Xander S. Arwand, DO

I believe in understanding all the things that may affect your health, rather than focusing on a specific ailment. Understanding the complex relationships amongst nutrition, exercise, emotional wellness and physical wellness on a broader scale helps me see the finer details that are contributing to your overall health. I encourage you to speak openly with me because your insights about your personal needs help me provide the best care for you. Once your concerns and needs have been identified, we will continue our dialogue to come to a mutually agreed upon treatment plan. Moving forward I remain committed to this treatment, offering guidance and support along your path to wellness.

Medicine has been my calling for as long as I can remember. As a child my grandfather, who served as a physician to his community, would tell me stories about his years of practice and experience in medicine. His stories were complemented by testimonies of his patients, when we would see them, detailing the impact he had on their lives. Alongside these captivating anecdotes, I was fortunate to have a family physician who served as a role model and embraced my early interests. He allowed me to shadow him and work in his office. Again, I was witness to the profound, personal role a physician plays in the life of his patient. This foundation was laid down at an early age for me and I was compelled to pursue a career in medicine. Moving forward my passion for the field grew stronger every step of the way. In my academic career, I gravitated toward the sciences and this genuine attraction allowed me to excel in my schooling and secure a seat in medical school. The day that I was notified of my acceptance into medical school was one of the happiest moments of my life.

Success is not only a personal endeavor that requires a tremendous amount of commitment from oneself but is also the result of the support provided by the surrounding community. Having reached a new pinnacle, we should not forget the previous rung in the ladder that led the path to success, and we are obligated to now support it. One of the communities that had supported me, which I now support is my high school. I return annually to provide a presentation on careers in medicine to students interested in following my footsteps. This presentation has been ongoing for six years now and some of the kids who attended the original lecture are now in medical school or applying. Some have fortunately kept in contact and expressed their gratitude for this gesture of guidance that helped reinforce their career path. Moreover, I have served in sideline coverage as a team physician for high school sporting events, caring for the team I once played for.

In addition to serving in communities such as my alma mater, I find immense reward in aiding organizations for those in need. I have participated in New York City’s AIDS Walk, ALS foundation charities, and cancer charities such as Relay for Life. These experiences have been humbling and fulfilling. Moving forward I hope to continue with these activities.

My position as a sports medicine physician is a hybrid of my interests in medicine and sporting hobbies. I grew up wrestling and still very much enjoy the sport. My background in wrestling also provided for a seamless transition into martial arts, specifically jiu jitsu, which I enjoy very much. Additionally, I have a background in fitness and personal training. I have two decades of weight training experience, utilizing various protocols. I utilize this background and knowledge in making my own personal health maintenance program entertaining and worthwhile.