Suffolk Surgical Group, P.C.
250 Yaphank Rd., Suite #7
East Patchogue, NY 11772
Phone: 1-866-422-1024
Fax: (631) 475-5602
Suffolk Surgical Group P.C. Surpassing Patient Expectations in Every Way
At Suffolk Surgical Group P.C. we are proud to feature a staff of individuals noted for superior performance in their fields. From our expert surgeons to our caring and highly trained nurses, dietician, and psychiatric nurse practitioner, our medical staff is known throughout New York and the United States for the surpassingly high quality of care we provide. Learn more about the stellar team at Suffolk Surgical Group P.C.
Meet our Staff
Richard B. Rubenstein, M.D.
Dr. Rubenstein is director of the bariatric surgery program and has over 20 years of experience in the field of obesity surgery. He is a graduate of State University of New York – Downstate and has completed full residences in general surgery (1972-1977) and thoracic/vascular surgery (1977-1979). Dr. Rubenstein has special expertise in gastric banding surgery and has been a principal investigator in the FDA clinical trials for the LAP-BAND® and Swedish Band. He is a member of the Board of Trustees of Peconic Bay Medical Center. Dr. Rubenstein has earned a reputation as one of the leading doctors in his field, and he is esteemed by his colleagues and by bariatric surgeons worldwide for his commitment to providing care of unparalleled quality.
Paayal P. Mehta, M.D.
Dr. Mehta is a board-certified general surgeon with expertise in advanced laparoscopic and bariatric surgery. She has particular interest in laparoscopic gastric bypass and the LAP-BAND®. She earned her medical degree from the Gajra Medical College in India and completed her general surgical residency both at the J.A. Group of hospitals in India as well as Sound Shore Medical Center in New York. She went on to complete a fellowship in bariatric surgery with Dr. Robert Brolin, one of the pioneers in bariatric surgery, at the University Medical Center at Princeton, New Jersey.
Dr. Mehta has been in private practice in Long Island, New York since 2005, during which time she has performed many successful bariatric procedures and has earned a reputation for achieving consistently superior results. She is a member of a number of professional organizations, including the American Society of Bariatric Surgeons (ASBC), American College of Surgeons (ACS), American Medical Association (AMA), and the Society of American Gastrointestinal Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES).
Joanne Raffel, RN, CRNFA
Ms. Raffel is the bariatric nursing coordinator for Suffolk Surgical Group/Peconic Bay Medical Center Bariatric Surgery Program. She has over 25 years of operating room experience and continued her education to become a certified registered nurse first assistant (CRNFA). Known for her steadfast dedication to the comfort and well-being of her patients, Joanne says, “I am proud to be part of such a great team with the ultimate goal of helping our patients obtain and maintain a healthier lifestyle.”
Deborah L. Sforza RD
Deborah L. Sforza, R.D., CDN, is a registered dietitian currently working on the Bariatric program for Suffolk Surgical Group, PC. She has been a dietitian for over nine years and is a graduate of the City University of New York at Queens College. She has clinical experience in oncology, Obstetrics, Geriatrics, and Diabetes Management. She has also received certification from the American Dietetic Association in child and adolescent weight management. At the current time she is completing her Masters Degree in Nutrition and will receive here certification in Adult Weight Management. Ms. Sforza is a member of the American Dietetic Association and is pending membership in The American Society For Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery.
The Suffolk Surgical Group Staff
Rose Ann Orlando, RN, ANP
Ms. Orlando is a psychiatric nurse practitioner who specializes in eating disorders, and has been an esteemed member of the Suffolk Surgical Group P.C.team for four years. Routine preoperative psychological evaluations and ongoing postoperative therapy are essential to the successful lifestyle transformations our patients seek. Ms. Orlando guides our patients through their dramatic changes with a steady, yet empathetic approach intended to assuage their doubts and inspire self-assurance.
Laurie Wunsch
Ms. Wunsch, our medical assistant, is always helpful and ready with a smile and a kind word. Navigating the maze of appointments and insurance approvals is part of her expertise, and her cheerful demeanor ensures that our patients feel comfortable and confident in our care.
Dana Brown
Ms. Brown, our front desk secretary, is the first person you will meet each time you visit us. She is responsible for organizing appointments and coordinating medical evaluations, as well as creating a positive and compassionate atmosphere for our patients.
Mark Shayowitz
As the office manager for our center, Mark is pleased to help patients with any questions or problems they may have concerning online patient information programs, website access questions, or financial options for their surgery. Please call Mark to review any concerns you may have.
Dana, Mark, and Laurie
Facility
A Reputation for Excellence
Our Suffolk Surgical Group P.C.facility has been named a “ Center of Excellence” by the American Society for Bariatric Surgery (ASBS). To earn this distinction, our center and staff underwent a series of detailed inspections, focusing on our surgical expertise, the results of our treatment, and the effectiveness of our surgeons and support staff. Through continuing education and attention to detail, we have remained at the vanguard of bariatric surgery.
At Suffolk Surgical Group P.C. we believe it is essential to treat the whole patient. For this reason, we employ a support staff dedicated to helping patients throughout their transformative experience. Our psychiatric nurse practitioner conducts thorough pre-and post-operative examinations of all patients, and is always available to listen to their concerns or to advise them on any point necessary. Our registered dietician is focused on educating patients on the best ways to maintain their new figures while properly caring for their bodies. Our caring staff of nurses is always ready to do whatever it takes to ensure that our patients are comfortable and feel confident in our care.
If you feel that you or someone you love may be morbidly obese, please do not hesitate to contact the weight loss surgical team at Suffolk Surgical Group P.C.. You could be at risk for serious health complications, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and even breast and colon cancer. Our skilled weight loss professionals can help you lose the weight safely, and give you the tools necessary to keeping the weight off for good.