Dr. Jason Kindt, Family Medicine, Medical Director
Rebecca J. Michelson
Although he had a passion for the theater and participated in many high school productions, Dr. Jason Kindt quickly realized that his enthusiasm for musical theater does not make up for his lack of pitch. So, he went to medical school. He graduated from Ursinus College in 1995 and Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine in 1999. He is board certified in Family Medicine and worked for the Reading Health System in Hamburg, PA, where he was voted “best family practice” five years in a row. However, he wanted to be closer to Broadway, so in 2013 he moved to New York City and worked in urgent care in Manhattan, leaving him plenty of opportunity to catch all the shows in town. Dr. Kindt is a theater person at heart, and so being the Medical Director of the Friedman Health Center for the Performing Arts since it opened in 2017 and providing care to this community is his dream job. He is a loving and devoted family physician who is dedicated to helping his patients thrive in every aspect of their lives. Dr. Kindt is a two-time Cullman Family Award winner, which honors Excellence in Patient Communication.
“If art is to nourish the roots of our culture, society must set the artist free to follow his vision wherever it takes him.” –John F. Kennedy
Dr. Leila Hagshenas, Family Medicine, HIV Medicine, Co-Medical Director
As a former theater “techie” and very part-time musician, Dr. Leila Hagshenas (she/they) is thrilled to join the Friedman Health Center for the Performing Arts. Dr. H is a Board-Certified Family Physician (ABFM) and HIV Specialist (AAHIVM). After graduating with a double major in French and Physiology from the University of Illinois, she earned a Master’s in Physiology as well as a Medical Doctorate from the Chicago Medical School in 2006. She completed her residency in Family Medicine at Beth Israel Hospital in Manhattan. Her clinical interests include full-spectrum women’s health, HIV care, LGBTQ+ care and minor office-based procedures (colposcopy, joint injections, cryotherapy, lipoma/cyst excisions, etc.). Outside of work, Dr. H enjoys powerlifting, fermentation projects and playing guitar for her very, very understanding wife and dogs.
Dr. Joey C. Fernandez, Internal and Sports Medicine
Joey C. Fernandez, MD, is a primary care physician board-certified in both internal medicine and sports medicine, with a particular focus in dance and performing arts medicine. Dr. Fernandez completed his medical degree at SUNY Downstate in Brooklyn, his internal medicine residency at University of Michigan, and his fellowship in sports medicine at Cleveland Clinic. He has provided medical services and event coverage for various professional performing arts companies and athletic teams, and he cared for artists at a premier university and dance injury center in NYC for over 10 years. His passion for performing arts medicine stems from his background in the arts. Prior to his medical training, Dr. Fernandez studied voice and earned his BA in music from NYU. He also studied dance and performed with the Joffrey Ballet School. Dr. Fernandez currently volunteers on the board of different dance companies, and he continues to enjoy taking dance and aerial arts classes in NYC. He is inspired by the theater community and aims to help its members meet the vast demands of their craft by optimizing their health. He is an avid proponent of preventative medicine and of balancing physicality, nutrition and recovery. He also believes the resilience and strength of the arts community lies in collaborative support. Dr. Fernandez is thrilled to be part of the care team at The Friedman Health Center for the Performing Arts.
Dr. Paula Brignoni-Blume, Gynecology
Paula Brignoni-Blume, MD MPH is a board certified gynecologist at Mount Sinai Doctors. She completed her residency at North Shore University Hospital in Manhasset, Long Island. As a chief resident she was the recipient of the AAGL award for her laparoscopy skills. Dr. Brignoni-Blume’s focus is in gynecology and women’s health with a special interest in abnormal pap smears, birth control, vaginal disorders and sexually transmitted diseases.
Dr. Louis C. Galli, DPM FACFAS, Podiatry
Rebecca J. Michelson
Dr. Louis C. Galli has dedicated his career to treating active individuals. These patients include Broadway performers, professional ballet dancers, recreational dancers, professional runners, recreational athletes and anyone who wants to remain healthy. His mission is to “help keep people active.”
Dr. Galli received his undergraduate degree at St John’s University; pursued podiatric medical education at New York College of Podiatric Medicine; and did his surgical residency program at North Lake Community Hospital in North Lake, Illinois.
His certifications include American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgeons (certified in foot and ankle surgery) and he’s a fellow of the American Academy of Foot and Ankle Surgeons, the American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine and The American Society of Podiatric Surgeons.
Dr. Galli is or has been the foot and ankle physician for The Radio City Rockettes; a podiatric consultant for the New York City Ballet Company and The School of American Ballet; and a foot and ankle consultant for the Central Park Track Club and Ballet Academy East.
Dr. Galli is an attending at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Mount Sinai Hospital and Mount Sinai Beth Israel hospital.
Dr. Charmaine Young, DO
Dr. Charmaine Young joined the Friedman Health Center in 2023. She earned her Bachelor’s degree at Brooklyn College, her medical degree at the New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine in 2013, and completed her residency in Family Medicine at the New York University Lutheran Medical Center, concentrating on the care of the whole patient and family. Dr. Young is a native New Yorker from Brooklyn and is delighted to serve her fellow New Yorkers from all walks of life. She is fluent in English and Cantonese and can also speak conversational Spanish. Her medical interests include adult health and wellness, mental health, preventative care, women’s health and management of chronic conditions, including diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and asthma. Hailing from a family of artists, she has taken a keen interest in the arts since she was younger, and during her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family and urban gardening.