Founder, President and CEO of Kayal Orthopaedic Center, P.C.

Dr. Robert A. Kayal is the Founder, President and CEO of Kayal Orthopaedic Center, PC. Dr. Kayal considers it an honor, blessing and privilege to help restore an active lifestyle and joyful life to each of his patients. He gives all his thanks to God for his talents and skills and prays his practice will always be used to honor and glorify God.

“What you’ll find here isn’t just state-of-the-art facilities. It’s an entire philosophy,” says Dr. Kayal. With New Jersey locations in Franklin Lakes, Glen Rock, Westwood, Paramus, Westwood, North Bergen, Paterson, Garfield and Wyckoff and an additional center in Stony Point, NY, the award-winning practice prides itself on offering advanced orthopaedic treatments in a compassionate environment. As a patient, “you aren’t just a number,” says Dr. Kayal. “We’re focused on building lifelong relationships, accelerating rehabilitation and inspiring quality of life.”

Specializing in partial and total joint replacements as well as sports medicine and arthroscopy, Dr. Kayal knows the importance of staying abreast of the latest technologies. By keeping his finger on the pulse of innovation, he can provide beneficial treatments to help patients recover quickly. “I use cutting-edge advancements in customized total knee replacement surgery that utilizes high-resolution MRI technology to create a 3D blueprint of the patient’s arthritic knee. Proprietary software removes all of the arthritis from the joint and sizes, shapes, aligns and perfectly fits a new knee in its place. Then, 3D printing is used to create customized Patient Specific Instrumentation, which is shipped to the operating room and sterilized for my use,” says Dr. Kayal. “This state-of-the-art technology allows me to perform a virtual knee replacement in advance of surgery and create a new knee that’s customized specifically to a patient’s body.”

Besides the Kayal Orthopaedic Center, Dr. Kayal’s practice includes the Kayal Pain & Spine Center, Kayal Rheumatology Center, Kayal Physical Therapy, Kayal Osteoporosis Center and the Kayal Medical Imaging Center. These facilities allow him to provide a wider range of musculoskeletal treatments and therapies. “I believe our patients do their homework and choose this practice because of our training, skill, experience and innovation,” Dr. Kayal says. “But what they also find from us is patience, compassion and a genuine concern and commitment to each and every one of them.”

ATTENDING ORTHOPAEDIC SURGEON PRIVILEGES:

• The Valley Hospital, Ridgewood, NJ
• Hackensack Meridian Health Main Campus, Hackensack, NJ
• Hackensack Meridian Health at Pascack Valley Campus, Westwood, NJ
• Chilton Medical Center, Pompton Plains, NJ
• Hudson Regional Hospital, Secaucus, NJ
• Patient Care Associates, LLC, Englewood, NJ
• Christian Health Care Center, Wyckoff, NJ
• JDT Resort, Medical Rehab Center, Lincoln Park, NJ

EDUCATION & TRAINING:

• UMDNJ-New Jersey Medical School; Newark, NJ 7/92 to 5/94
  • Doctor of Medicine (MD) received 5/94
  • UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School; Piscataway, NJ 8/90 to 6/92
• Pennsylvania State University; University Park, PA 8/86 to 5/90
  • Bachelors of Science (BS) in Premedicine received 5/90

RESIDENCY TRAINING:

• 5-year New York-based Orthopaedic Surgery Residence Program
• Department of Orthopaedic Surgery 7/95 to 6/99
  • Long Island Jewish Medical Center, New Hyde Park, NY
  • Schneider’s Children’s Hospital, New Hyde Park, NY
  • North Shore University Hospital, Manhasset, NY
  • Jamaica Hospital, Queens, NY
  • New York University Medical Center, NY, NY
  • Beth Israel North Medical Center, NY, NY
  • Memorial Sloan-Kettering Medical Center, NY, NY
• Department of General Surgery 7/94 to 6/95
  • Long Island Jewish Medical Center, New Hyde Park, NY

BOARD CERTIFICATIONS:

• American Board of Orthopaedic Surgeons (ABOS)
  • Board Certification in Orthopaedic Surgery
  • Board Recertification in Orthopaedic Surgery

• American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS)
  • Fellowship (FAAOS)

CERTIFICATIONS & LICENSURES:

• New Jersey Medical License
• New York Medical License
• New Jersey Drug Enforcement Administration
• New Jersey Controlled Dangerous Substances
• Diplomate of the National Board of Medical Examiners
• Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS)
• Basic Life Support (BLS)

HONORS & AWARDS:

