Specialties: Immunology and Rheumatology Professional Education: University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY, 1984 Internship: Hartford Hospital, Hartford, CT, 1986 Residency: University of Nevada School of Medicine, Reno, NV, 1988 Fellowship: University of Utah Medical Center, Salt Lake City, UT, 1992 Board Certification: Internal Medicine and Rheumatology, 1992 Years with DAC: 16

I love the practice of Rheumatology.  Providing care to patients is an incredibly gratifying endeavor.  Kindness, compassion, respect, humor and therapeutic communication provide the framework from which I apply the most recent advances in the field to heal.  I emphasize the development of adaptive coping mechanism to improve quality of life and function.  My family of patients teaches me a great deal about life and the strength of the human spirit, inspiring me daily.  I have focused on maintaining a high level of communication with primary care physicians and other specialists, as I believe that this is essential for the best quality of care.  I thrive on being a patient advocate.  I consider it the greatest honor that you bestow your trust on me.

In addition to the DAC, I greatly enjoy being a member of the Rose Medical Center Medical Staff.  I speak with the doctors there daily, communicating patient concerns and educating them about new treatments for rheumatic disease.  In the last several years, my positions there included President of the Medical Staff, Director of Quality Services, Vice Chairman of the Department of Medicine, Chairman of the Division of Rheumatology, and Chairman of Credentials. I have represented Rose Medical Center on the governing and quality board of HealthONE.  Rose Medical Center has provided a supportive community for my patients and me.

I enjoy teaching both patients and physicians.  I have lectured nationally on diagnosing and treating a variety of rheumatic conditions.  I have been blessed with many incredible role models, including Dr. John Ward, Dr. Herb Kaplan, Dr. Walter Briney, and Dr. Michael Schiff.  They are all true gentlemen whom I respect and have learned much from.

My father immigrated from Russia as a child, served in World War II, and met my mother in the 1940s.  They ran a business together for 40 years.  I was born and raised in New York City, where I attended public schools including The Bronx High School of Science. 

I have two wonderful children, whom are a source of constant joy; transitioning to the teenage years has been a learning experience for all of us.  In my spare time I enjoy playing the guitar, photography, gardening and playing pool.  I am an avid aquarist and a fan of rock-n-roll concerts.