Medical Answer Book 2018

2018 An Appen Media Group Publication

10 YEARS OF EXCELLENCE Northside Forsyth Women’s Center celebrating a decade of births

ASK THE EXPERT

Get the answers from the people who know the best

THIS IS NOT JUST A PATIENT. This is Terri—a wife and faithful friend, who can be found striking her favorite yoga pose every morning when the sun comes up.

She knows that lasting wellness shouldn’t be taken for granted. That’s why she chooses Gwinnett Medical Center-Duluth to be her partner on her the journey to optimal health.

Terri’s goal is to live her healthiest life. At Gwinnett Medical Center-Duluth, we make that possible.

She’s more than just a patient.

gwinnettmedicalcenter.org 2 | Medical Answer Book 2018

678-312-5000

Medical Answer Book 2018 | 3

Publishers Ray & Christina Appen General Manager Hans Appen Editor

Kathleen Sturgeon kathleen@appenmediagroup.com Editorial Carson Cook Conner Evans Patrick Fox Julia Grochowski Joe Parker Candy Waylock Production David Brown AJ McNaughton Suzanne Pacey Advertising Mike Dorman Paul Flowers Wendy Goddard Susan Hernandez Dean Larkin June Michaels Steve Neese Reproduction of the content of the Answer Book— including all maps and photos — 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, Community Answer Book, Medical Answer Book and Seniors Answer Book. Online versions are accessible on NorthFulton. com on 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 2018

Welcome to your 2018 Medical Answer Book!

We’re glad you picked up this copy of the 2018 Medical Answer Book. It’s full of great resources, local news and interesting facts about the medical community in our area.

One of the most interesting parts of this edition is the section of letters from hospital administrators. We know how great the hospitals are in our community, but now you can 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 the Northside Hospital Forsyth Women’s Center was fun to write. I got a chance to tour the facility, meet staff and see just how amazing the Women’s Center is for families, especially during such life-changing times.

Administrator Lynn Jackson and Women’s Center Manager Melissa Sugg, who are on the cover, truly are perfect for their positions because they not only know their stuff but are genuinely compassionate. Be sure to read on pages 29 — 31 why Northside Hospital Forsyth’s Women Center is the place to have a baby in the area.

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 two years ago. Each version is uniquely focused to give readers the most accurate and specific information available.

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, there’s 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!

Medical Answer Book 2018 | 5

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.

That’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 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

6 | Medical Answer Book 2018

LETTERS FROM HOSPITAL ADMINISTRATION:

Exceptional care close to home E

mory Johns Creek Hospital, or EJCH, 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. EJCH is proud to provide 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.

Our top doctors at Emory Johns Creek Hospital offer a 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: Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University; a NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center; 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. Patients have access to a new wide-bore designed MRI in radiology with improved image quality, higher efficiency and the ability to provide eight times faster results.

We also have two cardiac catheterization labs available to patients. The technology provides enhanced 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.

EJCH 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 the Mission: Lifeline Gold NSTEMI Receiving Center recognition for excellent heart attack care, as well as the Get With The Guide-

lines Stroke Silver Plus Quality Achievement 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, MN, RN, NEA-BC Emory Johns Creek Hospital, CEO Medical Answer Book 2018 | 7

LETTERS FROM HOSPITAL ADMINISTRATION:

Northside Hospital helping Forsyth County stay healthy F

or a sixth consecutive year, Forsyth County is Georgia’s healthiest county. One of the major reasons for that, I believe, is the high quality health care offered by Northside Hospital Forsyth.

No one ever wants to be in the hospital, but sometimes we don’t have a choice in the matter. However, we do have a choice of where we go and for nearly 500,000 patients each year that choice is Northside Hospital Forsyth.

Northside is one of the most trusted health care systems in the southeast. In 2018, we were recognized by Healthgrades, the leading online resource for information about physicians and hospitals, as one of the top U.S. hospitals for outstanding performance in delivering a positive experience for patients during their hospital stay.

We are honored by this recognition. I hear from patients every day about how they choose us for our reputation for providing clinical excellence and compassionate care, for the expertise of our medical staff and the comprehensive services that we offer. That’s a great responsibility that each member of our staff takes very seriously.

