To assist you in reporting on the ever-changing field of health care, Somerset Medical Center has compiled this database of physicians and members of its professional staff who have specialized expertise in health topics ranging from eating disorders, sleep apnea and nutrition to surgical innovations, heart disease and sports medicine. They are a small sampling of our 650-member medical and dental staff that represents virtually every medical and surgical specialty. Many of our physicians hold academic teaching positions at medical schools in New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania. Our medical staff also has one of the highest percentages of board-certified physicians among hospitals in New Jersey. 
 
To arrange an interview with one of our experts, please call Kathleen Roberts, Director, at 908-595-2319 or the Marketing and Public Relations Department at 908-685-2828. We can also assist you in arranging patient interviews and photo opportunities.

Click on the following list for more information:

BEHAVIORAL HEALTH

Henry Odunlami, MD, a board-certified psychiatrist, is medical director of Somerset Medical Center's inpatient behavioral health unit. Dr. Odunlami has been an attending psychiatrist at the medical center since May 2003. In practice for 18 years, he received his medical degree from the University of Ibadan in Ibadan, Nigeria, and completed his psychiatry residency at Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, N.Y.

CANCER

Kathleen C. Toomey, MD, is board-certified hematologist/oncologist at Somerset Medical Center, vice president of its medical/dental staff and member of its Board of Trustees. She is the former chair of the medical center's Institutional Review Board and serves as principal investigator for several clinical trials studying the prevention and treatment of various types of cancer. Dr. Toomey received her medical degree from the University of Bologna Medical School in Italy. Her medical training was completed at St. Peter's Medical Center in New Brunswick and the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey – Rutgers Medical School.

Jovenia Celo, MD, is chief of oncology/hematology at Somerset Medical Center. She obtained her medical degree from the University of the Philippines in Quezon City and completed her medical training at the General Hospital in Manila, Philippines, Albany Medical Center in New York, UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School and Westchester County Medical Center in New York. She is a Diplomate of the American Board of Pathology and the American Board of Internal Medicine.

CHILDREN'S HEALTH

Daniel Abraham, MD, is chairperson of the department of pediatrics at Somerset Medical Center. He maintains a private practice in Bridgewater and has nearly 25 years of experience caring for children. Dr. Abraham is a graduate of Rutgers University in New Brunswick and received his medical degree from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey in Newark. He completed his pediatric residency at the University of Connecticut in Farmington.  He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatrics and a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics.  

John Chuo, MD, a board-certified pediatrician, is director of neonatology at Somerset Medical Center. He is also assistant professor of pediatrics and medical director of neonatal informatics at University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey—Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital. In addition, he is East Division Director of Medical Data Solutions and the founder and former chief executive officer of Our Health Company, which designs and implements medical software for Palm Pilots and other pocket PC devices. Dr. Chuo obtained a bachelor's degree in biology from Cornell University in Ithaca, New York, his medical degree from New York University School of Medicine and a master's degree in biomedical informatics from Harvard University-Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Boston, Massachusetts. He completed his medical training at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, New York University Medical Center and Children's Hospital at Harvard Medical School.

DENTAL CARE/ORAL SURGERY

Burt Abramson, DDS, chairperson of the department of dentistry at Somerset Medical Center, has 40 years of experience in the field of oral surgery. He completed his medical training at New York Hospital-Cornell Medical Center and Sinai Hospital of Detroit. Dr. Abramson conducts ongoing seminars and courses at Montefiore Hospital in the Bronx, N.Y. on topics such as anesthesia, diagnosis and treatment of TMJ, pathology, implants and current trends in facial and jaw reconstruction. He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.

DIABETES

Cathleen J. Mullarkey-DeSapio, MD, is medical director of the Diabetes Center at Somerset Medical Center. Board-certified in internal medicine, she also serves as a clinical instructor in endocrinology at Somerset Medical Center's Family Practice Residency Program and clinical instructor in medicine at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey – Robert Wood Johnson Medical School. Dr. Mullarkey-DeSapio graduated from Tufts School of Medicine in Boston and completed her medical training at Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center and the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York. She has published several studies on diabetes research and has spoken extensively on advances in diabetes treatment.

Richard Agrin, MD, is chief of endocrinology at Somerset Medical Center. He obtained his medical degree from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine in Philadelphia and completed his medical training at the University Hospital and Boston City Hospital in Boston and the U.S. Public Health Service Hospital in Baltimore. He is a clinical associate professor in medicine in the division of endocrinology, metabolism and nutrition at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey – Robert Wood Johnson Medical School and also serves as an instructor for Somerset Medical Center's family practice residency program. Dr. Agrin is a Fellow of the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists and a Fellow of the American College of Physicians. He has served as clinical investigator for several studies on diabetes prevention and treatment and has lectured and authored on the topic.

