Locations
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Queens Hospital Center
Queens, NY
About
Bio
Director SICU
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.
Critical Care
Languages spoken
English
Doctor Q&A
93 Answers
260 Agrees
The number of answers this doctor has agreed with.
A 37-year-old female asked:
Dr. Mark Saffordanswered
Critical Care 36 years experience
ECG: The waves on an ECG are called p-waves qrs complex and t-waves. The r to r interval is the distance between the R waves in successive beats. The d... Read More
5.1k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 61-year-old female asked:
Dr. Mark Saffordanswered
Critical Care 36 years experience
Blood pressure contr: Blood pressure control is important to everyone. Diabetics are at added risk for cardiac and renal disease especially if hypertension is present. Th... Read More
5.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 23-year-old female asked:
Dr. Mark Saffordanswered
Critical Care 36 years experience
Neurology: Any trauma to the head can cause "damage". The more significant the trauma the higher the likelihood of a brain injury. Football players are an excel... Read More
5.1k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 39-year-old member asked:
Dr. Mark Saffordanswered
Critical Care 36 years experience
Oxygen delivery: Lack of oxygen to any part of the body from any cause may cause ischemia. This causes the cells to do their work via alternate pathways. This causes... Read More
5.1k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 21-year-old female asked:
Dr. Mark Saffordanswered
Critical Care 36 years experience
Concussion : The injury that caused the "whiplash" may be the cause of the symptoms you listed. A ct scan of the head, neck and spine might reveal a previously u... Read More
5.1k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 43-year-old male asked:
Dr. Mark Saffordanswered
Critical Care 36 years experience
Exercise: The exercises will do more for your body shape then cotton clothes.
5.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 20-year-old female asked:
Dr. Mark Saffordanswered
Critical Care 36 years experience
Intubation : It is not uncommon to have a sore throat/hoarseness following intubation. Usually it resolves within several days. If it does not improve with the u... Read More
852 viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 23-year-old female asked:
Dr. Mark Saffordanswered
Critical Care 36 years experience
Pregnancy: Yes you could be. Obtain a pregnancy test at the pharmacy and you will find out right away. If you are or if the test is negative and symptoms persi... Read More
842 viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A male asked:
Dr. Mark Saffordanswered
Critical Care 36 years experience
Pain: Pain during physical activity is usually musculoskeletal pain. While the liver is on your right side and spleen on your left i think it is less likely... Read More
5.1k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 23-year-old female asked:
Dr. Mark Saffordanswered
Critical Care 36 years experience
Infectious diseases: Blood stream infections by "gram negative rods" are often what we now call "healthcare associated infections" or hai's. Seen in hospitalized patients... Read More
5.1k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 59-year-old male asked:
Dr. Mark Saffordanswered
Critical Care 36 years experience
A Fib: 225 is a very fast ventricular rate even with a history of afib. If this occurs i would suggest a call/visit to your cardiologist for an evaluation a... Read More
5.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 60-year-old male asked:
Dr. Mark Saffordanswered
Critical Care 36 years experience
Without knowing your medical history my best advice is to see your PMD and after he or she examines you ask him or her if they believe any imaging wou... Read More
Answered Jul 19, 2021
A 33-year-old male asked:
Dr. Mark Saffordanswered
Critical Care 36 years experience
It could be anything from anxiety to a cardiac or endocrine problem. It would be best to see your PMD who will examine you and then order any laborato... Read More
Reviewed Jul 16, 2021
A 24-year-old female asked:
Dr. Mark Saffordanswered
Critical Care 36 years experience
You could be coughing due to allergies or an infection It also could be a variant of asthma. Have your PMD look stem to your chest. He or she may ... Read More
Reviewed Jun 18, 2021
A 68-year-old male asked:
Dr. Mark Saffordanswered
Critical Care 36 years experience
Ensure should have no effect on your gallbladder. It is a protein supplement. If you have gallbladder disease fatty foods should be avoided
Answered Jul 30, 2021
A 21-year-old male asked:
Dr. Mark Saffordanswered
Critical Care 36 years experience
I would advise you to have a repeat covid test before traveling If you are positive I would delay your travel plans
Answered Jul 20, 2021
A 18-year-old female asked:
Dr. Mark Saffordanswered
Critical Care 36 years experience
The best advice I could give you is to go see your GYN. It may be something as simple as requiring a lubricant. To make sure it is nothing more concer... Read More
Reviewed Jul 27, 2021
A 29-year-old male asked:
Dr. Mark Saffordanswered
Critical Care 36 years experience
Cardiomyopathy: Diuretics are one of the medications used to treat patients with cardiomyopathy. If there are electrolyte disturbances and or hypotension these issue... Read More
5.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 27-year-old female asked:
A 24-year-old female asked:
Dr. Mark Saffordanswered
Critical Care 36 years experience
Nutrition: Cottage cheese is an excellent source of calcium and protein. Unless you have a food allergy or lactose intolerance it is not contraindicated in pregn... Read More
5.1k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 38-year-old male asked:
Dr. Mark Saffordanswered
Critical Care 36 years experience
Medication: It's never great to miss a dose of your medication. If you do miss a dose it would be important to take it as soon as possible. If you develop any s... Read More
5.1k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 22-year-old female asked:
Dr. Mark Saffordanswered
Critical Care 36 years experience
Hematology: The best person to answer that question would be your hematologist. He/she knows your history and all your test results and likely has a plan going f... Read More
5.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 21-year-old female asked:
Dr. Mark Saffordanswered
Critical Care 36 years experience
Nephrology: Timing of renal transplant is a discussion your nephrologist can easily answer. Your renal function will be followed closely and at some point it may... Read More
5.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A male asked:
Dr. Mark Saffordanswered
Critical Care 36 years experience
Sedatives: 2mg is a significant dose especially if it is the first time taking the medication. Rarely is that a starting dose. Initial prescriptions for tha... Read More
5.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 24-year-old male asked:
Dr. Mark Saffordanswered
Critical Care 36 years experience
Weight gain: The obvious first step would be a physical exam and blood work by your physician to insure there are no endocrine or other diseases that might be keep... Read More
5.1k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 23-year-old female asked:
Dr. Mark Saffordanswered
Critical Care 36 years experience
Fluids: Treatment for the "flu" is for the most part symptomatic as well as common sense. Tylenol (acetaminophen) or advil for aches and fever. Drinking lot... Read More
5.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 37-year-old female asked:
Dr. Mark Saffordanswered
Critical Care 36 years experience
Hyperthyroid: Beta blockers are one of the treatment options for hyperthyroidism. It maintains the heart rate at acceptable levels and prevents tachycardia and the... Read More
5.1k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 49-year-old member asked:
Dr. Mark Saffordanswered
Critical Care 36 years experience
Vitamins: The b vitamins are water soluble. This means that if you take more than you need the body gets rid of them. Vitamins a d e and k are fat soluble and... Read More
5.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 26-year-old female asked:
Dr. Mark Saffordanswered
Critical Care 36 years experience
Burns: Burns should be kept clean and covered with a dressing Bacitracin or silvadine can be placed on it before the dressing is applied.
5.1k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 44-year-old female asked:
Dr. Mark Saffordanswered
Critical Care 36 years experience
Cardiology: Athletes often have different "normal" cardiac physiology. However anytime there is a question it is best to be evaluated by a cardiologist. Ecg is ... Read More
5.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 36-year-old male asked:
Dr. Mark Saffordanswered
Critical Care 36 years experience
Most: Most hospitals now have palliative care teams. They are an excellent resource.
5.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 53-year-old male asked:
Dr. Mark Saffordanswered
Critical Care 36 years experience
PCP not Intensivists: Icu psychosis or delirium is a disorder that is now more frequently recognized in older patients being treated in the icu. The causes are not comple... Read More
5.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 28-year-old female asked:
Dr. Mark Saffordanswered
Critical Care 36 years experience
Not necessarily. The best advice I can give you is for you to see your OB/GYN who can evaluate you and advise you appropriately
Reviewed Jul 15, 2021
A 21-year-old male asked:
Dr. Mark Saffordanswered
Critical Care 36 years experience
Anusol often helps relieve those symptoms. If you continue to have discomfort see your GI who may be able to offer a procedure that might eliminate th... Read More
Answered Jul 22, 2021
A 25-year-old female asked:
Dr. Mark Saffordanswered
Critical Care 36 years experience
The only way to accurately make that diagnosis is by having the area biopsied I suggest you speak with your physician and arrange the necessary foll... Read More
Answered Jul 26, 2021
A 57-year-old male asked:
Dr. Mark Saffordanswered
Critical Care 36 years experience
It would be helpful to know additional medical history. Ie. Cardiac or renal disease. Edema is the legs and feet can be due to both a cardiac and re... Read More
Answered Jul 20, 2021
A 23-year-old male asked:
Dr. Mark Saffordanswered
Critical Care 36 years experience
You should follow up with your surgeon who after examining you may order an imaging study and or physical therapy
Reviewed Jul 27, 2021
A 36-year-old male asked:
Dr. Mark Saffordanswered
Critical Care 36 years experience
Prior: Prior to strength training, get evaluated to make sure cardiac and pulmonary functions can handle it.
