President, Allergy Asthma Immunology of Rochester, PC and Infusion Center
With the organization: 19 years.
In current position: 5 years.
Education: Bachelor’s degree in psychology from University at Buffalo, magna cum laude; medical degree from SUNY Upstate Medical University; specialization in pediatric and adult allergy and immunology at the University of South Florida.
Career Highlights: Worked at Disney World and Give Kids the World in Florida, where smiles, happiness, compassion and laughter were important parts of treatment. Worked as an inpatient hospitalist at FF Thompson Hospital. Moved back to Rochester to be close to family and chose to join AAIR due to reputation for excellence and top-notch care. Opened Canandaigua satellite office to serve that area. Voluntarily provides the only pollen counts for all of Western New York and the Finger Lakes at no cost. Became president of AAIR and continues to strive to provide excellent care to all our patients and the Rochester community for many years to come.
Current professional affiliations: American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology; Monroe County Medical Society; Medical Society of the State of New York; Finger Lakes Allergy Society; American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology.
What is your biggest challenge in your current position? “Rochester was just ranked the second worst place for asthma in the United States. Allergic inflammation is the leading cause of nasal, sinus and asthmatic inflammation and symptoms. Finding ways to navigate the severe Rochester pollen onslaught and treat patients in ways that minimize symptoms and drugs, rather than just piling on more and more lifelong medications.”
What is your greatest strength professionally? “People say they love my laugh and that I am an optimistic and positive person. I try to make patients comfortable, smile, not dread coming to the doctor, and make sure I listen to understand them, and not just treat them as a number with a limited time slot. My biggest strength is that I truly care.”
If you could make one change to the current healthcare system, what would it be? “I think we need more private physicians and practices. Rochester is unique as two behemoth health systems have swallowed up most private practices, significantly raising cost of care which also raises insurance premiums, decreasing efficiency and flexibility, and making health care less personal.”
How do you support the well-being of your team? “I feel a happy well-balanced home life outside of work is critical to staying happy, refreshed and motivated to be able to offer our best to patients. We began closing on Fridays, so employees can have three-day weekends with family. We also have an employee appreciation holiday gala for our employees each year, do raffles for Bills, Red Wings and comedy tickets, participate in the breast cancer walks and Lima, New York bed races, dress up for Halloween and events, and have a Breath of Fresh AAIR club that organizes fun activities and surprises for employees.”