Vascular Surgeon Dr. Michael L. Schwartz Recognized as 2024 Castle Connolly Top Doctor for 20th Consecutive Year

Dr. Michael L. Schwartz has been recognized as a 2024 Castle Connolly Top Doctor, marking his 20th year receiving this prestigious honor. This recognition places Dr. Schwartz among an elite group of physicians, as only about 7 percent of licensed doctors nationwide are selected annually as Castle Connolly Top Doctors in their respective specialties and regions. Dr. Schwartz, a highly respected vascular surgeon with over 25 years of experience, practices at Rockland Thoracic & Vascular Associates, primarily serving Rockland County and Orange County, New York. His consistent recognition as a Top Doctor underscores the high regard in which he is held by both peers and patients alike.

As a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, Dr. Schwartz holds certifications in both general surgery and vascular surgery from the American Board of Surgery. His expertise extends beyond surgical skills, as he is also certified as a Registered Physician in Vascular Interpretation®, a distinction that marks him as a highly skilled expert in interpreting vascular ultrasound images. Dr. Schwartz's practice encompasses the treatment of various vascular diseases, including aortic aneurysms, carotid stenosis, limb-salvage procedures, and varicose veins. He is proficient in both cutting-edge minimally invasive treatments and traditional open surgery techniques, emphasizing a conservative approach to patient care.

"In most cases, vascular problems can be managed non-operatively. In fact, conservative measures work better than surgical treatments," Dr. Schwartz explains. "Surgical interventions should only be used when necessary. I think I have a busy practice because most referring physicians recognize that I treat most of their referred patients that way." Dr. Schwartz's commitment to patient care extends beyond his surgical expertise. He takes pride in the quality of experience patients receive at Rockland Thoracic & Vascular Associates, emphasizing the practice's ability to offer university-quality care in a community setting. The practice's small, private nature allows for direct accessibility to physicians, providing patients with personalized attention and care.

In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Schwartz holds several leadership positions in the medical community. He currently serves as the chief of surgery at WMC Health/Good Samaritan Hospital in Suffern, NY, a role he has held since 2020. He has also been the chief of vascular surgery at Montefiore Nyack Hospital since 2004 and an attending surgeon at Westchester County Medical Center since 2016. 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 training at Montefiore Medical Center/Albert Einstein College of Medicine. His undergraduate degree in microbiology from the University of Florida, which he earned before pursuing his medical career, provides a strong foundation for his work in vascular health.

The significance of this 20-year recognition extends beyond individual achievement. It demonstrates the importance of consistent excellence in specialized medical fields where patient outcomes depend heavily on physician expertise and judgment. Dr. Schwartz's emphasis on conservative treatment approaches reflects a broader trend in medicine toward minimizing invasive procedures when possible, which can lead to better patient recovery, reduced healthcare costs, and improved quality of life. His leadership roles at multiple hospitals indicate his influence extends beyond his own practice, potentially shaping vascular surgery standards and patient care protocols across the region. For patients in Rockland and Orange Counties, this recognition provides assurance of access to nationally recognized vascular care within their community, eliminating the need to travel to major urban medical centers for specialized treatment.