Our Story: From Mendelson Kornblum to Synergy Health Partners
Six decades of excellence in orthopedic care, serving Southeast Michigan patients with comprehensive musculoskeletal solutions under one roof.
The Beginning: Mendelson Kornblum Orthopedics (1963-Present)
Our story begins in 1963 when Dr. Herbert Mendelson founded Mendelson Kornblum as a general orthopedic practice in Livonia, Michigan. What started as a partnership focused on providing exceptional orthopedic care to Southeast Michigan patients has grown into one of the region’s most comprehensive musculoskeletal care providers.
From its early days in Livonia, the practice demonstrated a commitment to innovation and growth. Dr. Mendelson’s vision was clear: to provide patients with accessible, high-quality orthopedic care close to home. This patient-centered approach became the foundation of everything we do today.
Early Expansion and Growth
The practice’s reputation for excellence led to natural expansion. Mendelson Kornblum extended its reach eastward through a partnership with St. John Macomb Hospital in Warren, Michigan, bringing specialized orthopedic care to even more Southeast Michigan communities.
Over the decades, the practice welcomed additional partners and physicians, each bringing their own expertise and specialties. This collaborative approach allowed Mendelson Kornblum to offer an increasingly comprehensive range of services to meet the evolving needs of patients throughout the region.
A Family Legacy: The Next Generation
By 2003, Mendelson Kornblum had become a true family practice as Dr. Herbert Mendelson’s three sons—David, Jeffrey, and Stephen—joined the orthopedic practice. Together with Dr. Martin Kornblum, they currently own and manage the practice, continuing the family tradition of excellence in orthopedic care.
This multi-generational leadership brings both continuity and innovation to patient care. The Mendelson family’s deep roots in Southeast Michigan, combined with their commitment to staying at the forefront of orthopedic medicine, has helped the practice maintain its position as a trusted healthcare provider for thousands of patients.
Modern Facilities and Expanded Services
Today, Mendelson Kornblum Orthopedics operates from state-of-the-art facilities designed with patient comfort and efficiency in mind. Our Sterling Heights location serves as a key clinical facility, while our impressive 40,000-square-foot facility in Livonia (with half subleased to St. Mary Mercy Hospital) represents our commitment to providing comprehensive care in a modern, accessible environment.
The practice has evolved significantly from its original focus on extremity-based orthopedics. Today, our services have expanded to include:
- Comprehensive spine care with fellowship-trained spine surgeons
- Advanced pain management with interventional techniques
- Sports medicine and injury prevention
- Joint replacement and revision surgeries
- Podiatric care for foot and ankle conditions
- Physical and occupational therapy
- In-house pharmacy and ambulatory surgery centers
Today: Mendelson Kornblum as Part of Synergy Health Partners
Mendelson Kornblum Orthopedics (MKO) now operates as a cornerstone practice within Synergy Health Partners, employing over 20 board-certified physicians and specialists who offer a full range of premium orthopedic and ancillary services. This integration allows us to provide even more comprehensive care while maintaining the personalized attention and clinical excellence that has defined our practice for six decades.
Our experienced team includes fellowship-trained specialists in:
- Orthopedic surgery and joint replacement
- Spine surgery and minimally invasive techniques
- Pain management and interventional procedures
- Sports medicine and arthroscopic surgery
- Podiatry and foot/ankle surgery
- Physical medicine and rehabilitation
Comprehensive Care Under One Roof
What sets Synergy Health Partners apart is our ability to provide truly comprehensive musculoskeletal care at multiple locations throughout Southeast Michigan. When you choose us, you have access to:
- Specialist consultations without long wait times
- Advanced diagnostic imaging and testing
- Surgical procedures in our accredited ambulatory surgery centers
- Rehabilitation services with our physical and occupational therapists
- Prescription medications from our in-house pharmacy
- Coordinated care between all your providers
This integrated approach means fewer appointments, better communication between your care team, and more convenient access to the treatments you need to get back to the activities you love.
Our Commitment to Southeast Michigan
For over 60 years, we have been proud to serve the Southeast Michigan community. From our origins in Livonia to our current locations in Sterling Heights, Port Huron, and Southfield, we remain committed to making high-quality musculoskeletal care accessible to patients throughout the region.
Our deep community roots mean we understand the unique needs of Michigan residents—from weekend warriors to industrial workers, from young athletes to active seniors. We’ve treated thousands of patients, helping them overcome injuries, manage chronic conditions, and return to active, pain-free lives.
Looking Forward
As we continue to grow and evolve, our mission remains unchanged: to provide exceptional, compassionate care that helps you make pain a thing of the past. Whether you’re dealing with a sports injury, chronic back pain, or need joint replacement surgery, our experienced team is here to guide you through every step of your treatment journey.
We invite you to become part of our story—and let us help you write the next chapter of your own health and wellness journey. With six decades of experience, state-of-the-art facilities, and a team of dedicated specialists, Synergy Health Partners is here to serve you and your family for generations to come.
Frequently Asked Questions About Our History
Learn more about our journey from Mendelson Kornblum to Synergy Health Partners
Mendelson Kornblum was founded in 1963 by Dr. Herbert Mendelson as a general orthopedic practice in Livonia, Michigan. The practice has been serving Southeast Michigan patients for over 60 years.
Dr. Herbert Mendelson's three sons—David, Jeffrey, and Stephen Mendelson—along with Dr. Martin Kornblum currently own and manage the practice. This family leadership continues the tradition of excellence established over six decades ago.
Mendelson Kornblum Orthopedics (MKO) operates as a practice within Synergy Health Partners, allowing patients to access comprehensive musculoskeletal care including orthopedics, spine surgery, pain management, podiatry, and rehabilitation services all under one roof.
We have clinical facilities in Sterling Heights and a 40,000-square-foot facility in Livonia. Synergy Health Partners also serves patients in Port Huron and Southfield, providing convenient access to care throughout Southeast Michigan.
Originally focused on general orthopedics, we've expanded to include spine surgery, pain management, sports medicine, podiatry, physical therapy, an in-house pharmacy, and ambulatory surgery centers. We now employ over 20 physicians offering comprehensive musculoskeletal care.
Our services include orthopedic surgery, joint replacement, spine surgery, pain management, sports medicine, podiatry, physical and occupational therapy, diagnostic imaging, ambulatory surgery, and an in-house pharmacy—all designed to provide comprehensive care under one roof.