Practice Location

169 N MIDDLETOWN RD
PEARL RIVER, NY 10965-2029

Phone: (845) 735-5666

What does ANDREW SPINAK research?

Dr. Spinak studies a variety of topics in medicine, especially related to eye health and the effects of smoking on lung function in former intravenous drug users. He examines treatments for corneal issues, using techniques like phototherapeutic keratectomy to improve patients' vision and comfort. His work also highlights the challenges faced by formerly addicted individuals concerning lung health, particularly the impact of smoking on their respiratory system and overall well-being.

Key findings

  • After phototherapeutic keratectomy, 10 out of 12 eyes showed improved vision with no decline in vision quality, indicating the effectiveness of this treatment for corneal issues.
  • In a study of former intravenous drug abusers who were regular smokers, average lung capacity measured 105% of normal for men and 97% for women, suggesting that former users can have normal lung function despite smoking.
  • The historical analysis of electricity access in North America revealed significant debates about equity in electrification, influencing both urban and rural access to electricity.

Frequently asked questions

Does Dr. Spinak study eye conditions?
Yes, Dr. Spinak focuses on eye health, specifically treatments for corneal disorders.
What treatments has Dr. Spinak researched?
He has researched phototherapeutic keratectomy, a procedure that improves vision and relieves discomfort in patients with corneal issues.
Is Dr. Spinak's work relevant to former drug users?
Yes, his research importantly examines the lung function of former intravenous drug users, particularly how smoking affects their health.
What impact does smoking have on lung function in former drug users?
Dr. Spinak's study found that the lung function of most participants was normal, highlighting the need for targeted healthcare for this population.
What social issues does Dr. Spinak address in his research?
He addresses the historical context of electricity access, highlighting important equity issues in public health and infrastructure.

Publications in plain English

by Hashim Sarkis et al. (review).

2021

Technology and culture

Spinak A

PubMed

"Not Quite So Freely as Air": Electrical Statecraft in North America.

2020

Technology and culture

Spinak A

Plain English
This paper examines how electricity was viewed in North America during the early 1900s—whether it was a basic right for everyone or just a luxury for a few. The study found that debates among policymakers were intense, particularly about how to provide electricity to both urban and rural areas. For example, these discussions highlighted differences in electrification programs between Ontario, Canada, and rural regions of the United States, influencing how government and private sectors approached electricity access. Who this helps: This benefits communities seeking better access to electricity, especially in rural areas.

PubMed

Phototherapeutic keratectomy: strategies and results in 12 eyes.

1993

Refractive & corneal surgery

Hersh PS, Spinak A, Garrana R, Mayers M

Plain English
This study examined a procedure called phototherapeutic keratectomy (PTK) performed on 12 eyes of 11 patients with various corneal issues, such as scarring and discomfort. After the treatment, 10 out of the 12 eyes showed improvement in vision, with no eyes experiencing a decline in vision quality. This is important because it demonstrates that PTK can effectively enhance visual quality and comfort for patients with specific corneal problems. Who this helps: This helps patients with corneal disorders seeking better vision and relief from discomfort.

PubMed

Lung function in former intravenous drug abusers: the effect of ubiquitous cigarette smoking.

1991

The American journal of medicine

Miller A, Taub H, Spinak A, Pilipski M, Brown LK

Plain English
This study looked at the lung function of former intravenous drug users (IVDAs) who were also regular smokers. Researchers found that when taking smoking into account, most participants had normal lung function levels: the average lung capacity was about 105% of what is considered normal for men and 97% for women. This is important because it helps understand how smoking affects their lungs and can guide healthcare providers in treating these at-risk patients, especially concerning HIV-related health issues. Who this helps: This helps former drug users, especially those undergoing treatment for addiction and managing health risks related to HIV.

PubMed

Frequent Co-Authors

P S Hersh R Garrana M Mayers A Miller H Taub M Pilipski L K Brown

Physician data sourced from the NPPES NPI Registry . Publication data from PubMed . Plain-English summaries generated by AI. Not medical advice.