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Home > NY Providers > Retina Specialists

Dr. Gareth M.C. Lema, MD, PHD

Accepting New Patients

(Dr. Gareth M C Lema, PHD)

(138 Ratings)

Specializes in: Vitreoretinal Diseases (Retina and Vitreous)

SUNY, University at Buffalo School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences

Professional interests include: corneal abrasion, bruising, retinal detachment, and more.

77 Worth Street
New York, NY 10013

(212) 966-3901

Dr. Gareth M.C. Lema, MD, PHD is a retina specialist in New York, NY specializing in vitreoretinal diseases (retina and vitreous). He graduated from SUNY, University at Buffalo School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences. Dr. Gareth M.C. Lema, MD, PHD is affiliated with Mount Sinai Health System, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Department of Ophthalmology, Mount Sinai Health System, Quality, Safety, and Experience, New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai, Attending Surgeon and John J Peters VA Medical Center.

Office Locations

17 E. 102nd Street 8th Floor, West Elevators
New York, NY 10029

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423 East 23rd Street New York Harbor Vahcs (630)
New York, NY 10010

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Mount Sinai Health System

77 Worth Street
New York, NY 10013

(212) 966-3901

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Mount Sinai Health System

Organization:nyee - East 102nd Street
City of New York, NY 10029

(212) 241-0939

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1176 Main Street
Buffalo, NY 14209

(716) 912-9191

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Some issues Dr. Gareth M.C. Lema, MD, PHD can help you with:

Eye Problems

Millions of people every year have problems with their eyes. Some of the most common eye problems are refractive disorders, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, and cataracts.

Refractive disorders happen when the shape of the eye doesn't let allow someone focus very precisely. They might be myopic (nearsighted), hyperopic (farsighted), or have an astigmatism, which is a focus problem caused by the cornea. Refractive disorders can be corrected by glasses or contacts.

Glaucoma is the leading cause of blindness in the United States. It happens when fluid pressure builds up within the eye and damages the optic nerve. It is treated with medications and surgery.

Diabetic retinopathy is a common complication of diabetes. The retina is tissue at the back of the eye that is filled with numerous, tiny blood vessels. When diabetes damages these delicate blood vessels, they burst or leak, leading to blind spots and blurred vision. Diabetic retinopathy can be treated with laser therapy and surgery, but often vision cannot be restored.

Macular degeneration is common in older adults. The macula is the central part of the retina and is responsible for crisp center vision. Over time, the cells in the macula begin to die, making central vision blurry. An early symptom of macular degeneration is that straight lines appear wavy.

Cataracts happen when the clear lens in the front of the eye becomes cloudy, making things look blurry or faded. They are extremely common in older people. By age 80, more than half of all Americans will have had a cataract. In early stages, prescription glasses and magnifying lenses can help. As the cataracts get worse, surgery to replace the lens may be the best option.

More than just one of the five senses, the eyes are heavily relied upon to communicate, work, and get around every day. It's important to have regular eye exams for vision stays in good shape for years to come.

Retinal Detachment Repair

The retina is the small, sensitive area at the back of the eyeball responsible for vision. It captures images and sends them to the brain, much like film in a camera. Due to thinning over time or a genetic predisposition, the retina can detach or pull away from the surrounding tissue. When this happens, blood flow to the retina can be cut off and permanent vision loss can occur. Surgery to reattach the retina, or retinal detachment repair, aligns the retina so it can heal in the correct position.

One procedure used to treat retinal detachment is called pneumatic retinopexy. In this procedure, a small bubble is injected into the eye to hold the retina in place and allow it to reattach. The patient lies face-down for several days after the procedure to help the retina heal. Other procedures make use of lasers or a cryoprobe, a tiny instrument that freezes tissue, to repair tears in the retina and stick it back into place. Sometimes a procedure called scleral buckling is used, where a tiny piece of silicone is attached to the eyeball. This creates an indent that relieves pressure on the retina and allows it to heal in the correct position.

