Dr. Avital Fast is a physiatrist, a specialist in physical medicine and rehabilitation.

In his clinical practice, he focuses on the diagnosis and management of spinal disorders. He evaluates patients with spine-related complaints, correlating their complaints and physical findings with imaging studies. He works with patients to then decide if surgery is necessary, or whether a more conservative approach can be employed.

Dr. Fast also is an inventor, drawing on his research to develop assistive devices that enhance patients’ ability to function. For example, he has developed an ambulatory device that supports patients when they walk in the treatment area, and allows them to do so safely. The system detects an impending fall and prevents it by instantaneously locking.

A second invention, recently awarded a patent, consists of a wheelchair that can descend a standard curb. This system can detect when the front casters of a wheelchair are losing contact with the curbside and activates pneumatically loaded small wheels. These allow the wheelchair to remain stable, thus preventing a potentially catastrophic event.