Our patients will always come first in everything we do. We often talk about our growth – of our facilities and our services. It is all in an effort to provide greater patient access to quality medical care and to improve patient outcomes.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you for putting your trust in Northside Hospital Forsyth all these years.

Wishing good health and happiness to you and yours, Skip Putnam CEO, Northside Hospital Forsyth

8 | Medical Answer Book 2018

WIDERANGE RANGE Of OF SERVICES AAWIdE A WIDE RANGE OF SERVICES FOR A FULL RANGE OF MOTION. fOR OF A fULL FOR ASERvICES FULL RANGE MOTION. RANGE Oflargest MOTION. As Georgia’s orthopaedic practice,

PHYSICIANS PHYSICIANS PHYSICIANS

Jeffrey J. Albert, M.D.

G. Dale Lane, M.D.

G.Mathew Dale Lane, M.D. Jeffrey J.Irfan Albert, M.D. Levine, D.O. Ansari, M.D. Mark S.Levine, McBride, M.D. Beker, M.D. Mathew D.O. IrfanHerschel Ansari,I.M.D. JohnS.G. Mowbray, M.D. Christopher S. Blanchard, D.O. Mark McBride, M.D. Herschel I. Beker, M.D. As Georgia’s largest orthopaedic practice, patients trust Resurgens to provide Michael Quackenbush, D.O. Angelo DiFelice, Jr., M.D. Asspecialized Georgia’s largest orthopaedic practice, John G. Mowbray, M.D. Christopher S. Blanchard, D.O. expertise, broad experience, Sourendra Raut, M.D. Brooks Ficke, M.D. atients trust Resurgens to provide Quackenbush, Angelo Eli DiFelice, Jr., M.D. patients trust Resurgens to provide Yvonne E. Satterwhite, D.O. M.D. A. Finkelstein, M.D. Michael and comprehensive musculoskeletal pecialized expertise, broad experience, Sourendra Raut, M.D. Brooks Ficke,A.M.D. Jason A. Schneider, M.D. Ronald Hall, M.D. specialized expertise, broad care. From diagnosis andexperience, treatment to G. Scott, M.D. H. Holliger, E. Satterwhite, M.D. Eli A.Edward Finkelstein, M.D.IV, M.D. YvonneDavid nd comprehensive musculoskeletal rehabilitation services, we’re here for you.

W. Vélez, D.O. Frank R. Joseph, and comprehensive musculoskeletal JasonJason A. Schneider, M.D. Ronald A. Hall, M.D. M.D. are. From diagnosis and treatment to Kristen L. Willett, D.O. Sami Khan, M.D. David G. Scott, M.D. Edward H. Holliger, IV, M.D. care. From diagnosis and treatment to Robert K. Yarbrough, M.D. Deborah Kowalchuk, M.D. ehabilitation services, we’re here for you.

Jason W. Vélez, D.O. Frank R. Joseph, M.D. rehabilitation services, we’re here for you.

Kristen L. Willett, D.O. Sami Khan, M.D. JOHNS CREEK CUMMING Robert K. Yarbrough, M.D. Deborah Kowalchuk, M.D.ROSWELL/ALPHARETTA 4150 Deputy Bill Cantrell Memorial Road, Suite 300 Cumming, GA 30040 CUMMING (770)CUMMING 886-8111

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

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

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

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Medical Answer Book 2018 | 9

Hospital profiles What hospital is right for you? The Medical Answer Book profiles the best hospitals in North Atlanta by looking at number of beds and doctors, areas of specialty, the message to the community and more.

WellStar North Fulton Hospital Number of beds: 202 Number of doctors: 424 physicians on staff, 84 employed by WellStar Areas of specialty: Trauma, cardiac care, women’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 percent in 2017).

The No. 1 message to the community: WellStar North Fulton team members are committed to our vision of delivering world-class healthcare close to home.

