Meet: Dr. Deanna Clauss / Sibling

Photo courtesy: Dr. Deanna Claus

Dr. Deanna Claus

Our first resident is Dr. Deanna Claus, whose journey began when her youngest sister sustained a sever traumatic brain injury.

Tell us about yourself

My name is Deanna Claus, and I am a Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) resident at the University of Colorado. I grew up in Colorado and am the oldest of five children. I completed my undergraduate degree at the University of Colorado- Boulder in Integrative Physiology and got an additional certificate in Neuroscience. I graduated from medical school at the University of Colorado School of Medicine.

Tell us your story of how special needs is in your life.

My youngest sister sustained a severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) when I was a high school freshman. Our entire family was turned upside down due to her injury; our lives were forever and irreversibly changed. My family learned to advocate for my sister in the best ways we knew how, and we all worked to support her recovery. We eventually found a new “normal” as she re-learned how to communicate and move independently. We slowly learned the medical jargon her doctors and therapists used. We learned how to navigate issues related to community accessibility, 504 Plans and IEPs, mental health concerns with a disability, and so many more. These experiences with my sister shaped the adult I am today.

Can you share how special needs impacted your decision to pick the specialty of PM&R?

My introduction to Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) was through my sister’s experience. When she was initially hurt, no one seemed to know what to expect after this type of catastrophic injury. The physiatrists were the first doctors that inspired us to believe she could have a meaningful future and recovery. Instead of focusing on things my sister seemed unlikely to do again, the PM&R team guided us through the phases of her rehabilitation and worked to set her up for success in the future. I was inspired by her primary PM&R physician, and I ultimately decided to follow in her footsteps to help my patients and families navigate life after a new injury or illness.

Do you feel a certain empathy with families because you “get it” better than they know?

The experience with my sister shapes how I approach my work. I was always impressed when her providers demonstrated empathy, creativity, and good communication skills, and I try to model those qualities for my patients. I also understand how the entire family can be affected by an injury or illness, which might be forgotten by other providers who haven’t personally experienced it. I can relate to the joys and challenges of having a family member with a disability or special needs, and I try to support the families as best I can. Though every patient and situation is different, I hope my personal connection and empathy allow me to better care for my patients and their families.

What is your most impacting moment so far in your training/career?

There are too many to count. We work in a highly meaningful and rewarding field. I am truly touched each time I can help a patient and family get on the road to recovery after an illness or injury. At one of the hospitals I work, patients get to ring a bell to signify they have completed their rehabilitation stay and are leaving the hospital. It is always an emotional moment I am grateful to be a part of.

I am sure you have helped more people than you can ever know with both your knowledge and personal experience. But is there one time that stands out from the rest? Something you just know you are grateful you were a part of?

See above. It brings me incredible joy to see patients thriving and participating in the activities they enjoy, despite any limitations.

This article’s goal is to let families know that the very people taking care of their families are doing it from or with personal experience. With that in mind, what advice can you offer to families as they begin their journey with PM&R and therapies, from either the personal side or the professional side?

PM&R physicians have big hearts and truly care about their patients’ lives outside the hospital or doctor’s office. Part of our job is to understand a patient’s life better and figure out how to enrich their ability to participate in everyday tasks (of all shapes and sizes), school and work, hobbies and activities of leisure, as well as the larger community. A large team works together to achieve these goals, including physicians, nurses, physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, orthotists and prosthetists, social workers, case managers, and more professionals. Know that the rehab team is an ally to help you advocate for your loved one!

Cover Photo courtesy: Dr. Deanna Claus

Related: Meet 3 Doctors Inspired by their Siblings to go into PM&R

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This post originally appeared on our March/April 2023 Magazine