Monica Verduzco-Gutierrez, MD talks about how she discovered running, how running has changed her life, and what it took to qualify for the Boston Marathon. Twice. Dr. Gutierrez gives advice on training, diet, and how to talk to your physician about becoming an avid runner. “Every mile you run, adds a day to your life!”

Dr. Monica Verduzco-Gutierrez is an accomplished academic Physiatrist and Professor and Chair of the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine at the Long School of Medicine at UT Health San Antonio. She previously was the Medical Director of the Brain Injury and Stroke Program at TIRR Memorial Hermann Hospital, a top four US News and World Report Best Hospital for Rehabilitation.

Dr. Gutierrez grew up in South Texas, then moved to Houston where she earned her undergraduate degree at Rice University, her medical degree at Baylor College of Medicine, and completed her PM&R residency training at the Baylor College of Medicine-UT Houston Rehabilitation Alliance. She excitedly moved to San Antonio to lead the distinguished Department of Rehabilitation Medicine in 2020. Her area of clinical expertise is the care of patients with traumatic brain injury, stroke rehabilitation, and interventional spasticity management.

Dr. Gutierrez is a passionate advocate for Physiatry and for underrepresented groups in medicine via social media channels. She is the Social Media Editor of the American Journal of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. Inspired by her upbringing in the Rio Grande Valley, she is dedicated to giving back to her community by mentoring students, trainees and young faculty from diverse backgrounds, and providing top level clinical care for the underserved.

Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her husband and two children. She also finds time for travel, bargain shopping, and competitive racing ranging from being an All-American in Masters Track to a two-time finisher of the Boston Marathon.