SPECIAL PROMOTION

One constant in the world of healthcare is change. But so many respected physicians in South Jersey stay the course when it comes to delivering the compassionate and competent care so important to you and your family.

DEDICATED DOCTORS

2019

WHY DID YOU WANT TO GO INTO YOUR SPECIALTY?

While doing the section for the anatomy of the upper extremities, I dissected out the human hand and forearm. It was so fascinating, so beautiful and so wonderfully intricate that I knew I wanted to work with the structures throughout the human body. It was at that moment I knew orthopedics was for me. THOMAS O’DOWD, MD ADVOCARE SOUTH JERSEY ORTHOPEDIC ASSOCIATES

Pain medicine allows me to use my mind, my hands, new technology and medications to diagnose and design a unique treatment plan for each patient. MATTHEW LESNESKI, MD RELEAF PAIN CENTER

I was attracted to the field for the challenge of providing comprehensive, compassionate and longitudinal care to my patients. I also love both pediatrics and adult medicine. Family Medicine allows me to practice both. BENNETT SHENKER, MD COOPER UNIVERSITY HEALTHCARE

I wanted to be a surgeon since I was in grade school. I did general surgery first but realized I liked taking care of women exclusively. Women are motivated to get better. They have hard things to do but they do them, along with the other million things we do. MICHELE FANTAZZIO, MD JEFFERSON HEALTH, SIDNEY KIMMEL CANCER CENTER

I wanted to help people lead healthier, better and longer lives. I went further with my training and became a surgeon because I saw I had the abilities to perform procedures that would have direct and immediate impact in those very ways. But I went on further with my training to become a plastic surgeon when I realized I wanted to make a difference in the quality of people’s lives. LYLE BACK, MD COSMETIC SURGERY CENTER OF CHERRY HILL

I was plagued with severe allergies that began to trumpet into asthma starting in my early puberty. I was directed to an allergist in my freshman year of college. The impact of that wonderful care was instrumental in my choice of allergy and immunology. EUGENE GATTI, MD ADVOCARE ALLERGY & ASTHMA

I love the relationships I get to make with my patients, who are primarily women newly diagnosed with breast cancer. When we first meet, many of my patients are anxious and concerned, and it’s my job to listen to them, have honest conversations, and help them see me as a partner in their journey. I feel as though I’ve found the branch of medicine that’s the perfect fit for my personality, which translates into better overall patient care and satisfaction. JAMES CRAWFORD, MD VIRTUA BREAST CARE

I chose OB/GYN because I wanted to improve healthcare for women. I ultimately chose urogynecology because I thought there was nothing better than improving the quality of life for women. ADAM HOLZBERG, DO ROWAN MEDICINE

As a young man growing up, I idolized my family doctor. I remember sitting in his office, waiting to be seen for something minor, and being amazed that he was treating all of these people sitting around me for so many various illnesses and problems. It seemed like there was nothing he couldn’t handle. In medical school, I never wavered in my choice of being a primary care physician. KEITH RADBILL, DO RENEWUS

OB/GYN offered me many things: surgery, delivering babies, helping to educate women about their health, and especially the continuity of care. I get to see my patients with women’s health issues, pregnancies, menopause and beyond. WENDY MARTINEZ, MD ADVOCARE THE WOMEN’S GROUP FOR OB/GYN

As a medical oncologist, I enjoy the very close relationships I develop with my patients as we go through a very tough journey together. It is very rewarding to know how thankful the patients are no matter how difficult times get. RACHEL LEVENBACH, MD REGIONAL CANCER CARE ASSOCIATES

Initially I pursued OB/GYN thinking I would like to help mothers and babies. During my OB/GYN residency, a monthlong mission trip to Rwanda opened my eyes. I took care of many young women with rectovaginal or vesicovaginal fistula from obstetric trauma, who were estranged from their families and husbands because of the medical conditions they had. Many women suffer from pelvic floor disorders in silence. I wanted to help those women. WOOJIN CHONG-KAUFMAN, MD INSPIRA MEDICAL GROUP

