Meet the Doctors
Ali Bijan Rafie, B.S, D.C.
Chiropractic Physician & Acupuncturist
Practice Location – 6524 W. Archer, Chicago; 4177 S. Archer, Chicago; 6545 W. Cermak; 1901 S. Blue Island, Chicago
Dr. Rafie is a graduate of the National College of Chiropractic in Lombard, IL. During his studies there, he became a teaching assistant of physiology, anatomy, and chiropractic. He is board certified and has been the medical team coordinator for several events including the World Cup Opening Ceremonies, the Chicago Marathon and triathlon. Dr. Rafie is also a certified acupuncturist and is trilingual in English, Persian and Spanish.
Chris Edginton, B.S., D.C.
Chiropractic Physician & Acupuncturist
Practice Location – 6524 W. Archer, Chicago; 6545 W. Cermak, Berwyn
Dr. Edginton completed his undergraduate degree in Human Kinesiology at the University of Waterloo followed by his professional studies at the National University of Health Sciences. He has extensive experience with all types of patients – adults to children, motor vehicle and work accidents to chronic ailments – and has worked in both hospital and private practice settings. Dr. Edginton is certified through the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners with additional study in Acupuncture through the Lincoln College of Graduate Studies.
Julio Munoz, B.S., D.C.
Chiropractic Physician
Practice Location – 4177 S.Archer.Chicago,Il
Dr. Munoz completed his undergraduate studies in Management at DePaul University in Chicago, IL; he continued his professional studies at the National University of Health Sciences in Lombard, IL where he earned his B.S. in Human Biology followed by his Chiropractic degree. Dr. Munoz is certified through the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners, he brings emphasis on healthcare and patient management while incorporating his expertise on neuromuscular and skeletal conditions to patients of all ages. Dr. Munoz is a native of Ecuador and is fluent in Spanish.
Ben Narcisi, D.C.
Chiropractic Physician
Practice Location – 6545 W. Cermak, Berwyn; 1901 S. Blue Island, Chicago
Dr. Narcisi graduated from Parker College of Chiropractic in Dallas, Texas but is a native to the Chicagoland area. He earned his degree in Kinesiology from the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign, and also became fluent in Spanish by studying in Spain and in Mexico. Ben enjoys treating all different types of patients and plans on pursuing certification in acupuncture.
Danielle Dever, D.C.
Certified in Webster Technique
Practice Location – 122 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago
Dr. Dever received her B.S. in Kinesiology from Indiana University, and her Doctor of Chiropractic, Magna Cum Laude, from the Life College of Chiropractic. She is board-certified as a Chiropractor and as a Chiropractic Sports Physician, and has done post-doctoral work in Chiropractic Sports Medicine. Prior to joining the staff at American Back Center, Dr. Dever was the lead Chiropractor at the Center for Physical Therapy at Midwest Sports Medicine in Elk Grove, Illinois.
Nancy Gomez, D.C.
Functional Medicine (Nutrition) Specialist
Practice Location – 122 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago
Dr. Gomez is an authority on natural health care. In addition to being a licensed chiropractic physician and massage therapist, Dr. Gomez is a functional medicine specialist—trained through the Institute for Functional Medicine. Dr. Gomez is a member of the Foundation for Wellness Professionals (FWP)—a national group comprised of physicians dedicated to lowering healthcare costs through prevention awareness and community education. The members of this nonprofit foundation volunteer their time and service, presenting disease-prevention and natural-healing methods to the public on a weekly basis.
Andrej A. Sowinski, M.D.
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Practice Location – 6524 W. Archer, Chicago
Dr. Sowinski has extensive training in muscular skeletal diseases and completed his studies in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Loyola University. He has worked with leading specialists in new concept medical procedures, including thoracic, neuro-trauma, oncology, and orthopedic surgery. His professional involvements include the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Illinois Society of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and the American Academy of Family Physicians.
Oleh S. Paly, M.D.
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Practice Location – 6524W. Archer, Chicago
Dr. Paly was born in Chicago and completed his undergraduate studies at Loyola University of Chicago. His medical studies, as well his specialty training, were completed at The Chicago Medical School. Board Certified in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Dr. Paly is a clinical assistant professor at The Chicago Medical School. His professional affiliations include the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, the American Medical Association, the American Association of Electrodiagnostic Medicine, and others. Dr Paly has been performing electrodiagnostic testing in the Chicago area for over 15 years. He is fluent in Polish, Spanish, and English.
