Our Team
The NJ Medical Malpractice market has continued to soften over the last 4 years, resulting in decreasing premiums and better conditions for NJ Physicians. 2012 was a year in which we saw conditions stabilizing. With increased competition, relatively lenient underwriting, and more options, physicians are finding themselves with many solutions to their malpractice needs. This competition in the market place has unearthed many risk-management discounts for physicians and surgeons offering high quality medicine and those taking proactive measures to minimize their risk. These offerings make it even more important to ensure you are working with a malpractice insurance advisor who is familiar with your practice, is looking for ALL opportunities to reduce your annual premiums and ensure you have the best coverage to fit your needs.
A note of caution: While history seems to repeat itself, we do not have to necessarily repeat our mistakes. Premiums and discounts are important, however, more important is long-term stability and value. Our objective at PriMed Consulting is to provide you with the most viable options and competitive premiums, WITHOUT sacrificing long term value and stability.
New Jersey has several carriers to choose from. Here is a brief summary of the NJ carriers we work with:
Gabrielle joined PriMed Consulting in February 2011 as a Sales Executive. Gabrielle quickly evolved as a critical member of the executive team. Prior to her role as President, Gabrielle held the position of Sales & Marketing Manager and VP Business Development, managing the servicing of key PriMed clients & leading marketing initiatives. She has grown the marketing department with the recruitment and training of Account Executives, and has played an essential role in their ongoing success. Gabrielle’s expertise is in navigating the new healthcare market, especially with the changes due to reform; understanding the needs of our current clients, as well as creating mutually beneficial relationships with medical societies and organizations. In addition to managing the day-to-day operations Gabrielle also spends time seeking out new markets for individual and group practices, and creating new opportunities for growth.
Gabrielle graduated from Rider University with a Bachelors of Arts in both Psychology and Sociology, and has a P&C license. Gabrielle enjoys her home life too, spending time with her husband, and her two young daughters, Charlotte and Genevieve. Besides her dedication to her career, Gabrielle very much enjoys cooking and spending time with family and friends.
Prem Belani is the founder and CEO of PriMed Consulting, one of the most reputable medical malpractice insurance agencies in the region. PriMed has been assisting health care professionals in NJ & NY since 1996.
With over 24 years of experience in the insurance industry, Prem has worked extensively with physicians and groups of all sizes and has advised them on their malpractice coverage options. Over the last ten years, Prem has been a frequent speaker on malpractice issues at several medical societies, associations, hospitals and industry events. In addition, Prem has often given presentations educating residents and fellows on malpractice issues, and continues to write articles for various newsletters and societies.
Prem is passionate about spending time with his wife Natasha and daughters Sachi and Sanvi. And when time permits, he enjoys golf, squash, tennis and traveling.
Michael is a resident of Lindenhurst NY, and is our regional NY Account Executive. Michael has 15 years of clinical and management experience in healthcare. Michael has first-hand understanding of the everyday life of a healthcare professional and the challenges that arise both administratively and clinically. Michael understands the unique needs of each specialty and the unique needs of hospitals and medical facilities. This makes the process of finding the right place for each client seamless. Outside of work, Michael enjoys spending time with his family, playing golf, and following his favorite professional sports teams.
Olga is a resident of Jamaica Estates NY. Olga enjoys her role at PriMed, with a focus on new business development, as this appeals to her outgoing nature and gregarious personality. Olga has a strong background in clinical and research areas of science, primarily in oncological genetics and neuroscience. She has a M.A. in Biotechnology from Hunter College-CUNY and a Property & Casualty license. She is fluent in Farsi, Hebrew and Spanish, and has an excellent ability to communicate and present complex information in a simplistic manner in both, Russian and English. Olga is married and a mother of three. In her free time she enjoys hiking, playing board and card games, going to the beach, and playing ball games with her family.
