Meet the area doctors that are helping our women feel their best.
It’s no secret that South Jersey has some of the top doctors in the country—physicians who are willing to go the extra mile for their patients. This month, we take a look at some of the best health care professionals that are helping area women live happy and healthy lives.
From those that deliver babies to surgeons faced with the harsh reality of cancer, these doctors are worthy of the recognition. We’ve partnered with third-party medical information provider Avvo to find the cream of the crop.
Our readers also had their say, voting for their recommendations online. Read on to see who made the list and meet 10 of these leaders in medicine.
DR. KRISTIN L. BRILL
Surgical Oncology
Brill grew up in a family with her mother and three sisters, so women’s health issues were always very prominent, and her father—a known and loved orthopedic surgeon in the area—helped influence her decision to become a doctor with his undeniable passion for medicine. Attracted by the combination of oncology and surgery, Brill is one of the leading breast cancer physicians in the area, encouraging her patients to ask questions and understand the disease they are dealing with. Inspired by the women who give so much of themselves, Brill says this of her patients: “They are mothers, wives, sisters … they are in general a very caring bunch and are usually people who are accustomed to caring for other people and now they have to focus on themselves,” she says. “I thought there was a need to help this group of women.”
DR. WARREN I. BRANDWINE
OB/GYN
When asked what drew him to his specialty, Dr. Brandwine doesn’t waste any time: “I like delivering babies,” he says matter of factly. These days, Brandwine isn’t delivering many babies, as the 30-year veteran currently serves as the chairman of the department of OB/GYN at Virtua, a position that keeps him at the forefront of his medical field. “You can’t compress 30 years of practice into a moment, but I really found being chairman of the department to be rewarding. It’s an entirely new aspect of medicine that I had no experience with before.”
DR. MICHAEL T. SNYDER
OB/GYN
Snyder calls his job the “happy field of medicine,” and it’s certainly one that has brought him several highs. In 1999, Snyder was featured on Good Morning America and made international headlines when he delivered the first baby born in the country to Kosovo refugees who were staying at Fort Dix. It’s just one example of the joys of his 18-year-career, but not his ultimate highlight. “Women want a physician who will care about their needs and help them when they need help. Those experiences are available to any physician any single day. I may have had some special moments, but those are fleeting … the day-to-day opportunity to help somebody, those are the rewards.”
DR. KATHLEEN M. HEINTZ
Cardiologist
It may sound cliché, but when pressed for advice on keeping your heart healthy, Heintz has three words of advice: “Don’t get heavy.” Too often, obesity can lead to high cholesterol, diabetes and high blood pressure. “Those are the three really big risk factors for heart disease,” Heintz says. A popular speaker and educator on cardiovascular disease, Heintz treasures the work she does. “The heart is the most interesting part of health and it’s a big deal to take care of a patient that comes to the hospital with a heart attack and put them on the road to a healthier life. It’s one of those things, that every single day, I like what I do.”
DR. CAROLYN J. HOROWITZ
Radiation Oncology
“It’s amazing how close you become with the patients,” Dr. Horowitz muses. Working with those suffering from cancer, Horowitz often sees the same faces every day for treatment. It allows her to serve as a support system and creates situations where she almost becomes an extended family member. While that level of commitment has not wavered in her more than two decades as a physician, it has only gotten better thanks to technological advancements. “Technology has just exploded,” Horowitz says. “Machines have become more sophisticated, we’ve become more precise and, as a result, we’ve diminished the side effects.”
DR. SHLOMO M. STEMMER
OB/GYN
Stemmer thoroughly enjoys the dual role he plays as an OB/GYN—both the surgical phase as well as serving as a primary care physician. “We spend a lot of time with the patients and their families, going through many happy moments, but,” he cautions, “sometimes not so happy.” Fertility struggles are not uncommon and during his 17 years, Stemmer has found gratification in helping women who have faced hurdles during their pregnancy. “We are very connected to the patient, we know them on a personal basis … so when the patient that tries for a long time to get pregnant, where there are some challenges, to deliver a healthy baby is the happy aspect of the practice.”
DR. BRENDA VELASCO
Gastroenterology
Dr. Velasco knows that there are many things her patients would rather talk about than their stool, but she promises you it won’t make her uncomfortable in the least. “It’s an embarrassing field and it’s hard for people to talk about it, so it makes me happy to help them,” she says. How exactly? “I make them laugh!” Bringing humor to the situation may help ease the tension, but Velasco stresses the most important thing for her patients is to be able to trust in her, no matter how scared or embarrassed. Working with Allied Gastrointestinal Associates, Velasco is excited about the group’s new Center for Women in Voorhees and what it means for her female patients. “It’s specifically a center dealing with gastrointestinal problems in women in an environment they can feel comfortable in where women are the care providers.”
