Breathe easy, Buffalo!

Welcome to Buffalo BreatheNow! Melanie and I have spent nearly 20 years working in Buffalo’s hospitals, and during that time, we’ve witnessed firsthand the increasing strain on our healthcare system—from hospitals to primary care and specialist offices. Patients often struggle to secure same-day appointments or see a provider in a timely manner, especially when they need it most. This often leaves them with the difficult choice of going to the emergency room, where wait times can exceed 10 hours, visiting a general urgent care, or trying to manage their health at home.

 

At Buffalo BreatheNow, our goal is to offer a better option: same-day visits with a pulmonary care specialist. Whether you have an appointment or walk in, we provide quick and easy access to professional care. Our services include on-site chest X-rays, viral testing, medications, EKGs, and more. Our pulmonary care specialists are equipped to treat conditions such as COPD, COVID, flu, RSV, bronchitis, asthma, allergies, and any other condition that affects your breathing.

After your visit, we’ll send a summary of your diagnosis and treatment plan to your primary care provider or specialist, ensuring a smooth and coordinated transition of care.

We’re here to help reduce the strain on local healthcare by offering fast, effective, and specialized care. While we hope you stay healthy, we’re always here when you need us!

 

– Dr Kumar Shah and Melanie Shah NP

Our Staff

Dr. Kumar Shah

Kumar has been practicing medicine since 2010 when he moved to Buffalo, NY. After completing his Pulmonary and Critical Care fellowship at the Medical College of Wisconsin, he returned to the Buffalo area, where he continues to serve his community. He is married and a proud father of four boys. When he’s not at work, he can be found cheering on his kids at their sporting events.

A devoted Toronto Maple Leafs fan, he dreams of celebrating a long-awaited Stanley Cup victory. However, spirited debates with his children about which city boasts the better hockey team are a regular occurrence. Over time, he has also become a passionate Buffalo Bills supporter.

Kumar has a deep love for Indian cuisine, especially when his wife prepares homemade meals. In his free time, he enjoys both watching and playing hockey with his kids.

His top health tip: prioritize restful sleep to keep your immune system strong!

Melanie Shah, Nurse Practitioner

Melanie is a nurse practitioner at Buffalo BreatheNow, with over 15 years of experience in the field. Since becoming a nurse practitioner in 2008, she has worked as a hospitalist and in the emergency room at local hospitals. Her passion for patient care drives her to help people heal and maintain their health.

A Buffalo native, Melanie graduated from Sweet Home High School and went on to earn her degree from the University at Buffalo. She currently lives in East Amherst with her husband and their four sons. When she’s not cheering on one of her boys at a sporting event, you can find her at the gym or attending a Bills, Sabres, or Bandits game. She also enjoys traveling—preferably to warm destinations!

Melanie’s health tip: Stay active! It not only boosts your mood, but it’s also key to maintaining good health.

Go Bills!

Jeannie - Nurse Practitioner

Jeannie is a dedicated family nurse practitioner with nearly 10 years of experience in the acute care hospital setting. Originally from Albany, she moved to Buffalo in 2013 and fell in love with this city and its’ community. She received her undergraduate degree in Nursing and Doctorate in Nursing Practice both from the University at Buffalo. She is passionate about providing you and your family inclusive, supportive, and compassionate care. When Jeannie’s not working, she enjoys listening to Taylor Swift, cheering on the Buffalo Bills, reading, hiking, and skiing.

Luiza - Medical Assistant

Meet Luiza! She is a medical assistant at Buffalo BreatheNow with 5 years of experience in healthcare. 💉 Luiza loves being able to support patients and ensure they get the care they need to feel their best. 😊

When she off the clock, you’ll find her shopping 🛍️, trying new food places in Buffalo 🍴, or hanging out with her dog, Lada 🐾. Fun fact: Luiza has traveled to 27 countries! 🌍✈️

Her health tip for this season: Keep active 💪, stay hydrated 💧, and get plenty of rest 🛌 to support your immune system. 🦠

Noor - Medical Assistant

Noor is a dedicated Medical Assistant at Buffalo BreatheNow with 3.5 years of experience in the medical field. She has a passion for meeting new people and is committed to helping her patients feel their best. Eager to advance her career, Noor is excited to take the next step toward becoming a medical provider.

