Practitioners

The specialists of Advanced Physical Medicine believe wholeheartedly in the gentle approach to healthcare coupled with honest information, in order to give their patients the very best care available. We invite you to learn more about our doctors and their life's work:

Dr. Igor Russo, D.C.
A chiropractic physician and certified acupuncturist, Dr. Russo first attended the Medical School of Kiev. Then, after arriving in the United States in 1989, he received a BA in Biochemistry from Loyola University and went on to graduate from the National College of Chiropractic. Always seeking for ways to further his education and professional skills, Dr. Russo continues to attend numerous seminars. As a health care physician, Dr. Russo recognizes that it is most important to diagnose and treat the entire person and not just a person's disorder. His soft approach leads patients to fully understand their problems and encourage them to reach their goals.

Dr. Russo is proud to share with patients and physicians from all over the country his research on a 95% success rate utilizing spinal decompression that was presented at the American Academy of Pain Management.

Dr. Ryan M. Rosenthal, D.C.
Certified in Manipulation Under Anesthesia and on staff at the Water Tower Surgicenter in Chicago, Dr. Rosenthal is committed to providing the best in preventative care. Born and raised in New York City, Dr. Rosenthal came to the Midwest to study medicine at the University of Wisconsin in Madison. A serious car accident, however, changed his mind about practicing the traditional medicine he was studying, leading him to refocus his career path on becoming a specialist in chiropractic medicine. With more than ten years of experience in chiropractic medicine, Dr. Rosenthal guides his patients through gentle protocols to allow a smooth return to optimal health. In addition to published research presented at the American Academy of Pain Management on spinal decompression, he has published numerous articles on health and nutrition and is the chief editor of a bimonthly article in the Austin Voice Newspaper called "Dr. Backs."

Dr. James J. Kopsian, D.C.
Dr. James Kopsian, has over a decade of experience in the field of Chiropractic Medicine. He is a 1998 graduate of National College of Chiropractic, holding a doctorate in Chiropractic Medicine and bachelor's in psychology and human biology. He spent his first three years of practice with several medical firms focusing on sports medicine, and in 2001, he joined Premier Medical Group, a leader in neuro-diagnostic testing in Boca Raton, Florida. Dr. Kopsian has training as a running doctor treating marathon and iron man athletes. He is also a licensed electro diagnostic technician, trained in kinesio-taping, and has new interests in pediatric chiropractic.

Dr. Marcia C Smith, D.C.
Dr Marcia C Smith background originates from Belize but she was raised in Chicago's Englewood community. She attended Chicago State University and graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Nursing.

She worked over 10 years in nursing searching for a medical discipline where she could merge her medical knowledge of diseases and her caring and compassionate ways with helping a person to achieve their optimal health.

This search ended when she found chiropractic. She graduated from National University of Health Sciences in Lombard, where she received her Doctor of Chiropractic, Masters in Oriental Medicine, and a Bachelor's in Human Biology degrees.

However, her quest for knowledge continues with attending a multitude of health related seminars and obtaining her Masters in Nursing as a Family Nurse Practitioner.

Dr Smith is also proficient in the Activator Method which offers a gentler approach to chiropractic manipulation. She looks forward to working with you to achieve your maximal health potential.


Dr. Mary Ann Bender, D.P.M.
Dr. Mary Ann Bender grew up in Indiana and graduated from Butler (B.S.) and Purdue (M.S.) Universities. She trained as a figure skater for nineteen years and after seeing many other skaters suffer with foot and ankle injuries, she decided to enter podiatry school. Dr. Bender graduated from William Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine and remains affiliated with the college as an Instructor in the Department of Medicine. Dr. Bender and her podiatry students provide foot care at eight uninsured and homeless clinics in Chicago . Dr. Bender has also been in private practice since 2001 and treats all foot and ankle conditions. Recently, Dr. Bender published an article on "Women's Foot Complaints" in the Women's Health Journal Watch.

Dr. Mitchel Bershader, P.T.
With more than 20 years of rehabilitation experience, Dr. Mitch (as everyone calls him) specializes in orthopedic rehabilitation. He moved from the east coast, where he has worked for years in a multidisciplinary atmosphere, treating more than 20,000 individuals with once specific approach; quality care in a warm environment, which is why he chose APM as his new home. Over the years, Dr. Mitch has worked side by side with primary care and pain management doctors, podiatrists, orthopedic specialists and chiropractic physicians, improving patients’ quality of life through a referral system that has been directed by outstanding results. He is certified in Functional Capacity Examinations, Work Hardening, Ergonomics, Biomedical Acupuncture for Pain Management and Manipulation Under Anesthesia. Along with post rehabilitation for the spine, he also has years of experience with shoulder and knee arthroscopy, carpal tunnel syndrome, hand and foot conditions and pain arising from motor vehicle accidents and work injuries. His philosophy and mission statement: to improve quality of life with the most up to date physical therapy techniques, in an environment where one on one attention can be given to the patient.

