For nearly three decades, New York-based award-winning surgeon Dr. Gabriel Dassa has been devoting his life to the welfare of his local and global communities in more ways than one. Few in the medical profession can claim such a diverse skill set; Dr. Dassa is not only a certified orthopedic surgeon, but also an internationally recognized figure in the music industry. He offers his vocal talents, as a singer, with renowned vocal group, The Tokens, most notably celebrated for their 1961 classic, “The Lion Sleeps Tonight.” Over the years, the surgeon-cum-vocalist has masterfully balanced his roles in the arts and medicine, and he shows no signs of slowing down.
People from all corners of the United States often journey to one of Dr. Dassa’s four state-of-the-art New York facilities, seeking treatment from the top-tier orthopedic surgeon. Whether operating from his Bronx locations or his picturesque upstate New York clinic, Dr. Dassa has spent the better part of the last three decades tending to and accommodating patients with complex conditions such as ligament injuries, orthopedic and hand trauma, and joint fractures.
“Being able to be part of such a legendary group has been such a fulfilling and joyful experience,” says Dassa, “But my work as an orthopedic surgeon is what really fuels my passion for helping people. Being able to be in the clinic by day and on stage at night has really allowed me to connect with people on such an impactful level, and it makes me happy to know that I don’t have to choose between music and medicine.”
Dassa lives by a principle of providing care to all patients in a proficient and compassionate environment, a professional care approach he has nurtured and refined over the years. While Dassa Orthopedics specializes in orthopedic treatments, Dassa also integrates the positive aspects of his musical career into his clinic’s practices. A testament to this is the bright response his patients have towards his musical talents, equaled only by their appreciation of his dedicated surgical skills.
From the exam room to the stage, Dassa exhibits remarkable talent and unwavering commitment to excel in his diverse passions. He is the premier orthopedic authority in New York, and is also recognized as one of the most unforgettable voices in the group Classic Sounds in addition to his work with The Tokens. A pioneer in various fields, he continues to share his passion and healing abilities with his community.
Over the years, Dassa has performed alongside musical legends such as The Drifters, The Miracles, The Righteous Brothers, and numerous other celebrated artists from throughout the years. Even while practicing as an orthopedic doctor, Dassa found time to perform in local theater productions, starring in musicals like “Jesus Christ Superstar” and “Godspell.”
For Dassa, the joy found in his intertwining passions for music and medicine have turned out to be pursuits worth a lifetime. A founding member of Classic Sounds, Dassa has also enjoyed performing alongside the distinct voice of Jay Siegel, the original lead singer and founding member of The Tokens. Siegel’s signature falsetto and tenor lead continue to be revered, and are embodied by the group with Dassa and Kurt Yaghjian.
Thanks to his diverse creative pursuits and unwavering commitment to the medical field, Dr. Dassa’s significant contributions to his profession have undoubtedly made a lasting mark on the world. To discover more about this multifaceted life, you can visit the Dassa Orthopedics website. To learn more about Classic Sounds, visit classicsoundsmusic.com.
