Medical Providers

Dr. Noralahi is the founder and CEO of NMCI Medical Clinic, Inc. He holds two different doctrines. One in allopathic medicine and another in complimentary medicine. This diverse background has allowed him to bring together a unique fusion of traditional and holistic care for an integrated approach to injury and illness. He has decades of experience in providing care for injured workers and musculoskeletal conditions. Dr. Noralahi’s philosophy is “Awareness of human dignity and respect for patients needs must be the visible quality of a doctor, coupled with teaching and empowering patients in taking an active role in the process of recovery, with an aim to promote functionality and well being”.

Dr. Noralahi is well known for his compassion and his sincere interest for the health of his patients. On a personal note, Dr. Noralahi lives locally in the bay area with his wife and two sons. When he isn’t working he loves spending time with his family. He enjoys meditation, writing, spiritual activities, and community volunteer work.

Dr. Noralahi is a state of California Qualified Medical Examiner. He is a diplomat of the American Academy of Pain Management. He is a clinical preceptor for the Stanford University School of Medicine PA Program. Dr. Noralahi was chosen as one of America’s Top Physicians in 2008 by the Consumers’ Research Council of America. He is currently serving on the board of directors of the California Society of Industrial Medicine and Surgery.

He is a member of the following medical organizations:

• American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine

• American Academy of Pain Management

• American Medical Association

• California Society of Industrial Medicine and Surgery

• Union of American Physicians Dentists

• American College of Physicians

“My name is Scott Standage, MD. I received my medical degree from Tufts University in Boston. While there I served as the Class President all four years. Graduation honors included the Faculty Award to the Student Who Contributed the Most to the Medical Community. I completed my internship at University of Washington in Seattle. Lastly, I did my residency at Stanford University. I was Board Certified in specialty, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. Doctors who specialize in this field are referred to as Physiatrists.

I split my work life between seeing new patients (and followups) and electromyography (EMG’s). EMG’s are diagnostic studies that evaluate nerve and muscle function and are commonly used in evaluating patients with neck or low back pain, as well as problems like Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. My medical interests are primarily spine related.

Some will know that the word “doctor” is derived from the Latin word “docere” (to teach). I believe that it is imperative that doctors involve their patients in their own care, and the opportunity to educate should be a central focus of medical care. As such, I especially enjoy helping patients to understand their diagnosis, prognosis and treatment options.

I live on the peninsula, and primarily work out of our Santa Clara office, although I often travel to our other clinics to perform EMG’s.

Outside of my career work, I am especially interested in all types of sports (both spectator and participant), and my most recent focus has been on biking. Environmental issues and animal welfare are causes that are of particular interest to me. I also enjoy travel if given a chance. I am known to speak passable Spanish if encouraged to do so, although this is definitely a work in progress!”

– Scott Standage, MD

Dr. Dhanu J. Panchal, MD, PM&R is Board Certified in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Medicine. He has experience in the subspecialty field of non-interventional pain, electromyography, ultrasound guided peripheral joint injections and neurolytic injections. In addition, he has focused training with treating chronic pain illness within the workers compensation system. His interests are to maximize the function of individuals through managing a comprehensive, interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary approach. He utilizes interpersonal and communication skills, medical knowledge, and systems-based resources towards helping a community achieve access to the best medical care available.

He has been an active member of the Association of Academic Physiatrists, American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, American Association of Neuromuscular and Electrodiagnostic Medicine as well as the California Society of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, California Society of Industrial Medicine and Surgery, California Applicants’ Attorneys Association and California Medical Association.

April Mancuso, D.O., PM&R is a board certified Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation physician. She attended the University of Utah where she earned her Bachelors of Science degree. She went on to pursue her doctorate in Osteopathic Medicine at Touro University-California. Afterward, she completed an internship at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit Michigan followed by her residency in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at the University of Toledo, Ohio.

Dr. Mancuso grew up in Lake Tahoe, California. She began ski racing at a young age and eventually became a member of the U.S Ski team and then skied competitively for the University of Utah. She currently lives in the bay area with her husband and two sons. While she continues her passion for skiing, her other interests include spending time with her family, surfing, kiteboarding, hiking, waterskiing, wake surfing, yoga, and camping.

Dr. Mancuso’s focus includes spine and musculoskeletal injuries, myofascial pain, neurological disorders, electrodiagnostics, disability evaluation, and acute and chronic pain syndrome. Her emphasis is on patient-centered care in order to restore their physical capabilities and be able to resume activities they enjoy.

Paul Nkadi, MD, PM&R grew up in Nigeria where he obtained his medical degree from the University of Benin. He completed a Surgical internship at Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx NY, followed by a residency in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at the same hospital. His interests include musculoskeletal, neurological and spine rehabilitation.

When he is not working, he loves to cook, play scrabble and spend time with his wife and daughters.

Dr. Brian Mitchell, DO is a physician employed at NMCI Medical Clinic, Inc. He provides care for patients suffering from work related injuries and musculoskeletal conditions. All of the providers at NMCI Medical Clinic work as a team with the goal of improving the patient’s overall health and well being.

“My name is David Kassel. I have been practicing medicine for 33 years. I received my medical degree from State University of New York. I completed my internship at Tacoma Family Medicine. I did my residency at Highland Hospital in Oakland, CA. I am Board Eligible in Emergency Medicine.

