Meet Our Doctors- Dr. Melvin Mathai

Posted on February 6, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

We are pleased to introduce Dr. Melvin Mathai, the newest member of our pediatrics team at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center.

Dr. Mathai attended Hofstra University for his undergraduate degree and The New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine (NYITCOM) for his medical degree. He completed his residency at Maimonides Medical Center in Brooklyn, New York. Dr. Mathai is board-eligible and holds certifications in ACLS, PALS, and NRP.

Dr. Mathai was drawn to a career in medicine because it combines science, problem-solving, and making a meaningful difference in people’s lives, as well as the ability to build long-term relationships with his patients while positively impacting their health and well-being. He chose pediatrics as his specialty because it felt like a natural fit for him, and he enjoys working with children and families. “I wanted to be a part of a child’s growth and development over time. I love the energy, honesty, and resilience of children, and I find it incredibly rewarding to help guide parents through each stage of their child’s life, from newborn care to adolescence.” Dr. Mathai believes that pediatrics allows him to focus on prevention, education, and building trust with families. “I hope to provide compassionate, thoughtful, and accessible care while creating a welcoming environment where families feel heard and supported”, he said.

As a pediatrician, Dr. Mathai provides comprehensive outpatient pediatric care, which includes well-childcare visits, newborn care, vaccinations, developmental and behavioral concerns, and adolescent health. He also evaluates and manages common child illnesses, which include asthma, allergies, eczema, infections, minor injuries, anxiety, and school-related issues.

Born and raised in Queens, Dr. Mathai is proud to serve as a pediatrician in such a close-knit, family-oriented community like Howard Beach because it is the community in which he grew up. He returned home to provide compassionate, culturally informed care to the families who shaped him. “I’ve always loved the diversity, energy, and incredible food that make this area so special, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to give back to the community,” he said.

Dr. Mathai is a proud Gold Humanism Award recipient, a massive Knicks fan (yes, he still believes every year is their year), and an anime geek at heart. When he’s not in the office, he is usually chasing after his two little kids, who keep him laughing—and humbled—daily.

His goal as a pediatrician is simple: “Partner with parents, answer questions honestly, and help families feel confident about their child’s health. I strive to practice evidence-based and personable medicine while treating every child as if they were my own,” he said. He wants to make families feel supported, make kids feel safe, and bring high-quality, down-to-earth care to every visit. “I hope to help build a healthier, happier community, one tiny sneaker at a time,” he said.

His hours at the Jamaica Hospital, Howard Beach location are:

M: 7 AM – 5 PM

T: 9 AM – 7 PM

W: Off

R: 7 AM – 5 PM

F: 7 AM – 5 PM

Every third Saturday of the month

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.

Meet Our Doctors- Dr. Andrew Bi

Posted on November 17, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

Jamaica Hospital Medical Center is proud to introduce Dr. Andrew Bi, the newest member of our orthopedic surgical team.

Dr. Bi was born in Chicago, Illinois, and raised in East Lyme, Connecticut, and currently resides in Queens. He graduated from the University of Connecticut magna cum laude with honors. He then graduated from Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine summa cum laude with Alpha Omega Alpha honors. Then he completed his orthopedic surgery residency training at NYU Langone Orthopedics, where he served as Executive Chief Resident. Dr. Bi later underwent subspeciality training at Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush in a sports medicine fellowship, where he served as assistant team physician for the Chicago Bulls, Chicago White Sox, Chicago Steel, and DePaul University.

Dr. Bi has received numerous awards for teaching, clinical care, and research, including the Ralph Lusskin Senior Resident Teaching Award, the Marian Frauenthal Sloane Clinical Research Award, and the Rush Annual Thesis Day Award.

Dr. Bi treats all aspects of orthopedic injuries with a special interest in the management of all shoulder, elbow, hip, and knee conditions, including, but not limited to robotic-assisted joint replacements for arthritis, minimally invasive arthroscopic surgeries for sports injuries, such as anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), meniscus, cartilage, rotator cuff, and labrum injuries, and the fixation of fractures. His current research efforts involve anterior cruciate ligament injuries, meniscal allograft transplantations, rotator cuff tears, hip arthroscopy, and orthobiologics.

Dr. Bi is excited to begin at the Medisys family at Jamaica Hospital, bringing with him expertise in sports medicine subspecialization, as well as his Chinese heritage, to care for the diverse population surrounding the hospital.

