Medical Answer Book 2017 by Appen Media Group

2017 An Appen Media Group Publication

ELITE TRAINING, HOMETOWN HEART Dr. Brent Taylor opens Premier Dermatology

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GMC takes convenience to heart. Between Gwinnett Medical Center-Duluth, our Glancy Campus, ChoiceOne Urgent Care in Sugar Hill, the GMC Primary Care & Specialty Center-Suwanee and the Johns Creek Orthopedic Surgery Center, we offer a wealth of services that are convenient to you. Visit gwinnettmedicalcenter.org/facilities to learn more. This is Gwinnett Medical Center. This is now.

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• 1st Orthodontist in Alpharetta • Served Over 20,000 New Patients

• Diplomat of American Board of Orthodontics • Convenient Office Hours

Winner 3 years in a Row

Voted Best Orthodontist in North Fulton and South Forsyth

JEFFREY W. JORDAN, DMD, MSD, PC

4205 North Point Parkway • Alpharetta, GA 30022

770-751-1240 • www.jwjordan.com Medical Answer Book 2017 | 3

Publishers Ray & Christina Appen General Manager Hans Appen Editor Kathleen Sturgeon

kathleen@appenmediagroup.com Editorial Patrick Fox Julia Grochowski Hatcher Hurd Joe Parker Kathleen Sturgeon Candy Waylock Production David Brown AJ McNaughton Suzanne Pacey Advertising Adam Darby Mike Dorman Wendy Goddard Susan Hernandez Dean Larkin June Michaels Steve Neese April Thornton Reproduction of the content of the Answer Book—including all maps— is prohibited without expressed written permission. The Answer Book is a trademarked title. All efforts have been made to verify content. Appen Media Group publishes the Education Answer Book, the Relocation Answer Book, the Medical Answer Book and the Seniors Answer Book. Online versions are accessible on NorthFulton.com at the bottom of the home page. Contact us at 770-442-3278 or email advertising@ appenmediagroup.com.

319 North Main Street, Alpharetta AppenMediaGroup.com 4 | Medical Answer Book 2017

Welcome to your 2017 Medical Answer Book! Now checking in to your 2017 Medical Answer Book — the ultimate community guide to local health and medical services. We’re glad you picked up this copy of the 2017 Medical Answer Book. It’s full of great resources, local news and interesting facts about the medical community in our area. New this year is the section of letters from hospital administrators. We know how great the hospitals are in our community, but now we get to hear from the people who run them. Also, be sure to visit our directory that lists many of the doctors, hospitals, practices and other services that are just down the road from your home. Our cover story on Dr. Brent Taylor was a fun one to write. I was blown away by his many years of education and vast experience, but it was his personality and his staff that make their practice so inviting. Be sure to read up on why the local doctor wanted to open his practice right here in Alpharetta. The content in the Medical Answer Book is useful, so be sure to keep it close by. We have four quarterly editions of our Answer Books — Education, Relocation, Medical and our newest installment, Seniors, which debuted last year. Each version is uniquely focused to give readers the most accurate and specific information they want. The Answer Books are also great ways to advertise because they have a long shelf-life and are available on our website, NorthFulton.com. Call us today at 770-442-3278 if you want to be included in the next edition. If attracting new patients — especially those relocating to the area— is important to your medical practice, I know of no more effective vehicle to reach this market. If you’re not an advertiser but have a great story to tell, contact me at kathleen@appenmediagroup.com and we can chat about a potential article for one of our many publications. The Answer Books are available at most chambers of commerce, cities, homeowner associations and real estate companies. Additionally, we home deliver 40,000 copies throughout north Atlanta. Happy reading!

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choa.org/urgentcare Medical Answer Book 2017 | 5

LETTERS FROM HOSPITAL ADMINISTRATION:

Exceptional care close to home E

mory Johns Creek Hospital is committed to helping you and your family experience a lifetime of good health. We’re a 110-bed, acute care facility located in the heart of Johns Creek. This year, we’re proud to celebrate 10 years of providing world class academic and research-based medicine, as well as community events, classes and support groups, close to home. We’re part of Emory Healthcare, the most comprehensive academic health system in the state. Emory Healthcare’s broad integrated network connects patients to more than 2,000 doctors and 200 locations. Our mission is to serve humanity by improving health through integration of education, discovery and health care delivery. I started my career at Emory Healthcare as a nurse more than 30 years ago. The skills I use as a nurse are the foundation I use to serve our community as a dedicated CEO. I’m able to understand what’s happening at the bedside and provide necessary resources and guidance to others to give patients the best care possible. Our top doctors at Emory Johns Creek Hospital offer a comprehensive range of medical services, from routine care to complex procedures and treatments, many of which are not available anywhere else in the area. Some of our renowned services include: comprehensive cancer care at Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, a birth center with Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, advanced cardiac and stroke care, vascular care, 24-hour emergency medicine, bariatrics/ weight loss, orthopaedics, and general surgery. Emory Johns Creek Hospital is committed to utilizing state-of-the-art technologies to best serve our patients. We’ve recently installed a new wide-bore designed MRI in radiology with improved image quality, higher efficiency and the ability to provide eight times faster results. Our second cardiac catheterization lab is now available to patients at Emory Johns Creek Hospital. The technology provides improved image quality for doctors and better manages radiation exposure to patients and staff. The Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory provides a variety of cardiac procedures including: angioplasty and stent placement, delivering on average less than 90 minutes for severe heart attacks. Emory Johns Creek Hospital is recognized as an accredited Chest Pain Center with Percutaneous Coronary Intervention capabilities. The Joint Commission has designated our hospital as a Primary Stroke Center. American Heart Association has awarded us

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the Mission: Lifeline STEMI Receiving Center recognition for excellent heart attack care, as well as the Gold Plus Stroke achievements award. We’re working diligently every day to expand services and improve technology at our hospital to accommodate the needs of the community. We look forward to continuing to serve patients in Johns Creek for years to come. Sincerely, Marilyn Margolis Emory Johns Creek Hospital, CEO

Skin Cancer & Mohs Surgery • Medical Dermatology Vein Care • Cosmetic Services

N. Atlanta Welcomes Dr. Brent Taylor Insist on the BEST

Dr. Brent Taylor is a Board-Certified Dermatologist, a FellowshipTrained Mohs Surgeon, and is certified by the Board of Venous and Lymphatic Medicine in the field of Vein Care. His education and work experience include: • Marist School – Valedictorian • Harvard College – Bachelor of Arts in Biochemical Sciences Graduated in 3 years Magna Cum Laude • Vanderbilt School of Medicine – Doctorate of Medicine Attended on a Full, Merit-Based Scholarship • Medical University of South Carolina – Dermatology Residency; Chief Resident • ACGME-Accredited Fellowship in Mohs surgery, Procedural Dermatology, and Vein Care at Scripps Clinic in La Jolla, California. Dr. Taylor has performed thousands of Mohs surgeries and reconstructions, dermatologic surgeries and procedures while in private practice in Florida where local and even international patients have sought him out for the best care. He is an expert in skin cancer and melanoma treatment, endovenous laser ablation, minimally invasive vein procedures and cosmetics procedures such as Botox and injectables. He now brings his highly sought after expertise back home to Alpharetta with the opening of Premier Dermatology and Mohs Surgery of Atlanta! Now Accepting Patients. Schedule your consultation with Dr. Taylor Today.

Dr. Brent Taylor

Now Accepting Patients. We accept most major insurance including Medicare.

Premier Dermatology and Mohs Surgery of Atlanta 3180 North Point Parkway, Suite 420 Alpharetta, Georgia 30005

PremierDermatologyAtlanta.com • 678-345-1899 Medical Answer Book 2017 | 7

LETTERS FROM HOSPITAL ADMINISTRATION:

Serving the area for over 70 years F

or over 70 years, Gwinnett Medical Center has been committed to ensuring the health and wellbeing of the communities we serve. In that time, we have expanded our services and enhanced our capabilities with new facilities and the brightest medical minds. At GMC, we recognize that receiving the best care possible means more than just having the latest in medical technology and treatment options. It means receiving compassionate, thorough care from dedicated medical professionals at every stage of the healing process. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s why, at GMC, our approach to care extends beyond just physical ailments. We strive to provide resources that support complete healing for the patient and their family members. In addition to educational resources and classes, we offer a number of support groups for both patients and caregivers. These support groups can provide an outlet for stress, connection to others and helpful information. We also work to make medical care more manageable with our nurse navigators. These experts support patients and caregivers with guidance, coordination of care, and answers to common questions. In addition to our American Cancer Society Navigator and our Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Health Navigator, we also have a Faith Community Nurse Navigator. As the only hospital in Georgia that offers Faith Community Nursing, we are proud of the impact it has on community health. This unique program is focused on forming partnerships with faith communities so that individuals are able to gain access to health information, education and resources. To learn more about these helpful programs available to you, visit our website gwinnettmedicalcenter. org. I hope that these resources, along with our compassionate medical team and extensive range of services, continue to keep you and your family in good health. Philip R. Wolfe, FACHE President and CEO of Gwinnett Medical Center

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Releasing a child’s ‘ inner wealth’ Program to help struggling youth opens in Milton By CANDY WAYLOCK eLisa Boyd of Alpharetta knows all too well the importance of growing up surrounded by caring, supportive adults — especially when parents are not around to fill in the voids. “I was that child who experienced being reared by a single parent and being subjected to not only verbal abuse but physical abuse as well,” said Boyd, who grew up in New Jersey. “But despite the negative, I had two aunts that thought the world of me and I thought the world of them.” From a very young age, she knew her life path would be serving families and children, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds. “I was just a girl from Rahway, NJ, with two dedicated maternal great-aunts that dedicated their lives to our family,” said Boyd, who went on to be the first in her family to earn a college degree. The mother of three recently relocated to Alpharetta with her husband and children to continue the path she started in Princeton, N.J., with underserved children. In January, Boyd opened The GEMS Network in Milton, focused on helping children who are challenged behaviorally, emotionally, socially or academically. It follows the structure of the Nurtured Heart Approach (NHA) which focuses on building a child’s “inner wealth,” said Boyd. The program, developed by Howard Glasser of the Children’s Success Foundation, works for all children, but is focused on the most challenging children, including those with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Asperger Syndrome, anxiety disorders and self-injurious behaviors. “There is no typical client because our goal is to build stronger communities, which includes in the home and school environments,” Boyd explained. After two decades of working to improve the lives of children, Boyd said the Nurtured Heart Approach spoke to her like no other program had before. It is a curriculum for relationships based on three standards: refuse to energize negative behavior, energize the positive and establish clear rules and boundaries. “NHA supports adults in relating to children in ways that guide them to use their intensity successfully and positively,” she explained. “Children come to see their intensity as fuel for greatness, not as a deficit or a handicap.”

DeLisa Boyd is the founder and CEO of The GEMS Network. The GEMS Network works with children from preschool to 18, and Boyd works to involve the entire “village” in helping the child. She began a partnership with Alpharetta High School where two of her children attend, creating “Brand Ambassadors” for outreach to their peers. “Indirectly, these young men and women will begin changing their language...which then changes the culture,” said Boyd, noting she is also working with Alpharetta Parks and Recreation and the city of Fairburn in South Fulton. Boyd wakes each morning with a prayer to help parents in crisis, and to involve others in her mission. “Dealing with intense children can be challenging and stressful,” Boyd said. “My prayer is that Georgia will embrace the approach as a standard for education. Whether they realize it or not, educators possess the power of speaking life or death into a child.” At the same time, Boyd said children need to understand that the role model adults in their lives are examples of the future that lies ahead. For more information, visit thegemsnetworkllc.com. Medical Answer Book 2017 | 9

WellStar North Fulton Hospital names chief of staff Dr. Shelley Dunson-Allen brings years of experience

By KATHLEEN STURGEON onths after WellStar Hospital acquired North Fulton Hospital, it has named Dr. Shelley Dunson-Allen its new chief of staff. Her responsibilities will be to oversee the entire medical staff at the hospital. That includes physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants and others. She also chairs the Medical Executive Committee for the hospital and is part of the Executive Leadership Team. “Dr. Dunson-Allen has dedicated her career to her patients and will have a great impact on the quality of patient care for the North Fulton community,” said Lindsey Petrini, interim president of North Fulton Hospital. “Our physicians, nurses, leaders and team members agree she’s an asset and look forward to benefiting from her passion for patient care.” Dunson-Allen has been on staff at North Fulton Hospital since 2001. “I execute projects and programs and the day-today functioning related to physicians and healthcare providers,” she said. “(The acquisition is) exciting. The WellStar corporation is a very good corporate entity. They have a great plan for North Fulton Hospital, now WellStar North Fulton Hospital, to continue to grow in the community and provide outstanding services across the board.” The hospital is one of the few in the state fully accredited for trauma, she said. Additionally, it is an accredited stroke center, offers inpatient rehab services, has an intensive care unit, cardiology services, has a “5-star” women’s health division and the lowest cesarean rate in the state of Georgia. “We have in-house midwifery care 24 hours a day, seven days a week so women have an opportunity to labor a little longer and usually because of that have a successful vaginal delivery,” Dunson-Allen said. “We are really proud of that.” The hospital also strives to help its team members in personal development. “This is significant to help them identify talent, reward it and support people in the organization who are trying to move forward in their educational and professional growth,” Dunson-Allen said. “This will help retain them as employees and they won’t have to hire new people all the time and train them. It’s nice to have

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Dr. Shelley Dunson-Allen was recently named chief of staff at WellStar North Fulton Hospital. your own timeline and develop your own internal group of staff members.” While the hospital has a lot of programs, it has always been community-based, she said. “We’ve always been focused on providing service lines that are necessary for taking care of people in a community,” Dunson-Allen said. “WellStar also embraces that and are focused on quality and safety. That focus is good and is the direction hospitals need to go in the future to continue being successful and continue to provide the quality of care we want patients to have.” In addition to this new role, Dunson-Allen will continue to run her private practice, Providence Women’s Healthcare practicing OBGYN and midwifery, which has three locations in Alpharetta/Roswell, Dunwoody and Johns Creek.

How well do you Know Your Heart? Know Your Heart is a screening program designed to determine risk of heart disease, stroke and other serious conditions. Each Know Your Heart participant receives a personalized report with test results, reviewed with a WellStar Medical Group, Cardiovascular Medicine provider. The consultation also includes risk factor education, diet, weight and exercise recommendations. Call 770-956-STAR (7827) to determine eligibility and to schedule an appointment.

Basic Risk Assessment – $49 Advanced Risk Assessment – $139 Heart Screen – $99 or $149 per couple Conveniently located at WellStar North Fulton Hospital 3000 Hospital Blvd – Roswell, GA 30076

wellstar.org

Medical Answer Book 2017 | 11

Georgia joins growing number of State still lacks path for patients to obtain drug By PATRICK FOX ecent legislation expanding Georgian’s access to medical marijuana became law July 1. The new law allows reciprocity for qualifying patients from other states and expands the list of medical afflictions eligible for treatment. According to the National Conference of State Legislators, 29 states, the District of Columbia, Guam and Puerto Rico now allow for comprehensive public medical marijuana and cannabis programs. Recently approved efforts in 17 states allow use of “low THC, high cannabidiol” products for medical reasons in limited situations or as a legal defense. Georgia first enacted legislation allowing the use of tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, – the chemical in marijuana that produces a high – in 2015. The law allowed patients who completed a medical screening process to possess cannabis oil with a low concentration of THC. However, that legislation cited only eight medical conditions eligible for medical marijuana. They included: • Severe or end-stage cancer • Severe or end-stage amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS • Seizure disorders related to a diagnosis of epilepsy or trauma-related head injuries • Severe or end-stage multiple sclerosis • Crohn’s disease • Mitochondrial disease (neuromuscular disease) • Severe or end-stage Parkinson’s disease • Severe or end-stage sickle cell disease

At the time the legislation was passed, the state estimated hundreds of thousands of residents could be eligible for the drug. Testimony cited at least 17 Georgia families who had to temporarily move out of state to places like Colorado where the cannabis oil is legal. The new law passed this year adds a host of other conditions eligible for THC treatment: • Severe Tourette’s syndrome • Most cases of autism spectrum disorder • Epidermolysis bullosa (skin disease) • Severe or end-stage Alzheimer’s disease • Severe or end-stage AIDS • Severe or end-stage peripheral neuropathy While the new law broadens the scope of those suffering from painful and fatal conditions, advocates for medical marijuana argue the legislation does not go 12 | Medical Answer Book 2017

far enough. The law does not establish an in-state supply source for the product, so qualified patients must go out of state to purchase the product. The legislation does not provide how to obtain the product, it only exempts them from prosecution if they are found to be in possession. According to the organization Georgia Cannabis, state law does not address where patients are to obtain their medicine from, it only exempts them from prosecution if they are found to be in possession. Most patients order their medicine from a reputable

states allowing medical marijuana

producer in a state where its production for medicinal purposes is legal. The organization stresses that it is important for patients to order only from producers who have their product tested and properly labeled. The U.S. National Institute on Drug Abuse is studying whether marijuana legalization can be an effective tool against opioid addiction. It says preliminary studies have suggested that medical marijuana legalization might decrease prescription opioid use and overdose deaths, but the evidence is, as yet, far from conclusive.

