Special gratitude to Dr. Alessandro Pireno (1937-2012) for granting me the coveted two-year internship in his celebrity Manhattan practice decades ago.

Howard Stern jokingly referred to him as a “masseuse with a Mercedes.”  Active in politics, teaching, healthcare and helping others, Alessandro was anything but that.  Despite our private office converting to a clubhouse in the afternoon, replete with rotating doctors, athletes, comedians, etc., he maintained an aura of respectfulness in which his wife, mother and children were welcome, even when a member nicknamed “Dr. Tourette” was present.  His good nature and boisterous laugh will be remembered for years to come. 

Rest in peace and good humor.