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Email Us Email UsMatt Alavi, L.Ac
Clinical Director / Founder of ActiveMed
Director of Pain Management and Natural Medicine
Owner & Co-Founder of NCIAC
Originally from Chicago, IL, Matt moved to San Diego to leave the winters behind while he broadened his studies of Medicine and Traditional Chinese Medicine. Mr. Alavi graduated from Pacific College of Oriental Medicine, one of the largest Acupuncture Medical Colleges in the United States. While there, Matt trained under many of the finest health practitioners in his field, gaining a deeper understanding and knowledge of Traditional Chinese Medicine. In adjunct to his studies at Pacific College, Matt continued his education and clinical expertise at Chengdu Traditional Medical Hospital in Chengdu, China.
Mr. Alavi has obtained specialized training in orthopedics, neurology, endocrinology, immune disorders, gastrointestinal dysfunction and pain diseases. He has successfully treated numerous sports related injuries of collegiate athletes and coaches, at the RIMAC center at the University of California San Diego. Here, Matt utilized his background in sports medicine and nutrition to provide sports enhancement therapy.
As a lecturer and educator on many areas of health and wellness, Matt continues to spread the awareness and application of integrative medicine to the public as well as medical professionals. His mission is to be able to help as many people as possible, by providing the best standard of health care possible. Matt’s practice and expertise have been featured on local San Diego News and various other news media throughout San Diego. For the last several years, Matt has developed and directed the successful natural medicine and integrative medicine department at a medical center in Poway, CA. He is currently co-owner, founder, and Director of Integrative Medicine of North County Integrative Acupuncture center located at the Pomerado Outpatient Pavilion in Poway, CA. He is also co-owner and founder of Natural Cures, LLC., a nutraceutical company which incorporates the best advances in technology with nature, to provide products that address many different aspects of promoting health and conquering disease.
Matt believes the most important aspect in health care is disease prevention. However, when disease arises, in order for healing and wellness to occur or resume, the root (causative factors) of the disease must be treated. He has a true passion for health and his compassion for his patients is unsurpassed. Some services that Matt provides are acupuncture, herbal medicine, diet therapy, athletic enhancement, lifestyle consulting, structural therapy, hormone consultations, and neurotransmitter consults. Matt continues to expand his knowledge and research in integrative medicine by attending fellowship trainings, seminars and continued education. All Matt’s effort and learning is directed and focused on helping patients heal and become well.
Brandy Brown, L.Ac
Dr. Brandy Brown is a California Licensed Acupuncturist. She received her Doctorate from Pacific College of Oriental Medicine where her love for Chinese Medicine flourished. She received her Bachelor’s in Kinesiology from San Diego State University. While receiving her doctorate, she expanded her knowledge and love for orthopedics as well as found a passion for internal medicine. With the integration of Western and Eastern medicine, she brings a unique perspective to all of her patients that is coupled with a passion to facilitate the best care possible for every individual.
As an athlete, she has a passion for sports medicine and helping athletes of all levels return back to health. In addition to her extensive experience with sports medicine, she has also treated a variety of diseases in the PCOM clinic as well as at their off-sites. She worked closely with the veteran population, addressing a variety of health care concerns including chronic pain, PTSD, anxiety, and insomnia. Her passion for helping people combined with her desire to bring the best level of care to her patients has always been at the forefront of her education.
Brandy believes in customizing treatments for individuals and incorporating a variety of disciplines into her acupuncture and manual therapies, including herbal medicine, lifestyle, diet, and exercise recommendations. In addition to her special interests in orthopedic, sports medicine, and facial rejuvenation, she has had success in treating chronic pain, migraines, PTSD, anxiety, insomnia, women’s health, and infertility.
Dr. Ritvik Mehta received his medical degree from the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine. He then went on to Harvard Medical School where he completed his internship in General Surgery and residency in Otolaryngology / Head and Neck Surgery. While at Harvard, he developed his interest in treating patients with facial paralysis. Recognizing the profound impact that facial paralysis has on the lives of those affected, Dr. Mehta chose to pursue advanced training in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery / Facial Nerve Disorders during his fellowship at the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary / Harvard Medical School. He then went on to complete a second fellowship in Otology / Neurotology and Skull Base Surgery at the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine.
