LET’S GET SYLING

YOU ARE ENOUGH. DR. MARIA KARIPIDIS POURIA

BY NICOLE HEROUX WILLIAMS I PHOTOS BY NSP STUDIO

Rochester Woman Online is very proud to be able to showcase Dr. Maria Karipidis Pouria as a woman who inspires in our latest edition. We hope you enjoy our interview with her as she talks about what inspires her, her amazing career, and what led her to this moment. the complexity of the musculoskeletal system and I knew that I wanted to pursue a career that allowed for interventional procedures. Being in a fast-paced and highly procedural combined internal medicine and pediatrics residency provided me with the opportunity to contribute in the

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your background.

I am a Rochester, NY native who obtained a bachelor’s of science in neuroscience at the University of Rochester. I completed my medical school training at the AUC School of Medicine, followed by a combined internal medicine and pediatrics residency at the University of Illinois in Peoria. My fellowship, or “specialty training” in primary care sports medicine and orthopaedics was completed at the University of Rochester. I served as an attending physician in the department of orthopaedics at the University of Rochester for 7 years before joining Longevità Medical in Victor, NY, where I currently practice as an interventional sports and regenerative medicine physician. I have also served as a team physician for collegiate and semi-pro level athletes.

What made you decide to go into sports medicine?

During both my medical school and residency rotations, I was drawn to care of patients of all ages. Choosing to specialize in sports medicine was an innate decision. I was able to see the immediate and long-term impact that treatments had on improving patients’ mobility and restoring their quality of life after acute and chronic injuries.

You are known for your expertise in non-operative sports medicine. What exactly does this encompass?

A primary care sports medicine physician has significant specialized training in both the treatment and prevention of illness and injury. They are ideally suited to provide comprehensive medical care for athletes, sports teams, or active individuals who are looking to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Primary care orthopaedic physicians also use the same expertise to provide comprehensive medical care for the non-athlete, from the weekend warrior, industrial athlete, to active retirees. We can determine the need for physical therapy or surgery and provide interventional treatments which can include corticosteroid, hyaluronic acid, platelet-rich plasma, or bone marrow concentrate injections under ultrasound guidance.

Who inspires you, especially in your area of medicine?

My patients are my primary inspiration. Whether they are driven to getting back into their sport or hobby, or simply wish to play with their children or grandchildren; I feel compelled and motivated to fulfill their goals by ensuring them high-quality, trusted, evidence-based care. As an interventional sports medicine and regenerative specialist, I believe it is a privilege to be able to alleviate one’s pain to allow for an active lifestyle.

DR K

“As an interventional sports medicine and regenerative specialist, I believe it is a privilege to be able to alleviate one’s pain to allow for an active lifestyle.”

Do you find it challenging being a Physician?

The ability to practice sports and regenerative medicine is gratifying but can also come with its challenges. I am grateful to provide care to vulnerable patients of all age groups who are in pain or have sustained an injury. It can be cumbersome and frustrating to argue for necessary treatments, procedures and imaging, however I take pride in advocating for what is optimal for my patients. Athletes are often eager to return to their sport as quickly as possible after an injury. Patients may have acute episodes of arthritic pain and wish to be seen urgently. I am truly fortunate to be in a private practice at Longevità Medical where I am able to see and treat these patients in a timely manner and provide a quality experience in a comfortable setting.

According to you, what are the skills that are necessary for becoming successful in your field?

Sports medicine physicians are typically energetic and passionate individuals who are or were athletes themselves. We are able to empathize with our patients, and knowing how to communicate with the patient that wants to get better as soon as possible is vital. It takes compassion to work through whatever ailment is prohibiting them from doing their activities. Diligence, interpersonal skills, and manual dexterity are invaluable attributes of an interventional sports medicine and regenerative physician.

What educational background did you need to get to your current position?

