Cardiologist providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Chiropractor providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Dentist providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Dermatologist providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Family Physician providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
OB-GYN providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Ophthalmologist providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Orthopedic Surgeon providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Pediatrician providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Physical Therapist providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Podiatrist providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Psychiatrist providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Marlyn Alvarado, FNP-C, is a board-certified family nurse practitioner at Union Spine and Pain Management. The practice has locations in Union, Scotch Plains, South Bound Brook, New Brunswick, Old Bridge, and Woodbridge, New Jersey. Proficient in English and Spanish, Marlyn brings a wealth of experience delivering comprehensive care to diverse populations of all ages.
Marlyn embarked on her nursing journey at New Jersey City University in Jersey City, where she earned her nursing degree. During this time, she served as a surgical nurse at Jersey City Medical Center in Jersey City, New Jersey, where she cared for patients undergoing chemotherapy, dialysis, and surgery.
Continuing her work at Jersey City Medical Center, Marlyn served in pivotal roles as a transition discharge nurse and maternal child health nurse. Here, she managed patients with high-risk pregnancies, substance use disorder, and teen pregnancy, demonstrating her versatility in addressing complex healthcare needs.
She also served as a case manager at United Healthcare in West New York, New Jersey, and later as a wellness coach/chronic condition manager at Premise Health. These roles further developed her understanding of holistic healthcare management and patient support.
Passionate about advancing her nursing practice, Marlyn pursued her Master of Science in nursing at Spring Arbor University in Spring Arbor, Michigan. This led to her family nurse practitioner certification from the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners.
Marlyn holds additional certifications in neonatal resuscitation from the American Academy of Pediatrics and advanced cardiac life support from the American Heart Association.
In her role at Union Spine and Pain Management, Marlyn enjoys collaborating with the team, ensuring that she meets the diverse needs of her patients.
Emergency Medicine Karen launched her clinical career in the fast-paced Emergency Rooms of Christ Hospital and Hoboken University Medical Center, where she spent a decade refining her skills in acute and emergency care. This experience honed her ability to make critical, life-saving decisions and adapt swiftly to high-pressure situations.
Primary Care & Urgent Care In 2020, Karen transitioned to urgent care settings in Central Jersey, broadening her expertise in Primary Care. This shift allowed her to cultivate meaningful patient relationships, manage chronic conditions, and address acute illnesses. Her adaptability and holistic approach became pivotal in delivering effective, compassionate care.
Specialization in Endocrinology Currently, Karen’s focus is on Endocrinology, a field she finds deeply rewarding. She specializes in managing intricate conditions like diabetes, thyroid disorders, and metabolic challenges. Her patient-first approach ensures tailored, evidence-based solutions that empower individuals to achieve better health and well-being.
Commitment to Professional Growth Karen actively engages in continuing education and professional development to remain at the forefront of advancements in medical science. She participates in seminars and workshops, ensuring her practice integrates the latest research and technologies.
Philosophy of Care
Karen’s approach to healthcare is rooted in empathy, respect, and collaboration. She believes that every patient deserves a customized care plan, clear communication, and a trusted partnership to navigate their health journey. Her philosophy combines medical expertise with genuine compassion to ensure positive outcomes.
Achievements
Clinical Excellence: Recognized for her exceptional diagnostic skills and patient rapport in both emergency and primary care settings.
Community Engagement: Participates in health awareness programs and local health fairs, promoting preventive care and wellness education.
Mentorship: Serves as a mentor to aspiring healthcare professionals, sharing her insights and fostering a commitment to compassionate care.
Personal Life
Karen is a dedicated wife and mother of three young children who keep her energized and inspired. She is also the proud owner of a Yorkie who completes the family. In her downtime, she channels her creativity into crafting and baking and unwinds with her favorite Netflix series. She loves outdoor adventures with her family and is passionate about maintaining a balanced life, both personally and professionally.
Paul So, MD, is a board-certified physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist at Orthocenter, a prestigious orthopedic practice in Redbank and Morganville, New Jersey. Fellowship-trained in Interventional Spine and Sports Medicine, Dr. So specializes in providing comprehensive, patient-centered care to improve quality of life.
A New Jersey native, Dr. So studied at Rutgers University in New Brunswick, where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science and Sports Studies with a minor in Nutritional Science. He remained at Rutgers for medical school and was awarded the Annual Medical Student Award in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.
