Mary Dugandzic is a board-certified physician assistant having graduated first in her class from Marist College. She is a member of the AAPA and NYSSPA. 

After joining Dr. Tros practice in 2021 as a medical assistant, she learned first hand the power that a low carbohydrate diet had on both her physical and mental health. Additionally, she saw how each patient at Dr. Tros practice was treated with an individualized approach as well as with compassion and empathy. During this time with the practice Mary decided to pursue a career in medicine after seeing how the practice combined her interest in both medicine and healthy lifestyle.

After starting her masters in physician assistant studies she returned to the practice for clinical rotations and worked alongside Dr. Tro and Dr. Laura on a variety of patient cases. Additionally, she was the primary author on a case report with the office, which highlighted the important role a ketogenic diet can have in the metabolic derangements seen in cushing’s disease.

She is excited to rejoin the practice in her new role as a physician assistant. She feels privileged to work alongside her patients as they work to prevent, manage and reverse chronic diseases.

Vic Basmadjian, a Certified Health Coach, successfully transformed his health and lifestyle through the ketogenic diet. Despite facing numerous challenges in sustaining weight loss through calorie restriction, Vic made a pivotal decision at age 55.

Weighing nearly 300 lbs and struggling with hypertension, CPAP therapy, GERD, and pre-diabetes, he turned to the ketogenic diet as a potential solution. As Vic incorporated the principles of the ketogenic diet into his life, he began experiencing its transformative power firsthand. Today, at age 60, he has sustained a weight loss of 110 lbs, eliminated the need for medications, and has dedicated himself to helping others.

Vic’s expertise and journey have been featured on popular podcasts such as Low Carb MD, Boundless Body Radio, Protecting Your Nest, and Society of Metabolic Health Practitioners, where he shares his experiences and knowledge to inspire and guide others on their own health journeys.

Tia Reid, CDM, CFPP, MHP, faced a range of health challenges, including T2D, Metabolic Syndrome, Hypertension, Obesity, Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver, Sleep Apnea, Adrenal Insufficiency, and carbohydrate addiction. Recognizing the need for self-management, she adopted the perspective of treating carbohydrates as an addiction and successfully addressing T2D and metabolic syndrome. This saved her life. With medical guidance and support from the LowCarb Community, Tia eliminated over 20 medications and lost 100 pounds, finding a renewed passion for life and a commitment to helping others.

With over 35 years of experience in service-based environments, from owning a restaurant and motel to serving as the Director of Nutritional Services in a hospital, Tia’s firsthand experience underscores the transformative potential of a Low Carb High Fat (LCHF) lifestyle. Having witnessed its efficacy in reversing many diseases, Tia is eager to offer the therapeutic benefits of LCHF Nutrition.

Tia’s expertise and journey have been featured on podcasts such as Society of Metabolic Health Practitioners/Low Carb USA, Boundless Body Radio, Protecting Your Nest, The Low Carb Long Weekend Womens Health Summit, Health Heal and Thrive, Dr. Shawn Baker Podcast MeatRX, Off the Coach with Maggie Steward, Deckerless Carbs, The Fabulously Keto Podcast with Jackie Fletcher.

Vanoush Sabbagh, a Patient Care Coordinator since 2023, holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Nutrition and Medical Humanities from Montclair State University. With prior experience at Englewood Hospital’s Nutrition Department, she brings a deep passion for nutrition and homeopathic remedies. Prioritizing patient satisfaction, Vanoush has over five years of patient services expertise. Outside of work, she enjoys exploring healthy foods, long outdoor walks, and quality time with her close-knit, extended family.