Dr. Martin D. Fried is one of only 300 individuals who combine conventional practice of medicine with a specialization in nutrition, diet and weight management for all ages. As a Physician Nutrition Specialist, Dr. Fried brings a unique point of view to his patients because his training and his approach is more comprehensive than traditional physicians and Nutritionists. We also accept most major health insurance plans.
Written by medmonthly on July 2, 2012
By Leigh Ann Simpson
Martin Fried, MD, is a gentle spirit who posses many talents both as an artist and as a physician. He has an impressive career as a pediatric gastroenterologist and board certified physician nutrition specialist for all ages and has also been creating abstract art since 2005. And, according to his patients, his heart has as much depth and breadth as his intellect. Fried has made groundbreaking scientific discoveries in gastrointestinal infectious disease and is an advocate for children and the advancement of his specialties. He founded and served as the director of the Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition at Jersey Shore Medical Center where he improved the lives of thousands of children. “When I first started at Jersey Shore Medical Center in November of 1992, and for the enduring 13 years, I was involved in caring for patients with Lyme disease and gastrointestinal symptoms,” Fried says." I became the first physician to confirm (with published research) that Lyme occurs in the Gastrointestinal tract.” Fried investigated this new area of knowledge and published five papers related to tick borne diseases including Lyme, Bartonella and Mycoplasma infections.
Fried has a rare sense of compassion and an extraordinary ability to connect with all patients of all ages on a personal level to correctly diagnose even the most complex illnesses by being a good listener. Fried’s empathetic ear has allowed him to diagnose his patients’ complaints from the symptoms they describe with minimally invasive procedures.
In the fast-passed world of medicine today many patients are confused and often scared of their diagnosis, or lack of one. Fried understands the importance of relating personally to help them. Hundreds of patients have provided personal testimony that Fried’s genuine presence and understanding played a large part in the success of their treatment.
Fried credits much of his ability to truly connect with people to his long time mentor, Marcella Vitulli. Vitulli was the principal of an elementary school in Yonkers, New York where Fried volunteered long before he went into medical school. “From the moment I met her, I admired her ability to communicate,” Fried recalls. “In my third year of medical school, I decided to become a pediatrician because of her role model. I felt helping children who have the rest of their life to benefit from my positive intervention was the best gift I could give to medicine.”
Throughout his career, Fried has also published research papers on nutrition in Cystic Fibrosis, feeding handicapped children and the energy requirements of handicapped children. He continues to go above and beyond for the sake of pediatric health as an avid voice in the fight against childhood obesity. He frequently gives presentations at the local YMCA and other community events on the importance of healthy eating habits. “My devotion and dedication to my patients comes from an honest and sincere caring for them and their improved health,” Fried says. “I would do whatever it takes to see that they have healthier days.”
Fried’s art is just another facet of his tremendous contribution to society. “My art is abstract and meant to be interpreted by the person looking at it in a favorable light. It is meant to enhance their life,” he says. “I believe there is a piece of artwork out there for everyone, it is up to the individual person.” Recently Fried has started to experiment with mixed media combining oil pastels, chalk pastels, and acrylic paintings in his creations. Many of Fried’s paintings can be found on display at his private practice in Ocean, New Jersey.