Good Shepherd welcomes new physiatrists

Published 2:49 pm Monday, April 12, 2021

Good Shepherd Health Care System has welcomed two new physiatrists to the Good Shepherd Medical Group’s Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Clinic.

Doctors Trey Rigert, M.D., and David Russo, D.O., join chiropractor Dr. Christopher Scott to form a comprehensive pain management team for the clinic.

Physiatrists specialize in physical medicine and rehabilitation. Both Rigert and Russo are board certified in physical medicine and rehabilitation, according to a news release.

Rigert finished medical school at Oregon Health Sciences University, completed his residency at University of California-Irvine, and has 30 years of experience.

Dr. Russo completed his residency at Mayo Clinic, completed a fellowship at Oregon Health & Science University, and has been practicing for over 20 years.

In the news release, Rigert called it an “amazing opportunity” to offer a new line of full service physical medicine and rehabilitation through Good Shepherd, and praised the equipment available, space the clinic is housed in and the working relationship with Scott, who has already been providing chiropractic services through Good Shepherd for several years.

Rigert said for many people, if pain lasts longer than three months, the original injury may have healed but the “pain switch” has been left on, and it’s time to consult with a doctor.

“First we look at our patients as a whole person, not as a problem.,” he said. “You are not just spinal stenosis or a nerve injury. You are lived experience, what you eat, your support person, how your injury occurred, etc. We are here to help our patients accomplish their goals, not just helping them to overcome their pain.”

The Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Clinic generally sees patients age 13 and older, with some exceptions.

According to the news release, those patients are usually referred by their primary care provider or another provider, but patients can seek a consultation directly if they think they can benefit from the clinic’s services. Providers at the clinic are taking new patients.

For a consultation or information, call 541-667-3832 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday or visit www.gshealth.org/good-shepherd-medical-group/physical-medicine-rehabilitation-clinic.