As one of the few sleep physicians certified in behavioral sleep medicine (CBSM) in New York State, I am engaged in the full-time practice of sleep medicine. I have clinics in the main UBMD Sleep Center as well as satellite facilities. While sleep apnea is the most common issue of our patients, we evaluate a broad range of sleep disturbances in our UB affiliated clinics. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) methods are used in our insomnia practice.

Having been instrumental in establishing the sleep fellowship program remains a source of great satisfaction, and besides patient care, the most rewarding aspect of my professional life is mentoring fellows in sleep medicine. In my dual roles as the chief of sleep medicine and the sleep medicine fellowship director, I understand the challenges and opportunities that face this growing, multidisciplinary field. We strive to ensure that all dimensions of the sleep program are vibrant and that the breadth of clinical and research experience is available to our sleep fellows.

In addition to mentoring fellows in a clinical setting, I devote time to providing instruction in the proper evaluation and interpretation of diagnostic sleep testing. In conjunction with the fellows, I assist with the coordination of monthly sleep medicine grand rounds and selection of cases to present to the faculty. I organize these conferences to highlight sleep medicine’s multidisciplinary nature. Discussion topics vary; recent conferences have included the dental aspects of sleep medicine and the unique needs of pediatric patients with sleep disorders, for example. We have also featured presentations by faculty with pulmonary expertise on sleep apnea and on the neurological aspects of the discipline, such as the cause of neurochemical sleep mechanisms. The carefully selected discussion topics attract faculty, fellows, residents and advanced students from UB’s schools of nursing, dentistry and medicine to take part.

I also teach elective classes for both medical students and residents who demonstrate an early interest in this growing and rapidly evolving discipline.

Sleep Medicine

Adolescents, Adults, Seniors/Elderly

Physician Gender:

Male