• Horizon’s “Healthcare Heroes” nominee for Physician of the Year, 2012
• Castle Connolly Top Doctors Award, 2011 to present
• NJ Top Docs Top-Rated NJ Orthopaedic Surgeon Award, 2011 to present
• Vitals’ Patients’ Choice Award, 2011 to present
• Vitals’ Compassionate Doctor Award, 2011 to present
• Alpha Omega Alpha (AOA) National Medical Honor Society
• Sigma Xi, The Scientific Research Society, Newark Chapter
• Elected Associate Member of UMDNJ, Newark, NJ
• UMDNJ-New Jersey Medical School; Newark, NJ
  • Received “Honors” in Obstetrics and Gynecology (scored 100% on National Board Exam), Psychiatry, Ophthalmology and Orthopaedics
• UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School; Piscataway, NJ
  • Received “Honors” in Biochemistry, Pathology, Autopsy Pathology, Medicine, Pharmacology, Infectious Diseases, Behavioral Sciences, and Environmental Medicine
• Pennsylvania State University; University Park, PA
  • Alpha Epsilon Delta (AED) National Premedicine Honor Society, Phi Lambda Upsilon National Chemistry Honor Society, Golden Key National Honor Society, Hitner-Grinder Award Scholarship, National Dean’s List
• Ramapo Regional High School; Franklin Lakes, NJ
  • Superintendent’s List High Honor Roll Student, GPA 3.81/4.00, Class Rank 16/315, National Honor Society, 13 Underclassman Academic Achievement Awards, Dartmouth College Book Award which recognizes Dartmouth College’s choice of “Student-Athlete of the Year,” Recipient of Academic Scholarship to be applied toward further education.

PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS:

• American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS)
• New Jersey Orthopaedic Society (NJOS)
• New Jersey Doctor Patient Alliance (NJDPA)
• American Medical Association (AMA)
• UMDNJ-New Jersey Medical School Alumni Association
• Pennsylvania State University Alumni Association
• Alpha Omega Alpha (AOA) National Medical Honor Society
• Sigma Xi, The Scientific Research Society, Newark Chapter
• Alpha Epsilon Delta (AED) National Premedicine Honor Society
• Phi Lambda Upsilon National Chemistry Honor Society
• Golden Key National Honor Society
• National Dean’s List
• National Honor Society

APPOINTMENTS:

• Hackensack Meridian Health at Pascack Valley Campus, Westwood, NJ
  • Member, Board of Trustees
  • Chief, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery
  • Accelero Operating Room “Surgeon Champion”
• Patient Care Associates Surgical Center, Englewood, NJ
  • Chairman, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery
  • Member, Management Committee
  • Member, Quality Assurance Committee
  • Member, Infection Prevention Committee
• Kayal Orthopaedic Center, PC
  • Chairman, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery
• JDT Resort, Medical Rehab Center, Lincoln Park, NJ
  • Chairman, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery
• Rutgers School of Health Professions
  • Adjunct Assistant Professor, Department of Primary Care

• The Valley Hospital, Ridgewood, NJ
  • Chairman, Education Committee
  • Chairman, Luckow Pavilion Surgical Advisory Committee
  • Member, Steering Committee
  • Member, Ad hoc Surgical Efficiency Committee
  • Member, Sports Medicine Center of Excellence Committee
• Chilton Medical Center, Pompton Plains, NJ
  • Operating Room “Physician Champion”

Leader in the Medical Community

Dr. Edward C. Friedland is a board-certified orthopaedic surgeon who has been active in the medical community throughout the 50+ years he has been in practice.

After completing his undergraduate degree, medical school, an internship and a general surgical residency, Dr. Friedland served two years as a medical officer in the U.S. Air Force. Upon completing his military tour, Dr. Friedland moved to New Jersey, where he finished an orthopaedic surgical residency at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Paterson. He has been in the active practice of orthopaedic surgery here in New Jersey since August 1968.

SPECIALTY:

• Orthopaedic Surgery

EDUCATION & TRAINING:

• New York University, 1957 Academic Degree
• SUNY Downstate Medical Center, 1961 Professional Degree, MD
• American College of Surgeons Fellowship
• American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) Fellowship
• Clinical Assistant Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery
• New Jersey College of Medicine and Dentistry, 1970-2004

BOARD CERTIFICATION:

• American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery
• Board Certification in Orthopaedic Surgery

PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS:

• Fellow, American College of Surgeons
• Fellow, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
• American Medical Association
• Bergen County Medical Society
• Eastern Orthopaedic Association
• New Jersey Orthopaedic Society
• The Royal Society of Medicine

An Expert in Sports Medicine & Arthroscopic Surgery

Dr. E. Jeffrey Pope has been involved in sports medicine and adolescent orthopaedic care from very early in his training and continues this interest into his current practice. He cares for numerous adolescent and high school athletes as well as the “weekend warrior.” Dr. Pope is the author of multiple articles in orthopaedic literature, where he focuses on both sports medicine and general orthopaedics.

Dr. Pope completed his residency at the prestigious New York University Hospital for Joint Diseases and then chose to further train in complex arthroscopic procedures at the renowned University of Chicago. Dr. Pope specializes in arthroscopic procedures of the shoulder, elbow, hip, knee and ankle. He is skilled in trauma, as well as shoulder, hip and knee replacement surgery. He is proud to serve the Bergen County, NJ, community where he was raised. Outside of the office, he enjoys hiking, golf and, most importantly, spending time with his wife and twin boys.

