Philosophy of care | I strive to understand your perspective and partner with you to determine the course that best adheres to your needs as my patient. I see myself as the consultant for health care. I had the privilege of attending medical school and residency. I can translate and help you understand the risks vs. benefits of diagnostic testing, screenings and treatments. | Why I entered medicine | My father shared his passion for the human body – how it heals, how it grows, how it survives. I wanted a career in which I could help people and I loved learning about the human body. | Community involvement | I’m involved with American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) advocacy; Moms Demand Action, a grassroots movement fighting for public safety measures regarding gun violence; and in volunteering education for parents to feed children. | Personal interests | I enjoy spending free time with my family, culinary medicine, using the rower and art. Dr. Pinkham is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Obesity. Her top areas of expertise are Type 2 Diabetes (T2D), Maturity Onset Diabetes of the Young, Hypothyroidism, and Obesity in Children.

Philosophy of care | In order to treat a child effectively, it's important to actively listen to what the parents are saying. Health is more than not having disease. It's also behavior, development and safety. If we, as pediatricians, are effective, we can help parents raise a child who will turn into a healthy and happy adult. More information is available to parents than ever before through television, print media and the Internet. Much of that information is erroneous. So a pediatrician needs to take care of a child's current problem, initiate prevention when necessary and serve as a trusted resource for parents. | Why I entered medicine | Pediatric medicine is such a joy that I can't think of anything better. It is a real privilege to observe a child's development from infancy through the teen years. | Community involvement | I am an advisory board member for both the Mercy Special Learning Center and the Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Allentown. I volunteer during medical trips to Haiti. | Personal interests | I am a voracious reader, often having 2 or 3 books going at the same time. I also enjoy star gazing. In addition, I like to run, cycle and do yoga. I enjoy going to Iron Pigs baseball games and am a long-time fan of the St. Louis Cardinals. Dr. Meehan is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Obesity. His top areas of expertise are Delayed Growth, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Auditory Processing Disorder, and Croup.

Wael Yacoub is a primary care provider, practicing in Family Medicine in Whitehall, Pennsylvania. Dr. Yacoub is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Obesity. His top areas of expertise are Osteomyelitis in Children, Type 2 Diabetes (T2D), Nasal Flaring, and Familial Combined Hyperlipidemia.

Geraldo Saavedra is an Endocrinologist in Whitehall, Pennsylvania. Dr. Saavedra is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Obesity. His top areas of expertise are Type 2 Diabetes (T2D), Diabetic Nephropathy, Familial Hypopituitarism, and Hashimoto Thyroiditis.

Philosophy of care | My main goal is to treat every patient as a person with kindness and respect. I’m passionate about preventative care and educating patients about lifestyle changes that help people live longer, healthier and happier lives. I like to take a holistic approach that includes diet, exercise and helping the body heal itself, as opposed to just using medications. I prescribe them when necessary, but a lot of chronic conditions can be improved or prevented with lifestyle changes alone. I think the extra time I spend counseling and educating patients about caring for their bodies is definitely worth it to their health and well-being. | Why I entered medicine | My grandfather was a physician with his own practice. He had a passion for medicine that I believe was passed on to me. He just loved caring for patients and getting to know them. He literally took care of whole families, delivering babies and caring for each family member throughout their entire lives – a true family practitioner. I saw from a young age how rewarding a career in medicine could be. Fortunately, I found that I really enjoyed studying the sciences. Biology was my favorite subject in high school, and I majored in it in college. I took a year off before applying to medical school to work for Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York. I triaged all patient phone calls and handled OR scheduling. It wasn’t a clinical role, but working closely with patients showed me without a doubt that I wanted to follow in my grandfather’s footsteps. | Community involvement | I have two small children who take a lot of my time when I’m not working, so I give to the community when I can. In college I volunteered with an organization called Dress for Success that helps homeless women dress for job interviews. During my residency, I volunteered at high schools and colleges giving sports physicals. I was a competitive figure skater when I was younger, so I love working with young athletes, talking to them about preventing injuries and staying in peak condition. It’s truly a joy watching them achieve their highest athletic goals. | Personal interests | I love spending time with my two kids and my husband. We like being active outdoors, going for walks as a family and exploring the area. I still skate for fun, and also stay in shape by practicing yoga and spinning (riding a stationary bike). My kitchen is another happy place for me. I love baking and cooking Italian food. My grandparents were born in the United States but met in Rome where my grandfather went to medical school and my grandmother worked for the American embassy. I grew up hearing all about Italian culture and cuisine. In my quieter moments, there’s nothing like a good novel. I’ve always enjoyed losing myself in a book more than watching TV. It’s a wonderful escape and a great way to unwind. Dr. Stockhausen is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Obesity. Her top areas of expertise are Cellulitis, Peptic Ulcer, Necrosis, and Otitis.

