Meaningful medicine: Meet VA physician Dr. Nabiha Gill

Physician careers at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) are rooted in purpose, innovation, and a true commitment to serving Veterans. For Dr. Nabiha Gill, Section Chief of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Services at the Indianapolis VA Medical Center, this rings true now and when she started at VA 20 years ago. In this interview, we sit down with Dr. Gill to explore her professional journey, from her early inspiration to the creation of a pain rehabilitation program that helps Veterans thrive.

For those who are unfamiliar, can you tell us a little about physical medicine and pain rehab?

“It’s such a hidden gem. Physical medicine and rehab focuses on restoring health and functionality after illness or injury. We treat any kind of pain and suffering—the most common being chronic pain, back pain, knee pain, and then on the rehab side, stroke rehab, traumatic brain injury, and spinal cord injury.”

What led you to VA?

“Well, I always wanted to be a doctor. My mom told me that when I was 4, my grandfather was ill and I would pretend to be his doctor. During my physical medicine and rehabilitation residency, I had residency rotations at VA and I loved it. After my residency, I initially worked elsewhere for three years, but then an opening came at VA. And I’m really happy it did. I was looking for more of a career and a service—and VA is a service, not a job. This is my 20th year at VA! I love what I do and I love my patients. I would not have done anything else. I think this is the best health care system.”

Walk us through a typical day on the job.

“When a patient comes to me, I assess them from the whole person approach. It’s not just where is their pain, it’s what’s causing the pain, what are the root causes. I am a triple boarded physician in physical medicine and rehab, lifestyle medicine, and obesity medicine, and I’m also a certified plant-based chef. I’ll look at sleep, nutrition, stress, physical activity, review any pain medications the patient might be taking, and then come up with a treatment plan, including connecting them with other specialists. I also supervise and collaborate with my team. We discuss our cases and treatment plans together. It’s very much a 360-degree of patient care approach.”

How does VA support you in getting the job done and done well?

“VA has given me the opportunity and flexibility to innovate the pain rehab program. When I started the program 16 years ago, no one really knew what pain rehab was. We’ve grown significantly since then. We’re now an interdisciplinary pain rehab program where I have several pain psychologists, physical therapists, health coaches, recreation therapists, nurse practitioners, and a clinical pharmacist. I get to work with the best team.”

Can you share an impactful Veteran care experience?

“I see patients who are suffering and who have gone to so many doctors, so many clinics. They just want relief. So the first thing I do is listen, listen to their story. I have a patient in his 40s who was in a lot of pain—back pain, neck pain—and who had weight issues, sleep apnea, and hypertension. He was on a lot of medications to manage these conditions. Over the next few months we worked together and he lost weight, his pain level improved, he was no longer hypertensive, and he was able to get off of his pain meds. He was really like a new man.”

What advice would you give to another physician thinking about applying to VA?

“If you’ve never worked at VA, then talk to someone who has and get insight into the work environment. If you’re looking for work-life balance, where you can raise a family, take care of yourself, and still have a great occupation, this is it. This is where you want to be.”

Work at VA

VA is always looking for physicians and health care providers to support the health and wellbeing of our Veterans. If you want a career with purpose, growth, and endless possibilities, consider VA.