David Burns, M.D.

Medical School: Howard University School of Medicine, Washington DC
Internship and Residency: St. Vincent Hospital Medical Center, New York City
Fellowhip in Gastroenterology: St Vincent Hospital Medical Center, New York City.

Dr. David L. Burns is practicing Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology with an emphasis on primary care since 1989. Dr. Burns was formerly part of Hudson valley Medical Group with Dr. John A. McGurty and has continued his care at the same location with The Westchester Medical Practice. Dr. Burns attended Howard University School of Medicine in Washington D.C., and completed his Internship and Residency in Internal Medicine and his Fellowship in Gastroenterology at St. Vincent’s Hospital in Manhattan. For the last ten years he has enjoyed being a preceptor for second , third, and fourth year medical students from New York Medical College. Dr. Burns also is a Diplomate of the American board of Internal Medicine. David Burns is the proud father of five children and has recently welcomed his first grandchild into the family.

Magda Gabriely, M.D.

Medical School: Faculty of Medicine, Iasi, Romania
Residency: Internal Medicine, Bronx Lebanon Hospital, Bronx, NY
Diagnostic Radiology, Carmel Medical Center, Haifa, Israel
Fellowship: Geriatrics, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY
Gerontology/Aging Research, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY
Board Certification: American Board Internal Medicine, American Board Geriatrics

Dr. Gabriely is practicing Internal Medicine and Geriatrics. She came to the Westchester Medical Practice from Bronx Lebanon Hospital where she was Associate Program Director of the Internal Medicine Residency Program. In this capacity, she also held responsibility for teaching and precepting medical students at Albert Einstein College of Medicine, and residents in Internal Medicine. With regards to these tasks, Dr. Gabriely played a central role in various academic activities of the Internal Medicine Residency Program including overseeing and mentoring residents in their clinical and research programs, giving lectures (as part of the Core Curriculum), and teaching Internal Medicine board preparation courses. Dr. Gabriely’s interests include dementia, osteoporosis, and treating falls in the elderly. Her hobbies include music, gas/charcoal grilling, and basketball.

William J. Higgins, M.D.

Medical School: George Washington University School of Medicine, Washington DC
Internship: Internal Medicine Lenox Hill Hospital, NY, NY
Residency: Internal Medicine Lenox Hill Hospital, NY, NY
Board Certified Internal Medicine

Dr. Higgins has been in private practice since 1991. His commitment to health care extends beyond his own practice; he serves as Medical Director for the Seabury at Field Home and is the medical staff president at Hudson Valley Hospital Center.

Dr. Higgins clinical interest is in the area of geriatric medicine and Alzheimer's disease. He recently completed two terms as a Director for the Alzheimer’s Association in the Hudson Valley Region. Dr. Higgins is a Certified Physician Executive and is currently pursuing an MBA at UMASS Amherst. He is the Assistant Medical Director of the Westchester Medical Practice.

Cynthia Ligenza, M.D.

Cynthia Ligenza, MD holds board certifications in Internal Medicine and Pulmonary Disease. She has practiced in Cold Spring for 10 years and is on the staff of Hudson Valley Hospital Center. Her medical career spans 26 years and was preceded by training at Harlem Hospital in Internal Medicine as well as Einstein and Montefiore Medical Centers in Pulmonary Medicine. She has worked as attending physician in the Harlem Hospital ICU, Medical Clinics, Woodhull Hospital Pulmonary and Internal Medicine Services, Lincoln Hospital Pulmonary and Medicine Departments and its Tuberculosis Clinic. Since moving to Cold Spring in 1998, Dr. Ligenza has cultivated a very active presence there. She is noted for availability, personal attention and experience in integrative medicine and complementary therapies as well as involvement in regional musical and other cultural projects.

Marc Puchir, D.O.

Dr. Puchir is a Board Certified Internist. He grew up locally, and attended Hendrick Hudson High School. He lives with his family in Cortlandt Manor. He is a member of the Staff at Hudson Valley Hospital Center, and has practices in Putnam Valley since 1993. Marc practices traditional Internal Medicine. His hobbies include physical activity, including rock climbing, running, and biking.

Aaron Richman, M.D.

Steven Rocker, M.D.

Dr. Rocker has been practicing Internal Medicine in Peekskill and Cortlandt since 1987. A graduate of the Saint Loius University School of Medicine, he completed his residency in NYC at Metropolitan Hospital Center. Dr. Rocker is Board Certified in both Internal Medicine, as well as Geriatrics. He has experience in skilled nursing facilities, and is a former Medical Director of The Cortlandt Nursing Center. He resides in Pleasantville with his family.

Daniela Spitzer, M.D.

Daniela Spitzer, M.D. has been practicing Internal Medicine in the Yorktown area, since 2002. She completed her Internal Medicine residency at Northeastern Pennsylvania Hospitals program, affiliated with Hahnemann University. Dr. Spitzer is Board Certified in Internal Medicine, and, as a volunteer faculty member of New York Medical College, participates in teaching medical students. She is a member of The AMA, and of The American College of Physicians. Dr. Spitzer lives locally with her spouse and children.

James Trapasso, D.O.

Medical School: Nova Southeastern University College of Osteopathic Medicine, Davie, FL
Intership: Internal Medicine Maimonides Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY
Residency in Internal Medicine: Maimonides Medical Center - Brooklyn, NY, Resident of the Year 2000-2001
Board Certification: American Board of Internal Medicine
National Health Service Corps Scholarship to practice in underserved areas

Dr. Trapasso is a board-certified internist handling all facets of adult primary care. His professional interests involve comprehensive diabetes care, hypertension and cardiovascular risk reduction. Outside of work, he enjoys running, photography and raising his two boys.

Cipriano Vamenta, III , M.D.

Dr. Vamenta is an Internist, practicing in Cold Spring for many years. He was originally on the staff of Butterfield Hospital, and now is a member of the medical staff of Hudson Valley Hospital Center. Dr. Vamenta practices traditional Internal Medicine, and has a special interest in Cardiovascular disease. He resides locally in Garrison with his family.

Terry Alexander, N.P.

Terry Alexander has been a Family Nurse Practioner for over 30 years. She resides in Peekskill, with her extended family, and has been working with Dr. Ligenza in Cold Spring for many years. Terry is well know for her sense of humor, as well as for her careful and compassionate care. She practices traditional internal medicine, but believes in a holistic approach, utilizing alternative methods of healing. Hobbies include meditation, hiking, and spending time with her grand children and great grandchildren.

Sajel Lauro, P.A.

Sejal is a Registered Physician Assistant, practicing in Cortlandt Manor and Peekskill since 1998. Initially Sejal was a registered Respiratory Therapist. As a Board Certified Physician Assistant, Sejal practices traditional Internal Medicine, both in the office and skilled nursing facility settings. Known for her warm and engaging personality, as well as for her committment to patient care, Sejal is an integral part of The Westchester Medical Practice. She lives locally with her family.