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About The Practice

Ajay Kumar MD, DABPM, DABPM, is an interventional spine and pain physician at New Jersey Advanced Pain Management, which has locations in Hackettstown, New Jersey, Matamoras, Pennsylvania, and Warwick New York

Dr. Kumar earned his Doctor of Medicine from the prestigious All India Institute of Medical Sciences in New Delhi, India. He completed his residency in physical medicine and rehabilitation at Temple University Hospital in Philadelphia. He is fellowship-trained in interventional pain medicine, board certified in physical medicine, and a diplomate of the American Board of Pain Medicine.

In India, Dr. Kumar was an orthopedic surgeon with specialized training in doing fluoroscopic and ultrasound-guided minimally invasive pain procedures. He is one of the few physicians who have extensive training in prolotherapy. At New Jersey Advanced Pain Management Center, Dr. Kumar works with the patient to offer them various solutions for their problem. He routinely treats patients affected by musculoskeletal injuries that cause back pain, neck pain, knee pain, and shoulder pain. Dr. Kumar has extensive experience in NCV/EMG studies to diagnose the cause of the pain. He offers minimally invasive spine procedures and spinal cord stimulation trials as well as spinal cord stimulation permanent implants for various medical diagnoses. 

Dr. Kumar's strengths include diagnosing difficult cases and offering sensible treatments that are logical and safe. He understands the ability of the body to naturally heal itself as a basis for his treatment protocols. Dr. Kumar also embraces multidisciplinary care, including physical therapy, acupuncture, and chiropractic, to get well and stay healthy.

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Kumar and the team at New Jersey Advanced Pain Management Center, call the office or book an appointment online today.

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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. 

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.

Professional Experience

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.

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. 

Dr. Wiederholz is a leading expert in the field of minimally invasive spine treatments in Houston. Trained directly under Dr. Kevin Pauza, the inventor of the Discseel® Procedure, Dr. Wiederholz has been performing this innovative treatment since 2020, making him the first physician in Houston to do so.

His direct training under Dr. Pauza has provided him with a deep understanding and mastery of the Discseel® Procedure, allowing him to offer his patients a safe and effective alternative to surgery for chronic back and neck pain.

As a trailblazer in his field, Dr. Wiederholz is dedicated to providing his patients with the highest standard of care. His expertise and commitment to patient wellbeing have established him as the trusted choice for those seeking to avoid surgery and improve their quality of life. Choose Dr. Wiederholz, the Houston Discseel® Expert, for a successful return to a pain-free life.

Dr. Matthias Wiederholz is also the founder and visionary behind Performance Pain & Sports Medicine, also known as Performance. Performance is a boutique medical practice with a focus on the treatment of acute and chronic pain. Dr. Wiederholz founded Performance in 2008 and officially opened for patient care in 2009. Dr. Wiederholz serves his patients in Houston, Texas; and Lawrenceville, New Jersey.

Dr. Wiederholz received his specialty training in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas where he served as chief resident. He completed fellowship training in Interventional Pain Management and Sports Medicine in Marietta, Georgia. He holds four board certifications: Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation is his primary specialty. This field focuses on the treatment of the entire person with special attention to functional recovery. He also holds a board certification in Sports Medicine and he is a leader in this field offering minimally-invasive options for healing of sports injuries. He also has a board certification in Pain Medicine through the American Board of Pain Medicine. His expertise in this field spans both nationally and internationally where he has provided education for physician colleagues throughout the US and Europe. Finally, he is board certified in Anti-Aging, Regenerative & Functional Medicine and holds a Masters degree in Metabolic & Nutritional Medicine. Unlike other physicians that are dabbling in the field of Regenerative Medicine, Dr. Wiederholz is board-certified in it. He is a leader in the use of autologous, bone marrow derived stem cell procedures and platelet rich plasma procedures using targeted image guidance with both ultrasound and fluoroscopy.  

The field of Pain Medicine has advanced over the years and Dr. Wiederholz prides himself on keeping up with all the most innovative advancements within the field. He performs all the basic pain management procedures, such as epidural injections, facet joint injections, rhizotomies, sacroiliac joint injections. But he is a leader in the advanced treatments within the field as well. He was the first physician in the entire state of Texas to perform the Superion procedure, a minimally invasive implant procedure for the treatment of spinal stenosis. He also implants spinal cord stimulators and intrathecal pain pumps. He also has specialized training in endoscopic spine surgical procedures. 

Dr. Wiederholz is one of just a few physicians licensed and trained to perform the Discseel™ procedure. This amazing procedure often prevents spine surgery and treats the inflammation associated with leaky disc syndrome. Invented by Dr. Kevin Pauza, Dr. Wiederholz was trained on this advanced technique and offers this therapy in Texas, New Jersey and Pennsylvania!

In his personal time Dr. Wiederholz spends time with his wife and daughter and enjoys traveling, golf and yoga. Despite being a transplant from New Jersey, he truly enjoys making Texas-style barbeque in his kamado grill. He also enjoys baking fresh bread and making homemade pasta. 

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. 

Ali Shah, MD, is a skilled spine medicine physician practicing at MidJersey Orthopaedics (MJO), which has locations in Flemington, Bridgewater, and Washington, New Jersey.

Dr. Shah earned his Doctor of Medicine at Drexel University College of Medicine in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He then went on to complete his physical medicine and rehabilitation residency at The Ohio State University Medical Center before completing his interventional spine fellowship at the Cleveland Clinic. 

Dr. Shah is board-certified by the American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and maintains membership with the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. 

He provides a wide range of treatments, including radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and cervical, lumbar, and thoracic injections, to help his patients lead lives that are less impacted by chronic pain.

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Shah, call MidJersey Orthopaedics (MJO) or request an appointment online today. 

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. 

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.

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. 

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.

Bernadette Livewell is a certified Physician Assistant who joined Coastal Spine in 2012. She graduated from Ursinus College with degrees in both Biology and Spanish. She then attended Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine where she earned her Physician Assistant Master’s Degree in 2011. She is a member of The American Academy of Physician Assistants and the North American Spine Society.