Cardiologist providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Chiropractor providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Dentist providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Dermatologist providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Family Physician providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
OB-GYN providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Ophthalmologist providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Orthopedic Surgeon providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Pediatrician providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Physical Therapist providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Podiatrist providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Psychiatrist providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Emergency Medicine Karen launched her clinical career in the fast-paced Emergency Rooms of Christ Hospital and Hoboken University Medical Center, where she spent a decade refining her skills in acute and emergency care. This experience honed her ability to make critical, life-saving decisions and adapt swiftly to high-pressure situations.
Primary Care & Urgent Care In 2020, Karen transitioned to urgent care settings in Central Jersey, broadening her expertise in Primary Care. This shift allowed her to cultivate meaningful patient relationships, manage chronic conditions, and address acute illnesses. Her adaptability and holistic approach became pivotal in delivering effective, compassionate care.
Specialization in Endocrinology Currently, Karen’s focus is on Endocrinology, a field she finds deeply rewarding. She specializes in managing intricate conditions like diabetes, thyroid disorders, and metabolic challenges. Her patient-first approach ensures tailored, evidence-based solutions that empower individuals to achieve better health and well-being.
Commitment to Professional Growth Karen actively engages in continuing education and professional development to remain at the forefront of advancements in medical science. She participates in seminars and workshops, ensuring her practice integrates the latest research and technologies.
Philosophy of Care
Karen’s approach to healthcare is rooted in empathy, respect, and collaboration. She believes that every patient deserves a customized care plan, clear communication, and a trusted partnership to navigate their health journey. Her philosophy combines medical expertise with genuine compassion to ensure positive outcomes.
Achievements
Clinical Excellence: Recognized for her exceptional diagnostic skills and patient rapport in both emergency and primary care settings.
Community Engagement: Participates in health awareness programs and local health fairs, promoting preventive care and wellness education.
Mentorship: Serves as a mentor to aspiring healthcare professionals, sharing her insights and fostering a commitment to compassionate care.
Personal Life
Karen is a dedicated wife and mother of three young children who keep her energized and inspired. She is also the proud owner of a Yorkie who completes the family. In her downtime, she channels her creativity into crafting and baking and unwinds with her favorite Netflix series. She loves outdoor adventures with her family and is passionate about maintaining a balanced life, both personally and professionally.
Union Anesthesia Associates provides high-quality pain management to people with acute, chronic, and severe pain. At their offices in Union, Scotch Plains, South Bound Brook, New Brunswick, Old Bridge, and Woodbridge, New Jersey, the board-certified anesthesiologists and pain management specialists work closely with each person to find and treat the pain’s source rather than just masking symptoms.
At each office, you will receive a thorough evaluation, clinical exam, and review of diagnostic tests including MRIs to diagnose the root cause of your neck, spine, back pain, and any other ailments including headaches, nerve pain, and joint pain. The providers also offer comprehensive evaluations and treatments for all headaches, including cluster headaches and chronic migraines.
The Union Anesthesia Associates team has extensive experience managing acute and chronic pain conditions such as neck and back pain, herniated discs, sciatica, radiculopathy, neuropathy, spinal stenosis, arthritis, complex regional pain syndrome, joint pain, and nerve pain. They use medication management, anti-inflammatories, muscle relaxants, injectable anesthetics, and interventional pain management including epidural steroid injections, facet joint injections, radiofrequency ablation, nerve blocks, spinal cord stimulation, and minimally invasive surgery.
The highly skilled pain management specialists treat pain conditions caused by workplace injuries, motor vehicle accidents, and slip-and-fall events. They also provide personalized care for pain after surgery and complications such as failed back syndrome, postlaminectomy syndrome, adhesions, and phantom limb syndrome.
Minimally invasive spine surgery is available for chronic back and neck pain. Union Anesthesia Associates offers specialized procedures such as endoscopic surgery, and rhizotomy to ease the chronic pain or injuries associated with trauma and degenerative spine disorders. Spinal cord stimulation trials and permanent implantations are also available.