To become a primary care sports medicine physician, it requires several years and over 15,000 hours of vigorous clinical training. This journey begins with 4 years of college, 4 years of medical school, 4-5 years of residency, followed by 1-2 years of fellowship specialty training. Examination requirements include 4 United States medical licensing exams in medical school, 1 internal medicine board certification examination, 1 pediatric board certification examination, and 1 sports medicine/orthopaedics certification examination with additional certifications in ultrasound.

“What is your ‘why? ‘” Why do you guys do what you do?

I strongly believe movement is medicine. It is truly gratifying to enhance a patient’s mobility and quality of life through non-surgical interventions. You develop a rapport and inherent trust with your patients in their most vulnerable times as you are able to partake in their recoveries.

Tell us something that not many people know about you.

Although I was born in Rochester, NY, most people do not know that I come from an immigrant family and my first language was Greek. I learned to speak English by playing basketball and sports with the neighborhood children. From a young age, I was taught to develop a strong work ethic, perseverance, and compassion for others, which carries me to this day.

Name one special moment during your career that has stood out to you and why.

The two most notable moments in my career were when I became a mother to my two daughters during my demanding residency and fellowship training. As a woman, wife, and mother, I bring a level of caretaking and compassion to the doctor patient relationship. My patients feel that difference, and I am grateful to offer them that experience at Longevità Medical.

What’s the biggest factor that has helped you be successful, especially in a field that is more male dominated?

I have never let my gender prohibit me from pursuing my aspirations. I am passionate about medicine and taking care of people of all ages and diverse backgrounds. Throughout my training and career, I have been focused on what I do best which is to provide optimal care for my patients. I have never focused on being a woman in a male dominant field, I have kept my focus on being the best physician I can be for my patients.

What have you found to be your biggest challenges over the past few years, especially being a physician and most communications being virtual?

At the onset and peak of the pandemic, in-person office visits were transitioned to telemedicine. In the field of musculoskeletal medicine, diagnosis is not only through history, but through a hands-on physical examination of the joints. The interpersonal experience of physically examining, diagnosing, and treating patients’

“A primary care sports medicine physician has significant specialized training in both the treatment and prevention of illness and injury.”

pain with interventional procedures was unfortunately limited.

What are your goals for the future?

Regenerative medicine is continuously evolving and expanding with scientific advancements. In the field of orthopedics, regenerative treatments have evolved to capitalize on the unique healing qualities of our own cells to stimulate healing, reduce inflammation and decrease pain for a variety of musculoskeletal conditions. It is remarkable to harness this potential, and I am excited to provide these evidence-based. cuttingedge treatments, such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) or bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMAC), for patients with injured or degenerative joints, tendons, or ligaments.

DR K

Dr. Maria

Karipidis pouria

Dr. Vito Quatela is excited to announce the opening of Longevità Medical featuring board-certified physician, Dr. Maria Karipidis Pouria. Dr. Karipidis is a Rochesternative who specializes in non-operative sports medicine, encompassing the care of athletes and weekend warriors, to the geriatric population.

Dr. Karipidis Pouria completed her undergraduate degree from the University of Rochester and earned her medical degree from AUC School of Medicine. She completed her residency at the University of Illinois in a combined Internal Medicine and Pediatrics program. Following her residency, Dr. Karipidis Pouria completed a Primary Care Sports Medicine Fellowship at the University of Rochester, where she then worked in non-operative orthopedics for 7 years before joining Longevità Medical.

As an athlete herself, Dr. Karipidis understands the value of leading an active lifestyle no matter your age. Her conservative approach to treatment is designed to enhance the well-being and quality of life of patients suffering from acute or chronic joint pain, such as osteoarthritis. That path begins with properly diagnosing the cause of the pain and then combining rehabilitation and nonsurgical techniques as part of a tailored treatment plan.

Dr. Karipidis’ practice includes innovative regenerative medicine techniques, including using the body’s own healing abilities with platelet-rich plasma and bone marrow concentrate therapies to treat joint pain. She also manages acute and chronic musculoskeletal injuries caused by overuse, trauma, or sports-related injuries using cortisone and hyaluronic acid injections.