Medical Providers

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.

DR. MARSHA BLUTO, PM&R
Dr. Marsha Bluto received her medical doctorate from Penn State College of Medicine and subsequent specialty training in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation from Stanford University Hospital.

As well as being a Board-Certified Physiatrist, she obtained her Registered Nursing from the Adelaide Women’s & Children’s Hospital in Australia and worked as an operating room scrub nurse for many years.  Dr. Bluto also has a Business Degree from the University of Technology in Sydney, Australia, and was the COO for various medical device companies, the Medical Director of the Musculoskeletal Department of a large county hospital and has her own private practice specializing in non-operative, orthopedics, and pain management in the Bay Area.

Through her years caring for patients she learned how to truly listen to the individual needs of each patient.  With a collaborative style, her holistic approach to wellness goes beyond treatment methods with a dedication to ensure patients feel educated, understood, and empowered to make the choices that are right for them.

He completed his residency specializing in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Downstate University Hospital in Brooklyn, NY. Dr. Bernstein currently is a member of the International Spine Intervention Society and the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. Outside of the clinic, Dr. Bernstein enjoys his hobbies of skiing, hiking, traveling and cooking.

“As a Physiatrist, my goal is to help every patient achieve their highest level of function and quality of life. Pain should not steal your passion for work, life and the pursuit of happiness. With the diversity of my training, I aim to use a vast array of tools and multidisciplinary resources to find the most effective means to achieve a patient’s personal goals for health and happiness.”

“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.”

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. Bains completed his internship in Internal Medicine at UCSF Fresno Campus and holds licensure in California in General Practice.  Outside of his career, Dr. Bains enjoys adventure!  He has interests in art, culture, and travel.

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.

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 was a part-time teacher at the Stanford School of Medicine, PCAP for 10 years. 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 grants 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
Contributing author for Project Go and published writer for JAAPA: Helping veterans attend their mental health appointments. Journal of the American Academy of Physician Assistants. 2015;28 (12).
Awards:

Ministry of Health, São Tomé e Principe, Africa
As a Course Coordinator and a Project Advisor for Stanford’s PCAP Program, my students’ community health projects were accepted at Stanford School of Medicine’s Annual Community Health Symposium (2011 to 2015).
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

She later went on to complete her Masters in Physician Assistant Studies from Samuel Merritt University in Oakland.  She also works as an Urgent Care PA part time.  When she isn’t working, she likes to hike, travel, or take care of her furry nephew (puppy) named Po.

She graduated with her Master of Science degree as a Physician Assistant from South University in Savannah, Georgia, where she was awarded the “Patient Maximizer Award”.  She became nationally certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants in April 2018 and was licensed in California in May 2018.  She was awarded “Summa Cum Laude” with her Bachelor’s in Science from California State University Monterey Bay in Seaside, California, in 2014.

Prior to becoming a PA, she was raised in the Monterey Bay area where she worked as a local emergency room volunteer at Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula (CHOMP), a medical intern at Natividad Medical Center (NMC) of Salinas, and a hospital auxiliary at the Carol Hatton Breast Care Center of the Monterey Peninsula for many years.

Her goal is to be an effective team member at NMCI and a leader who can promote health, wellness, and disease prevention in diverse populations.  She is passionate about the medical field, science, patient interaction and education.  Her philosophy is committed to educating and working together with her patients in order to promote recovery, improve function, and increase self-care so that they may achieve their highest quality of life.

Organizations: She is also currently an active member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA), California Academy of Physician Assistant (CAPA), and Georgia Academy of Physician Assistants (GAPA).

She attended UC Berkeley for her undergraduate education and completed her Master’s degree through Western University of Health Science. In her free time, she enjoys eating new cuisines and spending time with her cat, Nimbus.

“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.”

Born in Italy, her professional career has taken her from Florida to California.

Before joining NMCI, Ms. Kulik has had extensive experience working with chronic pain patients in the Sacramento area specializing in spinal and musculoskeletal disorders.  Her background in pain management has given her the skills to help her patients improve their physical health and functioning, diminish pain and emotional suffering, and regain meaningful lives.

