OUR STAFF
HealthBridge is home to a unique team of dedicated healthcare professionals, each with unique expertise to help you achieve and maintain optimum health. Our experts in medicine, nutrition, physical fitness, sleep disorders and stress management all maintain the highest levels of accreditation and pursue ongoing education to stay abreast of the latest trends in health care.
- David G. Edelson, MD, FACP
- William M. Klein, MD
- Susan E. Mirkinson, MD, FACP
- Deborah S. Blenner, MD
- Louis A. Carrera, MD
- Eric Perry, L.Ac
- Josephine Tutrani, RD
- Isabel Yomtobian, PT
- George Adams, CPT
- Kathleen Meyer, MS, RRT
- Judi Talit, MS, CRM
- Crystal Panton, LMT
David G. Edelson, MD, FACP
Dr. Edelson is the founder and medical director of HealthBridge. An Associate Attending of Medicine at North Shore-LIJ Medical Center, he is widely recognized as one of the nation’s top weight loss experts. He is board certified in both Internal Medicine and Bariatric Medicine, is a two time recipient of the Faculty Teaching Award at LIJ Medical Center, and was awarded Fellowship in the American College of Physicians. He has published independent research in the Journal of the American Diabetes Association as well as the journal Nutrition, and has been featured in articles in the New York Times, Chicago Tribune, LA Times, Women’s Day as well as many others. He has also appeared nationally on CBS The Early Show, Fox Morning News, CNN.com and FIT TV as an expert in fitness and weight loss. Dr. Edelson is dedicated to fighting the national obesity epidemic, as well as helping his patients achieve a healthier and more fulfilling life.
William M. Klein, MD
Dr. Klein is a former full-time Assistant Clinical Professor of Medicine at The Mount Sinai School of Medicine, where he was active in research, teaching and patient care. In 2001, he joined HealthBridge where he specializes in Primary Care Internal Medicine. Dr. Klein is Board Certified in Internal Medicine and is an Associate Attending of Medicine at the North Shore-LIJ Medical Center, where he is an active member of voluntary teaching faculty. Dr. Klein is a strong advocate of preventative medicine and enjoys taking the time to educate his patients on how they can maintain optimal health.
Susan E. Mirkinson, MD, FACP
Dr. Mirkinson is a graduate of Barnard College of Columbia University and the Sackler School of Medicine at Tel Aviv University. She completed her training at Long Island Jewish Medical Center, where she received the honor of being selected Chief Medical Resident. She is Board Certified in Internal Medicine, and is an Assistant Clinical Professor of Medicine at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine. She is also an Associate Attending of Medicine at Long Island Jewish Medical Center, and has been elected to the prestigious honor of Fellow of the American College of Physicians. A native of the North Shore, Dr. Mirkinson comes to HealthBridge after more than fifteen years of private practice in the community.
Deborah S. Blenner, MD
Dr. Blenner is an Associate Attending of Medicine at Long Island Jewish Medical Center, as well as an Associate Attending of Medicine at St. Francis Hospital. Having trained in both internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Dr. Blenner brings her unique knowledge of the science of weight management to both adults and children of all ages. In 2009 she was a featured presenter at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine Obesity Symposium. A graduate of the University of North Carolina residency training program, Dr. Blenner directed a family medicine clinic in an underserved section of Queens for several years before joining HealthBridge in 2008. Dr. Blenner's expertise includes Primary Care Internal Medicine, weight management, travel medicine as well as the treatment of sleep disorders. She is also experienced in administering Bioidentical Hormone Therapy for peri- and post-menopausal women.
Louis A. Carrera, MD
Dr. Carrera specializes in Internal Medicine and Nephrology, with an interest in chronic kidney disease and hypertension. Dr. Carrera holds a Bachelor’s degree in Biology from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. He received his medical degree from the University at Buffalo School of Medicine. He completed his Internal Medicine residency at Brookdale Hospital Medical Center, in Brooklyn NY. His Nephrology training was completed at North Shore-Long Island Jewish’s Lenox Hill Hospital in New York, NY.
His personal interests include classical music and running. He trained as a classical violinist at the Pre-College Division of the Manhattan School of Music and enjoys attending concerts whenever possible. He also enjoys outdoor running, and has since completed three half-marathons. His current goal is to finish his first full marathon in November in New York.
