New Brain and Spine Medical Center to provide treatment at one location
by JESSICA L. FINCH Associate Editor

Dr. Michael K. Landi and CEO Emilie DiChristina stand in the entryway for the new Brain and Spine Medical Center opened at 400 International Drive. Photo by John Normile Purchase color photos at www.BeeNews.com

Brain and Spine Medical Services, PLLC, a provider of comprehensive care in neurosurgery, neurology, rheumatology, physiatry and complementary medical services, has opened its new state-of-the-art, 43,000-square-foot headquarters - featuring "green" construction components - at 400 International Drive.

The company outgrew its location on Essjay Road, which opened in 2001, and increased its treatment space from 7,500 to 21,000 square feet. Staff numbers tripled.

The International Drive location is the main facility for Brain and Spine Medical Services, which currently has centers in Amherst, Lockport, Niagara Falls, Kenmore, Orchard Park, Irving and Fredonia. The company will be building a Derby location to replace the one in Irving.

The size of the new headquarters is a result of the large number of patients needing various forms of treatment.

"We now offer unparalleled service and convenience to patients by providing all necessary medical treatments in one fully equipped location," said Dr. Michael K. Landi, chief of neurosurgery at Kenmore Mercy Hospital.

He elaborated, saying that when a patient begins seeing doctors for pain they can receive "very disjointed care," by seeing different specialists at many offices.

"We offer the whole package, which is a better quality of care with convenience," he said, adding that the comprehensive, multidisciplinary care offered at the Brain and Spine Center can help avoid unnecessary surgery by finding the right treatment.

After undergoing evaluation to discover accurate diagnosis, patients are referred to a team of physicians and practitioners who develop a proper plan of treatment and/or procedures for the specific needs of the patient.

The $8 million facility features treatment options for patients suffering from a neurosurgical, neurological or musculoskeletal ailment.

According to The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, neurological impairments, ranging from back pain and stroke to brain injury and movement disorders, are part of everyday life for more than 50 million Americans. In the WNY region tens of thousands of residents have a neurologic or neurosurgical ailment.

As the number of patients has grown, so have the doctors. From just one physician, the center now has 10.

Treatments offered at the Brain and Spine Center include neurology, rheumatology, diagnostic and interventional radiology, chiropractic care, physical therapy, gamma knife radiosurgery (one of the most advanced neurosurgery procedures in the world), minimally invasive surgery and cerebrovascular surgery.

In addition, the Brain and Spine Center offers medical spa treatments, massage therapy and an in-house medical supply store for patients.

Chief executive officer Emilie DiChristina said the spa helps patients forget about the pain, surgeries and overall difficulties of their conditions.

"They can relax and gain a piece of mind while using the spa," she said.

The supply store sells the equipment a patient will need following surgery, or as part of a treatment program. This eliminates the need for an additional stop and also guarantees the patient is buying the correct product. The equipment can also be fitted by the patient's doctor on site.

For more information, visit www.mybrainandspine.com or call 631-3555.