A child of first generation American parents, Dr. Joseph Appel was raised in Brooklyn, NY in an observant Jewish family with the sensibilities of post-WWII life, celebrating the American dream. His interest in medicine was kindled by the abiding commitment to humanism of his parents and the spirit of science and discovery that characterized our society in the 1960’s. He came to pediatrics via his experience as a youth leader and camp counselor for many years, as well as the influence of inspiring teachers and mentors at Hunter College, the University of Brussels School of Medicine in Belgium, and the Maine Medical Center in Portland.

Since 1979, Dr. Appel has been practicing General Pediatrics in Kingston, Red Hook and Rhinebeck, NY. He is a Castle Connolly Top Doctor 2009-2016. His special interests include developmental pediatrics, infectious diseases and dermatology. He accepts new patients, embraces the ongoing revolutionary changes in modern American medical care; and when he is at work, feels like a kid in a candy store!

He is married to Patricia Beidler. They have 2 children and a grandson. On weekends, you’ll find him in his garden playground.