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, Berwyn, IL; 2875 West 19th st
Chicago
Dr. Rafie graduated from National College of Chiropractic in 1997, after completing his undergraduate studies at the University of McMaster in Canada. He has also completed studies in acupuncture and actively practices. Dr. Rafie has been practicing in Chicago since 1997 and is currently operating six clinics including one at Saint Anthony’s Hospital. Dr. Rafie has been an active member of the Chicago community since 1993 when he headed the World Cup Opening Ceremonies medical team. He has also worked with the medical team of the Chicago Marathon and the Triathlon in 2001, 2002 and 2003 and in 2003 assisted in an Iron Man in Brazil. His philosophy of care is to carefully assess each patient and diagnose the problem in conjunction with his wide network of health practitioners. Dr. Rafie’s clinics currently offer chiropractic care, physical therapy, massage therapy, acupuncture and physiotherapy. He actively refers, and is referred to, by podiatrists, orthopedics, neurologists and neurosurgeons. Dr. Rafie offers his services to a wide variety of patients, including those who cannot afford to pay for their services and those with limited access, such as those on Medicaid. In conjunction with his community service Dr. Rafie is expertly experienced in helping patients navigate through any Workman’s Comp or Personal Injury claims making sure all paper work is filed in a timely fashion so that each patient gets the amount of care they need to keep them on the road to recovery. Dr. Rafie is also able to communicate with his patients in English, Spanish, Italian and Persian.
Chris Edginton, B.S., D.C.
Chiropractic Physician & Acupuncturist
Practice Location – 6524 W. Archer, Chicago
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.
Krishna C. Chundri, M.D.
Anesthesiologist & Pain Management Physician
Practice Location – 6524 W. Archer, Chicago
Krishna C. Chunduri is a board certified Anesthesiologist and an Interventional Pain Physician. He is currently the Chairman of Anesthesia and Pain Medicine at St. Anthony Hospital. He is a member of the International Spine Intervention Society and has extensive experience in the diagnosis and treatment of pain conditions using state-of-the-art image guided interventional techniques. He graduated from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign and then completed medical school at St. Georges University. At St. Louis university he completed an anesthesiology residency where he took keen interest and trained extensively in pain management. His interests include interventional pain medicine, treatment of chronic pain, and effective treatment of the injured worker. He is a pain injection specialist utilizing epidurals, trigger point injections, and other injection therapies. He handles simple cases at the clinic and addresses more complicated treatments at your preferred medical center or location
Ben Narcisi, D.C.
Chiropractic Physician
Practice Location – 6545 W. Cermak, Berwyn, IL; 4177 S. Archer Ave. 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; 6445 N. Central 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.
Allison Schacht, P.T.A. Licensed Physical Therapist Assistant
Practice Location – 122 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago
Allison Schacht has always been passionate about working with people and helping them heal. Her particular interest in the world of sports medicine drove her to study health science and physical therapy after high school. Mrs. Schacht received her P.T.A. degree at Owens Community College in Ohio and her Bachelor’s Degree in Applied Health Science at Bowling Green State University. Before joining the Midwest Chiropractic & American Back Center team, Allison underwent a variety of work experiences, including: 3-and-a-half years spent caring for patients in the Acute Care Physical Therapy Department and the Trauma Step Down Unit at the Medical University of Ohio; geriatric patient treatment at a long-term care facility; nearly four years spent treating orthopedic patients at Chicago Health & Physical Therapy, and a summer stint treating patients at Evangel Hospital in Nigeria. Allison Schacht enjoys the relationship-development facet of her job as a P.T.A., as well as the rewarding challenges that come along with pinpointing new diagnoses and executing successful treatment plans.
Oleh S. Paly, M.D.
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Practice Location – 6524 W. Archer Ave., 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.
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 – 4177 South Archer Ave., Chicago; 6524 W. Archer Ave. Chicago
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 Ave., 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.
David Nitz, P.T.A. Licensed Physical Therapist Assistant
Practice Location – 6524 W. Archer, Chicago; 4177 S. Archer Ave. Chicago
David Nitz’ strong, innate abilities as a physical healer stem from his love for athletics, coupled with his first-hand understanding of what it takes to recover from injury.
Once an avid baseball pitcher, David Nitz suffered a rotator cuff and labral tear – forcing him off the mound after 24 years of dedication to the sport.
Nitz’ own injury and subsequent recovery process inspired him to help others heal as well. After taking a job as a PT tech, Nitz went to school to become a Licensed Physical Therapist Assistant. Currently, David enjoys playing volleyball, softball and hockey, and aspires to become a Licensed Physical Therapist in the future.
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