About our Practice

Our Team

Michael D. Calabrese, M.D.

Michael D. Calabrese, M.D.

Michael D. Calabrese, M.D., a Buffalo native, has been practicing medicine in the Western New York area for 25 years. He began his medical education at the Universidad Autonomous of Guadalajara in Jalisco, Mexico and completed his medical school career at St. Louis University in St. Louis, Missouri. After his graduation, Dr. Calabrese completed a rotating internship in cardiology, surgery, internal medicine and pediatrics at Deaconess Hospital in St. Louis. He then returned to Buffalo, New York, where he joined and completed a board certified residency program in obstetrics and gynecology. During and after his residency, his interest shifted to emergency rooms and Dr. Calabrese worked as an emergency room physician at Columbus, Sheehans Memorial, Medina and Brooks Memorial Hospitals. In the emergency room, Dr. Calabrese tended to trauma patients and victims of motor vehicle collisions, which inspired a special interest in neck and back injuries.

In 1999 Dr. Calabrese founded Medical Care of WNY, a multidisciplinary injury and accident practice that delivers to the community medical treatment, physical therapy, chiropractics and acupuncture treatment for all soft tissue injuries. Along the course of his career, he continued primary care education courses and became a primary care doctor for HMOs and most insurance companies. He has been certified for the past 25 years in treating Workers’ Compensation injuries.

Dr. Calabrese’s philosophy encompasses the thought that the body has a unique way of healing itself when given proper attention and consideration to the injury. Dr. Calabrese also believes that patient compliance is a key factor in progress towards better health.

Dr. Calabrese welcomes all patients to his practice as family and receives a special satisfaction in his abilities to integrate and treat patients as a whole (mind, body and spirit). Collectively at Medical Care of WNY, Dr. Calabrese and staff are delighted to provide the community with a comprehensive approach to their healthcare.

Robert Cotsen, M.D.

Robert Cotsen, M.D.

Robert Cotsen, M.D., has been practicing Internal Medicine in Buffalo for over 30 years. He received his B.A. from Dartmouth College and his medical degree from Harvard University. His clinical training took place at the Harvard medical unit at Boston City Hospital and he did a residency at the Roxbury VA Hospital in cardiology and GI disease. He spent two years in England serving in the Air Force and was a Hematology fellow at the New England Center Hospital. Dr. Cotsen teaches Internal Medicine at the University at Buffalo Medical School. Dr. Cotsen’s philosophy is that each patient should be treated as an individual human being both physiologically and psychologically. He has been with Medical Care of WNY since its inception.
Lisa Achtziger, Manager

Lisa Achtziger, Manager

Lisa Achtziger received her Associate Degree from Hilbert College and her B.S. in Business Administration from Buffalo State College. She is a Certified Medical Office Manager and Notary Public. Ms. Achtziger has worked with Dr. Calabrese’s practice for the past 18 years and has been with Medical Care of WNY since its inception. Lisa is an avid supporter of literacy and the American Cancer Society, and frequently participates in 5k races for various causes.
Lindsay Fraley, Assistant Manager

Lindsay Fraley, Assistant Manager

Lindsay Fraley received her Bachelors of Science in Education in Exceptional Education and Early Childhood Education from Buffalo State College in 2007. Ms. Fraley has her New York State Teaching Certification in Elementary and Special Education (grades 1-6). Lindsay also has her masters degree in Educational Technology/ Computers from Buffalo State College. Ms. Fraley has been working at Medical Care of WNY since 2003. In her free time, Lindsay enjoys shopping, ice skating and loves spending time with Darcy, her Boston Terrier.
Emily Dillon, Patient Advocate

Emily Dillon, Patient Advocate

Emily Dillon received her law degree from the University at Buffalo School of Law and her undergraduate degree from Villanova University. She recently took the New York bar exam in July 2009. With prior experience in Worker’s Compensation and the No-Fault laws at a Buffalo area law firm, she is familiar with the legal and delicate personal issues that can arise such claims. She has dealt regularly with patients who have needed these laws to help them when they were injured on the job or in car accidents, and she has done so with compassion as well as attentiveness to any problems that may arise. In her spare time, Emily enjoys running, reading, and visiting friends and family around the country.
Rachele Tabaczynski, RPA-C

Rachele Tabaczynski, RPA-C

Rachele Tabaczynski received her Bachelor of Science with a concentration in Physician Assistant Studies from the Rochester Institute of Technology. After graduating, she moved to South Carolina where she practiced pediatrics. Upon her return to Buffalo, New York, Ms. Tabaczynski joined the staff of Medical Care of WNY and has been a Physician Assistant with us since 2006. Her clinical interests lie in orthopedics, primary care and women’s health care and she is a member of the WNY Physician’s Assistant Association. Rachele is a motorcycle enthusiast and enjoys exercising.
Karen Placek- Norton, RPA-C