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

10 | Medical Answer Book 2018

HOSPITAL PROFILES

Emory Johns Creek Hosptial Number of beds: 110 Number of doctors: 942 Hospital space (square footage): 329,000 Annual patients: 7 ,412 admissions; 76,297 outpatient services Areas of specialty: Advanced cardiac and vascular care, bariatrics, National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center, emergency medicine, 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, breast imaging with 3-D digital mammography, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, a certified bariatric center, advanced cardiac and stroke care, sleep medicine, rehabilitation, surgical services, gastroenterology, orthopaedic surgery and sports medicine, a pain center and a hyperbarics 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 2018 | 11

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 square feet Annual patients: More than 425,000. Including inpatient, outpatient and emergency visits

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, specialists and employees.

Areas of specialty: Bariatrics, cancer care, cardiology (PCI, open heart surgery and electrophysiology), minimally invasive surgery, neuroscience, orthopedics (total joint and sports medicine), concussion, rehabilitation, women’s services, urgent care, primary care, trauma services and imaging.

What makes your hospital different?

Gwinnett Medical Center-Duluth features six floors, 81 beds and six family suites for a calm, healing environment, while also utilizing the latest in medical technology.

Nestled in the heart of the community between Peachtree Industrial Boulevard and Pleasant Hill Road, Gwinnett Medical Center-Duluth serves Duluth, Johns Creek, Peachtree Corners, Suwanee and surrounding communities.

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 several convenient support facilities.

At GMC, we are transforming healthcare and every facet of our system is designed with the patient in 12 | Medical Answer Book 2018

Location/contact information: • Gwinnett Medical Center-Duluth, 3620 Howell Ferry Road, Duluth, GA 30096, 678-312-5000 • Gwinnett Medical Center-Lawrenceville, 1000 Medical Center Blvd., Lawrenceville, GA 30046, 678-312-5000

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Medical Answer Book 2018 | 13 1/11/18 12:34 PM

Northside Hospital Forsyth Number of beds: 304 Number of doctors: 2,900 Hospital Space (Square footage): 1.1 million square feet Annual patients: more than 490,000 Areas of specialty: Heart and vascular services, orthopedics and sports medicine, 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 No. 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 isn’t slowing down anytime soon.

14 | Medical Answer Book 2018

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 Georgia’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

Medical Answer Book 2018 | 15

Local surgery center is first of its kind

By CARSON COOK

T

he nation’s first nonprofit surgery center dedicated to serving victims of female genital mutilation opened in Johns Creek this spring.

The clinic is staffed with surgeons who perform procedures to remove scaring and complications of genital mutilations free of Dr. Wayne Bloodworth charge to patients. It also works to educate other medical professionals about the little understood procedures available to help women who have been subjected to genital mutilation.

“There are very few physicians in the country that take care of these patients, and we’re the only center that’s devoted totally to their care. We don’t see any other kind of patient,” said Dr. T Wayne Bloodworth, chairman and founder of the Surgery Center for Female Genital Mutilation.

Female genital mutilation, also known as female genital cutting, refers to any procedure that involves partial or total removal of the external female genitalia, most commonly the clitoris and the labia, or other injury to the female genitalia for nonmedical purposes.

This procedure has no medical benefits and commonly leads to severe pain, excessive bleeding, infection, scar tissue, urinary problems, sexual dissatisfaction, increased risk of childbirth complications and psychological trauma.

While the United Nations and World Health Organization have called for the eradication of female genital mutilation and its practice is illegal in more than 50 countries, an estimated 3 million girls are at risk annually.

At least 200 million girls and women alive today have been subjected to genital mutilation worldwide.

The practice is most common in sub-Saharan Africa, as well as in parts of Asia and the Middle East. In Sierra Leone, Dijbouti, Guinea and Somolia, more than 90 percent of women aged 15 to 49 have undergone genital mutilation.

In the United States, it is not only illegal to perform female genital mutilation, but also to knowingly transport a girl out of the country to undergo mutilation abroad. In March 2017, an Ethiopian man was convicted in Georgia and deported after mutilating his

16 | Medical Answer Book 2018

“When I got ready to devote the rest of my professional life to charity work, I’d always thought I’d probably go overseas and do something there, but after researching a little more I realized that with this number of patients and there’s nobody taking care of them in the United States, I could have a better impact or a higher impact if I were to open a center here.”