The Union Anesthesia Associates staff maintains a friendly, welcoming environment and offers flexible appointment times. The experienced physicians collaborate on all aspects of patient care to ensure a high level of pain management and the best treatment outcomes.
Call the Union Aesthetics Associates office near you today to schedule a consultation or book an appointment online.
Philip M. Rojo, MLP-NP, is a highly skilled nurse practitioner passionate about delivering customized care. Through his work at Union Spine and Pain Management, which has offices in Union, Scotch Plains, South Bound Brook, New Brunswick, Old Bridge, and Woodbridge, New Jersey, Philip helps patients feel more comfortable as they progress in treatment.
A lifelong learner, Philip earned a Bachelor of Science in nursing from Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, in New Brunswick. He remains at Rutgers to complete a Master of Science in nursing, focusing on adult and geriatric care.
Philip is trained in basic life support and advanced cardiac life support. He is also certified as an adult/gerontology acute care nurse practitioner.
Philip’s professional experience includes working in emergency room settings and managing patient care across various crisis and trauma needs. He also brings experience in managing patient care after surgical interventions, in addition to treating numerous acute and chronic musculoskeletal pain disorders.
Philip enjoys working one-on-one with those in his care, getting to know them and their unique health needs. He finds his work deeply rewarding, especially when patients overcome significant challenges in pain management.
Marlyn Alvarado, FNP-C, is a board-certified family nurse practitioner at Union Spine and Pain Management. The practice has locations in Union, Scotch Plains, South Bound Brook, New Brunswick, Old Bridge, and Woodbridge, New Jersey. Proficient in English and Spanish, Marlyn brings a wealth of experience delivering comprehensive care to diverse populations of all ages.
Marlyn embarked on her nursing journey at New Jersey City University in Jersey City, where she earned her nursing degree. During this time, she served as a surgical nurse at Jersey City Medical Center in Jersey City, New Jersey, where she cared for patients undergoing chemotherapy, dialysis, and surgery.
Continuing her work at Jersey City Medical Center, Marlyn served in pivotal roles as a transition discharge nurse and maternal child health nurse. Here, she managed patients with high-risk pregnancies, substance use disorder, and teen pregnancy, demonstrating her versatility in addressing complex healthcare needs.
She also served as a case manager at United Healthcare in West New York, New Jersey, and later as a wellness coach/chronic condition manager at Premise Health. These roles further developed her understanding of holistic healthcare management and patient support.
Passionate about advancing her nursing practice, Marlyn pursued her Master of Science in nursing at Spring Arbor University in Spring Arbor, Michigan. This led to her family nurse practitioner certification from the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners.
Marlyn holds additional certifications in neonatal resuscitation from the American Academy of Pediatrics and advanced cardiac life support from the American Heart Association.
In her role at Union Spine and Pain Management, Marlyn enjoys collaborating with the team, ensuring that she meets the diverse needs of her patients.
Union Anesthesia Associates provides high-quality pain management to people with acute, chronic, and severe pain. At their offices in Union, Scotch Plains, South Bound Brook, New Brunswick, Old Bridge, and Woodbridge, New Jersey, the board-certified anesthesiologists and pain management specialists work closely with each person to find and treat the pain’s source rather than just masking symptoms.
At each office, you will receive a thorough evaluation, clinical exam, and review of diagnostic tests including MRIs to diagnose the root cause of your neck, spine, back pain, and any other ailments including headaches, nerve pain, and joint pain. The providers also offer comprehensive evaluations and treatments for all headaches, including cluster headaches and chronic migraines.
The Union Anesthesia Associates team has extensive experience managing acute and chronic pain conditions such as neck and back pain, herniated discs, sciatica, radiculopathy, neuropathy, spinal stenosis, arthritis, complex regional pain syndrome, joint pain, and nerve pain. They use medication management, anti-inflammatories, muscle relaxants, injectable anesthetics, and interventional pain management including epidural steroid injections, facet joint injections, radiofrequency ablation, nerve blocks, spinal cord stimulation, and minimally invasive surgery.