Dr. Mehta is truly a compassionate and caring physician who has a deep interest in providing the best possible care for his patients. He has co-authored numerous publications and was the recipient of the American Neurotology Society Trainee Award for his middle-ear research. Dr. Mehta is board certified by the American Board of Otolaryngology. He is a professional member in the American Academy of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, International Otopathology Society (Schuknecht Society), and the American Neurotology Society.
Dr. Ritvik Mehta received his medical degree from the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine. He then went on to Harvard Medical School where he completed his internship in General Surgery and residency in Otolaryngology / Head and Neck Surgery. While at Harvard, he developed his interest in treating patients with facial paralysis. Recognizing the profound impact that facial paralysis has on the lives of those affected, Dr. Mehta chose to pursue advanced training in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery / Facial Nerve Disorders during his fellowship at the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary / Harvard Medical School. He then went on to complete a second fellowship in Otology / Neurotology and Skull Base Surgery at the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine.
Dr. Mehta is truly a compassionate and caring physician who has a deep interest in providing the best possible care for his patients. He has co-authored numerous publications and was the recipient of the American Neurotology Society Trainee Award for his middle-ear research. Dr. Mehta is board certified by the American Board of Otolaryngology. He is a professional member in the American Academy of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, International Otopathology Society (Schuknecht Society), and the American Neurotology Society.
Tania Faruque, M.D.
Board Certified Pain Management Specialist
Board Certified Anesthesiology Specialist
Tania Faruque, MD, is the Medical Director of Palomar Spine & Pain. She is a double board-certified interventional pain management specialist and anesthesiologist.
Dr. Faruque has extensive training and experience using a multidisciplinary approach in the treatment of chronic pain. Her journey into pain medicine started with residency training at the world-renowned Cleveland Clinic, where she worked with patients in the Chronic Pain Rehabilitation Program. The highly recognized multidisciplinary Chronic Pain Rehabilitation Program treats the most complex chronic pain patients using a biopsychosocial framework. Dr. Faruque learned how to treat patients effectively to help recover their function and avoid invasive treatments.
Dr. Faruque broke barriers by becoming the first female pain management fellow at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. Being one of the few female pain physicians in San Diego county, she is a powerful advocate for women’s health.
Dr. Faruque holds the distinction of being appointed physician leader of a comprehensive pain program. The program treated chronic pain patients with interventional management, physical therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and biofeedback/relaxation training. Other innovative treatments used were assertiveness training, expressive writing, mindfulness, and relapse prevention.
Dr. Faruque believes her most important role is being a patient’s advocate. Through assessment and careful diagnoses, she provides the physical, emotional, and social interventions needed to achieve optimum total health. Dr. Faruque combines a multimodal treatment plan using evidence-based treatments, rehabilitative approaches, and interventional pain procedures including spinal injections, joint injections, neuromodulation therapies, and regenerative medicine procedures.
Dr. Faruque grew up in the Midwest. She completed her training in Los Angeles and decided to settle down in Southern California after meeting her husband. Her hobbies include cross country road trips, treasure hunting, playing violin, fiction writing, and sports like tennis and boxing.
Dr. Faruque’s philosophy is “I tailor my approach to each patient individually and we can come up with a plan together on how best to treat the mind and body.”
PRACTICE SPECIALTIES
Our San Marcos-based clinic offers a full range of chiropractic services. These include adjustments/manipulations, cox flexion-distraction, myofascial release, therapeutic exercises, foot orthotics, lifestyle advice, nutritional counseling and postural correction. We treat a wide variety of conditions including injuries related to the home or workplace, accidents and sports. Our mission is to implement an effective chiropractic system of spinal correction and to help educate patients about natural solutions that will provide improved health, comfort and physical strength, while providing exceptional holistic body care and enabling all to experience an enhanced quality of life.