Tammy is the Supervisor of our NY and NJ non-standard market accounts. She has been a licensed professional in the insurance industry since 1992. Prior to moving back to NJ in 2007, she owned and managed her own P&C agency in Fort Worth, TX. When Tammy joined PriMed in 2008, she already had an extensive background with physicians and their medical malpractice insurance needs. Due to Tammy’s expertise, she is also an integral part of the NJ standard market team.With a keen understanding of policy terms, Tammy has developed the tools to decipher and convey those terms to the client. This is strength that comes with industry knowledge, while at the same time understanding the concerns of her clients.
Tammy is now enjoying raising her twin grandsons & spending time with her other two young grandchildren. Weekends are spent enjoying all the outdoor activities, fairs, festivals & amusements that attract the 5 & under crowd.
Cindy joined PriMed Consulting in May of 2014 as a licensed insurance producer with over 14 years' experience in the standard and surplus insurance markets. While new to the malpractice insurance market, her prior experience servicing clients and managing books of business for Property, Casualty and Health Coverage has helped her excel rather quickly in her position. Cindy has a strong desire to continue to adjust and learn with the continuous changes in the insurance market.
The Brandtjen family, which includes her husband Jim of 20 years, a son and a daughter, enjoy family game nights, camping and cooking together.
Diane joined PriMed in the Spring of 2013, with six years of insurance experience. Her strong customer service skills are greatly appreciated by our clients and staff. Diane handles all Business Owners’ and Workers’ Compensation policies, while also underwriting NJ malpractice insurance applications. Diane is always eager to take on new challenges, and has now taken on some of the responsibilities of our NY underwriting department. Diane enjoys spending her free time in the company of family and friends, and her dog Oscar.
Lee joined the underwriting team at PriMed Consulting in March of 2014. Prior to PriMed, Lee worked for the last seven years in billing and collections in the Medical health Insurance sector. Customer service satisfaction is a priority for Lee and she maintains the highest level of integrity when providing service to her clients.
Lee has earned two Associate Degrees, and is currently finishing up her senior year at New Jersey City University, where she will earn a Bachelors Degree in Business Management. Lee has a passion for her family, long hikes and bike rides and will always smile when referring to her grandsons and beloved Labrador, Hezekiah.
Liz joined the PriMed team as an account manager in August of 2015. Liz has over 3 years of underwriting experience in environmental liability and lawyers professional liability. Liz is familiar with working on both the carrier and broker side of insurance and offers a broad background along with a high level of organization in all aspects of her work. Liz is driven to provide superior customer service and brings thoughtful solutions to the table. Liz has a Bachelor’s Degree in Communication and is always eager to continue learning. Liz enjoys spending time with her husband and family as well as playing with her new and very spoiled puppy, Scarlett.
Lori joined PriMed in 2006 and has been an integral part of our underwriting team since. Lori is extremely focused on expanding her knowledge, and has gained valuable experience in working with our clients. Lori treats our dedicated clients and staff with the utmost respect and always conveys a sense of calm in what can sometimes be stressful situations.
Lori earned her Associates degree in Business and Executive Administration from Katherine Gibbs School of Business and also holds a P&C License. After honing her skills in the legal and engineering sector for several years, she later shifted her career path to the customer service side of things as an agent in the cruise industry.
Lori has a fulfilling and rewarding life that divides her time between her career at PriMed and raising her 3 young children with her husband Ramell.
Horror movies with her sister Yvette are on her agenda throughout the year.
D. Marie Heffern joined PriMed Consulting in August 2014. Prior to PriMed, Marie worked as a Senior Underwriting Assistant as well as a Customer Service Representative within the insurance industry and earned an Associate’s Degree in Medical Lab Technology from Felician College. Over the years, D. Marie has developed a unique ability to convey compassion and genuine concern for the needs of her clients; this has reflected in her eagerness to service the clients of PriMed Consulting. D. Marie, her husband of 30 years, Bernie and their son Bernard treasure family time and enjoy spending the fall weekends together tailgating at Penn State Games.