EATING DISORDERS (Anorexia and Bulimia)

Joseph Donnellan, MD, has served as medical director of the Eating Disorders Program at Somerset Medical Center since 1995. The program is one of only two inpatient eating disorders programs in New Jersey. A board-certified psychiatrist, Dr. Donnellan received his medical training at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey. He has been interviewed about eating disorders by NBC's “Today” show, CBS' “48 Hours” and the New York Daily News. He also has an interest in anxiety disorders and has published several articles on the subject.

EMERGENCY MEDICINE

Anthony Hartmann, MD, is an emergency medicine physician. He is a graduate of Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island and received his medical degree from SUNY Upstate Medical Center in Syracuse, New York. He completed his medical training at Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Board-certified in emergency medicine, he has been interviewed by regional television and newspaper reporters about a range of family emergency issues, including tips for coping with hot weather, handling home emergencies and avoiding playground injuries.

FAMILY MEDICINE

Ronald Reiss, MD, a board-certified family practitioner, is chairperson of the Department of Family Practice at Somerset Medical Center. He obtained his medical degree from the University Compultense in Madrid, Spain and is a graduate of Somerset Family Practice Residency Program at Somerset Medical Center. He completed his medical training at St. Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston.

FOOT CARE

Robert Thiele, DPM, FACFAS, is chief of podiatry at Somerset Medical Center. He is a graduate of Beaver College in Glenside, Pennsylvania and the New York College of Podiatric Medicine in New York. He completed externships at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey in Newark and the Fransciscan Health System of New Jersey in Hoboken. In 1997, he trained with John E. McNerney, DPM, the team podiatrist for the New York Giants, New Jersey Nets and New Jersey Devils. Dr. Thiele completed a three-year surgical residency program at Bon Secours New Jersey Health System, where he served as chief resident. He previously served as chief of the Foot and Ankle Clinic at St. Mary's Hospital in Hoboken. He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Podiatric Surgery and a Fellow of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons. He is also certified in pulse dye laser surgery and cryosurgery of the foot and ankle.

HEART DISEASE

Steven Georgeson, MD, is chief of cardiology at Somerset Medical Center. He is board-certified in internal medicine, cardiovascular disease and nuclear cardiology. Dr. Georgeson is a graduate of Columbia University in New York City and obtained his medical degree from New York Medical College in Valhalla, New York. He completed his medical training at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia; New England Medical Center, Tufts University School of Medicine in Boston; and Temple University Health Sciences Center in Philadelphia. He has authored numerous articles in medical journals and book chapters on topics such as congenital heart disease in adults, aortic stenosis and acute cardiac ischemia.

Robert Benigno, MD, a board-certified cardiologist, is chairman of the department of medicine at Somerset Medical Center. Dr. Benigno obtained his bachelor's and master's degrees from the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia. He received his medical degree from the University of Pittsburgh and completed his medical training at George Washington University Hospital in Washington, D.C. and Saint Vincent's Hospital in New York City. He is a Diplomat of the American Board of Internal Medicine and a Diplomat of the National Board of Medical Examiners.

INFECTIOUS DISEASE (AIDS, West Nile Virus, Anthrax, Smallpox)

Ellen Hirsh, MD, chief of infectious disease service at Somerset Medical Center, is clinical director of the medical center's Ryan White HIV care clinic. She is board certified in internal medicine and infectious diseases. Dr. Hirsh is a graduate of Brandeis University in Waltham, Massachusetts and obtained her medical degree from UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School. She completed her medical training at the Medical College of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia and the University of Maryland in Baltimore. She is a clinical assistant professor of medicine at Robert Wood Johnson Medical School.

KIDNEY DISEASE

Sudhir Mehta, MD, a board-certified nephrologist, is secretary/treasurer of Somerset Medical Center's medical and dental staff. Dr. Mehta received his medical degree from the University of Bombay in India and completed his medical training at Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center in New York, Monmouth Medical Center in Long Branch and Morristown Medical Center. He is board certified in internal medicine and nephrology.  Dr. Mehta is chief of nephrology at Somerset Medical Center and helped establish the medical center's dialysis program. He is the medical director of the Bridgewater Dialysis Unit and maintains a private practice in Bridgewater.

Manisha Patel, MD, chief of nephrology service at Somerset Medical Center, is board certified in nephrology and internal medicine. She obtained her medical degree from the B.J. Medical School in India and completed her medical training at Trenton Affiliated Hospital, United Hospital Medical Center in Newark and the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey in Newark. She is a member of the National Kidney Foundation.

