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Professional Experience

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.

Gerald F. Gaughan, MD, is a highly experienced physical medicine and rehabilitation physician at Doctors United, with offices in the West Farms and Wakefield neighborhoods in the White Plains, and Ardsley, New York. Dr. Gaughan focuses on enhancing and restoring the functional abilities and quality of life for his patients with physical impairments and disabilities. 

After earning his Doctor of Medicine at the State University of New York (SUNY) Health Science Center (now known as SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University) in Brooklyn, New York, Dr. Gaughan completed a one-year medicine internship at New Rochelle Hospital (now known as Montefiore New Rochelle Hospital) in New Rochelle, New York. 

Dr. Gaughan then went on to complete his anesthesia residency at Montefiore Medical Center, the University Hospital for Albert Einstein College of Medicine, in the Bronx, followed by his physical medicine and rehabilitation residency at New York Medical College in Valhalla, New York.

He is board-certified by the American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and is licensed to practice medicine in the state of New York. 

Dr. Gaughan has hospital affiliations with St. Barnabas Hospital in the Bronx and St. John’s Riverside Hospital in Yonkers. 

Taking a patient-centered approach to care, Dr. Gaughan makes himself available when his patients need him. 

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. 

Philip M. Rojo, MLP-NP, is a highly skilled nurse practitioner passionate about delivering customized care. Through his work at Union Spine and Pain Management, which has offices in Union, Scotch Plains, South Bound Brook, New Brunswick, Old Bridge, and Woodbridge, New Jersey, Philip helps patients feel more comfortable as they progress in treatment. 

A lifelong learner, Philip earned a Bachelor of Science in nursing from Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, in New Brunswick. He remains at Rutgers to complete a Master of Science in nursing, focusing on adult and geriatric care. 

Philip is trained in basic life support and advanced cardiac life support. He is also certified as an adult/gerontology acute care nurse practitioner. 

Philip’s professional experience includes working in emergency room settings and managing patient care across various crisis and trauma needs. He also brings experience in managing patient care after surgical interventions, in addition to treating numerous acute and chronic musculoskeletal pain disorders. 

Philip enjoys working one-on-one with those in his care, getting to know them and their unique health needs. He finds his work deeply rewarding, especially when patients overcome significant challenges in pain management. 

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. 

Philip M. Rojo, MLP-NP, is a highly skilled nurse practitioner passionate about delivering customized care. Through his work at Union Spine and Pain Management, which has offices in Union, Scotch Plains, South Bound Brook, New Brunswick, Old Bridge, and Woodbridge, New Jersey, Philip helps patients feel more comfortable as they progress in treatment. 

A lifelong learner, Philip earned a Bachelor of Science in nursing from Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, in New Brunswick. He remains at Rutgers to complete a Master of Science in nursing, focusing on adult and geriatric care. 

Philip is trained in basic life support and advanced cardiac life support. He is also certified as an adult/gerontology acute care nurse practitioner. 

Philip’s professional experience includes working in emergency room settings and managing patient care across various crisis and trauma needs. He also brings experience in managing patient care after surgical interventions, in addition to treating numerous acute and chronic musculoskeletal pain disorders. 

Philip enjoys working one-on-one with those in his care, getting to know them and their unique health needs. He finds his work deeply rewarding, especially when patients overcome significant challenges in pain management. 

Wayne Fleischhacker, DO, DABA, DABPM, DAAPM, is the director of Union Spine and Pain Management with offices in Union, Scotch Plains, South Bound Brook, New Brunswick, Old Bridge, and Woodbridge, New Jersey. He has vast experience in anesthesiology and pain management, including minimally invasive pain management procedures and surgery. 

Dr. Fleischhacker began his education at Rochester Institute of Technology in Rochester, New York, receiving his bachelor’s degree in biology. He later achieved his medical degree at the New York College of Osteopathic Medicine in Old Westbury.

Shortly after, he completed a rotating internship at Massapequa General Hospital in Seaford, New York, followed by anesthesiology and pain management training at Temple University Hospital in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Dr. Fleischhacker is on staff at multiple hospitals and surgery centers in New Jersey.

He also served as the attending anesthesiologist and chairman of the anesthesiology and pain management department at Union Hospital in New Jersey and the Endo-Surgical Center as the director of anesthesiology and pain management.

Established in the medical field, Dr. Fleischhacker is a diplomate of the American Board of Anesthesiology, the American Board of Pain Medicine, the American Academy of Pain Management, and the National Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners.

He is also a member of the American Society of Anesthesiologists, the New Jersey Society of Anesthesiologists, the American Board of Pain Management, the International Spine Intervention Society, the American Society of Interventional Pain Physicians, and Director of the New Jersey Society of Interventional Pain Physicians.

Dr. Fleischhacker's dedication to patient-centered care and his commitment to enhancing medical knowledge continue to make a profound impact on the lives of countless patients and his team at Union Spine and Pain Management.

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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.