Dr. So studied at Morristown Medical Center for his internship before completing his residency training at Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation in New Jersey. During residency, he served as the Administrative Chief Resident. Dr. So also received the Medical Student Teaching Award and was nominated for the Golden Apple Award. Relocating to New York City, Dr. So completed his Interventional Spine and Sports Medicine fellowship at the Hospital for Special Surgery on the Upper East Side. Here, he served as the Clinical Chief Fellow.
As a physiatrist, Dr. So believes in the importance of a multidisciplinary, patient-collaborative approach to spine and musculoskeletal care. He focuses on providing conservative but comprehensive treatment and developing an individualized care plan for each patient. For those who require interventional treatments, Dr. So also specializes in performing a wide array of minimally invasive spine and musculoskeletal procedures.
Dr. So is an active member of various professional organizations, including the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (AAPM&R), the International Pain & Spine Intervention Society (IPSIS), and the North American Spine Society (NASS).
Dr. Marcelo del Rio, PT, DPT has been a physical therapist for 5 years. Marcelo received my Doctorate Degree at Long Island University - Brooklyn. He has been in out-patient PT for 3 years is now doing in-home physical therapy with Reddy Care. His favorite condition to treat would include any neurological condition (Parkinoson's, MS etc.) as he is able to utilize his knowledge to help improve these patients' functional ability.
Vantage Medical Associates, P.C. is a multispecialty group practice that partners with every patient to provide comprehensive, lifelong internal medicine care. The practice has locations in the Bergen Beach, Coney Island, Williamsburg, and Sheepshead Bay neighborhoods in Brooklyn, the Far Rockaway neighborhood in Queens, and Brentwood, West Hempstead, and Babylon, New York, and is made up of a team of highly skilled physicians and clinical staff dedicated to offering the highest quality services to all patients.
The practice improves your overall health and quality of life by combining the latest advances in evidence-based medicine with compassionate, patient-centered care and cutting-edge information technology. Vantage Medical Associates PC offers complete care for women’s health, gastroenterology, podiatry, and chronic disease management for conditions like hypertension (high blood pressure).
Those with persistent conditions like lower back pain and fibromyalgia benefit from pain management services and physical therapy.
Convenient in-office imaging and diagnostic testing, as well as services for neurology, cardiology, and urology, are also available. Telehealth and home visits provide patients who have trouble getting to the office with a trouble-free way to see their provider.
Get all the care you need at one practice. Call Vantage Medical Associates, P.C. today to learn more or use the online tool to request information.
As a nationally recognized sports medicine physician and regenerative orthopedic specialist, Luga Podesta, MD helps to restore a better quality of life for patients of all ages at Bluetail Medical Group in the Naples, Florida office. For more than 25 years, Dr. Podesta has been treating patients from diverse backgrounds, including athletes, musicians, and weekend warriors, helping them safely heal and return to the activities they love. He specializes in the nonsurgical treatment of orthopedic and musculoskeletal injuries.
Rated as a Top Doctor by Castle Connolly in 2017, Dr. Podesta offers his wealth of knowledge and experience for those with shoulder, elbow, knee, and spinal injuries. He is also considered a pioneer in the field of regenerative medicine, an area of the medical field that holds the potential to repair damaged tissue fully without invasive surgical procedures.
Dr. Podesta earned his medical degree from the Autonomous University of Guadalajara and the New York Medical College. He went on to complete his residency in physical medicine & rehabilitation (PM&R) at St. Vincent’s Medical Center of New York City. He finished his post-doctorate sports medicine fellowship at Staten Island Orthopedic Sports Medicine Fellowship, Staten Island, New York, Thousand Oaks, and the renowned Kerlan-Jobe Orthopedic Clinic in Los Angeles.
With board certifications in sports medicine and physical medicine and rehabilitation, Dr. Podesta continues his work as a dedicated physician, educator, author, and lecturer around the world. He serves as a consultant for the U.S. Open Tennis Tournament, Major League Baseball umpires, and World Baseball Classic. He is also a sports performance consultant to Cirque Du Soleil-Iris.
In the past, Dr. Podesta served as a medical director, physician, and consultant for numerous Los Angeles semi-professional and professional sports teams, including the Los Angeles Lakers. He is also a contributing writer for DRUM! Magazine regarding health-related topics for percussionists and performing artists.
As a doctor of osteopathic medicine, Chris Wolf, DO of Bluetail Medical Group in Chesterfield, Missouri believes in formulating a comprehensive plan to guide patients through rehabilitation and back to optimum health.
Dr. Wolf specializes in sports medicine and orthopedics, caring for individuals with musculoskeletal injuries, including back pain, pelvic pain, and pregnancy-related conditions. He practices regenerative medicine procedures, including ultrasound-guided injections.
