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About Michael A. Romello, MD

Offering expert care to New Jersey residents, Michael A. Romello, MD, is committed to putting his patients first. Board-certified by the American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Dr. Romello brings his expertise in non-operative musculoskeletal care and interventional pain management to the team at Orthocenter. 

Dr. Romello received his Bachelor's Degree in Biology from Ursinus College in Collegeville, Pennsylvania. While there, he was a 4-year starter and 2-year captain of the Ursinus baseball team and graduated Magna Cum laude. After completing his undergraduate studies, Dr. Romello went on to earn his medical degree from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (UMDNJ/Rutgers) in Newark. Dr. Romello did his internship in Internal Medicine at Jersey Shore University Medical Center, followed by his Residency in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at UMDNJ/Kessler institute for Rehabilitation.

Dr. Romello then went on to complete Fellowship training in Interventional Pain Management from Lags Spine and Sports Care in Santa Maria, California. While there, he received additional training in non-operative care of spine, musculoskeletal conditions, and sports related injuries. In addition to spinal procedures, Dr. Romello also gained further experience in electrodiagnostic testing (EMG) as well as musculoskeletal ultrasound guided procedures.

As a part of the Orthocenter team, Dr. Romello focuses on neck and back pain management. He provides comprehensive non operative care for his patients including spinal procedures under fluoroscopic guidance such as epidural steroid injections, nerve blocks, radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and joint injections. He performs dorsal column spinal cord stimulator trials and works closely with the orthopedic spine team for permanent placement of spinal cord stimulators. 

Dr. Romello is an active member of the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, (AAPM&R), the North American Spine Society (NASS), Spine Intervention Society (SIS) and the New Jersey Society of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. He strives to provide quality care to maximize each person’s function and improve their quality of life.

Dr. Selorm Takyi joined Revive Spine and Pain Center in 2020. He completed his physiatry residency at JFK Johnson Rehabilitation Institute, offered through the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School. With a passion for teaching, he served as an academic chief resident and graduated residency in 2019. He then completed his fellowship in regenerative orthopedics and musculoskeletal medicine.

Dr. Takyi practices compassionate medicine and was inducted into the Gold Humanism Honor Society in 2014 while attending Rutgers New Jersey Medical School. Specializing in both ultrasound-guided and fluoroscopic-guided techniques to treat pain and sports medicine injuries, he is excited to share his goal of using non-surgical procedures to help restore function and quality of life to his patients. With his training in physiatry, Dr. Takyi enjoys creating comprehensive treatment plans for his patients. In addition to offering interventional spine injections such as epidurals and nerve blocks, he performs platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and micro-fragmented adipose tissue (MFAT) injections to help treat a variety of neuromusculoskeletal conditions. His clinical interests include regenerative medicine, rotator cuff tears, osteoarthritis, ACL injuries, and meniscus tears.

He has co-authored the physical modalities, therapeutic exercise, extended bedrest, and aging effects chapter in the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Board Review 4th Edition and an upcoming publication, Atlas of Interventional Orthopedics Procedures chapter on autologous tissue harvesting techniques: bone marrow aspirate and adipose tissue. He is a member of the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Interventional Orthobiolgoics Foundation, Spine Intervention Society, and the American Medical Society for Sports Medicine. When not in the office, Dr. Takyi enjoys photography, exercising, and spending time with his family.

Mahmud Ibrahim, MD, at Revive Spine and Pain Center Marlton, Hamilton Township, East Brunswick and Northfield, New Jersey, holds dual board certification in sports medicine and physical medicine and rehabilitation and is fellowship trained in interventional pain management.

When treating patients at Revive Spine and Pain Center, his goal is to restore function, reduce pain, and promote an active, healthy lifestyle using conservative measures whenever possible.

Though Dr. Ibrahim treats pain from any cause, his special clinical interests include musculoskeletal medicine, non-operative spine procedures, orthopedics, sports medicine, electrodiagnostic medicine, and restorative therapy.

In addition to performing the full range of fluoroscopic-guided interventional pain-management procedures, he also uses diagnostic and therapeutic ultrasound. He has extensive skill in minimally invasive procedures such as discectomies and percutaneous tenotomies.

After graduating from the New York University Grossman School of Medicine in New York City, Dr. Ibrahim completed his residency training in physical medicine and rehabilitation at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai School (also in New York City). After receiving an Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) fellowship, he stayed at Mount Sinai to subspecialize in sports and interventional spine medicine. 

Dr. Ibrahim has published several articles on musculoskeletal medicine. He’s also a contributing author in a textbook on how to perform ultrasound-guided injections and the author of a book exploring what causes pain, how to reduce it, and ways to live with persistent pain.

Dr. Ibrahim has provided sideline coverage at football games, captained the medical tents at the New York City marathon, and was a ringside physician for the Golden Gloves of America boxing tournament and professional wrestling. 

Michael Rizkalla, MD, a skilled physician with double-board certification in sports medicine and physical medicine and rehabilitation, founded Revive Spine and Pain Center in 2017. At the practice’s offices in Marlton, Hamilton Township, East Brunswick and Northfield, New Jersey, he provides a patient-centered approach to treating acute and chronic pain.

He begins each appointment by listening to patients who all too often say that they’ve been everywhere and no one listens to or helps them. After hearing and understanding each person’s unique story and completing a physical exam, Dr. Rizkalla creates a tailored treatment plan using evidence-based treatments drawn from traditional medicine, interventional medicine, physical therapy, and complementary and restorative practices.