5.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 58-year-old female asked:
Dr. Mark Saffordanswered
Critical Care 36 years experience
Pulmonary disease: Emphysema, chronic bronchitis (COPD) and asthma are often treated with steroids in the acute setting with a tapering dose after the acute phase has re... Read More
5.1k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 40-year-old member asked:
Dr. Mark Saffordanswered
Critical Care 36 years experience
GI Distress: The ICU is a breeding ground for bacteria viruses and fungi. It would not be unheard of for visitors to become ill from being exposed to the "atmosph... Read More
5.1k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 48-year-old member asked:
Dr. Mark Saffordanswered
Critical Care 36 years experience
Lactic acidosis: Lactic acid is an end product of "anerobic metabolism". Normally cells use oxygen as a substrate for metabolism however if there is not enough oxygen ... Read More
836 viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 45-year-old male asked:
Dr. Mark Saffordanswered
Critical Care 36 years experience
Toenail: You might be describing old blood from trauma to your toe. A visit to your podiatrist will repair the nail and explain exactly what it is.
5.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 17-year-old female asked:
Dr. Mark Saffordanswered
Critical Care 36 years experience
GI: Yes. Carafate (sucralfate) is one of the medications used to treat "heartburn". Mylanta, maalox, Tums and Pepcid are some of the others you may have ... Read More
5.1k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 52-year-old male asked:
Dr. Mark Saffordanswered
Critical Care 36 years experience
Ophthalmology: While it may happen spontaneously it can happen after an injury to the eye. Eye protection if you are in a situation where injury is possible.
5.1k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 41-year-old female asked:
Dr. Mark Saffordanswered
Critical Care 36 years experience
Clot: It is important to determine if the clot is in the coronary artery causing ischemia/infarction or another artery. He needs to be hospitalized immedia... Read More
5.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 39-year-old female asked:
Dr. Mark Saffordanswered
Critical Care 36 years experience
GI: There may be an obstruction or esophageal spasm. Does the food/liquid go down or do you spit it up? You should seek evaluation by a GI doc who may w... Read More
5.1k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 40-year-old female asked:
Dr. Mark Saffordanswered
Critical Care 36 years experience
Weight loss: One of the most difficult things to do is lose weight and keep it off. If you had a physical exam and blood work that showed no abnormalities the pla... Read More
5.1k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 41-year-old female asked:
Dr. Mark Saffordanswered
Critical Care 36 years experience
Extremity pain: What you describe may be symptoms of peripheral arterial disease. This is a reduction in blood flow thru the artery. When walking pain develops wit... Read More
5.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 40-year-old member asked:
Dr. Mark Saffordanswered
Critical Care 36 years experience
ICU Pharmacist: A critical care pharmacist is a pharmacist who specializes in the critical care or ICU where the needs of the patient are different than the regular f... Read More
836 viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 34-year-old female asked:
Dr. Mark Saffordanswered
Critical Care 36 years experience
Without looking at your finger it is difficult to say. It’s possible there is a foreign body that was never noted. Have your PMD take a look
Answered Aug 23, 2021
90,000 U.S. doctors in 147 specialties are here to answer your questions, provide medical advice, write prescriptions, and more.
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.
3
Recommendations
150
Thank you notes
Jun 6, 2013
Dr. Safford has a talent for explaining even complex physiological processes in engaging, easy-to-follow terms. If Dr. Sanjay Gupta ever needs a stand-in, he'll do well to get Dr. Safford in front of ...Read More
HealthTap member
Mar 30, 2015
Dr. Safford is an amazing doctor! #nationaldoctorsday2015 #virtualflower1
HealthTap member
Mar 31, 2015
Dr. Safford is an amazing doctor! #nationaldoctorsday2015 #virtualflower1
HealthTap member
Thanks for your quick reply! Thank you. I do have an appt. tomorrow for my 6 wk. check up after having a baby. I was wanting to go in prepared though. Again thank you.
HealthTap member
Thanks for your quick reply! He will have an echo tommorrow and an appt with cardiologist. I wanted to know if he can still play basketball
HealthTap member
Thank you, your answer was very helpful! I can swallow my food but there is pressure and hours after that my throat fills tight.
Education & Training
Medical/Graduate school
American univ of the caribbean
Graduated 1986MD
Residency
St Vincents Hospital and Medical Center of NY
Awards
Thought Leader, Second Place, East Long Island Region, NY - Summer
2013
Top Critical Care Specialist , First Place, National - Summer
2013
HealthTap Founding Doctor
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