Dr. Wolf earned his medical degree from the Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine in Kirksville, Missouri. He went on to attend the University of Missouri in Columbia, where he completed his residency in physical medicine & rehabilitation (PM&R) with a subspecialty in brain injury medicine. He is board certified in both disciplines. Besides his medical degrees and certifications, Dr. Wolf also completed a teaching fellowship in osteopathic manipulative medicine.
Before joining Bluetail Medical Group, Dr. Wolf was an associate professor at the University of Missouri, where he also directed the Brain Injury and Concussion program. He frequently speaks and teaches at continuing medical education programs across the country.
As part of his comprehensive treatment plans, Dr. Wolf is highly skilled in the osteopathic manipulative treatment and uses this hands-on therapy to help patients of all ages get relief from painful symptoms. When he’s not at the office, Dr. Wolf enjoys coaching and participating in Crossfit, watching local sports, reading, and spending time with his family.
At Island Interventional Pain Management in Commack, New York, patients benefit from having their care delivered by experienced interventional pain management specialist Rajmani Krishnan, MD. Dr. Krishnan gives every patient the individual attention they deserve and devotes as much time as they need to deliver excellent diagnostics and treatment.
Dr. Krishnan earned his medical degree from Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) in Manipal, India, graduating in 1998 with honors. He moved back to New York City for his anesthesiology residency at the Brookdale University Hospital and Medical Center in Brooklyn and stayed on as chief resident in anesthesiology.
In 2004, Dr. Krishnan completed his fellowship in pain medicine and regional anesthesia at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics (UIHC) in Iowa City, Iowa.
Dr. Krishnan excels in advanced procedures and more complex invasive therapies, including spinal cord stimulation and dorsal root ganglion (DRG) stimulation, SI joint fusion, kyphoplasty for vertebral compression fractures, intrathecal pain pump implantation, Intracept® radiofrequency ablation, and minimally invasive lumbar decompression (MILD).
In addition to his impressive medical qualifications, Dr. Krishnan also has a Master of Business Administration (Finance) with distinction from Hofstra University on Long Island. He’s a member of the Beta Gamma Sigma business honor society (BGS) and a diplomate of the American Boards of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine.
Dr. Krishnan enjoys traveling and playing chess during his free time and is a dedicated movie buff.
To benefit from Dr. Krishnan’s considerable expertise and experience, call Island Interventional Pain Management today or book an appointment online.
Dr. Marcelo del Rio, PT, DPT has been a physical therapist for 5 years. Marcelo received my Doctorate Degree at Long Island University - Brooklyn. He has been in out-patient PT for 3 years is now doing in-home physical therapy with Reddy Care. His favorite condition to treat would include any neurological condition (Parkinoson's, MS etc.) as he is able to utilize his knowledge to help improve these patients' functional ability.
Uzma Nasir, MD, is a board-certified anesthesiologist and pain medicine specialist at Long Island Chronic Pain. At the offices in East Northport, Centereach, and Huntington Station, New York, Dr. Nasir provides customized pain management services and specializes in both interventional and medical pain management. She’s known for her compassionate approach and efficient manner to patient care.
Dr. Nasir's postgraduate training included an Internship in Surgery at Harlem Hospital, Columbia University, a Residency in Anesthesiology, and a Fellowship in Pain management at Jackson Memorial Hospital, University of Miami. She was also a Clinical Assistant Professor of Anesthesia and Pain Management at SUNY-Stony Brook University Hospital.
In addition to her clinical work, Dr. Nasir authors educational chapters on various pain medicine topics. She also served as a clinical assistant professor of anesthesia and pain management at Stony Brook University Hospital in Stony Brook, New York.
At Long Island Chronic Pain, Dr. Nasir customizes multidisciplinary treatment plans to address chronic neck pain, joint pain, back pain, auto and sports injuries, and degenerative diseases. She is skilled in using the on-site fluoroscopy and other diagnostic technologies to determine the best course of treatment.
Dr. Nasir has extensive experience in multiple nonsurgical pain medicine therapies, including nerve blocks, joint injections, radiofrequency ablation, and regenerative medicine. The Long Island Chronic Pain office is also an AAAASF-accredited facility.
To schedule an appointment with Dr. Nasir, call any of the offices or book an appointment online.
Frank Colarusso, DO, is board-certified in physical medicine and rehabilitation at Mercer-Bucks Orthopaedics in Hamilton, Lawrenceville, and Princeton, New Jersey, and Langhorne, Pennsylvania.
