Spine and Pain Management Team Expands at Mercy South

Dr. Broadnax, why did you get into health care?

Health care is a unique opportunity to blend a scientific background with helping people in a way very few have the expertise to undertake.

Did you always know you wanted to be a physician?

Not at all. I started college as an engineer physics major and decided to pursue health care as an emphasis, but I majored in financial management. That still interests me, which is why I went on to earn a Masters of Health Administration from Missouri State in collaboration with Mercy Springfield while I was serving patients in that community.

What drew you to pain management?

It’s a unique opportunity for clinical care and ongoing research that creates innovative opportunities to improve people’s lives. I feel a real draw to this service, which is why I have been part of the leader team for Mercy’s Pain Management Specialty Council since its inception in 2014.

Are there any specific conditions, procedures or treatments that most interest you?

Providing treatment for acute disc herniations is satisfying because it allows me to help people back on their feet and toward recovery quickly.  Also, lumbar radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a great tool for treating older patients as part of our comprehensive treatment for chronic low back, which is supported by some of the best clinical evidence.

Why did you choose to join Mercy? And why did you choose to move to Mercy South?

I choose Mercy based on our history of providing access to care for even those who cannot afford it. I have been in situations without access to health insurance and feel it’s important to try to offer everyone whatever care we can. Plus, I attended Abilene Christian University and grew up in the Church of Christ, so I love the spiritual background and support Mercy provides.

Mercy South has a great team - clinical, administrative and executive – that is very interested in collaborative efforts and synergistic competencies that improve health care.

What do you like about living in St. Louis?

I’m originally from Dallas; my wife and her family are from Springfield, Missouri. I attended medical school at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine in Cleveland, Ohio, and Cleveland shares many similarities with St. Louis. We were attracted to St. Louis for its mix of diversity, cultural opportunities, city amenities and outdoor activities.

Do you mind sharing a little about your personal life?

My oldest son just started his first year of pharmacy school here in St. Louis. While that’s just a coincidence, it’s certainly a nice bonus for moving to the area. Our youngest daughter has started the second grade and loves seeing her brother more often. My wife loves the outdoors, hiking and floating which we will be doing regularly year-round.

Dr. Rahman, why did you get into health care?

It’s an honor to be able to take care of another human being in their greatest time of need. It’s gratifying to help decrease the pain and suffering of my fellow brothers and sisters and help them become functional again. That’s why I chose a career in health care.

Did you always know you wanted to be a physician? What drew you to pain management?

Yes. When I was in 3rd grade, my mother was diagnosed with cancer. My father was away on deployment at the time, so I helped my mother navigate her treatment and emotionally supported her throughout the process. As that was happening, I came to admire the integral role her doctor played by being a team leader, addressing emotional needs through her care and being her advocate beyond medicine. That’s the type of physician that I strive to be. When I was in 4th grade, my father advised me to pick a profession where I’m in service of others, and that I should personally be able to make lives better on a daily basis with my actions – choosing to become a physician was a natural fit. Then when I was in college, my father had a herniated disc in his neck and that was debilitating for him. I saw him go from an active U.S. Army officer to someone who was bedridden within a matter of days. His pain doctor was able to rehabilitate him into his original, productive self. That inspired me to pick physical medicine and rehabilitation as a specialty with a focus on pain management and musculoskeletal care.

What should patients know about you?

I come from a family of service. My father is an engineer and retired as a colonel in the U.S. Army after 24 years of service which included deployments for multiple years in the Middle East and around the globe to keep America safe. My mother helps teach grade school kids with special needs. My brother is also an Engineer and has recently joined the Air Force. My wife is an internal medicine physician providing greatly needed primary care in Missouri. I want all my patients to know that I hope to treat them with the highest level of service and kindness to help them as best as I can because that was the household that I was raised in.

Are there any specific conditions, procedures or treatments that most interest you?

I can help patient with any type of pain, whether it be back, neck, shoulder, hip, knee, hand, foot, headache or more. If a person is in pain, then I would be happy to see them and see how I can help them function better. I enjoy ultrasound guided procedures, whether that be steroid, platelet rich plasma, botulinum toxin for spasticity or headache.

Why did you choose to join Mercy?

Community. Mercy truly cares about the people who make the community great, and I'm proud to serve the greater St. Louis area and help return people to a functional life.

What do you like about living in St. Louis?

I grew up in Springfield, Illinois, and used to come to St. Louis frequently as a child. I love that it has access to the national and international stage with top notch cultural and educational opportunities while still feeling like a smaller town where you get to know your neighbor personally and you have amazing local history.