Medical Advisory Board


drallen1Patricia Yarberry Allen, M.D.

Patricia Yarberry Allen, director of the New York Menopause Center, is a gynecologist affiliated with New York-Presbyterian Hospital, a board certified fellow of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology and a member of the North American Menopause Society. The president and a founding member of the board of Women’s Voices for Change, Dr. Allen is a spokeswoman on women’s health. She was the inaugural speaker for the Iris Cantor Lecture Series on Women’s Health at the American Hospital in Paris. Dr. Allen has been interviewed by The New York Times, USA Today, regional newspapers and major television news programs on womens health issues and is a contributing editor for More magazine.
hollyaHolly S. Andersen, M.D. An Assistant Professor of Medicine at the Weill Cornell Medical Center, Dr. Andersen has additionally served as the Chief Medical Resident for the Department of Medicine and Director of Education and Outreach for the Ronald O. Perelman Heart Institute at The New York Presbyterian Hospital, She currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, the President’s Council for the International Women’s Health Coalition, and the National Advisory Board for the Women’s Sports Foundation. She has also been an expert panelist on internet webcasts and an on air medical consultant to ABC World News Tonight, MTV, the CBS Evening News, NBC Evening News, The Early Show, The Fox Television Network, The Fox News Channel, and The British Broadcasting Company. Dr. Andersen speaks extensively on preventive cardiology, cardiovascular disease in athletes and in women.
draugustDr. Phyllis August is the Ralph A Baer MD Professor of Research in Medicine at Weill Cornell, where she has been on the faculty for 25 years. Dr. August from Harvard College, Yale Medical School and the Harvard School of Public Health. She trained in Internal Medicine and Nephrology and Hypertension at New York Presbyterian-Weill Cornell. She is the Director of the Cornell Hypertension Center and the Program Director of the Nephrology Training Program at New York Presbyterian-Cornell. Dr. August is the Theresa Lang Director of the Lang Center for Research and Education at New York Hospital Queens. Dr. August’s research has focused on hypertension in pregnancy, and hypertension associated with kidney disease. Her research has been funded by the National Institutes of Health for many years and has been published extensively in major medical journals Dr. August is a frequent speaker at international and national meetings. Her clinical practice at Weill Cornell focuses on nephrology and hypertension, particularly in women.
browerMark S. Brower, M.D. is clinical professor of medicine at the Weill Medical College of Cornell University, and associate attending physician at New York Presbyterian Hospital. He graduated from the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine before doing his internship, residency, and fellowship at the New York Hospital-Cornell Medical Center. Dr. Brower was a Paley Fellow in Academic Medicine and he was the recipient of the Andrew W, Mellon Foundation Teacher Scientist Award. He served as an Executive Committee member of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO). He is a fellow in the American College of Physicians and a member of the American Society of Hematology and the Harvey Society. He has published and lectured extensively in hematologic disorders. Dr. Brower was listed among “The Best Doctors in New York” by New York magazine.
butenskylowresSteven M. Butensky, D.D., is a clinical associate professor in Post-Graduate Prosthodontics as well as the Director of Aesthetic Dentistry in the Advanced Education Program in Prosthodontics at New York University and maintains a private practice in New York City. A skilled dental clinician and lecturer with over 20 years experience, Dr. Butensky received his B.S. degrees in Chemistry and Environmental Sciences from Syracuse University, his D.D.S. degree from the Medical College of Virginia and his certificate in Prosthodontics from New York University College of Dentistry. Dr. Butensky is a member of the ADA, Academy of Osseointegration, the American College of Prosthodontics and he is a fellow of the Northeastern Gnathological Society.In addition to teaching the Aesthetic Continuum on Porcelain Laminate Veneers, Dr. Butensky is the past Professor of Prosthodontics for Aesthetic Advantage’s Hands-on Aesthetic Post-Graduate programsat New York University.
lc-photo003Linda Carter, Ph.D. is a Clinical Associate Professor in Psychiatry at the NYU School of Medicine, and the Director of the Family Studies Program at the NYU Child Study Center. Dr. Carter developed the family therapy treatment andtraining program at the NYU Medical Center over twenty years ago, which she continues to direct. Dr. Carter also maintains an active clinical practice, where she sees individuals, couples and families in a behaviorally oriented psychotherapy. Dr. Carter specializes in working with couples who present with a wide range of issues and challenges at each stage of the life cycle.