The highly skilled pain management specialists treat pain conditions caused by workplace injuries, motor vehicle accidents, and slip-and-fall events. They also provide personalized care for pain after surgery and complications such as failed back syndrome, postlaminectomy syndrome, adhesions, and phantom limb syndrome.
Minimally invasive spine surgery is available for chronic back and neck pain. Union Anesthesia Associates offers specialized procedures such as endoscopic surgery, and rhizotomy to ease the chronic pain or injuries associated with trauma and degenerative spine disorders. Spinal cord stimulation trials and permanent implantations are also available.
The Union Anesthesia Associates staff maintains a friendly, welcoming environment and offers flexible appointment times. The experienced physicians collaborate on all aspects of patient care to ensure a high level of pain management and the best treatment outcomes.
Call the Union Aesthetics Associates office near you today to schedule a consultation or book an appointment online.
Marlyn Alvarado, FNP-C, is a board-certified family nurse practitioner at Union Spine and Pain Management. The practice has locations in Union, Scotch Plains, South Bound Brook, New Brunswick, Old Bridge, and Woodbridge, New Jersey. Proficient in English and Spanish, Marlyn brings a wealth of experience delivering comprehensive care to diverse populations of all ages.
Marlyn embarked on her nursing journey at New Jersey City University in Jersey City, where she earned her nursing degree. During this time, she served as a surgical nurse at Jersey City Medical Center in Jersey City, New Jersey, where she cared for patients undergoing chemotherapy, dialysis, and surgery.
Continuing her work at Jersey City Medical Center, Marlyn served in pivotal roles as a transition discharge nurse and maternal child health nurse. Here, she managed patients with high-risk pregnancies, substance use disorder, and teen pregnancy, demonstrating her versatility in addressing complex healthcare needs.
She also served as a case manager at United Healthcare in West New York, New Jersey, and later as a wellness coach/chronic condition manager at Premise Health. These roles further developed her understanding of holistic healthcare management and patient support.
Passionate about advancing her nursing practice, Marlyn pursued her Master of Science in nursing at Spring Arbor University in Spring Arbor, Michigan. This led to her family nurse practitioner certification from the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners.
Marlyn holds additional certifications in neonatal resuscitation from the American Academy of Pediatrics and advanced cardiac life support from the American Heart Association.
In her role at Union Spine and Pain Management, Marlyn enjoys collaborating with the team, ensuring that she meets the diverse needs of her patients.
Philip M. Rojo, MLP-NP, is a highly skilled nurse practitioner passionate about delivering customized care. Through his work at Union Spine and Pain Management, which has offices in Union, Scotch Plains, South Bound Brook, New Brunswick, Old Bridge, and Woodbridge, New Jersey, Philip helps patients feel more comfortable as they progress in treatment.
A lifelong learner, Philip earned a Bachelor of Science in nursing from Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, in New Brunswick. He remains at Rutgers to complete a Master of Science in nursing, focusing on adult and geriatric care.
Philip is trained in basic life support and advanced cardiac life support. He is also certified as an adult/gerontology acute care nurse practitioner.
Philip’s professional experience includes working in emergency room settings and managing patient care across various crisis and trauma needs. He also brings experience in managing patient care after surgical interventions, in addition to treating numerous acute and chronic musculoskeletal pain disorders.
Philip enjoys working one-on-one with those in his care, getting to know them and their unique health needs. He finds his work deeply rewarding, especially when patients overcome significant challenges in pain management.
Frank Colarusso, DO, is board-certified in physical medicine and rehabilitation at Mercer-Bucks Orthopaedics in Hamilton, Lawrenceville, and Princeton, New Jersey, and Langhorne, Pennsylvania.
Dr. Colarusso maintains double-board certification, having recently recertified with both the American Medical Association, the American Board of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, and the American Osteopathic Association. With an attention to detail and passion for continuing education, Dr. Colarusso is proud to provide comprehensive non-operative musculoskeletal, spine, and sports medicine.
