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About Us

What is PAPA

The Philippine American Physiatrist Association (PAPA) is a 501c3 nonprofit organization that was established in 1975. Initially started to build and foster a sense of community amongst Filipino and Filipino-American physiatrists practicing in the United States, the organization has grown in scope and purpose.

Physician guiding rehab program.

Physiatrist

We are physicians (MD or DO) with specialized training in physical medicine and rehabilitation.

“Physiatrists treat a wide variety of medical conditions affecting the brain, spinal cord, nerves, bones, joints, ligaments, muscles, and tendons.“

— AAPM&R

“Physiatry is a medical specialty that emphasizes the prevention, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of people disabled by disease, disorder or injury. It is one of the newer subspecialty areas of medicine that manages a diversity of conditions involving the nervous and musculoskeletal systems, and focuses on function, independence and quality of life.“

— AAP

Mission

Our mission is to embody the bayanihan spirit to nurture the Philippine American community through the field of physiatry.

Multi-racial group of hands coming together on a mission.
Modern glasses on black background.

Vision

Our vision is to be a leading organization providing support for Philippine American PM&R trainees and physicians and improving the health of the FilipinX community through the advancement of physiatry.

Meet the Executive Board

Our executive committee is comprised of physiatrists (and aspiring physiatrists) from across the United States and in various stages of their careers. Our responsibility is to design, drive, and execute programs in line with PAPA’s mission and vision.

The PAPA pamilya (family) is a volunteer based organization. Our community members have graciously devoted their time, energy and expertise to support PAPA’s endeavors and to build up the next generation of Filipino-American physiatrists.

Dr Niña Tamayo headshot

Niña Carmela R. Tamayo, DO MS MPH

President

I am a classically trained pianist! I chose not to have a debut and gave a concert on my 18th birthday.

  • Practice: CEO and Founder of Prime Directives PM&R
  • Fellowship: Spinal Cord Injury – Case Western Reserve University – MetroHealth Hospital
  • Residency: Mercy Medical Center- LECOM (Good Samaritan – Catholic Health Hospitals of Long Island)
  • Medical School: University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey School of Osteopathic Medicine (Rowan SOM)
Dr Rochelle Dy headshot.

Rochelle Dy, MD

Vice President

I enjoy traveling and helped in medical/rehab outreach programs in the Philippines, China, and northern Iraq!

  • Practice: Residency Program Director, Vice Chair of Education, and Associate Professor at Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children’s Hospital
  • Fellowship: Pediatric Rehabilitation at A.I. Dupont Hospital for Children
  • Residency: Combined Pediatrics/PM&R Residency at Albert Einstein Medical Center and Temple University Hospital
  • Medical School: University of Santo Tomas, Philippines
Dr John Villanueva headshot.

John “Jay” Villanueva, MD

Treasurer

I was on HGTV House Hunters: Bachelor Pads Volume 1, Episode 3 “Is The Doctor In?” Available to watch on Amazon Prime.

  • Practice: President/Owner, John Villanueva MD Inc. Pain & Spine Mgmt; Staff Physician, Providence St. Joseph, Medical Center (Burbank, CA); Staff Physician, Dignity Health Glendale Memorial Hospital (Glendale, CA)
  • Fellowship: Pain Management, Dept of Anesthesiology, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital
  • Residency: Thomas Jefferson University Hospital
  • Medical School: University of Minnesota Medical School
Dr Tracey Isidro headshot.

Tracey C. Isidro, MD

Secretary

I sing, act, and dance and did musicals like West Side Story and Rent in college at Rice University.

  • Practice: Assistant Professor of Rehabilitation and Regenerative Medicine at NewYork-Presbyterian (NYP) Columbia University Medical Center and Weill Cornell Medicine
  • Fellowship: Sports Medicine at NYP Weill Cornell Medicine
  • Residency: Baylor College of Medicine
  • Medical School: University of Texas Medical Branch School of Medicine
Dr Stacey Isidro headshot.

Stacey C. Isidro, MD

Social Media Chair

I performed a group salsa exhibition dance at the Houston Salsa Congress.

  • Practice: Currently in residency
  • Fellowship: Pursuing Sports Medicine
  • Residency: Baylor College of Medicine
  • Medical School: University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry
Dr Gabrielle Avancena headshot.

Gabrielle N. Avancena, MD

Social Media Vice Chair​

I’m a lefty, but am right handed when playing sports like volleyball.

  • Practice: Intern, Mt. Sinai Morningside Campus, NY, NY
  • Fellowship: Early interest in sports medicine, but keeping it open!
  • Residency: NYU Langone
  • Medical School: Sophie Davis CUNY School of Medicine
Dr Nathan Badillo headshot.

Nathan R. Badillo, DO

Communications Vice Chair​

If I’m not watching Jeopardy, I’m on the golf course, at an EDM concert, or…most likely eating.

  • Practice: Intern, niversity of Central Florida College of Medicine/HCA Florida Healthcare Osceola Hospital
  • Fellowship: Possibly sports medicine, but staying open!
  • Residency: TBD – applying this season!
  • Medical School: Nova Southeastern University-Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine