Desert Regional Medical Center
Name: Paula Lidestri, MD
Current Position: Medical Director, Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
Primary Location: Desert Regional Medical Center, 1150 North Indian Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, CA 92262
LinkedIn: [Paula Lidestri](http://www.linkedin.com/in/paula-l-143b1176)
Professional Role and Affiliation
Dr. Paula Lidestri serves as the Medical Director at Desert Regional Medical Center, specializing in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (PM&R). She practices primarily out of the Palm Springs location of Desert Regional Medical Center, which is a significant healthcare provider in the region offering specialty care in rehabilitation medicine.
She holds the role of physiatrist, focusing on improving patients’ functional abilities affected by injury, illness, or disability, including pain medicine and rehabilitation treatments. Her affiliation with Desert Regional Medical Center positions her centrally within a multidisciplinary medical environment serving a diverse patient population.
Education and Training
- Medical Degree: New York Medical College, graduated in 2001
- Internship: Greenwich Hospital
- Residency: New York-Presbyterian Hospital
- Clinical Fellowship: DES Spine Fellowship at Cleveland Clinic (2005-2006)
This advanced training underscores Dr. Lidestri’s expertise in complex physical medicine and spine-related rehabilitation.
Experience and Expertise
- Industry Tenure: Over 20 years of practice experience in physical medicine & rehabilitation
- Clinical Focus Areas: Pain medicine, gait abnormalities, neurological rehabilitation, musculoskeletal disorders
- Additional Credentials: Experience in internal medicine compliments her PM&R specialty
- Recognized in patient ratings with consistent scores averaging 4.0 to 4.2 out of 5 on healthcare platforms including Healthgrades and US News Health, based on 5 to 11+ patient reviews, reflecting sustained professional patient trust and satisfaction.
Professional Contributions and Recognition
Though no direct publications or research papers are publicly attributed to Dr. Lidestri, her participation in the Cleveland Clinic’s DES Fellowship program places her in a high-tier clinical training environment known for evidence-based practices and contribution to medical research in the field of rehabilitation and spine care.
She has also been noted in clinical context alongside peers in outcome improvement programs for brain tumors, epilepsy, pain, and spinal disorders, indicating involvement in multidisciplinary advancements within her specialty.
Insurance and Patient Coverage
- Accepts multiple insurance providers including Medicare and Cigna, suggesting a broad patient accessibility and compliance with insurance standards.
- Affiliated with Desert Regional Medical Center and associated hospitals within the Desert Care Network, indicating institutional support and integrated care pathways.
Institutional Context: Desert Regional Medical Center
Desert Regional Medical Center is a key medical group in the Palm Springs area specializing in various disciplines including physical medicine & rehabilitation. As Medical Director, Dr. Lidestri likely influences clinical operations, patient care protocols, and interdisciplinary coordination within her department.
Actionable Insights
Dr. Lidestri’s leadership role as Medical Director and her significant clinical experience in PM&R indicate her influence on patient care delivery and departmental strategy at Desert Regional Medical Center. Her specialized training in spine fellowship at the Cleveland Clinic reflects a high level of clinical expertise that aligns with complex rehabilitation needs. The combination of leadership responsibility and hands-on clinical work positions her as a key decision-maker and influencer within the medical rehabilitation space at the institution. Engaging with her would require an understanding of both clinical outcomes and operational efficiencies in rehabilitation services.
Contact Information:
- Office Phone: (760) 323-6380
- Location Address: 1150 North Indian Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, CA 92262
This report consolidates all available verified data on Dr. Paula Lidestri, emphasizing her clinical and leadership profile relevant to Desert Regional Medical Center.