Mary Jackson is an Account Manager with PriMed. Mary works with our clients on their medical malpractice insurance policies as well as their Workers’ Comp. and Business Owners policies. Mary enjoys the client facing component of the role as she is service oriented. Mary has been in insurance for many years and has worked as an Underwriter in commercial lines prior to joining the PriMed team. When Mary is out of the office, she enjoys spending time with her husband and their young daughter.
Linda began her career with PriMed as an Administrative Assistant, and has quickly advanced to be our Office Administrator. Prior to joining PriMed, Linda held an Executive Assistant position. Linda is the ‘go-to’ for all the everyday issues we may have as a business. Linda clearly demonstrates a keen ability to prioritize and manage several projects all at once, and is a very good team member at PriMed.
Based on 57 ratings
Account Executive
973.580.0957
ppatel@primedconsulting.com
Parag is a trusted Medical Liability Insurance and Healthcare Advisor with PriMed Consulting. He has assisted New Jersey and New York physicians since 2009; helping them navigate the ever-changing healthcare landscape. In 2016, Parag earned his Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC) designation, which signifies his expertise and knowledge of insurance.
Although he was working for one of the top medical liability carriers in New Jersey, in 2019 he joined PriMed Consulting so that he could focus on providing complete insurance solutions for his clients. Parag is also the Secretary of the Indian Physicians Purchasing Group (IPPG). He is committed to meeting with every NJ/NY Physician and helping them remain independent and successful.
An avid traveler, Parag has visited many countries across Europe and Asia. He loves the outdoors and enjoys skiing, camping and hiking.
Account manager
732.898.1925
mwah@primedconsulting.com
Melissa joined PriMed Consulting in January 2020 with a background in insurance, business administration, project coordination, logistics, and municipal government. She is an industrious, diplomatic, and articulate professional with extensive experience in assessing client needs in order to resolve conflict with empathy, accuracy, and expediency. Melissa is analytical and highly inquisitive, and she genuinely appreciates the utility of information. These qualities have proven to be invaluable to our agency, clients, and carriers, and we look forward to our continued growth with Melissa as an integral member of the PriMed team.
Account manager
732.481.5936
tdziedic@primedconsulting.com
Taylor joined PriMed in 2020 as an Account Manager. Taylor graduated from Delaware Valley University with a bachelor’s degree in Biology. While in college much of her free time was spent at her club meetings and events which were dedicated to promoting equality and inclusion in society, supporting animal welfare, and protecting the environment. Upon graduation, she dove headfirst into a career in the insurance business and earned her P&C license. Her charismatic personality paired with her knowledge about the insurance field allows The Hilb Group’s clients to have both an enjoyable and effective experience when seeking assistance with their insurance needs.
Account manager
732.481.9136
jsotomayor@primedconsulting.com
Jennifer joined the PriMed team as an Account Manager in 2020. With years of previous experience working for a health insurance broker, Jennifer has made the transition into medical malpractice and takes pride in providing the best customer service possible for her clients. She has earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology and holds a license in health, casualty, and property insurance. In her spare time, Jennifer enjoys reading, painting, and hiking with her dog.
Account manager
732.481.2437
spilat@primedconsulting.com
Sara has recently joined the PriMed team as an Account Manager in 2021. Sara has previous experience in the health insurance industry working with brokers and underwriters which has significantly helped her transition into the medical malpractice market. She strives to provide excellent customer service to her clients. In her free time, she enjoys reading, exercising, walking her dogs, and spending time with her niece. Sara spends most of her time outside and enjoys a variety of activities such as hiking, kayaking, and bicycling.