Dr. T Wayne Bloodworth Chairman and founder of the Surgery Center for Female Genital Mutilation 2-year-old daughter.

The number of women in America who have undergone genital mutilation has more than tripled since 1990, mostly due to rapid growth in immigration from countries where the practice is common, especially Egypt, Ethiopia and Somolia.

The Centers for Disease Control estimates that more than 500,000 females in the United States have either been subjected to genital mutilation or are at risk.

“When I got ready to devote the rest of my professional life to charity work, I’d always thought I’d probably go overseas and do something there, but after researching a little more I realized that with this number of patients and there’s nobody taking care of them in the United States, I could have a better impact or a higher impact if I were to open a center here,” Bloodworth said.

Bloodworth was a gynecologic and cosmetic surgeon and professor at the University of Nevada and Tulane University. He studied and operated with Dr.

Pierre Foldès, a French urologist who pioneered the clitoral reconstruction surgery.

Now Bloodworth trains new surgeons on the procedure, both at home in Fulton County, and throughout Africa.

“It’s my job now to train to disseminate that information and train other surgeons. I don’t want to be the only one doing it. I want these patients to have access to good care, the proper care, wherever they are,” Bloodworth said.

The center has seen patients from as far as California and Nigeria, and Bloodworth hopes to partner with immigrant communities in and around Atlanta to increase access to the services they provide.

“I feel whole again” is the phrase Bloodworth said he most often hears after the operation.

The center also has a psychologist and psychiatrist on staff to help the patients, many who suffer from PTSD and depression.

“They were traumatized at an early age and, for the most part, have not had any treatment for that,” Bloodworth said. “Simple surgery is not always the cure for their problem. It can certainly improve their self-image and their self-esteem, but it doesn’t erase all the trauma they went through.”

Bloodworth said there is a benefit to having a center that specializes in this one type of patient. Many gynecologists have never seen patients with genital mutilation before, and through no fault of their own, have no understanding of how to treat them. For patients, going to such a doctor can heighten sense of stigma or abnormality surrounding their condition.

Most of the attention surrounding female genital mutilation has been focused on eradicating the practice, but little attention is given to doctors like Bloodworth who are working to help women who have already been subjected to mutilation. Many may not even be aware that procedures are available.

Bloodworth said he wants to raise awareness of the resources available to women who are already victims.

“I want to take care of those who have already been mutilated surgically and psychologically, and then allow the advocacy groups and myself to continue to push to have this eradicated,” Bloodworth said.

The Surgery Center for Female Genital Mutilation, located at 10680 Medlock Bridge Road in Johns Creek, is totally dependent on contributions, and Bloodworth hopes the community will continue to support its work.

More information about the center can be found at: surgerycenterforfgm.org/ Medical Answer Book 2018 | 17

Haliegh Cox was having hundreds of seizures a day, before her family moved to Colorado to try medical marijuana as a treatment for illness in 2014. Today she can live a normal life.

Medical cannabis use expands in Georgia

By CONNER EVANS

M

edical cannabis oil in Georgia is legal for those registered in the state and for specific illnesses, but is still illegal to cultivate or purchase in the state.

In 2015, Georgia lawmakers passed the Haleigh’s Hope Act, which allowed the use of up to 20 ounces of cannabis oil with a less than 5 percent THC content for limited uses including seizures, cancer treatment and Lou Gehrig’s Disease. This was inspired by Haleigh Cox, a 5-year-old girl who was having hundreds of seizures a day until her family moved from Georgia to Colorado to try medical marijuana as a treatment, which has helped her live a normal life.

Haleigh’s Hope was seen as a step forward by many medical marijuana activists at the time, including Georgia representative Allen Peake, who became the face of the medical cannabis movement in the state.

Peake also pushed for the most recent legislation, which passed in June, expanding the use of medical cannabis to PTSD and chronic pain. However, this legislation still prevented cultivation of marijuana in the state, leaving those registered without an easy, legal way of obtaining medical marijuana.

