Deborah Cassidy, DO
Rehabilitation Medicine Specialist
My Role at MSKWe post reviews for MSK healthcare providers who have at least 30 patient experience surveys completed. If you do not see reviews for a provider, it may be because they do not yet have enough survey responses, or the provider may not be part of the group of healthcare providers included in the survey.
Only outpatient providers are included in the survey. Healthcare providers who only work in the hospital or in urgent care are not included in the survey. Pathologists or researchers who do not provide direct care to patients do not have reviews.
Areas of Expertise
My Specialties
- Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
- Pediatric Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
About Me
- Assistant Attending Physiatrist
I am a pediatric rehabilitation medicine physician (physiatrist) who specializes in neuromusculoskeletal medicine. I help children, adolescents, and young adults with cancer regain physical function and quality of life.
Pediatric cancers and treatments may impact the brain, spinal cord, bones, muscles, and nerves. This can cause problems with:
- Mobility
- Fine motor skills
- Cognition
- Communication
- Feeding
- Strength
- Endurance
- Balance
I focus on optimizing my patients’ overall functional capacity and well-being. This includes their gross motor skills (such as rolling, sitting, crawling, walking, climbing stairs, running), fine motor skills (such as grasping toys, stacking blocks, scribbling, writing, buttoning, zippering), cognitive abilities, communication, and social development.
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When patients and caregivers first meet with me, they are often concerned about their movement and mobility, as well as daily activities such as feeding, bathing, dressing, and toileting. The most common questions I receive focus on regaining strength, endurance, and age-appropriate functions.
My goal is to address their concerns and help them understand their treatment options and care plan. At the end of the visit, I want them to feel that I have listened to them attentively, that I respect them, and that I truly empathize with them during this challenging time.
At the core of my treatment philosophy is the notion that movement is medicine. I work closely with a team of experienced specialists at Memorial Sloan Kettering, including physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, feeding therapists, and neuropsychologists. Together, we develop a safe rehabilitation program, individualized to each patient’s unique set of needs and circumstances.
Outside of work, I appreciate spending time with my family and friends. I enjoy being active in many ways: walking, running, biking, yoga, Pilates, strength training, hiking, and skiing. My other hobbies include listening to podcasts, cooking, reading, and watching movies. I also enjoy playing guitar and listening to all types of music.
A rehabilitation medicine specialist is a doctor with special training in physical medicine and rehabilitation. Rehabilitation medicine specialists are sometimes called physiatrists (fih-ZIH-ah-trists).
My Specialties
- Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
- Pediatric Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Education
- DO, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine
Residencies
- Rehabilitation Medicine, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital
Awards and Honors
- Resident Award for Exemplary Medical Student Teaching, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital (2021)
- Sidney Kimmel Medical College Gold Humanism Society Inductee, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital (2019)
Fellowships
- Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine, NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/ Columbia University Medical Center
Board Certifications
- Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
Insurance Information
Understanding your insurance options is an important part of managing your cancer care. We have relationships with many common healthcare providers and plans.
In Network Coverage Type
HMO, PPO
In Network Coverage Type
HMO, EPO PPO, POS
In Network Coverage Type
PPO, POS, HMO
MSK has a tentative agreement with Cigna to continue coverage in 2024.
In Network Coverage Type
PPO, POS, EPO, HMO
Offers a qualified health plan from the Health Insurance Marketplace. Call Emblem to learn more.
In Network Coverage Type
PPO
In Network Coverage Type
HMO, EPO
Offers a qualified health plan from the Health Insurance Marketplace. Call Fidelis to learn more.
In Network Coverage Type
EPO, HMO, PPO, POS
Offers a qualified health plan from the Health Insurance Marketplace. Call Healthfirst to learn more.
In Network Coverage Type
EPO
In Network Coverage Type
EPO
In Network Coverage Type
Federal Government
In Network Coverage Type
PPO, POS, EPO, HMO
In Network Coverage Type
State Government
Don't see your carrier or plan? We can help you understand your coverage.
If you don't have health insurance or are worried that your care may not be fully covered, our financial assistance programs may be able to help.
If you have questions about insurance, call us at 646-497-9176.
Contact and Location
Dr. Cassidy sees patients at one location.
Looking to see a doctor at a different location? See all MSK locations.
Colleagues
Doctors at Memorial Sloan Kettering work as teams, with specialists from all different areas. This allows us to consider all your needs together, and to give you the best possible care.
Clinical Trials
Memorial Sloan Kettering's doctors and scientists are constantly developing new treatments for cancer. MSK is typically running hundreds of clinical trials at a given time.
You may be able to participate in a clinical trial even if you are new to MSK. Search our online directory to find trial information and see more about who can participate.
Search clinical trialsResearch and Publications
Visit PubMed for a full listing of Dr. Cassidy’s journal articles. Pubmed is an online index of research papers and other articles from the US National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health.
See all on PubMedPatient Reviews
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