Locations
Caromont Family Medicine-Belmont
Belmont, NC
About
Bio
I graduated from Gannon University in Erie, PA in 1984.I graduated from The University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine in 1989. Family Medicine residency at Fort Bragg, NC. Then stationed at Ft. Sill, OK for 4 years. I was deployed to Haiti from Jan to June 1995 for Operation Uphold Democracy with the 47th Field Hospital from Ft. Sill. I was in Alaska at the Indian Health Service in Ketchikan in 1992. I was also at the Pine Bluff Arsenal in Arkansas in July 1993. I have been with Caromont Family Medicine in Belmont, NC since July 1996. I am an Eagle Scout and have been active as a Boy Scout leader since 2003. I have served on the medical staff at the National Boy Scout Jamboree.
SpecialtiesDoctors may have more than one area of specialty interest. Board certification in a specialty area means the doctor has completed formal training and has practice experience in that specialty, and has passed the certification examination from the corresponding accredited medical specialty board.
Doctors may have more than one area of specialty interest. Board certification in a specialty area means the doctor has completed formal training and has practice experience in that specialty, and has passed the certification examination from the corresponding accredited medical specialty board.
Family Medicine
Doctor Q&A
171 Answers
6.4K Agrees
The number of answers this doctor has agreed with.
A 24-year-old female asked:
Dr. M. Jay Petruskaanswered
Family Medicine 34 years experience
Surgical Incision: You should consult your surgeon to discuss the options to relieve any surgical incision itching or irritation. Without knowing the location or type o... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 19-year-old female asked:
Dr. M. Jay Petruskaanswered
Family Medicine 34 years experience
Pregnancy: You have symptoms that may indicate pregnancy. You should do a pregnancy test.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A member asked:
Dr. M. Jay Petruskaanswered
Family Medicine 34 years experience
Unprotected Sex: Yes, unprotected intercourse often leads to pregnancy.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
1.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 26-year-old member asked:
Dr. M. Jay Petruskaanswered
Family Medicine 34 years experience
Wrist injury: Physical therapy and occupational therapy are useful following a wrist injury. A simple exercise is squeezing a rubber ball or a tennis ball. Your p... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 30-year-old member asked:
Dr. M. Jay Petruskaanswered
Family Medicine 34 years experience
Smoking: Yes, smoking increases your risk of emphysema, copd, lung cancer, heart disease and many other diseases. It is best to stop smoking immediately to mi... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 40-year-old member asked:
Dr. M. Jay Petruskaanswered
Family Medicine 34 years experience
Low Back Pain: This is most likely mechanical low back pain. The best treatment would be ice, anti-inflammatories, rest and possibly muscle relaxers.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 21-year-old member asked:
Dr. M. Jay Petruskaanswered
Family Medicine 34 years experience
Smoking and GERD: Yes, smoking is associated with gerd and/or worsening gerd symptoms. It is best to avoid any triggers for gerd, such as smoking, spicy or acidic food... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 21-year-old member asked:
Dr. M. Jay Petruskaanswered
Family Medicine 34 years experience
Diverticular Disease: Diverticular disease can be less frequent or severe by avoiding foods such as corn, popcorn, nuts and seeds. These items can get lodged in the pocket... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 34-year-old member asked:
Dr. M. Jay Petruskaanswered
Family Medicine 34 years experience
Diagnosing Diabetes: Diabetes presents in all different ways. You may have increased thirst, increased urination, weight loss, blurry vision or skin rashes that don't hea... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 35-year-old member asked:
Dr. M. Jay Petruskaanswered
Family Medicine 34 years experience
Water Rehabilitation: Water rehabilitation is a good form of therapy because it is generally non-weightbearing. The water provides good resistance without putting addition... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 37-year-old member asked:
Dr. M. Jay Petruskaanswered
Family Medicine 34 years experience
Vasectomy: When a vasectomy is performed, the vas deferens is cut, and then tied, clipped, folded and/or cauterized. The semen does not collect in your scrotum ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 29-year-old member asked:
Dr. M. Jay Petruskaanswered
Family Medicine 34 years experience
Depression: Seek help! talk to your primary care provider about your depression. Counselling and medications may be indicated for you. There are numerous treat... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 21-year-old member asked:
Dr. M. Jay Petruskaanswered
Family Medicine 34 years experience
Hypogonadism: Men can be diagnosed with hypogonadism by having low testosterone levels. Symptoms include tiredness, fatigue, lack of energy, low libido, lethargy a... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 41-year-old member asked:
Dr. M. Jay Petruskaanswered
Family Medicine 34 years experience
Energy: The best way to increase your energy is to practice healthy living habits. Eat a well-balanced diet, get plenty of exercise, and avoid smoking and ex... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 44-year-old member asked:
Dr. M. Jay Petruskaanswered
Family Medicine 34 years experience
