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 that “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 and 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

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. 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.

“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. Sukhkarn Bains, MD, grew up in the Central Valley of California and received his Bachelors of Arts from UC Berkeley and his Medical Doctorate from NYU School of Medicine.  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.

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.

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

Rasheda Sadler, a Certified Physician Assistant, joined the NMCI Medical Clinic, Inc. in August of 2017. She graduated from the Masters of Physician Assistant Studies program at Penn State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA in May 2017. She then became certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants in June 2017. Prior to this, she served on active duty in the U.S. Navy for 9.5 years where she worked as a Hospital Corpsman providing medical care to active military personnel and their families. During this time, she obtained a Bachelor of Science degree from Excelsior College. She now provides medical care for patients suffering from work-related injuries and musculoskeletal conditions as a member of the NMCI team.

“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.

“My job as a family nurse practitioner has been exciting and very rewarding. Being able to teach and help people improve their health and subsequent quality of life has been my primary goal as a family nurse practitioner.

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.”

Tracey Fremd, NP, is a pain management and Work Comp specialist in the Stockton and Sacramento offices at NMCI. She has served her profession as Past President of California Association for Nurse Practitioners, one of the nation’s largest professional associations for nurse practitioners. She was recognized as California’s “Nurse Practitioner of Distinction” in 2007 for her contributions to the professional, economic and legislative developments of California’s NPs. She is the founding principal of a medical practice consulting firm. She resides on several national committees and counsels for pain management and safe opioid prescribing. She is a noted national speaker in her areas of expertise. She has nearly 25 years’ experience as a practicing NP in pain management and women’s health.

Melissa Howell, a certified Nurse Practitioner, joined NMCI Medical Clinic, Inc. in May of 2017. She graduated from the Masters of Science Nurse Practitioner Program at South University, Savannah Georgia. She received board certification May 2014. She now provides medical care from patients suffering from work-related injuries and musculoskeletal conditions as a member of the NMCI team.

Michelle Park is a nurse practitioner in the San Jose office.  She grew up in San Jose and is happy to be practicing back in her hometown.  Michelle completed her nurse practitioner training at the University of California, San Francisco, with a minor in diabetes, and is nationally board certified in family practice.

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.