For the past 15 years, Raymond J. Petras, BE, MA, Ph.D., has been a dedicated volunteer with Mission of Mercy using his unique skills to bring relief and comfort to patients in need. His approach to patient care is holistic, addressing not just the body, but also the mind and spirit.
Dr. Petras, or “Dr. Ray” as he is known by our patients, is an integral part of the volunteer medical team at the North Phoenix Baptist clinic location, guiding patients through intake to understand their unique history, family dynamics and support systems. He offers mental and performance-enhancing techniques to help alleviate physical and emotional pain and encourage positive behavioral change. His ability to safely reduce or eliminate physical pain using mental and verbal techniques has made a lasting impact on countless patients.
One of his most memorable clinic experiences involved a 53-year-old Spanish-speaking woman who suffered from severe shoulder pain and limited range of motion for over four months. Standard pain medications provided no relief, and her condition was exacerbated by the stress of her brother’s illness in Mexico.
“Using a combination of laughter, visualization, forgiveness and thanksgiving, we helped eliminate her pain and regain full range of motion,” Dr. Petras recalls.
A Passion for Helping Others
For Dr. Petras, the most rewarding part of volunteering is seeing a patient walk out of the clinic with renewed hope and a smile on their face. Whether it’s helping someone manage chronic or acute pain or providing them with tools to navigate future challenges, he finds joy in making a difference. He also credits the incredible team of volunteer interpreters for enabling effective communication and enhancing the quality of care.
His journey into the medical field was anything but traditional. “I was originally trained as a chemical engineer and worked for DuPont and 3M. I went back to school to study psychology to learn how to use the mind to enhance performance,” he says.
After earning two advanced degrees, he started working with athletes for injuries and performance enhancement. It was during this period that he developed PNPR™ (Psycho Neuro Pain Response™), also known as TAP™ (Talking Away Pain™). His expertise has allowed him to work with medical and sports organizations worldwide, tackling complex pain management cases both in person and remotely.
When he’s not volunteering, Dr. Petras enjoys hiking, dancing to live oldies music, working with international clients, and spending quiet time in nature. His love for movement and mindfulness aligns with his belief in the power of holistic healing.
Through his dedication, expertise and compassion, Dr. Petras continues to transform lives, proving that true healing extends far beyond medicine — it’s about caring for the whole person.
