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Dr. Shailendra Hajela finished his medical schooling in Delhi, India and completed his Masters in Orthopedic Surgery from the University of Delhi. He then moved to United Kingdom where he further trained and practiced Orthopedics. He is a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons (FRCS) in UK.

In 2000, he moved to the U.S. and completed his Internship at Bronx-Lebanon Medical Center in New York. He completed his residency in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Albert Einstein College of Medicine / Montefiore Medical Center in New York in 2005, and served as Chief Resident in his last year there. He obtained his Board Certification from the American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation in 2007. He became Diplomat of American Board of Pain Medicine in 2009 and in 2013, he received his Board Certification from the American Board of Sports Medicine. Dr. Hajela has been recognized as an American Top Doctor in Pain Management by The Consumers Research Council of America for 2012.

Dr. Prajakta Avhad is double board-certified in Pain Management and Anesthesiology. Dr. Avhad received her M.B.B.S. from MIMER, India, and completed her Surgical internship and Anesthesia residency at Brookdale University Hospital in Brooklyn, New York during which she interned at Memorial Sloan Kettering, St. Luke’s Roosevelt, and Staten Island Hospital.

She then completed her Pain Management Fellowship from Cleveland Clinic Foundation.

Dr. Avhad is a diplomate of the American Board of Anesthesiology and a member of the American Academy of Pain Medicine.

Dr. Avhad has been in practice in Central and South Jersey for more than 12years. She is a caring physician with expertise and experience in treating a spectrum of Pain conditions like chronic back and neck pain, herniated discs/sciatica with minimally invasive interventional procedures.

Dr. Avhad and her family reside in New Jersey. She is an avid gardener active with her kids, dog, and garden if not tending to her broad and exotic orchid collection.

Gerald F. Gaughan, MD, is a highly experienced physical medicine and rehabilitation physician at Doctors United, with offices in the West Farms and Wakefield neighborhoods in the White Plains, and Ardsley, New York. Dr. Gaughan focuses on enhancing and restoring the functional abilities and quality of life for his patients with physical impairments and disabilities. 

After earning his Doctor of Medicine at the State University of New York (SUNY) Health Science Center (now known as SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University) in Brooklyn, New York, Dr. Gaughan completed a one-year medicine internship at New Rochelle Hospital (now known as Montefiore New Rochelle Hospital) in New Rochelle, New York. 

Dr. Gaughan then went on to complete his anesthesia residency at Montefiore Medical Center, the University Hospital for Albert Einstein College of Medicine, in the Bronx, followed by his physical medicine and rehabilitation residency at New York Medical College in Valhalla, New York.

He is board-certified by the American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and is licensed to practice medicine in the state of New York. 

Dr. Gaughan has hospital affiliations with St. Barnabas Hospital in the Bronx and St. John’s Riverside Hospital in Yonkers. 

Taking a patient-centered approach to care, Dr. Gaughan makes himself available when his patients need him. 

Ari B. Lerner, MD, is the founder of Pain Management Specialists of New York, with four locations throughout New York City including Astoria, Queens, Midtown East, Manhattan, and Mott Haven and Pelham Bay in the Bronx. Licensed to practice medicine in New York and New Jersey, Dr. Lerner focuses his medical services on pain medicine and specializes in interventional procedures. He is board certified by the American Board of Anesthesiology in both Pain Medicine and Anesthesiology.

Dr. Lerner received his medical degree at SUNY Downstate Medical Center, where he also completed his anesthesia residency and advanced anesthesia tracks in obstetrics and cardiothoracic surgery. Further training included a pain medicine fellowship at the prestigious and highly competitive Pain Medicine Fellowship Program at St. Luke’s Roosevelt Hospital Center through the Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons in New York.

In 2007, Dr. Lerner established Precision Anesthesia P.C. and Precision Pain Management, P.C., medical practices that provided anesthesia and pain management services for ambulatory surgery centers and medical offices throughout the New York City area. His experience includes working as a medical consultant for Mount Sinai Hospital of Queens in Astoria, where he conducted pain management consultations and performed procedures for patients of varying age and disability. He also served as an Assistant Professor of Anesthesiology and Pain Management at Mount Sinai Hospital School of Medicine, launched an out-patient pain management office, and monitored and cared for patients in a recovery room setting.

Dr. Lerner maintains hospital privileges at New York Presbyterian Queens Hospital. He is affiliated with several professional organizations, including the Medical Society of State of New York, American Medical Association, American Society of Anesthesiologists, New York State Society of Anesthesiologists, and the International Spine Intervention Society.

Gerald F. Gaughan, MD, is a highly experienced physical medicine and rehabilitation physician at Doctors United, with offices in the West Farms and Wakefield neighborhoods in the White Plains, and Ardsley, New York. Dr. Gaughan focuses on enhancing and restoring the functional abilities and quality of life for his patients with physical impairments and disabilities. 

After earning his Doctor of Medicine at the State University of New York (SUNY) Health Science Center (now known as SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University) in Brooklyn, New York, Dr. Gaughan completed a one-year medicine internship at New Rochelle Hospital (now known as Montefiore New Rochelle Hospital) in New Rochelle, New York. 

Dr. Gaughan then went on to complete his anesthesia residency at Montefiore Medical Center, the University Hospital for Albert Einstein College of Medicine, in the Bronx, followed by his physical medicine and rehabilitation residency at New York Medical College in Valhalla, New York.

He is board-certified by the American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and is licensed to practice medicine in the state of New York. 

Dr. Gaughan has hospital affiliations with St. Barnabas Hospital in the Bronx and St. John’s Riverside Hospital in Yonkers. 

Taking a patient-centered approach to care, Dr. Gaughan makes himself available when his patients need him. 

Wayne Fleischhacker, DO, DABA, DABPM, DAAPM, is the director of Union Spine and Pain Management with offices in Union, Scotch Plains, Bloomfield, South Bound Brook, New Brunswick, Old Bridge, and Woodbridge, New Jersey. He has vast experience in anesthesiology and pain management, including minimally invasive pain management procedures and surgery. 

Dr. Fleischhacker began his education at Rochester Institute of Technology in Rochester, New York, receiving his bachelor’s degree in biology. He later achieved his medical degree at the New York College of Osteopathic Medicine in Old Westbury.

Shortly after, he completed a rotating internship at Massapequa General Hospital in Seaford, New York, followed by anesthesiology and pain management training at Temple University Hospital in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Dr. Fleischhacker is on staff at multiple hospitals and surgery centers in New Jersey.

He also served as the attending anesthesiologist and chairman of the anesthesiology and pain management department at Union Hospital in New Jersey and the Endo-Surgical Center as the director of anesthesiology and pain management.

Established in the medical field, Dr. Fleischhacker is a diplomate of the American Board of Anesthesiology, the American Board of Pain Medicine, the American Academy of Pain Management, and the National Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners.

He is also a member of the American Society of Anesthesiologists, the New Jersey Society of Anesthesiologists, the American Board of Pain Management, the International Spine Intervention Society, the American Society of Interventional Pain Physicians, and Director of the New Jersey Society of Interventional Pain Physicians.

Dr. Fleischhacker's dedication to patient-centered care and his commitment to enhancing medical knowledge continue to make a profound impact on the lives of countless patients and his team at Union Spine and Pain Management.

Philip M. Rojo, DO, 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, Bloomfield, 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, Bloomfield, 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, DO, 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, Bloomfield, 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, Bloomfield, 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. 

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, Bloomfield, 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.