Philosophy of care | My philosophy is to treat you as I would a member of my own family, offering guidance in your time of need. I strive to provide state-of-the-art care for each patient during every encounter. I will do my best to make sure you understand your condition so you can continue to take strides toward optimum health. | Why I entered medicine | It hurts my soul when people don’t feel good. Since childhood I’ve been passionate about wanting to help people feel better. Growing up I saw the relationship my father had with his own doctor, and that inspired me. | Community involvement | I have volunteered in Mother Teresa’s mission in Calcutta, India. I also have organized and managed a team of 30-plus staffers for Lustgarten Foundation pancreatic cancer fundraiser walks in Allentown the last 12 years. | Personal interests | In my spare time I enjoy biking with family, tennis and meditation. Dr. Shah is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Obesity. His top areas of expertise are Pancreatic Cancer, Pancreatic Pseudocyst, Bile Duct Obstruction, Endoscopy, and Liver Transplant.

Maneesh Ailawadi is a General Surgeon and a Bariatric Medicine provider in Allentown, Pennsylvania. Dr. Ailawadi is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Obesity. His top areas of expertise are Obesity, Obesity in Children, Umbilical Hernia, Sleeve Gastrectomy, and Gastrectomy.

Philosophy of care | As a physician, I see myself in partnership with my patients, working together with them to maintain or restore health and quality of life. | Personal interests | I love to play the piano, garden, read, travel, exercise and spend time with my family. Dr. Lambert is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Obesity. Her top areas of expertise are Obesity, Type 2 Diabetes (T2D), Hypertension, and Obesity in Children.

Victor Benitez is a primary care provider, practicing in Family Medicine in Allentown, Pennsylvania. Dr. Benitez is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Obesity. His top areas of expertise are Obesity, Vitamin D Deficiency, High Cholesterol, and Type 2 Diabetes (T2D).

Philosophy of care | I want to help people live their best life. | Why I entered medicine | My family comes from a combination of cultures. I was raised near the Venezuelan-Columbian border, and the exposure to this environment, with limited medical services, inspired me to work in improving access to health care to the area's inhabitants. Due to the political environment in Venezuela, I later chose to move to a country that cherishes freedom. | Personal interests | I enjoy my family, reading history, languages, swimming, scuba diving and playing tennis. Dr. Penaloza is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Obesity. His top areas of expertise are Type 2 Diabetes (T2D), Obesity, Hepatitis C, and Cirrhosis.

Sophia Michailidis is a Bariatric Medicine provider in Allentown, Pennsylvania. Dr. Michailidis is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Obesity. Her top areas of expertise are Obesity, Obesity in Children, Vitamin D Deficiency, and Hypertension.

"Philosophy of care | I have always seen myself as a family physician because caring for the entire individual, in context of family and life just made sense to me. So, my philosophy of care has always been patient-centered, and focused on the relationships that I develop with my patients. This is the part that helps me feel happy and fulfilled. | Why I entered medicine | I was one of those people who knew from a very early age (age 7 as I recall) that I wanted to be a physician. I did not have family members in medicine, so I have decided that it was the positive influence of my family doctor that led me down this path. I double-checked along the way to make sure that my interests and passion were still aligned with medicine, but I have essentially ""never looked back""! | Community involvement | For many years prior to arriving at Lehigh Valley Health Network in 2012, I was very involved with a student-run free clinic in Newark, N.J. I hope to extend this interest and desire to serve this community by working with the health care professional students here at Lehigh Valley Health Network to provide services to the underserved. | Personal interests | My interests include exercising, gardening, antiquing and most outdoor activities. I am just starting to learn to play the piano!". Dr. Schroeder is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Obesity. Her top areas of expertise are Obesity, Obesity in Children, Abdominal Obesity Metabolic Syndrome, and Vitamin D Deficiency.

Philosophy of care | My philosophy is to treat patients as I would want to be treated. | Why I entered medicine | I had a strong interest in science as a child and always knew I wanted to be a surgeon. | Personal interests | I am a triathlete, marathon runner and competitive cyclist. Dr. Boorse is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Obesity. His top areas of expertise are Obesity, Hernia, Malnutrition, Endoscopy, and Sleeve Gastrectomy.