She incorporates into her treatment plans other modalities such as exercise, yoga, meditation, and acupuncture.  She helps her patients return to work and to their hobbies and activities.  Her favorite aspect of her work is when she can serve as a coach, helping her patients live life to their fullest despite their conditions.  In her spare time she enjoys traveling, art, music, and spending time with family and friends.

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.

Prior to joining NMCI, she worked as a primary care provider in a community clinic.  Michelle’s focus is on evidence-based care and patient engagement.  She believes in shared decision making and that the best care comes from the collaboration between provider and patient.

“My multiple experiences in trauma surgery, orthopedic, home care and workers comp has helped me provide excellent patient care in their attempts to improve, recover and deal with their health issues.

My educational background includes; surgical technician for the US Army, Registered Nurse, Bachelors’ in Science Nursing – graduated with honors at University of San Francisco, and Family Nurse Practitioner in a workers compensation facility.”

After graduating from Sonoma State University’s Nurse Practitioner Master’s program, he has garnered extensive experience in family practice, orthopedics, occupational health and forensics.  Outside of work, he is an avid traveler, salsa and bachata dancer and aspiring (but horrible) chef.   He currently resides in San Francisco.

I graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Biology in 1997. In 1999, I decided to move to the United States to further my education. I double majored in Molecular Biology with a minor in chemistry, and nursing. In 2008, I graduated in nursing and accepted a position at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in West Los Angeles, CA as a registered nurse. I then finished my Post Baccalaureate in Molecular Biology.

While working as an RN in an acute care setting, I realized that bedside nursing was not enough. I wanted to advance my education to better serve my patients. I knew that as an advanced practice provider, I will have more knowledge and expertise to help patients get better. I knew at that time that I wanted to further my education to become a nurse practitioner.

In 2013, I was accepted into the nurse practitioner program and finished my education in May of 2016 with a nurse practitioner degree specializing in adult gerontology acute care, by which I can work in a variety of medical specialties.

In 2016, my family and I moved to Northern California, San Jose area, to be closer to our relatives. I have been working for NMCI Medical Center since October of 2017. I enjoy working with work injury patients who come to NMCI. I have learned a lot from my patients, coworkers, and medical team. I am looking forward to working with NMCI Medical Clinic’s patients and hope I can make a positive difference in their lives.

She attended Wayne State University, College of Nursing in Detroit, Michigan, where she earned a Master of Science Degree in Nursing with Distinction and was awarded the Continuing Quality Improvement Award for Pain Management in 2012. Also, she earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing with High Honors and Nursing Departmental Honors from Webster University.

She began her career as an Independent Adult Nurse Practitioner (ANP-C) in January 2013, practicing in Primary Care, Pain Management, and Dermatology for the past six years in a family clinic, jail health services, and urgent care facilities. She constantly strives to provide prudent evidenced-based medical care while collaborating with a team of providers and support staff at each healthcare facility to obtain the best patient outcomes. Her past positions afforded her the unique opportunity of providing effective, efficient, and safe care to adolescents, adult, and geriatric patients from every ethnicity and socio-economic status while serving as a trusted advocate.

Her six years as an ANP-C and her 14 years as a RN have allowed her to hone her skills in assessment, critical thinking, and management as well as the ability to safely and effectively multi-task.

In addition to her professional achievements, Aminah is very passionate about helping others and donating to various charitable organizations.

Dr. Balaban has been a clinician and teacher including being on the clinical faculty of the Harvard Medical School and the University of Wisconson. Dr. Balaban integrates several healing psychotherapies which he has learned through intensive training with some of the most influential and skilled therapists in the United States and Europe.

Dr. Balaban’s philosophy is to address various aspects of a person’s well being including physical, psychological and spiritual dimensions. Dr. Balaban has been trained in many approaches to psychotherapy including psychodynamic, mind/body medicine, EMDR, neurolinguistic programming, focusing, meditation, and guided imagery. In addition to psychotherapy, Dr. Balaban provides medication evaluation and management.