Account Executive
Kevin is President and operating manager of CNC Insurance Associates located in Dover DE. He has been with CNC since 1989 and works with business clients throughout the Mid Atlantic. He has carved out an affinity for medical malpractice insurance and works with physicians in DE, NJ , & MD. He graduated from the University of Delaware with a Bachelor’s of Science and Medical Technology, and worked as a hospital lab scientist from 1984 -1989.
His medical background gives him a unique perspective in bridging the medical with the insurance. Kevin continually seeks out new opportunities for his physician clients by applying his 29 years of insurance knowledge to the medical malpractice insurance marketplace.
Kevin is licensed in property, casualty, health, life, benefits, and personal lines insurance. He also is a Certified Insurance Counselor and Certified Risk Manager from the National Alliance for Insurance Education.
As empty nesters, Kevin and his wife spend most of their free time visiting their 3 daughters, and their granddaughter. He is also a musician and plays guitar and mandolin in several bands and groups in the area.
Office Administrator
800-528-3758 x117
Fax: 888-567-7587
Linda began her career with PriMed as an Administrative Assistant, and has quickly advanced to be our Office Administrator. Prior to joining PriMed, Linda held an Executive Assistant position. Linda is the go-to for all the everyday issues we may have as a business.
Linda clearly demonstrates a keen ability to prioritize and manage several projects all at once, and is a very good team member at PriMed.
Account Manager
855-644-5050 x112
Fax: 888-299-2179 / 732-643-8588
Mary Jackson is an Account Manager with PriMed. Mary works with our clients on their medical malpractice insurance policies as well as their Workers Comp. and Business Owners policies. Mary enjoys the client facing component of the role as she is service oriented.
Mary has been in insurance for many years and has worked as an Underwriter in commercial lines prior to joining the PriMed team. When Mary is out of the office, she enjoys spending time with her husband and their young daughter.
Account Manager
855-644-5050 x119
Fax: 888-567-7587
Dr. Marie Heffern joined PriMed Consulting in August 2014. Prior to PriMed, Marie worked as a Senior Underwriting Assistant as well as a Customer Service Representative within the insurance industry and earned an Associate’s Degree in Medical Lab Technology from Felician College. Over the years, D. Marie has developed a unique ability to convey compassion and genuine concern for the needs of her clients; this has reflected in her eagerness to service the clients of PriMed Consulting. D. Marie, her husband of 30 years, Bernie and their son Bernard treasure family time and enjoy spending the fall weekends together tailgating at Penn State Games.
Operations Manager, NJ
800-528-3758 x105
Fax: 888-567-7587
Lori joined PriMed in 2006 and has been an integral part of our underwriting team since. Lori is extremely focused on expanding her knowledge, and has gained valuable experience in working with our clients. Lori treats our dedicated clients and staff with the utmost respect and always conveys a sense of calm in what can sometimes be stressful situations.
Lori earned her Associates degree in Business and Executive Administration from Katherine Gibbs School of Business and also holds a P&C License. After honing her skills in the legal and engineering sector for several years, she later shifted her career path to the customer service side of things as an agent in the cruise industry.
Lori has a fulfilling and rewarding life that divides her time between her career at PriMed and raising her 3 young children with her husband Ramell.
Horror movies with her sister Yvette are on her agenda throughout the year.
Account Manager
855-644-5050 x103
Fax: 888-567-7587
Cindy joined PriMed Consulting in May of 2014 as a licensed insurance producer with over 14 years’ experience in the standard and surplus insurance markets. While new to the malpractice insurance market, her prior experience servicing clients and managing books of business for Property, Casualty and Health Coverage has helped her excel rather quickly in her position.
Cindy has a strong desire to continue to adjust and learn with the continuous changes in the insurance market.
The Brandtjen family, which includes her husband Jim of 20 years, a son and a daughter, enjoy family game nights, camping and cooking together.