I was always interested in science in school, and playing sports and exercise led to a natural lean into orthopedic surgery. It’s a perfect blend of intellectually stimulating things combined with getting to use your hands to fix things. CHRIS CAREY, MD ADVOCARE ORTHOPEDIC RECONSTRUCTION SPECIALISTS

I became very interested in the assessment and management of rheumatic disease and arthritic disorders due to its very new place as a subspecialty of internal medicine. I found the lack of defined treatment in the 1970s as a challenge to helping so many afflicted people with disabling problems. Now these aspirations have been realized with the discovery of many effective and life-changing treatments for patients. MARK FISHER, MD

WHAT IS IT ABOUT THE PROFESSION THAT KEEPS YOU PASSIONATE ABOUT YOUR JOB?

I always say I have the greatest job in the world. Getting to help people feel better and return to activities they enjoy is very rewarding. CHRIS CAREY, MD ADVOCARE ORTHOPEDIC RECONSTRUCTION SPECIALISTS

I am energized every day with the positive difference I have been able to make for so many people, alleviating not only pain and suffering, but importantly the quality and longevity of so many lives. MARK FISHER, MD

I am very passionate about my job from the perspective that it incorporates the knowledge of the female pelvis and surgical skills on pelvic reconstruction while combining the compassionate care that

respects the dignity of each patient. WOOJIN CHONG-KAUFMAN, MD INSPIRA MEDICAL GROUP

One answer only to this question: the patients! Seeing them happy, giving me hugs and hearing I have had a positive impact in their lives means everything. It is all the reward I need. KEITH RADBILL, DO RENEWUS

As a medical oncologist, you always need to stay up to date on the latest changes in cancer care. It’s exciting to see how the treatments are changing and patients are responding better and living longer. RACHEL LEVENBACH, MD REGIONAL CANCER CARE ASSOCIATES

Medicine is an ever-changing and progressive art that is forever stimulating and provocative. EUGENE GATTI, MD ADVOCARE ALLERGY & ASTHMA

The patients are the reason I am passionate about my work. MICHELE FANTAZZIO, MD JEFFERSON HEALTH, SIDNEY KIMMEL CANCER CENTER

The most satisfying aspect of my profession is seeing people who originally present with hopeless pain completely transform into joyful and active people after treatment. DANIEL CATALDO, MD KIRSHNER SPINE INSTITUTE

All physicians help their patients, but in orthopedics, we often see the result in a day or two. When doing a complex surgical procedure, looking at a post-op X-ray that shows everything where it is supposed to be, knowing you did that, and that four weeks later the patient is going to be in less pain than they have been for years – what a rush! THOMAS O’DOWD, MD ADVOCARE SOUTH JERSEY ORTHOPEDIC

ASSOCIATES

Every breast cancer case is a unique and complex challenge. My role is not limited to surgery. I also provide education, advice and support to my patients and their loved ones. I find myself constantly thinking about my patients and about how I can better help them. JAMES CRAWFORD, MD VIRTUA BREAST CARE

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If a woman can now do something she was unable to do before, it re-energizes me to keep doing this. If she can now play with her kids, go to a movie or travel to see a loved one, it’s all worth it. ADAM HOLZBERG, DO ROWAN MEDICINE

I love my patients. We talk about what’s going on in their lives, they update me on their kids who I delivered, and they feel comfortable telling me about any problem they may be experiencing. I feel good that they trust me with all their personal problems. They always tell me, “Don’t ever retire.” WENDY MARTINEZ, MD ADVOCARE THE WOMEN’S GROUP FOR OB/GYN

In family medicine, the learning never ends. The breadth and depth of knowledge required to practice in this field makes every day interesting. I enjoy building relationships with my patients and knowing I am making a difference in their lives. BENNETT SHENKER, MD COOPER UNIVERSITY HEALTH CARE

Pain management is constantly evolving both in the medicine and minimally invasive procedures available to treat the aging spine. Pain cannot always be cured, but there are many options for patients to manage their pain. MATTHEW LESNESKI, MD RELEAF PAIN CENTER

Seeing the joy and happiness of everyday life becoming that much better in people’s lives. Being able to share in their satisfaction, their smiles, and that little extra pep in their step. To know I’ve been given the great responsibility and honor of having anything to do with that – could there be anything better? LYLE BACK, MD COSMETIC SURGERY CENTER OF CHERRY HILL

WHAT SHOULD MEDICAL STUDENTS KNOW ABOUT PRACTICING IN THE REAL WORLD?