Recovery from retinal detachment repair depends on the type of procedure used. Patients may go home right away, or have to stay in the hospital for a short time. In addition, patients may be instructed to use eye drops or wear an eye patch for a few days. In general, recovering from retinal repair takes one to two weeks. During this time, patients may experience soreness, swelling, or discharge from the eye. As vision stabilizes, patients should not drive a car or travel without checking with their doctor. Taking it easy for a short period of time can make all the difference when it comes to saving one's vision.

In The News (see more mentions in the news)

“The issue of thrombolysis for CRAO remains an open question, despite the negative results, said Gareth Lema, MD, PhD, of the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York City.”—"Thrombolysis No Better Than Aspirin for Central Retinal Artery Occlusion", MedPage Today, January 2026

“While there's no control group for comparison, "everyone has been impressed by the impact that this protocol has had on making the diagnosis more quickly, and getting patients to treatment faster,"...”—"When Clock's Ticking on Vision Loss, New Protocol Speeds Eye Stroke Diagnoses", MedPage Today, February 2024

“"His resilience is inspiring," said Gareth Lema, the retina surgeon at New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai.”—"Actor back to work after traumatic attack on subway train", New York Daily News, April 2021

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2012 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Gareth M.C. Lema, MD, PHD treated as a retina specialist in New York, NY during 2012 were eye procedures.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Gareth M.C. Lema, MD, PHD for Medicare patients.

eye procedures	385

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2013 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Gareth M.C. Lema, MD, PHD treated as a retina specialist in New York, NY during 2013 were eye procedures.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Gareth M.C. Lema, MD, PHD for Medicare patients.

doctor visit	13
eye procedures	362

2013 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Gareth M.C. Lema, MD, PHD.

**Gender**
Male	80
Female	97

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	103
Black	52
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	55
From 75 to 84	32
85 and over	20
Less than 65	70

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Gareth M.C. Lema, MD, PHD in 2013

Hypertension	75
High Cholesterol	54
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	36
Depression	27
Chronic Kidney Disease	28
Asthma	10
Osteoperosis	7
Atrial Fibrilation	11
Heart Failure	29
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	14
Diabetes	51
Dementia	7
Cancer	0

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2014 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Gareth M.C. Lema, MD, PHD treated as a retina specialist in New York, NY during 2014 were eye procedures and injections.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Gareth M.C. Lema, MD, PHD for Medicare patients.

doctor visit	184
eye procedures	925
injections	135

2014 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Gareth M.C. Lema, MD, PHD.

**Gender**
Male	128
Female	149

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	198
Black	50
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	92
From 75 to 84	68
85 and over	45
Less than 65	72

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Gareth M.C. Lema, MD, PHD in 2014

Hypertension	75
High Cholesterol	62
Stroke	8
Ischemic Heart Disease	42
Depression	24
Chronic Kidney Disease	35
Asthma	12
Osteoperosis	8
Atrial Fibrilation	13
Heart Failure	25
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	13
Diabetes	56
Dementia	9
Cancer	9

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2015 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Gareth M.C. Lema, MD, PHD treated as a retina specialist in New York, NY during 2015 were eye procedures and injections.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Gareth M.C. Lema, MD, PHD for Medicare patients.

eye procedures	1756
injections	269

2015 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Gareth M.C. Lema, MD, PHD.

**Gender**
Male	356
Female	368

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	536
Black	102
Hispanic	50
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	238
From 75 to 84	160
85 and over	120
Less than 65	206

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Gareth M.C. Lema, MD, PHD in 2015

Hypertension	75
High Cholesterol	64
Stroke	8
Ischemic Heart Disease	34
Depression	20
Chronic Kidney Disease	38
Asthma	14
Osteoperosis	7
Atrial Fibrilation	9
Heart Failure	19
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	14
Diabetes	51
Dementia	8
Cancer	8

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2016 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Gareth M.C. Lema, MD, PHD treated as a retina specialist in New York, NY during 2016 were eye procedures, injections, diagnostic imaging and ultrasound (sonogram).

