Providing support and compassion as a team is our top priority. We define ourselves by our dedication to our patients. Our team is here to ensure patients have personalized care.
Our Team Dr. Neil Tanna
Each individual team member is committed to a shared practice philosophy that the patient comes first. It is important to all of us that each patient and their loved ones feel assured we are all working together toward a common goal through each individual's unique journey.
Alexa Ruffino
Alexa Ruffino is a dedicated and skilled Board-Certified Senior Physician Assistant with the Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. Alexa brings a wealth of experience and a meticulous approach to Plastic Surgery. Before transitioning to plastic and reconstructive surgery, Alexa honed her skills in spine surgery, where she developed a deep understanding of complex surgical procedures and patient care. This experience has equipped Alexa with a comprehensive perspective on both reconstructive and aesthetic surgery, enabling a holistic approach to patient management. Alexa attended an accelerated program at Philadelphia University where she completed her bachelor’s and master’s degree in physician assistant studies. She is committed to advancing her expertise in plastic surgery and providing exceptional care to her patients. Outside of work, Alexa enjoys spending time with her family and friends, which helps balance her professional and personal life.
Emily Kalberer, NP
Emily Kalberer is a Board-Certified Adult-Gerontology Senior Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP-BC) with the Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at Northwell Health. Emily completed her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Molloy College and later returned to earn her Master's Degree in Nursing. Emily received her board certification from the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners. Emily has extensive clinical experience working as a registered nurse in the Cardiothoracic ICU and Coronary Care Unit. Her experience in the Cardiothoracic ICU led her to obtain a role as a Nurse Practitioner in Thoracic Surgery at Northwell Health. Emily earned her RNFA (Registered Nurse First Assist) certification from the National Institute of First Assisting. Emily has extensive experience working in Plastic Surgery and caring for patients before, during, and after their surgery. Dr. Tanna and Emily share the same philosophy in that patient care should be individualized and tailored to fit the entire spectrum of a patient's needs. Emily's unique combination of experience, knowledge, and personal attention to detail is what enables her to provide exceptional and compassionate patient care to each and every one of her patients.
Dominique Perdue
Dominique Perdue is our Surgical & Patient Coordinator and an integral part of the team that strives to provide an exceptional patient experience. Having previously worked as a medical assistant, Dominique's healthcare experience has prepared her to support women as they navigate through various aspects of their surgical journeys. Her compassion, positive attitude, and optimism make her an indispensable member of Dr. Tanna’s team. Dominique works tirelessly to provide patients with personalized attention to make sure all of their needs are met. From scheduling appointments to coordination of surgeries, Dominique goes above and beyond to find creative ways to accommodate all patients. She works closely with Dr. Tanna and the entire clinical team to ensure patients and their families feel connected at all times. Her commitment to each patient makes her an invaluable asset to the team.
Isabelle Smith, BA
Isabelle Smith is the current Northwell Health Surgical Scholar working with Dr. Tanna and the Division of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery at Northwell Health. Dr. Neil Tanna oversees a premedical, clinical gap year program with the Department of Surgery at Northwell Health. Each year, college graduates taking a gap year, but applying to medical school, are invited to interview for the competitive Surgical Scholar Program at Northwell Health. Isabelle is the clinical gap year scholar for 2024 – 2025. Isabelle joined the Surgical Scholar program after graduating Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Arts in Molecular and Cellular Biology and Medicine, Health, and Society. As a Surgical Scholar, she is involved in several ongoing clinical research projects led by faculty and residents at Northwell Health. Additionally, Isabelle is responsible for developing patient outreach and education materials, as well as assisting with daily administrative duties in the office. She looks forward to applying the lessons in compassionate patient care and research that she has learned from our team to her future career as a physician. Learn more about the Surgical Scholar Program at Northwell Health.
Louis Cutignola
Louis Cutignola is Dr. Tanna’s account representative and manages billing inquires and the insurance authorization process. He has been in the medical profession for many years and has worked specifically in the plastic surgery field. His focus is in the attention to detail with an emphasis on accurate and timely clearance for patients to move forward with surgery. Louis is committed to assisting patients obtain detailed information through the authorization, claims, and appeals processes. It is his intention to provide education and understanding so our patients understand the full scope of what their benefits and billing entail.