ABOUT THE DOCTOR
Dr. Joe A. Hernandez completed his undergraduate studies in Exercise Physiology at the University of California, Davis. After graduation, he went on to complete three and a quarter years at Palmer College of Chiropractic where he received his Doctor of Chiropractic degree in 2002. Before graduating, Dr. Hernandez worked as an intern among chiropractic’s elite, helping treat professional athletes in the San Francisco Bay area. Dr. Hernandez has been certified as a Qualified Medical Examiner for the state of California. He is committed to helping each patient reach his or her maximum health potential using a natural approach that respects the inner wisdom of the human body. The care he provides not only eliminates your body’s aches and pains but also strengthens your immune system. His goals are to help people with his extensive knowledge of how the body works, through compassion, dedication and exceptional service.
DRIVING DIRECTIONS
We are conveniently located off the 78 Freeway. If coming from Oceanside, take Las Posas exit, go straight through the lights onto Via Vera Cruz then turn right on Linda Vista Dr. If coming from Escondido East 78, take the Las Posas exit, go south or left on Las Posas and turn left on Linda Vista Drive. We are at 1125 Linda Vista Dr., Ste. 102, next to Michael Russ, CPA.
PRACTICE SPECIALTIES
Community Chiropractic Center offers complete chiropractic services, including therapeutic massage, nutritional counseling, physiotherapy, and x-rays. We specialize in auto accident trauma repair, chiropractic care for adults, children and infants, massage therapy, chiropractic and massage therapy for pregnant patients, treatments for headache sufferers, and general back pain treatments.
ABOUT THE DOCTOR
Dr. Burdette has an undergraduate degree from The University of Texas, Masters Degree from Florida Tech, and Doctor of Chiropractic from Parker College of Chiropractic. He specializes in a variety of chiropractic techniques and Myofascial Release. Dr. Burdette graduated from Parker College of Chiropractic with special honors. He is also an Adjunct Faculty Member (Science and Engineer Department) teaching Human Anatomy, and Anatomy & Physiology at Southwestern Community College.
Dr. Burdette has been treating patients since 1998, and serving the Community of Poway since 2001. He is a Member of the Rancho Bernardo Rotary International Club (SunRise), Poway Chamber of Commerce, Marine Mustang Association, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled American Veterans, The Retired Officers Association, and various alumni associations; the International Chiropractic Association, and its Council on Pediatrics, the American Chiropractic Association, International Trade Exchange, and the Rancho Bernardo Community Presbyterian Church (Elder).
Dr. Burdette is also a Retired U.S. Marine Officer with various personal decorations. He led the first plane of Marines into Saudi Arabia at the onset of the Gulf War.
DRIVING DIRECTIONS
Take I-15 to Poway Rd., head East and make a left on Pomerado Rd. Office located on the corner of Pomerado Rd. and Poway Rd. (13025 Pomerado Road, Ste. A, Poway, CA 92064).
Patient Care Coordinators:
Octavio Aguirre (619) 517-6561
ABOUT THE HOSPITAL
San Diego Spine Center
Patient-Centered San Diego Spine Center
The physicians, nurses and staff of the brand-new San Diego Spine Center have created a special program that brings together a team of experienced and expert surgeons to provide seamless, coordinated care, and get you back to your favorite activities as soon as possible.
Our goal is to ensure that your stay with us is as pleasant as possible. We have created a special place to lift your spirits as you make your way to a more active lifestyle.
SUPERIOR EDUCATION
We believe the key to better outcomes is a commitment to education for you and your family. Knowing what to expect each step of the way can help reduce anxiety and prepares you for as smooth a recovery as possible.
DEDICATED LACE, DEDICATED PEOPLE
Within our hospital, we have created a special area just for the care of our spine patients. You get to wear your own clothes, and family members are encouraged to participate in group activities, meals and other special events. Exercise and therapy is also in a group setting, so that our patients can support and encourage each other on the road to recovery.
WHAT MAKES OUR PROGRAM SPECIAL
Dedicated Unit with Spacious Private Rooms: All activities—physical therapy, group lunches and nursing care—take place on a unit dedicated exclusively to spine patients.
Healing, Ocean-themed Unit: To encourage healing, the unit has been designed to reflect the peacefulness of a seaside town with beach cottage-like rooms, boardwalk hallways for therapeutic strolling and ceilings painted to look like you are outside—all designed with our patients’ mental, emotional and physical well-being in mind.
Dedicated Staff: All San Diego Spine staff have been chosen specially because of their expertise; positive, upbeat nature; and high motivational skills.