Make it your personal goal that every patient that leaves your office knows what their medical condition is, what will be done to improve that condition and what THEY themselves can do to be as comfortable, functional and healthy as they can be. STEVEN KIRSHNER, MD KIRSHNER SPINE INSTITUTE

It’s a lot of work and can take many hours of being awake, as babies typically come in the middle of the night. You need to love what you do as this is what will keep you going. If you don’t have a passion for this field then don’t go into it. WENDY MARTINEZ, MD ADVOCARE THE WOMEN’S GROUP FOR OB/GYN

Healthcare is forever changing. What it is now might not be what it is in 5, 10 or 15 years. Always remember why you wanted to be a doctor. ADAM HOLZBERG, DO ROWAN MEDICINE

As a medical student, what you think you want and what you truly want may not be the same. Listen to your heart and have the courage to change course in your career if it is the right thing to do. You will thank yourself, and your patients will thank you even more. JAMES CRAWFORD, MD VIRTUA BREAST CARE

Medical school and residency are only the beginning of the journey, and all physicians need to be lifelong learners. However, knowledge cannot replace the human connection. Being a physician is truly a gift and a calling, and we need to put our patients’ interests above our own. BENNETT SHENKER, MD COOPER UNIVERSITY HEALTH CARE

Medicine is still a rewarding profession affording you the opportunity to help patients achieve better health and quality of life. The key to being a good pain doctor is understanding and defining your patient’s health goals. Once you have that information you can devise a treatment plan to meet their health needs. MATTHEW LESNESKI, MD RELEAF PAIN CENTER

Today’s medical students have great opportunities and also very challenging ones, as they try to give the best care and overcome the forces that only look at costs and not patient needs. MARK FISHER, MD

I think the 3 “A’s” I learned in medical school still ring true today: • Affability – be friendly, courteous, kind, compassionate and caring. • Availability – be attentive, responsive, supportive and listen. • Ability – continuously hone your skills, never stop learning and trying to be better. The professors would always point out that most doctors focus too much on ability not realizing that it is third on the list for a reason. LYLE BACK, MD COSMETIC SURGERY CENTER OF CHERRY HILL

Real world medicine with the economic process and dealing with those “woes” are not covered in most medical schools. They really can’t be. Medical schools are “ivory towers” to some degree. They are creating an ideal. Be prepared for practicality, both in the clinical and economic practice of medicine. It cannot be avoided unfortunately. THOMAS O’DOWD, MD ADVOCARE SOUTH JERSEY ORTHOPEDIC

ASSOCIATES

I would tell students that medical school and residency is the best time of your lives. Enjoy it. Real life is so much harder. MICHELE FANTAZZIO, MD JEFFERSON HEALTH, SIDNEY KIMMEL CANCER CENTER

Medicine is tiring work with often little recognition, but the intangible rewards are paramount and inwardly satisfying. EUGENE GATTI, MD ADVOCARE ALLERGY & ASTHMA

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Medicine is challenging and you are always working hard, but it is the most rewarding job you could have – you are saving lives and making a significant impact on patient’s lives on a daily basis. RACHEL LEVENBACH, MD REGIONAL CANCER CARE ASSOCIATES

Keep your eyes open at each level of training and find the thing you are most passionate about. CHRIS CAREY, MD ADVOCARE ORTHOPEDIC RECONSTRUCTION SPECIALISTS

The most troubling thing in medicine is we cannot treat patients equally. Some insurances will allow me to treat morbid obesity (which is a major cause of disease and death), and some will not. There is nothing more upsetting than knowing how to help a patient, and being impotent in implementing that plan because of a computer that automatically coughs out a denial. I do take it home with me. KEITH RADBILL, DO RENEWUS

It is most important to know the patient at the personal level and communicate with them heart to heart. Patients greatly appreciate you if you treat them as one of your family members. WOOJIN CHONG-KAUFMAN, MD INSPIRA MEDICAL GROUP

WHAT DO YOU WISH PEOPLE KNEW ABOUT STAYING HEALTHY?

