Amish Patel, D.O.
Founder & Chief Executive Officer
Our Leadership Team
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Amish Patel, D.O.
Founder & Chief Executive Officer
Dr. Amish Patel graduated medical school from Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences in 2006. After graduating, he obtained a transitional year internship at Swedish Covenant Hospital in Chicago. In 2007, Dr. Patel began his specialty training in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Marianjoy Rehabilitation Hospital in Wheaton, IL. Dr. Patel served as Chief Resident his senior year and graduated his residency in 2010.
Dr. Patel is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Medrina, a physician group specializing in physiatry that has grown to become the definitive leader in the post-acute care space. Medrina has undergone a remarkable transformation under Dr. Patel's guidance. Evolving from its inception as a Physiatry group, it has grown to encompass multiple disciplines including cardiology, pulmonology, and internal medicine…all working together to deliver value based medicine with over 2 million patient encounters a year.
Using cutting-edge solutions such as Chronic Care Management and Remote Patient Monitoring, Medrina is committed to revolutionizing healthcare delivery, ensuring optimal patient outcomes, and setting a new standard of excellence in the industry. Now going upstream, from it’s traditional base in post-acute care, to deliver care in hospitals as well and downstream to manage patients/outcomes at home, Medrina will continue to evolve in the ever-changing world of healthcare.
Matt Ray
Chief Operating Officer
Matt Ray
Chief Operating Officer
Matt Ray is a seasoned professional with a rich background in healthcare and leadership. As the COO and co-founder of Medrina, he brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the dynamic world of medical innovation. Matt's journey in the industry began in 2010 when he co-founded Integrated Rehab Consultants (Rebranded Medrina), showcasing his entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to pushing the boundaries of healthcare solutions.
Prior to his role at Medrina, Matt held significant positions, including District Manager and Director of Field Marketing at Smith & Nephew Orthopedics. His strategic insights and managerial acumen played a pivotal role in the success of these ventures.
Beyond the boardroom, Matt enjoys outdoor activities and has a passion for traveling with his family. Having lived in diverse cities such as Kansas City, San Francisco, and Seattle, Matt has cultivated a broad perspective on life and business. Matt holds his undergraduate degree in Business Administration and Global Studies, coupled with an MBA from Drury University in Springfield, MO. Currently residing in Chicago with his wife and son, Matt continues to lead with dedication and a forward-thinking approach in the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare innovation.
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Raelene Knolla, D. O.
Chief Medical Officer
Raelene Knolla, D. O.
Chief Medical Officer
Dr. Raelene Knolla is committed to enhancing patient outcomes by fostering interdisciplinary collaboration among our physicians, advanced practice providers, and therapists, and continuing Medrina’s mission to empower patients through a holistic approach to rehabilitation, addressing not only their physical needs but also their psychological and social well-being. Dr. Knolla received her Doctorate in Osteopathic Medicine from the University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine and her Masters of Business Administration in Healthcare Leadership from Rockhurst University.
She is a Fellow of the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. Dr. Knolla has served in leadership roles with Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Humana, University of Kansas Medical Center, and Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital. Her leadership skills have been recognized on a national level by her nominations to serve on leadership committees with the Women’s Physician Mentor Circle and the Disney Perfect Experience Leadership Program.
She serves on the Kansas City Medical Society Foundation as the Board Chair, the board of Rise KC, an organization that provides African American men with education and assistance for occupations in healthcare field, and the Quality & Value Innovation Consortium board. In addition, she serves on the Advisory Boards of Rockhurst University Helzberg School of Management.
Steve Gnatz, M.D.
Advisor
Steve Gnatz, M.D.
Advisor
Steve M. Gnatz, M.D., M.H.A., is excited for Medrina to be the future of physiatry. Before coming to Medrina, he was a Clinical Professor in the department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation at Loyola University. Prior to that, he was Medical Director at Marianjoy Rehabilitation Hospital. He also previously held the position of Medical Director of the Howard A. Rusk Rehabilitation Center in Columbia, Missouri. At the University of Missouri, he was Professor and Chair of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) between 1996 and 2001.
Dr. Gnatz received his medical degree (MD) from the University of Illinois and completed his residency in PM&R at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas. He received a master’s degree in health administration (MHA) from the University of Missouri.