If you are experiencing any conditions or injuries affecting your bones, muscles, ligaments, and tendons, you can schedule an appointment at Orthopedic Specialists of New York by calling 718-206-6923

Meet Our Doctors: Dr. Dawodu

Posted on October 28, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

We are pleased to introduce Dr. Olanrewaju (Lanre) Dawodu, the newest member of the obstetrics and gynecology team at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center.

Dr. Dawodu is an attending physician, specializing in minimally invasive gynecological surgery (MIGS). She chose minimally invasive gynecological surgery as a specialty because it allows her to treat complex conditions, such as fibroids, endometriosis, infertility, and chronic pelvic pain. “I am passionate about using advanced surgical techniques that not only relieve symptoms, but also speed recovery and restore function, allowing those affected to reclaim their health and quality of life”, she said. Dr. Dawodu was drawn to medicine because it allows her to combine science, hands-on skills, and patient advocacy. “Over time, I became especially motivated by the need to improve care for women whose health concerns are often minimized or overlooked,” she explained.

Dr. Dawodu attended Wayne State University for her undergraduate degree and Meharry Medical College for medical school. She completed her residency at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania and a fellowship at Columbia University Irving Medical Center, and is board-certified in obstetrics and gynecology. Dr. Dawodu treats patients with fibroids, menstrual disorders, endometriosis, chronic pelvic pain, ovarian cysts, and other benign but complex gynecologic conditions. She specializes in both uterine-preserving procedures and definitive treatments such as hysterectomy. “I offer the full spectrum of minimally invasive surgical options, including hysteroscopy, laparoscopy, and robotic surgery, tailoring each approach to a patient’s individual needs and goals”, says Dr. Dawodu.

Although Dr. Dawodu wasn’t born or raised in Queens, she has lived in New York City for the past four years and is proud to serve the Queens community through Jamaica Hospital. “I am excited to build a comprehensive program in complex benign gynecology here in Queens”, she said. She also noted that Jamaica Hospital wonderfully serves a diverse population and she is eager to provide advanced surgical options to patients who might not otherwise have access to them, stating, “I hope to bring compassionate care, surgical expertise, and a focus on patient-centered outcomes. My goal is to help my patients feel heard, validated, and empowered in their healthcare decisions, while ensuring they have access to the latest minimally invasive treatments.” Beyond surgery, Dr. Dawodu is committed to mentorship, education, and improving the efficiency of care. She is excited to grow with Jamaica Hospital as it expands access to minimally invasive gynecologic options in Queens.

We are proud to welcome Dr. Dawodu to our team and look forward to the work she and the rest of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology will do to provide high-quality care to our community.

Meet Our Doctors: Dr. Jevon Fragoso

Posted on April 18, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

We are pleased to introduce Dr. Jevon Fragoso, the newest member of the rheumatology team.

Dr. Jevon Fragoso was born and raised in Queens, New York. He graduated Magna cum Laude from Stony Brook University with a degree in Pharmacology and then received his medical degree at Temple University in Philadelphia. After medical school, Dr. Fragoso completed his Internal Medicine Residency and Rheumatology Fellowship at North Shore University Hospital/Long Island Jewish Medical Center with Northwell Health. Dr. Fragoso has extensive training in managing rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, gout, myositis, and systemic sclerosis. Outside of the clinic, Dr. Fragoso enjoys cooking and martial arts.

We are proud to welcome Dr. Fragoso to our team and look forward to the work he and the rest of the Rheumatology Department will do to provide high-quality care to our community.

Meet Our Doctors: Dr. Michael Chang and Dr. Fausto Cabezas Bolanos

Posted on March 21, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

We are pleased to introduce Dr. Michael Chang and Dr. Fausto Cabezas Bolanos, the newest members of the nephrology team.

Dr. Michael Chang is an attending nephrologist at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center. He earned his medical degree from Rush Medical College in Chicago and completed his internal medicine residency at Montefiore Moses-Weiler Campus in the Bronx, New York. He later completed a fellowship in nephrology at the Mount Sinai Hospital on Manhattan’s Upper East Side.

Dr. Fausto Cabezas Bolanos, also known as Dr. Fausto by his patients, is a board-certified Nephrologist and Internist. He is incredibly passionate about helping people live healthier lives and believes that adopting a plant-based diet and lifestyle changes can significantly improve kidney health and overall well-being. After earning his medical degree from Universidad del Valle in Colombia, Dr. Bolanos completed a research fellowship at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, focusing on artificial organ support and transplants. During this time, he realized that while medical technology is powerful, simple lifestyle interventions like healthy eating and exercise can lead to positive heart and kidney disease outcomes.

