Sussex residents have a new specialist in the county

Newton -Until recently, residents of Sussex County who needed to see an endocrinologist had to travel to Morristown, sometimes having to wait three months for an appointment. Now they have the option of staying close to home. This past September, Sussex County Medical Associates welcomed Dr. Navtika Desai to their practice. Desai is a board certified Endocrinologist, one of approximately 200 in the Nation and the first in Sussex County. Desai graduated from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of NJ’s School of Osteopathic Medicine. She grew up in Morris County, but was informed by a recruiter of the position with SCMA. “I was looking to move back into Northern Jersey.” Desai prefers the quiet of Sussex County to the hustle and bustle of urban or suburban New Jersey. “It’s been a good experience so far, a very easy transition from my fellowship to private practice.” She did her residency in Internal Medicine at St. Lukes Hospital in Bethlehem, Pa., and her fellowship in Endocrinology at New York Medical College’s Westchester Medical Center. She finished her fellowship in July 2006, having a nice couple of months off before starting her new position. “It was nice to have probably my last summer off.” The endocrine system is made up of the organs whose primary function is to secrete hormones- the thyroid, pituitary, and adrenal glands, ovaries, testes and pancreas are all included in this system. An endocrinologist specializes in disorders of the endocrine system. Desai’s specialty has her caring for patients with diabetes, thyroid disorders and cancer, osteoporosis, pituitary and adrenal disorders, and general hormonal imbalances. She started out with part time hours, becoming full time by November. “I’m busy enough, but I still have openings for new patients.” Desai works out of Newton Memorial Hospital, doing consultations there, working at the Adult Clinic, taking patients from SCARC and working with Chris Orr and the diabetes program. “I love what I do, I like the variety. I deal with women’s health issues, too, which I like,” she said. Sussex County Medical Associates is located at 123 Newton-Sparta Road in Newton. Call 973-579-6300.