“Sometimes legislation is done and six months later politicians realize that the problem wasn’t fixed,” Peake said.

As a solution, Peake resorted to obtaining the cannabis oil himself. He’s been receiving “the product” on his doorstep not wanting to know who exactly puts it there,

18 | Medical Answer Book 2018

he said. Peake has supplied 500 people in the state with cannabis oil out of about 5,000 total registered.

If not through him, most people have to go to black markets to get their hands on the medical marijuana they need for treatment, he said, or else they have to smuggle it in from states where it is legal, risking federal prosecution. Marijuana is still a class one drug federally, putting it in the same category as heroin, despite its permission at the state level.

Peake is hopeful that Georgia will allow restricted cultivation by the end of 2019.

“The medical cannabis issue will be big for the next governor,” he said.

Georgia CARE Project, which has lobbied for expanded marijuana use in Georgia since 2012, viewed Haleigh’s Hope and related laws as less of a step forward, than Peake.

“Governor Deal didn’t want people to have access,” said Teresa Yarbrough, director of the Georgia CARE Project. “This process has caused people to use the black market.”

Despite the national Republican position against marijuana, Yarbrough sees a way forward in the Georgia General Assembly through Republican lawmakers.

Peake has been a conservative his entire career, and Yarbrough said Republican governor nominee Brian Kemp has been open to medical marijuana expansion.

“Right now, we’re forcing people to make difficult decisions between helping their family and loved ones and breaking the law,” Peake said.

Medical Answer Book 2018 | 19

WellStar executive ‘walks the walk’ with purpose

By KATHLEEN STURGEON

F

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20 | Medical Answer Book 2018

or President and CEO of WellStar Healthcare System, Candice L. Saunders, it is vital to live every day with purpose and intent.

Speaking at the 10th Women Who Walk the Walk luncheon April 24 at the Golf Club of Georgia, Saunders described how she finds purpose in her work and in her daily life.

“Every one of us gets our center from our purpose,” Saunders said. “No matter what challenge, opportunity or the ebb and flow of life, if you have your purpose well-defined and established, you will be resilient to whatever life throws at you.”

Saunders started her healthcare career, which she said is her purpose, as a critical care nurse and joined WellStar as president of Kennestone Hospital in 2007.

She was promoted to executive vice president and chief operating officer for WellStar Health System in 2013, and assumed the role of president and CEO in 2015.

“Now, as the CEO of a large health system, I’ve never lost that urge as to why I got into healthcare,” she said. “I work for the doctors, nurses and team members. That’s what gets me up every day. I feel very blessed to have found my purpose in healthcare and being able to serve people. We take care of people in their most fragile times in their lives.”

While she said she enjoys her current role, she never thought she’d do anything other than being a nurse.

“I loved taking care of people,” Saunders said. “But what I learned is leadership is just a different way of supporting and taking care of people.”

Before the mostly female crowd, Saunders pointed out that less than one-fifth of companies have 25 percent or more female board of directors.

“This was from a couple years ago, but as I did some research, it still exists today,” Saunders said.

“We’ve made progress, but there is still much to do.

About one in 10 companies have no female board members. There is strong evidence about the power of having at least three women on your board. This is not just about women seeking advancement, but it’s also good business as we look at the role as diversity, experiences and differences of opinions can help in a successful company.”

She went on to say women of color hold 3 percent of corporate board seats, and women hold 14 percent of executive officer positions in the U.S.

WellStar Healthcare System President and CEO Candice L. Saunders speaks on the importance of integrity at the April 24 Women Who Walk the Walk luncheon at The Golf Club of Georgia. The event was sponsored by the Alpharetta Chamber of Commerce.

“We’ve made progress in my time in the workforce,” Saunders said. “But we still have a ways to go. As I look out at the audience today, the role women play, not only in the work place and community, we still have work today in helping each other continue to progress.

It’s not just a gender issue, but we should be supporting everyone in their development. But we do have to be more deliberate about helping developing women in these roles and providing the opportunity to them to do that.”

Saunders said when she’s hiring, she looks for a person with integrity and values, including the desire to help others.

