Wes Chay, M.D., has been with Shepherd Center since 2017 and works with the following programs:
Specialties
- Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
- Spinal Cord Injury Medicine
Education and training
Rutgers Health/New Jersey Medical School
Fellowship, Spinal Cord Injury Medicine, 2011-2012
Emory University School of Medicine
Residency, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 2008-2011
University of Florida
Internship, Internal Medicine, 2007-2008
University of Florida College of Medicine
Medical School
Certifications
American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Certified in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Certified in Spinal Cord Injury Medicine
About
Dr. Wes Chay’s connection to Shepherd Center began during his residency in the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) Program at Emory University, where he completed a rotation at the center. His return to Shepherd Center in 2017 was influenced by his deep admiration for the institution and the commitment to patient-centered care by both staff and patients.
In his role as staff physiatrist, Dr. Chay finds fulfillment in helping patients and their families discover hope, peace, joy, and satisfaction despite their circumstances. He values the collaborative efforts of the interdisciplinary teams at Shepherd Center, which play a crucial role in restoring patients’ lives and helping them focus on what matters most.
Dr. Chay’s journey into medicine was influenced by his interest in science and math, and inspired by his grandfather, who was a doctor. Although he didn’t initially aim to become a physiatrist, he was drawn to the specialty for its unique blend of neurology, orthopedic surgery, and neurosurgery, focusing on function, medical management, symptom management, and quality of life. Dr. Chay appreciates that physiatry treats patients as whole people, not just diagnoses, and strives to help them overcome challenges to live life to the fullest.
In addition to his role at Shepherd Center, Dr. Chay is an adjunct assistant professor in PM&R at Emory University School of Medicine. He has been recognized for his excellence in teaching, receiving the Teacher of the Year Award from Temple University Hospital’s Department of PM&R and the Robert L. Bennett, M.D., Award for Teaching Excellence in Physiatry from Emory University.
In her personal time, Dr. Chay enjoys smoking meat, a hobby he picked up while living in Philadelphia and missing the South. He finds joy in sharing barbecue with others. Music is another passion, and he plays guitar, piano, and violin. During the holiday season, you might find him caroling in the halls with other staff members. Dr. Chay also loves playing tennis and can often be found on the court with fellow Shepherd Center physiatrist Dr. John Lin.
