Born in New York City, and educated in electrical engineering and religion as well as medicine, Dr. Gaines naturally gravitated toward the small specialty of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. Compassion is essential to the specialty which involves management of complex, and often chronic neuromuscular and musculoskeletal conditions, usually requiring teamwork with other medical specialties, as well as physical, occupational and speech therapists, nurses, social workers and psychologists. His love for problem solving is aimed at improving function at work, recreation and activities of daily living.
His interest in electrical science led to certification in the sub-specialty of neuromuscular electrodiagnostic medicine, focusing on function of nerves and muscles. Many of the patients in his volunteer consultation-only practice at Marin Community Clinics are sent for electrical testing of the nerves and muscles by their primary care providers, or orthopedic, hand and neurological surgeons.
His philosophy of rehabilitation is based in helping patients understand how their bodies function and heal, and how they can make them work better. Exercise is medicine, and thoughtful self-care is the best pathway to health.