DR. ALLAN MAGAZINER
Integrative Medicine
When Magaziner was a teenager, he sparked an interest in holistic medicine and natural healing techniques after his mother, struggling with hepatitis, regained her vitality after seeing a doctor who specialized in that area. “When I went to medical school, I saw the current approach to medicine wasn’t really benefiting the patients to the degree we could,” he recalls. For the past 25 years, Magaziner’s Cherry Hill practice has aided females ages 35 to 70 particularly concerned about healthy aging, hormone dysregulation, chronic fatigue and the like. “A common sentence I hear is ‘I don’t feel myself,’” he says. Magaziner’s goal is to address the underlying causes of disease, rather than simply cover up the symptoms. “Many people have told me that their life has changed for the better. They feel vibrant, they say ‘Thanks so much for giving me my life back.’ You really are affecting change in their life.”
DR. MICHAEL S. ENTMACHER
Medical Oncology
It was some 36 years ago when Entmacher was just starting out in medicine that he read an anonymous, yet meaningful quote that has served as his approach to his field of medicine. “Cure sometimes, relieve mostly and comfort always.” Dealing with the harsh reality of cancer is never easy, but Entmacher makes sure that his patients know they aren’t going at it alone. “I tell them ‘I’m going to be supporting you through this, let’s work together and concentrate on the present,’” he says. Building that kind of intense relationship creates an unmistakable connection between doctor and patient. “I can say that it’s a very satisfying profession being a physician. The humanity is really touching and many times, the emotions that need to be expressed, I become kind of attached. You have to keep your distance, which is difficult, but the satisfaction is that you are building a relationship that is human; it’s real.”
DR. ANTHONY P. SALERNO
OB/GYN
For the good majority of his patients, Salerno is a familiar face. That’s because many have been with him for three decades. “I’ve seen them from when they’ve given birth to their hysterectomies,” he says. With a practice that treats young women on up to those over 90, Salerno credits his longevity to the lasting bonds he’s made with women over the years, especially those who reappear unexpectedly. “One of the things that makes you the most proud is when someone leaves the area or transfers care for whatever reason, and then 10 to 15 years later, they’ll seek you out and come back,” he says. It’s a scenario that has played out many times for Salerno. “It’s rewarding because it shows you’ve made an impact in somebody’s life and that they appreciate it.”
This year, we turned to Avvo, a Seattle-based company that rates and profiles legal and medical professionals. Avvo’s proprietary algorithm rates all doctors on a 10-point scale, factoring in peer endorsements as well as experience, education, training, research, publishing and awards. These dynamic ratings are regularly refreshed based on new information gleaned from doctors as well as from certifying, licensing and disciplinary boards. [As of press time, all the practitioners on our list were certified to practice in their fields by their respective medical licensing board.]
While the list that follows is wide-ranging and carefully researched, many good doctors don’t appear on the list. This reference is best used as just one step in the careful journey toward finding the doctor who is right for you.
Female Pelvic Medicine and Surgery