SPECIALTY:

• Orthopaedic Surgery

EDUCATION & TRAINING:

• Pennsylvania State University: BS Premedicine, BS Nutrition Science, 2000
• University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey: Doctorate of Medicine, 2004
• Resident in Orthopaedic Surgery, NYU Hospital for Joint Diseases, 2009
• Fellowship; Sports Medicine – Arthroscopic and Open Procedures, University of Chicago, 2010

HOSPITAL AFFILIATIONS:

• The Valley Hospital, Ridgewood, NJ
• Hackensack Meridian Health at Pascack Valley Campus, Westwood, NJ
• Chilton Medical Center, Pompton Plains, NJ
• Patient Care Associates, LLC, Englewood, NJ

BOARD CERTIFICATION:

• American Board of Orthopaedic Surgeons (ABOS)
  • Board Certification in Orthopaedic Surgery
• American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS)
  • Fellowship (FAAOS)
• Certificate of Added Qualification in Sports Medicine (CAQSM)

HONORS & AWARDS:

• Medical School:
  • Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society
  • NJMS Dean’s Letter of Commendation for Outstanding Academic Performance
  • Merck Manual Award for Academic Excellence (2004)
  • Van Houten Scholarship for Excellent Academic Performance (2003)
  • Dr. and Mrs. Joseph Ritter ’63 Scholarship for Academic Excellence (2003)
  • Class of 1977 Academic Scholarship (2002)
  • Class of 1966 Academic Scholarship (2001)
• Undergraduate:
  • Golden Key National Honor Society (1999)
  • Undergraduate Dean’s List: Six semesters – Fall 1997 through Spring 2000

PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS:

• American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS)
• Alpha Omega Alpha – Medical Honor Society

By Your Side, Every Step of the Way

Chad W. Rappaport, DPM, FACFAS, evaluates and treats the entire spectrum of foot and ankle conditions. From simple athlete’s foot to complicated surgical reconstructive procedures, Dr. Rappaport prides himself on his bedside manner and constant search for innovative treatment of the foot and ankle.

Dr. Rappaport is among fewer than 600 of the nearly 15,000 podiatrists in the country who are board-certified in Reconstructive Rearfoot and Ankle Surgery and Foot Surgery by the highly selective American Board of Podiatric Surgery.

His training included numerous surgeries under the supervision and mentoring of John Feder, MD, Long Island’s first foot and ankle fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon. He also worked with Mark Myerson, MD, the highly regarded author of numerous scientific papers and surgical textbooks that are considered to be the ultimate reference source for foot and ankle surgeons. In early 2017, Dr. Rappaport made history by performing the first total ankle replacement at HackensackUMC at Pascack Valley.

Dr. Rappaport is proud to serve the Franklin Lakes, NJ, community where he grew up.

SPECIALTY:

• Foot and Ankle Surgery

EDUCATION:

• Des Moines University Osteopathic Medical Center, Des Moines, IA, 2000
  • Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM)
• University of Osteopathic Medicine & Surgery, Des Moines, IA, 1998
  • Bachelor of Science

TRAINING:

• American College of Foot & Ankle Surgeons (ACFAS)
  • Fellowship

BOARD CERTIFICATIONS:

• American Board of Podiatric Surgery (ABPS)
  • Board Certification in Reconstructive Rearfoot & Ankle
  • Board Certification in Foot Surgery

HOSPITAL AFFILIATIONS:

• The Valley Hospital, Ridgewood, NJ
• Hackensack Meridian Health at Pascack Valley Campus, Westwood, NJ
• Hudson Regional Hospital, Secaucus, NJ
• Patient Care Associates, LLC, Englewood, NJ

PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS:

• American Board of Podiatric Surgery (ABPS)
  • Diplomat

From Dancer to Doctor

Dr. Theresa Ronna was raised in Passaic County and aspired to be a professional dancer. She initially attended Montclair State University as a dance major, but realized she needed a back-up plan. Dr. Ronna’s love for science and interest in sports medicine changed her direction to pre-med. She has trained with many highly regarded pioneers in the field of sports medicine. She received a stipend from Harvard Medical School to attend its summer research program and was published as a result of her work there. Dr. Ronna also did an internship with Dr. Lyle Mikali, a Harvard Medical School professor and orthopaedic surgeon who is an expert in dance medicine. She spent two subsequent years in clinical observation with William Hamilton, MD, a world-renowned orthopaedic surgeon who is considered the father of dance medicine.

Dr. Ronna has trained with many highly regarded pioneers in the field of sports medicine. She has been part of the medical team for several NYC marathons; pre-Olympic games; The Fourth All African games in Nairobi, Kenya; the World Games in Rome, Italy; and the Can-Am Rugby tournament in Lake Placid.