One NIDA-funded study suggested a link between medical marijuana legalization and fewer prescription opioid overdose deaths, but the research did not show that medical marijuana legalization caused the decrease or that pain patients changed their drug-taking behavior. Another NIDA study showed that legally protected medical marijuana dispensaries, not just medical marijuana laws, were also associated with a decrease in opioid prescribing, self-reports of opioid misuse and treatment admissions for opioid addiction. Medical Answer Book 2017 | 13

Wellstar North Fulton Hospital invests in technology updates By JULIA SANDERS ospitals are expected to treat all patients who come in, so it is crucial for hospitals and trauma centers to have updated technology. Wellstar North Fulton Hospital is one of many North Fulton hospitals riding the wave of new technology in their facility. Lindsey Petrini, vice president and chief operating officer at Wellstar North Fulton Hospital, said the center has recently made significant technological updates. “Wellstar invested a lot in their facilities this past year,” Petrini said. “A lot of new updates for patient monitoring, expansion of our services like our pain and spine center and our infusion center that will be coming in the fall. Most recently was the addition of our 128-slice CT scanner.” Petrini said the new CT scanner allows a clearer picture of the patient’s organs and is faster than the original scanner. The 128-slice CT scanner is able to do a scan called cardiac scoring. The cardiac scoring results can create a plan for addressing risk factors and lifestyle changes to manage strokes, heart disease and cholesterol. “We are able to provide the community with a very simple, inexpensive preventive procedure or test,” Petrini said. “They can come in to the facility and get so much information on the front end that can help their well-being long term.” Patients can receive some additional information and be more proactive rather than reactive in regards to heart disease. The new scanner is 15 to 20 minutes faster, which is crucial for the hospital’s operation, Petrini said. “The faster we can get the scan done, the faster we can get the results, the faster we can really treat the patients,” Petrini said. Wellstar North Fulton Hospital added their 128-slice CT scanner in February, and will install a second one later this year. “We are the only level two trauma center in the North Fulton area,” she said. “If you come in from the emergency standpoint, we need to have the best technology to treat you in a comprehensive, timely fashion.” Wellstar North Fulton is also expanding its Pain and Spine center. Construction is currently underway and is expected to be completed in the fall. The Pain and Spine Center performs minimally invasive pain management procedures, medication management and pain management by way of infusion therapy. The center has an infusion specialist, one of the only

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Wellstar North Fulton Hospital employee Holli Bynum displays the the CT scanner. physicians in the area who provides that type of pain management. When you have pain problems or spine problems, typically you start out with the least invasive type of plan, so you don’t go from pain management problems to surgery, Petrini said. “They start out with medication management and perhaps some infusion therapy,” she said. “So to be able to provide that whole array of services here at this facility is unique.”

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Medical Answer Book 2017 | 15

A newly installed MRI suite at Emory Johns Creek Hospital offers patients more space and quiet.

New MRI machines at Emory Johns Creek increase comfort, efficiency Devices provide quieter experience, clearer images By JORDAN MEAKER new MRI suite at Emory Johns Creek Hospital is helping eradicate discomfort and produce higher quality images, delivering results eight times faster than previously used equipment. Even people without claustrophobia can get nervous inside the loud tubes traditionally used to scan and take photos of the body, but Emory Johns Creek’s new MRI machine has a larger diameter and softer lighting, helping to ease patient discomfort. The new machines also include noise-reduction technology and a lower, wider table with a soft memory foam surface. In addition to providing a more relaxing MRI expe-

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rience, the new technology increases image quality while providing results much faster. For example, a scan that would normally take one hour can now be completed in 30 minutes or less, with clearer images than before. “EJCH is also updating its existing MRI suite to the same technology in order that both suites will be up -to-date with state-of-the-art technology with shorter exam times and a more comfortable experience,” said Alysia Satchel, senior manager of Media Relations for the hospital. Emory Johns Creek has also recently opened a second cardiac catheterization lab with new technology that produces higher quality images more efficiently.

Medical Answer Book 2017 | 17

Concussion tests assist clinicians at Gwinnett Medical Center New technologies provide more objective results By JORDAN MEAKER ew technology at the Gwinnett Medical Center’s Concussion Institute in Duluth is allowing doctors to diagnose concussions more reliably than ever before. Concussions are the most common type of traumatic brain injury, and the detrimental effects of suffering multiple concussions are becoming increasingly well known. Traditionally, patients showing symptoms of concussion are examined through a neurological test administered by a doctor. However, Gwinnett Medical Center recently installed software called RightEye, and according to Maria Chininis, manager of the Concussion Institute, the program allows for more unbiased results than traditional concussion examinations. “These tests give our clinicians very objective results when they’re doing their evaluation and assessments and then developing a treatment plan for the patients,” Chininis said. RightEye contains five tests that track eye movement and check for abnormalities. “Our certified athletic trainers use it, our neuropsychologists use it and our physical therapists use it,” Chininis said. “It has helped tremendously, because in the past, each individual clinician would give assessments, and it would be very subjective.” With RightEye, clinicians can track their patients’ progress by printing out assessments for each test. “It just really gives a really good visual of the recovery from a very objective measure,” Chininis said. The Concussion Institute has also implemented pediatric ImPACT testing, the only FDA-approved concussion assessment test for children ages 5-11. Chininis said the ImPACT test has been used for years for people ages 12-59. The computerized test is often administered to high school and college athletes before their season to determine their baseline, or their cognitive status before they’ve had a concussion. If an athlete sustains a head injury, they can take the ImPACT test again to see the extent of the damage. Chininis said the test for 5-11 year olds is administered on an IPad. “It’s basically an app,” Chininis said. “It’s very interactive, very user-friendly and it’s given one-on-one.” The results of the test can be used to develop a

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A young girl takes an ImPACT test. treatment plan for the patient. Chininis said the Concussion Institute hosted an event in February where anyone in the community could sign up to get a baseline test, and the pediatric slots filled up quickly. Chininis said staying up-to-date on new technology allows the Concussion Institute to remain on the cutting edge of research. “We’re very much trying to be the leaders in the metro-Atlanta area in the services that we provide. We’re constantly scouring the research and going to conferences,” Chininis said. Remaining on the forefront of new technology is also important for Gwinnett Medical Center because the hospital was recently named a service provider for current and former professional football players, Chininis explained. “We have added a neurologist to our practice parttime to see former and current professional players who have suffered concussions throughout their career,” Chininis said. According to Chininis, having the RightEye program was a large factor in getting chosen as a provider for professional football players. “We went through quite a vetting to be able to be selected, and we feel very fortunate that one of our Gwinnett Medical Center physicians was selected,” Chininis said. “Our clinic is very unique in the way we are set up, and we feel equally unique in what we can offer.”

Medical Answer Book 2017 | 19

Dr. Siddharth Patel preps for a TCAR procedure.

New procedure helps patients with carotid artery disease By JORDAN MEAKER octors at Northside Hospital Heart and Vascular Institute are now performing a new, minimally invasive procedure for treating carotid artery disease, greatly reducing the possibility of stroke for high-risk patients. The TransCarotid Artery Revascularization procedure lowers the risk of stroke for older patients, typically those 75 and older, said Dr. Siddharth Patel, general and vascular surgeon at the institute. The TCAR is an alternative to having a carotid endarterectomy, usually the main treatment option for severe carotid disease. “Normally, the procedure is performed via an incision in the neck, where the artery is clamped, opened up and the blockage is scooped out,” Patel said. Patel said carotid endarterectomy has a 2.5 percent risk of stroke caused by arterial plaque escaping the artery and entering the brain. Higher risk patients must undergo carotid stenting, a procedure that involves navigating the arteries between the groin and the neck to place a stent in the narrowed artery. Patel said there’s a 4.5 percent risk of stroke with the stenting procedure. The TCAR procedure works differently than traditional procedures. Patel said a small incision is made above the collar bone, exposing the diseased artery.

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“We use a special filter and the body’s own pressure by diverting the blood flow and reversing it,” Patel said. If arterial plaque is knocked loose in the procedure, instead of going up into the brain, it’s pulled out using the body’s own pressure and driven through a filter. “With this new approach, the risk of stroke procedurally is actually now closer to 1 percent. There’s a several hundred percent risk reduction relative to coming from the groin, which is a huge advantage,” Patel said. “It also opens up the procedure to patients who couldn’t have had it done otherwise.” Patel said implementing new technology like the TCAR procedure is important for the Heart and Vascular Institute. “Vascular procedures are a unique field in that there’s always new and emerging technology,” Patel said. “It’s important for us to stay up to date on new technology because every so often, new technology or approaches will come around that can be labeled a game changer and offers a distinct advantage over what we had been doing as part of the current standard of care or historically.” According to Patel, new technology gives patients more opportunities for treatment. “It opens up options for patients that otherwise would have had zero options and increases the options for patients that would otherwise have limited options,” Patel said.

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Hospital profiles What hospital is right for you? We profile the best hospitals in the area looking at areas of specialty, number of beds, locations and more.

WellStar North Fulton Hospital Number of beds: 202 Number of doctors: 41 (employed by WellStar) Areas of specialty: Trauma, Cardiac Care, Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Health, Pain and Spine, Wound Care, Inpatient Rehab, Stroke

What makes your hospital different? WellStar North Fulton Hospital is the only American College of Surgeons Verified Trauma Center in North Fulton. Lowest C-section rate in Atlanta (13.1% in 2017).

The No. 1 message to the community: We are now a member of the largest health system in the state of Georgia which means greater access to world-class care for our patients.

Location/contact information 3000 Hospital Blvd. Roswell, GA 30076 770-751-2500 www.wellstar.org

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HOSPITAL PROFILES

Emory Johns Creek Hosptial Number of beds: 110 Number of doctors: 920 Hospital space (square footage): 329,000 Annual patients: 7,165 admissions; 71,487 outpatient services Areas of specialty: Advanced Cardiology, Bariatrics, Comprehensive Cancer Care, Emergency Services, General and Robotic Surgery, Primary Stroke Center, Neurology and Women’s Services. The No. 1 message to the community: Emory Johns Creek Hospital is dedicated to providing compassionate care to patients in a state-of-the art setting. We’re part of Emory Healthcare, the most comprehensive academic health system in the state. Our top

doctors at Emory Johns Creek Hospital offer a range of medical services including: emergency medicine, a birth center with level III neonatal intensive care, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, a certified bariatric center, advanced cardiac and stroke care, sleep medicine, rehabilitation, surgical services, gastroenterology, orthopedic surgery and sports medicine, a pain center and a wound care center. We’re committed to providing Johns Creek and surrounding communities with academic and research-based medicine, as well as events, classes and support groups, close to home. Location/contact information: 6325 Hospital Parkway Johns Creek, GA 30097 www.emoryhealthcare.org/johnscreek 678-474-7000 Medical Answer Book 2017 | 23

HOSPITAL PROFILES

Gwinnett Medical Center-Duluth Number of beds: 553 (system wide) Number of doctors: More than 925 Hospital Space (square footage): Two hospitals in Lawrenceville and Duluth, with approximately 1.4 million sq. ft. Annual patients: More than 425,000. Including inpatient, outpatient and emergency visits Areas of specialty: Bariatrics, Cancer Care, Cardiology (PCI, open heart surgery and electrophysiology), Minimally Invasive Surgery, Neuroscience, Orthopedics (Total Join and Sports Medicine), Concussion, Rehabilitation, Women’s Services and Urgent Care The No. 1 message to the community: As the hospital most preferred for all health needs in Northeast metro Atlanta, Gwinnett Medical Center is an award-winning not-for-profit healthcare network including two hospitals, Gwinnett Medical Center-Lawrenceville and Gwinnett Medical Center-Duluth, and various other support facilities. At GMC, we are transforming healthcare and every 24 | Medical Answer Book 2017

facet of our system is designed with the patient in mind. This transformation is evident through state, regional and national accolades, including being repeatedly ranked in the top five percent in the nation for clinical quality. Our staff includes some of the country’s most renowned, well-trained and well-educated physicians, specialist and employees. What makes your hospital different? Gwinnett Medical Center-Duluth features six floors, 81 beds and six family suites for a quiet, healing environment combined with the latest in medical technology. Conveniently nestled between Peachtree Industrial Boulevard and Pleasant Hill Road, Gwinnett Medical Center-Duluth serves Duluth, Johns Creek, Peachtree Corners, Suwanee and surrounding communities. Location/contact information: • Gwinnett Medical Center-Duluth, 3620 Howell Ferry Road, Duluth, GA 30096, 678-312-6800 • Gwinnett Medical Center-Lawrenceville, 1000 Medical Center Blvd., Lawrenceville, GA 30046, 678-312-1000

Natural Hair. Permanaent Results.

We work hard to ensure that you achieve the most natural results possible. At our new, state-of-the-art facility we are dedicated to providing the most natural, permanent hair restoration results to both men and women. We put an emphasis on artistic concepts, patient comfort, and natural, permanent results. Dr. Ken Anderson, the Center’s Founder and Director, is unique in the field of hair restoration surgery. He is a double board certified facial plastic surgeon who has dedicated his practice solely to the treatment of hair loss since 2003. Dr. Ken Anderson

Procedures: • ARTAS Robotic System • LLLT • Micro Needling

• Hairline Revisions • Aesthetic Treatments • PRP

Visit our website for more information including testimonials, before and after photos, and more information on procedures.

www.AtlantaHairSurgeon.com

404.256.4247

Voted BEST Hair Restoration in the Southeast USA THREE years in a row!

5555 Peachtree Dunwoody Rd. | Ste 106 | Atlanta, GA 30342 2710 Old Milton Pkwy. | Alpharetta, GA 30009 Medical Answer Book 2017 | 25

HOSPITAL PROFILES

Northside Hospital Forsyth Number of beds: 284 Number of doctors: 2,500 Hospital Space (square footage): 1.1 million square feet Annual patients: more than 488,000 Areas of specialty: Heart and vascular services, orthopedics, maternity and newborn services, cancer care and radiation therapy, emergency services, bariatric surgery, minimally invasive and robotic surgery, breast care, neurosurgery, sleep disorders, spine care, imaging, plastic surgery, urology and GI services The number 1 message to the community: As one of the most respected health care organizations in the Southeast, Northside Hospital has a decades-long commitment to balancing clinical excellence with compassionate care and that commitment holds true today. Northside Hospital Forsyth is no different. Since Northside purchased the hospital in 2002, we have seen tremendous growth in our services and facilities, and have expanded our presence in the community. That growth isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t slowing down anytime soon. 26 | Medical Answer Book 2017

What makes your hospital different? Northside Hospital Forsyth has grown into a stateof-the-art regional medical center, all while providing the same personalized care and experience our communities have come to expect from Northside. Maternity patients enjoy a team approach that uses the expertise and individualized special care of obstetricians and gynecologists, certified nurse midwives, pediatricians, nurses and lactation consultants. We have been first to offer several of the latest minimally invasive computer-assisted robotic surgery techniques and technology. We are Georgiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leader in same-day joint replacements, using new technologies to provide personalized and precise comprehensive arthritis and joint care. We also were the first hospital in Metro Atlanta to earn Advanced Certification in Heart Failure from The Joint Commission. Location/contact information: Northside Hospital-Forsyth 1200 Northside Forsyth Drive Cumming, Ga. 30041 770-844-3200 www.northside.com

PHYSICIANS

A WIDE RANGE OF SERVICES FOR A FULL RANGE OF MOTION. As Georgia’s largest orthopaedic practice, patients trust Resurgens to provide specialized expertise, broad experience, and comprehensive musculoskeletal care. From diagnosis and treatment to rehabilitation services, we’re here for you.

CUMMING

4150 Deputy Bill Cantrell Memorial Road, Suite 300 Cumming, GA 30040 (770) 886-8111

G. Dale Lane, M.D. Jeffrey J. Albert, M.D. Mathew Levine, D.O. Irfan Ansari, M.D. Mark S. McBride, M.D. Herschel I. Beker, M.D. John G. Mowbray, M.D. Christopher S. Blanchard, D.O. Michael Quackenbush, D.O. Angelo DiFelice, Jr., M.D. Sourendra Raut, M.D. Brooks Ficke, M.D. Yvonne E. Satterwhite, M.D. Eli A. Finkelstein, M.D. Jason A. Schneider, M.D. Ronald A. Hall, M.D. David G. Scott, M.D. Edward H. Holliger, IV, M.D. Jason W. Vélez, D.O. Frank R. Joseph, M.D. Kristen L. Willett, D.O. Sami Khan, M.D. Robert K. Yarbrough, M.D. Deborah Kowalchuk, M.D.

JOHNS CREEK

6335 Hospital Parkway Suite 200 Johns Creek, GA 30097 (404) 575-4500

ROSWELL/ALPHARETTA 1285 Hembree Road Suite 200A Roswell, GA 30076 (770) 475-2710

resurgens.com Medical Answer Book 2017 | 27

115

National Awards* 2014, 2015, 2017 AFCP Best of Show**

Appen Media Me Group is proud to have represented north Fulton an and south Forsyth since 1983. Over the course of the last 6 years, we have been nationally recognized 115 times for contributions to editorial, design, sales and production produ in the newspaper industry. Thank you for all the support along the way! AJ McNaughton – Production/Newsroom Manager 13 AFCP Awards | AFCP Rising Star | 2 IFPA Awards David Brown – Senior Designer, Client Ad Development 36 AFCP Awards | 5 IFPA Awards Suzanne Pacey – Northside Woman Publisher, Graphic Designer 10 AFCP Awards | 1 IFPA Awards Hatcher Hurd – Executive Editor 17 AFCP Awards | 1 IFPA Awards Kathleen Kathle Sturgeon – Forsyth Herald & Answer Book Editor 5 AFCP Awards Susan Hernandez – Advertising Assistant 1 AFCP Award Mike Dorman – Senior Account Executive 1 AFCP Award

Locally Delivered. Nationally Recognized. 319 N. Main St. • Alpharetta, GA 30009 770-442-3278 • AppenMediaGroup.com 7 * AAFCP (Association of Free Community Newspapers) and IFPA (Independent Free Papers of America) award total from Appen Media Group staff since 2012. ** Overall winner (award point system) from AFCP.

Dr. Brent Taylor combines extensive experience with local touch Premier Dermatology opened business in January By KATHLEEN STURGEON

tâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not every day a doctor can say he was trained by some of the most famous leaders in his field of practice and has amassed the experience of a seasoned physician by age 35. But that is exactly the level of expert care Dr. Brent

Taylor brings to his patients at his new practice, Premier Dermatology and Mohs Surgery of Atlanta located at 3180 North Point Parkway in Alpharetta, Ga.

READ MORE, PAGES 30 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 31 Medical Answer Book 2017 | 29

“We are proud of our sub-waiting room where patients wait during procedural days,” Ashley said. “When a patient has a Mohs procedure there are several stages. In most offices, the patient is ushered back up to the front office waiting area in between stages. At our office, Mohs patients wait in a separate sub waiting room: a quiet space where they can watch TV, read or enjoy activities on the web and enjoy refreshments in a more comfortable area. We have leather recliners for all of our Mohs patients which especially help those with back conditions, where sitting upright can make for a tiring day. Funny enough, many of our Mohs patients fall asleep in them. They are just so cozy. We think it makes a great difference in the patients’ experience.”

