Dr. Bharara Named Spinal Hero By Spinal Research Foundation!

Congratulations to Dr. Bharara as he was recently named a Spinal Hero by The Spinal Research Foundation! A spinal hero is defined as an outstanding clinician and researcher in the field of spine research that is dedicated to embracing excellence in both research and education, contributing significantly to improvements in the diagnosis and treatment of spinal disorders. Read Dr. Bharara’s interview with the Spinal Research Foundation below!

1) WHY DID YOU CHOOSE YOUR SPECIALIZATION?

During high school, I was playing soccer and broke my leg during a game. Our team doctor was a Physiatrist (one who treats a wide variety of medical conditions affecting the brain, spinal cord, nerves, bones, joints, ligaments, muscles, and tendons), and he made the diagnosis and immobilized my leg on the playing field – before I even went to the Emergency Department at the local hospital; this saved me from worsening my injury. After multiple surgeries, I went to see a Musculoskeletal & Pain physician who guided my rehabilitation and controlled my pain. It was then that I knew that I wanted to take the very same career path as these physicians who helped me during the toughest medical situations I had ever experienced.

2) WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE WAY TO STAY HEALTHY?

In my opinion, one of the best ways to stay physically healthy is knowing the fundamentals of nutrition. Understanding the right balance of carbohydrates, protein, and fats will keep your body physically healthy. I have found that the key is to pick the foods that have the best ratios for you and are the least processed.

Staying active is really important to me. Don’t get me wrong, there are days that I like to lounge and there are times that I’m forced to sit in one place and not move for awhile; however, whenever I’m able, I like to move around – either by engaging in sports or even going for a brisk walk or run. I think it is incredibly important for us, especially in this era of technology, to remain as physically active as possible. Getting in some form of exercise each day is a big part of my life. No less than four times a week and whether I’m at home or at a gym, I fit in exercise that hits every part of my body. Everyone’s health goals are different, but I’ve found that combining a consistently healthy diet and regular exercise – no matter what’s going on in my life – helps me feeling most healthy and at my best.

3) WHY IS RESEARCH IN THIS FIELD IMPORTANT TO YOU?

When it comes to rapidly evolving technologies in interventional musculoskeletal medicine, research is particularly important for providing the most effective treatments to our patients. Field-specific research is more vital than ever before as it provides options and a greater understanding of the modern approach I can take to assessing and treating the underlying cause of my patients’ pathology. Also, my research interests cover a range of areas within the discipline of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation — from bench to bedside and beyond; remaining apprised of the latest research allows me to treat each patient, regardless of what is ailing them, in a more efficient and proper manner.

4) WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE QUOTE – AND WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO YOU?

“Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.” –Winston Churchill

This quote speaks to me because it can be applied to a wide variety of situations that my patients and I experience both personally and professionally. It reminds me that, sometimes, focusing on the end result isn’t the best way to approach certain matters; Sir Churchill’s words couldn’t be more true when it comes to how success should be viewed.