SPECIALTY:

• Podiatry

EDUCATION & TRAINING:

• Roseland Surgical Center/United Hospital Center; Roseland, NJ 8/96-8/97 Podiatric Surgery Residency Program, completed 08/97
• Naval Hospital Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, 10/97-04/2000. Attending Podiatric Surgeon, Department of Orthopedics
• New York College of Podiatric Medicine; New York, NY 09/92-05/96 Doctorate of Podiatric Medicine, received 05/92
• Columbia University; New York, NY 09/91-05/96 Graduate course in Biology
• Montclair State University, Monclair, NJ, 09/87-05/91, BS in Biology, Cum Laude

BOARD CERTIFICATION:

• American Board of Multiple Specialties in Podiatry
  • Board Certification in Podiatry

HOSPITAL AFFILIATIONS:

• Hackensack Meridian Health at Pascack Valley Campus, Westwood, NJ
• Hudson Regional Hospital, Secaucus, NJ
• Patient Care Associates, LLC, Englewood, NJ
• Christian Health Care Center, Wyckoff, NJ

HONORS & AWARDS:

• Worldwide Leader in Healthcare and Top Podiatrist in Franklin Lakes, NJ, from the International Association of Healthcare Professionals (2015)
• Letter of Commendation from Commanding General, Marine Corps Base, Camp Lejeune (05/99)
• Certification of Recognition from Onslow County Council for Women (03/00)
• American Podiatric Medical Writers Award (1996)

Restoring You To Pain-Free Performance

Dr. Amit Sood specializes in the comprehensive management of all disorders involving the shoulder utilizing shoulder arthroscopy, reconstruction and replacement. He has received advanced training in the United States and France on total and reverse shoulder replacement surgery through his fellowship at Harvard and brings his expertise to Bergen County, NJ. Dr. Sood has also authored multiple research publications and book chapters in the orthopaedic literature and is a fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (FAAOS). In addition to comprehensive management of the shoulder, Dr. Sood also treats conditions involving the hand, wrist, hip, knee, foot and ankle. Treatments include trauma/fracture care, sports treatment/arthroscopy and joint replacement surgery.

EDUCATION:

August 2005-May 2009
Medical College of Wisconsin

• MD received May 2009

August 2001-May 2005
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

• B.S., Molecular and Cellular Biology
• Graduated with James Scholar Honors

RESIDENCY TRAINING:

August 2014-July 2015
Harvard Combined Orthopedic Surgery Program
Boston Shoulder Institute
Dr. Jon JP Warner and Dr. Laurence Higgins

• Shoulder and Elbow Surgery Fellow

March 2015-April  2015
European Visiting Fellowship

• Dr. Gilles Walch, Centre Orthopeque Santy, Lyon, France
• Dr. Laurent Lafosse, Alps Surgery Institute, Annecy, France
• Dr. Pascal Boileau, Alps Surgery Institute, Nice, France

July 2009-June 2014
UMDNJ/Rutgers-New Jersey Medical School Orthopaedic Surgery Residency

• Elected Administrative Chief Resident

CERTIFICATIONS:

• American Board of Orthopaedic Surgeons (ABOS)
  • Board Certification in Orthopaedic Surgery
• American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS)
• Fellowship (FAAOS)

HOSPITAL AFFILIATIONS:

• Hackensack Meridian Health at Pascack Valley Campus, Westwood, NJ
• Chilton Medical Center, Pompton Plains, NJ
• Hudson Regional Hospital, Secaucus, NJ
• Patient Care Associates, LLC, Englewood, NJ

HONORS & AWARDS:

2018: New Jersey Top Doctor’s Award

2017: New Jersey Top Doctor’s Award

2014: Fred F. Behrens Award for Outstanding Resident

2014: Resident Research Award for Best Research Project During Residency

2014: Golden Apple Teaching Nominee. Nominated by the New Jersey Medical School students for outstanding teaching

2013: Elected Administrative Chief Resident for the 2013-2014 Orthopaedic Surgery Residency Academic Year

2013: American Orthopaedic Association (AOA) 11^th Annual Resident Leadership Forum selected attendee. June 11-12, 2013. Denver, CO

2011: Golden Apple Teaching Nominee. Nominated by the New Jersey Medical School students for outstanding teaching

2002-2005: Alpha Epsilon Delta Pre-Medical Honors Society, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Delta Chapter

2001-2005: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign National Dean’s List and Dean’s List. Graduated with Edmund James Scholar Honors. Phi Eta Sigma and Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Societies

The Expert Care You Deserve

Dr. Edward A. Lin grew up in Flushing, Queens, and attended Stuyvesant High School in New York, where he distinguished himself with a perfect 1600 SAT score. He subsequently enrolled in the eight-year combined BA/MD program at New York University, where he graduated summa cum laude with honors in biology. He completed his medical degree at NYU School of Medicine, where he received multiple awards and graduated with honors in orthopaedic surgery. Dr. Lin went on to complete his orthopaedic surgery residency at the NYU Hospital for Joint Diseases in New York, one of the highest-ranked orthopaedic residency programs in the country. He finished his training at the renowned Hand and Upper Extremity Fellowship Program at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.

