Dr. Donald Liss was initially attracted to the entire spectrum of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, to the notion of helping patients in physical distress to regain function and quality of life. However, in the process of co-founding the PM&R Center with his brother Howard in 1986, Dr. Donald Liss sharpened the focus of his practice upon helping to develop a multidisciplinary outpatient treatment center for the management of pain and disability. Having been a resident in Rehabilitation Medicine at Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center under his brother Howard’s direction (as Chief Resident), Donald greatly benefited from a broad spectrum of clinical and academic opportunities to hone his skills in diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal disorders.

Dr. Liss believes strongly in the interdependence of sound body and sound mind, physical well being and happiness. Dr. Liss has coached little league teams, been involved as sports consultant to his children’s day school and high school, and has committed himself personally to regular exercise and wellness. His interests include a passion for adventure travel, including hiking in national parks, as well as canoeing, kayaking and rafting. In addition, Dr. Liss has a love of music and performance of all genres, and an interest in wildlife and ecology.

Since the inception of the PM&R Center in 1986, Drs. Howard and Donald Liss have assembled the most talented, committed and compassionate cohort of professionals who work as a team on the treatment of pain and disability. Dr. Donald Liss considers himself truly blessed by his partners, medical colleagues, and the very talented therapists and medical assistants with whom he has the privilege to work on a daily basis. Donald continues to teach at Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center in the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine and has organized lectures and conferences in the tri-state area and on the national level. He has, along with 2 colleagues, co-authored a chapter, “History and Past Medical History,” in The Low Back Pain Handbook, Hanley & Belfus, Dr. Andrew Cole, editor, a well-received text for primary care practitioners.

Dr. Liss was recognized in the America's Top Doctors publication. An authoritative consumer guide to the nation's top specialists, America's Top Doctors is based on nominations by physician peers and extensive surveys. The annual publication focuses on the top 1 percent of specialists and subspecialists across the nation.