About Dr. Kenneth Markowitz MD, IMAC

Dr. Kenneth Markowitz is the owner and operator of North Star Recovery Coaching. For over 18 years, Dr. Markowitz practiced clinical medicine as a board-certified pediatrician, focusing on general pediatric care and treating mental health and behavioral issues. Dr. Markowitz graduated from New York University magna cum laude with a B.A. in Psychology. After college, he attended SUNY Stonybrook Medical School, followed by pediatric residency training at North Shore University Hospital- NYU School of Medicine in Manhasset, NY. 

"For almost two decades, I practiced medicine as a pediatrician—until my own struggle with addiction brought my clinical career to a halt. That experience stripped everything away, but it also gave me a perspective that 18 years in a white coat never could.

Today, I use that unique blend of medical knowledge and lived recovery to coach people struggling with addiction and 'failure to launch.' I help my clients navigate the same path I had to walk: moving from total stagnation to building a life of agency, healthy coping, and restored relationships. I’ve been where they are, and I know what it takes to get back."

Dr. Markowitz also volunteers for Recovery Without Borders as the head of Recovery Without Borders- NY and host of their weekly Zoom at Noon series. You can learn more about Recovery Without Borders here.

Physician and recovery coach: the perfect pairing

Every good clinician is also an effective coach. Navigating a patient’s medical care requires a strong understanding of medicine and an appreciation of each patient's unique medical needs.

The same is true for the needs of those recovering from addiction. No two recoveries are alike. Hiring a coach who understands these nuances is key to a person’s successful addiction recovery. 

Caring for the Family

During my clinical years, I recognized that proper

pediatric care required understanding family dynamics. The relationships between a child and his or her family impact a child’s physical and mental health.

Addiction is a family disease. Recovery requires an understanding of how each family member interacts with and is affected by the person struggling with addiction. A recovery coach who is an experienced physician can maximize recovery success by considering the importance of family dynamics and helping the family and the addict recover together.

Understanding

Addiction is often difficult to understand without personal experience. A coach with addiction experience provides a deeper understanding and knowledge of the challenges posed by addiction and recovery. I have the professional and personal experience to guide my clients effectively through their recovery.