PRHBUSINESS
Caring for the neighborhood by Maria Merlino photo by Mark Louis Photography
one patient at a time
Dr. Rita Carabello has lived a life helping others. From the time she was a little girl growing up behind the counter of her family’s corner store, Nino’s Fresh Pasta, she learned to be courteous and respectful. She remembers asking customers, “May I help you? What can I get for you?” This love of helping others led her to medical school and then to practice family medicine at Einstein in Mayfair. Along the way, she married South Philadelphia attorney and writer, Alfonso Gambone. Together, they wrote a book called Strong! A Guide to Health and Estate Planning. When he was six years old, Dr. Frank Mazzotta came to South Philadelphia with his family from Italy through New York. He, too, chose to practice family medicine. After 15 years, his office at 1339 W. Porter Street has become a fixture in the neighborhood. But he said it didn’t start out that way. “I started with one patient when I was on Ritner Street,” Dr. Mazzotta says. “I met him at the Dunkin Donuts getting coffee,” he laughs. “But the practice has grown and continues to grow. That’s why I asked Dr. Carabello to open a practice in this area and to join me in serving the community. I wanted someone with the same compatibility, the same old world breeding and a good work ethic. ” No stranger to Dr. Carabello, they first met years ago in the neighborhood. He became her mentor during her medical school days. Both are fluent in Italian but also are familiar with Spanish and Albanian. Neither isolated nor insulated, each plays an important role in both their medical practices and their community.
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| rowhome magazine
gohomephilly.com
Dr. Mazzotta has an intense compassion for terminally ill patients. He spends most of his time tending to individuals at the end stage of life. In addition to caring for his patients, he is sensitive to the needs of family members, who have a difficult time, as well. Dr. Mazzotta has become a comforting face to many in-patients and their loved ones. Dr. Carabello recently opened her new office at 2301 S. 3rd Street. She also sees patients at Dr. Mazzotta’s Porter Street office. She agrees with the philosophy of her mentor and colleague when it comes to family medicine. It’s important to treat the whole person with an individualized plan of care. Their offices are equipped with electronics needed for blood work, cardiac care and other tests. Not only is it convenient for patients, it supports ongoing care and follow-up. “We’re a mom and pop-type, one-stop shop,” Dr. Carabello says. “The same patient will be seen by the same doctor every time so that a relationship can be maintained. We want to maintain your wellbeing and preventative care so that you can live a long, healthy life.” Neither will be giving in or selling out to the big health care systems. “We’re a bit of a dying breed,” Dr. Mazzotta says. “Rita and I are very happy to be in private practice.” prh Offices are within walking distance and conveniently located. Call 215.550.0152 or ZocDoc.com for an appointment. Frank Mazzotta, D.O. and Rita Carabello, D.O. are members of the Philadelphia RowHome (PRH) Business Network