Physician
Norbert W. Rainford, MD
Dr. Norbert Rainford is a clinical cardiologist who has enjoyed fulfilling parallel careers in both administrative and clinical medicine. With a passion for wellness and preventive medicine, he specializes in the converging fields of chronic cardiovascular illness such as hypertension, lipid abnormalities, diabetes, obesity, chronic inflammation and the inter-connectivity with the emerging concepts of functional medicine and system biology.
Dr. Rainford is committed to helping create a culture of wellness for his patients and the community at large. His methods go beyond the traditional by incorporation key components to improve wellness. He provides superior service, personal attention, guidance and support to ensure that his patients get the necessary tools to become conscientious partners in their own medical care.
As a former Carrier (Contractor) Medical Director for Medicare, Dr. Rainford's varied experience includes data analysis of the utilization of Medicare services, research and formulation of Local Coverage Determinations (payment policies), the development of coverage guidelines and the interpretation of national CMS and statutory directives for local application.
He served as chair of the Cardiology Work Group of Carrier Medical Directors, advising CMS on topical and emerging cardiology issues. He has authored several policies adopted by the American College Of Cardiology in the formation of national template policies.
Dr. Rainford is a graduate of Columbia University (BA) and New York University, School Of Medicine (MD) and a former Assistant Professor of Medicine, Columbia University (Cardiology). He is a Fellow Of The American College Of Cardiology and the American College of Physicians. He is also an active member of the Institute For Functional Medicine and the Association Of Black Cardiologists.
In addition to these attributes, Dr. Rainford co-authored the chapter " Multifunction Cardiogram" in the book titled " Personalized And Precision Integrative Cardiovascular Medicine ", edited by Dr. Mark Houston (Copyright Wolters Kluver, 2020)
Medical Assistant
Donna Brown
Donna is a certified Medical Assistant who has been working with Dr. Rainford for over 30 years.
She has a wide skill set in the performance of diagnostic testing, combining a solid academic background with an interest in medicine to provide a complementary role in the patient's experience. She also draws from her experience as a counselor at a home for mentally challenged individuals.
Donna is committed to a healthy lifestyle on a personal level, including swimming, biking, hiking and running. She loves learning about new foods and interesting recipes. This passion complements the advice to clients, as she gives very practical ideas in designing a healthy lifestyle.
Donna holds a Bachelor Of Arts degree, with a major in Biology from Herbert Lehman College (CUNY).
Nutritionist
Irene Maltzan
The most enduring lesson from our educational activity is the role of nutrition in cardiovascular health.
Our nutritionist Irene Maltzan applies an approach that is tailored to the patient's individual needs. She believes nutrition should have a holistic approach, meaning that she wants to know how All areas of a patient's life are affecting his/her overall health, for example, is stress at the job or in personal relationships causing overeating or is a lack of sleep or low energy preventing an effective exercise routine.
Irene then applies the principles of bio-individuality in designing a plan based on our patient's unique needs, lifestyle, personal preferences and background. She utilizes a wellness pyramid which emphasizes the importance of high quality vegetables, fruits, complex carbohydrates, proteins, healthy fats and water. To complete the picture, the pyramid model is supported with the lifestyle factors that enhance optimal health, relationship, career, physical activity and spiritually.
She also reviews the critical information from our intake forms and coordinates initiation and follow up with Dr. Rainford.
Irene is available for individual consultations, group instructions and cooking classes.
Click on link to see a short video of her class.
Exercise Physiologist
Michelle L. Patel
Michelle has over 15 years of experience as a health care professional in the
Health/Wellness and Rehabilitation field. Her academic pursuits are reflective of
the knowledge and passion that she brings to the interaction with her clients. She
has a Bachelor of Science in Applied Health Studies, a Master of Science in Clinical Exercise Physiology, and a second Master of Science degree, in Health Education and Promotion.
Michelle has been immersed in an active cardiology and vascular medicine practice for many years, directing cardiac exercise and cardio-pulmonary exercise stress tests.
Michelle has years of hands on clinical and research experience. She specializes in designing individualized therapeutic exercise programs for all clinical situations. She firmly believes education is necessary for self-growth and improved quality of life, and is committed to delivering outstanding service to each client.
Hudson Valley Functional Medicine
Dr. Sheryl Leventhal, MD
In 2005, after spending 13 years practicing Hematology Oncology, I switched my focus to Functional Medicine, a newer systems approach to medicine. I was in the third graduating class of fellows that studied and certified through The Institute for Functional Medicine , which is now going on its 30th year. As someone always hungry to learn and improve care, in the last 5 years I have been following the increasing proliferation in medical studies, articles, books, podcasts, and websites in the emerging field of longevity. With the celebration of my 60th birthday coupled with my determination to remain vibrant and fit, I have embarked upon a deep study of the new genomics and physiology of aging and am now hungry to share what I’m learning with patients by offering an integrated, comprehensive Longevity Medical Consultation service that can help each client hedge against future disease and realize their full potential to live healthfully throughout the remainder of their lives.
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