As an undergrad, I was already fascinated by my science classes, particularly those with a medical focus. I started out just like everyone else, taking the basics like biology and chemistry, before delving into more intensely focused courses such as microbiology and neuroscience. From there, I realized that I truly enjoyed learning about all of the functions of the human body.

I’ve also always enjoyed helping people. Throughout college I was involved with numerous volunteer programs: tutoring people, assisting different organizations and serving as part of student government, and I learned that I loved aiding those in need. Combined, these two passions are what led me into the medical field.

I started out in med school at St. George’s University before completing my residency in anesthesiology at UDMJ, or Rutgers New Jersey Medical School as it is known today. That particular program only requires one year, however, so I spent the first half of my residency as a medical intern in Atlantic City. After completing that program, I went on to finish a pain fellowship at UNC-Chapel Hill. Because both of these programs are ACG accredited, I am a double board-certified doctor in both anesthesia and pain management.

As an anesthesiologist, the first major responsibility I have is helping the patient get through surgery. Not only do I need to understand their medical history, but also what their needs are, how they’re going to fare in the surgery itself, and what help they may need post-op. I’ve had a myriad of experiences with different patients being treated for chronic pain, acute fractures, or cancer-related issues, and having that experience in the surgeries themselves helps me to understand why a patient may have chronic pain after being treated. By having this knowledge, I can better help with the pain management side to prevent or treat issues that may have arisen from surgery.

Because anesthesia is a very procedure-based field, I also have great dexterity from three years of practice putting needles in delicate areas. Pain management, as an interventional practice that involves a multitude of procedures on patients, also requires steady hands. Combining my two specialties together unlocks an even greater skill set and patients who see me know that they are being treated by someone who is extremely experienced in performing procedures because of the amount of knowledge that I have. Many pain management specialists are focused on specific areas like the spine, neck, or back. Anesthesiologists, however, are more diversified, giving me experience with complicated disorders that other pain management physicians might be unable to treat.

The way I approach pain management is different from most other doctors. Whereas most physicians might zero in on specific areas of complaint, my goal is to examine the overall patient to determine what the underlying issues are and how it’s affecting the patient’s ability to enjoy life. My goal for every treatment is not to simply inject or medicate, but to instead create a comprehensive plan that focuses on allowing the patient to function in their day to day activities. Unfortunately, there’s no cure for chronic pain, so we attempt to reduce it to a level that allows patients to be as functional as they were prior to the pain by combining treatments like physical therapy and acupuncture with traditional medication.

I also don’t give up. It can be very depressing dealing with chronic pain by yourself, and even more difficult when you realize that the first attempt at treating it is not working. Even when we have exhausted multiple options for treating their pain, I always strive to think outside the box when considering what we might try next. It doesn’t just stop at plan A and B. I want to give plan C, plan D, all the way through the alphabet if we have to, because my biggest goal when treating my patients is that they never lose hope.

Call CORE Medical & Wellness today at 888-521-0688 to schedule your first appointment.