Dr. Lin is an expert in the management of all upper extremity conditions, including those affecting the finger/hand, wrist, elbow and shoulder. As a board-certified orthopaedic surgeon, his practice also includes general orthopaedic conditions and injuries affecting the spine, hip, knee, ankle and foot. He is the author of numerous publications in the medical literature and has written on topics including cartilage regeneration, bone fracture healing, nerve injury and joint replacement. He has given numerous lectures and presentations to other orthopaedic surgeons throughout the country.

SPECIALTY:

• Hand, wrist, elbow and shoulder surgery
• General orthopaedic surgery

EDUCATION AND TRAINING:

• University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Hand and Upper Extremity Fellowship Program
• New York University Hospital for Joint Diseases, Orthopaedic Surgery Residency Program
• New York University School of Medicine, Doctorate of Medicine
• New York University, College of Arts and Sciences, Bachelor of Arts

BOARD CERTIFICATION:

• American Board of Orthopaedic Surgeons (ABOS)
  • Board Certification in Orthopaedic Surgery

HOSPITAL AFFILIATIONS:

• The Valley Hospital, Ridgewood, NJ
• Hackensack Meridian Health at Pascack Valley Campus, Westwood, NJ
• Chilton Medical Center, Pompton Plains, NJ
• Patient Care Associates, LLC, Englewood, NJ

Tailoring Your Treatment for Optimal Recovery

Dr. Steve M. Aydin is chief of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation and Interventional Pain Management at Kayal Orthopaedic Center, as well as clinical assistant professor at Northwell Health-Hofstra School of Medicine. In 2010, after completing a pain management fellowship at the University of Michigan Health System, he began working in New York City at Lenox Hill Hospital, where he was appointed clinical assistant professor of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation in 2013.

In addition to specializing in pain management, Dr. Aydin is board-certified in physical medicine and rehabilitation. He completed his training at the Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation in New Jersey. He has taken an avid interest in interventional pain management and regenerative medicine and has published, lectured and taught on these topics on the national and international level.

“Physical medicine and rehabilitation focuses on musculoskeletal medicine—the body’s interconnected system of nerves, muscles and bones,” said Dr. Aydin. “This training offers a better understanding of how an injury or problem in one part of the body can affect other parts, which is important when developing nonsurgical strategies to help people regain normal function and pain control.”

SPECIALTY:

• Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
• Interventional Pain Management
• Regenerative Medicine
• Electrodiagnostic Studies

EDUCATION:

• UMDNJ- School of Osteopathic Medicine (SOM), Stanford, NJ, 2001-2005, Doctorate of Osteopathic Medicine
• Rutgers, The State University of NJ, New Brunswick, NJ, 1996-2000, Bachelor of Science

RESIDENCY & TRAINING:

• University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, MI
• Department of Anesthesiology-Pain Management, Fellow
• University of Medicine & Dentistry of NJ-New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, Resident
• Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation, West Orange, NJ, Resident
• New York College of Osteopathic Medicine, Union, NJ, Intern
• Union Hospital-Saint Barnabas Health Care System, Union, NJ, Intern

BOARD CERTIFICATIONS:

• National Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners (NBOME)
• American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (ABPMR)
• American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (ABPMR), Pain Medicine
• American Board of Interventional Pain Physicians (ABIPP), Interventional Pain Management
• American Board of Interventional Pain Physicians (ABIPP), Regenerative Medicine

HOSPITAL AFFILIATIONS:

• Hackensack Meridian Health at Pascack Valley Campus, Westwood, NJ
• Hudson Regional Hospital, Secaucus, NJ
• Patient Care Associates, LLC, Englewood, NJ

CERTIFICATIONS & LICENSURES:

• New Jersey Medical License
• New York Medical License
• New Jersey Controlled Dangerous Substances
• New York Controlled Dangerous Substances
• Advances Cardiac Life Support (ACLS)
• Basic Life Support (BLS)

HONORS & AWARDS:

• Outstanding Male Senior, Cook College Rutgers University, 2000
• Gold Humanitarian Award, 2005
• Teacher of the Year, Department of PMR, Northwell Health–School of Medicine, 2013
• New Jersey Top Doctor’s Award, 2018 & 2019

Bringing Innovative Solutions to Spinal Care

Originally from Dallas, TX, Dr. Aaron J. Greenberg specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of orthopaedic conditions of the spine. After graduating from Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Dr. Greenberg returned to Texas for medical training. He was elected into the AOA honor society after finishing in the top of his medical school class at Texas Tech University. When he is not working, he enjoys spending time with his wife and children.

