Dena Lacara, DO, Medical Director
“The doctor-patient relationship is the cornerstone of primary care, but it has become increasingly difficult to cultivate as doctors are pressured to see more patients in less time. I was lucky to be part of an amazing group practice, but I needed to follow my vision and create something new. I wanted to work with fewer patients but be available to them 24/7 via phone, email, text or Skype. I see this as an opportunity to build stronger relationships with my patients and help keep them healthy overall, instead of focusing only on treating a specific disease or problem.
“Family medicine is the epitome of what it means to be someone’s doctor. As the primary care physician in charge of your overall health and well-being, my relationship with you plays a crucial role. Health promotion and disease prevention are vital parts of my practice. As your personal physician, I have the opportunity to educate and empower you to take an active role in your preventive health care. I view the primary care physician not only as the coordinator of medical care but also the health educator and clinician who integrates preventive health care into my practice. As a family doctor, I have the unique privilege of becoming your consultant and confidante, explaining things in layman’s terms, addressing questions, allaying fears and clarifying the information you receive from the media and other healthcare professionals.
“I hope to give my patients the tools and education they need to overcome many of their health-related issues with proper diet, exercise and lifestyle modification. My patients deserve the peace of mind from having a primary care family doctor they are comfortable with; one who really cares about them and someone they can turn to when they are scared and confused or facing a serious medical issue or life event – regardless of the day or time. More like the old-time family doctor who made house calls, a trusted partner in your care through sickness and health.”
Board-Certified: American Board of Family Practice
Board-Certified: Hospice and Palliative Care Medicine
Additional Certifications: New Jersey State Board of Pharmacy Licensed Pharmacist, DEA Waiver to Prescribe Suboxone
Residency: Chief Resident, Overlook Family Practice Residency Program, Summit, NJ
Medical School: DO, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, School of Osteopathic Medicine, Stratford, NJ
BSc Pharm: (with Highest Honors), Rutgers University, College of Pharmacy, Piscataway, NJ
Member: American Academy of Family Physicians, New Jersey Academy of Family Physicians, American Academy of Private Physicians, American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Care Medicine, American Medical Spa Association
Awards: New Jersey Monthly Magazine Top Doctor, 2014, 2015; Vitals Compassionate Doctor Recognition, 2011, 2013
On a personal note:
“I cherish the little things – family time in the morning and evening. In my spare time, I enjoy spa-ing and The Bar Method workout, which to me is part therapy, part workout, part addiction.
“I want my patients to feel like they have a doctor in the family. I want them to feel they have a direct relationship with a true partner who is committed to them and their health.”
