I am a 48 year old doctor, originally from Garden City, New York down in Long Island. This is my 18th year living in and practicing medicine in Saratoga Springs. My wife and I are both trained in musculoskeletal medicine, our board certifications are in physical medicine and rehabilitation. We met in residency. I am also fellowship trained in pain medicine and boarded in that specialty. I run and own the Albany and Saratoga Centers for pain management. We are the largest independent pain management group in the capital district with 3 offices and a surgery center. We treat simple and complex issues related to the spine and joints. I also have a passion for treating patients with sports injuries, utilizing the latest advancements in regenerative medicine. I lead an active lifestyle. When not at work, I enjoy skiing, surfing, Sailing, and cooking. I spent some time in the Air Force and I am now beginning to reacquaint myself with flying. I am taking flying lessons at Saratoga County Airport and I am working on getting my private pilots license.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
My wife Radka and I are raising two teenagers, 15 and 16 years old, a boy and a girl. They are student athletes. We bring our dog to work almost every day.. she is a certified therapy dog and is well known in our practice, everybody loves Petunia!
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
As mentioned above, I practice sports and spine medicine. I perform simple surgeries, but most of the time I’m putting medicine where people hurt. I do not like to prescribe pain medication or addictive medication. I utilize my abilities to get to painful places under x-ray or ultrasound.. I love that I have the ability to reduce peoples pain and get them back to their regular functional self. I’d like to get them back in the game quickly. A veteran of an accident and spine surgery myself, I know what it’s like to be suffering from nerve pain, so I feel that I can really relate to my patients.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
I am a big fan of the DZ restaurants in town, I regularly spend time at Chianti. I also like to spend time out at the lake at 550 Waterfront..
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
18 years
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
I’ve worked as a rock Doc at SPAC so I have had the opportunity to meet and treat many of my musical heroes. I have to say two of the most interesting locals that I have become friends with are Dottie Pepper and our former mayor, Meg Kelly .
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
I have always said, when you marry a European, you go places. Radka and I have traveled the world. She is from the Czech Republic.. We work hard and play hard. Next on the list would be Australia..
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
I mostly like documentaries and history.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Our bodies and minds require maintenance. By the age of 40 most folks are reminded that they are not invincible. I’d be happy to help with options to help you age gracefully..
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
Currently working on my private pilots license. Also want to do some Heli skiing with my family.
Q: What is your go to band when you can’t decide what to listen to?
I don’t really know how this happened but lately I’ve been listening to country music but I am really a classic and contemporary rock fan. I guess you can say I just like any guitar driven music. I love to attend concerts at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center. We are so lucky to have that venue here.
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
Our downtown is special. Any walk down Broadway reminds me of that. Health, History, Horses, I guess that really sums it up..
Q: If you could choose anyone, not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
If she were still alive, I would love to have had tea with the queen!
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
I love that we have so much culture here in Saratoga Springs. Is the diverse city, somewhat of a melting pot with people from many different places that have chosen to make a living, or live their life here.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
I see myself slowing down a little bit in the next 5 to 10 years. I’m exposed to a lot of X-ray as I use it to do my procedures, to see where I’m going. That is not all that good for you. I plan to practice more wellness medicine, and anti-aging medicine. I am almost 50 years old. I have a vested interest in trying to live a good health span., notice I didn’t say life span
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I am an accomplished musician, we have a studio at the house, and I love to play guitar and sing. I generally cannot avoid an open karaoke mic.
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
I love the Seascape of Eastern Long Island, the Long Island sound, Nantucket and Block Island. I am also a huge fan of the Adirondacks..
Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
I love Thanksgiving. I enjoy the cooking aspect and I enjoy that we mostly spent it with friends and our immediate family. Many of us do not have relatives in the area so we tend to band together and cook, enjoy wine and company together.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
SPAC, Saratoga National Golf course, the Saratoga Automobile Museum
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
I’ve always been self actuated. In my field I’m always driving to get better and become more of an expert in other things that will benefit my patients.
Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
Bordeaux and simmering garlic.
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Family, unity, caring
