Community Care Physicians is proud to announce that eight of our providers have been named Castle Connolly Top Doctors for 2026!
This recognition celebrates physicians for their expertise and dedication to the patients and communities they serve. Join us in congratulating this year’s honorees!
Dr. Craig Maier — Delmar Internal Medicine
I am honored to receive this recognition and thankful for the patients and colleagues who make this work so rewarding.
Dr. Craig Maier is a board-certified physician who earned his medical degree from the State University of New York Upstate Medical University. He completed his residency through the Albany Medical Center’s Family Medicine Residency program. Dr. Maier sees adult patients at Delmar Internal Medicine, 250 Delaware Avenue, Delmar, where he emphasizes sound science and evidence-based medicine.
Dr. Lisa Thorn — CapitalCare Family Practice Averill Park
Dr. Lisa Thorn has served patients in Rensselaer County for over 28 years as a board-certified family physician. She knew from age five that she wanted to pursue a career in medicine, inspired by her family’s primary care physician. She enjoys getting to know patients and their extended families and providing comfort during difficult times. She has a particular interest in end-of-life care and also serves as Medical Director at Eddy Village Green at Beverwyck. At CapitalCare Family Practice Averill Park, she offers routine preventive care, sick visits, wellness exams, and more for patients of all ages.
Dr. Daniil Niyazov — Delmar Internal Medicine
Dr. Daniil Niyazov is a board-certified physician in internal medicine. He earned his medical degree from the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences. He completed his internal medicine residency at Albany Medical Center. Dr. Niyazov volunteered as a student at the Lighthouse Free Medical Clinic, giving back as much as possible to the community around him. He currently practices at Delmar Internal Medicine, 250 Delaware Avenue, Delmar, where he treats adult patients.
Dr. Rommel Tolentino — Schodack Internal Medicine and Pediatrics
It is a humbling honor to be recognized once again as a Hudson Valley Top Doc for 2026. I am deeply grateful for this recognition, but also for the dedication, compassion, and excellence of the colleagues and staff I am privileged to work alongside every day. This is as much for them as it is for me.
Dr. Rommel Tolentino is board-certified in pediatrics and internal medicine and is fluent in Tagalog. He enjoys caring for multiple generations of the same family and building strong partnerships with patients and their families. As he explains, “Each patient has a different story to tell, so the job is definitely never boring. Keeping people well and shepherding patients through illness is a rewarding experience.” He is particularly passionate about preventive care and helping patients stay healthy before illness or chronic conditions develop. Dr. Tolentino treats patients of all ages at Schodack Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, 35 Empire State Boulevard, Castleton-on-Hudson.
Dr. Lev Barats — The Office of Dr. Lev Barats
It’s wonderful to be recognized by my colleagues, but the greatest reward is the relationships I’ve built with my patients over the years. I’m grateful for the trust they place in me and for the amazing team I get to work with every day. I feel very fortunate to do what I love.
After completing medical school at the University of Tennessee and his internal medicine residency, Dr. Lev Barats joined the U.S. Air Force as a primary care physician. He provided care to active-duty and dependent populations. His medical duties included directorship at a regional medical center of the 20th USAF Medical Group. Dr. Barats currently practices at The Office of Dr. Lev Barats, 14 Vista Boulevard, Slingerlands, where he is passionate about preventive care and promoting a healthy lifestyle for his adult patients.
Dr. Danielle Rooney — Community Care Obstetrics and Gynecology
Dr. Danielle Rooney is board-certified in obstetrics and gynecology by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology. She chose the specialty because she values continuity of care, the relationships built with patients, and the opportunity to be part of important moments in their lives. She appreciates the variety of her field, which includes preventive health, procedures, and minimally invasive surgery, as well as the privilege of caring for women through every stage of life. Dr. Rooney sees patients at Community Care Obstetrics and Gynecology, 6 Wellness Way, Suite 108, Latham, providing a full spectrum of OB/GYN care.
Dr. Anthony Malone — CapitalCare Pediatrics Troy and CapitalCare Developmental Pediatrics
I am honored to serve the children and youth of our region and their wonderful families. The rewards of this work are something I experience every day.
Dr. Anthony Malone is board certified in pediatrics and developmental-behavioral pediatrics. He decided to pursue a career in pediatrics with special needs as a college freshman while working as a camp counselor for children with physical disabilities. His areas of particular interest include autism, adoption, children with special needs, and down syndrome. What he loves most about his job is explaining and teaching children, families, and professionals. Dr. Malone is also a Clinical Associate Professor in pediatrics at Albany Medical College. He treats pediatric patients at CapitalCare Developmental Pediatrics (6 Wellness Way, Suite 101, Latham), where he is a co-founder, and CapitalCare Pediatrics Troy (258 Hoosick Street, Suite 100, Troy).
Dr. Ronald Gomez — Community Care Regional Podiatry and Surgery
It is truly an honor to serve my local community, and most importantly, I am grateful to my patients for their trust and entrusting me with their medical care.
Dr. Ronald Gomez is a board-certified podiatric physician and surgeon who is fluent in Spanish. He provides comprehensive foot and ankle care for patients of all ages, from newborns to older adults, including children with specialized podiatric needs. Dr. Gomez believes strong patient relationships are essential to successful care. He takes time to get to know each patient and works collaboratively to develop personalized treatment plans, offering multiple options to help improve health and quality of life. Dr. Gomez treats patients of all ages at Community Care Regional Podiatry and Surgery in Troy (101 Jordan Road, Suite 200) and Niskayuna (2546 Balltown Road, Suite 200).
We congratulate each of these providers on this well-deserved recognition and thank them for their continued commitment to providing high-quality healthcare to our community.