Philosophy of care | Family medicine gives me the opportunity to practice my passion. I dedicated a lifetime to taking care of my patients and their family by managing their well-being and tracking their progress and needs. I take pride in being a very thorough and dedicated physician with 30 years of experience. I strive to keep my knowledge current and have consistently been complimented for my bedside manner and efforts to uplift my patients. | Why I entered medicine | I consider medicine to be a human service. It’s not a job for me, but a way of life. I chose this life to make a difference in the lives of others and their loved ones. I consider my mission to be helping my patients remain upbeat and positive about their care and overall health. | Community involvement | I help overseas orphanages and in war-torn countries. | Personal interests | I enjoy walking, gardening and yard work. I love cooking for my family and the art of interior design. I travel with my family for pleasure and spend time with my husband, two daughters, son-in-law and granddaughters. I look forward to meeting you and your family. Dr. Hanna is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Obesity. Her top areas of expertise are Bile Acid Malabsorption, Maturity Onset Diabetes of the Young, Familial Hypertension, and Glucocorticoid-Remediable Aldosteronism.

Narien Grover is a primary care provider, practicing in Family Medicine in Whitehall, Pennsylvania. Dr. Grover is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Obesity. His top areas of expertise are Jock Itch, Type 2 Diabetes (T2D), Premature Ejaculation, and Familial Hypertriglyceridemia.

Philosophy of care | I enjoy providing primary care, particularly internal medicine, because it touches on multiple specialties and spans all ages. | Community involvement | I have served as club president for Parkland Ice Hockey, helping lead them to a national title in 2015. | Personal interests | I consider myself a family man and enjoy spending time with my wife and three children – which makes me particularly suited for primary care. I am also a sports enthusiast with a special interest in hockey. Both my son and daughter play on a travel hockey teams. Dr. Nimeh is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Obesity. His top areas of expertise are Enlarged Prostate (BPH), Familial Hypertension, Hypertension, and Glucocorticoid-Remediable Aldosteronism.

Philosophy of care | My philosophy centers around building relationships with patients, whether it be for a routine screening colonoscopy or long-term treatment of irritable bowel syndrome or ulcerative colitis. | Why I entered medicine | Medicine should focus 100% on patient care. I entered the field to treat you and all my patients the way I would want my family members treated: with care, respect and to the best of my knowledge and skill. | Community involvement | Saint Thomas More Catholic Church. South Parkland Youth Association. | Personal interests | I enjoy sports, hiking, muscle cars and grandkids. Dr. Bross is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Obesity. His top areas of expertise are Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), Crohn's Disease, Acute Pancreatitis, Endoscopy, and Gastrectomy.

Philosophy of care | I provide the best available care based on the latest research and standard of care. This can only be achieved through close interaction with each patient, listening to their history and helping them choose the treatment that best meets their goals and lifestyle. | Why I entered medicine | I have always been passionate about providing healing and care. I love to use insights about how the body functions and modern medicine to provide a cure and respite from disease. | Community involvement | I have led a team of passionate medical clinicians on three international trips to provide medical care to Ukrainian refugees. My team was able to bring medicine and care to hundreds of people escaping the ravages of war. | Personal interests | My free time is spent with my children and husband. We love to travel to experience different foods and cultures. Dr. Shnitser is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Obesity. Her top areas of expertise are Crohn's Disease, Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), Ulcerative Colitis, Endoscopy, and Gastrectomy.

Philosophy of care | The physician’s role is to accurately diagnose and treat disease, but the practice of medicine also requires the doctor to see the entirety of who our patients are. Illness is disruptive and disorienting, and it can chip away at the big and small joys of life. I want to ease this suffering by guiding my patients through the process of diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. I aim to see my patients and their families for all their complexities, and my goal is to help them get back to what they love doing. | Why I entered medicine | My grandfather was a family physician here in the Lehigh Valley, and I grew up witnessing his dedication to healing and his unwavering empathy. Medicine offers the perfect blend of cognitive and technical challenges, and it’s a career that guarantees the privilege of knowing and taking care of our patients. | Community involvement | I’ve been involved in Scouting throughout my life. As an Eagle Scout, I’m excited to be the leader for my son’s Cub Scout den. | Personal interests | In my free time, I enjoy distance running and hobby board gaming. I love being outside and traveling with my wife and three children. Dr. Zator is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Obesity. His top areas of expertise are Bile Duct Obstruction, Gallstones, Choledocholithiasis, Endoscopy, and Colonoscopy.

Hiral Shah is a Gastroenterologist in Allentown, Pennsylvania. Dr. Shah is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Obesity. His top areas of expertise are Choledocholithiasis, Bile Duct Obstruction, Barrett Esophagus, Endoscopy, and Pancreatectomy.