Dr. Michael L. Schwartz has been recognized as a 2024 Castle Connolly Top Doctor, marking his 20th consecutive year receiving this prestigious honor that places him among an elite group of physicians, as only about 7 percent of licensed doctors nationwide are selected annually. This consistent recognition underscores the high regard in which he is held by both peers and patients in his field of vascular surgery. Dr. Schwartz practices at Rockland Thoracic & Vascular Associates, primarily serving Rockland County and Orange County, New York, bringing over 25 years of experience to his patients.
As a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, Dr. Schwartz holds certifications in both general surgery and vascular surgery from the American Board of Surgery. His expertise extends beyond surgical skills, as he is also certified as a Registered Physician in Vascular Interpretation®, a distinction that marks him as a highly skilled expert in interpreting vascular ultrasound images. This comprehensive certification allows him to provide thorough diagnostic assessments alongside surgical treatment options. His practice encompasses the treatment of various vascular diseases, including aortic aneurysms, carotid stenosis, limb-salvage procedures, and varicose veins, with proficiency in both cutting-edge minimally invasive treatments and traditional open surgery techniques.
Dr. Schwartz emphasizes a conservative approach to patient care, stating that in most cases, vascular problems can be managed non-operatively. He explains that conservative measures often work better than surgical treatments and that surgical interventions should only be used when necessary. This philosophy contributes to his busy practice, as referring physicians recognize his preference for non-surgical management when appropriate. His commitment extends beyond surgical expertise to the quality of experience patients receive, emphasizing the practice's ability to offer university-quality care in a community setting through direct accessibility to physicians and personalized attention.
In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Schwartz holds several leadership positions in the medical community, including serving as chief of surgery at WMC Health/Good Samaritan Hospital in Suffern, NY, since 2020, chief of vascular surgery at Montefiore Nyack Hospital since 2004, and attending surgeon at Westchester County Medical Center since 2016. His educational background includes earning his medical degree from the University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine and completing residency and fellowship training at Montefiore Medical Center/Albert Einstein College of Medicine. This recognition matters because it highlights the sustained excellence of a physician who prioritizes conservative treatment approaches while maintaining surgical expertise, ensuring patients receive appropriate care without unnecessary interventions in a healthcare landscape where surgical procedures are sometimes overutilized.