Dr. Karolynn Echols
Voorhees
(856) 325-6622
Gynecologic Oncology
Dr. James K. Aikins Jr.
Voorhees
(856) 325-6644
Dr. Meredith Crisp
Voorhees
(856) 325-6644
Dr. Randolph B. Deger
Voorhees
(856) 325-4310
Dr. Thomas Rocereto
Voorhees
(856) 325-6644
Dr. David Warshal
Voorhees
(856) 325-6644
Hematology (Pathology)
Dr. Richard H. Greenberg
Cherry Hill
(856) 424-3311
Dr. Alan S. Penziner
Westampton
(609) 702-7550
Dr. Priya Pradip Gor
Cherry Hill
(856) 424-3311
Dr. David H. Ross
Voorhees
(856) 435-1777
Maternal and Fetal Medicine
Dr. Elyce H. Cardonick
Camden
(856) 342-2491
Dr. Tuan A. Dinh
Camden
(856) 342-2491
Dr. Steven Feld
Marlton
(856) 983-5691
Dr. Richard L. Fischer
Camden
(856) 342-2491
Dr. Meena Khandelwal
Camden
(856) 342-2491
Dr. Robin L. Perry
Camden
(856) 342-2491
Dr. Harish Sehdev
Lumberton
Moorestown
Voorhees
(215) 829-7443
Medical Oncology
Dr. Maurice Cairoli
Mount Holly
(609) 702-1900
Dr. Michael Entmacher
Mount Holly
(609) 702-1900
Dr. Jack Goldberg
Cherry Hill
(856) 429-1519
Dr. Kanu P. Sharan
Voorhees
(856) 673-4575
Dr. Norman Siegel
Cherry Hill
(856) 424-3311
Woodbury
(856) 686-1002
Dr. Robert M. Somer
Voorhees
(856) 673-4575
Dr. Edward D. Viner
Camden
(856) 673-4575
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Dr. Isadora G. Ances
Camden
(856) 342-2186
Dr. Eyton R. Barnea
Camden
(856) 541-2229
Dr. Ricardo Caraballo
Voorhees
(856) 325-6622
Dr. Jung Choe
Marlton
(856) 751-5575
Dr. Ryan Colella
Voorhees
(856) 424-3323
Dr. Carl Della Badia
Blackwood
(856) 228-8066
Dr. Jonel M. Dershem
Voorhees
(856) 770-9300
Dr. Robert Dilks
Turnersville
(856) 629-1400
Dr. Debra Epstein
Maple Shade
(856) 234-4436
Dr. Natali R. Franzblau
Cherry Hill
(856) 321-1800
Dr. John S. Garra
Collingswood
(856) 854-4524
Dr. Jeffrey T. Gibson
Elmer
Mullica Hill
Woolwich Township
(856) 223-8930
Dr. Joseph Grover
Cherry Hill
(856) 354-9373
Dr. Phillip Hayes
Cherry Hill
(856) 795-0587
Dr. Ronald M. Jaffe
Cherry Hill
(856) 321-1800
Dr. Thomas Kay
Voorhees
(856) 424-3323
Dr. Ashok Keswani
West Deptford
(856) 845-5645
Dr. Bruce Levine
Mount Holly
(609) 261-4925
Dr. Ronald Librizzi
Voorhees
(856) 325-3328
Dr. Suzanne Mackey
Voorhees
(856) 424-3323
Dr. Saifuddin T. Mama
Marlton
(856) 983-5691
Dr. Stacy McCrosson
Mount Laurel
(856) 778-4700
Dr. Beverly Mikes
Cherry Hill
(856) 424-8091
Dr. Alisa B. Modena
Voorhees
(856) 247-3328
Dr. Kathleen O’Banion
Voorhees
(856) 325-6600
Dr. Louis Petrozza
Paulsboro
(856) 845-4061
Dr. Wanda Ronner
Haddonfield
(856) 429-0400
Dr. Michael Snyder
Willingboro
(609) 871-2060
Delran
(856) 764-0002
Mount Laurel
(856) 778-2060
Dr. Kathleen Steighner
Voorhees
(856) 424-3323
Dr. Shlomo M. Stemmer
Haddonfield
(856) 428-6355
Dr. Kathryn R. Suarez
Cherry Hill
(856) 321-1800
Radiation Oncology
Dr. Catherine Kim
Voorhees
(856) 247-7330
Dr. John Wilson
Voorhees
(856) 247-7330
Reproductive Endocrinology/ Infertility
Dr. Dorette Noorhasan
Marlton
(856) 596-2233
Sewell
(856) 218-8863
Dr. Gary Packin
Marlton
(856) 596-2233
Sewell
(856) 218-8863
Dr. Stephen W. Sawin
Marlton
(856) 596-2233
Sewell
(856) 218-8863
Dr. Robert Skaf
Marlton
(856) 596-2233
Sewell
(856) 218-8863
Dr. Peter Vandeerlin
Marlton
(856) 596-2233
Sewell
(856) 218-8863
Surgical Oncology
Dr. Umur M. Atabek
Voorhees
(856) 342-3113
Dr. Ari Brooks
Vineland
(856) 641-8635
Dr. Frank C. Koniges
Voorhees
(856) 342-3113
Dr. Anne Rosenberg
Cherry Hill
(856) 488-4224
Dr. Robert M. Simons
Voorhees
(856) 342-3113
Top Physicians for Women 2012: Reader’s Choice
Cardiology
Dr. Nicholas DePace
Sewell
(856) 589-6034
