Lourdes Varela-Batista, MD

About

A physiatrist by training, Dr. Lourdes Varela-Batista was first drawn to the field of pain management through a desire to have more tools to be able to treat patients and improve their quality of life.

Earning a full NCAA Division II basketball scholarship, Dr. Varela-Batista graduated magna cum laude from the University of Puerto Rico - Mayaguez Campus with a bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering. She completed the medical doctor program at San Juan Bautista School of Medicine in Caguas, PR and later earned a Doctor of Medicine from New York Medical College.

She focused her residency on physical medicine and rehabilitation at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. Dr. Varela-Batista has worked as a interventional pain management physician since 2016.

“The part I enjoy most about my job is interacting with my patients and improving their quality of life,” she said. “Having family members that have suffered through pain, my empathy and compassion drive me to find new ways to treat my patients in a safe manner.”

With advancements in medicine, Dr. Varela-Batista is excited about less invasive procedures (MILD which treats Lumbar Spinal Stenosis and Spinal Fusion to help with stability) which have shown long term improvements for patients.

When approaching medication management as part of a treatment plan, Dr. Varela-Batista aims to focus on the root cause of the issue with injections. At times, though, medication management is necessary. “For this, we develop a comprehensive approach to improve quality of life in patients by trying to limit medication usage with high level procedures,” she said.

Above all, Dr. Varela-Batista wants patients to know she is there for them. “After listening to them, I do a thorough physical exam and review imaging to have the best treatment options available,” she said. “My goal is to improve the quality of life of the patients and have them take part and ownership in their care as well.”

Away from the office, Dr. Varela-Batista likes to spend time with her family as well as going mountain biking.