Dr. Chang is especially interested in providing high-quality, compassionate care to his patients. Many of his patients suffer from diabetic kidney disease and hypertension. Dr. Chang particularly enjoys bridging the knowledge gap for patients about their conditions, He spends considerable time counseling patients, so they understand their treatment plans. One of his favorite aspects of his work is getting to know patients personally. When prescribing medications for kidney disease, he is mindful of a patient’s values and lifestyle. He is also passionate about working with medical trainees and teaching them to become more curious and independent doctors.

Since making New York City his home, Dr. Bolanos is proud to have served several communities throughout Brooklyn and Queens. He completed his Internal Medicine residency training at Woodhull Medical Center/New York University Hospital and later completed a Nephrology Fellowship at SUNY Downstate/ Kings County Hospital Medical Center. He has an unwavering commitment to caring for vulnerable communities and forging long-standing relationships with patients afflicted with kidney disease. In his free time, Dr. Bolanos enjoys running and swimming to stay active and healthy.

We are proud to welcome Dr. Chang and Dr. Bolanos to our team and look forward to the work they and the rest of the Nephrology Department will do to provide high-quality care to our community.

Meet Our Doctors: Dr. Aldane R.K. Hoilett and Jonathan Macias

Posted on December 4, 2024 by Patrick Hercules

We are pleased to introduce Dr. Aldane R.K. Hoilett and Dr. Jonathan Macias, the new hematologists-oncologists at the MediSys Health Network Cancer Center located on the Jamaica Hospital Medical Center campus.

Dr. Hoilett obtained his medical degree at Loma Linda University School of Medicine in California. He then completed his residency in internal medicine and fellowship in hematology and oncology at the Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell Health. As a general hematologist and medical oncologist at the MediSys Health Network Cancer Center, Dr. Hoilett treats a wide range of conditions, including various types of cancer (such as breast, lung, prostate, and colorectal cancers), hematological disorders (such as anemia, leukemias, and lymphomas), and complications related to these diseases. “My focus is on providing comprehensive care that addresses both the medical and emotional needs of my patients”, he said.

Dr. Macias is board-certified in internal medicine and received his medical degree at the Florida International University Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine after obtaining his undergraduate degree at the University of Miami. He then completed his residency at the Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell Residency Program in internal medicine at North Shore University Hospital and Long Island Jewish Medical Center. He also completed a fellowship in hospice and palliative medicine and a fellowship in hematology and oncology at the Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell Health. Dr. Macias, says about his work as a hematologist-oncologist, “Cancer is complicated, but new treatments are always being discovered, which keeps my job exciting.” He also says that he loves getting to know his patients over time and being there for them, whether through tough times or celebrating with good news. “Being able to give my patients hope and improve their lives is why I chose this job. It’s hard work, but it’s worth it when I see the difference I can make in their life”, he said.

Dr. Hoilett’s journey into medicine was deeply influenced by his experiences with cancer in his community. He explains, “Growing up, I witnessed the profound impact of this disease on individuals and families, including my aunt who passed away from breast cancer.” These experiences helped spark his interest in oncology and the biology of cancer “compelling me to understand how such a devastating illness could affect lives.” He became increasingly aware of the disparities in healthcare access faced by those from less fortunate backgrounds, fueling his desire to specialize in oncology, where he could provide advanced medical care and advocate for health equity. He is passionate about bridging the gaps in care and building trust within the healthcare system to ensure that all patients receive the support they need during their treatment journeys.

Similarly, Dr. Macias was inspired to pursue medicine because he wanted to make a real difference in people’s lives. “I loved learning about how the human body works and how to treat illnesses”, he says. “My family also played a big part in my decision to go into medicine.” Dr. Macias wanted to help them through their recovery whenever they got sick. “The idea of being able to help my family when they are sick or injured motivated me to be able to do the same for my patients.”

