MEET THE TEAM

Our team of board-certified physicians is the driving force behind our excellence. Their dynamic expertise and unwavering commitment to patient care are what sets us apart from the rest.

Dr. Amit Poonia

DR. AMIT POONIA, M.D. 

Interventional Pain Management, Anesthesiology

Dr. Amit Poonia is a board-certified Interventional Pain Management Specialist and Anesthesiologist. After an internship at Georgetown University Hospital, Dr. Poonia completed his anesthesia residency at SUNY Downstate Medical Center and served as a Chief Resident in the Department of Anesthesiology there. Dr. Poonia then completed his Interventional Pain Management Fellowship at NYU and is board-certified by the American Board of Anesthesiology for both anesthesia and pain medicine.
Dr. Adity Sharma

DR. ADITY SHARMA, M.D. 

Pain Management Specialist
Dr. Adity Sharma is triple-board-certified and has been practicing pain management with us since 2014. She received her medical degree from Grant Medical College and completed her internship at St. Vincent Medical Center in Bridgeport, Connecticut. Dr. Sharma then completed her residency in Internal Medicine at George Washington University Hospital, Washington, D.C. After completing a fellowship in Hematology/Oncology at George Washington University Hospital, Dr. Sharma became board-certified in Internal Medicine, Hematology, and Oncology.
DR. NOUSHIN MIRMADJLESSI, M.D.

DR. NOUSHIN MIRMADJLESSI, M.D. 

Spine & Joint Specialist
Dr. Noushin Mirmadjlessi is a physician who is board-certified in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, as well as Non-Surgical Spine Rehabilitation.  She specializes in non-operative treatments of the neck, back, hips, shoulders, knees, and sacroiliac, as well as in electrodiagnostic studies (EMG/NCV). Dr. Mirmadjlessi attended medical school at Shahid Beheshti Medical School in Tehran, Iran, completed her internship in Internal Medicine at Jersey City Medical Center in Jersey City, New Jersey, and completed her residency in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at State University of New York Downstate Medical Center in Brooklyn, New York. While participating in her residency program, Dr. Mirmadjlessi partook in the research and writing of many published case reports.
Arun Zachariah, DO

Arun Zachariah, DO

Interventional Sports and Spine Physician

Arun Zachariah, DO is an Interventional Sports and Spine Physician specializing in non-surgical treatments for musculoskeletal and spine conditions. With expertise in regenerative medicine, ultrasound-guided procedures, and advanced spinal interventions, Dr. Zachariah is dedicated to helping his patients recover from injury, reduce pain, and restore function. 


Dr. Zachariah earned his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree, embracing a holistic, patient-centered approach to care. He completed his residency in **Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R). Following residency, he pursued additional subspecialty training in Interventional Sports and Spine Medicine, at CAPMR Program affiliated with Rutgers Univeristy, mastering fluoroscopic-guided spinal injections, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy, stem cell treatments, and minimally invasive pain management techniques, where he trained in cutting-edge rehabilitation techniques and musculoskeletal medicine.


As a physician, Dr. Zachariah combines osteopathic principles with evidence-based interventional treatments to address the root causes of pain and dysfunction. He collaborates closely with physical therapists, orthopedic surgeons, and sports medicine specialists to develop personalized, multidisciplinary treatment plans.


James (Jimmy) Michael, MD, MS, PAC, ATC

James (Jimmy) Michael, MD, MS, PAC, ATC

Interventional Pain Management

James (Jimmy) Michael, MD, MS, PAC, ATC is an interventional pain specialist whose

career blends Athletic Training, Orthopedics, General Surgery, and Physical Medicine to

deliver patient-centered, function-focused care. He began his professional journey at

the University of California, Berkeley, where he earned a degree in Integrative Biology

and Human Biodynamics with an emphasis in Neuromotor Control, ran on the track

team for two years, and completed Athletic Training externships with the basketball and

football programs. After graduating in 2000 he continued covering high school sports

and joined Muir Orthopedic Specialists in Walnut Creek, CA as a physical therapy aide,

while also accruing strength and conditioning experience with UC Berkeley Athletics

working with collegiate and professional athletes.