Gayatra Devi, M.D.

Gayatra Devi, M.D.

Gayatri Devi MD is the Director of the New York Memory and Healthy Aging Services and a Clinical Associate Professor of Neurology and Psychiatry at New York University School of Medicine. A neurologist and psychiatrist who is board certified in both specialties by the American Board of Neurology and Psychiatry, she has specialized in the early diagnosis and treatment of memory disorders related to aging and menopause for over a decade. Before starting the New York Memory and Healthy Aging Services, Dr. Devi was Assistant Professor of Neurology at Columbia University and Director of the Memory Disorders Center at the Center for Women’s Health at Columbia Presbyterian-Eastside.
Dr. Devi has published in numerous peer-reviewed journals, and has presented papers at national meetings of the American Neurological Association, the American Neuropsychiatric Association and the North American Menopause Society. She has appeared in the media to discuss memory disorders, including the BBC, Reuters, FOX, ABC, and 1010 WINS. She was a featured expert on a cover article of memory in Time magazine. She is President of the National Council on Women’s Health. Dr. Devi is also the author of “Estrogen, Memory and Menopause” (Alphasigma Press; 2000) and “What your doctor may not tell you about Alzheimer’s Disease” (Time Warner Books; 2004)
Peter R. Dottino, M.D. received his undergraduate Bachelor of Science (BS) degree from Manhattan College and his Medical Degree (M.D.) from Georgetown University School of Medicine. After completing an Obstetrics and Gynecology residency at SUNY Downstate Medical Center, Kings County Hospital, he went on to complete a fellowship in Gynecologic Oncology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. Dr. Dottino has served as the Director of Gynecologic Oncology and the Colposcopy Service at the Mount Sinai Medical Center and has published numerous articles and chapters in medical journals and textbooks. He is a nationally and internationally recognized expert in operative laparoscopy and its application to the surgical management of both benign and malignant disease. He is certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology in OB/GYN and Gynecologic Oncology and is an active member in numerous professional societies and organizations.
Susan Drossman, M.D. is a clinical professor of radiology at Mount Sinai School of Medicine and practices ar Mount Sinai Medical Center, with a specialty in interventional breast imaging. After her residencies at NYU Medical Center and CPUMC, Dr. Rossman also received a fellowship in Breast-Body Imaging from Memorial Sloan-Kettering.
cecilia-ford-phdCecilia M. Ford, Ph.D., has been a psychologist in private practice in New York City since 1987; her current areas of focus are chronic illnes and depression, eating disorders and body image disorders, sexuality and relationships, and parenthood and careers.
Kerri105headshot.emailKeri M. Gans, MS, RD, CDN Keri Gans is a Registered Dietitian in private practice in Manhattan. She is a Spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association Spokesperson (ADA), an ADA Delegate for NY State and a Past President of the New York State Dietetic Association. Keri holds a Master’s Degree in Clinical Nutrition from New York University and Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from Ohio University. Before working solely in private practice Keri was a clinical staff dietitian at St. Lukes Roosevelt Hospital and North General Hospital in Manhattan. Besides individual and group nutrition counseling, Keri spends time public speaking, consulting for nutrition websites and providing on-line nutrition counseling and writing. She has also worked as a media spokesperson, including clients such as, Bayer Nutritional Science, Wisdom Naturals (Stevia Brand) and The American Dairy Association and Dairy Council. Keri is frequently quoted in local and national publications, and has made several television appearances including, ABC News, FOX News, FOX Morning Show with Mike and Juliet and Good Morning America; and numerous radio interviews, including Dr. Radio on Sirius Satellite Radio. She was also the host of a weekly nutrition/lifestyle show called “Diet Diva” on Manhattan Public Access TV for five years. Keri is the proud winner of the New York State Dietetic Association’s 2006 Emerging Dietetic Leader Award.