Loneliness: You may know and be around a lot of people, but they are not giving you the feeling of belonging or part of the group. Sometimes it is best to have a... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 19-year-old female asked:
Dr. M. Jay Petruskaanswered
Family Medicine 34 years experience
Skin tags: Skin tags are often the result of skin rubbing on other portions of skin. They can occur any place on the body where skin rubs against skin.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 39-year-old member asked:
Dr. M. Jay Petruskaanswered
Family Medicine 34 years experience
Fans: People like to feel connected to the team they support. They are happy when they win and sad when they lose. That's what it means to be a fan.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 49-year-old member asked:
Dr. M. Jay Petruskaanswered
Family Medicine 34 years experience
Surgery: You should follow the advice of your surgeon for the best post-op results.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 31-year-old member asked:
Dr. M. Jay Petruskaanswered
Family Medicine 34 years experience
Hydration: You need to make sure you are drinking enough water to keep yourself well-hydrated. If you still have dark urine, you are probably not drinking enoug... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 44-year-old male asked:
Dr. M. Jay Petruskaanswered
Family Medicine 34 years experience
Dandruff: You should see your primary care physician for further evaluation and treatment and perhaps a referral to a dermatologist.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 45-year-old member asked:
Dr. M. Jay Petruskaanswered
Family Medicine 34 years experience
Smoking: You begin to cause damage to your lungs with the first puff you take. It is best not to start at all, but if you do smoke - quit now!
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 35-year-old member asked:
Dr. M. Jay Petruskaanswered
Family Medicine 34 years experience
Rash On Feet: You may have eczema or tinea pedis(athletes foot). You should see your primary care physician for further evaluation and treatment.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 19-year-old male asked:
Dr. M. Jay Petruskaanswered
Family Medicine 34 years experience
Stomach Noise: It is most likely related to your diet. Make sure you are eating a well-balanced diet. Avoid foods that tend to upset your stomach or cause nausea, ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A member asked:
Dr. M. Jay Petruskaanswered
Family Medicine 34 years experience
Singing Voice: A good voice instructor should be able to teach you the proper singing and breathing techniques to improve your singing ability.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 29-year-old member asked:
Dr. M. Jay Petruskaanswered
Family Medicine 34 years experience
Eye dominance: Put your overlapping, arms fully extended, palms-out hands out in front of you. Make a diamond shaped opening with your thumbs and dorsum of hands. L... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 30-year-old member asked:
Dr. M. Jay Petruskaanswered
Family Medicine 34 years experience
Walking: Yes, walking is an excellent form of exercise for anyone beginning an exercise regimen.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 27-year-old female asked:
Dr. M. Jay Petruskaanswered
Family Medicine 34 years experience
Diabetes: Yes, having diabetes will put your children at risk for developing the disease also.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 37-year-old member asked:
Dr. M. Jay Petruskaanswered
Family Medicine 34 years experience
Back pain: Your back pain can be caused by any number of things. It may be mechanical low back pain from doing something that caused a strain to those muscle. ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 37-year-old male asked:
Dr. M. Jay Petruskaanswered
Family Medicine 34 years experience
Working Out: It is okay to exercise daily. You should balance your workouts so that you are not putting too much strain on one part of your body.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 32-year-old member asked:
Dr. M. Jay Petruskaanswered
Family Medicine 34 years experience
Pleurisy: Pain with deep inspiration is often caused by pleurisy. Pleurisy is often associated with a recent respiratory illness.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 36-year-old male asked:
Dr. M. Jay Petruskaanswered
Family Medicine 34 years experience
Hemorrhoids: Hemorrhoids are best treated with stool softeners, sitz baths and increasing fiber in the diet. If these do not work, then see your primary care phys... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 25-year-old female asked:
Dr. M. Jay Petruskaanswered
Family Medicine 34 years experience
Light Headed: One of the most common causes of light-headedness is dehydration. Increase your clear fluid intake, ie-water, juice, gatorade or kool-aid, and see if... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 48-year-old member asked:
Dr. M. Jay Petruskaanswered
Family Medicine 34 years experience
Ear Infection: You may have severe ear pain, but it may be caused by an ear infection, sinusitis, TMJ disease or any other cause. Please see your primary care physi... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 26-year-old female asked:
Dr. M. Jay Petruskaanswered
Family Medicine 34 years experience
Controlling Diabetes: Diabetes can be controlled through diet, exercise, oral medications and insulin. Please see your primary care physician for the best treatment option... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 41-year-old member asked:
Dr. M. Jay Petruskaanswered
Family Medicine 34 years experience
Smoking: It varies, but way take any chances, it is best to quit right now!