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Gareth M.C. Lema, MD, PHD for Medicare patients.

diagnostic imaging	38
doctor visit	11
eye procedures	1997
injections	274
ultrasound (sonogram)	38

2016 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Gareth M.C. Lema, MD, PHD.

**Gender**
Male	186
Female	224

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	286
Black	76
Hispanic	28
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	136
From 75 to 84	85
85 and over	65
Less than 65	124

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Gareth M.C. Lema, MD, PHD in 2016

Hypertension	75
High Cholesterol	63
Stroke	5
Ischemic Heart Disease	34
Depression	21
Chronic Kidney Disease	43
Asthma	24
Osteoperosis	6
Atrial Fibrilation	11
Heart Failure	23
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	18
Diabetes	48
Dementia	11
Cancer	12

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2017 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Gareth M.C. Lema, MD, PHD treated as a retina specialist in New York, NY during 2017 were eye procedures, injections, diagnostic imaging and ultrasound (sonogram).

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Gareth M.C. Lema, MD, PHD for Medicare patients.

diagnostic imaging	22
eye procedures	2226
injections	437
ultrasound (sonogram)	22

2017 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Gareth M.C. Lema, MD, PHD.

**Gender**
Male	189
Female	236

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	298
Black	76
Hispanic	21
Asian	0
Other	17
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	148
From 75 to 84	93
85 and over	79
Less than 65	105

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Gareth M.C. Lema, MD, PHD in 2017

Hypertension	75
High Cholesterol	57
Stroke	5
Ischemic Heart Disease	34
Depression	21
Chronic Kidney Disease	48
Asthma	10
Osteoperosis	8
Atrial Fibrilation	14
Heart Failure	24
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	14
Diabetes	46
Dementia	11
Cancer	11

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2018 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Gareth M.C. Lema, MD, PHD treated as a retina specialist in New York, NY during 2018 were eye procedures, injections, aspiration and diagnostic imaging.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Gareth M.C. Lema, MD, PHD for Medicare patients.

aspiration	49
diagnostic imaging	17
doctor visit	57
eye procedures	2004
injections	458
ultrasound (sonogram)	17

2018 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Gareth M.C. Lema, MD, PHD.

**Gender**
Male	172
Female	214

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	266
Black	67
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	26
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	137
From 75 to 84	95
85 and over	76
Less than 65	78

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Gareth M.C. Lema, MD, PHD in 2018

Hypertension	75
High Cholesterol	67
Stroke	6
Ischemic Heart Disease	33
Depression	24
Chronic Kidney Disease	49
Asthma	11
Osteoperosis	9
Atrial Fibrilation	10
Heart Failure	23
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	16
Diabetes	46
Dementia	13
Cancer	12

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2019 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Gareth M.C. Lema, MD, PHD.

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	16
Black	0
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	13
From 75 to 84	0
85 and over	0
Less than 65	0

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Gareth M.C. Lema, MD, PHD in 2019

Hypertension	71
High Cholesterol	58
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	0
Depression	0
Chronic Kidney Disease	0
Asthma	0
Osteoperosis	0
Atrial Fibrilation	0
Heart Failure	0
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	0
Diabetes	45
Dementia	0
Cancer	0

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2020 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Gareth M.C. Lema, MD, PHD treated as a retina specialist in New York, NY during 2020 were eye procedures.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Gareth M.C. Lema, MD, PHD for Medicare patients.

doctor visit	78
eye procedures	70

2020 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Gareth M.C. Lema, MD, PHD.

**Gender**
Male	33
Female	43

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	24
Black	30
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	32
From 75 to 84	21
85 and over	0
Less than 65	0

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Gareth M.C. Lema, MD, PHD in 2020

Hypertension	68
High Cholesterol	57
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	39
Depression	18
Chronic Kidney Disease	49
Asthma	17
Osteoperosis	0
Atrial Fibrilation	0
Heart Failure	28
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	0
Diabetes	58
Dementia	0
Cancer	0

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2021 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Gareth M.C. Lema, MD, PHD treated as a retina specialist in New York, NY during 2021 were eye procedures and injections.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Gareth M.C. Lema, MD, PHD for Medicare patients.

doctor visit	130
eye procedures	248
injections	50

2021 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Gareth M.C. Lema, MD, PHD.