My medical interests are primarily Occupational Medicine, Musculoskeletal Medicine and Spine Care. I enjoy helping patients to get appropriate medical care and support. I live in Santa Cruz, CA. My philosophy for treating patients is to listen carefully to my patients and explain the treatment I propose.

My hobbies are traveling, hiking and live music. In addition to the English language, I am capable in Spanish.”

– David Kassel, MD

Dr. Monte Penner, MD is a physician employed at NMCI Medical Clinic, Inc. He provides care for patients suffering from work related injuries and musculoskeletal conditions. All of the providers at NMCI Medical Clinic work as a team with the goal of improving the patient’s overall health and well being.

Dr. Edward Verceles, MD is a physician employed at NMCI Medical Clinic, Inc. He provides care for patients suffering from work related injuries and musculoskeletal conditions. All of the providers at NMCI Medical Clinic work as a team with the goal of improving the patient’s overall health and well being.

Christa Bradley MPH, PA-C serves as the PA & NP Coordinator at NMCI Clinic Inc. Mrs. Bradley was raised in Alaska. She has traveled extensively and has intermediate Spanish speaking skills. Mrs. Bradley has a special interest in diabetes. She received her Physician Assistant training at Stanford School of Medicine, Primary Care Associate Program (PCAP) in 2003 and received her Master in Public Health in a joint program with Stanford School of Medicine and San Jose State University, 2005. Her BA in Latin American Studies was from the University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, 1993.

As well as working at NMCI Clinic Inc. Ms. Bradley is a part-time teacher at the Stanford School of Medicine, PCAP since 2007. She has also taught at the University of California San Jose.

At NMCI Clinic Inc. she provides the following services:

Treatment for patients with musculoskeletal complaints, trigger point injections, cortisone joint injections, electrical stimulation trials, depression & sleep hygiene screenings and treatment, biofeedback, exercise programs, weight screenings, evaluation for change in established sexual patterns secondary to pain, changes in activities of daily living, cervical traction trials, A&D of abscess, minor stitches.

Ms. Bradley also evaluates for: epidurals, EMG/NCV, MRI, acupuncture, spinal cord stimulator, & orthopedic evaluation referrals.

She has also procured funding and organized numerous diabetes and hypertension community screenings at NMCI Clinic Inc.

Ms. Bradley’s past medical experience has included: Peace Corps health care, and appropriate technology volunteer, São Tomé e Principe, Africa. Emergency Medical Technician-Paramedic training. Emergency Medical Technician San Jose, California. Home Health Care provider for Parkinson’s disease patient Atherton, California. Community Health Representative for the Indian Health Center of Santa Clara Valley, San Jose, California.

Published works: Age-Appropriate Guidelines for Self-Care of Children with Diabetes 8/04 Diabetes Society of Santa Clara Valley

Awards: Ministry of Health, São Tomé e Principe, Africa

Article written about Mrs. Bradley: PAs Caring for the Undeserved: Day Workers and Occupational Health by Margaret Allen, PA-C, CAPA News March/April, 2012

Tina Thomas-Robinson is a Physician Assistant employed at NMCI Medical Clinic, Inc. She provides care for patients suffering from work related injuries and musculoskeletal conditions. All of the providers at NMCI Medical Clinic work as a team with the goal of improving the patient’s overall health and well being.

Lubov Patouga is a Certified Physician Assistant, she joined the NMCI team March of 2015. She graduated from the Masters Physician Assistant program at Samuel Merritt University, Oakland CA, and became certified by NCCPA in 2013. She holds a BA in Radiological Biological Sciences from Medical College of Georgia. Her prior experience includes specialties such as cardiology, sleep medicine and internal medicine. She holds the title for Miss Georgia United States 2011, contributing her time to local, state and national level philanthropy.

She has also dedicated her time to Global Medical Brigades where she traveled to Panama to work with the native Kuna community, providing medical attention and public health education. Lubov is currently practicing pain management/occupational medicine at our Daly City office; utilizing her skills, knowledge and expertise to provided diligent and compassionate patient care. In addition to English, Lubov is also fluent in Russian.

“I was born and raised in South Korea until moving to California during college years. I received NP from Sonoma State University and worked as a nurse practitioner in family practice for few years before joining NMCI.

My goal is to develop long-term relationships with patients and their families. I love to educate and engage patients in managing pain, and I hope to continue helping them with maintaining health and quality of life. I feel very fortunate to be part of NMCI clinic at Santa Clara where I am surrounded by most friendly and competent colleagues in occupational medicine/pain management.

When I am not at work, I enjoy photography, gardening, cooking, music, snowboarding and jet skiing.”

– Joo-Hyung (Joshua) Yi, MSN, NP-C

Mary Dunning Garofalo is a Nurse Practitioner employed at NMCI Medical Clinic, Inc. She provides care for patients suffering from work related injuries and musculoskeletal conditions. All of the providers at NMCI Medical Clinic work as a team with the goal of improving the patient’s overall health and well being.

James Eskridge is a Nurse Practitioner employed at NMCI Medical Clinic, Inc. He provides care for patients suffering from work related injuries and musculoskeletal conditions. All of the providers at NMCI Medical Clinic work as a team with the goal of improving the patient’s overall health and well being.