Driven to expand his clinical scope, Dr. Michael earned a Physician Assistant and

Master’s degree from Samuel Merritt University in 2007 and returned to Muir

Orthopedic Specialists as a Physician Assistant in Orthopedic surgery. Over more than a

decade there his role evolved from clinic-based care to combined clinic and surgical


assist responsibilities. Seeking further training, he entered St. George’s University School

of Medicine in 2017, where he stayed active in intramural sports and Surgery Club—

teaching suture techniques in the cadaver lab. He completed a year of General Surgery

residency at Rutgers in 2021, advanced-matched into Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation

(PM&R) at Larkin Community Hospital’s Palm Springs campus in 2022 and finished his

PM&R training with awards in 2025.



Dr. Michael began a fellowship in Interventional Spine and Pain Management in a North

American Spine Society (NASS)–affiliated program in August 2025. He has contributed

multiple research articles and case reports and is a contributing author of a forthcoming

Springer textbook chapter on the femoral artery. In addition to his fellowship work, he

serves as medical director for two personal injury clinics and a neurology clinic, bringing

surgical experience, procedural skill, and rehabilitative insight to complex pain patients.

Outside of medicine, Dr. Michael is active in his Coptic Orthodox Church and

Community as God and his faith offers him perpetual strength and perseverance. He

enjoys working out, playing recreational sports, and spending time with family and

friends. His interdisciplinary background and lifelong commitment to athletics inform his

approach to restoring function, reducing pain, and helping patients return to the

activities they value.

Zyad B. Chaudhary, M.D.

Zyad B. Chaudhary, M.D.

Interventional Pain Management Physician

Dr. Zyad B. Chaudhary is a New Jersey native and board-certified neurologist with

advanced, ACGME-accredited fellowship training in interventional pain

management. He is dedicated to delivering exceptional, evidence-based care for

patients with musculoskeletal and spine conditions, with a focus on restoring

function and improving quality of life.



Known for his compassionate and patient-centered approach, Dr. Chaudhary takes

time to understand each individual’s unique symptoms, goals, and concerns, and

provides tailored treatments to meet their specific needs.

DR. JAMES COZZARELLI, M.D.

DR. JAMES COZZARELLI, M.D.

Orthopedic Surgeon

Dr. James F. Cozzarelli is a board-certified General Orthopedic Surgeon. His commitment to patient care is evident in his approach; he takes the time to listen to his patients, ensuring they never feel rushed or pressured. When surgery is necessary, Dr. Cozzarelli thoroughly explains the procedure and its necessity, aiming to make his patients feel as relaxed as possible.


Dr. Cozzarelli completed his undergraduate education at Dickinson College in Pennsylvania. He then earned his M.D. at George Washington University in the Nation’s Capital, where he completed an orthopedic surgery internship and residency.



Dr. Cozzarelli takes great pride in his work and is dedicated to providing the best possible care for his patients. His expertise and compassionate approach to care make him a valuable addition to our team.

Dr. Li Sun, D.O, FAAOS, FAOAO

Dr. Li Sun, D.O, FAAOS, FAOAO

Orthopedic Spine Surgeon

Dr. Li Sun, D.O, FAAOS, FAOAO is a board certified orthopedic spine surgeon who specializes in degenerative spine conditions, complex spinal disorders, including spinal deformity, correction of prior failed spine surgery. He has a special interest in motion preserving spine surgeries as well as minimally invasive spine surgeries. 

Dr.Sun completed his orthopedic surgery residency at Jersey City Medical Center, RWJ Barnabas health. He received extensive training in managing high energy orthopedic spine injuries. 

Dr. Sun completed a spine surgery fellowship in prestigious Mount Sinai Hospital in NYC. He was trained with world leading experts in minimally invasive spine surgery, motion-sparing (non-fusion) spine surgery as well as complex revision surgeries. 

