Dr. Lucie Mitchell Joins Harbin Clinic Spine & Pain Management Rome
As a physiatrist, Dr. Lucie Mitchell knows that her patients’ acute and chronic pain can dominate and disrupt many normal daily functions. Having triumphed over many obstacles in her own life, Dr. Mitchell also knows that with determination and commitment, her patients can succeed in improving their quality of life.
With a focus on medical conditions affecting the spinal cord, brain, nerves, bones, and joints, a Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation physician is dedicated to helping patients regain function and manage their pain.
“I always aim to understand my patient’s full story,” says Dr. Mitchell. “It’s my responsibility to learn their background, evaluate their condition and pain levels, and develop a treatment plan in which they can be on board.”
Dr. Mitchell is joining Harbin Clinic Spine & Pain Management Rome where her colleagues welcome her breadth of expertise in providing world-class care.
“We are so pleased to welcome Dr. Mitchell and her expertise to our practice,” says Dr. Shereef Girgis of Harbin Clinic Spine & Pain Management Rome. “She brings with her not only the latest techniques to help her patients, but a passion for caring for patients and customizing treatment to their individual needs.”
A Lifetime of Triumph
Dr. Mitchell spent her early childhood in Montreal, Quebec City, Canada before moving to Boston, Massachusetts at the young age of eight years old. Speaking fluent French, Dr. Mitchell taught herself how to speak and read English. With the help of friends and mentors, she quickly excelled in the classroom and was recognized for her academic achievements as Valedictorian. She attended the prestigious College of the Holy Cross where she received her Bachelor of Arts and then continued her medical education at various locations throughout the United States.
“I faced many challenges during my schooling,” explains Dr. Mitchell. “There were language barriers, financial hurdles and other hardships that presented themselves, and I needed to figure out a way to triumph. My goal was to become a physician and help people overcome obstacles; I realized I was fighting my fair share of them, too.”
While in graduate school, one of her professors described the functions of the spine in a way that resonated with her deeply.
“When this professor talked about the spine, it just made perfect sense,” Dr. Mitchell recalls. “I could visualize how it worked alongside all the other functions in the body, and I knew I wanted to pursue a medical specialty that focused on how this remarkable part of the body worked.”
Her drive and dedication awarded her numerous opportunities and accolades to advance her education and training, such as serving as Chief of Interns during her time as Resident Physician at Manatee Memorial Hospital in Bradenton, Florida, and Educational Chief Resident while a Physical Medicine & Spine Resident Physician at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.
“I was fortunate enough to have many people believe in and support me,” explains Dr. Mitchell. “To this day, I still stay in touch with everyone who made an impact on my life.”
Managing Pain with Understanding
Dr. Mitchell’s approach to care involves creating a true partnership between physician and patient.
“I always tell my patients that we’re working together to improve their quality of life,” says Dr. Mitchell. “And for every person, whether a rehabilitation patient or a pain patient, that plan will be different and unique to them.”
She explains that during most of her patients’ first visits, not only are they in pain, but they are also frustrated. “This is when I want to hear everything. I want to know their history, their experiences, and their pain levels. I focus our conversation on them,” she says.
Using visual analogies, Dr. Mitchell explains how the spine connects to other parts of the body, and how different procedures and treatment methods can help reduce pain and introduce more mobility to her patients’ daily routine.
“When I can present their condition and care plan in a way they can understand, I immediately see the relief wash over their face,” says Dr. Mitchell. “Patients want to understand the why, and I believe that’s so important in helping them engage with their treatment plan.”
Dr. Mitchell explains that “If I can reduce their pain by over 50% through rehab, medication and innovative procedures, then we are in the right direction towards improving one’s quality of life.”
“Everyone experiences some level of pain and discomfort,” she explains. “My job is to set a reasonable expectation, investigate multiple treatments to help reduce their pain and work hard to make it tolerable so they can get back to enjoying everyday tasks and experiences. If they have no pain by the end of their treatment journey, then that’s a bonus we can all celebrate.”
More About Dr. Mitchell
When Dr. Mitchell isn’t practicing medicine, she’s continuously expanding her knowledge.
“I believe that learning should be a lifelong pursuit,” she says. “We should pursue multiple visions, grow our knowledge, and become well-versed in all we can.”
In her spare time, Dr. Mitchell enjoys spending time with her two young children and husband. They like to explore museums, botanical gardens, and take scenic walks.
“We love to travel and experience new cultures, food and ways of life,” says Dr. Mitchell.
Additionally, Dr. Mitchell is an accomplished artist, often blending her personal and medical experiences into her artwork.
To learn more or to schedule an appointment, visit Harbin Clinic Spine & Pain Management Rome.