SPECIALTY:

• Orthopaedic Spine Surgery

EDUCATION:

• Johns Hopkins University; Baltimore, MD, 2000-2004
• Bachelor of Arts in Behavioral Biology
• Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center; Lubbock, TX, 2005-2009
• Doctorate of Medicine

RESIDENCY TRAINING:

• University of Texas Medical School at Houston; Houston, TX, 2009-2014
  • Resident in Orthopaedic Surgery
• Emory University Spine Center; Atlanta, GA, 2014-2015
  • Fellowship in Orthopaedic Spine Surgery

BOARD CERTIFICATIONS:

• American Board of Orthopaedic Surgeons (ABOS)
• Board Certification in Orthopaedic Surgery

HOSPITAL AFFILIATIONS:

• Hackensack Meridian Health Main Campus, Hackensack, NJ
• Hackensack Meridian Health at Pascack Valley Campus, Westwood, NJ
• Hudson Regional Hospital, Secaucus, NJ
• Patient Care Associates, LLC, Englewood, NJ

HONORS & AWARDS:

• Northern Virginia’s Top Doctors 2017

Committed to Complex Rheumatologic Problems

Dr. Alan Zalkowitz was born in New York City and received his Bachelor of Science from Brooklyn College. He attended the Catholic University of Louvain Medical School in Belgium from 1964 through 1969 and graduated cum laude in 1969. At that time, medical school cost $100 per semester because it was subsidized by the Catholic Church.

Dr. Zalkowitz’s rheumatology division complements the prestigious Kayal Orthopaedic Center and Kayal Pain & Spine Center. He has spent over 40 years helping people with complex rheumatologic problems. With his experience and knowledge, he is looking forward to serving the community for many years to come.

SPECIALTY:

• Rheumatology

EDUCATION:

• Brooklyn College
  • Bachelor of Science

RESIDENCY & TRAINING:

• Stanford Hospital
• Yale New Haven Medical Center
  • Residency
• Mount Sinai Hospital New York City
  • Fellowship in Rheumatology

BOARD CERTIFICATIONS:

• American Board of Internal Medicine
• Rheumatology

HONORS & AWARDS:

• Castle Connolly Top Doctors
• Best Doctors in the Metropolitan Area
• Inside New Jersey honoree

PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS:

• The Medical Society of Bergen County
• American College of Rheumatology, New Jersey Chapter
• Lupus Foundation of New Jersey, founder

Compassionate Care and Patient Education

Dr. Rajesh K. Pandey is a born-and-raised New Englander who received his bachelor’s degree in biology and psychology from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst in 1998. He then worked at the prestigious Massachusetts General Hospital Department of Dermatology and Wellman Laboratory of Photomedicine until entering Ross University Medical School, where he graduated with an MD in 2006. Dr. Pandey completed his residency training at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (UMDNJ) in 2009. Dr. Pandey then completed his fellowship in rheumatology at Albany Medical Center in 2012 under the mentorship of world leaders in rheumatology.

Dr. Pandey entered private practice in Bergen County in 2012 and has since remained dedicated to the community.  He has performed thousands of ultrasound-guided injections including carpal tunnel and knee injections.  He also remains current with the latest advances in rheumatology and osteoporosis treatments.

Dr. Pandey is board certified in internal medicine, specializing in rheumatology. He is a member of the American College of Rheumatology.

“As a rheumatologist, my goal is to provide a fresh atmosphere of compassion and knowledge where my expertise and interests can make your every encounter invaluable. Every patient deserves as much insight into their clinical concerns as medically possible, and I am confident you will not leave disappointed.”

SPECIALTY:

• Rheumatology

EDUCATION:

• University of Massachusetts, 1998
  • Bachelor of science in biology
• Ross University School of Medicine, 2006
  • Doctorate of medicine

TRAINING:

• University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (UMDNJ), 2009
  • Residency in internal medicine
• Albany Medical Center Department of Medicine Division of Rheumatology, 2012
  • Fellowship

BOARD CERTIFICATIONS:

• American Board of Internal Medicine
• Rheumatology

PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS:

• Spondyloarthritis Research and Treatment Network (SPARTAN)
• Program for Understanding Long-term Outcomes in Spondyloarthropathy Registry (PULSAR)
• American College of Rheumatology (ACR)
• American College of Physicians (ACP)
• South Asian Marrow Association of Recruiters (SAMAR)
• American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI)
• Arthritis Foundation

Dr. Victor Ortiz is the chief of hip services at Kayal Orthopaedic Center. He earned his medical degree at the Universidad Central del Caribe School of Medicine in Bayamon, Puerto Rico. He perfected his skills in minimally invasive hip preservation procedures, including the direct anterior approach and hip arthroscopy, during his orthopaedic surgery hip preservation fellowship at the American Hip Institute in Westmont, IL. He also completed a fellowship in orthopaedic surgery sports medicine at the University of Illinois in Chicago, IL. Dr. Ortiz is specially trained to perform Mako robotic-assisted hip surgery. He is the author of numerous publications in the medical literature in the field of hip preservation surgery. He has given numerous lectures and presentations to fellow orthopaedic surgeons throughout the world.