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 29: As a board-certified dermatologist, a fellowship-trained Mohs surgeon and with a certification by the American Board of Venous and Lymphatic Medicine in the field of phlebology, Taylor has more than 13 years of elite educational experience under his belt and has performed over 5,000 surgeries since graduating from the Mohs fellowship. “My goal was to obtain the best education and training possible so that I can take care of people in the best possible way,” Taylor said. “I’ve moved all over the country and have been willing to go where I needed to go to obtain training from my fields’ leaders to give myself the all the right tools to take care of people.” Taylor graduated magna cum laude in three years from Harvard College with a Bachelor of Arts in biochemical sciences. He attended Vanderbilt School of 30 | Medical Answer Book 2017

Medicine on a full, merit-based scholarship where he received his Doctorate of medicine in 2009. In 2013, he completed his dermatology residency as chief resident at the Medical University of South Carolina and continued his training during an accredited

Contact Premier Dermatology and Mohs Surgery of Atlanta Dr. Brent Taylor 678-345-1899 3180 North Point Parkway, suite 420 Alpharetta, Ga. 30005 premierdermatologyatlanta.com

fellowship in Mohs surgery, procedural dermatology and vein care at Scripps Clinic in La Jolla, California. His fellowship training focused on Mohs micrographic surgery, skin cancer, facial reconstruction, cosmetic dermatology and on treatments for venous insufficiency. His yearlong fellowship in Mohs surgery gave him a tremendous base of experience, he said. “A fellowship is typically a year of one-on-one training with a mentor who takes a mentee under his or her wing,” Taylor said. “I was taught by Hugh Greenway, who is one of the few people practicing Mohs surgery who was trained by Dr. Mohs himself. As a matter of fact, when Dr. Mohs needed to have a cancer removed, it was Dr. Greenway who performed Mohs surgery on Dr. Mohs’ nose. I was very lucky to learn at what I consider the best Mohs and vein-focused fellowship in the country.” Taylor, who graduated valedictorian of his class from Marist High School, and his wife Ashley, who graduated from Milton High School, met in South Carolina while Taylor was in residency and Ashley worked as a Mohs histotechnologist in the dermatologic surgery department. Initially, the couple settled in Florida. Taylor worked as the Mohs surgeon at University of Florida at Gainesville where many of the most challenging cases from central Florida are sent. However, as they began raising their two sons, Beckett, 4, and Gavin, 2, they made the decision to move home to Alpharetta to be surrounded by friends and family. “As we started to raise our sons, we decided that it was most important to be close to family and friends,” Taylor said. “The school system is wonderful and we

already know the community. It’s exciting that career and family goals fit together and that we can serve our hometown community.” When choosing what field of medicine to go into, Taylor said the reason that dermatology and specifically Mohs surgery and veins stood out to him is that they are two areas in medicine in which a physician can give people good news over and over again. “The cure rate of most skin cancers with Mohs surgery is 99 percent,” Taylor said. Similarly, Taylor said the venous treatment he offers closes veins with a 99 percent 5-year closure rate. “There aren’t many fields in medicine where you can cure cancer on a daily basis,” Taylor said. “With Mohs surgery, patients walk in with cancer and walk out on the same day cancer free. I feel so fortunate to have a job that is so satisfying and to be able to help people each and every day.”

Medical Answer Book 2017 | 31

Emory Johns Creek Hospital Emory Johns Creek Hospital is a 110-bed acute-care facility located in the heart of Johns Creek. As part of the Emory Healthcare network, we’re committed to providing Johns Creek and surrounding communities with academic and research based medicine, close to home. Our team includes more than 800 employees, 328 Emory faculty, 386 private practice physicians and 42 Emory Specialty Associate physicians, along with more than 150 volunteers. We offer a comprehensive range of services including: emergency medicine, a birth center with Level III neonatal intensive care, adult intensive care, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, an infusion center, breast imaging with 3-D digital mammography, a certiﬁed bariatric center, advanced cardiac and stroke care, vascular care, sleep medicine, rehabilitation, surgical services, gastroenterology, pain center and a wound care center.

Emory Johns Creek Hospital 6325 Hospital Pkwy., Johns Creek, GA 30097 To ﬁnd a physician, call 678-474-8200.

www.emoryhealthcare.org/johnscreek Emory Bariatric Center at Johns Creek Emory Bariatric Center at Johns Creek is recognized as an accredited comprehensive facility by the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP). Our surgeons have performed more than 5,000 weight loss procedures. Our program has an outstanding success rate and is designed to provide a lifelong approach to a healthy lifestyle. Comprehensive Cancer Care Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University serves over 15,000 patients a year and is Georgia’s only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center. Winship offers leading-edge cancer care in Johns Creek and eligible patients will have access to over 250 clinical trials. The 4,500 square foot, $1 million Winship infusion center is located on the first floor of the Physicians’ Plaza. A range of services is available to patients, including: outpatient infusion, chemotherapy infusions and injections, blood and blood product transfusions, intravenous medication treatments, phlebotomy, antibiotic therapy, hydration and lab draws. Our physicians are trained leaders in cancer care and our program provides comprehensive care for all aspects of your treatments. Oncology patients at Emory Johns Creek Hospital also have access to an art therapy program to provide a therapeutic outlet during their infusion treatments. Women’s Services From obstetrics to gynecology, breast health to surgical care, Emory Johns Creek Hospital is dedicated to providing women in all stages of life with exceptional health care. Our Center for Breast Care is staffed with a multi-disciplinary team of experts in breast imaging and radiology; medical oncology; pathology and reconstructive plastic surgery. The Women’s Services team at EJCH is equipped to handle all aspects of pregnancy and childbirth. Our services include: • Private inpatient rooms • Labor/delivery/recovery suites • Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit • Board-certified Neonatologists on staff • Certified Lactation Consultation • 24-hour Anesthesiologists • Family-centered Care Care in a Heartbeat The cardiologists at Emory Johns Creek Hospital are committed to providing comprehensive heart and vascular treatment options, including preventive cardiology and the evaluation and management of patients with known or suspected heart disease and/or peripheral vascular disease. An advanced heart failure clinic is available to patients at Emory Healthcare Heart & Vascular Center in Johns Creek. Our cardiologists create individualized treatment plans for patients with all types of heart failure. The Cardiac Catheterization

emoryhealthcare.org/johnscreek

32 | Medical Answer Book 2017

Laboratory, equipped with the latest technology, provides a variety of investigative and interventional cardiac procedures including angioplasty and stent placement, delivering, on average, less than 60-minute door-to-balloon times, far below the national goal of 90 minutes. Emory Healthcare’s Heart & Vascular Center is consistently recognized by U.S. News & World Report as one of the top heart health centers in the nation. The Emory Healthcare network includes more than 20 heart and vascular clinics throughout Georgia. Minimally Invasive Robotic Surgery Surgeons at Emory Johns Creek Hospital are performing minimally invasive robotic-assisted procedures to offer patients the most effective and least invasive surgical treatments. We use the da Vinci® Surgical System which provides the following beneﬁts to patients: • Signiﬁcantly Less Pain • Less Blood Loss • Less scarring • Shorter Recovery Time • A Faster Return to Normal Daily Activities

Accreditations and Achievements •Gold Plus stroke achievements with American Heart Association’s “Get with the Guidelines”, 2016 • Primary Stroke Center by The Joint Commission, American Heart Association and American Stroke Association • Accredited Community Cancer Program by The Commission on Cancer of the American College of Surgeons, with Silver Commendation • Breast Imaging Center of Excellence by the American College of Radiology • Ultrasound Breast Certification, Stereotactic Breast Certification and Abdominal Certification by the American College of Radiology

Orthopaedic & Sports Medicine Services We offer a number of surgical and non-surgical treatments for a broad range of orthopaedic conditions resulting from sports injuries, congenital musculoskeletal issues or conditions related to disease. Our physicians specialize in sports medicine, spine, joint replacement and orthopaedic trauma at Emory Johns Creek Hospital, so you can stay in the community and close to home. Emory Sports Medicine doctors specialize in soccer and tennis injury prevention and care for athletes of all ages and at all levels of play. Our physicians also provide orthopedic and sports medicine care for the Atlanta Braves, Atlanta Hawks, Atlanta Falcons, Atlanta Dream, Georgia Tech, Emory University, Oglethorpe University, U.S. Soccer and Track & Field teams, as well as teams at several area high schools.

• Home to Emory Bariatric Center at Johns Creek, accredited by the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP)

Classes and Support Groups Emory Johns Creek Hospital offers a variety of classes and support groups including: • Bariatric surgery informational seminars • Birth Center Tours • Child birth and Breast feeding classes • Total Joint Replacement • Super CPR Class • Diabetes Education • Johns Creek Women’s Cancer Support Group • Colorectal Cancer Support Group • CLIMB – Children’s Lives Include Moments of Bravery (children’s cancer support group)

• Nationally recognized patient satisfaction scores by Press Ganey

To register for a class or seminar, please call 404-778-7777.

• Vascular Ultrasound certiﬁcation by the American College of Radiology • Georgia Hospital Association’s Partnership for Health and Accountability (PHA) Core Measures (Quality) Honor Roll, Chairman’s Circle (2009 -2016) • Percutaneous Coronary Intervention designation by the American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association

• Computed Tomography (CT) Certification by American College of Radiology • Nuclear Medicine Certification by American College of Radiology • Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Certification by American College of Radiology • Accredited Laboratory by the College of American Pathologists • Mission: Lifeline STEMI Receiving Center, Gold Recognition for excellent heart attack care by American Heart Association

Medical Answer Book 2017 | 33

State-of-the-art, independent family practice Morrow Family Medicine is an independent family practice that uses state-of-the-art technology combined with old fashioned care to produce the outcomes needed and desired by our patients. Founded in 2011 in Cumming, Morrow Family Medicine has expanded into North Fulton with a location in Milton. With three physicians and two physician assistants, Morrow Family Medicine sees patients age 5 and above, with a concentration in chronic disease management, episodic care and preventive medicine. Patients are able to be seen “same-day” because of the morning walk-in hour that guarantees that no patient has to wait for the care they need and deserve. Patients are able to communicate online, via a smartphone app or traditional telephone to accomplish their healthcare goals. Return communication from the practice is prompt and useful, resulting in healthier results for our patients. Morrow Family Medicine is the originator or the Forsyth BYOT Benefit. With three FUN RAISERS a year, the charity has donated over $120,000 to Forsyth County Schools to

improve the use of technology in the classroom and at home by installing internet in the homes of students who did not previously have that luxury. Morrow Family Medicine knows that there are many doctors out there, but we will strive to make your choice to use us the right one. We are a technologically advanced “old-fashioned” family practice. If you are looking for people who care, you have come to the right place. We believe that you will find a home with Morrow Family Medicine. …bringing the care back to healthcare.

Knotted up inside?

Relax. Call your digestive experts. We can help. www.atlantagastro.com 1.866.GO.TO.AGA [468.6242] AGA, LLC and its affiliates are participating providers for Medicare, Medicaid, and most healthcare plans offered in Georgia. We comply with applicable Federal civil rights laws and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex. ATENCIÓN: si habla español, tiene a su disposición servicios gratuitos de asistencia lingüística. CHÚ Ý: Nếu bạn nói Tiếng Việt, có các dịch vụ hỗ trợ ngôn ngữ miễn phí dành cho bạn.

34 | Medical Answer Book 2017 | Sponsored Section

PHYSICIAN SPOTLIGHT:

Anand K. Shah, M.D. • Founder and Medical Director • Board-certified Ophthalmologist • Fellowship Trained in Cornea • Over 10 years of cataract surgery experience Originally from Athens, GA, Dr. Shah attended medical school at Boston University and completed his ophthalmology residency at the University of Colorado. After pursuing additional fellowship training in Portland, Oregon, he returned to the Atlanta area, initially joining a highly regarded local group practice and most recently, a national healthcare organization. In 2016, Dr. Shah founded Eye Associates of North Atlanta, LLC in Alpharetta so he could spend more time focused on providing

each patient the highest quality of medical and surgical eye care in a warm, welcoming, and compassionate environment. To this end, he approaches patient care from the patient’s perspective and treats patients in the same way that he would a member of his family. It was also his goal to start a practice that was committed to patient education and partnership: helping patients understand their medical conditions and options to make well-informed health care decisions. Dr. Shah treats the full range of eye conditions and diseases and specializes in cataract surgery among other procedures. In his free time, he enjoys

spending time outdoors with his wife and 2 young children. Eye Associates of North Atlanta 5755 North Point Parkway, Suite 94 Alpharetta, GA 30022 (470) 767-8287 eyeassociatesofnorthatlanta.com

PHYSICIAN SPOTLIGHT:

Ken Anderson, MD, FISHRS • Founder and Medical Director • Double Board-certified Facial Plastic Surgeon • Over 15 years dedicated exclusively to hair restoration After completing the University of Michigan’s prestigious Otolaryngology program, Dr. Anderson began his career in facial plastic surgery. He soon discovered the field of hair restoration which allowed him more artistic interpretation. This skill in art which he has been honing since childhood is one of the things that sets him apart in the field of hair restoration. After working with several respected clinics and hospitals from LA to Atlanta, Dr. Anderson founded the Anderson Center for Hair and

Aesthetics in Atlanta. Dr. Anderson currently has an office at Avalon in Alpharetta as well as in Sandy Springs. Dr. Anderson’s center is the first and only clinic in Georgia to offer the state of the art ARTAS Robotic Hair Transplant System, and it is offered at both offices. The Center is also one of two training centers in the country for the ARTAS Robotic Hair Transplant System. Dr. Anderson is always looking for ways to incorporate advancements in other fields to the improve his patient’s outcomes. Dr. Anderson treats men and women of all ages who suffer from hair loss. Whether you are looking for a surgical solution for a drastic change in your appearance, a natural treatment option or just

too slow the hands of time Dr. Anderson meets with each of his patients to discuss their goals. Anderson Center for Hair & Aesthetics 2710 Old Milton Parkway, Ste 150 Alpharetta Ga 30009 5555 Peachtree Dunwoody Rd Ste 106 Atlanta Ga 30342 Sponsored Section | Medical Answer Book 2017 | 35

Six Month Smiles Preventative, General, Restorative, and Cosmetic Dentistry for the entire family

Q: What is Six Month Smiles? A: Six Month Smiles is a shortterm orthodontic treatment used to give adult patients a more aesthetically pleasing smile. The treatment uses low forces over a short period of time to provide a more practical solution to straight teeth than long-term orthodontiA: Q: How do Six Month Smiles work? A: Dr. Roberts will start by taking an impression and a scan of your teeth. Clear brackets and white ceramic-coated round wires are placed on the teeth that then exert low force to help guide the teeth to the wanted position. Once your treatment is finished, you will be fitted for a retainer to ensure permanent results.

Dr. Sarah Roberts

678.319.0123

crabappledental.com 12670 Crabapple Road â&#x20AC;˘ Suite 110 Milton, GA 30004 36 | Medical Answer Book 2017 | Sponsored Section

Q: Why should I choose Six Month Smiles over traditional braces? A: Six Month Smiles is an inexpensive and swift solution compared to traditional braces for patients who seek a cosmetic alteration to their smile. Six Month Smiles is an option for the patient that prefers faster treatment compared to our Invisalign offering. Q: Does dental insurance cover this treatment? A: While it depends on your insurance provider, most insurance plans cover a portion of the cost that makes this an affordable option to fix your cosmetic concerns. Q: Why does Crabapple Dental provide this treatment? A: Dr. Roberts feels that it is one of the most practical short-term orthodontia methods for her adult patients seeking a better smile. Crabapple Dental has been practicing orthodontia work since 2001 making her an educated option when considering this treatment.

Integrative cancer treatment — the future is here Jonathan Stegall, MD The Center for Advanced Medicine Q: How is cancer treatment different today than it has been in the past? A: The field of oncology is changing rapidly. We now have more tools in our tool chest than ever before, ranging from chemotherapy and radiation to nutrition and supplementation. The art of cancer treatment today is to choose which treatments are best for each patient on a case-by-case basis, in order to maximize treatment effectiveness and minimize side effects while enhancing overall health. This field is known as integrative oncology. Q: How do you choose which cancer treatment(s) to recommend for each patient? A: I view each cancer case like a fingerprint – no two are exactly alike. Each patient’s internal environment is a unique culmination of his or her past medical history, lifetime environmental exposures, and stressors. For this reason, I perform advanced lab testing on each patient, which guides me as to which specific treatments have the best chance of being successful. This is contrary to the one-size-fits-all approach many oncologists today are still using. Q: What kind of advanced lab testing do you perform? A: I send a sample of each patient’s blood to an innovative lab in Greece which conducts several key tests. First, it measures what are known as circulating tumor cells, which are the cancer cells which cause progression and spread of cancer. Second, it performs genetic analyses on these cells to determine which genes are abnormal. Finally, it measures the effectiveness of many different chemotherapy agents and nutritional supplements to determine which ones kill cancer cells with the greatest efficacy. This allows use to personalize treatment as much as possible. Q: What advice would you give to patients investigating cancer treatment options for themselves or a loved one? A: Knowledge is power! Everyone should visit my website at drstegall.com, where I blog regularly about the latest advances in cancer research and treatment. I am also active on social media, and would invite everyone to like my Facebook page (facebook.com/ drstegall) and follow me on Twitter (twitter.com/drstegall). They can also call my office at (770) 551-2730 for more information.