Dr. Gnatz remains very active in organized medicine. He is a Past President of the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (2005-2006) and has held many other leadership positions in professional associations. He is a Past President of the US Bone and Joint Initiative (USBJI) – the US National Action Network of the World Health Organization.
He continues to lecture nationally on the value of physiatry in all rehabilitation environments.
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Azlan Tariq, D.O.
Chief Clinical Innovation Officer
Azlan Tariq, D.O.
Chief Clinical Innovation Officer
Azlan Tariq, D.O., FAAPMR, graduated from Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed specialty training in PM&R at Northwestern Medicine Marianjoy Rehabilitation Hospital. After additional training in interventional spine and pain management, he joined Medrina in 2012, initiating transformative advancements in physiatric care. As Chief Clinical Innovation Officer at Medrina, he ensures the delivery of innovative, high-quality care nationwide. Dr. Tariq advocates for equitable healthcare, fostering strategic redesign and positive culture change. A distinguished thought leader, he addresses critical topics in post-acute care and rehabilitation, actively participating in leadership programs to advance the field. Recognized for his contributions, Dr. Tariq received the Distinguished Member Award from AAPM&R for his excellence in clinical care, scholarly activities, and contributions to the Academy. His visionary leadership and unwavering advocacy drive transformative change, ensuring access to high-quality healthcare for all.
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Matthew Cowling, D.O.
Chief Clinical Officer
Matthew Cowling, D.O.
Chief Clinical Officer
Dr. Cowling is Board Certified in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, with a specialized focus on Subacute Rehab, Orthotics and Prosthetics, and the non-surgical management of Musculoskeletal Injuries. He graduated from Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed his residency and specialty training in PM&R at the University of Wisconsin.
Dr. Cowling is located in Madison, Wisconsin, where he proudly serves the greater Madison area. He currently serves as the Associate Medical Director at Encompass Rehabilitation Hospital of Fitchburg. Additionally, he is the Chair of Skilled Nursing Facilities for the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, where he plays a crucial role in shaping the future of care in these settings.
Dr. Cowling has a deep passion for teaching and advancing the field of Physiatry in post-acute care. As Chief Clinical Officer at Medrina, he works to spearhead the advancement of physician protocols, education, and communication within the clinical team. He works closely with our Chief Clinical Innovations Officer, Dr. Azlan Tariq, and our clinical operations team to guide our team of regional physician leaders in mentoring and developing our physicians within skilled nursing facilities and inpatient rehab centers.
Sue Winston
Chief Strategy Officer
Sue Winston
Chief Strategy Officer
Sue Winston is the Chief Strategy Officer of Medrina. Sue has been with Medrina since 2014 and oversees business development and strategic corporate initiatives. She has seen the post-acute landscape change dramatically over the past decade, from both the change in patient profile to the need for more and better provider engagement; It's this change and Medrina's movement toward value-based care that continually drives Sue and her team.
Daniel Nauheim
Chief Financial & Growth Officer
Daniel Nauheim
Chief Financial & Growth Officer
Dan Nauheim serves as Chief Financial Officer and Chief Growth Officer of Medrina, where he leads finance, operations, and corporate development strategy. Since joining Medrina in 2021 following the merger of Integrated Rehab Consultants and National Health Rehabilitation, Dan has spearheaded more than 15 strategic acquisitions, helping the organization grow from 300 to over 1,300 providers. Under his leadership, Medrina has evolved from a SNF-focused physiatry practice into a multi-specialty platform operating across acute and sub-acute care settings, becoming one of the largest independent medical practices in the country.
Dan has also played a key role in building and scaling Medrina’s finance and corporate infrastructure to support long-term, sustainable growth. Prior to Medrina, he served as CFO of Castle Connolly Private Health Partners (CCPHP), where he helped triple the company’s physician joint ventures and drove corporate strategy and M&A initiatives. Earlier in his career, Dan held leadership roles at NYU Langone, Northwell Health, and a venture capital firm focused on sports and entertainment.
A Certified Public Accountant, Dan holds an MBA in Finance from Baruch College. He has been recognized as a Middle Market Growth Corporate Development Professional to Watch and is a frequent speaker at healthcare and private equity conferences.
