Every member of the FRIUS team is committed to providing the best quality of care to help ensure positive outcomes for all patients. The FRIUS team produces success stories every day. Click here to view some recent success stories.
Physicians
Eric Kano Mayer, MD
Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
Erik Auty Kanoalani Mayer, M.D. is the Supervising Physician and Medical Director for FRIUS Austin, TX. He holds academic appointments as an Adjunct Assistant Professor of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (PM&R) at Texas A&M School of Medicine and as Affiliate Faculty of PM&R at the University of Texas Dell Medical School.
Dr. Mayer earned his medical degree from Georgetown University School of Medicine in 2001 and graduated Cum Laude with a bachelor’s degree from Georgetown University in 1995. His postgraduate training includes a surgical internship at Rush Presbyterian-St. Luke’s Medical Center in Chicago, IL (2002); a PM&R residency at Harvard Medical School/Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital in Boston, MA (2005); and a spine fellowship at the Cleveland Clinic Center for Spine Health in Cleveland, OH. He also holds a certificate in Clinical Efficacy from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.
Board certified and recertified in both Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine, Dr. Mayer has authored numerous scientific papers and book chapters and has lectured extensively across North America. He is actively involved in several professional societies, including the North American Spine Society (NASS) and the American Medical Association (AMA), where he serves on various socio-economic and policy committees.
Dr. Mayer is a dedicated volunteer, contributing nationally and internationally as an advisor for organizations such as the Spine Intervention Society, American Association of Orthopedic Surgeons, and the American College of Surgeons. He also serves on the Executive Editorial Board for the 6th Edition (2021 revised) of the AMA Guides to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment.
His clinical and research interests include spinal interventional procedures, spine health, sports medicine, functional restoration programs (FRP), neuromodulation, electromyography (EMG), clinical outcomes, and healthcare efficacy.
After holding multiple leadership roles at the Cleveland Clinic from 2008 to 2018, Dr. Mayer relocated to Austin, TX, where he continues his clinical, academic, and leadership work. He also has prior experience in private practice in Dallas, TX.
Enrique Pena, MD
Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
Dr. Pena is board-certified in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. He earned his undergraduate degree in Biochemistry at New York University in New York. Dr. Enrique Pena received his medical degree from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, New Jersey Medical School in Newark. He completed an internship in Internal Medicine at Morristown Memorial Hospital / Atlantic Health Systems in Morristown. Following his internship, Dr. Pena fulfilled residency training in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Baylor College of Medicine and The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston. Dr. Pena furthered his education by completing a fellowship in Interventional Spine, Musculoskeletal and Electrodiagnostic Medicine at The Spine Center at New England Baptist Bone & Joint Institute in Boston.
Dr. Pena served as a Staff Physician and Clinical Instructor in the Department of Orthopaedics at Tufts University Medical School, The Spine Center at New England Baptist Bone & Joint Institute in Boston.
Bill Defoyd, DC
Chiropractor
Dr. Defoyd is the former Director of Designated Doctor Education at the Texas Department of Insurance – Division of Workers’ Compensation, retiring from TDI-DWC in 2018. Prior to joining TDI-DWC in 2008, he was the managing partner and Director of the Rehabilitation Department of The Spine and Rehabilitation Center, a multidisciplinary group Dr. Defoyd co-founded with George “Buddy” Tipton, Jr., M.D. in Austin, Texas in 1994.
Dr. Defoyd received a Bachelor’s Degree in Business from the University of Texas at Austin in 1979, and both a Master’s Degree in Human Performance from the University of Houston at Clear Lake and a Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Texas Chiropractic College in 1986. He became board certified in chiropractic orthopedics in 1990 and credentialed in Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy by the McKenzie Institute in 1996.