Dr. Colarusso maintains double-board certification, having recently recertified with both the American Medical Association, the American Board of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, and the American Osteopathic Association. With an attention to detail and passion for continuing education, Dr. Colarusso is proud to provide comprehensive non-operative musculoskeletal, spine, and sports medicine.
He specializes in MSK neck and back pain, EMG services, acute and chronic pain syndromes with medication management, dry needling, Osteopathic Manual Manipulation treatments as well as ultrasound-guided injections, nerve blocks, and biologics.
After receiving honors at Rider University in Lawrenceville, New Jersey, and Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine in Pennsylvania, Dr. Colarusso remained in Pennsylvania to intern at St. Barnabas Health Care System. He later was the chief resident in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Boston University Medical Center in Massachusetts.
Previously serving as one of three attending physicians at the 15th largest rehabilitation hospitals in the United States, Dr. Colarusso is proud to serve new and returning patients from the Mercer-Bucks Orthopaedics offices.
Ajay Kumar MD, DABPM, DABPM, is an interventional spine and pain physician at New Jersey Advanced Pain Management, which has locations in Hackettstown, New Jersey, Matamoras, Pennsylvania, and Warwick New York
Dr. Kumar earned his Doctor of Medicine from the prestigious All India Institute of Medical Sciences in New Delhi, India. He completed his residency in physical medicine and rehabilitation at Temple University Hospital in Philadelphia. He is fellowship-trained in interventional pain medicine, board certified in physical medicine, and a diplomate of the American Board of Pain Medicine.
In India, Dr. Kumar was an orthopedic surgeon with specialized training in doing fluoroscopic and ultrasound-guided minimally invasive pain procedures. He is one of the few physicians who have extensive training in prolotherapy. At New Jersey Advanced Pain Management Center, Dr. Kumar works with the patient to offer them various solutions for their problem. He routinely treats patients affected by musculoskeletal injuries that cause back pain, neck pain, knee pain, and shoulder pain. Dr. Kumar has extensive experience in NCV/EMG studies to diagnose the cause of the pain. He offers minimally invasive spine procedures and spinal cord stimulation trials as well as spinal cord stimulation permanent implants for various medical diagnoses.
Dr. Kumar's strengths include diagnosing difficult cases and offering sensible treatments that are logical and safe. He understands the ability of the body to naturally heal itself as a basis for his treatment protocols. Dr. Kumar also embraces multidisciplinary care, including physical therapy, acupuncture, and chiropractic, to get well and stay healthy.
To schedule an appointment with Dr. Kumar and the team at New Jersey Advanced Pain Management Center, call the office or book an appointment online today.
Dr. Wiederholz is a leading expert in the field of minimally invasive spine treatments in Houston. Trained directly under Dr. Kevin Pauza, the inventor of the Discseel® Procedure, Dr. Wiederholz has been performing this innovative treatment since 2020, making him the first physician in Houston to do so.
His direct training under Dr. Pauza has provided him with a deep understanding and mastery of the Discseel® Procedure, allowing him to offer his patients a safe and effective alternative to surgery for chronic back and neck pain.
As a trailblazer in his field, Dr. Wiederholz is dedicated to providing his patients with the highest standard of care. His expertise and commitment to patient wellbeing have established him as the trusted choice for those seeking to avoid surgery and improve their quality of life. Choose Dr. Wiederholz, the Houston Discseel® Expert, for a successful return to a pain-free life.
Dr. Matthias Wiederholz is also the founder and visionary behind Performance Pain & Sports Medicine, also known as Performance. Performance is a boutique medical practice with a focus on the treatment of acute and chronic pain. Dr. Wiederholz founded Performance in 2008 and officially opened for patient care in 2009. Dr. Wiederholz serves his patients in Houston, Texas; and Lawrenceville, New Jersey.
Dr. Wiederholz received his specialty training in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas where he served as chief resident. He completed fellowship training in Interventional Pain Management and Sports Medicine in Marietta, Georgia. He holds four board certifications: Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation is his primary specialty. This field focuses on the treatment of the entire person with special attention to functional recovery. He also holds a board certification in Sports Medicine and he is a leader in this field offering minimally-invasive options for healing of sports injuries. He also has a board certification in Pain Medicine through the American Board of Pain Medicine. His expertise in this field spans both nationally and internationally where he has provided education for physician colleagues throughout the US and Europe. Finally, he is board certified in Anti-Aging, Regenerative & Functional Medicine and holds a Masters degree in Metabolic & Nutritional Medicine. Unlike other physicians that are dabbling in the field of Regenerative Medicine, Dr. Wiederholz is board-certified in it. He is a leader in the use of autologous, bone marrow derived stem cell procedures and platelet rich plasma procedures using targeted image guidance with both ultrasound and fluoroscopy.