Care Coordinator: Our care coordinator oversees your entire stay and is a resource before, during and after discharge.
Dress for Success: Our patients do not wear hospital gowns. You are encouraged to bring comfortable clothes from home, i.e. sweat suits, shorts and T-shirts, to wear during the day to encourage the concept of wellness.
Active Daily Schedule: Our patients participate in an aggressive daily schedule, which means you are up and dressed by 7 a.m. to begin therapy the day after surgery. Patients typically do therapy together to encourage camaraderie and peer support.
Daily Newsletters: Each morning, our patients receive a daily newsletter with breakfast, letting you know what is on the agenda for the day, along with tips for healing.
Comprehensive Guidebook: Education begins in the physician’s office where our patients are provided with a comprehensive guidebook explaining the upcoming surgery, strengthening exercises and pre-surgery and post-surgery guidelines.
Coach: Each of our patients chooses a coach—typically a family member or friend—who is an active participant in the patient’s care before, during and after discharge from the hospital. Coaches learn the program right along with their loved one to provide encouragement and support.
Group Lunches: Group lunches are held in the center’s group room for patients, coaches and staff to encourage camaraderie and shared experiences.
After-Care Support Program: Graduates receive calls from the San Diego Spine Center staff within 72 hours of discharge and reunions for graduates and their coaches are held regularly with surgeons and the entire care team.
Advanced Analgesic and Rapid-Recovery Surgical Techniques: Our surgeons are trained in the most advanced analgesic and minimally invasive surgical techniques that result in less pain and a quicker recovery.
Superior Outcomes: We evaluate each patient on multiple clinical, functional and patient satisfaction criteria. These outcomes are analyzed during monthly performance improvement team meetings, and enable us to become masters of teamwork and performance. So when we say superior outcomes, we have the data to prove it.
Christopher Spence, D.C. / Suzanne Spence, D.C.
Awarded DOCTOR OF THE YEAR by members of the California Chiropractic Association
Voted “BEST CHIROPRACTIC OFFICE IN SAN DIEGO” for 8 years – CityBeat Magazine
PRACTICE SPECIALTIES
Spence Chiropractic Center offers complete chiropractic services, including therapeutic massage, nutritional counseling, physiotherapy, and x-rays. The practice accepts patients suffering from sports injuries, stress, strain, personal injury, and worker’s compensation cases. The practice accepts patients suffering from personal injury (auto accidents, pedestrian injuries, slip and fall), sports injuries, stress, strain, family care, and worker’s compensation cases.
ABOUT THE DOCTOR
Dr. Spence received his Bachelor’s degree, with honors, from the University of San Diego, and his doctorate (1995) in Chiropractic from Parker College of Chiropractic in Dallas, Texas. He received his Independent Disability Evaluator (I.D.E.) and Qualified Medical Evaluator (Q.M.E) certificate for the state of California in 2004. He was President of the California Chiropractic Association – San Diego Chapter and has served on the Board of that association for 6 years. He also received ‘Doctor of the Year’ honors twice from his peers. Additionally, Spence Chiropractic Center was voted ‘Best Chiropractic Office in San Diego’ by San Diego CityBeat Magazine. Dr. Spence has 200 hours in postgraduate chiropractic rehabilitation studies and is a board eligible Certified Chiropractic Rehabilitation Doctor. He has additional postgraduate studies in Worker’s Compensation, Whiplash, and Neurology. He has certification in: Accident Reconstruction, Whiplash and Spinal Trauma, Advanced Personal Injury, Whiplash and Automobile Traumatology, and Biomechanical Analysis of Low Speed Impacts.
He is a graduate of the Spine Research of San Diego’s world – renowned whiplash program, the most comprehensive whiplash program in the United States. This program has an emphasis on whiplash, biomechanics of injury, occupant kinematics, automobile crash reconstruction methods for low speed impacts, soft tissue as related to automobile caused injuries, bony, and nervous system disorders as related to automobile caused injuries, advanced diagnostic methodologies, and the comprehensive case management of whiplash and related disorders.
Dr. Spence has participated in comprehensive research workshops of full-scale crashes and their analyses. The crashes were through the Center for Research into Automotive Safety and Health (CRASH) and used both human volunteers and crash test dummies.
