About Dr. Velez & Velez Institute of Physiatry
Kareen A. Velez, MD, ABPMR
Dr. Kareen Velez brings over 15 years of expertise in physiatry and spinal cord injury medicine to the Central Florida community. She is passionate about restoring function, reducing pain, and improving quality of life for every patient.
Dr. Velez has served in multiple leadership roles, including Medical Director positions at rehabilitation hospitals and specialized spinal cord care programs. She is currently Medical Director at Encompass Health Rehabilitation of Central Florida-Sumter County, while also leading her private practice — Velez Institute of Physiatry, PLLC.
Dr. Velez earned her medical degree from the University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine in 2007. She completed her residency in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Tufts Medical Center in 2011, followed by fellowship training in Spinal Cord Injury Medicine at Stanford University in 2012. She is board certified by the American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.
Our Mission
At Velez Institute of Physiatry, our mission is to provide comprehensive, evidence-based care that restores independence and improves quality of life. We specialize in managing complex neuromusculoskeletal conditions through advanced, non-invasive therapies and individualized treatment plans tailored to each patient’s needs.
At Velez Institute of Physiatry, we combine over 15 years of experience with a compassionate, patient-centered approach. Our focus is on non-invasive, innovative therapies and comprehensive care for complex conditions, including pain management, neurorehabilitation, and musculoskeletal health. We work closely with multidisciplinary teams to ensure every patient receives expert care tailored to their goals.