Specialist in Integrative Oncology Cancer Treatments Including: IV Vitamin C Fractionated Chemotherapy Nutrition Supplementation

Jonathan Jonat tthan h Stegal Stegall, alll, MD

10700 Medlock Bridge Road Suite 207 • Johns Creek, GA 30097 (770) 551-2730 www. drstegall.com Sponsored Section | Medical Answer Book 2017 | 37

Ear, nose and throat Brought to you by North Fulton Ear, Nose and Throat Q: My hearing is suddenly muffled on one side. What do I do? A: Dr. Conger: Sudden hearing loss can be caused by a wide range of problems. Some of these, such as a wax impaction, are not serious and are easily treated, but there are some causes of sudden hearing loss that represent a medical emerDr. Conger gency where time is of the essence. If you have new-onset ear fullness, ringing, or hearing loss, see an ENT immediately. We will see you same-day. Q: Why is my nose so stuffy? A: Dr. Schettino: Nasal congestion can be caused by a number of problems, including infections, allergy, and anatomical issues. Some of these can be treated with medicine and some require in-office procedures or outpatient surgery for treatment. Come see us and we can help! Dr. Schettino 38 | Medical Answer Book 2017 | Sponsored Section

Q: Why can’t I hear that well? A: Dr. Schottenfeld: Hearing loss affects millions of Americans who often delay seeking a diagnosis. A recent major study shows an increase in dementia in patients who have hearing loss and don’t seek treatment. There are many causes of hearing loss and it takes an ENT specialist and audiologist to make a proper diagnosis and develop a treatment strategy. Q: When does my child need ear tubes? A: Dr. Khichi: Ear tubes are small cylinders placed through the ear drum to drain the ear and to allow air to get in. Children who have had multiple ear infections or who have retained fluid in the ear often benefit from tubes to decrease the risk of future infections and to improve hearing.

Dr. Schottenfeld

Dr. Khichi

Advice on sports medicine Q: What are some common sports injuries that you see in your practice? A: In a typical day, an orthopaedic surgeon can see several different sports injuries such as rotator cuff tear injuries, ACL tears, meniscal injuries, sprains and strains of all joints, labral tears, shoulder injuries, golfer and tennis elbow, broken bones, ankle injuries, groin and hip injuries, and achilles tendon tears. The list of sports injuries can go on and on.

Ron Hall

Q: If you have a sports injury, what can you do about it? A: The best thing you can do immediately is R.I.C.E. (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation). If you do not get relief by doing this then you should speak to your primary care physician or orthopaedic surgeon. -Ron Hall, M.D.

There needs to be a gradual resumption of sports to prevent recurrence of symptoms due to the weakness that has occurred. -Angelo DiFelice, M.D. Q: What are common knee injuries? A: Some common knee injuries include Ligament tears and strains (ACL, MCL, PCL, and LCL), Cartilage injuries (meniscus tears), as well as Arthritis. There are many proactive ways to prevent knee problems. Maintaining normal body weight decreases stress across the knee and deIrfan Ansari creases risk of injury. Maintaining a strength training program that focuses on quadriceps and hamstring strengthening also protects the knee. Knee braces during athletic activities also act like an added “insurance policy” against injury. And finally, less impactful exercising, such as biking, swimming, and elliptical, put less stress across the knee and typically allows for improved long term function. -Irfan Ansari, M.D.

Q: What are common shoulder injuries? A: There are many activities such as tennis and heavy gardening that can damage the rotator cuff. The rotator cuff tendon is vulnerable to injury in individuals over the age of 40 years due to diminished elasticity of the tendon. Minor trauma such as a Angelo DiFelice ground level fall or lifting a heavy box can damage the shoulder. Repetitive muscle contractions from overhead activity can lead to inflammation and micro-tears of the tendon which can ultimately cause significant structural damage. The initial treatment is to relieve the inflammation and irritation of the rotator cuff tendons and bursa. Rest takes the form of activity modification which means stopping the offending activity such as sports. As the pain subsides with everyday activity, then one must begin a strengthening program to rehabilitate the rotator cuff. These exercises are performed below shoulder level usually with rubber tubing. Once strength has returned and pain has resolved with normal daily activities, then you can resume sporting activities. Sponsored Section | Medical Answer Book 2017 | 39

Should you be worried about frequent heartburn? Q: What is the Difference Between Heartburn and GERD? A: It’s common to experience a little heartburn after eating spicy foods or drinking alcohol, like chest pain or burning after eating, a sour taste in the back of the throat or hoarseness. But suffering daily, long-lasting or frequent heartburn symptoms shouldn’t be ignored and may indicate a more serious condition. Many Americans suffer from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). This chronic but treatable condition refers to irritation and damage of the lining of the esophagus from prolonged exposure to stomach acid. This damage occurs because of a weakening of the valve that separates the esophagus from the stomach which allows acid to leak up into the esophagus. Q: How is GERD treated? A: Typical treatments may include medication to reduce the acid and lifestyle changes to help reduce the reflux symptoms such as not eating before bedtime. For certain patients who have had chronic acid reflux, an upper endoscopy may be recommended to assess severity and to uncover any pre-cancerous changes. Q: What can happen if GERD is left untreated? A: If GERD is left untreated or unmonitored for a long period of time, it can result in a condition called Barrett’s esophagus. This is a disorder in which the inflamed, acid-damaged cells in the lining of the lower esophagus change to resemble those found in the stomach. As a result of this transformation, Barrett’s patients have an increased risk for esophageal cancer. If you’ve noticed that your heartburn symptoms are frequent, severe, longstanding, or getting worse, schedule an appointment with us by calling 1.866. GO.TO.AGA [468.6242] or visiting www.atlantagastro. com. 40 | Medical Answer Book 2017 | Sponsored Section

Not your dad’s hair restoration — hair restoration in the 21st century Dr. Ken Anderson, MD, FISHRS Anderson Center for Hair and Aesthetics Q: Is it really my hair? A: Yes, it’s 100% your hair. We collect hair follicles from your permanent zone, the back and side of your head, and redistribute them where you need additional hair. The follicles don’t know they’ve been relocated and will continue growing in their new location. There is currently no way to clone hairs or transplant hairs from other people. You can only use your hair during a restoration, which is why prevention is so important. Q: I have seen people who have had a hair restoration, doesn’t it always look obvious and unnatural? A: Absolutely not! You have probably seen many more people than you think who have had a hair restoration. A hair restoration surgery is most successful when it looks like the hair has been there all along, not like someone put it there. Long gone are the days of awkward “plugs” and atrocious scars, when you combine the technology advancements available and a trained surgeon there is no reason those things should be a part of your outcome. Q: Are there non-surgical things I can do? A: You have many options to combat your hair loss. Non-surgical options include PRP, Low Light Laser Therapy, growth factors, stem cells, topicals, prescriptions, and vitamins. You can visit AtlantaHairSurgeon.com for more details. If you aren’t ready to discuss surgery we would still love to meet with you.

Orthodontics today! Brought to you by – Dr. Jeff Jordan Jordan Orthodontics There’s more to a beautiful smile than straight teeth, and today’s orthodontists are uniquely qualified to help you achieve the smile that you’ve always wanted. To an orthodontist, your teeth and jaws are like a three-dimensional puzzle. Often, multiple treatment options can achieve the same desired result. So, whether it is you or your child considering treatment, orthodontists are uniquely equipped to diagnose and treat the problem. As specialists, orthodontists limit their practices to their area of expertise. As a result, you can expect to get the best care available because that’s all we do! Invisalign continues to be an excellent solution for less challenging orthodontic conditions. Invisalign is a series of clear aligners that move the teeth. Each aligner is worn for about two weeks and moves the teeth a quarter of a millimeter. The number of aligners needed is dictated by how crowded or spaced out your teeth are at the beginning of treatment. Most treatments completed with aligner therapy involve less movement and shorter treatment times ranging between 6 and 12 months. However, Invisalign can be used in more difficult situations utilizing elastics to improve the bite and has also been used for more serious problems that require extractions or even reconstructive jaw surgery. Clear or ceramic tooth colored braces and wires have made orthodontic treatment more discreet and aesthetically pleasing while new super elastic memory wires have made treatment more efficient and comfortable. Heat activated super elastic memory wires are

very flexible at room temperature and can be placed into the braces on extremely crooked teeth. Then, as the wire warms in the mouth, the wire exerts a light continuous force on the teeth causing them to move a little every day. Surprisingly, the lighter forces move the teeth faster but with considerably less discomfort. Bulky braces and heavy forces are a thing of the past. Another recent innovation involves customized orthodontic appliances that are computer generated to work with each patient’s unique situation. This all-inclusive orthodontic solution includes customized brackets, wires, and placement trays. A computerized scan of the patient’s mouth is initially taken to diagnose and create a treatment plan. Customized appliances improve the efficiency of the treatment and minimize the time required to detail the bite and complete the treatment. Because of these innovations most patients finish treatment in significantly less time. Another innovation that cuts treatment time is Acceledent which can be used with any orthodontic treatment modality. Acceledent is an intraoral device that generates gentle micropulses to accelerate bone remodeling. With just 20 minutes per day, the tiny vibrations caused by Acceledent can expedite tooth movement, and therefore treatment time, by up to 50% according to one clinical study. There are many different treatment options for today’s patients! Orthodontists are using everything from clear aligners to clear, metal or lingual braces in order to produce exceptional results. So visit your board certified specialist in orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics… also known as your local orthodontist and love your smile! Sponsored Section | Medical Answer Book 2017 | 41

Directory of doctors Locations for area hospitals, urgent care, dentists and more Audiologists • Ambit Hearing Aid Centers: 5890 Bethelview Road, Suite 10, Cumming, 770-781-0537; 1636 Oakbrook Drive, Suite B, Gainesville, 770-383-1869. ambit3ddirect.com • Atlanta Hearing Aid Services: 10800 Alpharetta Hwy, Roswell, 770-992-5353. atlantahearing.com • Audiological Consultants of Atlanta: 875 Mansell Road, Suite B2, Roswell, 678 461 6366. audioconsult.com • Audiology HEARS: 6130 Southard Trace, Cumming, 770-781-2376. audiologyhears.com • Doctors’ Hearing Center: 11180 State Bridge Road, Suite 207, Johns Creek, 770-676-7208. doctorshearingcenterga.com • Mraz Audiology Consulting: 3400-C Old Milton Parkway, Ste 385, Alpharetta, 770-653-7027, audiologyconsulting.com • North Georgia Audiology and Hearing Aid Center: 4045 Johns Creek Parkway, Suite B, Suwanee, 770814-1260. yourhearinglink.com  • Little Listeners: 1389 Weber Industrial Drive, Cumming, 770-744-2451. littlelistenersclinic.com • North Fulton ENT: 950 Sanders Road, Cumming, 770-886-5821; 2500 Hospital Boulevard, Suite 450, Roswell, 770-343-8675. northfultonent.com • Northside Hearing: 1360 Upper Hembree Road Suite 201, Roswell, 770-751-7437. northsidehearingcenter.com • Optimal Hearing: 600 Houze Way, Suite B-3, Roswell, 770-641-9087. optimalhearing.com • Southern Medical Hearing Center 4190 Old Milton Parkway, Ste 2e, Alpharetta, GA 30005 770-4622000 southernmedicalhearing.com

Cardiology • Atlanta Cardiology Consultants: 3400 Old Milton Parkway, Suite 395, Alpharetta; 1505 Northside Blvd, Suite 3400, Cumming, 770-751-9131. atlantacardiologyconsultants.com

• Hands on Forsyth: 133 Samaritan Drive, Cumming, 770-205-1701. handsonforsyth.org • Jacob’s Ladder: 407 Hardscrabble Road, Roswell, 770-998-1017. jacobsladdercenter.com

Chiropractic • 100% Chiropractic: 11030 Medlock Bridge Road #230, Johns Creek, 678-694-1113; 920 Marietta Hwy #300, Roswell, 770.518.0770. 100percentchiropractic.com • Atlanta Spine and Sport: 3719 Old Alabama Road, Suite 400-A, Alpharetta, 678-620-3668. atlantaspineandsport. com • Capstone Chiropractic: 480 North Main St. #201, Alpharetta, 770-864-1195. capstonealpharetta.com • Catalyst Physical Medicine: 4914 Atlanta Hwy, Alpharetta, 770-667-0099. catalystphysicalmedicine.com • Cumming Med Spa: 2950 Buford Hwy # 140, Cumming, 678-455-8800. cummingmedspa.com • Dr. James Locher: 9850 Nesbit Ferry Road, Suite 6, Johns Creek, 770-641-9295 • Dr. Sean Savedoff, the Thyroid Coach: 11040 Crabapple Road, Roswell, 770-731-9410. drsavedoff.com • HealthSource Chiropractic: 5950 Bethelview Road #200, Cumming, 470-297-6112. healthsourceofcumming.com; 11180 State Bridge Road, Unit 501, Johns Creek, 770927-4023. healthsourceofjohnscreek.com • Inspire Chiropractic: 2615 Peachtree Parkway #270, Suwanee, 678-541-9100. goinspirechiropractic.com • Integrated Healthcare of Georgia: 11800 Northfall Lane, Suite 1403, Alpharetta. ihcog.com • North Atlanta Spine Chiropractic & Wellness: 5755 North Point Parkway, Suite 4, Alpharetta, 678-691-3221 northatlantaspine.com • North Fulton Chiropractic Center: 254 N Main St, Alpharetta, 770-754-4567, nfultonchiro.com • Vickery Chiropractic: 5830 Clarion St., Suite 101, Cumming, 678-947-4449. vickerychiro.com • Willis Chiropractic: 317 N. Main St., Alpharetta, 770740-8740. willischiropractic.com

Child Services

Counseling Services/ Mental Health

• Angels Over Forsyth: 3651 Peachtree Parkway, Suite E, PMB 350, Suwanee, 770-569-0776. angelsoverforsyth.com • Giving Children a Chance: 11805 Northfall Lane, Suite 803, Alpharetta, 770-255-1018. gcacofgeorgia.com

• Family Counseling Associated of North Georgia: 102 Mary Alice Park Road, Suite 504, Cumming, 1-888850-4891. familycounseling4ng.com • Kids Creek Therapy: 3905 Johns Creek Court #250, Suwanee, 770-888-5221. kidscreektherapy.com

42 | Medical Answer Book 2017

Dentists • Advanced Dental Associates: 285 Elm St., Cumming, 770-887-2915. advanceddentalassociates.com • Alluring Cosmetic Dentistry: 800 Mansell Road, Roswell, 770-642-9900. alluringcosmeticdentistry. com • Alpharetta Children’s Dentistry and Orthodontics: 4205 North Point Parkway, Alpharetta, 770 664 4936. alpharettachildrensdentistry.com • Atlanta Dental Spa: 1875 Old Alabama Road, Suite 130, Roswell, 770-998-3838. atlantadentalspa.com • Avenue Dental: 983 Peachtree Parkway, Cumming, 770-888-4444. avenue-dental.com • Bloor Family Dentistry: 2500 Hospital Blvd, Suite 320, Roswell, 770-663-4435. webuildgreatsmiles. com • Bright Smiles Contemporary Family Dentistry: 907 Buford Hwy, Suite 100, Cumming, 678-922-8282. brightsmilesga.com • Bryan Family Dentistry: 403 East Maple St., Cumming, 770-887-3223. bryanfamilydentistry.com • Center for Advanced Dentistry: 6916 McGinnis Ferry Road, Suite 500, Suwanee, 678-894-7926. hitechsmiles.com • Center For TMJ Therapy: 3590 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, 770-521-1978, tmdatlanta.com • Children’s Dental Zone: 3719 Old Alabama Road #400, Alpharetta, 770-777-1222. childrensdentalzone.com • Children’s Dentistry of Cumming: 407 East Maple St., #109, Cumming, 678-445-5444. childrensdds. com • Christy Haffner, DMD Pediatric Dentistry: 3300 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, 770-777-9400. drchristyhaffner.com • ConfiDenT: 11550 Webb Bridge Way Suite 1, Alpharetta, 770-772-0994, confident-alpharetta.com • Cosmetic Dentistry Center of Alpharetta: 3070 Windward Plaza, Suite R, Terraces At Windward , Alpharetta, 678-894-8266. thesmileexperience.com

directory of doctors

• Nancy Shertok, MSW, LCSW: 162 Prospect Place, Alpharetta, 678-929-5905. psycotherapy123.com • Paraclete Counseling Centers: 3905 Johns Creek Court, Suwanee, 770-753-0350. paracletecounseling.com • The Center for Psychotherapy of North Georgia: 634 Peachtree Parkway, Cumming, 678-513-7676. • The Summit Counseling Center: 2750 Old Alabama Road #200, Johns Creek, 678-893-5300. • Winward Psychology: 4895 Windward Parkway, Suite 203, Alpharetta, 678-566-5000. winwardpsychology. com • Margot Vetrovsky, B.A. Cogmed and ADHD Coach 314 Maxwell Rd, ste 400, Alpharetta, GA 30009 770-442-9447 ext 114 margot@yourshrink.com

• Crabapple Dental: 12670 Crabapple Road, Suite 110, Alpharetta, 678-379-4066. crabappledental.com • Cumming Dental Associate: 1200 Bald Ridge Marina Road, #200, Cumming, 770-7818560. cummingdental.com • Cumming Dental Care: 416 Pirkle Ferry Road, Cumming, 770-889-1990. cummingdentalcare.com • Cumming’s Family Dentist: 309 Pirkle Ferry Road, Cumming, 770-205-9226. cummingsfamilydentist.com • DeMercy Dental: 10930 Crabapple Road, Suite 140, Roswell, 770-641-8010. demercydental.com • Dent1st Dental Care: 9775 Medlock Bridge Road #I, Johns Creek, 770-476-9595. dentfirst.com • Dental Town: 410 Peachtree Parkway, Bldg 400, Suite 4250, Cumming, 770-887-8807. johnscreekdentaltown.com • Dentistry at Milton: 980 Birmingham Road, Suite 506, Milton, 678-990-3358. dentistryatmilton.com • Dr. James Lamb, DMD, MS, PC: 285 Elm St., Suite 103, Cumming, 678-455-7828. • Dr. Michael Leach, DDS: 4895 Windward Parkway, Suite 201, Alpharetta, 770-521-8855. thekidstoothdoc.com • Dr. Robert Shackelford: 3915 Johns Creek Court, Suwanee, 770-442-8472. • Dr. Scott Flemming, DDS: 4895 Windward Parkway, Suite 100, Alpharetta, 770-475-4241. • Dr. Stuart Coe Dentistry: 11775 Pointe Place, Roswell, 770-475-3600. roswell-dentist.com • Esthetic Dental Solutions: 2650 Holcomb Bridge Road, Alpharetta, 678-352-1333. estheticdentalsolutions.com • FAGD Family Dental Care: 3005 Old Alabama Road, Suite 320, Alpharetta, 770-475-7551. sabledds.com • Family & Cosmetic Dental Care: 2627 Peachtree Parkway, Suite 440, Suwanee, 770-888-3384. myjohnscreekdentist.com • Family Dentistry of Forsyth: 3130 Mathis Airport Parkway #309, Suwanee, 404-551-5550, familydentistryofforsyth.com • Golsen Family Dentistry: 3400 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, 770-667-0669. golden.com • Good Dental Care: 910 Woodstock Road, Suite 110, Roswell, 770-518-7475. gooddentalcare.com • Grady Dental Care: 10710 Medlock Bridge Road, Johns Creek, 678-957-0770. gradydentalcare.com • Imagix Dental: 11125 Jones Bridge Road, Suite 200, Alpharetta, 770-596-0529. • Ivy Dentistry: 11775 Northfall Lane #107, Alpharetta, 770-619-2909. ivydentistry.com • Johns Creek Dental Care: 3630 Peachtree Parkway, Suite 311, Suwanee, 770-495-9575. johnscreekdental.com