SPECIALTY:

• Hip Preservation and Sports Medicine, Orthopaedic Surgery

EDUCATION & TRAINING:

• University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras Campus, Puerto Rico, 2005
  • Bachelor in General Sciences
• Universidad Central del Caribe School of Medicine, Bayamon, Puerto Rico, 2009
• Orthopaedic Surgery Hip Preservation Fellowship, 2016-2017
  • American Hip Institute, Westmont, IL 60559
• Orthopaedic Surgery Sports Medicine Fellowship, 2015-2016
  • University of Illinois at Chicago, Center for Athletic Medicine
• Orthopaedic Surgery Residency, 2010-2015
  • University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine, San Juan, Puerto Rico
• General Surgery Residency, Preliminary Year, 2009-2010
  • University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine, San Juan, Puerto Rico

BOARD CERTIFICATIONS:

• Part I of American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery

HOSPITAL AFFILIATIONS:

• Hackensack Meridian Health at Pascack Valley Campus, Westwood, NJ
• Chilton Medical Center, Pompton Plains, NJ
• Hudson Regional Hospital, Secaucus, NJ
• Patient Care Associates, LLC, Englewood, NJ

PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS:

• Professional Societies
  • Alpha Omega Alpha
  • International Society of Hip Arthroscopy
  • American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
  • Sociedad Puertorriquena de Ortopedia y Traumatologia
  • American Medical Association
• Medical School Awards
  • AOA M ember 2009
  • Cum Laude

Dr. Irina Raklyar hails from New York City. She recognized medicine as her calling at an early age, choosing to attend a prestigious medical program, one of a few in the country, which enabled her to accelerate her medical studies. She completed the Coordinated B.A./M.D. Honors Program at the City University of New York, Brooklyn College, graduating magna cum laude and with honors. She earned her medical degree at the State University of New York at Downstate, College of Medicine, where she was bestowed the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Student Initiative for her community volunteer work. Dr. Raklyar completed her Internal Medicine residency at Georgetown University at Washington Hospital Center in Washington, D.C., and stayed to complete her fellowship in Rheumatology, with scholarly research experience in systemic lupus erythematosus.

Dr. Raklyar has been serving patients in northern New Jersey for over 10 years as a board-certified rheumatologist, specializing in arthritis and autoimmune diseases. She prides herself in staying current and offering modern, evidence-based medicine. She has advanced her practice with experience in musculoskeletal ultrasound for both diagnosis and therapeutic intervention. As a certified clinical densitometrist, she is qualified in the interpretation of bone densitometry and treatment of osteoporosis. Dr. Raklyar combines care and concern with a scientific approach and tailors it to the individual patient.

SPECIALTY:

• Rheumatology

EDUCATION & TRAINING:

• City University of New York, Brooklyn College: Bachelor of Arts, 1999
• State University of New York, Downstate, College of Medicine: Doctorate of Medicine, 2003
• Residency in Internal Medicine: Georgetown University at Washington Hospital Center, 2006
• Fellowship in Rheumatology: Georgetown University at Washington Hospital Center, 2008

BOARD CERTIFICATION:

• Board Certification in Rheumatology

HOSPITAL AFFILIATIONS:

• Hackensack Meridian Health at Pascack Valley Campus, Westwood, NJ

HONORS & AWARDS:

• New Jersey Top Docs, 2017-2019
• Certified Clinical Densitometrist, International Society for Clinical Densitometry, 2014
• Musculoskeletal Ultrasound Course for Rheumatologists – The Antonio J. Reginato Course, 2011
• Recipient, 2007 American College of Rheumatology Research and Education Foundation Annual Award
• Case Study Winner, 2007 American College of Rheumatology Annual Slide Competition
• SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Student Initiative, 2000

Dr. Michael E. Loreti is a sports medicine specialist in Bergen County who has served as the school physician for his alma mater, St. Mary’s High School in Rutherford, NJ, for 22 years. Dr. Loreti has been a presence at St. Mary’s since his graduation in 1974. He was inducted into the school’s Athletic Hall of Fame in 2000 and has been a figure at all high school football games and most of the school fundraisers since his graduation. Dr. Loreti was an outstanding athlete throughout his high school career and was voted an All-American in football.

He attended Seton Hall University on a football scholarship. Upon graduation, he completed his medical school training at St. George’s Medical School in Grenada. He is a medical consultant for the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority where he has covered college and professional games, including Super Bowl XLVIII, NFL championships, Stanley Cup finals, NBA championships and the Final Four.

Before joining Kayal Orthopaedic Center, he had a thriving practice in Paramus and Garfield. He attributes his success to the spiritual values and work ethic he learned at St. Mary’s. 

