Michelle Poliak-Tunis, MD

Michelle Poliak-Tunis, MD, is a UW Health physical medicine and rehabilitation doctor specializing in pain medicine and an assistant professor in the Department of Orthopedics and Rehabilitation Medicine at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health.  

Dr. Poliak-Tunis diagnoses and treats patients with chronic (long-term) pain, particularly those with conditions affecting the neck, back, spine, hips and knees. She provides a wide range of non-invasive treatments, including physical and occupational therapy, medications and pain psychology. She also specializes in interventional pain management methods, such as injections, nerve blocks and surgery. 

Dr. Poliak-Tunis understands that pain can impact every aspect of daily life. She partners with her patients to find solutions that improve their overall function and quality of life. Above all, she believes in treating her patients like family. Through open communication and shared decision-making, she makes sure they feel comfortable expressing their needs.  

Outside of work, Dr. Poliak-Tunis enjoys photography, traveling and spending time with her family.

I’m not trying to reinvent the wheel — I just want to improve my patient’s functionality and quality of life by listening to their story.