He has taught postgraduate courses to medical and osteopathic physicians, chiropractors, physical therapists and other health care providers on a variety of topics including impairment rating, return to work, extent of injury, rehabilitation, and orthopedics. Dr. Defoyd has authored three textbook chapters and several papers relating to the management of musculoskeletal disorders. He is an Adjunct Assistant Professor in the Department of Physical Therapy at the University of Pittsburgh.
Tom Mayer, M.D.
Orthopedic
Tom Mayer, M.D. is Board certified in Orthopedic Surgery and is currently a Clinical Professor in the Department of Orthopedic Surgery at The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. Dr. Mayer is known in the medical community for his extensive research on chronic musculoskeletal conditions and rehabilitation. He is the former President of the North American Spine Society (1999) and the founding editor of The Spine Journal. He has co-authored many books and scientific articles and is on the Editorial Review Board of multiple journals. His innovations include the concept of Functional Restoration, new techniques in measurement of physical and psychological function (especially for spinal disorders), and the development of techniques for evaluation of permanent impairment. He continues to develop and serve on Review Boards for evidence based treatment guidelines, particularly on coordination of services for sub-acute and chronic musculoskeletal disorders.
Rory Allen, D.O.
Occupational Medicine
Rory Allen, D.O. graduated with a doctorate of osteopathic medicine from University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth/Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine. He completed an internship with Dallas Southwest Medical Center here in Dallas before going into private practice for ten years. He specializes in occupational medicine with a special interest in rehabilitation. He has an extensive background, having served as the Medical Director for multiple rehabilitation clinics here in the DFW area. He has vast experience in the Worker’s Compensation system and is a certified Designated Doctor. Dr. Allen is fluent in Spanish. He will be evaluating and treating patients at FRIUS as well as serving as a treating doctor as necessary.
Albert Vu, D.O.
Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
Dr. Vu, D.O. is a native of Plano, Texas. He received his medical degree from University of North Texas Health Science Center – Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine in 2011, where he was the youngest in his graduating class. He then completed his residency in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas before completing a Pain Medicine fellowship at University of California, Los Angeles. He has clinical interests in the treatment of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) and performing electrodiagnostic studies for the detection of different nerve and muscle conditions. Dr. Vu focuses his attention and practice on helping his patients restore the loss of function that often accompanies various pain conditions. In his free time, Dr. Vu enjoys playing soccer, cycling, and weightlifting.
Nurse Practitioners
Nurse Practitioners are licensed independent practitioners who practice in ambulatory, acute and long term care as primary or specialty care providers. Nurse Practitioners are advanced practice nurses with masters, post-masters or doctoral level education beyond their registered nurse preparation. They provide comprehensive care management to patients.
As licensed independent practitioners, nurse practitioners practice autonomously and in collaboration with other health care professionals to assess, diagnose, treat and manage the patient’s health problems/needs. As partners in health with patients, Nurse Practitioners take on roles of health provider, mentor, educator, clinical researcher, and administrator.
Margareta Shea, RN, FNP
Maile Shea received her Masters of Science in Nursing from Georgetown University and graduated Summa Cum Laude. She is Board certified as a family nurse practitioner with prescription authority in Texas. Before coming to FRIUS in 2003, Maile worked in multiple areas of expertise including orthopedics, oncology, pediatric hematology, bone marrow transplant, family practice and urgent care. She is pleased to work in a multi-disciplinary setting at FRIUS and have the opportunity to partner in care with patients in all phases of rehabilitation and pain management. Away from the office, she enjoys yoga, reading and outdoor fitness.
