Dr. Michael Schwartz Recognized as Castle Connolly Top Doctor for 20th Year

Renowned vascular surgeon Dr. Michael L. Schwartz has achieved a remarkable milestone in his medical career, being recognized as a Castle Connolly Top Doctor for the 20th consecutive year. This prestigious honor, awarded to only about 7 percent of licensed physicians annually, underscores Dr. Schwartz's consistent excellence in the field of vascular surgery.

Dr. Schwartz, with over 25 years of experience, is affiliated with Rockland Thoracic & Vascular Associates, primarily serving Rockland County and Orange County, New York. His expertise spans a wide range of vascular diseases, including aortic aneurysms, carotid stenosis, limb-salvage procedures, and varicose veins. As a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and certified in both general and vascular surgery by the American Board of Surgery, Dr. Schwartz brings a wealth of knowledge to his practice.

One of Dr. Schwartz's distinguishing qualifications is his certification as a Registered Physician in Vascular Interpretation®, a designation that marks him as a highly skilled expert in interpreting vascular ultrasound images. This specialized knowledge enhances his ability to diagnose and treat complex vascular conditions accurately.

Dr. Schwartz's approach to patient care is notably conservative. He emphasizes, "In most cases, vascular problems can be managed non-operatively. In fact, conservative measures work better than surgical treatments." This philosophy has earned him the trust of referring physicians and patients alike, contributing to his busy practice and consistent recognition as a Top Doctor.

The impact of Dr. Schwartz's work extends beyond his private practice. Since 2020, he has served as the chief of surgery at WMC Health/Good Samaritan Hospital in Suffern, NY. He also holds leadership positions at Montefiore Nyack Hospital and Westchester County Medical Center, further demonstrating his influence in the field of vascular surgery.

Dr. Schwartz's educational background is equally impressive. He earned his medical degree from the University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine and completed his residency and fellowship at Montefiore Medical Center/Albert Einstein College of Medicine. His undergraduate degree in microbiology from the University of Florida, earned magna cum laude, reflects his long-standing commitment to academic excellence.

The Castle Connolly Top Doctor recognition is particularly significant as it is based on peer nominations and rigorous screening by Castle Connolly's physician-led research team. This process ensures that only the most respected and skilled physicians receive this honor.

Dr. Schwartz attributes his consistent recognition to the positive experiences of his patients and the trust of referring physicians. "I think my patients have a very good experience from the time they make their first phone call, through the actual visit, through any follow-ups or procedures," he says. This patient-centered approach, combined with his conservative treatment philosophy, has solidified his reputation in the medical community.

As part of Rockland Thoracic & Vascular Associates, Dr. Schwartz practices at locations in Pomona, Goshen, Fishkill, New York City, and Englewood, NJ. His continued recognition as a Castle Connolly Top Doctor not only highlights his personal achievements but also reflects the high standard of care provided by his practice.

This 20-year streak of Top Doctor honors serves as a testament to Dr. Schwartz's enduring commitment to excellence in vascular surgery and patient care. It also underscores the importance of experienced, skilled specialists in addressing complex vascular conditions, ultimately contributing to better health outcomes for patients across New York and New Jersey.