He specializes in MSK neck and back pain, EMG services, acute and chronic pain syndromes with medication management, dry needling, Osteopathic Manual Manipulation treatments as well as ultrasound-guided injections, nerve blocks, and biologics.
After receiving honors at Rider University in Lawrenceville, New Jersey, and Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine in Pennsylvania, Dr. Colarusso remained in Pennsylvania to intern at St. Barnabas Health Care System. He later was the chief resident in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Boston University Medical Center in Massachusetts.
Previously serving as one of three attending physicians at the 15th largest rehabilitation hospitals in the United States, Dr. Colarusso is proud to serve new and returning patients from the Mercer-Bucks Orthopaedics offices.
Union Anesthesia Associates provides high-quality pain management to people with acute, chronic, and severe pain. At their offices in Union, Scotch Plains, South Bound Brook, New Brunswick, Old Bridge, and Woodbridge, New Jersey, the board-certified anesthesiologists and pain management specialists work closely with each person to find and treat the pain’s source rather than just masking symptoms.
At each office, you will receive a thorough evaluation, clinical exam, and review of diagnostic tests including MRIs to diagnose the root cause of your neck, spine, back pain, and any other ailments including headaches, nerve pain, and joint pain. The providers also offer comprehensive evaluations and treatments for all headaches, including cluster headaches and chronic migraines.
The Union Anesthesia Associates team has extensive experience managing acute and chronic pain conditions such as neck and back pain, herniated discs, sciatica, radiculopathy, neuropathy, spinal stenosis, arthritis, complex regional pain syndrome, joint pain, and nerve pain. They use medication management, anti-inflammatories, muscle relaxants, injectable anesthetics, and interventional pain management including epidural steroid injections, facet joint injections, radiofrequency ablation, nerve blocks, spinal cord stimulation, and minimally invasive surgery.
The highly skilled pain management specialists treat pain conditions caused by workplace injuries, motor vehicle accidents, and slip-and-fall events. They also provide personalized care for pain after surgery and complications such as failed back syndrome, postlaminectomy syndrome, adhesions, and phantom limb syndrome.
Minimally invasive spine surgery is available for chronic back and neck pain. Union Anesthesia Associates offers specialized procedures such as endoscopic surgery, and rhizotomy to ease the chronic pain or injuries associated with trauma and degenerative spine disorders. Spinal cord stimulation trials and permanent implantations are also available.
The Union Anesthesia Associates staff maintains a friendly, welcoming environment and offers flexible appointment times. The experienced physicians collaborate on all aspects of patient care to ensure a high level of pain management and the best treatment outcomes.
Call the Union Aesthetics Associates office near you today to schedule a consultation or book an appointment online.
Marlyn Alvarado, FNP-C, is a board-certified family nurse practitioner at Union Spine and Pain Management. The practice has locations in Union, Scotch Plains, South Bound Brook, New Brunswick, Old Bridge, and Woodbridge, New Jersey. Proficient in English and Spanish, Marlyn brings a wealth of experience delivering comprehensive care to diverse populations of all ages.
Marlyn embarked on her nursing journey at New Jersey City University in Jersey City, where she earned her nursing degree. During this time, she served as a surgical nurse at Jersey City Medical Center in Jersey City, New Jersey, where she cared for patients undergoing chemotherapy, dialysis, and surgery.
Continuing her work at Jersey City Medical Center, Marlyn served in pivotal roles as a transition discharge nurse and maternal child health nurse. Here, she managed patients with high-risk pregnancies, substance use disorder, and teen pregnancy, demonstrating her versatility in addressing complex healthcare needs.
She also served as a case manager at United Healthcare in West New York, New Jersey, and later as a wellness coach/chronic condition manager at Premise Health. These roles further developed her understanding of holistic healthcare management and patient support.
Passionate about advancing her nursing practice, Marlyn pursued her Master of Science in nursing at Spring Arbor University in Spring Arbor, Michigan. This led to her family nurse practitioner certification from the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners.