For Dr. Hoilett and Dr. Macias, deciding to work at the MediSys Health Network Cancer Center comes down to wanting to serve the community. Dr. Hoilett is excited about joining the team and having the chance to collaborate with dedicated professionals who share the commitment to improving cancer care in the community. “The affiliation with Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center enhances our capabilities, allowing us to offer cutting-edge treatments and clinical trials locally”, Dr. Hoilett says. He hopes to bring advanced medical treatments and a strong emphasis on health education and outreach by addressing the unique healthcare barriers faced by our diverse population. “I aim to empower patients with knowledge about their conditions and treatment options. I want to emphasize my commitment to health equity and community outreach initiatives.” Dr. Hoilett believes that by actively engaging with the community, we can improve access to care and ensure that all patients receive the support they need throughout their healthcare journeys.

Dr. Macias was drawn to the MediSys Health Network Cancer Center’s commitment to providing high-quality, patient-centered care in a diverse community. “Growing up in a Spanish-speaking household, I had to help my family find doctors and get them to appointments. I appreciate the collaborative environment at the MediSys Health Network Cancer Center, where multidisciplinary teams work together to address complex medical issues and provide culturally competent care.” The supportive atmosphere among staff and the emphasis on continuous learning and professional growth further solidified his decision to work at the hospital. He believes that working at the MediSys Health Network Cancer Center will enable him to contribute positively to the community while advancing his medical skills. “I hope to connect patients with the latest treatments and easy access to clinical trials when needed.”

We are proud to welcome Dr. Hoilett and Dr. Macias to our team. We look forward to the work they and the rest of the Oncology and Hematology Departments will do to provide high-quality care to our community.

Meet Our Doctors: Dr. Emily Pflug & Dr. Janos Barrera

Posted on November 8, 2024 by Patrick Hercules

We are pleased to introduce Dr. Emily Pflug and Dr. Janos Barrera, the newest members of the orthopedic surgical team.

Dr. Emily Pflug was born in Phoenix, Arizona, and raised in Lincoln, Nebraska. She moved to the East Coast for college and “ended up loving it.” She currently lives in the Boreum Hill neighborhood of Brooklyn. Dr. Pflug is an orthopedic surgeon specializing in hand and wrist surgery for the Department of Orthopedic Surgery. She attended Emerson College in Boston, Massachusetts where she graduated with a Bachelor of Science in marketing communication. Dr. Pflug then received her medical degree from Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She later completed her orthopedic surgery residency at NYU Langone Health and a hand, upper extremity, and microsurgery fellowship at the University of Colorado and Denver Health.

Dr. Janos Barrera was born in Seattle, Washington, and grew up in Portland, Oregon. He completed medical school and residency training in California before moving to New York in 2023. He is an orthopedic surgeon, and a hand and wrist surgeon, specializing in plastics and reconstructive surgery. After receiving a Bachelor of Science in biochemistry from the University of Washington, Dr. Barrera received his medical degree from Stanford University School of Medicine. He later completed his residency in integrated plastic surgery at Stanford Health Care, and a fellowship in hand and upper extremity at NYU Langone Health.

Dr. Pflug pursued medicine because her parents worked in the medical field. “My father was a radiologist and my mother was a cardiac rehab nurse. I saw firsthand how they contributed to tangible changes in the lives of their patients, and I knew I wanted to do something similar.” When choosing a specialty, she, like many orthopedists chose it for a specific reason. “I have a history of prior sports injuries during childhood which initially attracted me to the field. I chose hand surgery specifically because I found the anatomy complex and fascinating”, she said. “I enjoy the wide variety of pathology that I see on a daily basis including trauma, congenital issues, peripheral nerve, and degenerative conditions.”

Dr. Barrera was inspired to pursue medicine because he was an avid soccer player growing up, unfortunately, during his senior year of high school, he suffered a mandible fracture during a league championship game. “My experience as a patient got me interested in helping other patients who experienced traumatic injuries.” He chose his specialty because as he was exploring several fields during medical school, he found the breadth, scope, and variety of plastic and reconstructive surgery the best match for his interests. “Within plastic surgery, I was especially drawn toward hand surgery and microsurgery. I enjoy the complexity and variety of my practice, and I love helping patients regain function and return to the activities that bring them fulfillment.”

Dr. Pflug and Barrera are excited to join the Jamaica Hospital team and practice in the community. “I was an orthopedic resident at NYU Langone and spent several formative rotations at Jamaica Hospital during my training”, said Dr. Pflug. She hopes to bring a fresh, caring perspective to the community. “I care for patients with upper extremity injuries and pathology from the elbow to the fingertips and work with patients to develop a treatment plan that works for them.”