Dr. Aleksandr Goldvekht, M.D.
"Dr. Sasha", as everyone calls him, is board certified in PMR as well as Pain Management. He specializes in the comprehensive multidisciplinary approach of treating acute and chronic pain in patients of all ages. His areas of special interest and expertise include but not limited to treating degenerative conditions of the cervical and lumbar spine and peripheral joints, musculoskeletal disorders, acute, sub- acute and chronic pain conditions, post-operative and neuropathic pain. He utilizes interventional fluoroscopic and ultrasound guided procedures, opioid and nonopioid pharmacotherapy and performs nerve conduction/ EMG studies. Postgraduate studies included a residency at Schwab Rehabilitation Hospital. This broad-based program included in-patient training in Spinal Cord Injury, Traumatic Brain Injury and Stroke at Schwab Hospital as well as out-patient clinic training in Sports Medicine at UIC Musculoskeletal Clinic, U of C Hospitals Pain Clinic, Nortwestern University Hospitals EMG/nerve conduction lab. He also completed a Pain Management Fellowship at the John H Stroger Jr Hospital of Cook County. He is happy to find a new home with APM, where doctors are all working together "under one roof".

Tatyana Shafiro, M.S., L.Ac.
Tatyana Shafiro is licensed acupuncturist. She received her Master of Science degree in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine from Pacific College of Oriental Medicine in New York. Tatyana's interest in acupuncture developed during many years of practice as a massage therapist. She incorporates various bodywork techniques in her treatments for optimal results. Tatyana treats acute and chronic conditions including muscle-skeletal disorders, gastrointestinal problems, pain and stress management, female disorders, and many other common health issues. Tatyana always attempts to understand, encourage, educate and guide her patients during their healing process so that they achieve balance in body, mind and spirit, prevent injury and attain a better quality of life.

In addition to holding an Illinois state license, Tatyana is nationally certified by the National Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM). She also holds certification from Council of Colleges of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (CCAOM) in Clean Needle Technique.

Matthew Gallow, MA LPC
Matt grew up in Connecticut and received his BA from St. Lawrence University in New York. After graduating, he came to Chicago and was a grade school teacher as well as speed coach for professional athletes for several year. His interest in the one on one interactions grew, and he returned to school for his Masters In Clinical Psychology with a specialization in Counseling at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. Matt prides himself on his extensive work with multiple populations using an identity development model to support and guide his patients to increased self-awareness, ultimately leading to personal growth and healthier lives. In addition to joining the APM team, Matt has two private practices in the northern suburbs.

Stacey Skolnick Certified Yoga Instructor
Yoga has been a beautiful journey for me. I have spent most of my life as a dedicated student and performer of ballet. During Graduate School, I walked into a Bikram Yoga class and found that flexibility came easily to me, but longed for more of a challenge. Little did I know that that the benefits of yoga were much deeper than a physical challenge. Yoga brought the grace and beauty back into my life as it presented a challenge not only physically, but mentally as well; allowing me to look at my life from a holistic standpoint. I received my Master’s in Early Childhood Education and taught Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten for many years. My experience in the classroom gives me a gift of teaching and a connection to students each and every time I walk into a class. I know that yoga has changed my life and also know that it is a journey- that there is more knowledge to find every time I am on my mat as a practitioner and as a teacher. My blessing is to share that experience. I received my certification from Yogaview Chicago- where I gained insight, inspiration and philosophy. I am very blessed to have met many people who share my passion. Currently, I teach children at Jay’s Camp (where I am the Program Director), classes at North Shore Yoga, Yogaview, and many Privates. With so much gratitude, I look forward to working with the patients and staff at Advanced Physical Medicine.

Marcus Waller PTA
Marcus initially began as an intern for Advanced Physical Medicine. After, completing his Bachelor degree in exercise science and kinesiology at Eastern Illinois University, Marcus was given the opportunity to join our team. Marcus is currently certified as a physical therapy aide and is in pursuit of personal training certification, as well as a degree to become a licensed physical therapist. Marcus uses a combination of education and background of sports performance to develop and facilitate strength, endurance, flexibility and overall health. He believes, "to make a change, the first step is to take action!"

Peter L. Cook CPT
Peter joined our team in the hopes of educating those who are bettering their lives thru exercise therapy. As a member of the National Academy of Sports Medicine, Peter is a certified personal trainer and is currently studying to become a licensed Physical Therapist. He has developed unique, successful exercise programs, implementing nutritional plans and strengthening protocols. He specializes in endurance tranining, weight training and post-rehabilitative training. His motto..."Move Life Easier!!!"

MASSAGE THERAPIST

Aneta Adamczyk LMT

COLON THERAPIST

Olga Alcaraz MA, CT Elida Gerardo MA, CT

MEET THE STAFF

Jessica Rivas Billing Manager Trinidad Espinosa Records Vanessa Del Valle Billing Manager Claudette Swanigan Records Kasia Skimina-Kopec Patient Care Coordinator, CNA Melissa Frausto CMA Samantha Diaz de Leon CMA Eliza Irizarry Director of Marketing, CMA Maria Lopez CMA