About Our Group

A native of Syracuse, New York, Dr. Cohen received his B.A. degree from Syracuse University and his M.D. from Downstate Medical Center in New York City. He completed his residency and fellowship training at Boston City Hospital, Brigham's and Women's hospital and Harvard Medical School in Boston. In 1980, following a career in academic medicine at Harvard Medical School and SUNY Upstate Medical University, Dr. Cohen began his private practice in Syracuse. Dr. Cohen is a fellow of the American College of Physicians, and is certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine and a member of the Onondaga County Medical Society. He continues as a clinical professor of Medicine at SUNY Upstate Medical University, where he has taught medical students and residents since 1977. In 2005, as part of his continued commitment to providing medical education to physicians in training, Dr. Cohen served as a visiting professor of Internal Medicine at the Royal College or Surgeons in Dublin. In 2007, Dr. Cohen was selected by his peers through a national rating organization as one of the Best Doctors in America. In addition to his clinical practice, Dr. Cohen has authored many medical journal articles and has lectured widely to his colleagues and to the general public within the area of internal medicine. His areas of special interest are differential diagnosis, preventative medicine including the early diagnosis and treatment of cancer, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, osteoporosis, and the maintenance of wellness. Dr. Cohen greatly enjoys spending time with his family and outdoor activities such as jogging, rollerblading, and skiing.

Melissa is a graduate of Upstate Medical University and a Board-Certified Physician Assistant. After a near decade career as a Respiratory Therapist in Cooperstown, NY, Melissa completed her PA degree and worked as a pulmonary specialist for CNY Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine in Syracuse, NY. There she developed her expertise in the diagnosis and management of conditions of the lungs, airways, chest wall sleep disorders, such as asthma allergies, emphysema chronic bronchitis, pneumonia, and sleep disordered breathing. The variety of her career experiences, and her commitment to caring for patients have led to her passion for primary care and is excited to join our group. When she is not at work enjoying her patients and coworkers, she is surrounded by family, friends, fur babies and good food. She is an avid traveler and, on the weekends, can be found enjoying the outdoors.

Paige Gordon is a Syracuse native and a Board-Certified Physician Assistant who received her degree from Upstate Medical University. Prior to her graduate studies she obtained degrees in Psychology and English Literature at SUNY Geneseo and maintains special interest in these areas. She is also a member of Phi Beta Kappa honor society. Before becoming a PA student, Paige had experience as a CNA which provided her with invaluable hands-on experience with patients. That experience, the opportunity to create long-term connections with patients and to be directly involved in their care is what drew her to a career in primary care. In her free time, Paige enjoys art, theater (both as a viewer and performer!), taking long walks with her dog, yoga, and gardening.

Dr Adenusi is a board eligible Internist and Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine at SUNY Upstate Medical University. She is of Nigerian descent but grew up in Canada. She received her MD from International American University, Saint Lucia and completed her medical training in Internal Medicine at SUNY Upstate Medical University. During her training, she developed an interest in primary care with a focus in preventive medicine and chronic disease management. She loves to teach and believes in equipping her patients with tools to advocate for their health. In her spare time, she loves to spend time with her family, travel and experiment with different recipes.

Dr. Robert Shaffer is a board-certified Internal Medicine Physician and Assistant Professor of Medicine at SUNY Upstate Medical University. Born and raised in Orlando, Florida, he earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Molecular and Microbiology from the University of Central Florida. Dr. Shaffer was awarded his Doctorate of Medicine from St. George’s University School of Medicine. He completed his Internal Medicine residency training at SUNY Upstate Medical University. It was his time in residency that made him decide to pursue a path in Primary Care. He finds joy and fulfillment in forming relationships with patients and meeting their health needs. He aims to help his patients manage their chronic medical problems and improve their overall quality of life. When not practicing medicine, Dr. Shaffer enjoys cooking, boating, snow and water skiing, and has recently taken up indoor rock climbing.

Rachel Carnicelli is a Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner who received her graduate degree from Binghamton University. Prior to her graduate studies she worked as a critical care nurse at Upstate Medical University for six years where she developed experience in treating chronic medical conditions. As many of her hospitalized patients required long-term care, her commitment both to consistency of care as well as to creating strong relationships with her patients and their families grew and led Rachel to transitioning her career into the field of primary care. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling and spending time with her dog and two cats.