Eric Perry, L.Ac graduated from SUNY Plattsburgh with his degree in Biology with a minor in chemistry. He later attended The New York College for Holistic Health, obtaining both his B.A. in Professional Studies - Health Sciences as well as his M.S. in Acupuncture. He is an NCCAOM diplomat in Acupuncture as well as a Member of the Acupuncture Society of New York. His Master's Thesis was on the treatment of Parkinson’s disease with traditional Chinese medicine. Mr. Perry is experienced in treating patients for a variety of conditions including pain management, gynecological disorders, respiratory ailments, digestive disorders, stress and depression. He is also an integral team member of HealthBridge’s weight loss and stop smoke programs.
Josephine Tutrani, RD
Jo Tutrani R.D. is a Registered Dietitian and Certified Personal Trainer. Jo received her B.S. degree in Nutrition at James Madison University and completed post graduate classes in integrative and medical nutrition therapy. Jo has over 25 years experience as a nutritionist and has worked in an array of settings including hospitals, private medical offices, corporations, community and in private practice. In addition to nutritional counseling, Jo has lectured on topics such as weight management, heart disease, sports nutrition, diabetes and nutritional supplementation.
Isabel Yomtobian, PT
Isabel Yomtobian has nearly fifteen years of experience in physical therapy. A graduate of the Physical Therapy School of the Hogeschool Van Amsterdam in the Netherlands, Isabel incorporates a well-established theoretical base and widespread clinical application in the preservation, development and restoration of physical function for her patients. Her expertise includes a hands-on approach in joint mobilization, therapeutic massage and rehabilitation. She is committed to working with patients from the onset of the problem identification and examination, to prognosis and intervention.
George Adams, CPT
George Adams, A Certified Personal Trainer and former competitive Amateur Bodybuilder, has been training clients for over fifteen years. He has devoted his time in educating people about the benefits of weight training, proper nutrition and living a healthy lifestyle. George has been certified by I.S.S.A./International Sports Sciences Association, the oldest and most prestigious training certification, as well as the S.M.A.R.T. Training Program which is accredited by Dowling College. George has been a trainer and nutritional supplement consultant for numerous clients at top level national and international gym chains such as: Golds Gym, Powerhouse Gym, and NY Sports Clubs (NYSC). As a motivational speaker, he has been the keynote speaker in various settings, including The Dematteis Center, Mercy Medical Center for Gastric Bypass Surgery, Nassau Community College for Health and Training as well as a number of local churches. George has also been featured on FOX 5 Morning News Show.
Kathleen Meyer, MS, RRT
Kathleen holds a masters degree in science education along with an undergraduate degree in cardio-respiratory science. She has over ten years clinical experience in a hospital setting and has been working in sleep medicine for more than five years. Kathleen is a member of the National Board of Respiratory Care, the Association of Polysomnographic Technologists, and the Foundation of Restless Legs Syndrome. As the director of clinical services for HealthBridge Sleep Medicine, Kathleen supervises the daily operation and execution of the sleep laboratory.
Judi Talit, MS, CRM
Judi Talit is a Stress Management Educator, Certified Reiki Master and Master Meditation teacher with more than 25 years extensive experience in Eastern, Western, Psychological Meditation, Guided Imagery/Visualization, therapeutic breathing techniques and other natural healing methods for dealing with specific illness, chronic conditions, stress, anxiety and loss. Judi holds a Masters Degree in Education, Reiki Master Certification from Shen Dao Institute, Siddha Yoga Meditation Teacher Certification from Siddha Yoga Foundation, and is co-director of the Center for Jewish Meditation and Healing. She has authored numerous articles on meditation, mental wellness and related subjects. Judi has lectured both in the U.S. and Canada on topics related to spirituality and healing. She has facilitated support groups for more than 20 years and has produced her own guided meditation CD.
Crystal Panton, LMT
Crystal Panton is a graduate of New York College of Health Professions where she obtained her degree in Massage Therapy. She later attended the Thai Institute of Healing Arts in Virginia where she became certified in Traditional Thai Massage. Crystal specializes in Therapeutic, Swedish, Deep Tissue, and Traditional Thai massage treatments. One important element of her work is that of incorporating passive stretching into her massage treatments to aid her clients in increasing their range of motion. Crystal is also an active member of Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals.