The Geriatric Care team at Valley provides specialized care to meet each patient’s individual needs. Learn more about the team below:
Bennett Leifer, MD
Medical Director, Geriatric Services, Valley Medical Group
Dr. Leifer is the Medical Director of Geriatric Services for Valley Medical Group. With over 30 years of experience, he is board-certified and oversees the department of geriatrics, outpatient care of geriatric patients, and transitions of care to help coordinate the transition into the post-acute rehabilitation setting. Dr. Leifer specializes in geriatric assessments, including cognitive disorders, Alzheimer’s disease, and related dementias; behavioral problems associated with dementia, neurodegenerative disorders, polypharmacy, and management of frail medical patients in the community setting while maintaining the highest level of function.
Dr. Leifer’s goal is to maximize the functional status of seniors in the community to help them remain in the community setting and remain as independent as possible. He also focuses on the smallest number of medicines at the lowest and safest doses to avoid medication interactions and iatrogenic illness, where a patient can become sicker from medications.
Dr. Leifer is also a core faculty member for the Internal Medicine Residency Program at Valley Health System, in partnership with the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, where he supervises the geriatric rotation for the residents. He also serves as the Medical Director of the Family of Caring Skilled Nursing Facility in Ridgewood.
Maria Cantu-Cooper, MD
Dr. Cantu-Cooper is a triple board-certified physician in internal medicine, geriatric medicine, and hospice and palliative medicine, with a career dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for older adults with serious illness. She specializes in the complex medical management of older adults, as well as conditions that can occur with age like incontinence, medication side effects, and memory changes. She has special interest in falls and fall reduction. Dr. Cantu-Cooper believes medicine needs to be personalized based on the patient’s goals in life. Using a compassionate, patient-centered approach, she engages the patient and their support system to provide quality medical care to maintain quality of life. Dr. Cantu-Cooper is bilingual in Spanish.
Kinga Kiszko, DO
Dr. Kiszko is board certified in family medicine, osteopathic manipulative treatment, geriatric medicine, and hospice and palliative medicine. Her role is to oversee the primary care of adult patients over the age of 65, as well as consultative care for patients with geriatric syndromes, including impaired cognition, functional and nutritional decline, frailty, urinary and bowel problems, polypharmacy, goal concordant care planning, and more.
Dr. Kiszko is passionate about preserving longevity and a high quality of life at all ages and stages of living. Her approach to care is built on compassion, collaboration, and respect. She takes time to understand not only patients’ physical health but also their emotional and social well-being. Dr. Kiszko views each patient as a partner in their care and is committed to listening to concerns, answering questions, and involvement in decision-making.
Alicia Prowse, MD
Dr. Prowse is board certified in geriatrics and internal medicine and has been a part of Valley for over 10 years. She specializes in the care of the oldest and most frail patients and believes deeply in finding ways to keep them functioning, comfortable, and happy for as long as possible. Dr. Prowse completes in-depth geriatric assessments from the start of care and works closely with other physicians and agencies when necessary to help with transitions of care between the home, rehab centers, hospitals, and other facilities.
Dr. Prowse is a strong believer in the importance of physical, occupational, and speech therapy in helping patients maintain function. She helps to discern other needs a patient may have and always keeps a patient’s life experiences and functional status in mind as she plans their care. Dr. Prowse also helps families come to terms with the aging process and helps both patients and families differentiate between medical illness and the normal aging process.
Dr. Prowse currently treats patients at a Valley Medical Group location in Midland Park. She also attends to patients at the Family of Caring Skilled Nursing Facility in Ridgewood.
Jennifer Fuhr, MSW, LCSW
Jennifer has over 30 years of experience as a social worker in the healthcare setting. She meets with patients and their care partners to complete a psychosocial assessment, and then explores options that address not only medical needs, but also their social and emotional well-being by connecting them with community supports. She is dedicated to treating every older adult with dignity, respect, and compassion. As a geriatric social worker, her role is to support the whole person while recognizing their unique life story, values, and what matters most to them. Jennifer is committed to ensuring each patient receives equitable care, protection of their rights, and connection to the services that will enhance their quality of life. Supporting caregivers, facilitating communication, and helping families navigate complex decisions are essential aspects of her role.