Medical Answer Book 2017 | 43

directory of doctors

(Dentists continued) • Johns Creek Dental Creations: 9590 Medlock Bridge Road #B, Johns Creek, 770-623-1427. briangboothyp.com • Johns Creek Dental Excellence: 9925 Haynes Bridge Road #700, Johns Creek, 770-663-0333. • Jones Bridge Dental Care: 11925 Jones Bridge Road #200, Alpharetta, 770-772-0606. jbdentalcare.com • Lemons Dental Esthetics: 4060 Johns Creek Parkway, Building B, Suwanee, 770-418-1414. lemonsdental.com • Milton Pediatric Dentistry: 980 Birmingham Road, Suite 507, Milton, 678-352-1033. kidshappyteeth.com • Mint 32: 3005 Royal Blvd. South #150, Alpharetta, 770-417-0100. mint32.com • Montes Periodontics and Implant Dentistry: 520 Pirkle Ferry Road, Suite B, Cumming, 770-325-5562. montesperiodontics.com • Muccioli Dental: 6300 Hospital Parkway, Suite 275, Johns Creek, 678-389-9955. mdentalsmiles.com • North Bridge Dental: 10955 Jones Bridge Road #129, Alpharetta, 678-319-0210. wizforteeth.com • North Georgia Smiles: 1595 Peachtree Parkway #207, Cumming, 770-888-8282. northgeorgiasmiles. com • North Fulton Smiles: 12315 Crabapple Rd #121, Alpharetta, GA 30004, 770- 569-0613 northfultonsmiles.com • Old Milton Dental: 4165 Old Milton Parkway #190, Alpharetta, 678-624-0370. oldmiltondental.com

• Oral Surgery Associates & Dental Implant Centers: 10930 Crabapple Road, Suite 160, Roswell, 678-7810050. georgia-oms.com • Pediatric Dentistry of Forsyth: 3810 Windermere Parkway #501, Cumming, 770-889-9600. drjasonbongiovi.com • Polish Dental Center: 4640 Valais Court, Suite 102, Alpharetta, 770-642-4711, smilepolish.com

• PolkaDot Pediatric Dentistry: 4190 Old Milton Parkway, Suit 2K, Alpharetta, 678-389-6669. polkadotdental.com • Reich Dental Center: 4849 S Cobb Dr,, Smyrna, 770-435-5450, reichdentalcenter.com • Roswell Dental Care, Dr. David Remaley: 1570 Old Alabama Road, Suite 102, Roswell, 470-375-9241. roswelldentalcare.com • Roswell Family Dentist: 380 Market Place, Roswell, 770-998-6000. roswellfamilydentistry.com • Roswell Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics: 10930 Crabapple Road, Roswell, 678-352-1090. kidshappyteeth.com • Sandra Vargas Dental Care: 5805 State Bridge Road, Suite L, Duluth, 678-474-4917. smilegeorgia.com • Smile Magic Dentistry: 2880 Old Alabama Rd, Alpharetta, 678-240-2777, smilemagicga.com 44 | Medical Answer Book 2017

• Stone, Stone & Elliot: 4205 North Point Parkway, Alpharetta, 770-475-4449. stonestoneandelliott.com • The Dentist: 1024 Market Place Blvd., Cumming, 770-844-6771. • The Martin Dental Center: 45 W. Crossville Road, Suite 505, Roswell, 770-993-7472. themartindentalcenter.com • Walls & Hendricks: 10700 Medlock Bridge Road, Johns Creek, 770-813-0079. shawnwallsdds.com • Windermere Dental: 3860 Windermere Parkway, Suite 201, Cumming, 678-455-3734. windermeredentalcare.com • Windward Dental Care: 12850 Highway 9 North, #400, Alpharetta, 770-569-7580. windwarddental. com

Dermatologists • Aesthetic Dermatology PC: 960 Sanders Road, #300, Cumming, 770-205-0104. aestheticdermpc. com • Aesthetic Specialty Centre: 1825 Old Alabama Road, Suite 201, Roswell, 770- 393-9000, asc-psd. com • Atlanta Center-for Dermatologic Diseases: 327 Dahlonega Road, #1501, Cumming, 770-844-1902. atlcenterforderm.com • Atlanta Center for Dermatologic Diseases: 3400 C Old Milton Parkway, #340, Alpharetta, 770-6645225. atlcenterforderm.com • Atlanta Dermatology, Vein and Research Center: 77800 Atlantis Place, Alpharetta, 770-360-8881. dermandvein.com • Dermatology & Skin Cancer Prevention Center: 3275 Market Place Blvd., #250, Cumming, 770-389-9116. dermskincancerprevention.com • Dermatology Center of Atlanta: 9900 Medlock Bridge Road, Johns Creek, 770-497-0699. dermatologyatlanta.com • Georgia Dermatology Center: 1505 Northside Blvd., #1500, Cumming, 770-781-5077. dadermctr.com • Goodman Dermatology: 2500 Hospital Blvd., #280, Roswell, 770-754-0787. • Johns Creek Dermatology and Family Medicine: 6300 Hospital Parkway, Duluth, 770-771-6591. johnscreekdermatology.com • North Atlanta Dermatology: 3370 Paddocks Parkway, Suwanee, 770-814-8222. naderm.com • Premier Dermatology and Mohs Surgery of Atlanta 3180 North Point Parkway #420, Alpharetta, GA 30005, 678-345-1899 premierdermatologyatlanta. com • Steele Dermatology: 11500 Webb Bridge Way, Alpharetta, 770-464-6000 • The Fountain Laser Hair Removal: 4245 Johns Creek Parkway, Suite E, Suwanee, 770-623-3334. thefountainlaser.com

Gastroenterologists

• North Georgia Diabetes: 1505 Northside Forsyth Drive, Cumming, 770-886-3842

• Advanced Gastroenterology Associates: 4275 Johns Creek Parkway #A, Suwanee, 678475-1606. advgastro.com • Atlanta Gastroenterology: Offices in Roswell, Alpharetta, Johns Creek & Cumming, 866468-6242. atlantagastro.com • Digestive Care Physicians: 1505 Northside Blvd, Suite 2850, Cumming, 770-227-2222; 6300 Hospital Parkway, Suite 450, Johns Creek, 770-227-2222. digestivecarephysicians.com • GI North: 1505 Northside Blvd., Suite 1800, Cumming, 404-446-0600. gi-north.com

Family Medicine • Alpharetta Family Practice: 3400 Old Milton Parkway, Suite 585, Alpharetta, 770-475-3200. • Campbell Family Medicine: 410 Peachtree Parkway, Cumming, 678-474-4742. campbellfamilymedicine. com • Cash Family Health: 11285 Elkins Road, Roswell, 678-760-3800 • Complete Family Healthcare: 2520 Northwinds Parkway, #150, Alpharetta, 770-772-3500. • Cumming Family Medicine: 765 Lanier 400 Parkway, Cumming, 770-205-1294. cummingfamilymedicine. com • Dr. Leslie S. Gaskill, MD: 6290 Abbotts Bridge Road, Bldg 200, Suite 201, Johns Creek, 770-495-9995. drlesliegaskill.com • emedical Associates, 3075 Ronald Reagan Blvd #501, Cumming, GA 30041, 678-736-6000, encountermedicalassociates.com • Johns Creek Dermatology and Family Medicine, Dr. Zack Charkawi: 6300 Hospital Parkway, Suite 100, Johns Creek, 770-771-6591. johnscreekdermatology.com • Lanier Family Healthcare: 5830 Bond St., #200, Cumming, 770-205-5518. lfhllc.com • Longevity Health Center: 1745 Woodstock Road, Roswell, 770-642-4646. longevityhealthcenter.com • Morrow Family Medicine: 1400 Northside Forsyth Drive, Suite 200, Cumming, 12970 HWY 9, Milton 770-781-8004. morrowfammed.com • North Atlanta Primary Care: 3400 Old Milton Parkway, Suite C270, Alpharetta, 770-442-1911. napc.com • North Chattahoochee Family Physicians: 11459 Johns Creek Parkway, Johns Creek, 770-497-1555. ncfpinfo.com • Northside Primary Care: 11800 Northfall Lane #1401, Alpharetta, 678-867-0904. draazrumsyed.com • Perimeter Medical Wellness: 1250 Upper Hembree Road, Suite B, Roswell, 770-274-9511. perimetermedicalwellness.com • Physicians Immediate Med: 10905 Haynes Bridge Road, Alpharetta, 770-505-3000. physiciansimmediatemed.com • Renew Health Medical Center: 11550 Jones Bridge Rd #4, Alpharetta, 678-297-0901. renewforhealth. com • The Longstreet Clinic, P.C.: Multiple Locations, 770718-1122. longstreetclinic.com

directory of doctors

Diabetes

Hair Restoration • Anderson Center for Hair: 5555 Peachtree Dunwoody Rd #106, Atlanta, 404-256-4247. atlantahairsurgeon.com • North Atlanta Hair Restoration: 631 N Main St #200, Alpharetta, GA 30009, 678-845-7521 nahairrestoration.com

Holistic/ Alternative Medicine • Advanced Health to Be: 595 E. Crossville Road, Suite 300, Roswell, 678-900-2105, advancedhealthtobe.com • Ahimki Center for Wholeness: 555 Sun Valley Dr, Roswell, 770-552-4242, ahimki.net • Alpharetta Wellness Clinic: 5755 North Point Parkway #89, Alpharetta, 770-777-0129, www.alpharettawellness.com • Center for Advanced Medicine: 10700 Medlock Bridge Road, Suite 207, Johns Creek, 770-551-2730. advanced-med.com • Foundation Therapy Center: 11660 Alpharetta Highway, Suite 560, Roswell, 770-753-9195, foundationtherapy.com • Medical Fitness and Wellness Group: 10700 Medlock Bridge Rd, #105, Johns Creek, 770-623-4078, exercise4prevention.com • Integrative Healthcare of Atlanta: 1342 Auburn Road, #114, Dacula, 770-237-5534, integrativehealthcareofatlanta.com • Functional Medicine Georgia: 13680 Hwy 9 N, Bldg. F – #400, Milton, 678-242-0219, functionalmedicinega.com

Hospitals • Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta: 3795 Mansell Road, Alpharetta, 404-785-6880. choa.com • Emory Johns Creek Hospital: 6325 Hospital Parkway, Johns Creek, 678-474-7000. emoryjohnscreek.com • Gwinnett Medical Center: 3620 Howell Ferry Road, Duluth, 678-312-6800; 1000 Medical Center Blvd, Lawrenceville, 678 312-1000. gwinnettmedicalcenter. com Medical Answer Book 2017 | 45

directory of doctors

(Hospitals continued) • Northeast Georgia Medical Center: 743 Spring St., Gainesville, 770-219-9000. nghs.com • Northside Hospital: 1200 Northside Forsyth Drive, Cumming, 770-844-3200; 3400 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, 770-667-4000. northside.com • Piedmont Hospital: 104 Prominence Point Parkway #104, Canton, 770-704-6988. piedmont.org • St.Joseph’s Hospital of Atlanta: 1400 Hembree Road, Roswell, 678-319-4736. stjosephsatlanta.org • Regency Hospital: 11175 Cicero Drive, Alpharetta, 770-772-4345. regencyhospital.com • WellStar North Fulton Hospital: 3000 Hospital Blvd., Roswell, 770-751-2536. nfultonhospital.com

Internal Medicine • Alpha Medical Centre: 3000 Old Alabama Road, Suite 128-A, Johns Creek, 770-821-1940. • Alpharetta & Cumming Internal Medicine: 1380 Upper Hembree Road, Roswell, 770-475-2377. alpharettainternalmed.com • Comprehensive Internal Medicine: 3890 Johns Creek Parkway, Suwanee, 770-622-9002. cimedicine.com • Eagle Medical Center: 804 Bombay Lane, Roswell, 770-754-9880. myeaglemedicalcenter.com • Elite Care Internal Medicine: 1240 Upper Hembree Road, Suite D, Roswell, 770-667-0810. elitecareim.com • Internal Medicine of Johns Creek: 3340 Paddocks Parkway, Suwanee, 678-474-9633. imajohnscreek. com • Johns Creek Primary Care Physicians: 4365 Johns Creek Parkway, Suite 400, Suwanee, 678-957-1910. johnscreekprimarycare.com • Spectrum Internal Medicine: 401 South Main St., Alpharetta, 678-319-9901. spectruminternalmed.com

Medical Supply • Heavenly Wheels: 6375 McGinnis Ferry Road, Suite 101, Johns Creek, 888-792-0301 Ext. 3. heavenlywheels.com • Mobility Express: 1580 Holcomb Bridge Road, Suite 3, Roswell, 770-998-9984. mobility4all.com

OB/GYN • Alpharetta Women’s Health Group: 1505 Northside Blvd., Cumming, 770-888-3358. awhg.org • Alpharetta Women’s Specialists: 1360 Upper Hembree Road, Suite 101, Roswell, 770-817-1970. awsobgyn.com • Chattahoochee Gynecology: 6610 McGinnis Ferry Road, Johns Creek. 770-813-8742 46 | Medical Answer Book 2017

• Nile: 401 South Main St., Suite B-8, Alpharetta, 770521-2229. isisobgyn.com • Modern OB/GYN: 10692 Medlock Bridge Road, Johns Creek, 404-446-2496. reyesobgyn.com • North Pointe OB/GYN: 1800 Northside Forsyth Drive, Suite 350, Cumming, 770-886-3555; 81 Northside Dawson Drive, Suite 305, Dawsonville, 770-886-3555. npobgyn.com • Peachtree Women’s Clinic: 11975 Morris Road, Suite 300, Alpharetta, 678-205-9004. peachtreewomensclinic.com • Providence Women’s Healthcare: 1300 Upper Hembree Road, Roswell, 770-6770-6170. providencewomenshealthcare.com

Oncologists • Atlanta Cancer Care: 1505 Northside Blvd. #4600, Cumming, 770-205-5292; 1357 Hembree Road, Suite 230, Roswell, 770-740-9664. atlantacancercare.com • Center for Advanced Medicine: 10700 Medlock Bridge Road, Suite 207, Johns Creek, 770-5512730. advanced-med.com

Orthodontics • Braces Braces: 5215 Windward Parkway Suite D, Alpharetta, 770-763-7923, braces-braces.com • Dr. James B. Gray, DMD PC: 10930 Crabapple Road, Suite 240, Roswell, 770-993-6292. creatingsmiles.net • Dr. Jeffery Jordan, DMD, MSD, PC: 4205 North Point Parkway, Alpharetta, 770-751-1240. jwjordan.com • Hiser Orthodontics: 285 Elm St., Suite 101, Cumming, 770-888-7798. hiserortho.com • Walton Orthodontics: 2609 Peachtree Parkway, Suite C, Suwanee, 770-663-0955. drwalton.com

Ophthalmologists • Eye Associates of North Atlanta: 5755 North Point Parkway, Suite 94, Alpharetta, 470-767-8287. eyeassociatesofnorthatlanta.com • Family Eyecare of Roswell: 910 Holcomb Bridge Road, Suite 100, Roswell, 770-992-6789. familyeyecareofroswell.com • Milan Eye Center: 970 Sanders Road, Suite 100, Cumming; 6300 Hospital Parkway, Suite 325, Johns Creek, 470-326-0330. milaneyecenter.com • North Georgia Eye Clinic: 1230 Bald Ridge Marina Road, Suite 100, Cumming, 770-292-1999; 6300 Hospital Parkway, Suite 325, Johns Creek, 470-3260330. northgeorgiaeyeclinic.com • Windermere Orthodontics: 3120 Mathis Airport Parkway #106, Suwanee, 770-888-1929, windermereorthodontics.com

• Clarity Vision Group: 1780 Peachtree Parkway, Suite 301, Cumming, 770 205-2520. clarity-vision.com • North Point Eye Care: 5755 North Point Parkway #222, Alpharetta, 770-410-1540 • Reimbold Eye Group: 4180 Old Milton Parkway, 1-D, Alpharetta, 770-776-9000. reimboldeye.com •

Orthopaedics

• OrthoAtlanta: 6300 Hospital Parkway, Suite 400, Johns Creek, 678-205-4261, orthoatlanta.com • Ortho TLC: 1120 Peachtree Industrial Blvd., Suite 106, Suwanee, 770-814-2223. orthotlc.com