After spending time working with the Jamaica Hospital team during his fellowship, Dr. Barrera is thrilled to be joining them. “I’m especially excited to work with the residents and fellows while helping to further grow the hand surgery and limb salvage programs there”, he said. He hopes to bring compassionate and culturally sensitive care to his patients while providing the highest quality of care possible.

We are proud to welcome Dr. Pflug and Dr. Barrera to our team and look forward to the work that they and the rest of the Orthopedic Surgery Department will do to provide high-quality care to our community.

Meet Our Doctors: Dr. Morteza Modaber

Posted on January 29, 2024 by Jacob Lobosco

We are pleased to introduce Dr. Morteza Modaber, the new Director of Neurology for both Jamaica Hospital and Flushing Hospital Medical Center.

Dr. Modaber obtained his medical degree at Shahid Behesti University of Medical Sciences in Tehran, Iran, before coming to practice medicine in the United States. After four years of neuromodulation research at the University of California, Los Angeles, he completed an internship program in internal medicine at SUNY Upstate Medical University from 2016 to 2017. He then completed a residency program in neurology at the Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell from 2017 to 2020, where he also completed a fellowship program in vascular neurology.

Part of what Dr. Modaber finds so engaging about his new role is the opportunity it offers to serve unmet needs for patients living in Queens. “There’s a massive need in the Queens community for neurological care,” said Dr. Modaber. “There isn’t enough access to medical professionals with a neurological background. I’m very excited to be able to help provide that care.”

Both the community he serves and the people that he works with bring joy and purpose to Dr. Modaber’s career. “Our hospitals and the communities they serve are melting pots of different cultures and different groups of people from a variety of backgrounds. I’m very happy to be working in an environment where diversity is celebrated,” said Dr. Modaber.

As Director of Neurology, Dr. Modaber plans to expand the Neurology Department in ways that will allow it to provide comprehensive neurological care to the Queens community. “I want to be able to offer people in Queens the best neurological care they can get in New York without having to take a long trip to Manhattan, Long Island, or somewhere else to get it,” said Dr. Modaber. “We’ve been recruiting a lot of highly-skilled people and are well on our way to achieving that goal.”

We are proud to welcome Dr. Modaber to our team and look forward to the work that he and the rest of the Neurology Department will do to provide high-quality neurological care to our community.

Meet Our Doctors: Dr. Xun Li

Posted on March 16, 2023 by Jacob Lobosco

This month, Jamaica Hospital Medical Center would like to tell you more about Dr. Xun Li. He is a full-time attending neurosurgeon at both Jamaica and Flushing Hospital Medical Center who treats patients experiencing various brain and spine problems. Dr. Li is a dual-trained spine surgeon, meaning that he is able to perform surgeries within the spinal cord itself in addition to the bones, joints, ligaments, and discs around the spinal cord.

Dr. Li’s interest in neurosurgery stems from the effects of aging on the brain and spine. “As we age, most of us develop problems with our necks and backs due to being creatures that walk upright on two feet,” said Dr. Li. “However, the good news is that spine surgery has advanced so rapidly over the past couple of decades that we now have simple and effective surgical solutions for many problems. The days of simply accepting that neck and back pain is part of getting older are, thankfully, long gone.”

Dr. Li was born in Beijing, China, and grew up traveling around the world as part of his father’s career. He attended many local schools and learned a variety of languages during this time, but at home, he and his family only spoke Mandarin Chinese. “I am very thankful for that now,” said Dr. Li, “as I have not lost my mother tongue like so many other people in my shoes.”

After attending schools such as Allegheny College, Temple University, Brown University, and the University of Pennsylvania, as well as completing his education in neurosurgery and a subspecialty fellowship in orthopedic spine surgery, Dr. Li found that the opportunity to work at Jamaica and Flushing Hospital in Queens allowed him to take advantage of his bilingual fluency in Mandarin Chinese and English in a way he had always wanted.

“When the opportunity to work in Queens presented itself, I embraced it enthusiastically. It has been very fulfilling to be able to speak with my patients in our native language; it creates a stronger bond and deeper sense of trust as we discuss various brain or spine surgeries that are often inherently high risk, but that also come with high reward,” said Dr. Li.

In addition to performing emergency neurosurgery at Jamaica and Flushing Hospital, Dr. Li also treats routine simple and complex neurological problems for patients during regular business hours.