Are you an entertainment professional in New York City in search of primary or specialty medical care? The Samuel J. Friedman Health Center for the Performing Arts in Times Square has services designed to meet your unique needs.

Conveniently located at the Entertainment Community Fund’s main offices in Times Square, the Friedman Health Center offers primary and specialty care and accepts most insurance plans, including commercial insurances, several Marketplace/Exchange plans, Medicare and Workers’ Compensation. Free and unbiased health insurance counseling and enrollment are available.

The Friedman Health Center for the Performing Arts is a program of the Entertainment Community Fund and Mount Sinai Doctors.

This July, the Entertainment Community Fund is thrilled to share that the Friedman Health Center is the recipient of the 2024 Tony Honors for Excellence in Theatre! Since opening its doors in 2017, The Friedman Health Center remains the only health center in New York City dedicated to the primary and specialty care needs of the performing arts and entertainment community.

Offering appointments in primary and specialty care, including gynecology, podiatry and sports medicine, the Entertainment Community Fund shines a spotlight on the doctors who provide compassionate care and dedication to keeping individuals in the community healthy and thriving.

Dr. Jason Kindt (Family Medicine, Medical Director)

Dr. Jason Kindt graduated from Ursinus College and Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine and is board-certified in Family Medicine. Dr. Kindt is a theater person at heart, so being the Medical Director of the Friedman Health Center for the Performing Arts and providing care to this community is his dream job. He is a loving and devoted family physician who is committed to helping his patients thrive in every aspect of their lives.

Dr. Leila Hagshenas (Family Medicine, HIV Medicine, Medical Director)

Dr. H is a Board-Certified Family Physician (ABFM) and HIV Specialist (AAHIVM). After graduating with a double major in French and Physiology from the University of Illinois, she earned a Master’s in Physiology as well as a Medical Doctorate from the Chicago Medical School. Her clinical interests include full-spectrum women’s health, HIV care, LGBTQ+ care and minor office-based procedures.

Dr. Joey C. Fernandez (Internal and Sports Medicine)

Joey C. Fernandez, MD, is a primary care physician board-certified in both internal medicine and sports medicine, with a particular focus in dance and performing arts medicine. Dr. Fernandez completed his medical degree at SUNY Downstate in Brooklyn. He is inspired by the theater community and aims to help its members meet the vast demands of their craft by optimizing their health.

Dr. Paula Brignoni-Blume (Gynecology)

Paula Brignoni-Blume, MD MPH is a board-certified gynecologist. She completed her residency at North Shore University Hospital in Manhasset, Long Island. Dr. Brignoni-Blume’s focus is in gynecology and women’s health with a special interest in abnormal pap smears, birth control, vaginal disorders and sexually transmitted diseases.

Dr. Louis C. Galli, DPM FACFAS (Podiatry)

Dr. Louis C. Galli received his undergraduate degree at St John’s University and pursued podiatric medical education at New York College of Podiatric Medicine. His certifications include the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgeons and he’s a fellow of the American Academy of Foot and Ankle Surgeons, the American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine and The American Society of Podiatric Surgeons. Dr. Galli has dedicated his career to treating active individuals, including Broadway performers and professional ballet dancers.

Dr. Charmaine Young, DO

Dr. Charmaine Young earned her Bachelor’s degree at Brooklyn College and her medical degree at the New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine. Her medical interests include adult health and wellness, mental health, preventative care, women’s health and management of chronic conditions, including diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and asthma.

The Friedman Health Center for the Performing Arts is located in New York City at 729 Seventh Avenue, 12th Floor, and open Monday-Thursday, 8 am-8 pm ET; Friday, 8 am-5 pm ET; and Saturday, 9 am-4 pm ET.

Whether seeking a routine check-up, specialty care, ongoing management of a chronic health condition or more, The Samuel J. Friedman Health Center is here to help manage your health needs every step of the way.

To learn more about the health center and its doctors, please visit entertainmentcommunity.org/healthcenter.

The Entertainment Community Fund (formerly The Actors Fund) is a national human services organization that helps address the specific needs of musicians and other entertainment professionals—with a unique understanding of the challenges involved with a life in the arts and the knowledge of what it takes to thrive in an often-unpredictable industry.