Pediatricians • Alpharetta Pediatrics: 102 Pilgrim Village Drive #300, Cumming, 678-947-4588. alpharettapediatricsonline. com • Children’s Medical Group: 6918 McGinnis Ferry Road, Suwanee, 770-622-5758. cmg-pc.com • Children’s Special Services, LLC: 7501 Auden Trail, Atlanta, 770-394-9791. childrens-services.com • Children’s Therapy Works: 11940 Alpharetta Highway #150, Alpharetta, 770-754-0085. childrenstherapyworks.com • Cumming Pediatric Group PC: 1505 Northside Forsyth Drive #3600, Cumming, 770-888-8888. cummingpediatricgroup.net • Dunwoody Pediatrics: 3300 Old Milton Parkway #200, Alpharetta, 770-664-9299. dunwoodypediatrics.com • Georgetown Pediatrics: 416 Pirkle Ferry Road, Suite J300, Cumming, 770-889-9142; 6300 Hospital Parkway, Suite 125, Johns Creek, 770-814-8883; 3400A Old Milton Parkway, Suite 510, Alpharetta, 770-475-2233. georgetownpediatrics.com • Intown Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine: 490 Bill Kennedy Way, Atlanta, 404-446-4726. intownpediatrics.com • Lakeside Pediatrics: 204 Canton Road, Cumming. 770-886-5437 • Main Street Internal Medicine and Pediatrics: 401 South Main St. #C5, Alpharetta, 678-205-2437. msimap.com • North Fulton Pediatrics: 1285 Hembree Road, #100, Roswell, 770-442-1050; 11975 Morris Road #210, Alpharetta, 770-664-0088. northpointpediatrics.com • Pediatric Physicians PC: 1111 Alderman Drive, Alpharetta, 678-527-1555. pediatricphysicianspc. com • Pediatric Place: 9570 Nesbit Ferry Road #201, Alpharetta, 770-640-8119. thepediatricplace.com • Pediatrics and Genetic: 3586 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, 770-346-0132. pediatricsgenetics.com

• Rainbow Pediatric Clinic: 1670 Buford Highway, Cumming, 770-781-1606. rainbowpedclinic.com • Roswell Pediatric Center: 110 North Corners Parkway #100, Cumming, 770-8882882; 12385 Crabapple Road, Suite 200, Alpharetta, 770-343-9900; 3400-C Old Milton Parkway #545, Alpharetta, 770-751-0800. roswellpediatrics.com • Vickery Pediatrics: 410 Peachtree Parkway #4260, Cumming, 678-990-2501. vickerypeds.com

Plastic Surgery

directory of doctors

Optometrists

• Luna Plastic Surgery and Medical Spa: 6335 Hospital Parkway, Suite 216, Johns Creek, 678-892-7820. lunaplasticsurgery.com • Milan Eye Center: 6300 Hospital Parkway, Suite 325, Johns Creek; 970 Sanders Road, Suite 100, Cumming, 470-326-0330. milaneyecenter. com • Northside Plastic Surgery: 11681 Haynes Bridge Rd, #200, Alpharetta, 770-475-3146, northsideplasticsurgery.com • Premier Image Cosmetic and Laser Surgery: 10779 Alpharetta Hwy, Suite 140, Roswell, GA 30076, 770645-4310, picosmeticsurgery.com • Robinson Facial Plastic Surgery: 3400 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, 855-337-3657. robinsonfps. com • The Golden Clinic: 1240 Upper Hembree Road, Roswell, GA 30076, 770-754-4111, goldencosmeticsurgery.com • The Swan Center: 4165 Old Milton Parkway, Suite 200 East, Alpharetta, GA 30005, 770-667-0904. swancenteratlanta.com

Podiatry • Ankle & Foot Centers of Georgia: Johns Creek Office: 4385 Johns Creek Parkway #200, Suwanee, 770-418-0456. atlpod.com • Village Podiatry Centers: 960 Sanders Road, Suite 100, Cumming, 770-889-9596; 3506 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, 678-867-7053; 11459 Johns Creek Parkway, Suite 260, Johns Creek, 770232-5030; 1350 Upper Hembree Road, Suite 100, Roswell, 770-663-8011. villagepodiatrycenters.com

Physical Therapy • Body N Balance: 3005 Old Alabama Rd, Johns Creek, 770-552-8852, bnbstudio.com • Champion Physical Therapy: 540 Lake Center Parkway, Suite 107, Cumming, 770-205-3939. champtionpt.net Medical Answer Book 2017 | 47

directory of doctors

(Physical Therapy continued) • LeBarnes Pelvic Therapy: 555 Sun Valley Drive, Suite C1, Roswell, 678-835-8494, lebarnespelvictherapy.com • PT360: 5400 Laurel Springs Parkway. #1401, Suwanee, 770-225-8860, pt360atl.com • Johns Creek Physical Therapy: 4060 Johns Creek Parkway., Suite H, Suwanee, GA 30024, 770-622-5344, johnscreekpt.com

• The Memory Center: 12050 Findley Road, Johns Creek, GA 30097, 678-456-4304, thememorycenter. com • Visiting Angels: 11775 Northfall Lane, Suite 207, Alpharetta, 678-277-9930. visitingangels.com/ alpharetta

Senior Centers

• Custom Ocular Prosthetics: 401 S. Main St. #B6, Alpharetta, 770-667-1166. • Fourroux Prosthetics: 6630 McGinnis Ferry Road, Duluth, 678-584-1706. fourrouxprosthetics.com • Pinnacle Prosthetics: 80 Mill St., Roswell, 770-9985547.

• Alpharetta Senior Center: 13450 Cogburn Road, Alpharetta, 678-297-6140. • Crabapple Senior Center: 12624 Broadwell Road, Alpharetta, 770-751-9397 • Forsyth County Senior Center: 2 Tri-County Plaza, Cumming, 770-844-7500. • Hembree Senior Care Center: 1130 Upper Hembree Road, Roswell, 678-485-7362 • Roswell Senior Center: 1250 Warsaw Road, Roswell, 770-640-1583

Senior Care

Senior Living

• Advantage Senior Care: 404-312-6423. advantageseniorcareinc.com • Cambridge Health Home Care: 3060 Royal Blvd South #155, Alpharetta, 404-935-5900. cambridgehealth.org • Cara Vita Home Care: 648 Mimosa Blvd, Roswell, 770-643-1712. caravitahomecare.com • CareMinders Home Care: 178 South Main St., Suite 310, Alpharetta, 770-973-6400. careminders.com • Comfort Keepers: 2475 Northwinds Parkway, Suite 200, Alpharetta, 770-753-6457. • Golden Home Services: 11205 Alpharetta Highway, STE F5, Roswell, 678-242-0084. • Dependable Homecare Services: 5510 Commons Lane, Johns Creek, 770-881-7101. dependablehomecare.net • Easy Living Services, Inc.: 120 Prospect Place, Alpharetta, 770-727-1486. easylivingservices.com. • InterMed Homecare: 1580 Warsaw Rd, Roswell, 770-455-3817, intermedhomehealth.com • Life Balance Home Care: 290 S. Main St., Suite 500 Alpharetta, 770-663-4100. lifebalancehomecare. com • Mobility Partners: 980 Birmingham Road, Suite 501, Alpharetta, 678-221-4006 • Seen Your Way: 1218 W. Paces Ferry, Suite 204, Atlanta, 404-981-2273. seenyourway.com • Senior Helpers: 294 S Main St. #500, Alpharetta, 404-857-2209. seniorhelpers.com • SaraCare Adult Day Care: 4265 Johns Creek Parkway, Johns Creek, 770-476-8400. sarahcare. com • Synergy HomeCare: 11380 Southbridge Parkway, Suite 225, Alpharetta, 770-777-4781. synergyhomecare.com

• Addington Place of Alpharetta: 762 N Main St., Alpharetta, GA 30009 678-319-3000 • Addington Place of Johns Creek: 5050 Kimball Bridge Rd, Johns Creek, GA 30005 770-754-5446 • Arbor Terrace: 3180 Karen White Drive, Suwanee, 770-599-2068. at-johnscreek.com; 12200 Crabapple Road, Alpharetta, 678-894-7803. at-crabapple.com • Ashwood Meadows: 11190 Medlock Bridge Road, Johns Creek, 770-476-4429. • Atria North Point: 100 Somerby Dr, Alpharetta, 770872-0423, atriaseniorliving.com • Belmont Village: 4315 Johns Creek Parkway, Suwanee, 770-813-9505. johnscreek.belmontvillage. com • Brickmont Assisted Living: 2925 Webb Road, Alpharetta, 678-765-9882, brickmont.com • Brookdale Big Creek Roswell: 655 Mansell Road, Roswell, 844-422-2821. Brookdalecom • Brookdale Chambrel Roswell: 1000 Applewood Drive, Roswell, 770-232-6432. brookdale.com • Brookdale Historic Roswell: 75 Magnolia St., Roswell, 770-650-7688. brookdale.com • Cambridge Memory Care: 4040 Webb Bridge Road, Alpharetta, 678-266-4065. cambridgeassistedliving.org • Celebration Village: 3000 Celebration Boulevard, Suwanee, GA 30024, 800-791-4987 cvillage.com • Chambrel at Roswell: 1000 Applewood Drive, Roswell, 770-594-4600. brookdaleliving.com/ chambrel-at-roswell • Churchill Manor: 143 Mayfield Road, Alpharetta, 770-667-6078. churchillmanor.net • Cottonwood Estates: 255 Vaughn Drive, Alpharetta, 678-999-6810. seniorlivinginstyle.com • Crabapple Hall: 200 Pine Valley Drive, Alpharetta, 770-664-9264. crabapplehall.com

Prosthetists

48 | Medical Answer Book 2017

• Roswell Senior Living: 11725 Pointe Place, Roswell, 770-450-4875. pacificaroswell.com • Somerby of Alpharetta: 100 Somerby Drive, Alpharetta, 770-650-9577. somerbyofalpharetta.com • Sunrise of Ivey Ridge: 2950 Old Alabama Road, Alpharetta, 770-475-6622. sunriseiveyridge.com • Sunrise of Johns Creek: 11405 Medlock Bridge Road, Johns Creek, 770-814-0505. sunrisejohnscreek.com • Tapestry House: 2725 Holcomb Bridge Road, Alpharetta, 770-649-0808. tapestryhouseassistedliving. com • The Mansions of Alpharetta: 3700 Brookside Parkway, Alpharetta, GA 30022, 470-365-2800 mansionsseniorliving.com • The Oaks Senior Living: 5610 Hampton Park Drive, Cumming, 678-965-5700; 255 Elm St., Cumming, 770889-7889; 3875 Post Road, Cumming, 770-886-2630. oaksseniorliving.com • The Phoenix at Milton: 13943 Hwy. 9 N, Milton, 678212-1166, phoenixsrliving.com

• The Veranda of Roswell: 11725 Pointe Place, Roswell, 770-521-9913. verandaroswell.com • Towne Club Windermere: 3950 Towne Club Parkway, Cumming, 770-844-7779. towneclubwindermere.com

• Vickery Rose Retirement Community: 295 East Crossville Road Roswell, GA 30075 • Village Park of Alpharetta: 12300 Morris Road, Alpharetta. 678-740-3499. villageparkseniorliving.com • Villas at Canterfield: 745 Atlanta Road, Cumming, 770-888-4929. thevillasatcanterfield.com • Willow Lake Senior Living: 4855 Willow Lake Lane, Cumming, 770-887-7000. willowlakeseniorliving.com

directory of doctors

• Cumming Manor: 2775 Castleberry Road, Cumming, 770-781-2300. • Dogwood Forest: 253 North Main St., Alpharetta, 770-410-9169; 4125 North Point Parkway, Alpharetta, 678-366-7700. dogwoodforestnorthpoint. com • Eden Brook: 4125 N Point Parkway, Alpharetta, 678366-7700. sunriseseniorliving.com • Elmcroft of Roswell: 400 Marietta Highway, Roswell, 770-650-0555. elmcroftal.com • Freedom Pointe Roswell: 75 Magnolia St., Roswell, 770-645-1900. brookdaleliving.com • Gardens of Roswell: 9212 Nesbit Ferry Road, Alpharetta, 770-992-0505. • Hearthside Johns Creek: 11340 Medlock Bridge Rd, Johns Creek, 770-418-0555. hearthsidejohnscreek. com • Hearthstone Assisted Living: 350 Market Place, Roswell, 770-552-1091 • Laurel Creek Manor: 7955 Majors Road, Cumming, 678-456-8363. laurelcreekmanorcommunity.com • Inspired Living at Alpharetta 11450 Morris Rd, Alpharetta, GA 30005, inspiredliving.care 470-5398290 • Ivy Hall Assisted Living: 5690 State Bridge Road, Alpharetta, 770-814-0114. • Ivy Hall at St. Ives: 5835 Medlock Bridge Parkway, Alpharetta, 770-476-1777. • Manor on the Square: 550 Barrington Drive, Roswell, 770-993-8040. manoronthesquare.net • Merrill Gardens at Roswell: 655 Mansell Road, Roswell, 678-894-7820. merrillgardens.com/ assisted_living • Parc Alpharetta: 1000 Fanfare Way, Alpharetta, 770346-9011. watertonresidential.com • Parc at Duluth: 3315 Peachtree Industrial Blvd., Duluth, 770-622-6880. duluth.parccommunities.com

Shelters/Outreach • Find a way home: 89 Grove Way, Suite 101, Roswell, 678-381-2000. findawayhome.org • Fulton Families Matter: 929 Zion Circle, Roswell, 770-993-0207. • Habitat for Humanity: 133 Samaritan Drive, Cumming, 770-886-4939; 814 Mimosa Blvd., Roswell, 770-587-9679. • Hightower Association Food Bank: 1120 Pilgrim Road, Cumming, 770-205-2464. • Homestretch: 89 Grove Way, Roswell, 770-6429185. homestretch.org • IM In A Family Receiving Homes, Inc: 3482 Keith Bridge Road #126, Cumming, 770-889-7950. • Lost Ones, Inc: 1158 Canton St., Roswell, 770-9930055. • North Fulton Community Charities: 11270 Elkins Road, Roswell, 770-640-0399. nfcchelp.org • The Drake House: 10500 Clara Drive, Roswell, 770587-4712. thedrakehouse.org • The Place of Forsyth County: 2550 The Place Circle, Cumming, 770-887-1098. theplaceofforsyth.com

Sleep Assistance • Fusion Sleep: 4265 Johns Creek Parkway, Suwanee, 678-990-3962. fusionsleep.com • Georgia Neurology & Sleep Medicine Associates, 4385 Johns Creek Parkway., #230, Suwanee, GA 30024, 770-814-9455, ganeurosleep.com

Specialty • Aesthetic Specialty Centre: 1825 Old Alabama Road, Suite 201, Roswell, 770-393-9000. aestheticspecialtycentre.com • Georgia Reproductive Specialists: 3400 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, 404-843-2229, www.ivf.com • Sunrise Detox: 4500 North Point Parkway, Alpharetta, 678-762-0370. Medical Answer Book 2017 | 49

directory of doctors

(Specialty continued) • Lyfewell Integrative Healthcare, 10700 Medlock Bridge Road, Suite 103, Johns Creek, GA 30097, 770-629-0093, www.lyfewell.com

Surgery Centers

• Advanced Plastic Surgery Solutions: 6920 McGinnis Ferry Road, Suwanee, 678-205-8400. advancedplasticsurgerysolutions.com • Byrd Aesthetic: 11050 Crabapple Road, Roswell, 770-587-1711. byrdaesthetic.com • Grady Health System: 1143 Alpharetta St., Roswell, 404-616-1550. gradyhealth.org • High Field Open MRI: 10630 Alpharetta Highway, Roswell, 770-649-8500. highfieldopenmri.com • North Fulton Health Center: 3155 Royal Drive # 125, Alpharetta, 404-332-1958. • The Oral, Facial and Implant Surgery Center, LLC: 975 Peachtree Parkway, Suite C., Cumming, 770312-1544. ofisurgerycenter.com

Urgent Cares • American Family Care: 12994 Highway 9 N, Alpharetta, 678-205-8155. americanfamilycare.com • Atlanta Cancer Care: 3400 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, 770-770-1314. atlantacancercare.com • Bethany Bend Urgent Care: 13081 Highway 9 North, Alpharetta, 678-671-3890. bethanybendurgentcare. com • ChoiceOne Urgent Care: 5910 Suwanee Dam Rd #100, Sugar Hill, 470-326-7600, choiceoneuc.com • Doctors Express: 12315 Crabapple Road, Suite 108, Alpharetta, 678-762-9292. doctorsexpressalpharetta. com • Georgia Urgent Care: 1360 Upper Hembree Road #100, Roswell, 678-393-6482. georgiaurgentcare.com • LiveOn Health Center: 6385 McGinnis Ferry Road, Suite 202, Johns Creek, 770-255-4226. liveoncenter. com • MedPost Urgent Care: 12460 Crabapple Road, Alpharetta, 678-762-0574; 5655 Atlanta Hwy., Alpharetta, 770-343-6364. medpost.com • Northside Primary Care: 11820 Northfall Ln Suite 1103, Alpharetta, 678-867-0904, northsideprimarycare.com • Northside Urgent Care and Family Medicine: 5610 Bethelview Road, Cumming, 770-205-2804; 11180 State Bridge Road, Alpharetta, 770-754-0788. northsideurgentcare.com • Physician’s Express Care: 11705 Jones Bridge Road, Suit A 201, Johns Creek, 770-772-1830. getexpresscare.com • Primecare Urgent Care: 1628 Market Place Blvd., Cumming, 770-292-9982. 50 | Medical Answer Book 2017

• Reagan Medical Center: 10160 Medlock Bridge Road, Johns Creek, 678-387-1600. reaganmedical. com • Roswell Urgent Care Center: 660 W. Crossville Road #110, Roswell, 678-436-5266. roswellurgentcare. com • SmartCare: 540 East Crossville Road, Suite 210, Roswell, 770-510-1850. smartcareuc.com • Sugerloaf Medical PC: 1300 Peachtree Industrial Blvd., Suwanee, 770-831-3018. sugarloafmedical. com • Urgent Care of Atlanta: 5304 Windward Parkway, Alpharetta, 770-777-2062. urgentcareatlanta.com • Wellstreet Urgent Care: 10945 State Bridge Road #501, Alpharetta, 404-996-0194; 3005 Old Alabama Road #6000, Johns Creek, 404-996-0198. wellstreet. com

Urologists • Georgia Urology: 3400-C Old Milton Parkway., Suite 535, Alpharetta, 770-772-4427; 1800 Northside Forsyth Drive, Suite 370, Cumming, 770-889-9737; 11459 Johns Creek Parkway., Suite 170, Johns Creek, 678-417-0400; 1357 Hembree Road, Suite 250, Roswell, 770-475-7550. gaurology.com • South Atlanta Urology: 5400 Laurel Springs Parkway #1403, Suwanee, 678-845-0390.