Senior Account Manager
800-528-3758 x104
Fax: 888-567-7587
Michele first joined the PriMed Consulting in 2006. This was a career change for her as she was previously an adjunct instructor at Rutgers University. From 2006-2013, Michele handled the New York standard market accounts becoming its supervisor in 2007. Licensed since 2006, she has an extensive knowledge of the standard marketplace and an excellent relationship with both clients and underwriters. Michele left PriMed for a time, to work as an underwriter for USI Affinity. She returned in January 2016 as a senior account manager working once again in the New York standard market place.
When not at work, Michele enjoys spending time with her husband and daughters. Her hobbies include reading and gardening.
Operations Manager, NY
800-528-3758 x114
Fax: 888-527-7587
Tammy is the Supervisor of our NY and NJ non-standard market accounts. She has been a licensed professional in the insurance industry since 1992. Prior to moving back to NJ in 2007, she owned and managed her own P&C agency in Fort Worth, TX. When Tammy joined PriMed in 2008, she already had an extensive background with physicians and their medical malpractice insurance needs. Due to Tammy’s expertise, she is also an integral part of the NJ standard market team.With a keen understanding of policy terms, Tammy has developed the tools to decipher and convey those terms to the client. This is strength that comes with industry knowledge, while at the same time understanding the concerns of her clients.
Tammy is now enjoying raising her twin grandsons & spending time with her other two young grandchildren. Weekends are spent enjoying all the outdoor activities, fairs, festivals & amusements that attract the 5 & under crowd
Account Executive
Cell: 732-643-8500×108
Fax: 888-567-7587
prafferty@primedconsulting.com
Paul is an Account Executive with PriMed Consulting. He joined PriMed in January 2016. Paul brings over 11 years of experience in the insurance industry and is responsible for business office policies, workers? compensation, employment practices, billing errors and omissions, cyber liability and excess liability policies. Prior to joining PriMed Consulting, Paul held Account Executive positions with increasing levels of responsibility at State Farm and Irving Weber Associates, Inc. Paul takes pride in getting to know his customers and making sure that they have the appropriate levels of coverage.
He is passionate about providing insurance solutions to the challenges our clients face on a day-to-day basis.
Account Executive
Cell: 917-388-5074
Fax: 888-567-7587
Omavashev@primedconsulting.com
Olga is a resident of Jamaica Estates NY. Olga enjoys her role at PriMed, with a focus on new business development, as this appeals to her outgoing nature and gregarious personality. Olga has a strong background in clinical and research areas of science, primarily in oncological genetics and neuroscience.
She has a M.A. in Biotechnology from Hunter College-CUNY and a Property & Casualty license.
She is fluent in Farsi, Hebrew and Spanish, and has an excellent ability to communicate and present complex information in a simplistic manner in both, Russian and English. Olga is married and a mother of three. In her free time she enjoys hiking, playing board and card games, going to the beach, and playing ball games with her family.
Account Manager, NJ
732-481-2437
Fax: 888.567.7587
bmcmenamin@primedconsulting.com
Brianne is a graduate of Rutgers University. She received her insurance license in 2017 and joined PriMed Consulting in January 2018 as an Associate Account Manager for New Jersey accounts. Brianne is extremely detail oriented and client focused.
She enjoys helping the our clients with their renewals to ensure they are receiving all discounts and credits. When not working, Brianne enjoys reading, writing, and sketching.
Michael Elefante
Account Executive
516-300-2028
Fax: 888-567-7587
Melefante@primedconsulting.com
Michael is a resident of Lindenhurst NY, and is our regional NY Account Executive. Michael has 15 years of clinical and management experience in healthcare. Michael has first-hand understanding of the everyday life of a healthcare professional and the challenges that arise both administratively and clinically.
Michael understands the unique needs of each specialty and the unique needs of hospitals and medical facilities. This makes the process of finding the right place for each client seamless.
Outside of work, Michael enjoys spending time with his family, playing golf, and following his favorite professional sports teams.
