Dr. Van Malia began his academic journey with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Mathematics, earned in 1992. After a successful career as a systems analyst and software engineer in Chicago, Illinois, he felt a deeper calling to serve others through medicine. Driven by a longstanding passion for the sciences and a commitment to helping people, he made the bold decision to change paths and pursue a career in healthcare.
He completed his pre-medical studies in Biology at Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio, and went on to earn his medical degree from Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine in Des Moines, Iowa. During his clinical training, Dr. Van Malia rotated through OhioCORE—a collaboration that includes The Ohio State University, Ohio University, and OhioHealth hospitals in the Columbus area—gaining broad and diverse medical experience.
Dr. Van Malia then completed a rigorous Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (PM&R) residency at the University of Minnesota. His training took place across seven distinguished hospitals and clinics, including one of the few Polytrauma Centers at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center. There, he had the honor of treating veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as aging veterans, a deeply personal mission inspired by his own family’s military service—his father a Vietnam War Army veteran, and his grandfather a World War II Navy veteran.
Furthering his specialization, Dr. Van Malia completed a prestigious fellowship in Interventional Spine, Sports Medicine, and Spine Medicine at the Cleveland Clinic. There, he trained in advanced interventional spine procedures, always prioritizing a gentle, patient-centered approach. He also served as a team physician for the Cleveland Guardians, Cleveland State University, and several high school teams, treating athletes, dignitaries, and even high-profile individuals who frequent Augusta National.
Dr. Van Malia holds a special interest in managing spine and joint conditions through non- surgical, minimally invasive techniques and a multimodal treatment philosophy. He believes in partnering with patients to create personalized care plans rooted in mutual respect and clinical excellence. His unique blend of technical precision—honed from his background in computer science—and compassionate, patient-focused care distinguishes him in the field. Dr. Van Malia is deeply committed to helping patients reduce pain, regain function, and return to the activities they love.