**Gender**
Male	66
Female	77

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	49
Black	0
Hispanic	44
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	59
From 75 to 84	35
85 and over	21
Less than 65	28

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Gareth M.C. Lema, MD, PHD in 2021

Hypertension	75
High Cholesterol	69
Stroke	12
Ischemic Heart Disease	48
Depression	27
Chronic Kidney Disease	55
Asthma	15
Osteoperosis	15
Atrial Fibrilation	11
Heart Failure	31
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	17
Diabetes	63
Dementia	18
Cancer	11

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2022 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Gareth M.C. Lema, MD, PHD treated as a retina specialist in New York, NY during 2022 were eye procedures, injections, diagnostic imaging and ultrasound (sonogram).

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Gareth M.C. Lema, MD, PHD for Medicare patients.

diagnostic imaging	18
doctor visit	126
eye procedures	327
injections	71
ultrasound (sonogram)	18

2022 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Gareth M.C. Lema, MD, PHD.

**Gender**
Male	67
Female	79

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	50
Black	49
Hispanic	33
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	56
From 75 to 84	31
85 and over	21
Less than 65	38

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Gareth M.C. Lema, MD, PHD in 2022

Hypertension	75
High Cholesterol	75
Stroke	14
Ischemic Heart Disease	34
Depression	21
Chronic Kidney Disease	35
Asthma	18
Osteoperosis	18
Atrial Fibrilation	14
Heart Failure	23
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	16
Diabetes	63
Dementia	9
Cancer	14

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2023 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Gareth M.C. Lema, MD, PHD treated as a retina specialist in New York, NY during 2023 were eye procedures and injections.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Gareth M.C. Lema, MD, PHD for Medicare patients.

doctor visit	140
eye procedures	337
injections	89

2023 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Gareth M.C. Lema, MD, PHD.

**Gender**
Male	65
Female	82

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	68
Black	38
Hispanic	30
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	57
From 75 to 84	40
85 and over	20
Less than 65	30

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Gareth M.C. Lema, MD, PHD in 2023

Hypertension	75
High Cholesterol	75
Stroke	15
Ischemic Heart Disease	37
Depression	23
Chronic Kidney Disease	37
Asthma	12
Osteoperosis	20
Atrial Fibrilation	21
Heart Failure	25
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	10
Diabetes	54
Dementia	7
Cancer	16

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

Average Medicare Procedure Volume From 2012 - 2023

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Gareth M.C. Lema, MD, PHD for Medicare patients.

The highest averages for the top procedures that Dr. Gareth M.C. Lema, MD, PHD treated as a retina specialist in New York, NY were eye procedures, injections, aspiration and diagnostic imaging.

aspiration	49
diagnostic imaging	23
doctor visit	92
eye procedures	967
injections	222
ultrasound (sonogram)	23

Average Medicare Patient Data From 2012 - 2023

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Gareth M.C. Lema, MD, PHD.

**Gender**
Female	130
Male	111

**Ethnicity**
Black / African American	45
Asian / Pacific Islander	0
Non-Hispanic White	157
Native American / Alaskan Native	0
Hispanic	17
Other	3

**Age**
85 and over	38
75 to 84	55
Less than 65	62
65 to 74	85

Average of Total of Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Gareth M.C. Lema, MD, PHD From 2012 - 2023

The highest averages of the most common conditions of Medicare patients that Dr. Gareth M.C. Lema, MD, PHD treated were hypertension, high cholesterol, diabetes and chronic kidney disease.

Hypertension	67
High Cholesterol	58
Stroke	6
Ischemic Heart Disease	30
Depression	18
Chronic Kidney Disease	34
Asthma	11
Osteoporosis	8
Heart Failure	20
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	11
Diabetes	48
Atrial Fibrillation	9
Dementia	7
Cancer	7

Education & Training

Dr. Gareth M.C. Lema, MD, PHD graduated from SUNY, University at Buffalo School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences. He completed residency at SUNY, University at Buffalo Affiliated Hospitals. He is certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology and has a state license in New York.