Karen Placek- Norton, RPA-C

Karen Placek- Norton has been a physician’s assistant for 31 years. She received her Bachelor’s Degree in Medical Science from Alderson-Broaddus College in West Virginia. She is qualified to provide care in multiple settings, including emergency medicine, ears/nose/throat and general family practice. Ms. Placek-Norton belongs to the American Academy of Physicians Assistants as well as the Western New York Physicians Assistant Association. In her spare time, Karen enjoys playing golf and cooking.
Brian Kron, RPA-C

Brian Kron, RPA-C

Brian Kron received his Bachelor of Science and Master of Science from the Physician Assistant Program at D’Youville College in Buffalo, New York. While his comprehensive clinical experience qualifies him to practice in multiple disciplines of medicine, his particular interests lie in gastroenterology and neurology. Mr. Kron is a member of the Western New York Physician Assistant Association as well as the American Academy of Physician Assistants. Outside of work, Brian enjoys playing water sports as well as skiing.
Antonietta Zwara, RN

Antonietta Zwara, RN

Antonietta Zwara received her Associate of Applied Sciences Degree in Nursing from Trocaire College in Buffalo, New York. She specializes in OB, primary care and urology nursing and has been a Registered Professional Nurse since 1995. Ms. Zwara joined Medical Care of WNY in 2008. Antonietta enjoys spending time with her grandchild and snowmobiling during Buffalo’s heavy winters.
Nina Stumpf, CNA

Nina Stumpf, CNA

Nina Stumpf received her CNA certificate in 2004 from Orleans-Niagara BOCES in Medina, New York. She is a member of the New York State CNA Registry. Her clinical experience includes elder care, rehabilitation, immediate care and surgical care. Ms. Stumpf’s clinical interests lie in primary care and she is a Certified Nursing Assistant with Medical Care of WNY. Nina enjoys playing volleyball, softball and traveling.
Heather Ben-David, P.T.

Heather Ben-David, P.T.

Heather Ben-David received her Bachelors of Science in Physical Therapy from the University at Buffalo. She believes that patient compliance and enthusiasm is essential in one’s recovery process. In particular, Ms. Ben-David emphasizes the importance of developing home exercise programs. Ms. Ben-David has been involved with the management of Physical Therapy at Medical Care of WNY since 2006. Heather enjoys physical fitness and spending time with her new born daughter.
Richard Hofner, P.T.

Richard Hofner, P.T.

Richard Hofner received his Bachelor of Science in Health/Physical Education from SUNY Brockport, a Master of Science in Education/Sports Medicine from Canisius College and a Master of Science in Physical Therapy from D’Youville College. Mr. Hofner completed a graduate program in Counselor Education at SUNY Buffalo and a massage therapy program at Trocaire College in Buffalo, New York. Mr. Hofner is a licensed Massage Therapist as well as a Certified Athletic Trainer and Health Science/Physical Education teacher. Mr. Hofner is a Physical Therapist at Medical Care of WNY. Outside of work Richard likes watching baseball games and going to his children’s swim meets.
Nicholas Abramo, D.C.

Nicholas Abramo, D.C.

Dr. Nicholas Abramo held deans list honors consecutively while attending the State University of New York at Geneseo and New York Chiropractic College. He earned his Bachelors in Science and Doctor of Chiropractics in 1999 with cum laude graduate honors. Dr. Abramo has extensive experience in the treatment of motor vehicle injuries and is a Workers Compensation certified practitioner. Dr. Abramo is the director of Chiropractic Care of WNY. Outside of work, Dr. Abramo enjoys exercise and fitness.
Heather Monin, D.C.

Heather Monin, D.C.

Dr. Heather Monin received her B.S. in General Science from the University of Buffalo and graduated from New York Chiropractic College with a Doctor of Chiropractics in 2005. Dr. Monin’s focuses include flexion distraction and adjustments, and trigger-point work. Heather is a member of the American Chiropractic Association and the New York State Chiropractic Association. Dr. Monin has been working with Chiropractic Care of WNY since 2006. Dr. Heather enjoys playing soccer, working out, watching UFC matches, and spending time with her dog Marley.
Marc R. Iannaccone, L.Ac. M.A.

Marc R. Iannaccone, L.Ac. M.A.

Marc Iannaccone received his Bachelor of Science degree in Physiology from the University of New Mexico and earned a Master’s degree in Oriental Medicine from Emperor’s College of Traditional Oriental Medicine in Santa Monica, California. Mr. Iannaccone has been practicing acupuncture, herbal treatment and meditation therapy for pain management since 1994. Mr. Iannaccone owns and operates Acupuncture Care of WNY. In his free time, Marc enjoys outdoor activities such as fishing, golf, mountain biking and traveling.
Our Team

The Rest of the Medical Care Circle

Meet our administrative staff, including our billing department, medical records, exercise coaches, reception, patient consultant, collections, and our professional developmental coordinators.