EliteMD is a premier pain and spine clinic proudly serving the Greater Sacramento community. We are dedicated to delivering exceptional, individualized care with a focus on relieving pain, enhancing quality of life, and restoring optimal function.
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At EliteMD, each patient receives a thorough evaluation during the initial consultation to establish a clear diagnosis. From there, we develop a personalized, comprehensive treatment plan tailored to individual needs and goals.
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Our multidisciplinary approach integrates advanced, image-guided procedures with therapeutic exercises, opioid-sparing medications, lifestyle optimization, and strategies to enhance coping skills—ensuring effective and sustainable pain management.
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Our medical team is dedicated to upholding the highest standards of care, sharing a mission to empower patients to lead active, fulfilling lives.
Dr. Rui Zhang is double board-certified in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (PM&R) and Pain Medicine. She is also a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.
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Dr. Zhang completed her residency at the prestigious Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation through Rutgers University–New Jersey Medical School. Consistently ranked among the top rehabilitation hospitals by U.S. News & World Report for over 30 years, Kessler provided the foundation for Dr. Zhang’s expertise in physiatry. Under the mentorship of nationally recognized leaders, she not only honed her clinical skills but also embraced empathy and humanity as the heart of her medical practice.
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Following residency, Dr. Zhang pursued advanced fellowship training in Pain Medicine at the Anesthesiology Institute of the Cleveland Clinic—one of the nation’s most distinguished programs and also the largest ACGME-accredited pain fellowship program. It was honored with the Fellowship Excellence Award by the American Academy of Pain Medicine(AAPM), further affirming its national reputation for excellence in education and innovation.
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Dr. Zhang has been practicing as an interventional pain and spine specialist for over eight years, bringing positive impact to many lives through her care (Click to see patient testimonials and the conditions we can help with).
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In addition to her medical training, Dr. Zhang holds three master’s degrees and has authored multiple publications in peer-reviewed journals. She was also trained as an occupational therapist at McGill University’s pioneering professional master’s program in Montreal prior to entering residency.
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Dr. Zhang has been appointed Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of British Columbia and is actively involved with the International Pain and Spine Intervention Society (IPSIS) as a dedicated member of its educational community. In 2024, she was honoured to present a well-received talk on cervical epidural steroid injections at the IPSIS Annual Meeting in Boston. She also serves as a part II board examiner for the American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (ABPMR), helping to shape and evaluate the next generation of physiatrists. As a recognized medical expert in physiatry and pain medicine, Dr. Zhang has authored over 150 expert reports and provided expert testimony in trials and depositions.
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Outside of her professional life, Dr. Zhang is a devoted mother, wife, and friend. She is an avid reader, passionate runner, and enthusiastic nature lover. She leads an active lifestyle—practicing yoga, Pilates, and weight training—and firmly believes in practicing what she preaches. Curious and committed to lifelong learning, she is constantly exploring new ways to grow personally and professionally.