Janice Imming-Rogers, MS, RN, CS
Janice received her RN from Brigham & Women’s Hospital in Boston Massachusetts. She graduated with honors with a Bachelors and Masters of Science from the University of Colorado. She received her prescriptive authority in 1995 and is Board Certified by the American Nurses Credentialing Center. Janice has seventeen years of experience as a Psychiatric Emergency Clinician with Boston City Hospital, University of Utah Medical Center, Denver General Hospital and the University of Colorado Medical Center. Janice was the Psychiatric Consult Liaison Nurse at Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas. She also worked as a Nurse Practitioner with Dr. Stuart Black, MD at the Dallas Headache Association for seven years. In addition to her work at FRIUS, Janice currently has a psychotherapy practice with Dr. Byron Law-Yon, M.D
Occupational Therapy
FRIUS’ Occupational Therapists (OT) are experts in helping individuals with chronic pain and disabilities to return to functional activities of daily living and to resume a more productive life. FRIUS OTs help individuals overcome physical obstacles by building strength, endurance, and coordination. Our OTs stay current in their field and provide creative, evidence-based, exercise routines to help reach each individual’s goals. Functional simulations of real-life activities are provided, which promote optimal results for those who are limited with home chores, work duties, and/or leisure pursuits. Education is provided on activity modification, energy conservation, and pain management techniques. As experts in Functional Capacity Evaluations, our OT staff has assisted with chapters published in the “Guide to the Evaluation of Functional Ability” and they continue to support research in this area.
Physical Therapy
At FRIUS, our Physical Therapists (PT) are uniquely qualified to help individuals with chronic pain and disabilities. Using our functional restoration philosophy, the PTs guide patients through individualized exercise programs, to enhance mobility, strength, endurance and core stability, while also teaching effective pain management strategies. Physical conditioning is done gradually and safely, based on our evidence-based 75 step program, aimed at addressing “weak links” that are contributing to pain and reduced function. Individual home fitness maintenance programs are provided to ensure continued success after completing the treatment program. Our PTs are experts in their field. They actively pursue continuing education, and participate in ongoing clinical research, to provide the most modern and effective assessment and treatment options.
Exercise Technicians
The rehabilitation technicians at FRIUS provide the finest physical education and training to help patients succeed in treatment and lead a healthy life style. The majority of the technicians have 4-year college degrees in health-related fields. Some hold additional certifications in Personal Training, Professional Fitness, and Fitness Nutrition. All are certified, or are working towards certification, in standardized Biodex strength testing. Under the direction of the Occupation and Physical Therapists, the technicians provide thorough patient education and training in proper strengthening exercise progression, cardio conditioning, nutritional counseling, and abdominal core strengthening. They teach a variety of courses for patients, including postural improvement, stretching, cardio/endurance training, core stabilization with Swiss balls, and fun exercise activities, such as Zumba dance.
Case Management
The Case Management Department provides assistance with case issues and vocational planning. Case managers are the primary point of contact with patients while in the FRIUS treatment program. They help educate patients about workers’ compensation law, relevant case-related paperwork, how Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI) and Medical Impairment Ratings are determined, and how to file disputes when necessary. Case managers set up treatment schedules, arrange for transportation and hotel stays as needing, help patients overcome barriers to treatment participation, and assist with future planning, including employment goals. They communicate with doctors, insurance carriers, employers, attorneys, rehabilitation nurses, and vocational rehab counselors, to resolve case issues and maximize successful treatment outcomes.
Behavioral Medicine
Behavioral Medicine integrates biological, behavioral, psychological, and social sciences within a biopsychosocial treatment model. Mental health professionals, who specialize in chronic pain rehabilitation, are available to provide support, teach effective coping strategies for managing pain and emotional stress, and educate patients about the relationship between their thoughts, mood, behaviors, and pain experience. Specific techniques to help patients cope with chronic pain include supportive counseling, individual and class room education, and skill building in areas such as relaxation, mindfulness, stress management, problem solving, goal setting, sleep strategies, and assertive communication.
Nursing Staff
FRIUS’ quality nurses are vital in helping patients achieve their goals. Our nursing staff is involved with patients throughout treatment acting as a liaison between patients, doctor and treatment team. Educating patients individually and in groups, nurses help patients to understand their physical pain and how to cope with it, as well as addressing medication concerns. The nursing staff continues to follow patient after completion of the program, answering questions and addressing medication concerns.