It’s important to make lifestyle changes that are easy to stick to. Instead of making drastic changes all at once, go slow and make healthy eating changes and exercise changes that are feasible. RACHEL LEVENBACH, MD REGIONAL CANCER CARE ASSOCIATES

I try to encourage lifestyle modification strategies to prevent chronic diseases, including eating a healthy diet with plenty of fresh vegetables and fruit, and minimal red meat and refined carbohydrates. LOUIS MANARA, DO CENTER FOR REPRODUCTIVE MEDICINE & FERTILITY

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Physicians provide the expert advice and treatments to help patients stay healthy, but much of the success rests on how well patients self-manage their conditions when not at the physician’s office. A healthy lifestyle – which includes exercise, weight management, nutrition, sleep, medication adherence and stress reduction – has enormous impacts on health. BENNETT SHENKER, MD COOPER UNIVERSITY HEALTH CARE

I recommend people assemble a team of physicians who can provide the time and education to help guide them toward an active, healthy lifestyle. And I encourage people to speak up and ask their doctors whatever questions are on their mind. Never hesitate to take ownership of your own health. JAMES CRAWFORD, MD VIRTUA BREAST CARE

Understand that most disease is preventable and take an honest look at your diet, your lifestyle and stressors. Work with your doctor, be honest, be open to suggestion, and you will achieve better health. MATTHEW LESNESKI, MD RELEAF PAIN CENTER

Keep yourself healthy with moderation. Diet becomes even more important as we get older, and keeping yourself mentally stimulated is often an overlooked part of the whole picture. CHRIS CAREY, MD ADVOCARE ORTHOPEDIC RECONSTRUCTION

SPECIALISTS

If breast cancer or some other medical crisis happens to you – which hopefully it won’t – the healthier you go into the process, the healthier you come out. MICHELE FANTAZZIO, MD JEFFERSON HEALTH, SIDNEY KIMMEL CANCER CENTER

I believe if we can educate our patients on the power of healthy eating, increasing intake of antioxidants and exercise, that they will listen. My message to my patients is to never give up and know we will try everything in our power to help them get healthy and feel better. KEITH RADBILL, DO RENEWUS

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Every single medical issue that affects the human body is compounded by obesity. Eliminating the obesity epidemic would make the biggest impact on medical care in this country, more than any new drug or procedure. THOMAS O’DOWD, MD ADVOCARE SOUTH JERSEY ORTHOPEDIC ASSOCIATES

I have always promoted my patients’ need to be proactive with their wellness and understanding of their conditions and management necessary, including quality nutrition, and whatever exercise, and activity that works for them. Be positive! MARK FISHER, MD

If there were one best, healthiest diet then there would not be several hundred out there being advertised. Likewise, if there were one best exercise program then there would be only one. The truth of the matter is each of us must find the balance that fits our individual lifestyles. STEVEN KIRSHNER, MD KIRSHNER SPINE INSTITUTE

Don’t start smoking, quit if you do smoke, eat healthy, exercise at least 30 minutes, five days per week and see your doctor regularly for check-ups. Unfortunately, people start doing this when the damage is already done. WENDY MARTINEZ, MD ADVOCARE THE WOMEN’S GROUP FOR OB/GYN

These are three simple words to self-affirm each day: happiness, nutrition, motion. They are easily recited but often not achieved in our daily lives. EUGENE GATTI MD ADVOCARE ALLERGY & ASTHMA

What you eat and drink can have dramatic effects on your health no matter what area of your body. In my field, various foods and drinks can affect your bladder symptoms. ADAM HOLZBERG, DO ROWAN MEDICINE

Most of us know what we should do to stay healthy such as weight control, eating a well-balanced diet, regular exercise, avoiding smoking/alcohol/drugs, etc. Yet it seems pretty hard to keep it up. In my culture there is an expression for someone whose resolutions only last less than three days. Staying healthy requires “stick-to-it-iveness.” WOOJIN CHONG-KAUFMAN MD INSPIRA MEDICAL GROUP

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