Nitin Putcha, D.O.
Vice Chairman of the Board & Partner
Nitin Putcha, D.O.
Vice Chairman of the Board & Partner
Dr. Nitin Putcha is a board certified physician and is the original founder and CEO of National Health Rehabilitation (NHR), a physiatry national medical practice that was founded in 2014. In 2021 NHR was merged with several other companies to create Medrina. Post merger Dr. Putcha shifted his focus to primarily engage in corporate M&A, and post acquisition operations. Dr. Putcha has over ten years experience as a clinician and entrepreneur. He currently serves as Vice Chairman of the Board of Medrina.
Amishi Dharia, D.O.
Executive Vice President of Special Projects
Amishi Dharia, D.O.
Executive Vice President of Special Projects
Amishi Dharia is a board-certified physiatrist. She co-founded and served dually as Chief Operations Officer and Chief Medical Officer of National Health Rehabilitation: a national physiatry group that originated in the northeast. The company scaled quickly and merged into Medrina. Dr. Dharia currently is Medrina’s Executive Vice President of Special Projects. She leads clinical operations, clinical integration, compliance processes, risk mitigation strategies, and education development.
Charlotte Smith, M.D.
SVP of Clinical Operations
Charlotte Smith, M.D.
SVP of Clinical Operations
Charlotte H. Smith MD is thrilled to be a part of Medrina. She’s passionate about the mission of equipping physiatry teams to be essential medical experts and indispensable leaders directing rehabilitation and optimizing functional outcomes of patients at all levels of healthcare.
Dr. Smith completed medical school and PM&R residency at Baylor College of Medicine, and is board certified in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Brain Injury Medicine, and Spinal Cord Injury Medicine.
She has broad physiatry experience, starting private practice in Austin Texas with many leadership roles in healthcare networks, including SETON Network, overseeing Rehabilitation Services for 17 hospitals, and developing multiple rehabilitation facilities, pediatric programs, PM&R residency and a medical school, serving as PM&R Chair.
In Seattle, she was Medical Director of UW UWMC inpatient rehabilitation unit, Medical Director of Transitions for Kindred/Seattle Market and Medical Director of Rehabilitation at CRISTA Senior Living.
She’s served in numerous leadership roles with the Texas Medical Association, AMA, and AAPMR, recently being elected VP of the AAPMR Board of Governors.
She’s taught locally and nationally, developing educational programs and learning management systems.
Previous honors include Top Doctors, Baylor College of Medicine PMR Outstanding Alumni, and Outstanding National Inpatient Rehabilitation provider for HealthSouth.
Chad Randolph
Head of Talent and Acquisitions
Chris Broz
Vice President of APP Services
Chris Broz
Vice President of APP Services
Chris Broz started with Medrina in March of 2014 as a Physician Assistant focused in PM&R. Over his years of practice, Chris has developed extensive knowledge and clinical skills to help his patients and facilities excel in rehabilitation. Chris has led our Advanced Practice Provider program since 2015 and has successfully trained numerous APPs to support SNFs with PM&R coverage. Chris has a passion for PM&R and helping grow the specialty.
“I believe PM&R will continue its rapid growth in the skilled nursing facility space as our patients and society recognize the importance of functionality as a foundation for a good quality of life.”
Julia Vera
Vice President of Human Resources
Julia Vera
Vice President of Human Resources
Julia is a seasoned Human Resources executive with over 25 years of strategic and hands-on experience across diverse industries, including healthcare, hospitality, retail, and logistics. Her comprehensive HR expertise spans both global and national organizations. She is passionate about building high-performing teams in a high-growth environment. Julia finds immense fulfillment in supporting clinicians dedicated to enhancing patients' lives. She is devoted to promoting a culture of learning, engagement, and talent development.
Julia thrives in collaborating with people, optimizing processes, leveraging technology, and harnessing data to drive continuous improvement and operational excellence. She is a compassionate leader who champions positive change and our mission, values, and vision. She holds a bachelor's degree in media communications from the University of Illinois in Chicago and is currently pursuing a master's degree in organizational development, leadership and learning at the Georgia University. Julia also holds the Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP) certification from the Society for Human Resources Management.
Ashley Antler
General Counsel