drgRoy G. Geronemus, M.D., Director of the Laser & Skin Surgery Center of New York, graduated from Harvard University and pursued his medical education at the University of Miami School of Medicine. He trained in Dermatology at the New York University Medical Center, where he was the Chief Resident, and subsequently underwent a fellowship training in Mohs Micrographic Surgery and Cutaneous Oncology. A Clinical Professor of Dermatology at the New York University Medical Center, Dr. Geronemus has founded its laser program and served nine years as its Chief of Dermatologic and Laser Surgery. He is also the Director of the Skin/Laser Division in the Department of Plastic Surgery at the New York Eye & Ear Infirmary. He is Past President of the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery and the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery. He has received the Ellet Drake award for outstanding contributions to laser medicine and the Leon Goldman award for excellence in clinical laser research.Dr. Geronemus has been a featured speaker of the American Academy of Dermatology, American Society for Dermatologic Surgery and the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery for many years, as well as speaking to other national and international audiences. He has published over 200 medical articles, chapters and books, including the most recent 2nd Edition of Illustrated Cutaneous and Aesthetic Laser Surgery. He has been involved with the development of several new laser systems and therapeutic techniques, which are now commonly used throughout the world. He has been listed in New York Magazine’s Best Doctors in New York 12 times, three times in Woodward and White’s Best Doctors in America and in Town & Country’s Best Cosmetic Surgeons.
hutchersonDr Hilda Hutcherson, Clinical Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Associate Dean for Diversity and Minority Affairs at Columbia University’s College of Physicians and Surgeons, is the author of Having Your Baby: A Guide for African American Women, What Your Mother Never Told You About Sex and Pleasure: A Woman’s Guide to Getting the Sex you want Need and Deserve. She was recently named by Black Enterprise Magazine as one of America’s Leading Physicians, one of the Top Doctors in New York in the Castle Connoly Guide, and is included in the Best Doctors in America database. Dr. Hutcherson’s devotion to women’s empowerment and education is supported by her monthly sexual health columns in Essence and Glamour. An online advisor for Parents Magazine and Glamour, she has been quoted in O Magazine, Heart and Soul, Cosmopolitan, MORE, Upscale, Allure, Health, Redbook, Parents, and Marie Claire. Dr. Hutcherson’s TV appearances include spots on Oprah, Rachael Ray, Montel, 20/20, Today, Good Morning America, the Early Show, ABC Nightly News, and Nightline.
Elizabeth Jelks, M.D.

An ophthalmologist based in Manhattan, Dr. Elizabeth Jelks works in close association with Dr. Glenn W. Jelks, MD, including evaluation of surgical patients, in the operating theatre and aesthetic supplementary procedures. Her first career in medicine was as an emergency physician’ now, she focuses on reconstructive eyelid and facial surgery and all aspects of cosmetic surgery. An expert in oculoplastic surgery, Dr. Jelks c has co-authored medical journal articles and chapters related to oculoplastic surgery and conducts courses in the subject as well.
KolbThomas M. Kolb, M.D., is widely regarded as leader in the field of women’s health care and imaging. He is an assistant clinical professor of Radiology at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons and is in private practice in New York City specializing in the detection and diagnosis of breast cancer in young, predominantly hi-risk premenopausal women. Dr. Kolb has been on the faculty of numerous medical educational meetings, and he has lectured throughout the U.S. and internationally on the topic of breast cancer detection and diagnosis, including at the New York Academy of Sciences and chairing multiple sessions at the annual meeting of the Radiological Society of North America. In 1998, Dr. Kolb published the first contemporary study detailing the use of breast ultrasound to detect cancers. An original founder of the New York Breast Cancer Study, Dr. Kolb and was co-author of its research publication “Breast and Ovarian Cancer Risks Due to Inherited Mutations in BRCA1 and BRCA2″ published in the journal Science in 2003 detailing the clinical effect of breast cancer genetic mutations. Dr. Kolb’s research interests focus on the critical evaluation of current breast cancer screening modalities, genetic predispositions to breast cancer, and the use of novel techniques and technologies for the detection and diagnosis of breast cancer. Currently, he is a principal investigator of the North American Digital Breast Tomosynthesis project trial which is analyzing a novel mammographic technology that acquires multiplanar images of the breasts. He directs one of only five sites that possess this technology.
