Midwood Staff

Dror Betzalel, PT, MS, DPT

Dror Betzalel achieved his Bachelor of Physical Therapy at Tel Aviv University, Israel in 1996 followed by a Master of Science in Physical Therapy Advanced Graduate Program (Musculoskeletal concentration) at Long Island University in 2002.

He obtained a Transitional Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Long Island University in 2005 and is current pursuing his Certificate in Manual Therapy from the University of St. Augustine.

He gained experience first working in Israel in the geriatric ward of the largest hospital in the Middle East, encountering orthopedic as well as neurological conditions. Additionally, he worked in an outpatient orthopedic clinic and performed home-based visits.

Upon coming to the United States he worked in the Hebrew home for the aged in Riverdale before moving to a hand and upper extremity specialty facility in Brooklyn, where he says he was happy to gain experience in this specialty.

“I was fortunate to shadow orthopedic surgeons in their practice on a steady basis during all those years, which gave me more great experience and know-how,” he says.

He joined METRO SPORTSMED® in 2002 to head the outpatient clinic in Midwood, and is now clinic director there.

He had always had a desire to go into a field of medicine as a career, but the decision to select physical therapy was fostered by his aunt, a physical therapist.

“She gave me the idea to select this as a career and I have not looked back since. As I constantly tell my patients, I consider myself a promoter of human happiness. I find true satisfaction in helping patients through their journeys until we both achieve their goal. The smile at the end is worth everything.”

Dror has been a member of the American Physical Therapy Association since 1998.

In his spare time, he likes to exercise, read, cook for his friends and play with his dog. He also enjoys Broadway plays and show-tunes and finds himself interested in everything that is going on.

Paul Madry, MS, DPT

Paul Madry received his Master of Science degree from the Academy of Physical Education in Warsaw in 1999. He obtained his Doctorate in Physical Therapy (DPT) at A. T. Still University, Phoenix, Arizona in 2010.

His certifications include McKenzie Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy (MDT) certification, June, 2007 and Vestibular Rehabilitation Certification, competency based course, Emory University, 2012.

Paul spent 14 years gaining outpatient clinic experience in orthopedics

Paul says he was always fascinated by biomechanics of our joints and wanted to know how they work. His older cousin who studied to be a physiotherapist introduced him to the field.

“It was an easy choice of career,” he says. “I think being a physical therapist might be the best job in the world with a perfect balance of intellectual and physical tasks.”

When he is not working, his passion is to travel and learn about other countries and their cultures. Many of his journeys are set in motion through conversations with his patients about their recent travels.

Gangawattie (Erica) Charran

Gangawattie Erica Charran received her Associate Degree in Applied Science from Kinsgsborough Community College.

She is currently working on Mastery Certification in Manual Therapy (MCMT).

She gained work experience as a Physical Therapist Assistant for 11 years in METRO SPORTSMED®.

She was drawn to her profession by an experience from her adolescence.

“When I was a teenager my grandfather had a stroke which left him disabled on the right side. It was in the summer and I was home with him all the time. It was very difficult for me to assist him in performing his activity bodily movements. Once he started physical therapy I would accompany him and was amazed how easily the therapist was able to transfer and ambulate him. From that moment, I knew this is what I wanted to do.”

When she is not working, she loves to spend time with her four-year-old daughter, playing in the park or at the beach and shopping. She loves working out and is also a volunteer at her local church.

Mark Denesha PT, DPT, Clinic Director

Mark earned a Doctorate of Physical Therapy at SUNY Downstate Medical Center in Brooklyn NY. He holds certifications in Rocktape Fascial Movement Taping (FMT) Level 2, Selective Functional Movement Assessment (SFMA), and is a USAW Sports Performance Coach.

Mark played collegiate basketball and is also a veteran of the US Army, completing two mobilizations in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. Prior to starting at Metro, Mark worked at an orthopedic outpatient clinic in the Financial District of Manhattan.

His interest in exercise and human movement brought him down the path to physical therapy. PT was, and is, the perfect opportunity for him to combine his love of fitness with the fulfillment of helping others. Mark strives to bridge the gap between strength training and rehabilitation.

While not working, Mark’s time is spent as a publication director for the website New Grad Physical Therapy, Crossfit, traveling, and making YouTube videos with his beautiful girlfriend.