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 24-year-old female asked:
Dr. M. Jay Petruskaanswered
Family Medicine 34 years experience
Smoking: You should not smoke at all, regardless of the status of your eardrum.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 33-year-old female asked:
Dr. M. Jay Petruskaanswered
Family Medicine 34 years experience
Sinusitis: It sounds like you have sinusitis. You should see your primary care physician for further evaluation and treatment.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 42-year-old member asked:
What to do if i drank a bottle of water an hour before taking a pregnancy test, will that dilute it?
Dr. M. Jay Petruskaanswered
Family Medicine 34 years experience
Pregnancy: Your urine will be diluted, but not your pregnancy test.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 20-year-old male asked:
Dr. M. Jay Petruskaanswered
Family Medicine 34 years experience
Penis: No, you should not cut your penis. You should see a urologist to see what treatment is recommended.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 35-year-old male asked:
Dr. M. Jay Petruskaanswered
Family Medicine 34 years experience
Lesion On Scalp: You should not put any cream on it. You should see your primary care physician for further evaluation and treatment and possible referral to a dermat... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 29-year-old male asked:
Dr. M. Jay Petruskaanswered
Family Medicine 34 years experience
Allergic Rhinnitis: Levoceterizine and montelikast are often used together for symptoms of seasonal and perennial allergic rhinnitis for long term relief of symptoms.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 23-year-old female asked:
Dr. M. Jay Petruskaanswered
Family Medicine 34 years experience
PCOS: Many women with pcos are treated with metformin to help alleviate symptoms and enhance fertility. Speak with your primary care physician or ob/gyn.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 25-year-old female asked:
Dr. M. Jay Petruskaanswered
Family Medicine 34 years experience
Ranitidine: Yes, it is okay to take ranitidine along with your birth control pills.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 25-year-old male asked:
Dr. M. Jay Petruskaanswered
Family Medicine 34 years experience
Shoulder Laxity: You need to see your primary care physician for further evaluation and treatment and possible referral to orthopedics.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 37-year-old female asked:
Dr. M. Jay Petruskaanswered
Family Medicine 34 years experience
Bulimia: Start with your primary care physician. They can direct you towards treatment and counseling. Treatment is multifactorial with counseling, therapy a... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 37-year-old member asked:
Dr. M. Jay Petruskaanswered
Family Medicine 34 years experience
Whip Lash: The ideal physician to treat whip lash is an osteopathic physician who performs cervical manipulation. They can do manual manipulation on your neck a... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A member asked:
Dr. M. Jay Petruskaanswered
Family Medicine 34 years experience
Erectile Dysfunction: Discuss with your primary care physician. Many factors can cause erectile dysfunction such as medications, smoking, alcohol, diabetes, hypertension, ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 28-year-old female asked:
Dr. M. Jay Petruskaanswered
Family Medicine 34 years experience
Smoking: The first step to quitting smoking is absolutely wanting to stop smoking. After that, just stop buying cigarettes. They are too expensive and have n... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 43-year-old member asked:
Dr. M. Jay Petruskaanswered
Family Medicine 34 years experience
Water Skiing: Water skiing in a river may have risks of floating debris from trees or tree branches just under the surface of the water. It is best to know your en... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 45-year-old member asked:
Dr. M. Jay Petruskaanswered
Family Medicine 34 years experience
Oversleeping: It is best to remain in your same routine. Set your alarm for the same time, get up and shower and eat breakfast at the same time. Begin your day as... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
TestimonialsRecommendations and Thank you notes are endorsements given from patients or other doctors.
Recommendations and Thank you notes are endorsements given from patients or other doctors.
5
Recommendations
474
Thank you notes
Jan 4, 2016
Super doc, helps patients by the bushel and colleagues by the peck! Grateful to have him here on HealthTap!!!
Nov 4, 2012
Caring, dedicated, knowledgeable.
HealthTap member
Feb 10, 2015
He understands my 87 year old grandmother when she has to see him and hes not her primary doctor pantea is but hes a good doctor!
HealthTap member
Thank you, your answer was very helpful! I haven't quit yet. I am just getting information on quitting smoking.
HealthTap member
Thank you, your answer was very helpful! I figured out I have to take deep breaths and not think about it :)
HealthTap member
Thanks for your quick reply! It still affects me when i'm not the one drinking or eating it. Thanks
Education & Training
Medical/Graduate school
Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences College of Osteopathic Medicine, MO
Graduated 1989MD
Residency
Womack Army Medical Center. Fort Bragg, NC
Awards
Fellow-American Academy of Family Physicians
Diplomate-National Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners
Diplomate-American Board of Family Medicine
Affiliations
American Osteopathic Association
American Academy of Family Physicians
North Carolina Academy of Family Physicians
90,000 U.S. doctors in 147 specialties are here to answer your questions, provide medical advice, write prescriptions, and more.
Answer emailed
in 24 hours or less