Melanie Katzman, Ph.D. has served as a corporate coach, developer and lecturer for leading international businesses and world renowned institutions for over twenty years. During the course of her career she has explored how people, personalities and behavior patterns impact results and through the international coaching consortium she founded 10 years ago, Katzman Consulting, she has worked to inspire individuals, unite teams and align organizations. Melanie’s pioneering work defining, treating and advocating for women’s mental health concerns has resulted in five books, countless articles and close collaborations with media and local governments in the U.S. and abroad. Melanie is on the faculty at the Weill-Cornell Medical School in New York City and the University of London, England and sits on the task force to achieve parity for female faculty as part of her work with the University of Pennsylvania’s Trustee’s Council. She received a doctorate in Psychology and is certified in the U.S. and chartered in the U.K. Melanie lives in New York City with her husband and two teenage children.
Brian Landzberg, M.D. is a gastroenterologist and liver specialist affiliated with the Weill Medical College of Cornell University, New York-Presbyterian Hospital and Hospital for Special Surgery where he serves as Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine in the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology. His particular areas of clinical interest are celiac disease, functional gastrointestinal disorders including constipation, diarrhea and irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, gastritis, GERD and liver disease. He has published and lectured on these topics and maintains a very active clinical practice on the Upper East Side of Manhattan.
Steven K. Magid is a graduate of Brandeis University, and Cornell University Medical College. After Lebwohlcompleting his Internship and Residency at the New York Hospital, he completed his Fellowship at the Hospital for Special Surgery. From 1981- to the present, he has been on staff at New York-Presbyterian Hospital the Hospital for Special Surgery and is presently an Associate Attending of Clinical Medicine. He has a very large clinical practice specializing in General Rheumatology; with particular emphasis on Rheumatoid Arthritis, Lupus, Lyme Disease, as well as Osteoarthritis. Through the years Dr. Magid has published on a variety of subjects including Osteoarthritis, Lyme Disease, Pregnancy and Arthritis. . He is active in Weill-Cornell Medical College teaching program, teaching Medical Students, Residents, and Fellows. His recent interests include Quality and Safety as well as Medical Informatics. He is Chairman of the HSS Safety Committee, Chair of the Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee and Chair of the Clinical Informatics Committee. His research interests include Medical Informatics, Bibliometrics and Patient Safety/Quality.
Dr. Elizabeth Poynor is a practicing gynecologic oncologist and pelvic surgeon. After completing advanced surgical training in gynecology, gynecologic oncology and pelvic surgery at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center and maintaining a successful surgical practice there for more than a decade, she decided to focus exclusively on the care of women in a more comfortable and private setting.peDr. Poynor graduated magna cum laude from Princeton University in 1984. She then graduated from Columbia College of Physicians and Surgeons in 1988 and completed her residency training in Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Pennsylvania in 1992. Dr. Poynor completed her fellowship in gynecologic oncology in 1995 at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, and remained on the surgical attending staff until July of 2006. While developing and maintaining a busy surgical practice as an Assistant Attending Surgeon at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center and Assistant Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Cornell Weill Graduate School of Medical Sciences, she also obtained a PhD in cell biology and genetics from Cornell. Dr. Poynor is Board Certified in Obstetrics and Gynecology and Gynecologic Oncology.
