Dear Readers,
When I first moved to the Mohawk Valley, one of the most stressful parts of starting over was something I hadn’t really thought much about beforehand: finding new doctors. Not just a primary care physician for myself and my husband, but pediatricians and specialists for my children, doctors for my mom, and all of the people you come to rely on when you’re caring for a family. For me, that also meant finding a board-certified dermatologist I could trust, especially given my own history with skin cancer.
Over time, those names become more than names on a list. They become the people you trust with the health of the people you love most. That is part of why our Top Doctors 2026 issue means so much to me. And this year, it feels even more personal.
Last October, just as we were getting ready to go to press, my son, Luke, received his acceptance to medical school. It was one of those moments I will never forget. Now, a year later, I’m writing this with him two months into medical school, doing so well and fully immersed in the path he worked so hard to begin. I couldn’t be more proud.
Watching Luke begin his own journey in medicine has given me an even deeper appreciation for the dedication, discipline and compassion it takes to care for others. I have always had tremendous respect for the physicians and healthcare professionals who care for our families, but seeing the work from this new perspective has made this year’s issue especially meaningful.
Top Doctors 2026 is presented by Excellus BlueCross BlueShield, and I’m especially grateful for their partnership. Their support of Mohawk Valley Living helps us share the stories of the physicians and healthcare professionals serving our region, but their commitment goes well beyond these pages. We value their continued investment in the health and well-being of Mohawk Valley residents and are thankful to have them as a partner in this important issue.
I also want to thank my dear friend and our Health Editor, Dr. Juleen Qandah. Dr. Qandah has brought so much knowledge, insight and care to our health coverage, and I’m incredibly thankful for all she gives to these pages. Her perspective has helped shape the way we tell these stories, and having someone I trust so deeply beside me in this work has meant a great deal. More than anything, I’m grateful for her friendship.
There is so much more in this issue that is close to my heart, including Women in Business, favorite fall eats, and the pumpkin farms and apple orchards that are such a wonderful part of autumn here.
Our Women in Business feature is especially important to me. As a woman and a business owner, I know what it takes to build something you believe in, keep going through the uncertain moments, and wear more hats than you ever expected. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of meeting so many women across our region who are doing exactly that.
Some are carrying on family businesses. Some are creating something entirely their own. Others are leading organizations, opening doors and helping shape what comes next for the Mohawk Valley. Their stories are all different, but the drive behind them is something I deeply admire.
And because it’s October, we couldn’t leave out the tastes and traditions of fall. Inside, you’ll find some of our favorite seasonal eats, along with pumpkin farms and apple orchards that are perfect for a crisp October day. These are the places we return to year after year, sometimes with the same people and sometimes with a new generation in tow.
From the doctors caring for our families, to the women building businesses and leading the way, to the farms, orchards and gathering places that give fall in the Mohawk Valley its character, this issue is filled with the people and places that remind us why this region is so special.
I hope you enjoy every page, and that it gives you a few more reasons to get out and enjoy the Mohawk Valley this fall.
With gratitude,
Carrie
