Practicing Medicine Isn’t Clinical.
It’s Personal.
Our Heritage
Dr. Shady Hassan's father left a successful surgical career in Saudi Arabia to give his family a better life in America. That meant completely starting over. While working part-time jobs and delivering newspapers, he studied to retake his medical exams, redo his residency, and relaunch his career. He refused every shortcut. Those values of sacrifice, hard work, and integrity shaped who Dr. Hassan is and guide everything at NefraHealth.
"Nefra" means "beautiful" and "goodness" in Arabic. For us, it's more than just a name. It's a promise.
We practice with the belief that you deserve restoration, not just survival. Our goal isn't simply to manage your pain. It's to get you back to what brings you joy and makes life worth living.
Our Credentials
Dr. Hassan is board-certified in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation with subspecialty certification in Interventional Pain Medicine and Sports Medicine. He specializes in non-surgical interventional treatment for back pain, neck pain, joint problems, headaches, and sports injuries.
He completed his fellowship in Interventional Spine and Sports Medicine at Alabama Orthopedic Spine and Sports Medicine Associates (AOSSMA). He completed his residency at SUNY Downstate Medical Center in Brooklyn where he served as Chief Resident.
He maintains active memberships in the American Society of Interventional Pain Physicians, Spine Intervention Society, American Academy of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, and the American College of Sports Medicine.
At NefraHealth, Dr. Hassan utilizes state-of-the-art techniques that are both nonoperative and minimally invasive, focused on returning function and getting patients back to living, not just managing pain. Medicine doesn't stand still, and neither does he. Dr. Hassan is constantly seeking out new techniques and advancements so his patients always have access to the most effective treatments available.
“Dr. Hassan is very patient and informative. He really takes the time to explain things to you; especially if you do not understand something. I was extremely nervous about a new procedure I had to undergo and he really went out of his way to ease my fears.”
— Sharon D.
Why 30 Minutes Matters: The Problem With Fast Medicine.
Pain isn't simple. Your back problem might start in your foot. Your knee pain might be about how you've been compensating for an old ankle injury. The psychological component of chronic pain is real - stress, fear of reinjury, catastrophizing all make pain worse.
You can't understand any of that in 10 minutes.
Dr. Hassan has disc herniations himself. He still lifts weights. He still functions. Some of his patients with identical MRI findings can't get out of bed. The difference isn't just physical.
If he's going to help you, he needs to understand your whole picture. That takes time. That's why every initial consultation is 30 minutes, and follow-ups aren't rushed either.
What Makes This Different.
You'll see Dr. Hassan personally.
Your initial evaluation is with Dr. Hassan, not a physician assistant. Most procedures are performed by Dr. Hassan, with our spine surgeon Dr. Kumar joining for complex surgical cases.
You'll get honest recommendations.
If physical therapy will work, that's what he'll recommend. If you don't need him, he'll tell you.
You'll understand your options.
Dr. Hassan explains in plain English. He'll tell you what he'd recommend for a family member in your situation. Then you decide. No pressure.
Beyond Medicine: What Shapes His Approach.
Outside the practice, Dr. Hassan is an artist who draws, a sports fanatic who loves basketball, and someone who takes fitness seriously - not just for health - but because he believes doctors should practice what they preach. If he's going to tell you exercise matters, his body needs to show he believes it.
Dr. Hassan has three young boys and opened his practice partly so he wouldn't miss their soccer games and basketball tournaments. His dad missed those moments while building their future in America. He doesn't want his kids to have that same memory. That commitment to being present shapes how he runs NefraHealth: efficiently, ethically, without wasting anyone's time.