Growing up in northern California, Jared Levin was told by several family members not to pursue a career in medicine unless he was certain there was nothing else he wanted to do. This advice was most commonly provided by his grandfather, Dr. Clinton Levin, who along with being the first “Dr. Levin” in the family, was also a beloved practitioner — well known for his model clinical acumen, gentle bedside manner and intelligent dressing. Due to a diagnosis of a congenital back disorder, Levin spent many years in physical therapy, where he learned to develop an appreciation for understanding how the body moved and the importance of proper body mechanics.

After graduating from Occidental College in Los Angeles with a major in Kinesiology and an emphasis on Biomechanics, Levin attended Albany Medical College in New York. During his medical school training, he discovered the field of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. After his first day rotating with an influential physiatrist, who treated both adult and pediatric patients, Levin knew he had found a field that combined his medical academic interest with a holistic and longitudinal approach to patient care.

Levin remained at his medical alma mater during his preliminary year of internship. Daily conversations with his grandfather served as an opportunity to learn and reflect on his growth in the field. As he transitioned down to New York City to begin his residency at Albert Einstein/Montefiore in PM&R, his grandfather was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer — the same week Levin met his future wife. After his grandfather’s passing and completing residency, Levin began his fellowship in Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine at Columbia University Medical Center; the training was formative to his current practice. During this time, he also married his wife, began raising a very spoiled puppy and served in the COVID ICUs at the height of the pandemic in New York City.

After completing training, Levin and family moved to St. Louis. At St. Louis Children’s Hospital, he and his incredible colleague Sherea Smith, MD, have worked diligently to build the Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine practice. Levin’s primary clinical interests include the treatment of children and adults with Cerebral Palsy, tone management, cancer rehabilitation and concussion management, among many others. He is grateful for the opportunity to attempt to help children and their families on a daily basis, and hopes he can preserve his grandfather’s legacy as a physician with intellect, compassion and a professional sense of sartorialism.