Medical School: SUNY, University at Buffalo School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences

Residency: SUNY, University at Buffalo Affiliated Hospitals

Board Certification: American Board of Ophthalmology

Licensed In: New York

Affiliations & Hospitals

Dr. Gareth M.C. Lema, MD, PHD is associated with these hospitals and organizations:

Mount Sinai Health System

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

Department of Ophthalmology, Mount Sinai Health System

Quality, Safety, and Experience

New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai

Attending Surgeon

John J Peters VA Medical Center

Insurance Information

Please note: Insurance information may change at any time, and the provider may accept your insurance plan even if it is not listed below. Please contact the provider's office to confirm that your insurance is accepted.

Dr. Gareth M.C. Lema, MD, PHD appears to accept the following insurance providers: Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield, MagnaCare, Elderplan, EmblemHealth, WellCare, Oscar, Fidelis Care, Healthfirst Medicaid, United Healthcare, Medicaid, Cigna, 1199SEIU, Healthfirst Medicare, MetroPlus Health, Private Healthcare Systems (PHCS), Group Health Incorporated (GHI), Centivo, Medicare - NY, AETNA - Medicare, Oxford - Freedom and Liberty, Medicare - NJ, AETNA - Commercial and VNSNY Choice Medicare.

Insurance Accepted by Provider includes:

According to our sources, Dr. Gareth M.C. Lema, MD, PHD accepts the following insurance providers:

Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield

MagnaCare

Elderplan

EmblemHealth

WellCare

Oscar

Fidelis Care

Healthfirst Medicaid

United Healthcare

Medicaid

Cigna

1199SEIU

Healthfirst Medicare

MetroPlus Health

Private Healthcare Systems (PHCS)

Group Health Incorporated (GHI)

Centivo

Medicare - NY

AETNA - Medicare

Oxford - Freedom and Liberty

Medicare - NJ

AETNA - Commercial

VNSNY Choice Medicare

Ratings & Reviews

Dr. Gareth M.C. Lema, MD, PHD has an exceptional overall rating with an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars based on 138 ratings. We collect ratings and reviews of Dr. Gareth M.C. Lema, MD, PHD from all over the web to help you find the right in New York, NY.

4.8

Overall Rating

(138 Ratings)

Leave a Review

General Payments

These charts describe general payments received by Dr. Gareth M.C. Lema, MD, PHD. Doctors may receive payments for a number of reasons, including meal compensation, travel compensation, and consulting.

**Payments by Company**
Alimera Sciences, Inc.	$6,604 ILUVIEN $6,604
Synergetics USA, Inc	$2,673 Forceps $2,673
LENSAR, Inc.	$1,244 LENSAR LASER SYSTEM $1,244
Alcon Laboratories Inc	$546 Centurion $175	Constellation $110	RefractiveEquipment $108	Cataract Equipment $102	EXPRESS $31	Other $21
Allergan Inc.	$495 OZURDEX $352	COMBIGAN $125	$19
Other	$3,163 EVA Ophthalmic Surgical System $274	YUTIQ $250	Rhopressa $248	Hydrus Microstent $211	STELLARIS $152	Other $2,028

**Types of Payments**
Honoraria	$6,100
Food and Beverage	$5,888
Gift	$2,692
Education	$45

Biography

Dr. Gareth Lema works as a vitreoretinal diseases (retina and vitreous). The average patient rating for Dr. Lema is 5.0 stars (out of 5). Clinical interests for Dr. Lema include retinal detachment repair, corneal abrasion, and age-related macular degeneration (AMD). He is in-network for several insurance carriers, including Medicaid Managed Care, Blue California, and Fidelis Care. He attended medical school at SUNY, University at Buffalo School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences. For his residency, Dr. Lema trained at a hospital affiliated with SUNY, University at Buffalo. Dr. Lema is affiliated with Mount Sinai Beth Israel, Mount Sinai West, and Mount Sinai Brooklyn. He has an open panel in New York, NY according to Mount Sinai Health System.