Having the option of integrating numerous techniques that facilitate healing, allows Dr. Balaban to collaboratively address each individual’s unique needs. Gene Gendlin, Ph.D., the founder of Focusing, states that each person knows their “own forward direction”. It is important to respect the deep knowledge and intuition that each person holds within their being. Dr. Balaban believes in approaching therapy collaboratively, respecting the personal history and specific goals of each person.

As part of that program I completed a one year internship at the University of Washington Hospital, loved Seattle, and moved there after completing my Ph.D. program in 1972. After work at outpatient clinics, in 1975 I began private practice and worked in that capacity until I moved to the Bay Area in 2007.  I have been a Staff Psychologist at San Quentin prison since then have also worked at NMCI for 4 years now.

She received her post-graduate degree in psychology from the Alliant International University (California School of Professional Psychology).  Dr. Jacome completed her post-doctoral training at Stanford University, Department of Gerontology. She has been trained in psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral, and family therapies; mindfulness meditation, and the biopsychosocial model.

During her career, Dr. Jacome has enjoyed the privilege of presenting papers in France, Belgium, Canada, and at several conferences in the United States. Her topics have covered recovery from burn and traumatic head injuries, the successful transition from inpatient to outpatient treatment, and women’s abuse and disability issues. In addition, she has created and presented over thirty training programs for patients that cover the various issues involved in chronic pain management and rehabilitation.

Dr. Jacome has a sincere and compassionate interest in her patients and respect for their dignity. Her philosophy is that every person she treats has their own strengths and talents which can be used to assist in their recovery.  She has used this belief throughout her career to help patients move from overwhelming depression, anxiety, and traumatic injury back into a full and rewarding life.

In the last 28 years, she has worked as a medical psychologist and for over twenty years has had a strong focus on chronic pain management and rehabilitation. In addition to her patient training courses, she has also provided presentations to physicians and medical staff serving chronic pain patients on the benefits of using a multi-disciplinary approach to recovery and rehabilitation.

He completed his Orthopedic Surgery training in Washington D.C. where he was Chief Resident at George Washington University Medical School. Dr. Hughes was awarded the top research paper by The Washington D.C. Orthopedic Society. He received additional fellowship training in Sports Medicine at one of the leading medical centers and teaching institutions in the country, Washington University, in St. Louis, Missouri. It was here that he was the Team Physician for The St. Louis Rams (National Football League), The Blues (National Hockey League) and The St. Louis Cardinals (Major League Baseball).

Dr. Hughes provides his patients with an unparalleled expertise in minimally invasive arthroscopic surgery of the hip, shoulder, knee, ankle, elbow and wrist. At the forefront in early-diagnosis and non-operative for effective hip pain treatment, he has helped many patients live pain free without surgery. Dr. Hughes has instructed other surgeons on hip replacements, hip arthroscopy and computer assisted surgical techniques. Dr. Hughes holds faculty appointments at Mills-Peninsula Hospital in San Mateo and Burlingame, Sequoia Hospital in Redwood City and Campus Surgery Center in Daly City, California.

More recently, Dr. Hughes has been involved in the research and development of medical devices. He also serves in an advisory capacity to the news media, The College of San Mateo and several medically oriented companies. He is a consultant for ConforMIS. Dr. Hughes remains a lifetime member of the USC Honor Society. Like many philanthropists in the medical field, he dedicates part of his time to volunteer for the underserved and less fortunate. Dr. Hughes is an active member of Operation Access and community advocacy of the uninsured. He has been known to make local house calls to 100-year-old patients and special needs children as young as six. Dr. Hughes’ international surgery cases have increased, taking him to Australia in 2012 and Hong Kong in 2013.

Dr. Hughes has published numerous scientific articles in sports medicine and orthopedic journals on preventing childhood sports injuries and is a frequently invited presenter at sports medicine and orthopedic meetings. His commitment to quality care, patient education, injury prevention, joint preservation and patient wellness is unmatched. He works with each patient to establish an individualized treatment plan for joint preservation and sees his patients personally at every appointment to ensure continuity and quality of care.

