that pain impairs the patient's ability to move and do daily tasks. To reduce pain and improve function, he may recommend treatment options that include education, occupational and physical therapy, braces, injections and assistive equipment.

As one of two physiatrists on Wellington's spine team, he also may collaborate with Wellington's spine surgeon to treat patients who need aggressive care. "It's a plus to have this group of us working together to provide the most complete spine care for our patients," he notes.

Before joining Wellington, Dr. Valentin practiced physiatry in Morganstown,WV, serving both as an assistant clinical professor in the Department of Orthopaedics at West Virginia University Hospitals and as Medical Director of the Department of Rehabilitative Services for United Hospital Center in Clarksburg, WV.

A competitive mountain biker who has raced in Utah and West Virginia, Dr. Valentin also enjoys skiing. Yet he is willing to trade topography for the Cincinnati lifestyle. "I went to college here and knew I liked the town," he says. Besides, I'm a big Xavier fan."

Certifications

• Diplomate, American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation