Our Specialists

Portrait of Dr. James A. Underberg, a distinguished medical professional with credentials including MS, MD, FACPM, FACP, and FNLA. He is wearing a suit and tie, with a friendly expression, symbolizing his expertise in preventive medicine and lipidology.

Dr. James A. Underberg, MS, MD, FACPM, FACP, FNLA, is a distinguished specialist in cholesterol, hypertension, and preventive cardiovascular medicine, with a robust career dedicated to advancing the field of lipidology. As a board-certified lipidologist, Dr. Underberg combines his extensive knowledge and clinical expertise to provide exceptional care and innovative solutions in cardiovascular health.

Dr. Underberg serves as a Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine in the Division of General Internal Medicine at NYU Medical School, where he is also a key member of the executive committee. His academic role allows him to influence the next generation of medical professionals while focusing on his clinical passion: preventive cardiovascular medicine. His commitment to education and patient care is further exemplified by his involvement in writing and editing articles for Medixlife.com, where he shares his insights and research findings with a broader audience.

A graduate of Yale University, Dr. Underberg earned both his Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees before pursuing his medical degree at the University of Pennsylvania Medical School. His foundational training was completed at Bellevue Hospital Medical Center, where he undertook both his internship and residency. This rigorous training laid the groundwork for his future endeavors in clinical practice and research.

Dr. Underberg’s clinical focus is underscored by his certifications and affiliations. He is an American Society of Hypertension Certified Specialist in Clinical Hypertension, a Diplomate of the American Board of Clinical Lipidology, and a North American Menopause Society Certified Menopause Practitioner. These credentials highlight his comprehensive approach to managing complex cardiovascular conditions, particularly in patients with multifaceted health needs.

In addition to his academic and clinical roles, Dr. Underberg is the founder and President of the New York Preventive Cardiovascular Society. This organization reflects his dedication to fostering community and professional engagement in preventive cardiovascular health. His leadership extends to his fellowship with the Society of Vascular Medicine and Biology, where he collaborates with peers to advance research and clinical practices in vascular health.

Dr. Underberg’s clinical practice is recognized for its excellence, having been honored by the American Heart Association Heart-Stroke Recognition Program. This accolade underscores his commitment to delivering high-quality, evidence-based care that prioritizes patient outcomes in preventive cardiovascular medicine.

Currently, Dr. Underberg is actively involved in several clinical trials focusing on hypertension, lipids, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. These research initiatives not only contribute to the scientific community but also enhance his clinical practice by integrating cutting-edge findings into patient care. He sees patients in both a private referral practice and at the Bellevue Hospital Lipid Clinic, where he applies his expertise to manage and treat lipid disorders and related cardiovascular conditions.

Dr. Underberg’s career is marked by a dedication to improving cardiovascular health through education, clinical excellence, and research. His multifaceted approach to medicine, combined with his leadership roles and academic contributions, positions him as a leading figure in the field of preventive cardiovascular medicine. His work continues to impact patients, students, and colleagues, driving advancements in the understanding and treatment of cardiovascular diseases.

Portrait of Dr. Michele Schaefer, MD, a medical professional, smiling and wearing a white lab coat with a stethoscope around her neck.

Dr. Michele Schaefer is a highly respected psychiatrist with over 16 years of experience in adult psychiatry. Her career is marked by a commitment to providing comprehensive mental health care, integrating medication management with supportive and cognitive-behavioral therapies. Dr. Schaefer’s approach is patient-centered, ensuring that each individual receives tailored care that addresses their unique needs.

Dr. Schaefer began her academic journey at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree. Her passion for medicine and mental health led her to pursue a medical degree at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, NE. Here, she laid the foundation for her future career, gaining a deep understanding of the complexities of human health and behavior.

Following medical school, Dr. Schaefer completed her residency in adult psychiatry at the Oregon Health & Science University in Portland, OR. This rigorous training equipped her with the skills necessary to diagnose and treat a wide range of psychiatric disorders. Her residency experience was pivotal, allowing her to refine her expertise in medication management and therapeutic interventions.

To further specialize, Dr. Schaefer pursued a fellowship in forensic psychiatry at Yale University in New Haven, CT. This advanced training provided her with unique insights into the intersection of mental health and the legal system, enhancing her ability to address complex cases involving legal and ethical considerations.

Throughout her career, Dr. Schaefer has been dedicated to treating patients with depression, anxiety disorders, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Her practice emphasizes the importance of medication management, often in conjunction with supportive therapy and elements of cognitive-behavioral therapy. Dr. Schaefer believes in a collaborative approach to mental health care, frequently involving therapists in the care team to ensure the best possible outcomes for her patients.

In addition to her clinical work, Dr. Schaefer contributes to the field of psychiatry through her involvement with Medixlife.com, where she assists in writing and editing articles. This role allows her to share her knowledge and insights with a broader audience, contributing to the ongoing education of both professionals and the public about mental health issues.

Dr. Schaefer’s professional journey includes a significant tenure as a staff psychiatrist at the Atrium Health system, where she worked for over 16 years. During this time, she developed a reputation for her compassionate care and her ability to effectively manage complex psychiatric conditions. Her colleagues and patients alike appreciate her dedication to mental health and her unwavering commitment to improving the lives of those she serves.

In summary, Dr. Michele Schaefer is a board-certified psychiatrist whose career is characterized by a deep commitment to patient care and mental health advocacy. Her extensive training and experience have equipped her with the skills necessary to provide high-quality psychiatric care, and her contributions to the field extend beyond her clinical practice. Dr. Schaefer continues to be a valuable resource for her patients and the broader mental health community, driven by a passion for helping others achieve mental wellness.

Portrait of Dr. Russell R. Hartophilis, PT, a physical therapist, smiling and wearing professional attire.

Russell Hartophilis is a seasoned physical therapist with over 30 years of experience in the field of orthopedics, making significant contributions to patient care, education, and professional development. Based in Manhattan, Russell’s career is marked by a commitment to excellence and innovation in physical therapy, particularly in the areas of manual therapy and patient education.

Russell’s journey in physical therapy began after his graduation from Hunter College, a pivotal moment that set the stage for a career dedicated to improving patient outcomes and advancing the field. His first professional role was at Bellevue Hospital, where he worked with the spinal cord injury team and managed the outpatient clinic. This experience laid a strong foundation for his expertise in handling complex orthopedic cases and honed his skills in patient management and rehabilitation.

Following his tenure at Bellevue, Russell joined The Center for Sports Therapy as a Senior Associate. Here, he further developed his orthopedic skills and took on the responsibility of creating a comprehensive 200-book reference library. This library served as a valuable teaching model for students and volunteers, reflecting Russell’s dedication to education and knowledge sharing. His role at the center not only enhanced his clinical skills but also positioned him as a mentor and educator in the field.

Academically, Russell has made significant contributions as a clinical coordinator, accepting students from physical therapy schools across the country. His commitment to education is further demonstrated through his lectures at continuing education courses and his role as a contributing writer for research articles and books. Additionally, Russell served as an interviewer for Hunter College’s Physical Therapy program admissions team, where he helped shape the next generation of physical therapists.

Russell’s expertise extends beyond the clinic to the sports arena, where he has worked with professional and youth sports teams. His experience includes working with the New Jersey Nets, the New Jersey Stars team tennis, and the New Jersey Torpedoes youth soccer program. These roles allowed him to apply his orthopedic knowledge in high-performance settings, further diversifying his experience and enhancing his ability to address sports-related injuries.

In his current practice, Russell continues to provide personalized, one-on-one care, emphasizing the importance of manual therapy and patient education. His specialties include addressing shoulder, knee, and postural decline mechanical issues, areas where he has developed a reputation for excellence. Russell’s approach to therapy is holistic, involving not only the treatment of physical symptoms but also the education of patients to empower them in their recovery process.

A unique aspect of Russell’s practice is his involvement in observing patient surgeries and attending physician consultations. This hands-on approach ensures that he has a comprehensive understanding of each patient’s condition, allowing him to tailor therapy plans that maximize recovery and improve overall outcomes. His dedication to patient care is evident in his proactive involvement in all aspects of the therapy process.

In addition to his clinical work, Russell contributes to the field through his involvement with Medixlife.com, where he assists in counseling, writing, and editing articles. This platform allows him to reach a broader audience, sharing his insights and expertise with both peers and patients.

Russell Hartophilis’s career is a testament to his unwavering dedication to the field of physical therapy. His extensive experience, combined with his commitment to education and patient care, has made him a respected figure in the orthopedic community. As he continues to innovate and inspire, Russell remains a vital contributor to the advancement of physical therapy practices and patient outcomes.