Jill M. Rabin, MD, FACOG, is Clinical Associate Professor of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Women’s Health at Albert Einstein College of Medicine in Bronx, New York, and Chief of Ambulatory Care and Urogynecology in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Long Island Jewish Medical Center in New Hyde Park, New York. Dr. Rabin was graduated magna cum laude from Hofstra Uniiversity, Hempstead, New York in 1975, and subsequently earned her MD from the State University of New York, Downstate Medical Center, in Brooklyn in 1981. She then served a residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine until 1985, followed by a fellowship in Urogynecology at the Long Island Jewish Medical Center from 1989 to 1992. A Diplomate of the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Dr. Rabin holds seven patents and one copyright for urogynecologic medical devices and is an active researcher, consultant, frequently invited lecturer and media spokesperson. She has authored three books, including the recently released ‘Mind Over Bladder’, a step-by-step guide to continence. She also acts as reviewer and editor for a number of journals, such as the International Journal of Urogynecology. She has also co-authored a number of popular books, including You’re Never Too Old to Have Fun! Tips on Staying Healthy and Feeling Young.
Dr. Michael Lorin Reed is a board certified Manhattan-based dermatologist in private practice since 1978. He is a renowned expert in the treatment of hair loss disorders in women. He has served on the faculty of New York University for 25 years as a professor of Clinical Dermatology where he has directed the NYU hair loss clinic and NYU hair transplant clinic. Dr. Reed has been featured on The View, MSNBC, and ABC News Tonight and has lectured extensively on the subject of skin and hair disorders. His most recent publication is the chapter “Hair Transplantation” in Grabb and Smith’s Plastic Surgery Textbook (2007).
BonnieR Bonnie S. Reichman is a Clinical Associate Professor of Medicine at the Cornell University Medical College; an Attending Medical Oncologist at The New York Hospital-Cornell Medical Center; and an Associate Attending Physician at the Saint Vincent’s Hospital and Medical Center and The Saint Vincent’s Comprehensive Cancer Center. Dr. Reichman is especially interested in the issues confronting women diagnosed with breast and ovarian cancer and has built her practice to meet the medical, psychosocial, and educational needs of this unique patient population and their families. Her prior appointments include Associate Medical Director of the Strang Cancer Prevention Center; Director of Medical Oncology of the Strang-Cornell Breast Center; and Attending Physician at the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, all located in New York City.Dr. Reichman is Vice President of the New York Metropolitan Breast Cancer Group, Inc., and serves on the Executive Committee of the New York State Society of Oncologists and Hematologists, Inc. A nationally respected researcher, she has presented at many national and international cancer symposia, contributed numerous articles and book chapters, and is an advocate of patients’ rights and education.
laurie4Lauri Romanzi, M.D. is a world-renowned reconstructive pelvic surgeon and urogynecologist. She is an Associate Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at New York Presbyterian Hospital-Weill Cornell Medical College. She serves on the fistula subcommittee of the International Urogynecology Association, is a charter member of the New York-based Society International Humanitarian Surgeons, reviews submissions for several respected medical journals and serves on the Editorial Advisory Board of the Journal of Gender Specific Medicine. Dr. Romanzi is the pioneer of a scar-free, uterus-preserving (no hysterectomy) technique of uterine prolapse repair and was the first surgeon in Manhattan to perform minimally invasive sling procedure for urinary incontinence. Her charitable works include volunteer fistula repair surgery with the International Organization for Women and Development in Niger, serving as visiting professor at Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Center in Tanzania, and performing reconstructive surgery and fistula repair at Panzi Hospital in the Democratic Republic of Congo through Harvard Humanitarian Initiative’s program to relieve human suffering in war and disaster. Dr. Romanzi has two children in college and livesand works in Manhattan.
Dr. Glenn Schattman is a specialist in reproductive surgery and in the treatment of pediatric and adolescent problems associated with sexual development. He is board certified in Obstetrics and Gynecology as well as Reproductive endocrinology and Infertility. He is currently an Associate Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the New York Presbyterian Hospital – Weill Medical College of Cornell University. While a leading figure in the use of laparoscopic and hysteroscopic surgery, Dr. Schattman is particularly experienced in advanced methods of correcting common causes of infertility including blocked fallopian tubes, adhesions or scar tissue, endometriosis and ovarian cysts. After receiving his M.D. degree from the State University of New York, Downstate Medical Center in Brooklyn, in 1987, Dr. Schattman completed his residency at the George Washington University Medical Center in 1991 and went on to the New York Hospital/Cornell University Medical College where he finished his Fellowship in Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility. He is a member or fellow of numerous medical associations including the American Society for Reproductive Medicine and the American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists. He currently serves as the Chairman of the practice committee for the Society for ART. He has authored numerous articles and chapters covering various medical topics. Dr. Schattman lectures both nationally and internationally on a wide range of topics in sexual development and reproductive health.
