The comprehensive care you receive here is provided through the collaboration of our doctors and a team of health experts. Our team includes Nurses, Social Workers, Registered Dietitians, Sleep specialists, Fitness experts, Physician Assistants and Nurse Practitioners. Each member of the team brings specialized service to meet your unique needs.
Richard A. Carlson, JR., M.D.
President
Dr. Richard Carlson is Board Certified in Geriatrics and Internal Medicine, and is a diplomat from the National Board of Medical Examiners. A fellow of the American College of Physicians and a member of the American Geriatric Society, Dr. Carlson has been practicing medicine for more than 30 years. After receiving his M.D. from Creighton University School of Medicine in Nebraska, Dr. Carlson completed a residency and internship in the Phoenix V.A. Medical Residency Program. Immediately following, Dr. Carlson worked as a staff physician at the Phoenix Indian Medical Center, where he was awarded the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Indian Health Service Certificate for excellence in implementing programs to encourage wellness and prevent disease. He also received the Indian Health Service Certificate for outstanding contributions in quality assurance and providing medical care to the Native American elders. After Arizona, Dr. Carlson practiced in Malawi, East Africa before settling in Buffalo, where he has been serving the community for the last twenty-five years.
As co-founder of the Sheridan Medical Group, Dr. Carlson strives to exemplify healthy living and promote wellness to all his patients.
Read more: Richard A. Carlson, JR., M.D.
Rajiv Jain, M.D.
Medical Director
Dr. Rajiv Jain is Board Certified in Pediatrics, Internal Medicine, and Sports Medicine. After receiving his Bachelor of Science degree from Cornell University and his M.D. from State University of New York at Buffalo, Dr. Jain completed a residency in a combined program of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics at Duke University Medical Center, followed by a fellowship in Primary Care Sports Medicine, also at Duke University Medical Center. Dr. Jain has an interest in international health and has volunteered his time in Moshi, Tanzania and New Delhi, India. An avid Sabres and Bills fan, Dr. Jain returned to Buffalo, where he has been practicing medicine for the last eighteen years. Dr. Jain enjoys being active: skiing, playing tennis, and playing soccer in the community and with his family. He is involved as a team physician with the Buffalo Sabres, University of Buffalo, and Canisius College and is a medical consultant for several local high schools.
As co-founder of the Sheridan Medical Group, Dr. Jain is pleased to exemplify and promote the practice’s philosophy, “Get well, be well, stay well.”
Susan Szimonisz, MD
Dr. Susan Szimonisz began working with SMG in December 2020. Dr. Szimonisz has 18 years’ experience in Primary Care and has been working at an Ear, Nose, and Throat practice for the last several years. After receiving her undergraduate degree at the University of Rochester and her M.D. from State University of Buffalo School of Medicine, she completed a residency program of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield, MA. She has clinical interests in patient education, allergy and asthma, and chronic disease management.
Dr. Szimonisz enjoys spending time outdoors with her family, friends, and dogs. She loves to travel and explore other cultures. Her favorite season is winter, and she is always happy to see the snow falling! Everyone in Dr. Szimonisz’s family plays hockey. She also enjoys tennis and horseback riding, and any sport that involves snow.
Dr. Szimonisz’s philosophy is to try always to be fair, continue learning, and enjoy the amazing things that happen every day. She hopes that patients feel like partners in their health care and expect shared decision makin
Read more: Susan Szimonisz, MD
KariAnn Womer, PA-C
KariAnn Womer is a physician assistant who grew up in Lancaster, NY. She moved out of the Buffalo area in 2005 to attend college at Gannon University. Following graduation, KariAnn began her career as a hospitalist PA in Elmira, NY. She worked for the Internal Medicine & Geriatrics Department at the Guthrie Medical Group in Sayre, PA for five years. KariAnn and her husband relocated back to Buffalo in late 2016, and she has been working at SMG since 2017. She is excited to be back in her hometown amongst close friends and family. KariAnn enjoys traveling, spinning classes, cooking and attending concerts. She believes strongly in the importance of preventive care, and encourages patients to stay up to date with their health screening tests
Read more: KariAnn Womer, PA-C
Geri Lynn Berard, FNP
Geri Lynn Berard was born and raised in Buffalo. With an overwhelming passion to care for and aid others, she received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Niagara University. Following graduation, Geri Lynn honed her craft while she worked at Buffalo General Hospital and John R. Oishei Children’s Hospital. Geri Lynn went on to obtain her Master of Science from D’Youville. She is credentialed through both the AANP and ANCC. As an FNP, she has experience in family medicine, neurology, and physiatry. Geri Lynn enjoys attending concerts, road trips, and spending time with her family. She is a huge sports fan and loves all things Buffalo Bills and Sabres. Geri Lynn is excited and eager to be working at the Sheridan Medical Group where she can utilize her skillset while giving her patients love and care.
Read more: Geri Lynn Berard, FNP
Amanda Rusch, FNP-C
Amanda Rusch, FNP-C is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner credentialed through the ANCC and a member of the AANP. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Master of Science in Nursing from St. John Fisher University, and also holds a Master of Business with a concentration in Healthcare from Niagara University. Amanda brings over a decade of experience as a registered nurse, including roles in developmental disability care, subacute and acute medical rehab, and serving as a Director of Nursing. Her clinical philosophy centers on holistic, patient-centered care with a strong focus on lifestyle-based interventions and thoughtful medication management, particularly in older adults. Passionate about primary care, Amanda is committed to being a trusted partner in her patients’ health journeys. A lifelong Buffalo resident and proud Bills fan, she also enjoys traveling—especially to Europe—and is a twin.
Read more: Amanda Rusch, FNP-C