The field of Pain Medicine has advanced over the years and Dr. Wiederholz prides himself on keeping up with all the most innovative advancements within the field. He performs all the basic pain management procedures, such as epidural injections, facet joint injections, rhizotomies, sacroiliac joint injections. But he is a leader in the advanced treatments within the field as well. He was the first physician in the entire state of Texas to perform the Superion procedure, a minimally invasive implant procedure for the treatment of spinal stenosis. He also implants spinal cord stimulators and intrathecal pain pumps. He also has specialized training in endoscopic spine surgical procedures.
Dr. Wiederholz is one of just a few physicians licensed and trained to perform the Discseel™ procedure. This amazing procedure often prevents spine surgery and treats the inflammation associated with leaky disc syndrome. Invented by Dr. Kevin Pauza, Dr. Wiederholz was trained on this advanced technique and offers this therapy in Texas, New Jersey and Pennsylvania!
In his personal time Dr. Wiederholz spends time with his wife and daughter and enjoys traveling, golf and yoga. Despite being a transplant from New Jersey, he truly enjoys making Texas-style barbeque in his kamado grill. He also enjoys baking fresh bread and making homemade pasta.
Gautam Kothari, DO, is a physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist at Mercer-Bucks Orthopaedics, with offices in Hamilton, Lawrenceville, and Princeton, New Jersey, and Langhorne, Pennsylvania.
Dr. Kothari grew up in northern New Jersey, where his family still resides. He was accepted into an accelerated seven-year medical program directly from high school. He completed his undergraduate studies in three years at the New York Institute of Technology and then went on for his medical schooling at the New York College of Osteopathic Medicine.
He completed his residency training in physical medicine and rehabilitation at Nassau University Medical Center in East Meadow, New York, where he served as chief resident in his final year.
Dr. Kothari completed additional fellowship training in interventional spine care and sports medicine at Orthopaedic and Spine Specialists in York, Pennsylvania, under Michael Furman, MD, an international figure in the field.
Before joining MBO, Dr. Kothari was a clinical instructor for the Department of PM&R at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. In addition to his clinical duties, he was involved with training medical students and residents. Before his departure, Dr. Kothari was nominated for the title of associate clinical professor.
Dr. Kothari is a published author and has a variety of publications, including most recently a “Pocket Handbook of Spinal Injections,” which is used as a quick reference for doctors in training.
He has a special interest in spinal disorders and musculoskeletal injuries and performs various fluoroscopically-guided procedures and ultrasound-guided procedures, including epidural steroid injections, nerve blocks, joint injections, radiofrequency ablation and spinal cord stimulation.
Dr. Kothari also performs regenerative medicine treatments such as platelet-rich plasma for acute or chronic tendon, joint, muscle, or spinal conditions.
Frank Colarusso, DO, is board-certified in physical medicine and rehabilitation at Mercer-Bucks Orthopaedics in Hamilton, Lawrenceville, and Princeton, New Jersey, and Langhorne, Pennsylvania.
Dr. Colarusso maintains double-board certification, having recently recertified with both the American Medical Association, the American Board of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, and the American Osteopathic Association. With an attention to detail and passion for continuing education, Dr. Colarusso is proud to provide comprehensive non-operative musculoskeletal, spine, and sports medicine.
He specializes in MSK neck and back pain, EMG services, acute and chronic pain syndromes with medication management, dry needling, Osteopathic Manual Manipulation treatments as well as ultrasound-guided injections, nerve blocks, and biologics.
After receiving honors at Rider University in Lawrenceville, New Jersey, and Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine in Pennsylvania, Dr. Colarusso remained in Pennsylvania to intern at St. Barnabas Health Care System. He later was the chief resident in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Boston University Medical Center in Massachusetts.
Previously serving as one of three attending physicians at the 15th largest rehabilitation hospitals in the United States, Dr. Colarusso is proud to serve new and returning patients from the Mercer-Bucks Orthopaedics offices.
/assets/images/provider/photos/2375548.png)
/assets/images/provider/photos/2375548.png)
/assets/images/provider/photos/2637410.jpg)
/assets/images/provider/photos/2637410.jpg)
/assets/images/provider/photos/1802307.png)
/assets/images/provider/photos/1802307.png)
/assets/images/provider/photos/2422000.jpg)
/assets/images/provider/photos/2422000.jpg)
/assets/images/provider/photos/2215888.jpg)
/assets/images/provider/photos/2215888.jpg)