Vein Specialists • Atlanta Vein Specialists: 4060 Johns Creek Parkway, Johns Creek, 678-315-3511. atlveins.com • North Georgia Vein Institute: Cumming, 678-5131600. northgeorgiavein.com • Premier Dermatology and Mohs Surgery of Atlanta 3180 North Point Parkway #420, Alpharetta, GA 30005, 678-345-1899 premierdermatologyatlanta.com • Vein Solutions: 1505 Northside Blvd., Cumming, 678-513-4275. veinsolutions.com • VeinInnovations: 4255 Johns Creek Parkway, Suite D, Suwanee, 678-731-9815; 5673 Peachtree Dunwoody Road, Suite 340, Atlanta, 678-731-9815.

YMCA • Alpharetta: 3655 Preston Ridge Road, Alpharetta, 770-664-1220. ymca.net • Cumming: 6050 Y St., Cumming – 770-888-2788 ymca.net The Directory of Doctors is not a complete, comprehensive list of every doctor, practice or office in the area. If you wish to be included in the 2018 edition, please contact Kathleen Sturgeon at kathleen@ AppenMediaGroup.com.

Forsyth ranked healthiest county in Georgia By KATHLEEN STURGEON ith its low premature death and uninsured rates, but exceptional high school graduation rates and plenty of access to exercise opportunities, Forsyth County has been named the healthiest county in Georgia. This is the fifth consecutive year the county has received this designation from the County Health Rankings and Roadmaps study initiated by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute. The program looks into factors such as length and quality of life, health behaviors, clinical care, social and economic factors and physical environment. This year’s research found more Americans are dying prematurely, with rates among minorities, residents in rural counties and those ages 15-44 on the rise. The study factored in lifestyle factors such as smoking, alcohol use, obesity and exercise frequency. It also looked at income, accessibility to healthcare and education, among many others. The study found that the leading causes of death under age 75 in Forsyth include malignant neoplasms, heart disease, unintentional injuries from accidents, intentional self-harm and chronic lower respiratory diseases. The rankings suggest that heathier lifestyles serve as the basis for Forsyth County health outcomes, according to Carolyn Booker, director of patient care services at Northside Hospital Forsyth. “Increased access to healthcare services, preventative and acute, more green space with parks and recreation, as well as proactive health education focused on prevention are a few of the strategies that contribute to the county’s status,” Booker said. “We rank lower than other counties in behaviors that can negatively

impact health, such as adult smoking, adult obesity and physical inactivity. On the other hand, we excel in the behaviors that can have a positive influence on health, such as access to exercise opportunities and our food environment. The healthy behaviors that underpin these outcomes are supported by Forsyth County’s infrastructure of involved citizens, businesses and schools.” The ongoing collaboration between Forsyth’s government, nonprofits, health care and residents are what helps to set the county apart, she said. And while there may be other social and economic factors that contribute to the outcomes, by and large the members of the community are engaged in making the county a great place to live, work and play, Booker said. “These results can serve to reinforce the reason that members chose to live here rather than somewhere else,” Booker said. “Residents of the county can be proud of the work that is being done to improve the quality of life for those who choose to make Forsyth County their home. They have access to great health care and we’re always working to improve that even further.” But even with the top ranking, Forsyth has room for improvements. Adult obesity in the county is at 29 percent, there were 69 violent crimes in 2016 and there were drinking water violations. “There is always some type of health-related activity taking place in areas of the county,” Booker said. “It might involve children who play baseball, soccer, football or lacrosse for the park and recreation centers, to activities at Lake Lanier or the Boulder Dash, a run-walk event occurring this month and sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce and Northside Hospital Forsyth. We can see that the civic leaders will never rest on their laurels. There will always be the goal of making Forsyth County a great community.” Sponsored Section | Medical Answer Book 2017 | 51

‘A generation of healthcare’ Northside Hospital-Forsyth adds two stories; $30 million extension expands oncology, surgical floors By KATHLEEN STURGEON f you recently drove past Northside Hospital-Forsyth and thought the building was getting taller, you were right. For over the past year, the building has undergone a $30 million expansion. It added three floors, making it the tallest in the county. The new seventh floor, which opened to patients Oct. 24, 2016 is the oncology unit. Surgical occupies the eighth floor, which opened Oct. 21, 2016. The sixth floor is dedicated to heating, ventilation and air conditioning. The same people who engineered previous Northside expansions performed the work on this project. Some of the new updates on the floors include meditation rooms, hooks in the bathrooms for IV bags and couches that convert into beds. The color on the walls, which is from anti-bacterial paint, and the artwork on the oncology floor were specifically chosen to brighten up the surroundings. Additional lighting was added, and UV lights are used to kill more bacteria. The expansion doubled the number of beds from 16 to 32. A lot of the details were suggested by the staff which knows best how rooms might be improved. They suggested having glass put into the doors on the oncology floor so they don’t have to continually enter the room and disrupt the air pressure. Above each oncology room door is a green ball, part of a system that indicates if the room has positive or negative air pressure in the room, according to hospital

Patient rooms are equipped with almost anything one might need, including hand rails to the bathroom, a sofa bed and an IV bag holder. 52 | Medical Answer Book 2017

Manager of Oncology Niti Patel and Hospital Administrator Lynn Jackson show off Northside Hopsital-Forsyth’s renovated and expanded oncology floor. administrator Lynn Jackson. “A lot of these patients’ immune systems are suppressed by the chemotherapy,” she said. “We want the bad air and anything we might be carrying to be blown out. This is protecting them. We don’t want the doors open because that defeats the purpose of positive air.” Every detail was undertaken with the patient in mind. Consult rooms are on the floors so the patients’ various teams and doctors can meet together to discuss treatment. “Everyone can gather and the family can come in,” Jackson said. “We can discuss what’s going on with the patient in privacy.” The rooms are also filled with specifics including a safe, floor lighting, railings from the bed into the bathroom and a sofa that turns into a bed or table for families. Jackson said everything is made with patients’ safety in mind. Northside-Forsyth’s Manager of Oncology Niti Patel said both the staff and families of previous patients are excited for the changes. All hospital staff went through orientation to become acquainted with the new floors prior to opening. And

PHOTOS BY KATHLEEN STURGEON

Northside Hospital-Forsyth expands from a five-floor building to eight floors. for the 100 or so oncology staff, Patel said the new breakroom and private lockers are important to give them a space to unwind for a moment if needed. Additionally, a TV was added to the breakroom for staff to attend webinars. “We try to give them a place,” Patel said. “There is a lot of emotion when you deal with this population. Nurses do this job because they have that heart. We wanted to give back to them.” Other features on the oncology floor include a room with dual chambers to protect patients with infectious diseases or those prone to them, a pharmacy and a multi-functional room where patients can leave their beds and participate in activities or complete physical therapy. “We have a little bit longer stay in oncology,” Patel said. “These patients have to stay in their rooms so much that they often need more fun. They can come out or take the activities back to their rooms.” Every detail on the floor kept in mind the patients and front-line nurses who work in the space daily, she said. “They were so pivotal with making little decisions that will impact patients for years,” Patel said. “We’ll be treating generations of patients here. We built this so it’ll be a generation of healthcare.”

The view from the new floors shows the hospital’s helicopter pad and Ga. 400.

A meditation room is on the oncology floor for family members to discuss treatment or to grab a moment of quiet contemplation. Medical Answer Book 2017 | 53

Local hospitals hold programs for new mothers By NATASHA ROY aving a baby can be a stressful experience, but several hospitals in the area strive to make it as easy as possible for new moms and families. Northside Hospital Forsyth offers a multitude of programs for mothers before, during and after birth. Women’s Center Manager Melissa Sugg describes the center as a hospital within a hospital. It has its own emergency services, pharmacy and business office, as well as other services. “The vast majority of our patients come in, deliver here, have all their needs met within this one footprint — and they never even have to go into the other part of the hospital where they might encounter sick people,” Sugg said. “We do everything we can to protect our patients from infection and also just to honor women and families going through a unique, special time.” The Women’s Center offers a number of programs to help mothers and families prepare to have a child, including classes and interpretation services. NSF Women’s Center’s Clinical Development Specialist Amanda Love explained that Mother’s First, a program that provides classes and support groups for pregnant women, is often people’s first introduction to anything at Northside. The hospital also provides “Mommy Bootcamp” and “Daddy Bootcamp” where facilitators answer questions, and veterans of the bootcamp bring their babies to allow future parents to hold and burp their babies. “We want to give them things,” Love said. “We want them to remember it and enjoy it and share the information.” Apps and online resources are also available to patients who cannot come into the hospital during the day. Sugg said because of the changing patient demographics, Northside wants to be helpful in as many ways as possible. “We’re trying to reach people in the way they like to learn, because everybody’s style and...everybody’s schedule is so different now,” Sugg said. Love said to ensure the hospital is best serving its patients, the staff looks at patient evaluations. “Patients have the opportunity to write comments,” Love said. “From a prenatal — or, prior to delivery — perspective, all of your classes are followed up with an evaluation.” Sugg said Northside also offers extensive neonatal intensive care, and is one of the few hospitals in the

54 | Medical Answer Book 2017

Northside Hospital Forsyth offers 21 private rooms in their nation with a level three NICU, meaning the hospital can care for the tiniest, sickest babies. They also accept transfers from other hospitals that lack the same level NICU. Northside places importance on the bonding time between a mother and child immediately after a baby is delivered “Starting right off the bat, we have a golden hour that starts while they’re in labor and delivery, and we really try to educate all of the families while the mom is in labor that the very first hour after delivery is a really special and unique time for mom and baby,” Sugg said. “We take care of whatever medical needs have to be taken care of during that time, but we really encourage them to spend that time as a family unit bonding with the baby and keep all visitors out for that first hour. We try not to do anything that would cause them to be separated unless there’s a medical reason to.” Other hospitals recognize the importance of mother-child postpartum bonding. Linda Farrow, director of women’s health services at Wellstar North Fulton Hospital, said fostering the bonding experience between

New mother receives above and beyond care

level three NICU. mothers and babies is important at Wellstar. She also said there are times when things do not go according to a mom’s birth plan, but the physicians, midwives and women’s health team at Wellstar work to educate patients on their options and help them choose the safest and best one. Wellstar has a Breastfeeding Extended Stay program for discharged mothers whose babies remain in the hospital. Farrow said the Wellstar team understands it is stressful for families when babies have to stay in the NICU, and mothers are overloaded with information. “We try to decrease their stress and help them be successful with breastfeeding, not only by allowing them to stay for up to five days, but they also have our lactation consultants to support them,” Farrow said. “The relief our patients feel and the smiles on their faces when we allow them to stay is part of why we do what we do.” Farrow said the hospital is there to support moms and families through their birth experience, not dictate their plan. “Every birth experience is different and special to

Rachel Rennie, who gave birth to her son Walter in April, said she and her baby received the best care she could have hoped for at WellStar Hospital. After Rennie was diagnosed with preeclampsia, she was induced the same day. She said her obstetrician and nurse team was supportive and caring, and they helped keep her calm during her three-day induction process. “When Walter was born, I received consistent and compassionate care in postpartum as they kept my blood pressure in check and literally helped me to and from the bathroom in the very beginning,” Rennie said. “Most importantly, our son received truly the best care in the NICU.” Rennie’s son spent 18 days in the NICU. During that time, Rennie and her husband fell in love with the NICU staff, who Rennie said was always compassionate toward the new parents. “The doctors and nurses were patient and always willing to answer our long lists of questions,” Rennie said. “We — especially me — were in a tough place watching our son learn to breathe without apneas and seeing him all covered in wires, and the nurses kept things light-hearted while being realistic and down-to-earth.” Rennie said taking advantage of WellStar’s extended-stay program made it easier to pump for her son while being only a hallway away. “It helped me bond with him even though he wasn’t in my arms all of the time,” Rennie said. Rennie said she would recommend an extendedstay program to any mother who has a baby in the NICU or anywhere such a program is offered. “It truly was a game-changer for us as, like I said, it allowed me and my husband to be as close to our baby as possible, making communication with doctors and being available for feedings — and cuddles — so much easier,” Rennie said. While Rennie was both a patient and a mother rooming-in, she said WellStar nurses were attentive to her. Even when nurse visits weren’t required, they still stopped by to check on Rennie and her husband. “My husband and I just felt overwhelmingly blessed by all of the work and care that was done for us and around us,” Rennie said. “We feel that it is rare to feel like the hospital staff is part of your family, but the nurses who cared for Walter in the NICU cared for him as if he was their own.”

each of our moms and families,” Farrow said. “We want them to have the best experience possible.” Medical Answer Book 2017 | 55

GHSA has evolved to encourage concussion safety By JOE PARKER study recently published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that 110 of 111 deceased ex-NFL players had signs of chronic traumatic encephalopathy, further raising concerns over brain trauma endured by athletes. Those are concerns are greater for high-contact sports like football. In response to the ongoing studies related to brain trauma on athletes, the state, the Georgia High School Association and the National Federation of High Schools have evolved in their stance on concussions, implementing new protocols for schools, parents, coaches and athletes to raise awareness of the dangers of concussions. The first major step taken by the GHSA was in adopting a set of NFHS rules in 2010. Prior NFHS rules dictated that officials remove an athlete from play if “unconscious or apparently unconscious.” But a study from two organizations found that only 3.2 percent of athletes who suffered a concussion lost consciousness during a season of play, prompting the NFHS to add language including other possible signs of concussion, including dizziness, headache, confusion or balance problems. The GHSA has now mandated that healthcare professionals, not game officials, are expected to diagnose a concussion or remove a player from a contest. Local schools such as Centennial High also began using ImPACT, Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Test. Athletes who undergo ImPACT testing are given a baseline test to test working memory, reaction time, and problem solving. Though ImPACT is not a diagnostic tool, when a player is suspected of suffering a concussion by a healthcare professional, the testing can be used to

56 | Medical Answer Book 2017

show the severity of the concussion and help to measure rehabilitation. A later adoption by the GHSA is the Return to Play Act of 2013, a statewide policy that mandates informational resources as well as protocols for players suspected of suffering a concussion. Under the act, public and private schools, as well as recreation programs, must provide information regarding concussions as well as dictating a license physician must be on site at contests and that no player suspected of having a concussion may re-enter a contest until cleared by a licensed physician. Also under the act, athletes and parents must sign an awareness form, which outlines the common signs of concussions and their associated risks, before the athlete is allowed to compete. The NFHS has also provided a free online informational course on concussions to athletes and parents. Some schools and programs are taking concussion safety further with the implementation of soft-shell helmets for football players during practices. The helmets, worn over a traditional football helmet, can help lessen an impact to the brain. Cambridge High began requiring the soft-shell helmets during practices last year. Following suit, youth football programs such as the Milton Steelers have implemented the helmets. Though it is not perceived as a contact sport, headto-head hits still occur often in flag football, prompting local youth programs to also implement the soft-shell helmets during practices and games. The North Atlanta Football League, Johns Creek Youth Football Association, Roswell Youth Football and Cheer Association and Forsyth County Youth Football Association will all implement the option for players to wear the helmets during contests and practices in 2017. Stephanie Butler, president of the North Atlanta Football League, said flag football continues to grow in popularity and the safety of players is paramount. “We decided if we are going to continue to grow our football program we have to make it as safe as we possibly can,” Butler said. “We hope that this shows our commitment to safety.” As more is learned and studied on concussions in athletes, the GHSA will likely continue to implement new mandates in an effort to keep all its athletes healthy.

Foundation opens conversation about mental illness, suicide Father creates Will to Live in response to son’s death

By JULIA GROCHOWSKI ne local nonprofit is shining a light on issues rarely talked about, namely youth depression and suicide. But despite the natural discomfort people have about the topic, Will to Live Foundation founder John Trautwein said the subject is crucial to discuss with loved ones. It might just save a life. “Depression is real. Suicide is real. It’s here, and it’s happening everywhere,” Trautwein said. “One in six teenagers suffer from depression, and a teenager in America takes their life every two hours.” Trautwein’s foundation is named in memory of his own son, Will, who as a freshman at Northview High School seven years ago died by suicide. Trautwein in turn has dedicated himself to teaching others about the warning signs and how to talk about the issues to avoid further deaths. He said that he himself was blind to the possibility that his son was battling depression until it was too late. “We were under the impression that suicide happened to a different group of people,” Trautwein said. “Not kids like Will. Not successful kids from loving homes. We found out that that was completely false. Will was very typical… We didn’t want other families to think that their kids were fine and perfect like we did with Will and then suffer through a devastating loss.” Will had not spoken to his family or friends about his struggles. He appeared happy and healthy, with good grades and a love for athletics. It is that lack of communication that often keeps people from reaching out for the help they need. People, especially teenagers and children, are afraid to speak up about their struggles because of the stigma surrounding mental illness, Trautwein said. “People in general want to be normal,” he said. “A mental illness is not considered a normal thing. It’s considered to be a very scary thing, an embarrassing thing, something you don’t want anyone to know you have.” Faced with such embarrassment, people battling depression may then hide it and won’t seek treatment. “But like any illness, if you don’t get treatment, it gets worse,” Trautwein said. That’s where the Will to Live Foundation steps in. One of its main goals is to help such people talk to others and get treatment by dispelling the stigmas

JOE PARKER

John Trautwein and wife, Susie, share the Will to Live message at Northview High School’s baseball park dedication to the foundation. surrounding mental illness. Since its inception in 2010, the foundation has raised over $1 million and has created a Signs of Suicide program now taught at all Fulton County schools. Trautwein frequently speaks at schools or with parents. Discussing mental illness in similar terms to physical diseases such as cancer or diabetes is one way to normalize it, he said. Talking about it more openly helps erase some of that shame and stigma surrounding mental illness, which in turn can cause people to seek out the help they need. “Mental illness is normal — it’s common, it’s treatable, and it’s OK,” Trautwein said. “That’s what talking about it does. Just talk to each other. Take care of each other.” To learn about the Will to Live Foundation and Trautwein’s story, visit will-to-live.org or read Trautwein’s book “My Living Will.”