Account Executive
Nicole Myers is a multi million dollar producer with 21 years experience dedicated to the healthcare industry. She is licensed in 14 states with access to large National A-rated carriers, specialty niche markets and enjoys negotiating to ensure your practice has the best product for the best price.
With 3 athletic boys almost grown, Nicole is beginning to learn to golf with the help of her husband James. She enjoys volunteering and spending time with her boys.
Account Executive
732-898-1925 ext. 117
Fax: 888-299-2179/888-567-7587
Colleen received her NJ Insurance Producer’s License in 2014 and joined the PriMed Team as an Account Executive in July of 2017. Colleen’s expertise is in Business Owners, Cyber, Employment Practices and Workers Compensation coverage. Prior to joining PriMed, Collen managed an Allstate Agency in Central New Jersey. Collen is a great fit for the PriMed Team as she is just as customer focused, caring and contentious as her peers.
Our clients are primarily physicians and surgeons, and deserve this level of service. Collen continues her studies toward a CISR (Certified Insurance Service Representative) designation to continue my growth at bringing the best advice and options to our clients. In her free time she enjoys cooking, biking, hiking, reading and spending time with family and friends.
Account Manager
732-481-5936
rmckenzie@primedconsulting.com
Rebecca joined PriMed Consulting in July of 2016. Prior to beginning her career in insurance, she worked for in the mortgage industry. Rebecca’s Eagerness to learn and embrace the insurance market along with her ability to addition to build strong relationships with both clients and underwriters has helped Rebecca to become an integral part of he team. Rebeccaâ??s contentious style and customer focus suits her well while servicing many of PriMed’s largest and most important accounts.
While not at work, Rebecca enjoys spending time outdoors with family and friends. Her hobbies include hiking, canoeing, crafting, and sailing.
Account Manager, NY
732-481-9136
lzembrzuski@primedconsulting.com
Lauren joined Primed Consulting in October of 2016. She has been licensed since 2008 in Property & Casualty, writing environmental insurance with Chamber Insurance Agency Services. Lauren’s strong organizational skills and detail orientation help her to juggle multiple projects simultaneously. Lauren is team player and jumps in as needed to help the NY team with both standard market and RRG account servicing.
Lauren’s teammates find her to be a pleasure to work with. She enjoys interacting with our clients and servicing their accounts. When not at work, Lauren enjoys boating and spending time with her husband.
Account Manager
732.481.5931
crodriguez@primedconsulting.com
Courtney joined the PriMed Consulting team in November 2016 and is new to the insurance industry. She is looking to grow with the company as she learns the fine points of the industry. Courtney has always been in the customer service field and enjoys working people. Her outgoing personality and strong communication skills help her to communicate effectively regarding the ever changing market.
Her willingness to take on new challenges and push herself to learn about the more complex matters in the industry make her an integral part of the NY team. She enjoys kickboxing, reading and cooking.
President
732-788-4018
Fax: 888-567-7587
glamb@primedconsulting.com
Gabrielle joined PriMed Consulting in February 2011 as a Sales Executive. Gabrielle quickly evolved as a critical member of the executive team. Prior to her role as President, Gabrielle held the position of Sales & Marketing Manager and VP Business Development, managing the servicing of key PriMed clients & leading marketing initiatives. She has grown the marketing department with the recruitment and training of Account Executives, and has played an essential role in their ongoing success. Gabrielle’s expertise is in navigating the new healthcare market, especially with the changes due to reform; understanding the needs of our current clients, as well as creating mutually beneficial relationships with medical societies and organizations. In addition to managing the day-to-day operations Gabrielle also spends time seeking out new markets for individual and group practices, and creating new opportunities for growth.
Gabrielle graduated from Rider University with a Bachelors of Arts in both Psychology and Sociology, and has a P&C license. Gabrielle enjoys her home life too, spending time with her husband, and her two young daughters, Charlotte and Genevieve. Besides her dedication to her career, Gabrielle very much enjoys cooking and spending time with family and friends.