Dr. Spence is available for power point presentations on whiplash for attorneys, doctors, or the public. He has deposition and trial experience and is available to serve as an expert witness in personal injury cases.
The office prides itself on thorough documentation, comprehensive reports, and appropriate medical referrals. The doctor is dedicated to quality, personalized, and effective care for all of his patients. He and his staff pay attention to every detail, giving excellent care and assuring a superior experience for the patients, attorneys, and health care professionals with whom they interact.
Liens are accepted, attorney and medical referrals are available.
Please call our office to reach Dr. Spence directly at (619) 284-3883 with any questions. We look forward to serving you and your clients/patients.
PRACTICE SPECIALTIES
Our South Bay chiropractic clinic is completely bilingual in Spanish and offers a full range of chiropractic care including comprehensive examinations, adjustments/manipulations, physiotherapy, rehabilitative exercises, school physicals and x-rays. We treat a large variety of musculoskeletal conditions such as neck & back pain, headaches, sciatica, shoulder, knee, wrist and ankle pain. Dr. Cadava is a highly skilled worker’s compensation and auto accident specialist. Treatment is provided for a wide range of conditions stemming from work injuries, auto accidents and sports injuries. Additionally, we treat children and anyone seeking to improve their overall health. We accept walk-in patients and are a provider on most insurance plans. Attorney and medical referrals are available. Liens are accepted. Some of the chiropractic techniques Dr. Cadava utilizes include:
ABOUT THE DOCTOR
Dr. Cadava did her undergraduate studies at the University of California at San Diego, as a biology major, before receiving her doctorate degree in chiropractic at Palmer College of Chiropractic-West in San Jose, California in 1993. Dr. Cadava has completed extensive postgraduate work in Spinal Trauma, Disorders of the Spine, Whiplash and Rehabilitation, amongst other subjects. Dr. Cadava has been certified as a Qualified Medical Evaluator by the State of California since 2000 and holds a license as a Radiography X-ray Supervisor and Operator by the State of California since 1994.
She is fluent in Spanish and has maintained a successful practice in South Bay San Diego for 18 years. She is an active member of the California Chiropractic Association, San Diego Chiropractic Network and California Worker’s Compensation Professionals.
Dr. Cadava is well respected in the medical community and enjoys a mutual exchange of patient referrals with many medical physicians. She has many years of experience of deposition and expert witness testimony in trials.
She thoroughly assesses each patient and creates a treatment plan tailored to each individual. Her patient management approach is centered on identifying the problems causing the individual symptoms, considering the whole picture, involving the general health and particular needs of each patient. 18 years ago she set out to create a healthcare practice that would be different from others, would be community-based and would manifest her expertise and skill set in alignment with the highest standard of care and her patients’ expectations.
Jeffrey Bloom, D.C., Q.M.E., I.D.E. / Teresa Guta-Bloom, D.C., Q.M.E.
PRACTICE SPECIALTIES
At Bloom Family Chiropractic, we successfully treat patients with a variety of conditions, including auto and work related accidents, sports injuries, lower back pain, and headaches.
Our treatment methods include:
Teresa Guta Chiropractic adjustments, physical therapy, massage, nutritional supplementation and rehabilitative exercises. New patients are always welcome, and no-cost consultations are available.
ABOUT THE DOCTORS AND STAFF
Dr. Jeffrey Bloom is an Honors graduate of Los Angeles College of Chiropractic, where he was also a member of the Delta Sigma Honorary Scholastic Society. Along with his Doctorate in Chiropractic, Dr. Bloom holds a bachelors degree in Human Biology and Environmental Studies from U.C. Berkeley.
Dr. Bloom has practiced in North County San Diego since 1990 and has been certified with the state of California as an Independent Disability Evaluator (I.D.E.). He is also an active member of the California Chiropractic Association and the San Diego Chiropractic Network. When not working with his patients, Dr. Bloom spends time with his wife, Teresa, who is also a chiropractor, and their two daughters.
DRIVING DIRECTIONS
From I-15 in Escondido:
Exit Valley Parkway
Head east approximately 1.5 miles until the road forks.
Bear right at the fork putting you onto eastbound Grand Avenue.
The office is two blocks east of the fork on the right hand (south) side of the street between Grape and Fig Streets.
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