Dr. Katharine Balbuena, MD

Dr. Balbuena is board-certified in physical medicine and rehabilitation. She has dedicated most of her 30-year career to caring for patients in an inpatient rehabilitation setting. As medical director for the Willis Knighton Rehabilitation Institute, she works with a team that includes rehab nurses, physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, social workers, dietitians, and case managers. Together, they work to allow patients to gain functional independence, so they can return home and reduce their caregiver’s burden. 

A graduate of Indiana State University, she earned her medical degree from University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, completing residency requirements there and at the University of Kentucky. 

Although Dr. Balbuena is a native of Australia, she was raised in the United States. She lives in Marshall, Texas, with her husband Dr. Luis Balbuena. The couple has two children, and they enjoy spending family time together, traveling and cooking.