SPECIALTY:

• Sports Medicine

EDUCATION & TRAINING:

• Oklahoma University School of Medicine, Tulsa Primary Care Sports Medicine, Fellowship Training, 1994-1995
• Bergen Pines County Hospital, Paramus, NJ: Resident-Internal Medicine, 1991-1994
• George’s University School of Medicine, Grenada, West Indies: Doctor of Medicine, 1979-1984
• Fairleigh Dickinson University, Rutherford, NJ: Pre-med, 1978-1979
• Seton Hall University, South Orange, NJ, Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, 1974-1978

LICENSURE & CERTIFICATIONS:

• Licensed in the State of New Jersey
• Licensed in the State of New York
• Fellowship Trained Sports Medicine

TEACHING APPOINTMENTS:

• Clinical Instructor, Department of Sports Medicine, University of Tulsa
• Clinical Instructor, Department of Internal Medicine, Hackensack University Medical Center

ATHLETIC AFFILIATIONS:

Staff Physician

• NFL Super Bowl XLVIII, Feb. 2, 2014

Team Physician

• Tulsa Drillers (Texas Rangers AA Baseball) 1994-95
• Tulsa Oilers (Edmonton Oilers AAA Hockey Team) 1994-95
• Tulsa University, Tulsa Oklahoma (All Division 1 teams) 1994-95
• Oral Roberts University, Oklahoma (All Division 1 teams) 1994-95
• Marist University, New York 1995-1998
• Vassar College, New York 1995-98
• Bard College, New York 1995-98
• Duchess Community College 1995-98
• Edina High School, Oklahoma 1994-95
• Union High School, Oklahoma 1994-95
• St. Mary’s High School, Rutherford, NJ 1995-Present
• U.S. Amateur Boxing Association Ring Side Physician 1995-98
• Maccabi Olympic Games for Great Britain 1996
• NCAA Final Four Basketball, East Rutherford, NJ 1996
• Numerous Professional/College/High School Games 1995-Present

ORGANIZATIONS:

• The American Medical Society of Sports Medicine
• The American College of Sports Medicine
• The New Jersey Medical Society
• The Bergen County Medical Society
• The American Medical Association

AWARDS:

• Most Outstanding Physician, NJSEA 1996
• Top Physician USA Sports Medicine 2007
• American’s Top Sports Medicine Physician 2008
• Who’s Who Outstanding Sports Medicine Physician 2008
• Strathmore’s Sports Medicine Professional of the Year 2008-2009
• Outstanding Service Meadowlands Sports Complex 2008
• Who’s Who Sports Medicine Physician of the Year 2009
• Outstanding Service Meadowlands Sports Complex 2009
• American’s Top Sports Medicine Physician 2009
• Hall of Fame For Distinguished Accomplishments in Sports Medicine Dec. 31, 2010
• Consumers Research Council of America Top Sports Medicine Physician 2011
• Consumer Research Council Man of the Year Sports Medicine 2010
• The Albert Einstein Award of Excellence Sports Medicine 2011
• Consumer Research Council of America Top Sports Medicine Physician 2012

Dr. Paul Kovatis is a summa cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Upsilon College and UMDNJ-Rutgers Medical School. He completed his general surgery and orthopaedic residency at the UMDNJ-Affiliated Hospitals and then completed a foot and ankle orthopaedic fellowship at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City, where he was a member of the orthopaedic staff caring for various New York professional sports teams and Broadway companies as well as the City Ballet and American Ballet Theatre.

Dr. Kovatis has been in private practice for 23 years, establishing himself in various orthopaedic physician leadership positions. He has been awarded top surgeon awards as well as other accolades for nearly two decades for his work within orthopaedic foot and ankle surgery, a very underserved sub-specialty within orthopaedics. Dr. Kovatis treats all aspects of lower extremity orthopaedics. Through his training at Level 1 trauma centers, he often receives referrals for complex and routine fractures and second opinions. He has full privileges at HUMC-Meridian since completing his training at the Hospital for Special Surgery.

He remains an active philanthropist for various sports and military organizations and continues as a public speaker for various orthopaedic and sporting venues. Many of his articles have been published and referenced in peer-reviewed academic orthopaedic journals and newspapers. He has served as an instructor for residents rotating through Hackensack University Medical Center.

SPECIALTY:

• Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Surgery

EDUCATION & TRAINING:

• Upsilon College: Summa Cum Laude and Phi Beta Kappa
• UMDNJ-Rutgers
• UMDNJ-Rutgers Affiliated Hospitals: General surgery and orthopaedic residencies
• Hospital of Special Surgery in New York City: Orthopaedic fellowship

HOSPITAL AFFILIATIONS:

• Hackensack Meridian Health Main Campus, Hackensack, NJ
• Hackensack Meridian Health at Pascack Valley Campus, Westwood, NJ
• Hudson Regional Hospital, Secaucus, NJ
• Patient Care Associates, LLC, Englewood, NJ

LICENSES:

• Licensed to practice in New Jersey and New York

HONORS & AWARDS:

• Top Surgeon Awards
• Hackensack University Medical Center: Past Chairman of the Medical Board and Medical Staff
• Past Chairman of the Quality and Patient Safety Committee to the Board of Governors
• Past Orthopaedic Executive Member of the Board of Governors
• Hackensack University Medical Center: Orthopaedic representative to Credentials Committee
• Bergen County Medical Society: Past president, two years
• Hasbrouck Heights: Town orthopaedist
• Palisades Park-Leonia Football Team: Team orthopaedist
• Hospital for Special Surgery, New York City: Class representative, speaker and educator in the field of foot and ankle orthopaedics