Outside of work, Noor enjoys exploring new cuisines, with Middle Eastern food being her favorite—especially a delicious chicken shawarma. She is also a proud pet parent to a playful Siamese-Tabby mix kitten.

 

Her health tip for the year: Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water!

Alexandra - Physician Assistant

Alex is a physician assistant (PA) at Buffalo BreatheNow and also works at Buffalo General Hospital as a hospitalist. She has nearly 4 years of experience working in medicine as a PA. She is a Buffalo native and lover of the Buffalo Bills. In her spare time you can find her hiking, cooking, practicing yoga, and spending time with family and friends. Alex enjoys the challenge of practicing medicine and navigating different patient cases, but moreover loves healing others and feels fortunate to have had a hand in their recovery.

Ashley - XR Technician

Ashley is a dedicated radiologic technologist who believes patient education is the foundation of quality care. She emphasizes preventative medicine through education, empowering patients to make informed decisions about their health.

She earned her degree in Radiologic Technology from Niagara County Community College in 2022 and is licensed in New York State. Before transitioning to human medicine, Ashley pursued her passion for animal care, earning a degree in Veterinary Technology from Central Carolina Community College in 2017. With licensure in both fields, she brings a well-rounded perspective to patient care.

Ashley loves her identical twin & best friend, Shannon. They are both passionate about animal welfare, which has led them to embrace a vegan lifestyle. Outside of work, Ashley holds a special place in her heart for her late pet rat, Murphy.

Shannon - XR Technician

Shannon is an X-ray Technician at Breathe Now with experience in radiology since 2020. She was drawn to the field after her own experience with an ovarian cyst. This personal connection fuels her passion for using imaging to help patients detect and address health concerns early.

Before pursuing radiology, Shannon gained valuable experience as a phlebotomist, medical assistant, and veterinary professional. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her twin sister, Ashley and their beloved Rottweiler, Emmylou. When she’s not working, Shannon likes going for walks with Emmy, music, and staying busy with creative endeavors.

Dawn - XR Technician

Dawn Panepinto is a dedicated and experienced healthcare professional with over 25 years of service in the medical field. Currently working as a Registered Radiologic Technologist, Dawn holds several certifications, including Certified Phlebotomist and Registered Orthopedic Technologist. Additionally, she has experience as a Medical Assistant, which has further enriched her ability to provide comprehensive care to those in need.

 

Dawn’s journey into healthcare was driven by her desire to help people, and she continues to prioritize patient well-being in every aspect of her work. Outside of her professional life, Dawn enjoys spending time with her family, watching her son play sports, and cherishing special moments with both her son and daughter. Whether it’s sharing laughs, talking about life, or simply enjoying each other’s company, these moments are a treasured part of their family bond. She especially loves having “girl time” with her daughter, where they enjoy quality time together.

 

Dawn also loves indulging in her passion for cooking and baking. A lifelong Buffalo Bills fan, she enjoys the camaraderie of supporting her team.

 

Believing that good health is a combination of simple habits, Dawn advocates for the importance of drinking enough water, eating healthy, and staying physically active, regardless of age. She lives by the philosophy that the small things in life matter most and expresses gratitude for the many blessings in her life. Dawn is thankful for the opportunity to impact others’ lives and is committed to making a positive difference in the lives of those she serves.

Caitlin - Front Desk Receptionist

Meet Caitlin our Medical Receptionist, she enjoys getting to be the first point of contact when needing care, and is happy to help patients upon check in. She is new to the medical field and looks forward to learning new skills to help our patients.
Caitlin is from Buffalo, graduated from Holy Angels Academy, and attended SUNY Brockport for her bachelors degree, she also attended Niagara Falls Culinary Institute with a focus in Baking and Pastry Arts. When not at work Caitlin is with her husband, two young children, and two dogs. She enjoys baking and cake decorating, and spending time with her large family.