Dr. Rizkalla received his medical degree from Ross University School of Medicine in Miramar, Florida, then finished an internship in internal medicine before completing a residency in physical medicine and rehabilitation at Harvard Medical School, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Dr. Rizkalla has a subspecialty in sports medicine, has fellowship training in interventional pain management, and is certified in contemporary medical acupuncture. In addition to diagnosing and treating pain, his clinical interests include spine and joint care, sports medicine, electrodiagnostic and neuromuscular medicine, and nonsurgical orthopedics.

He has extensive training in performing numerous interventional pain procedures and restorative injections, such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and bone marrow aspirate cells. Dr. Rizkalla is also proficient in using musculoskeletal ultrasound to diagnose and treat injuries.

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. 

About The Practice

Vantage Medical Associates, P.C. is a multispecialty group practice that partners with every patient to provide comprehensive, lifelong internal medicine care. The practice has locations in the Bergen Beach, Coney Island, Williamsburg, and Sheepshead Bay neighborhoods in Brooklyn, the Far Rockaway neighborhood in Queens, and Brentwood, West Hempstead, and Babylon, New York, and is made up of a team of highly skilled physicians and clinical staff dedicated to offering the highest quality services to all patients.

The practice improves your overall health and quality of life by combining the latest advances in evidence-based medicine with compassionate, patient-centered care and cutting-edge information technology. Vantage Medical Associates PC offers complete care for women’s health, gastroenterology, podiatry, and chronic disease management for conditions like hypertension (high blood pressure).

Those with persistent conditions like lower back pain and fibromyalgia benefit from pain management services and physical therapy.

Convenient in-office imaging and diagnostic testing, as well as services for neurology, cardiology, and urology, are also available. Telehealth and home visits provide patients who have trouble getting to the office with a trouble-free way to see their provider.

Get all the care you need at one practice. Call Vantage Medical Associates, P.C. today to learn more or use the online tool to request information.

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. 

Dr. Marcelo del Rio, PT, DPT has been a physical therapist for 5 years. Marcelo received my Doctorate Degree at Long Island University - Brooklyn. He has been in out-patient PT for 3 years is now doing in-home physical therapy with Reddy Care. His favorite condition to treat would include any neurological condition (Parkinoson's, MS etc.) as he is able to utilize his knowledge to help improve these patients' functional ability.

As a nationally recognized sports medicine physician and regenerative orthopedic specialist, Luga Podesta, MD helps to restore a better quality of life for patients of all ages at Bluetail Medical Group in the Naples, Florida office. For more than 25 years, Dr. Podesta has been treating patients from diverse backgrounds, including athletes, musicians, and weekend warriors, helping them safely heal and return to the activities they love. He specializes in the nonsurgical treatment of orthopedic and musculoskeletal injuries.

Rated as a Top Doctor by Castle Connolly in 2017, Dr. Podesta offers his wealth of knowledge and experience for those with shoulder, elbow, knee, and spinal injuries. He is also considered a pioneer in the field of regenerative medicine, an area of the medical field that holds the potential to repair damaged tissue fully without invasive surgical procedures.

Dr. Podesta earned his medical degree from the Autonomous University of Guadalajara and the New York Medical College. He went on to complete his residency in physical medicine & rehabilitation (PM&R) at St. Vincent’s Medical Center of New York City. He finished his post-doctorate sports medicine fellowship at Staten Island Orthopedic Sports Medicine Fellowship, Staten Island, New York, Thousand Oaks, and the renowned Kerlan-Jobe Orthopedic Clinic in Los Angeles.

With board certifications in sports medicine and physical medicine and rehabilitation, Dr. Podesta continues his work as a dedicated physician, educator, author, and lecturer around the world. He serves as a consultant for the U.S. Open Tennis Tournament, Major League Baseball umpires, and World Baseball Classic. He is also a sports performance consultant to Cirque Du Soleil-Iris.

In the past, Dr. Podesta served as a medical director, physician, and consultant for numerous Los Angeles semi-professional and professional sports teams, including the Los Angeles Lakers. He is also a contributing writer for DRUM! Magazine regarding health-related topics for percussionists and performing artists.

As a doctor of osteopathic medicine, Chris Wolf, DO of Bluetail Medical Group in Chesterfield, Missouri believes in formulating a comprehensive plan to guide patients through rehabilitation and back to optimum health.

Dr. Wolf specializes in sports medicine and orthopedics, caring for individuals with musculoskeletal injuries, including back pain, pelvic pain, and pregnancy-related conditions. He practices regenerative medicine procedures, including ultrasound-guided injections.  

Dr. Wolf earned his medical degree from the Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine in Kirksville, Missouri. He went on to attend the University of Missouri in Columbia, where he completed his residency in physical medicine & rehabilitation (PM&R) with a subspecialty in brain injury medicine. He is board certified in both disciplines. Besides his medical degrees and certifications, Dr. Wolf also completed a teaching fellowship in osteopathic manipulative medicine.

Before joining Bluetail Medical Group, Dr. Wolf was an associate professor at the University of Missouri, where he also directed the Brain Injury and Concussion program. He frequently speaks and teaches at continuing medical education programs across the country.

As part of his comprehensive treatment plans, Dr. Wolf is highly skilled in the osteopathic manipulative treatment and uses this hands-on therapy to help patients of all ages get relief from painful symptoms. When he’s not at the office, Dr. Wolf enjoys coaching and participating in Crossfit, watching local sports, reading, and spending time with his family.