Andrew Symons

Andrew B. Symons
MD, MS

Andrew B. Symons MD, MS

UBMD Primary Care

Specialties

Cancer Screening; Family Medicine; Health Services Research; Health Services Research; Medical Education Research; Primary Care; Program Evaluation; Workforce Development

Not accepting new patients
 

Professional Summary:

I am a family physician at UBMD Family Medicine where I provide comprehensive care for children and adults. Health maintenance is a cornerstone of my practice, i.e., assuring that patients receive preventive services such as immunizations, Pap smears, mammograms and colonoscopy screening for colorectal cancer. I manage chronic conditions such as diabetes, asthma, high blood pressure, emphysema, depression and addiction, and I treat acute conditions such as musculoskeletal pain, respiratory infections and skin conditions. I perform office procedures, including skin biopsies and therapeutic joint injections. I also provide prenatal care and deliver babies. At Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital, together with a team of resident physicians, I care for adult patients who require hospitalization. I maintain excellent relationships with subspecialists and can coordinate consultation with them when my patients need specialized care.

My research is focused on medical education, particularly as it relates to determinants of student choice to pursue careers in primary care.

I serve as the vice chair for medical student education in the Department of Family Medicine and have a special interest in teaching students about the central role of family medicine in providing high quality, cost-effective health care. I direct the first-year clinical skills course in the medical school and routinely lecture in that course on the fundamentals of performing a patient interview and physical exam.

I am also the family medicine clerkship director. As such, I lead small group discussions on preventive screening, the patient-centered medical home and continuity of care in the primary care setting. I developed an innovative program using standardized patients to simulate a six-month continuity relationship with students rotating through the family medicine clerkship. During simulated visits, students address their patients’ chronic medical concerns (e.g., diabetes, hypertension), acute concerns (e.g., knee injury, chest pain) and lifestyle issues (e.g., smoking cessation, diet, exercise). The simulation allows students to experience the challenges and rewards of developing a continuity relationship with patients. I also developed and implemented a curriculum to teach students to care for patients with disabilities. In addition, medical students participating in their family medicine clerkship and clinical skills course accompany me as I see patients, in order to deepen their understanding of patient care.

I also supervise residents at Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital. Teaching students and residents keeps me sharp: it informs my practice of medicine, while my practice of medicine assures that I remain relevant as a teacher.

Specialties:

Cancer Screening, Family Medicine, Health Services Research, Health Services Research, Medical Education Research, Primary Care, Program Evaluation, Workforce Development

Patients Treated:

Children, Adolescents, Adults, Seniors/Elderly

Additional Languages:

Fluent Hebrew

Physician Gender:

Male


Appointments:

UBMD Primary Care at Sheridan
2465 Sheridan Drive
Tonawanda, New York 14150
Office Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00 am-5:00 pm
Phone: (716) 835-9800
Fax: (716) 835-9876
Not accepting new patients

Insurance Accepted:
  • Aetna U.S. Healthcare
  • Blue Cross & Blue Shield of WNY Inc
  • Community Blue (HMO)
  • Empire
  • Fidelis
  • GHI
  • Independent Health Association (HMO)
  • Independent Health Medisource
  • Magnacare
  • Martin's Point Healthcare
  • Medicaid
  • Medicare
  • Molina Healthcare
  • NYS Medicaid
  • Nofault
  • Nova
  • Railroad Medicare
  • Tricare
  • United Healthcare
  • Univera Health Care (HMO)
  • WellCare


Board Certifications:

  • Board Certification, American Board of Family Medicine
  • Certification, New York State Department of Education teaching license, Biology k-12

Education and Training:

  • Residency, Family Medicine, University at Buffalo (2005)
  • MD, Medicine, University at Buffalo, Cum Laude (2002)
  • MA, Biology, City University of New York (1998)
  • MS, Environmental Studies, Long Island University, C.W. Post Campus (1994)
  • BA, Political Science, Hebrew University of Jerusalem (1987)

Awards and Honors:

  • Top Doctors in Western New York (2024)
  • Top Doctors in Western New York (2023)
  • Health Care 50 (2019)
  • Fellow (2019)
  • Gold Humanism Honor Society (2018)
  • Family Doctor of the Year (2013)
  • Salute to Authors (2012)
  • Health Care 50 (2009)
  • Chairman's Award for Research (2005)
  • Thesis Honors (2002)
  • Alpha Omega Alpha (2002)
  • President's Award (2002)
  • Sigma Xi Honor Society (1994)

Research Profile:

This UBMD physician is also a member of the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at the University at Buffalo, teaching the next generation of doctors and researching to advance care in WNY and beyond. Learn more about this physician's research and teaching activities, as well as view credentials, publications, professional involvement and more below.


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