As an orthopaedic surgeon, my clinical practice focuses on orthopaedic spine conditions as well as general orthopaedics. I currently see patients in Orchard Park and Warsaw, New York. In addition, I take spine trauma call at Erie County Medical Center (ECMC), and general orthopaedic call at both Mercy Hospital of Buffalo and the Wyoming County Community Health System.

Whether treating spine conditions or ankle fractures, my first goal is to educate my patients. Together, my patients and I decide on the best treatment plan for them. I spend a lot of time with patients helping them understand their health conditions and treatment options. I show them their radiographs, MRIs and CT scans, and I explain the results of this testing. We then work through the best course of action. I always prefer to prescribe less invasive treatments before recommending surgery. If I think my patients can improve their symptoms with physical therapy, chiropractic adjustments or injections, that is the course of treatment I recommend. If I can improve their symptoms with less invasive treatments, I consider that a "win." If none of those treatment modalities help, then I discuss surgery with my patients. I feel it is my obligation to determine if surgery is going to make my patients better, and I am very upfront with them. If I do not think they will get better with surgery, I will not offer that as an option.

I also work as a faculty member in the Department of Orthopaedics, teaching the next generation of orthopaedic residents. This is extremely rewarding, as I feel I am giving back to the community I was raised in. It is amazing to watch undergraduate students develop into medical students and then graduate to the level of medical residents. I enjoy teaching trainees knowing that I have contributed to their development and, ultimately, to the ways they will care for their future patients.

Orthopaedic Surgery, Spine Surgery

Adolescents, Adults, Seniors/Elderly

Physician Gender:

Female