LUNG DISEASE

Mohanlal Lahiri, MD, is chief of pulmonary service at Somerset Medical Center.  Dr. Lahiri is a graduate of Queen's College in Benares, India and obtained his medical degree at Calcutta Medical College in India. He completed his medical training at medical facilities in India, the United Kingdom, Canada, Virginia and New York. He is board certified in internal medicine and a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians in the United Kingdom.

NEUROLOGY (Stroke, Alzheimer's Disease, Migraines)

Richard Wittenborn, MD, is chief of neurology at Somerset Medical Center. He has 25 years of experience researching Alzheimer's disease in both clinical and academic settings. Dr. Wittenborn is board certified in neurology and psychiatry. He has held previous hospital appointments at Georgetown University Hospital; Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana, IL; and Barnes Hospital, St. Louis, MO. Dr. Wittenborn's medical training was completed at the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis and Barnes Hospital/Washington University. Dr. Wittenborn has been interviewed by regional radio and television programs about a variety of topics, including migraines, strokes and Alzheimer's disease.

NUTRITION

Tia Hagins is a registered dietitian and the community nutritionist at Somerset Medical Center. She is a graduate of Rutgers University and completed her dietetic internship at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey-School of Health Related Professions. As community nutritionist, she facilitates a weight management course, provides individual weight counseling and conducts interactive community lectures on healthy eating. She has been interviewed on cable television and in local newspapers about tips for packing healthy lunches, eating healthy while eating out, cooking low-fat foods and the dangers of low-carb diets.

PAIN MANAGEMENT

John Walker, DO, is chairperson of the department of anesthesiology at Somerset Medical Center. Dr. Walker is a graduate of Pennsylvania State University in University Park and New York College of Osteopathic Medicine in Old Westbury, New York. He completed his medical training at Union Memorial Hospital and Saint Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston. Dr. Walker is a Diplomate of the American Board of Anesthesiologists. He has authored numerous articles and conducted research on various pain management topics, including thoracic epidurals, neuromuscular blockades and anesthetic management of Nager's Syndrome.

PATHOLOGY

Anthony D'Aguillo, MD, is director of the department of pathology at Somerset Medical Center and clinical associate professor of pathology at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey – Robert Wood Johnson Medical School in Piscataway. From 1994 to 1998, he served as deputy medical examiner in Hunterdon County. He is also the former director of the Rutgers University Student Health Clinical Laboratory in New Brunswick. He is a graduate of Creighton University School of Medicine in Omaha, Nebraska and completed his medical training at New York Medical College's Metropolitan Hospital in New York City. Dr. D'Aguillo has published articles on a variety of topics, including silicone breast implants, breast tumors and ovarian moles.

RADIOLOGY

Roger Yang, MD, chairperson of the department of radiology at Somerset Medical Center, obtained his medical degree from Northwestern University in Chicago, Illinois. He completed his medical training at Robert Wood Johnson University Medical Center in New Brunswick and SUNY-Health Sciences Center in Brooklyn, New York. Somerset Medical Center was one of the first health care facilities in the state to use MRI-guided breast biopsies to promote the early detection of breast cancer.

REHABILITATION MEDICINE

Vimi Khattar, MD, is medical director of rehabilitation services at Somerset Medical Center. Dr. Khattar is board certified by the American Board of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation. She is a graduate of the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School in New Brunswick and completed her residency in Physiatry at the John F. Kennedy Medical Center's Johnson Rehabilitation Institute in Edison. Somerset Medical Center provides all of the sports medicine services for the Somerset Patriots baseball team.

RHEUMATOLOGY (Arthritis, Lupus, Scleroderma, Paget's Disease)

John McWhorter, MD, is chief of rheumatology at Somerset Medical Center.  He completed his medical training at Philadelphia General Hospital, Thomas Jefferson Medical College Hospital, Harlem Hospital and Columbia University. He is former vice president of the New Jersey Chapter of the Arthritis Foundation and a member of the board of trustees of the New Jersey Chapter of the Lupus Foundation. Dr. McWhorter has lectured and published scientific papers on various rheumatologic diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma and Paget's Disease.