Lyris A. Schonholz, M.D. is a radiologist at Mount Sinai Medical Center. On the board of Ovarian Cancer Research Fund, Inc., Dr. Schonholz has also been the recipient of a fellowship in Ultrasound at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia.
DrstewartMichael Stewart is Chairman of Otorhinolaryngology at Weill Cornell Medical College and a specialist in nose and sinus disease, sleep breathing disorders, and head and neck trauma. “Prior to his arrival at Well Cornell, Dr. Stewart served as Associate Professor of Otorhinolaryngology, Chief of Service at Ben Taub General Hospital, and Associate Dean of Clinical Affairs for Baylor College of Medicine in Houston. Dr. Stewart is the author of the textbook Head, Face, and Neck Trauma: Comprehensive Management, and has written more than 70 peer-reviewed journal articles, numerous book chapters, and book reviews. He is the associate editor of the American Journal of Rhinology, and serves on the editorial board of the Archives of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery. In 2004, Dr. Stewart received the Distinguished Service Award from the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Foundation. He also listed in Best Doctors in America and in New York by Castle Connolly, Marquis Who’s Who in America, Who’s Who in the World, and Who’s Who in Medicine and Healthcare.
Susan Teeger, MD, MBBCH (SA) is a board certified and fellowship-trained diagnostic radiologist in private practice in New York City who is a recognized specialist in gastrointestinal radiology with extensive expertise in the field of pelvic floor imaging. Dr Teeger graduated from the University of the Witwatersrand Medical School in Johannesburg, South Africa. She then completed residency training in Diagnostic Radiology at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center, followed by fellowship training in Abdominal Imaging at the Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston. After completion of her training, Dr Teeger joined the radiology attending staff at New York Hospital and was Assistant Professor of Radiology at the Weill Medical College of Cornell University until 2002. She has been in private practice in Manhattan since 2003.
Susan Thys-Jacobs is a practicing endocrinologist who, in the early 1980s, noticed the similarities between PMS symptoms and the symptoms exhibited by people with dramatic calcium deficiency. New methods for testing vitamin and mineral levels in the blood had just been introduced which allowed her to test her theory – that PMS was simply a deficiency of calcium in the body. Her early investigations were positive and she patented the treatment of PMS with calcium. Her discovery generated immediate interest from large pharmaceutical companies. In partnership with one of those companies, Dr. Susan conducted the largest ever study of the effect of calcium on PMS. It demonstrated conclusively that calcium can indeed relieve PMS. Since her discovery, Dr. Susan has published many medical papers on the relief of PMS and has helped hundreds of women with Premcal, consistently seeing life-changing results. Now she’s on a mission: to get rid of the unnecessary suffering caused by PMS.
Tousimis Eleni Tousimis is a breast surgeon at the New-York-Presbyterian Weill-Cornell Medical Center, and an assistant professor of Surgery at Weill Medical Coolege of Cornell University. She plays a very active role in resident training, serving as Associate Program Director of Surgical Education. Dr. Tousimis graduated from Albany Medical College in 1996 and spent the next five years as a general surgery resident at the Guthrie Clinic in Pennsylvania. She graduated the program in 2001 and went on to become a Fellow at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center from 2001 to 2002 and then spent the last year as an International Fellow at the European Institute of Oncology in Milan, Italy. A highly skilled clinician, researcher and teacher, Dr. Tousimis is trained in the latest techological advances in the treatment of breast disease, specializing in minimally invasive techniques. She enjoys an outstanding reputation for excellence and commitment among her professional colleagues, her students and her patients.