Physicians and Faculty

Chairman

Avital Fast, MD, has served as Professor and Chairman of the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine at Montefiore Medical Center and the Albert Einstein College of Medicine since 1994, and during his tenure the Department has tripled its number of Attending staff as well as greatly expanded its services throughout the medical center and medical school. 

A graduate of the Einstein residency training program himself, Dr. Fast is a nationally and internationally recognized clinician, teacher, and researcher who has contributed extensively to the physiatric literature.  He was a recipient of the Distinguished Clinician Award by the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation in 2004.  A dynamic leader with seemingly inexhaustible reserves of energy, enthusiasm, and passion for his work, Dr. Fast remains approachable and deeply involved in resident teaching.  He teaches the residents three times a week, including sessions on the spine and general kinesiology.  He also serves as a research mentor for residents and has given generously of his time and expertise for those involved in clinical research activities.

Associate Chairman and Residency Program Director

Mark Thomas, MD, has served as the Program Director since 1994 and has 22 years experience in Graduate Medical Education.  He is the Associate Chairman of the Department at Montefiore, and an Associate Professor of Clinical Rehabilitation Medicine at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine.  His particular areas of interest include Geriatric Rehabilitation, Arts Medicine and Ergonomics.

Dr. Thomas has a strong commitment to, and degree of involvement in, the education and professional development of the residents training at Montefiore.

Site Directors

Montefiore Medical Center-Moses Division
Stanley Wainapel, MD, MPH

Montefiore Medical Center-Weiler Division
Jeffrey Nissinoff, MD

Outpatient Rehabilitation Service at the Montefiore Medical Park
Anna Lasak, MD

Other Faculty Members