Dr.Sun is a member of multiple international organizations, such as the North American Spine Society (NASS), AO spine, and the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS). 

Ankur Bahri, DPM

Ankur Bahri, DPM

Podiatrist

Ankur Bahri, DPM, is a board-certified podiatrist serving patients in Edison,

New Jersey. In practice since 2018, Dr. Bahri has over nine years of experience in podiatric medicine and surgery across both hospital and outpatient settings.

He specializes in foot and ankle surgery, with expertise in minimally invasive ankle arthroscopy, plantar fasciotomy, PRP (platelet-rich plasma) injections for plantar fasciitis, and the treatment of ankle sprains and tendonitis affecting the foot and ankle.

Fluent in English, Hindi, and Punjabi, Dr. Bahri earned his bachelor’s degree in biology, summa cum laude, from the University of Toronto, followed by his Doctor of Podiatric Medicine degree from the New York College of Podiatric

Medicine. He completed a three-year residency in podiatric medicine and surgery at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City.

Dr. Bahri serves as an attending physician at Hackensack Meridian Health Raritan Bay Medical Center in Perth Amboy and Hudson Regional Hospital in Secaucus, New Jersey.

Shama Safdar, PA-C

Shama Safdar, PA-C

Physician Assistant

Shama Safdar, PA-C, is a highly skilled and compassionate Physician Assistant with a robust background in spine surgery, interventional pain management, and orthopedic trauma. Currently practicing at an Interventional Pain Management & Ortho-Spine Center, she brings diverse clinical experience.


Ms. Safdar holds a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies from Rutgers University and an MBBS from Allama Iqbal Medical College, where she graduated with Silver Medals in both Medicine and Physiology. She is NCCPA-certified and holds state licenses including NJ and NY, along with CDS, DEA, BLS, and ACLS certifications.


Her professional journey includes pivotal roles at leading institutions such as Rothman Orthopedic Institute, where she served as a first-assist in complex spine surgeries, managed acute orthopedic trauma cases, and led comprehensive pre- and post-operative patient care.


Beyond clinical practice, she has assisted in coordination and management of clinical trials in Pakistan, supporting data collection, patient monitoring, and regulatory compliance. She has undertaken independent research examining the psychosocial health of individuals diagnosed with breast cancer and has been recognized with several academic awards including the Dr. Joseph A. Schwenkler Scholarship and an Endowed Scholarship from Rutgers.


Fluent in English, Urdu, and Hindi, Ms. Safdar is committed to delivering culturally sensitive and patient-centered care to a diverse patient population. She combines surgical expertise with a deep dedication to pain management, quality of life improvement, and interdisciplinary collaboration.


Outside of medicine, she enjoys cooking and traveling with her family, finding joy and balance in exploring new cultures and cuisines.

Svitlana Tymchuk, Physician Assistant

Svitlana Tymchuk

Physician Assistant

Svitlana Tymchuk is a board certified and NJ and NY State licensed physician assistant, with a strong background in neuroscience and experience in orthopedic surgery and interventional pain medicine, dedicated to delivering patient-centered care with competence, compassion, and empathy. 


Ms. Tymchuk obtained her undergraduate degree with Honors in Neuroscience and Interdisciplinary Studies at Thomas Hunter Honors Program at Hunter College of City University of New York. Thereafter, Svitlana dedicated several years to honing her skills in neuroscience at Weill Cornell Medicine. 


Svitlana completed her Master’s of Physician Assistant Studies degree at Touro University Manhattan Program. Svitlana has broad clinical training across multiple surgical specialties including orthopedic, cardiothoracic, general, plastic surgery. 


Svitlana is passionate about empowering her patients via providing education regarding their clinical conditions and treatment options. She is dedicated to offering judgment-free, compassionate, and supportive care and guidance for her patients on their journey towards leading a pain-free and full life.


Svitlana speaks English, Ukrainian, and Russian with native fluency. She is eager to employ appropriate translation tools necessary in helping patients who are primary speakers of any foreign tongue overcome the language barrier in addressing their healthcare needs.

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