Liza Maniquis-Smigel, MD

Dr. Liza Smigel specializes in PHYSCIAL MEDICINE and REHABILITATION , also known as  PHYSIATRY, an unusual medical field that focuses on illness from the patient's perspective to help them improve their quality of life. She practices patient centered medicine; ensuring that each patient receives care, comfort and safety in terms of pain, and assists in their psychological and vocational issues as well.
Being a dancer and a medical doctor, her interest in physiatry started with her desire to treat performing artists and athletes, as she can talk their language and understand their psychological makeup and their drive to return to their sports or profession, despite pain and injuries.   After completing a four year PM&R residency program at the University of Illinois Hospital in Chicago, she pursued Musculoskeletal and Performing Arts Medicine fellowship program at University of Texas-Houston, under the mentorship of the internationally known physiatrist, dancer and musician, Dr. Rebecca Clearman. With her, she learned the importance of having a holistic approach in the treatment of physical injuries.   At Hawaii Orthopedics, Inc in Hilo, she worked closely with orthopedic surgeons, spine surgeons, podiatrists and physical therapy on site, appreciating their different perspectives and exchanging ideas for treatments of chronic pain and musculoskeletal and neurological injuries.  In 2002, Dr. Smigel opened her own private practice in Hilo, and in 2007 she opened her practice in Honolulu.