Our Leadership Team

pink-line smiling group of nurses and doctors-2 blue-sky

Our Expertise

Medrina's leadership team is composed of highly experienced and accomplished physiatrists and field experts. Our leaders are at the forefront of post-acute care, driving innovation and inspiring our team to deliver exceptional patient-centered care.

With their expertise, vision, and passion for rehabilitative medicine, they have created a supportive environment that fosters professional growth and personal well-being for our physicians.

Dr. Amish Patel (1)
Amish Patel, D.O.
Founder & Chief Executive Officer

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.  

Amish Patel | LinkedIn

Matt Ray
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.

Matt Ray | LinkedIn

Steve Gnatz
Steve Gnatz, M.D.
Chief Medical Officer

Steve Gnatz, M.D.

Chief Medical Officer

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. 

Steve Gnatz, MD MHA | LinkedIn 

DSC_8581 (1)
Azlan Tariq, D.O.
Chief Clinical Officer

Azlan Tariq, D.O.

Chief Clinical 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 and 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.

Azlan Tariq, D.O. FAAPMR CIME | LinkedIn

Sue Winston
Sue Winston
Chief Strategy Officer
Dr. Daniel Nauheim
Dan Nauheim
Chief Financial & Growth Officer

Dan Nauheim

Chief Financial & Growth Officer

Dan Nauheim has spent the majority of his career in the financial healthcare space. In 2019, Dan joined National Health Rehabilitation (NHR) as Chief Financial Officer and quickly became an integral part of the significant growth and infrastructure advances of the organization. As CFO of NHR, he led a successful sell-side process that resulted in the merger with Integrated Rehab Consultants (now Medrina) in late 2021. Now Chief Financial Officer and Chief Growth Officer of Medrina, he spearheads merger and acquisition activities for the organization, among other finance and operations responsibilities. Formerly the Chief Financial Officer of Castle Connolly Private Health Partners (CCPHP), Dan oversaw all financial operations of the company, with a heavy focus on operations, strategy, and new business opportunities. Dan played an important role in the growth of the company of CCPHP’s physician joint ventures, which grew by 200% during his tenure. Dan also served as a member of the company’s M&A board. Prior to joining CCPHP, Dan was Assistant Controller at a venture capital firm focused on sports & entertainment. Previously, he managed healthcare finance for several prestigious hospitals in the New York City area such as NYU Langone Medical Center and Northwell Health. A Certified Public Accountant, Dan earned his MBA in Finance from Baruch College.

Daniel Nauheim | LinkedIn

Dr. Nitin Putcha
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.  

Dr. Nitin Putcha | LinkedIn

Dr. Amishi Dharia
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. 

Amishi Dharia | LinkedIn

Chad Randolph bw
Chad Randolph
Head of Talent and Acquisitions
Chris Broz
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.”

Chris Broz | LinkedIn

Julia Vera
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.

Julia Vera, SHRM-SCP | LinkedIn