Biography Credit: Dr. Paul E. Hughes, accepted from website: http://orthopedicsurgeries.com/drhughes

Ms. Patel is a seasoned physical therapist with years of experience working primarily with musculoskeletal injuries. She has special interest in occupational medicine, Functional Restoration Program, Hand Therapy and ergonomics.

She strongly believes that “Healing comes from within” and teaches patients to develop a self-care program including stretching, strengthening, postural correction and injury prevention. Her passion is to help patients to be able to do what they love and to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

At NMCI’s FRP program, Miral utilizes many tools and techniques to guide patients/FRP students. With proper education and specific exercises, the participants are empowered to assume responsibility for increasing their functional capacity along with regaining control over their musculoskeletal symptoms.

Afterwards, I started pursuing my Master’s of Physical Therapy degree at CSU Sacramento, which I completed in 2011. I have since worked as a physical therapist, mostly in skilled nursing facilities where I enjoyed helping patients regain their functional mobility so that they could return to their homes and lives. I am excited to now use my skills as a physical therapist to help people recover from work-related injuries. Outside of work, I enjoy taking care of and spending time with my wife and two small children. We particularly like visiting the ocean, hiking, and attending air shows. I am also involved in my church, which is another very important aspect of my life.

Out of her interest for yoga and passion to help patients be functional and independent through physical therapy treatment, she decided to pursue a career in Physical Therapy and received an Associate in Science (PTA) degree from Ohlone College, Fremont, with highest honors. During her clinical rotations and internship, she worked with adult, pediatric, and geriatric patients on a variety of pathologies. She connects very well with patients and makes them comfortable during the treatment encouraging them to achieve their goals.

During her free time, she enjoys cooking, practicing yoga, hiking, and spending time with her two children and husband.

To be a part of his patients’ recovery from injury, restoring function, participating in the healing process from the beginning to the end, and watching the joy that patients’ experience from being whole again is the reason Dr. Jacobs began his health care career.

Being a former Competitive athlete, and suffering injuries which lead to visits to a Chiropractor, Dr. Jacobs understands the importance of health and function in its fullest form. He wants for his patients to experience a pain free, maximum capacity life. Dr. Jacobs has helped patients with Acute, Sub-Acute and Chronic Conditions, weight loss, and Neurologic Injury.

Of note, Dr. Jacobs lives in the area with his wife and two children. He competes actively in several sports and his other hobbies include meditation, reading; although most of his free time is spent watching his children participate in their athletic events.

Dr. Jacobs is a State Appointed Qualified Medical Examiner and has lectured in colleges throughout the Bay Area.

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.

Those seeking treatment with Dr. Camenson are assured that their health is in great hands.  Dr. Stephen Camenson has been a chiropractor in the bay area with over 25 years of experience.  He has extensive knowledge, training and experience and is committed to provide better health and wellness for his patients thru chiropractic treatment.   Those seeking treatment with Dr. Camenson are assured that their health is in great hands.  Dr. Camenson has lived in the bay area his whole live and has a wife and 3 children.  He spends his free time with his family and enjoys all the wonderful activities that the Bay Area has to offer.

Dr. Mike has also joined two medical humanitarian mission trips to Mexico serving people with dentistry, optometry, chiropractic, and general medical services. Dr. Mike is constantly advancing the way he treats patients by including the best evidence-based practices available. He has earned post-graduate certifications as a Certified Chiropractic Sports Physician, Certified Ergonomic Assessment Specialist, Selective Functional Movement Assessments, and Active Release Technique (2007). Dr. Mike believes that chiropractic care combined with the latest evidence based physiotherapy techniques is the best way to restore function to muscles and joints.

“My medical interests are primarily pain management through natural healing methods. I enjoy helping patients to alleviate pain and improve their quality of life. I live in San Jose. My philosophy for treating patients is to understand appreciate the multi-discipline approach in medicine and applying it to the treatment I provide to my patients.

I enjoy spending time with my family and my dogs. In addition to the English language, I am fluent in Chinese.”

I am an instructor at Five Branches University and have been there since 2010. I mainly enjoy using natural healing methods like acupuncture and herbs to cure and reduce pain. My specialty is pain control and allergy. I look forward to helping patients live a better life without pain.