Franklin Township School District

Dr. Melissa Melendez Russo, D.O. is a board-certified family medicine physician with a specialty in sports medicine. Dr. Melendez Russo is experienced in providing comprehensive care to patients of all ages with interests including preventative medicine, personalized continuity of care, osteopathic manipulative medicine, and sports medicine. Her goal is to help maximize health and wellness, while minimizing the prolonged effects of illness and injuries.

Melendez Russo's training includes a dual ACGME/AOA accredited Residency in Family Medicine at Atlantic Health Systems - Overlook Medical Center in Summit, NJ, and Fellowship at Atlantic Health Systems - Sports Health in Morristown, NJ.

While regularly managing acute illness and chronic medical conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, asthma, and overuse injuries, Dr. Melendez Russo has a special interest in ultrasound guided procedures, osteopathic manual manipulation, and research in ortho-biologics.

Dr. Melendez Russo's training at Atlantic Sports Health allowed her to provide medical care and sideline coverage for the New York Jets (NFL), NJ Jackals (Minor league baseball), college athletics at Seton Hall University (D1), College of St. Elizabeth's (D1), Union County College (D3), and Chatham High School and Morristown High School as well as participation in mass athletic events including the Superhero's marathon, and other state-wide events. These events provide her with experience in caring for athletes of all levels including the "weekend warrior".

"As an Osteopathic Physician, I believe health and wellness is achieved by accessing an individual's overall mind, body, and spirit. Joining Partnership Health Centers (PHC) solidifies my goal to practice medicine with all of the collaborations needed to attain patient health and wellness," explained Dr. Melendez Russo, adding, "I very much look forward to joining the PHC family and helping Franklin Township School members reach the best healthcare outcomes possible."

Dr. Melendez Russo is a former U.S Marine with vast experience working with diverse populations in many locations. She is originally from New York, now having spent over 20 years residing in New Jersey with an extensive family in the local area. In her spare time, she enjoys fishing, hiking, and spending time with her family.

Heather Fine is an LPN and former Airborne Combat Medic in the United States Army and has been in the medical field for over 28 years. Prior to becoming the Nurse Manager at the Franklin Warriors' Partnership Health Center, she was a Corrections Nurse at the Somerset County Jail. Heather also has a background in labor and delivery and women's health, among many other healthcare specialties. In her spare time, Heather enjoys family time with her three children, traveling, and shopping. She also loves devoting time to taking care of her fellow Veterans.