SLEEP DISORDERS

Carol Ash, DO, a board-certified sleep and pulmonary specialist, is medical director of The Sleep For Life Center at Somerset Medical Center, which will be expanding this summer with the opening of a new 20-bed facility in Hillsborough. Dr. Ash has 10 years of experience in sleep medicine and previously served as director of the Cardio Sleep Center in Old Bridge and the medical director of the Albert A. Marks, Jr. Sleep Disorder Center at Bacharach Rehabilitation Hospital in Pomona. She is a partner in RespaCare Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine in Bridgewater. Dr. Ash is a graduate of Seton Hall University in South Orange and the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey's (UMDNJ) School of Osteopathic Medicine in Stratford. She completed her medical training in critical care medicine, pulmonary medicine and internal medicine at UMDNJ's Kennedy Memorial Hospital in Stratford. Dr. Ash conducts educational programs for area school students, using puppets to teach them about the importance of good sleep habits.

SMOKING CESSATION

Chris Kotsen, PsyD, is coordinator of Somerset Medical Center's Tobacco Quitcenter, one of only five Quitcenters in New Jersey partially funded through a grant from the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services through the New Jersey Comprehensive Tobacco Control Program. Dr. Kotsen has 17 years of experience in the behavioral health field and has received specialized training as a tobacco dependence treatment specialist and an addictions counselor. A graduate of Princeton University, he obtained his doctoral degree in clinical psychology from Rutgers University's Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology, where he is now a field supervisor.

SPORTS MEDICINE

John P. Kripsak, DO, a family practitioner who is board-certified in sports medicine, is medical director of Somerset Medical Center's Sports Performance and Rehabilitation Center at TD Bank Park in Bridgewater. He has 15 years of experience in sports medicine and is a partner in Bridgewater Medical Group. Dr. Kripsak is a graduate of St. Joseph's University in Philadelphia and Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine in Kirksville, Mo. He completed his medical training at Sun Coast Hospital in Largo, Fla. Dr. Kripsak is a member of the clinical faculty of the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey – Robert Wood Johnson Medical School and a member of the clinical faculty of the Department of Sports Medicine and Osteopathic Medicine at Somerset Medical Center. He also serves as special consultant for the Rutgers University Sports Medicine Department, team physician and chief medical inspector for Bridgewater-Raritan High School, chief medical inspector for Immaculata High School in Somerville and medical director for the annual Midland Run in Far Hills. He previously served as team physician and chief medical inspector at Bound Brook High School for 10 years and at Middlesex High School for nine years. In addition, he was event physician for the New Jersey High School All-Star Lacrosse Game for 10 years and a member of the board of directors of the Midland School for nine years.

STOMACH AND INTESTINAL DISORDERS

Robert H. Lustig, DO, is board certified in gastroenterology and internal medicine. Dr. Lustig received his medical degree from the University of Osteopathic Medicine and Health Sciences in Des Moines, Iowa and completed his medical training at JFK Hospital in Stratford, N.J. and Albany Medical College in Albany, N.Y.  He is a member of the American Osteopathic Association and the American College of Osteopathic Internists.

Jeffrey S. Unger, MD, chief of gastroenterology at Somerset Medical Center, is board certified in internal medicine.  He is a graduate of the State University of New York in Albany and Boston University School of Medicine. Dr. Unger completed his medical training at Columbia-Presbyterian Medical Center in New York and the New York University Medical Center. He is a member of the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, the American College of Gastroenterology, the American Gastrointestinal Association and the New York Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy.

SURGERY

GENERAL SURGERY/VASCULAR SURGERY 

Edward Buch, MD, is chief of surgery and the vascular laboratory at Somerset Medical Center. He previously served as chief of general surgery from 1994 to 2001. He is also director of the Raritan Valley Vascular Center. He is board certified in general surgery and vascular surgery. Dr. Buch received his medical degree from the State University of New York's Downstate School of Medicine in Brooklyn. His current research includes a study comparing carotid endartectomy and vein patch  angioplasty. He was one of the first in the Somerset-Hunterdon region to perform minimally invasive femoral-popliteal artery bypass, an endovascular technique to help people with peripheral artery disease restore normal blood flow to their legs. He was also one of the area's first to perform the new VNUS Closure procedure, a minimally-invasive treatment for varicose veins.

Gary Drascher, MD, is chief of vascular surgery at Somerset Medical Center. He is board certified in surgery and a registered vascular technologist. He is a graduate of Mount Sinai School of Medicine and completed his medical training at Roosevelt Hospital in New York and Englewood Hospital in Englewood, New Jersey. Dr. Drascher and two other surgeons at the medical center, Edward Buch, MD, and Grant Price, MD, were among the first in New Jersey to perform an innovative minimally invasive procedure to treat aneurysms that occur in the abdominal aorta.

