Dr. Clarence Kong, MD

Associate Director of Interventional Spine & Pain Management

Dr. Kong brings a truly impressive background to our practice. He specializes in medical and interventional pain management and has spoken at national and international conferences highlighting his published research, neuromodulation, and pain management.

He completed his pain medicine fellowship at Macon & Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences at Old Dominion University where he served as the chief fellow physician and received the Sentara Health Clinical Excellence Award. Dr. Kong also serves as faculty staff and board member at the Eastern Pain Association, the oldest pain association in the United States.

Beyond his extensive medical credentials, Dr. Kong is a dedicated public servant. He serves as a company surgeon for the Great Neck Vigilant Fire Department, a public affairs officer in the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, and an auxiliary police sergeant with the New York City Police Department, specializing in community affairs and department strategic initiatives.

With a passion to improve the lives of patients living with chronic pain through the latest advancements in interventional medicine and technology, his journey is making a lasting impact in public service and in the healthcare system as a physician and a leader.

Mary Milano Carter

MS, ANP-BC, AP-PMN, PMGT-BC, GERO-BC

Dr. Mary is a board-certified Adult Nurse Practitioner working with chronic pain patients for the past 28 years. Mary is also board-certified in pain management with an advanced practice pain management nurse portfolio, as well as geriatrics. Bachelors degree was obtained at Molloy University in 1987 with a Masters in Adult Health and a postmasters degree as a Nurse Practitioner from Adelphi University in 1997.

She is the founding president of the American Society for Pain Management Nurses (ASPMN) Long Island chapter in 1999, and is the current 2025 president. Mary is also currently serving her third term as a Director on the national ASPMN and Board of Directors, and serving her third term as the Chair of the ASPMN Master Faculty. She serves on the editorial advisory board for Pain Medicine News – NP/PA Edition.

Mary has recently published a chapter on interventional pain management in the ASPMN core curriculum 2024 and in 2025 published the pain management chapter for the American Association of Neuroscience Nurses core curriculum for spine certification

Mary is a certified naloxone educator, a prescriber of medical cannabis and is also Reiki certified.

Thomas Yarrobino

FNP, DPT

Thomas is a Nurse Practitioner and Physical Therapist specializing in musculoskeletal care. He provides advanced treatments including ultrasound-guided joint injections, trigger point therapy, TMJ injections, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy for joint and muscle injuries, and individualized rehabilitation programs.

Thomas earned his Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy from the University of Hartford and his Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) from Stony Brook University. He later completed an accelerated nursing program at Stony Brook University, followed by a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) degree at Long Island University.

With over 25 years of experience in the musculoskeletal field, Thomas is dedicated to combining his expertise in physical therapy and advanced nursing practice to deliver comprehensive, evidence-based care.

Lisa Persico

PA-C, MPAS

Lisa is a board-certified Physician Assistant with over 10 years of experience, including seven years specializing in outpatient and inpatient neurosurgery management and pain management for various neurosurgical disorders.

With expertise in both surgical and non-surgical treatment approaches, Lisa is dedicated to providing comprehensive, patient-centered care. In addition to her clinical work, Lisa was an instructor for pre-nursing studies at Molloy College, where she enjoyed educating and mentoring students.

Her passion for education extends to her patients, as she believes that informed patients are empowered to make the best decisions for their health. Lisa also spent three years at CHS infusion centers, focusing on chronic pain management and advanced pain therapies.

A dedicated patient advocate, she is committed to developing personalized treatment plans that enhance quality of life and promote long-term well-being.