Provider Spotlight: Dr. Natalie Boodin, Medical Director at PRA

​We are thrilled to introduce the new Medical Director of our Brain Injury Rehabilitation Program, Dr. Natalie Boodin.  It is instantly obvious that Natalie is a perfect complement to our dynamic and experienced comprehensive team.  She prefers to be casual and comfortable with clients, and strives to listen more than she talks; when clients meet her for the first time, she refuses to wear a white coat and introduces herself by saying “call me Natalie.”  

Her attitude is approachable, but her education and experience are extensive.  Dr. Natalie Boodin grew up outside of Detroit Michigan, and achieved the deans list at University of Michigan for her undergraduate education, completing her BS in Biopsychology and Cognitive Science.  She then received her MD from Ohio State University, while receiving recognition for being an Outstanding Student in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.  Schwab Rehabilitation Institute, a stand alone rehab unit in Illinois, was where she completed her residence.  Se reflects “there was a significant amount of trauma in Chicago.”  Serving individual recovering from brain injury became a passion.  She also has training in medical acupuncture, which she has found effective for treating headache/migraine related to brain injury.  She moved to Portland, Oregon in 2008, and has worked at PeaceHealth and Providence, as well as smaller independent practices. 

She often sees individuals struggling to recover from a Traumatic Brain Injury as “the walking wounded”.  “This is an invisible injury.  So many people don’t understand TBI, and there are such varied and individualized symptoms and outcomes.”  She is excited to lead a team of experts in treating TBI, because, “we can’t physically see what is going on inside the brain, so treatment needs to be creative.  There are so many ways to treat brain injury, and each person needs an individualized treatment plan.”  

If you are attending a first visit with Natalie, you will find her approachable and down to earth.  She’s also an excellent listener and very validating.  She shares “by the time people get to me, they have been blown off by many medical providers who don’t know why they aren’t getting better.”   Her patients will be reassured that she knows everyone heals differently.  You’ll find that she wants to really understand both your history and the impact this injury is having on your life.  She wants to understand your unique symptoms.  She’ll complete the physical exam, and discuss the plan with you.  

She’s delighted to be the medical director at Progressive Rehabilitation because treating brain injury is by it’s very nature collaborative.  She views herself as just one piece of the treatment puzzle, or “the glue that holds the team together, making sure everything is working well for the patient.” She notes that multidisciplinary treatment is ideal, because communication is easier for the team and the clients when everything is in one place.  

In addition to her exceptional clinical skills, Natalie has a lively personal life.  She is married and has eight year old twins.  Her partner is a musician, and together they operate a guitar store, venue, and bar in Portland.  In addition her two children are studying music, with her son taking piano lessons and her daughter taking guitar lessons.  Her favorite part about living in Portland I the outdoors.  “I love getting out and going hiking.”  She also loves animals and has one dog and will be adding another furry friend to the family soon.  

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At Progressive Rehabilitation Associates, we are committed to individualized treatment for people with Traumatic Brain Injury, and we know that Natalie’s warm demeanor and extensive experience will serve our clients exceptionally well.  Please join us in welcoming her to our team. ​

Interested in learning more about Natalie and the Comprehensive Brain Injury Program or the Comprehensive Pain Program? Feel free to drop us a line on our contact page!