EYE SURGERY

Daniel Wachtel, MD, is chief of ophthalmology surgery at Somerset Medical Center. He is a graduate of Union College in Schenectady, New York and New York University College of Medicine. He completed his medical training at Montefiore Hospital and New York University's Bellevue Hospital Center. Dr. Wachtel was a major in the U.S. Army, serving in the medical corps in Japan and Korea. He is a Diplomate of the National Board of Medical Examiners and the American Board of Ophthalmology and a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and the International College of Surgeons.

HEAD AND NECK SURGERY

Gerald Fenster, MD, is chief of otolaryngology surgery at Somerset Medical Center. He is a graduate of Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore and obtained his medical degree from New York Medical College in New York City. He completed his training at Mount Sinai Hospital  and Manhattan EET Hospital, both in New York. He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Otolaryngology.

NEUROSURGERY

William F. Cunningham, MD, is chief of neurosurgery at Somerset Medical Center and an associate clinical professor of neurosurgery at Robert Wood Johnson Medical School. A graduate of LaSalle College, he obtained his medical degree from Temple University School of Medicine in Philadelphia. He completed his medical training at Philadelphia General Hospital and Temple University Hospital. Board-certified in neurologic surgery, he is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons.

ORAL SURGERY

Joel Efron, DMD, is chief of oral surgery at Somerset Medical Center. He is a graduate of the State University of New York in Albany and the University of Pennsylvania Dental School in Philadelphia. He completed his medical training at Roosevelt Hospital in New York and Queen Victoria Hospital in East Grinstead, England.

ORTHOPEDIC SURGERY

Thomas Nordstrom, MD, is chief of orthopedic surgery at Somerset Medical Center and a clinical instructor for the medical center's Somerset Family Practice Residency Program. Board certified in orthopedic surgery, he is a graduate of Hobart College in Geneva, New York and the College of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey at Rutgers Medical School in Piscataway. He completed his medical training at Lenox Hill Hospital, the Hospital for Special Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Hospital and Bronx Veterans Hospital, all in New York. Dr. Nordstrom was one of the first in Central New Jersey to perform unicompartmental knee surgery, a new minimally-invasive alternative to total knee replacement surgery. He has particular interest in sports medicine, serving as team physician for the Bridgewater and Somerville High School football teams. He volunteers his medical services for the Special Olympics and the Tour of Somerville bicycle race. In addition, in 2002, he volunteered for a two-week stint caring for athletes and spectators at the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Lake Placid, New York. 

PLASTIC SURGERY (Liposuction, breast implants and botox)

Arthur Perry, MD, is chief of plastic surgery at Somerset Medical Center. He is also clinical associate professor of surgery at University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey – Robert Wood Johnson Medical School and clinical associate in surgery at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine. A graduate of Rutgers College, he received his medical degree from the Albany Medical College of Union University in New York. He completed his medical training at Beth Israel Hospital in Boston, New York Hospital and the University of Chicago. A volunteer with Healing the Children since 1989, he has provided free reconstructive surgery for indigent children. He is founder and president of Defib USA, a charitable organization dedicated to the placement of automated defibrillators in public buildings. Dr. Perry has authored numerous journal articles on various plastic surgery topics and recently started a local radio show on plastic surgery.

THORACIC SURGERY

Robert Caccavale, MD, is chief of thoracic surgery at Somerset Medical Center and clinical associate professor of surgery at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey – Robert Wood Johnson Medical School. He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Thoracic Surgery and the American Board of Surgery. He is a graduate of the State University of New York at Buffalo School of Medicine and completed his medical training at Downstate University in Brooklyn, Booth Memorial Medical Center in Flushing, New York, and New York University. Dr. Caccavale has helped train peers around the world on video-assisted thoracic surgery, (VATS), a type of surgery that allows doctors to view inside a patient's chest cavity after making only a very small incision.

UROLOGY (Prostate Cancer, Prostatitis, Urinary Incontinence)

Arthur Feldman, MD, is chief of urologic surgery at Somerset Medical Center. He is a graduate of Muhlenberg College and Temple University School of Medicine. Dr. Feldman is a member of the faculty for the International Center for Postgraduate Medical Education and is a medical consultant for Pharmacia, AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson. In addition, he has lectured and published articles on a variety of urological topics.

WOMEN'S HEALTH

Gerard Pregenzer, MD, is chairperson of the department of obstetrics/gynecology at Somerset Medical Center. He completed his medical training at Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center in New York and has studied and worked at the Mayo Clinic, The Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania and Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. He is a Diplomate and Fellow in the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the American College of Surgeons and the Accreditation Council for Gynecologic Endoscopy-Advanced Operative Laparoscopy. Dr. Pregenzer has published more than 40 original abstracts and book chapters and has lectured worldwide, including recent presentations on laparoscopic hysterectomies at international medical conferences in Venice and Rome, Italy.