Resources If you or someone in crisis or at risk of suicide, call the toll-free, confidential National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. The deaf or hard of hearing can contact the lifeline at 1-800799-4889. People can also text at 741741. More crisis services and suicide prevention information can be found at suicidepreventionlifeline. org, thetrevorproject.org and veteranscrisisline.net. Medical Answer Book 2017 | 57

Fitness instructor starts special needs program at YMCA Karen Wise inspired by son diagnosed with Down Syndrome By KATHLEEN STURGEON bout five years ago, Karen Wise was approached by a few mothers of her son’s friends. Her son, Gavin, born with Down Syndrome and the families were looking for exercise classes for their children with special needs. As Wise was already teaching fitness classes at the Ed Isakson/Alpharetta YMCA, she was a perfect fit for the job. “Our wellness director was excited to have this program at the Alpharetta Y from the start,” Wise said. “I’ve experienced nothing but support from everyone at our Y.” The program started with one class a week held after school hours and has grown to three classes a week, including special needs Y-Fit, dance and yoga. As someone who’s been in the fitness and wellness industry for over 30 years, Wise has experience in corporate and non-profit wellness, personal training, fitness testing and nutrition. Additionally, she is certified to teach many types of classes including Pilates, yoga, boot camp and spinning. Currently, she is the group fitness coordinator at the Alpharetta YMCA and has taught classes there since 1999 for various groups, including children and young adults with special needs. She’s been married to her husband, Rich, for 23 years and they have five children — Eve, Gavin, Ian, Mary Rose and Hannah. “It was Gavin and his friends that prompted me to start the special needs fitness program at our YMCA,” Wise said. “My enthusiasm for this program, of course, stems from seeing Gavin and his friends have so much fun getting fit together. They’ve strengthened their friendship bonds while getting in shape this summer.” From the start, Wise said her whole family has been involved from volunteering every week with the teens and young adults. “I couldn’t do it without Rich and the kids’ commitment to this program,” Wise said. “It’s definitely something our whole family looks forward to each week. The teens and young adults in the class literally light up when Rich and my kids walk in the room. The Wise bunch comes as a package.” This summer, Wise said a new three-hour drop-off fitness program for two days a week began for teens and young adults with special needs. “This idea came from a couple parents that came to me, concerned about their teens with special needs

58 | Medical Answer Book 2017

Karen Wise, left, and Cailin O'Connell doing the tree pose from yoga. having too much screen time and not enough activity this summer,” Wise said. However, programs for older teens and young adults with special needs can be expensive, she said. Some donations to the “WhY It Matters” campaign allowed the gym to offer the program at a very low cost for the families. “At the Y, we put our heads together and came up with this low-cost program, consisting of Youth in Motion taught by one of our wellness coaches, Stephen Kravitz, some outdoor camp activities on the Greenway, basketball and active games and, of course, my Y-Fit and Yoga classes,” Wise said. “I’m so excited that this program has taken off and I look forward to spreading this program to other YMCAs in our area.”

Georgia Overdose Prevention educates public through training By KATHLEEN STURGEON ccording to the Center for Disease Control, 91 Americans die daily from an opioid overdose. The Georgia Overdose Prevention group is working to reduce that number by offering free overdose prevention training that includes lessons on administering Narcan, also known as naloxone, which is a non-addictive drug that can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. The group visited the Forsyth County Parent Recover Network meeting July 27 and spoke to parents and community members, handed out Narcan kits and shared information about the Georgia 911 Medical Amnesty Law, which they helped start. One of the parents, Chris Intile, said the event was important to make the community aware of the heroin problem infesting society. Intile is the mother of two heroin addicts, one who is three years clean and the other is still suffering. “My passion for recovery is equivalent to my hatred of heroin,” Intile said. “Drug users are not always aware of their limit, clearly. No one sent me to the library to pick up a copy of, ‘What to Expect When You’re Expecting an Addict.’ Every addict, parent and treatment center is different.” Through resources, education, determination and hope, Intile said she is in recovery herself. “It’s my belief that recovery is the answer,” Intile said. “There is a sense of empowerment when you can help another human being who is suffering from a heroin or any other substance addiction. When there is a heartbeat, there is hope.” That’s the same motto Georgia Overdose Prevention strives to work by, that if the person is still alive, there is still hope. Cofounder of the group, Robin Elliott spoke about her son Zack whom she lost to an overdose. “Zack was a beautiful, bright, talented and sweet kid,” Elliott said. “He went to a private school in Buckhead, scored over 700 in all areas of the SATs, played electric guitar and four sports, was popular and had lots of friends.” Zack dabbled with drugs throughout high school and college. As Elliott has 26 years sober, she said she was able to see the signs of addiction. So she sent him to rehab, but Zack was a “mess” by his freshman year of college. He went to rehab again, but relapsed multiple times. Eventually, he snuck out one night, went to Atlanta, bought drugs and fatally overdosed. This fueled Elliott to look into research to create the

Laurie Fugitt demonstrates on Robin Elliott how to administer Narcan, which reverses opioid overdoses. Georgia 911 Medical Amnesty Law, which provides protection for people who call 911 and seek medical assistance for someone experiencing a drug or alcohol-related overdose. “This is how I get an opportunity to tell people about my son,” Elliott said. The law also increases access to the opioid overdose “antidote” naloxone, also called Narcan. Georgia Overdose Prevention cofounder Laurie Fugitt told the audience how to administer Narcan, which the group was handing out. She said the first step is to shake the person and ask if they’re OK. If they don’t respond, try rubbing their sternum with your knuckles. If that still doesn’t work to awaken them, she said it’s time to administer the Narcan, then call 911. Naloxone will have no effect on people who aren’t overdosing on opioids, she said, however most people overdose on several drugs, so the treatment will address the opioids. To learn more about the group or get a kit, visit georgiaoverdoseprevention.org. Medical Answer Book 2017 | 59

Timeline of medical appointments Newborn: Within just days of birth and discharge from a hospital, a child should visit a pediatrician. This type of physician specializes in the care of children, whose bodies are different from adults. A pediatrician will tell you if a newborn has any medical problems that cause concern, what their initial weight is and what you can expect for their growth, development and eating habits. Toddler Years: During this time period, a child often sees a doctor more frequently than not, simply because of their developing immune systems and the exposure to childhood germs. However, in the absence of germs or injuries, it is a good idea to have a well visit once per year until the age of 10. Doctors will usually recommend the standard continued course of immunizations, including the chicken pox vaccine, which is not given until the child is at least 1 year old. 5 Years Old: A child that is ready for Kindergarten will need to go to the pediatrician to be screened and immunized, in most cases. The screenings consist of hearing, vision and sometimes blood pressure or cholesterol tests. Also, the doctor’s office can give you the necessary forms for enrollment in a public school. Not crazy about vaccines, but still want to enroll your child in school? Schools now accept waivers (available at your school office) that allow parents who do not immunize to request enrollment for their child in school without having such vaccinations. Early Childhood: From the ages of 6 to 10, annual well visits to the pediatrician are sufficient. 10 Years Old: Children usually go for another round of vaccinations. 11 – 18 Years Old: Keep in mind that at any point in the teen years when a child is participating in sports, most schools will require the student to undergo a routine physical to make certain that the student is healthy enough to participate in athletics. 18 Years Old: Many colleges require a physical examination upon acceptance to their school, and the paperwork involved with those tests may be required in order to attend classes. Along with proof of a physical exam, colleges will want to verify that a college-aged student has had all the required childhood immuni60 | Medical Answer Book 2017

zations. Young women at this age may also begin to schedule visits to a gynecologist. Women should begin breast self-examinations as well. At this stage of early adulthood until senior care, most adults will begin to fill out questionnaires that detail their health history. Questionnaires help physicians to pinpoint risk factors, and evaluate family history issues and other general health concerns. 20s – 40s: Adults should undergo cholesterol and blood pressure checks every 5 years, along with Tetanus and diphtheria boosters every 10 years. There are really no other recommended tests, unless a patient has an increased risk factor or family history of a specific disease or disorder. 40s for Men: The American Urological Association recommends a first PSA (prostate specific antigen) test at the age of 40 for most men. In a man’s mid-40s, doctors recommend a screen for Type-2 Diabetes as well. 40s for Women: Guidelines for mammograms change often, but as of now, doctors recommend a mammogram every year or two for women who are 40 and older. Beginning at age 45, doctors also recommend a cholesterol check for women and a blood pressure check every other year. A bone density scan may be performed if the patient is concerned about their specific risk of osteoporosis. 50s for Men: By the age of 55, doctors begin to recommend testing for glaucoma, an eye disease that damages the optic nerve. Both men and women at this stage will most likely be checked for thyroid imbalances, eyesight deficiencies and blood sugar issues. 50s for Women: Once women reach the age of 50, doctors recommend that in addition to the battery of screens used in their 40s, women also begin colon cancer screenings. 60s: Doctors are beginning to recommend the Shingles vaccine around the age of 60 for both men and women. This is a once-in-a-lifetime shot that provides protection against the emergence of Shingles. Hearing evaluations are also important at this age, since nearly 33 percent of the population age 65 and older experiences hearing loss.

■

6 months

■

9 months

■

12 months

■

15 months

■

18 months

■

19 – 23 months

■

2 – 3 years

■

4 – 6 years

■

Shingles

■

Bone Density, Aortic Aneurysm

■

Glaucoma, Eye Disease, Thyroid

■

Prostate, Breast Cancer screens

■

Zoster

■

Tetanus, Diptheria, Pertussis

■

Human Papillomavirus

■

Meningococcal

■

Hepatitus A

■

Varicella

4 months

■

Measles, Mumps, Rubella

■

Flu

2 months

Inactivated Poliovirus

■

Pneumococcal

1 month

Haemophilus influenza type B

■

Diptheria, Tetanus, Pertussis

Birth

Rotavirus

Hepatitis B

* Information courtesy of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Group Health Cooperative.

■

7 – 10 years

■

11 – 12 years

■

13 – 18 years

■

19 – 21 years

■

22 – 26 years

■

27 – 49 years

■

50 – 59 years

■

60 – 64 years

■

>64 years

■

65 and Older – Men: Men are now encouraged to undergo testing for abdominal aortic aneurysms. This screening only occurs once, and is typically done after the age of 65. 65 and Older – Women: In addition to all of the previous tests, doctors may now begin to perform a bone density test. With age, women lose calcium, which causes bone breakage and weakness. A bone density scan will provide information on the strength of a woman’s bones. Since the incidence of falls also increases at this age, doctors highly recommend this test. Doctors can also administer a pneumococcal vaccination, which is a one-time shot, providing protection against pneumonia.

■ ■

■

For all persons in this category who meet the age requirements and who lack documentation of vaccination or have no evidence of previous infection. Range of recommended ages for catch-up immunization. Recommended if some other risk factor is present.

Medical Answer Book 2017 | 61

Emergency + Community

Resource Table ORGANIZATION

PURPOSE

PHONE #

Website

United Way

To find help

211 or 404-614-1000

211online.unitedwayatlanta.org/

North Fulton Community Charities

Help in Roswell, Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Milton

770-640-0399

nfcchelp.org

Community Assistance Center

Help in Sandy Springs/Dunwoody

770-552-4015

ourcac.org

DFACS

Food Stamps/TANF/Medicaid

404-252-2180

dfcs.dhs.georgia.gov

FACAA/LIHEAP

Energy Assistance

404-320-0166

facaa.org

St. Vincent de Paul

Financial Assistance

770-458-9607

svdpatl.org

Housing Authority of Fulton Co.

Section 8 and Public Housing

404-730-5841

hafc.org

Homestretch/Housing Initiative

Transitional Housing

770-642-9185

homestretch.org

Roswell Public Housing

Public Housing

770-993-6226

roswellhousing.org

The Drake House

Emergency housing women with children

770-587-4712

thedrakehouse.org

Metro Fair Housing

Housing Discrimination

404-524-0000

metrofairhousing.com

Salvation Army

General Assistance

404-352-3597

salvationarmy.org

Gateway Center

Emergency Shelter

404-215-6600

gatewayctr.org

Travelers Aid/Hope Atlanta

Homeless prevention, newcomers

404-817-7070

hopeatlanta.org/

EEOC (Equal Employment Opportunity Com)

Employment Discrimination

800-669-4000

eeoc.gov/field/atlanta

Department of Labor

Unemployment Office

866-873-5676

dol.state.ga.us

Pregnancy Counseling

678-893-5290

abeaconofhope.com

Housing & Homeless

Employment

Family & Childrens Services A Beacon of Hope Child Abuse and Neglect

To report abuse

404-699-4399

dfcs.dhs.georgia.gov/ child-abuse-neglect

GA Council on Child Abuse

Info, resources

800-532-3208

preventchildabusega.org

Child Support Assistance

Child Support Enforcement

877-423-4746

dcss.dhs.georgia.gov/

Families First

Counseling

404-853-2844

familiesfirst.org

Fulton County Schools

General Information

404-678-3600

fultonschools.org

Fulton Co. School Social Workers

Information

404-763-6774

fultonschools.org

G.E.D.

Enrollment Opportunities at NFCC

678-387-4458

nfcchelp.org/education

Head Start

3-4 Year Olds

678-585-9100

georgiaheadstart.org

Child Dev. Center North Fulton

Child Care

770-992-4006

cdakids.org

Family Haven (NF & Forsyth)

24 Hour Hotline-Domestic Violence

770-887-1121

forsythcountyfamilyhaven.info

PADV (Partnership Against Domestic Violence)

24 Hour Hotline-Domestic Violence

404-873-1766

padv.org/

Jewish Family and Career Services

Family and Career Counseling

770-677-9300

yourtoolsforliving.org

Senior Services North Fulton

Meals on Wheels, Transportation

770-993-1906

ssnorthfulton.org

62 | Medical Answer Book 2017

ORGANIZATION

PURPOSE

PHONE #

Website

Credit Counseling/ Legal/ Police CredAbility

Consumer Credit Counseling

404-527-7630

credability.org

NID Housing Counseling Agency

Foreclosure Information/ assistance

404-612-0405

atlhca.com

HOPE

Foreclosure assistance

888-995-4673

995hope.org

Atlanta Legal Aid

Legal Assistance

404-524-5811

atlantalegalaid.org

Anonymous Police Tip Hotline

Roswell – Crime/Drugs

770-641-3959

roswellgov.com

City of Alpharetta

Alpharetta – Crime/Drugs

678-297-6307

alpharetta.ga.us

City of Johns Creek

Johns Creek – Crime/Drugs

678-474-1610

johnscreekga.gov/services/ police.aspx

City of Milton

Milton Police Department General

678-242-2570

cityofmiltonga.us

Rape Hotline

24 Hour Hotline

770-887-1121

fultoncountyga.gov/contact-ussolicitor

Grady Rape Crisis Center

Crisis line

404-616-4861

gnesa.org/content/grady-rapecrisis-center

Fulton County Records

Birth/Death Records

404-613-1260

fultoncountyga.gov/dhw-vitalrecords

Social Security

Social Security, Disability, SSI

800-772-1213

ssa.gov

Tags/Titles

Fulton County Office

404-730-6100

motor.etax.dor.ga.gov

Veterans Administration

VA Health, Housing, Benefits

800-827-1000

va.gov

Fulton County Housing & Human Services

Info on County programs

404-613-7944

fultoncountyga.gov/divisionsand-programs

MARTA

bus, rail schedules, fares

404-848-4711

itsmarta.com

Georgia Crisis & Access Line

24 hour -mental health, addiction & crisis service

800-715-4225

bhlweb.com/tabform/ fultoncountyga.gov

Government

Health

North Fulton Regional Health Center

Public Health (in Alpharetta)

404-332-1958

North Fulton Service Center

Common Ground (co-located svcs)

404-612-3917 or 404-6126372

North Fulton Health Center Grady

Primary Care clinic in NF (Sandy Springs)

404-616-1550

gradyhealthsystem.org/

Northside Behavioral Health

Mental Health

404-851-8960

northside.com/medical_ services

Children’s at NorthPoint (Mansell Rd)

pediatric primary care

770-643-1792

choa.org/About-Childrens/ Locations-and-Directions

Good Samaritan Atlanta

primary care clinic downtown

404-523-6571

goodsamatlanta.org/

Georgia Highlands

primary care clinic serving North GA

678-887-1668

georgia highlandsmedical.org

North Fulton Hospital

Hospital - Roswell

770-751-2500

nfultonhospital.com

Grady Memorial Hospital

Hospital

404-616-1000

gradyhealth.org/

Scottish Rite (Childrens Hospital)

Pediatric Hospital

404-785-5252

choa.org/

Emory Johns Creek

Hospital - Johns Creek

678-474-7000

emoryjohnscreek.com/

Northside Hospital

Hospital - Sandy Springs or Forsyth

404-851-8000

northside.com/

St. Joseph Hospital of Atlanta

Hospital - Sandy Springs

404-581-7001

stjosephsatlanta.org

Gwinnett Medical Center Duluth

Hospital

678-312-6800

gwinnettmedical center.org Medical Answer Book 2017 | 63

We’re Here for You.

From kidney stones WellStar North Fulton Hospital’s Emergency Team is prepared to treat practically any type of injury or illness — from minor sprains to chest pains. Because we’re right here in Roswell, We know you, your family and friends — and we’re dedicated to providing world-class care.

to broken bones

Reduce your wait with a resERvation.

We’re close, and we’re ready!

Sign in, and reserve your spot for non-life-threatening emergencies, from kidney stones to broken bones. You’ll be given a time to come in, so you can wait in the comfort of your own home. And when you arrive, the ER staff will be ready for you! NorthFultonEmergency.com

If you are experiencing symptoms of stroke or heart attack, please call 911 immediately.

Emergency Services

NorthFultonEmergency.com • 3000 Hospital Blvd, Roswell, GA 30076

64 | Medical Answer Book 2017