The Donley Center provides on-site medical clearance to determine each patient's physical readiness for a physical therapy treatment program, ensuring safety for the patient, before starting any exercise. Vincent Pera, MD is the Director of Medical Services at the Donley Center. He conducts all of the medical clearance procedures for the Donley Center patients. Dr. Pera is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine at the Brown University School of Medicine and a Diplomate, American Board of Disability Analysts.

Medical clearance procedures at the Donley Center are based upon assessment and monitoring of each patient's health status for risk factor screening, including cardiac risk assessment, electrocardiogram (EKG) and exercise tolerance testing. Monitoring the patient's ongoing medical conditions include screening for cardiac illness (angina, previous myocardial infraction, valvular disease, etc.), hypertension, diabetes, asthma and other illnesses. Determination of disability related to medical conditions is also measured. Assessment is done to address questions of medication abuse and/or dependence, alcohol abuse/dependence, and/or substance abuse/dependence.

The Medical Director also acts as the liaison between the Donley Center and the patient's referring and other physicians. In addition, Dr. Pera assists Donley Center rehabilitation treatment staff in developing rehabilitation plans for patients requiring medical restrictions and special medical monitoring. Health education and information are also available.