Dr. Annie Peter
Haddon Heights
(856) 546-3003
Dr. Joseph E. Parrillo
Voorhees
(888) 342-2034
Cardiovascular Disease
Dr. Vic Bahal
Mullica Hill
(856) 241-3838
Dr. Martiza Cotto
Voorhees
(888) 342-2034
Dr. Kathleen M. Heintz
Pennsville
(888) 342-2034
Dr. Peter B. Kurnik
Marlton
(856) 396-0950
Dr. Joseph Parillo
Voorhees
(856) 342-2034
Dr. Andrea M. Russo
Voorhees
(888) 342-2034
Dr. Perry J. Weinstock
Cherry Hill
(888) 342-2034
Dermatology
Dr. Coyle Connolly
Linwood
(609) 926-8899
Dr. Sandra Elder
Marlton
(856) 596-3393
Dr. Analisa Halpern
Marlton
(856) 596-0111
Dr. Naomi Lawrence
Marlton
(856) 596-3040
Dr. Robin Levin
Marlton
(856) 810-9888
Dr. Birgit Toome
Marlton
(856) 751-9560
Endocrinology and Metabolism
Dr. Ghada Haddad
Voorhees
(856) 795-3597
Gastroenterology
Dr. Anil Balani
Cherry Hill
(856) 429-4433
Dr. Cynthia A. Griech-McCleery
Mount Laurel
(856) 642-2133
Dr. Ahmed Shehata
Cherry Hill
(856) 429-4433
Dr. Brenda Velasco
Voorhees
(856) 751-2300
Dr. Warren Werbitt
Cherry Hill
(856) 429-4433
Infertility/Reproductive Endocrinology
Dr. David Corley
Marlton
(856) 334-8030
Dr. Akas Jain
Marlton
(856) 988-0072
Vineland
(856) 794-8080
Dr. Louis Manara
Voorhees
(856) 767-0009
Dr. Allan Morgan
Marlton
(856) 334-8030
Dr. George S. Taliadouros
Marlton
(856) 988-0072
Vineland
(856) 794-8080
Medical Oncology and Hematology
Dr. Generosa Grana
Voorhees
(856) 673-4575
Dr. Marjan L. Koch
Voorhees
(856) 673-4575
Dr. Noah Lindenberg
Voorhees
(856) 435-1777
Neurology
Dr. Steven Bromley
Audubon
(856) 546-2300
Dr. William R. Wolfe
Voorhees
(856) 767-2670
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Dr. Warren I. Brandwine
Mount Laurel
(856) 778-4700
Dr. Eric Grossman
Voorhees
(856) 772-2300
Dr. Michelle A. Iavicoli
Cherry Hill
(856) 321-1800
Dr. Susan Kaufman
Cherry Hill
(856) 424-8091
Dr. Jayci Knights
Marlton
(856) 983-5691
Dr. Wendy Martinez
Voorhees
(856) 770-9300
Dr. Anthony P. Salerno
Sewell
(856) 589-1414
Dr. Steven L. Richman
Mount Laurel
(856) 778-4700
Dr. Kathleen Schaeffer
Sewell
(856) 270-4020
Dr. Robert Siefring
Burlington
(609) 835-5570
Dr. Michele Tartaglia
Sewell
(856) 589-1414
Pain Management
Dr. Scott Grenberg
Cherry Hill
(856) 424-8222
Dr. Kavita Gupta
Voorhees
(856) 751-7799
Dr. Allan Magaziner
Cherry Hill
(856) 424-8222
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
Dr. Lyle Back
Cherry Hill
(866) 535-8281
Dr. Sean Bidic
Vineland
(856) 362-8898
Dr. Steven L. Davis
Cherry Hill
(856) 424-1700
Dr. A. Leilani Fahey
Voorhees
(856) 342-3113
Dr. Brett Garber
Cherry Hill
(856) 616-9200
Dr. Martha S. Matthews
Voorhees
(856) 342-3113
Dr. Gary A. Tuma
Pennington
(609) 537-7000
Dr. Bhupesh Vasisht
Voorhees
(856) 784-2639
Radiation Oncology
Dr. Alexis Harvey
Southern NJ
(888) 217-8662
Dr. Carolyn Horowitz
Sewell
(800) 789-7366
Dr. Tamara LaCouture
Voorhees
(856) 325-6660
Radiology
Dr. Robert T. Harvey
Mount Laurel
(609) 261-4500
Dr. Lydia Liao
Voorhees
(888) 499-8779
Dr. Catherine W. Piccoli
Voorhees
(856) 751-5522
Dr. Emily D. Scattergood
Camden
(888) 499-8779
Surgical Oncology
Dr. Kristin L. Brill
Voorhees
(856) 342-3113
Dr. Eduardo Careaga
Sewell
(856) 218-2100
Dr. Christopher Gannon
Pennington
(609) 537-6000
Dr. Lisa M. Reid
Voorhees
(856) 342-3113
Vascular Surgery
Dr. Charles Dietzek
Voorhees
(856) 887-1989
Dr. Frederick Fisher
Voorhees
(856) 596-7440
Dr. Thomas Grabiak
Voorhees
(856) 596-7440
Dr. Raymond Wojtalik
Voorhees
(856) 887-1989
Published (and copyrighted) in South Jersey Magazine, Volume 9, Issue 2 (May, 2012).
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