Sanjay Reddy, DPT
Physical Therapy
Practice Location – 6524 W. Archer, Chicago
Mr. Reddy is local to chicagoland area. He received his undergraduate degree from the University of Illinois. His physical therapy studies brought him to The Netherlands where he studied physical therapy at the prestigous Hogeschool Van Amsterdam. Sanjay’s education in The Netherlands specialized in sports and orthopedic fysiotherapie. He completed a 2 year internship with a local soccer club during his physical therapy program training in acute sports injuries as well as sports science rehab. Sanjay is well versed in the treatment of various musculoskeletal pain symptoms, sports injuries, manual therapy for the treatment of chronic pain. Sanjay has also gained experience in functional capacity evaluations and is currently in the process of obtaining his certification as an Isernhagne trained FCE evaluator using the Work Well System.
Purvi Shah, DPT
Physical Therapy
Practice Location – 122 South Michigan Ave., Chicago.
Purvi Shah began her career as a physical therapist in 2004, where she worked at a private clinic in India treating orthopedic patients –post surgical and sports-injuries cases.
In 2007, after moving to Illinois, Mrs. Shah worked at Oak Park Healthcare Centre; there, she received in-depth training on treating rehabilitation cases.
In addition to her experience caring for orthopedic and rehabilitation patients, Purvi Shah has specialized training in utilizing integrated manual-therapy methods to boost effectiveness, and has continues to advance her knowledge in regards to evaluating and treating chronic/complex musculoskeletal conditions.
Mrs. Shah prides herself on providing all of her patients with the physical, emotional, and educational tools necessary for successful prevention and healing.
Chris Fortier, DPT
Physical Therapy
Practice Location – 1901 South Blue Island, Chicago, 4177 South Archer Ave.
Chris is a local resident who grew up on the south side of Chicago. After receiving his bachelors degree from Northern Illinois University, he attended Midwestern University in Downers Grove, Illinois where he obtained his Masters Degree in Physical Therapy. Chris is proficient in Spanish and his areas of interest include sports medicine, general orthopedics and geriatrics. Having worked at Lutheran General Hospital’s outpatient clinic, Chris has experience with a wide range of musculoskeletal problems and a variety of patient populations. Recent continuing education that influences his practice include Gary Grey Functional Rehabilitation and Mulligan Mobilizations with movement.
Carlos A. Garavito, A.A.S., B.S., P.T.A.
Licensed Physical Therapist Assistant
Practice Location – 6524 W. Archer, Chicago; 1901 S. Blue Island, Chicago
Mr. Garavito has completed varying academic degrees; however his passion lies with medicine. Carlos is an Illinois Licensed Physical Therapist Assistant having graduated from The United States Air Force�s Physical Therapist Assistant Program located in Texas. He has over 10 years experience working in a multitude of physical therapy capacities, from running aquatic rehabilitation programs, performing sports physical screenings, ensuring positive outcomes for post surgical joint replacement patients, and even working in home health, visiting and treating patients who are unable to receive physical therapy in a clinical settings. His experience culminates into positive outcomes for any patient population. Carlos’ future plans include achieving a doctoral level degree. He is bilingual in Spanish and English.
Mirna Canales, L.M.T.
Massage Therapist
Practice Location - 6524 W. Archer Ave., Chicago; 4177 South Archer Ave., Chicago
Ms. Canales was born in Chicago and is a licensed massage therapist with over twenty years of experience in the medical field. She is fluent in Spanish and English and has had special training as a physical therapist assistant. As a medical assistant she worked closely with orthopedic specialists and chiropractors. Much of her experience is based in surgical, geriatric, and sports injuries medical situations, as a licensed cosmotologist for the last 20 years specializing in facials and microdermabrasion.
Stella Toczek Massage
Therapist Assistant
Practice Location – 6524 W. Archer Ave., Chicago
Ms. Toczek is currently a massage therapy student at the Wellness & Massage Training Institute; she graduates in April 2009. She has been trained in the following massage techniques: Swedish, Deep tissue, Myofascial release, seated, pre-natal, sports techniques and Hot Rock. Stella is up-starting her career by assisting the Chiropractor, engaging with patients, and massaging under the doctor’s supervision. Stella welcomes the daily opportunity to make a difference in others’ health and well-being and finds the experience entirely fulfilling. She is bilingual in Polish and English