Eric Villanueva, MD

Eric Villanueva, MD, points to his pediatrician as a major influence on his health and eventual career in medicine. Facing worsening asthma and the risk for diabetes as a child, Dr. Villanueva lost 80 pounds with the help of his provider.
“He really encouraged me to get better and feel better about myself,” Dr. Villanueva said. “He was also very encouraging through medical school and my journey into physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R). So I want to pay it forward and help other people who have their own health issues to achieve their goals.”
With PM&R, also known as physiatry, he’s found the perfect fit caring for patients who have experienced musculoskeletal injuries, brain injuries, spinal cord injuries and strokes. He’s especially passionate about helping amputees and cancer patients with lymphedema, fatigue or cognitive or mobility issues.
“After a devastating illness or injury, many people may think their lives are …irrevocably changed,” said Dr. Villanueva, who cares for patients at Methodist Physicians Clinic and Methodist Hospital. “My job is really to be kind of a quality-of-life physician. I love working with patients facing unimaginable challenges to achieve their physical, psychological, social and vocational goals.”