Marlyn holds additional certifications in neonatal resuscitation from the American Academy of Pediatrics and advanced cardiac life support from the American Heart Association.
In her role at Union Spine and Pain Management, Marlyn enjoys collaborating with the team, ensuring that she meets the diverse needs of her patients.
Edward Novik, MD, DABA, DABPM, is a board-certified pain medicine specialist at Union Spine and Pain Management with offices in Union, Scotch Plains, South Bound Brook, New Brunswick, Old Bridge, and Woodbridge, New Jersey. With over 34 years of experience in the medical field, he demonstrates extensive knowledge in anesthesiology, pain management, and internal medicine.
Before relocating to the United States, Dr. Novik earned his medical degree from Samarkand State Medical School in Uzbekistan. He later completed an internal medicine residency at St. John’s Episcopal Hospital in Far Rockaway and an anesthesiology residency at SUNY Health Science Center in Brooklyn, New York.
In addition to his work at Union Spine and Pain Management, Dr. Novik serves as a pain management specialist at Overlook Hospital in Summit, New Jersey, and Trinitas Hospital in Elizabeth, New Jersey.
He has served on staff at Middlesex Surgery Center, Millburn Surgery Center, and Union Endocenter in New Jersey. He also worked as an attending anesthesiologist and pain management specialist at Union Hospital in New Jersey.
Dr. Novik is fellowship-trained in interventional pain management and is a diplomate of the American Board of Anesthesiology. He is also a member of the American Society of Anesthesiology, the New Jersey State Society of Anesthesiology, the International Spine Intervention Society, and the American Society of Interventional Pain Physicians.
Dr. Novik’s reputation extends beyond his professional accomplishments. Patients consistently commend him for his compassionate and empathetic approach, praising his ability to provide a positive experience for all individuals in his care.
Joshua Macklin, MD, DABA, DABPM is an established physician at Union Spine and Pain Management with offices in Union, Scotch Plains, South Bound Brook, New Brunswick, Old Bridge, and Woodbridge, New Jersey. He specializes in interventional procedures for the relief of neck and back pain.
Dr. Macklin began his education at Binghamton University in New York, receiving his Bachelor of Arts in psychology. He discovered his passion for health care and pursued his medical degree at St George’s University School of Medicine in True Blue, Grenada.
After achieving his medical degree, Dr. Macklin completed an internal medicine internship at Long Island College Hospital, followed by his anesthesiology residency at SUNY Health Science Center in Brooklyn.
He was later recognized as an outstanding resident at Kings County Hospital and served as an attending anesthesiologist at Raritan Bay Medical Center for several years.
Dr. Macklin is a diplomate of the American Board of Anesthesiology and the American Board of Pain Medicine. He is a member of the Spine Intervention Society, the American Board of Anesthesiology, the American Society of Anesthesiologists, and the New Jersey State Society of Anesthesiologists.
Beyond his professional achievements, Dr. Macklin is known for his compassionate and patient-centered approach to health care. He enjoys connecting with patients and working alongside the team at Union Spine and Pain Management.
Philip M. Rojo, MLP-NP, is a highly skilled nurse practitioner passionate about delivering customized care. Through his work at Union Spine and Pain Management, which has offices in Union, Scotch Plains, South Bound Brook, New Brunswick, Old Bridge, and Woodbridge, New Jersey, Philip helps patients feel more comfortable as they progress in treatment.
A lifelong learner, Philip earned a Bachelor of Science in nursing from Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, in New Brunswick. He remains at Rutgers to complete a Master of Science in nursing, focusing on adult and geriatric care.
Philip is trained in basic life support and advanced cardiac life support. He is also certified as an adult/gerontology acute care nurse practitioner.
Philip’s professional experience includes working in emergency room settings and managing patient care across various crisis and trauma needs. He also brings experience in managing patient care after surgical interventions, in addition to treating numerous acute and chronic musculoskeletal pain disorders.
Philip enjoys working one-on-one with those in his care, getting to know them and their unique health needs. He finds his work deeply rewarding, especially when patients overcome significant challenges in pain management.