ABOUT
IMELDA CRUZ-BANTING, M.D., F.A.A.P.M.R., P.T
Founder and Medical Director, NYDocPT
Dr. Imelda Cruz-Banting is a physiatrist (a Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation specialist). She treats a wide range of patients from those with sore shoulders to ones who suffered spinal cord injuries. The focus of her specialty is on restoring function to people. She sees patients with acute and chronic pain, musculoskeletal disorders and people with disabilities due to stroke, spinal cord and traumatic brain injuries, Parkinson's or other neurological diseases. Her patients may be a knitter who has carpal tunnel syndrome, a warehouse employee who lifts heavy objects at work and experiences back pain, an elderly person with a broken hip, someone in a bad car accident, or a football player who injured his knee and requires rehabilitation to play again. Dr. Cruz-Banting’s patients also include people with arthritis, tendonitis, any kind of back/neck pain, and work and sports-related injuries. As a physiatrist, she treats very serious disorders of the musculoskeletal system that result in severe functional limitations.
Education, Work, Training, & Affiliations
Dr. Imelda Cruz-Banting graduated cum laude from the University of Santo Tomas, Manila, Philippines with a Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy. She then proceeded directly to the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila College of Medicine as a medical scholar graduating at the top of her class in 1990. She successfully passed the Philippine Licensure Examinations in both Physical Therapy and Medicine.
In 1991, Dr. Cruz-Banting moved to Florida, USA where she became a licensed Physical Therapist. She gained extensive clinical experience in a variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, and outpatient clinics across multiple counties in FL. These experiences enhanced her expertise in patient rehabilitation and laid the groundwork for her future career in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.
After successfully passing the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE), she relocated to New York to pursue a four-year residency training program in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PMR) under New York Medical College in 1995. During her fourth and final year of residency training, she was elected Chief Resident, an honor that reflected her leadership abilities, academic excellence and dedication to patient care. She was also appointed a clinical instructor by their program director. She is part of the PMR Department of New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY. She is affiliated with Montefiore North Hospital and St. Barnabas Hospital, both in Bronx, NY.
Dr. Cruz-Banting’s unique background as both a physician and a physical therapist provides her with a comprehensive understanding of musculoskeletal, neurologic, and functional disorders. She combines medical expertise with rehabilitation principles to help patients reduce pain, restore function, and improve their quality of life.
Dr. Cruz-Banting is mother to two wonderful children. She regularly serves as a physician volunteer for a medical mission that provides medical assistance to the less fortunate people in the Philippines. She is an active member of the American Academy of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation. She is also a member of the Bronx Chamber of Commerce and dedicated to being a contributing and active member of her community. She is the Vice President of Project Michelangelo Foundation and one of the editors of its all-female online magazine, Angel Rising Magazine. She is also an active member of the Handmaids of the Lord under the Missionary Families of Christ, NY, USA. In her leisure time, she passionately composes and records her original songs some of which are medically themed.
Professional Licenses and Certifications
Diplomate, American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (ABPMR)
Fellow, American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (AAPMR)
Licensed Physician, New York, New Jersey (inactive) and Philippines (inactive)
Physician Certified in Medical Acupuncture, New York
Licensed Physical Therapist, New York, Florida (inactive), Philippines (inactive)