“Always look at your integrity as a key ingredient to be guarded and protected,” Saunders said. “Never compromise your integrity and always be clear on your intent. A lot of today’s problems are from people not staying true to their intent. It doesn’t matter your race or gender. It’s all about helping each other.”

Medical Answer Book 2018 | 21

Executive Director of Pathways 2 Life Ryan Stringfield, center, helps teach mothers of the Young Men’s Service League Centennial Chapter about drug addiction and prevention.

Local mothers fight to prevent teen drug addiction

By JULIA GROCHOWSKI

D

rug addiction and overdoses in North Fulton have been on the rise for years, and one group of local mothers has taken matters into their own hands to combat the epidemic. The mothers of the Young Men’s Service League Centennial Chapter has partnered with Pathways 2 Life to incorporate an awareness and prevention program that has recently gained national attention.

YMSL is a charity organization that encourages young men and their mothers to get involved in the community and connect with one another. The chapter at Centennial High School started in 2012 and currently boasts 115 students and 102 mothers.

Along with the charity work, YMSL holds monthly meetings and workshops for its members that cover topics ranging from how to cook spaghetti to car maintenance. The Centennial Chapter in particular emphasizes drug addiction awareness and prevention.

The last subject hits home for many of the YMSL members. Over the past few years, opioid abuse and overdoses in North Fulton have spiked – so much so that portions of the area have become known as the “heroin triangle.”

“It’s really critical for them to understand that the longer they wait, the better they are,” said Laura Ries, spokeswoman for the YMSL Centennial Chapter. “Over 90 percent of addicts started using before 18. If a kid delays, for example, drinking alcohol until they turn 18 or 21, their chances of becoming an addict become almost erased.”

To help combat this growing problem, the chapter has partnered for four years now with Ryan Stringfield, the executive director of Pathways 2 Life. The organization helps provide support, crisis intervention resources and a drug prevention educational program.

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“No one’s really arguing that prevention is bad,” Ries said. “Of course it’s good. But how do we do it? I don’t think we have the perfect answer, but Pathways 2 Life, in our experiences, is a real big step in the right direction.”

Recently, Stringfield himself visited the chapter to tell his story of addiction and recovery to the students and mothers. It was the highest rated meeting of the year.

“He has an ability to really connect with the students, which is a rarity,” Ries said. “That’s what Ryan really offers – he really gets them to listen. His story is really touching, and he’s really open about sharing his story… Many times after a presentation, our boys will reach out to him because they are struggling, and he can help.”

Stringfield’s program in Roswell has become so successful that YMSL has started a new national program incorporating his teachings in chapters across America.

As part of the program, the students and mothers hold separate workshops as well to cover the different aspects of addictions within a family.

“We all have to work on it together from different sides,” Ries said.

For the students, for example, Stringfield covers risk factors and encourages them to rate their own potential for addiction. With the parents, he might cover the signs of addiction and how to approach the issue and provide support.

And if parents run into trouble trying to talk to their children, Stringfield’s organization provides support groups and people who can help.

“People that get addicted to drugs are just regular kids,” Ries said. “They’re good kids, from good families. We need to shine the light on it and give people the information for prevention.”

For information and help, visit pathways2life.org.

Every procedure feels big when you’re little From our pediatric-trained doctors and nurses to our kid-sized equipment, every surgery we perform is designed around one thing – your child. That’s why moms trust us to perform more pediatric outpatient surgeries than anyone in Georgia.

©2018 Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Inc. All rights reserved.

choa.org/surgery Medical Answer Book 2018 | 23

COMMISSIONER ON OPIOID CRISIS:

‘There is hope’

By JULIA GROCHOWSKI

Z

achary “Zack” Elliot was 21 years old when he disappeared overnight from his in-laws house in Newnan.

Zack, whose family had a history of alcoholism, had willingly undergone months of treatment for opioid addiction prior to his sudden disappearance. He had a stable job, went to AA meetings every day and seemed to be on the right track.

“He was doing everything he was supposed to be doing,” his mother Robin said.

But on April 30, 2011, Zack relapsed — he drove off into Atlanta at night and called a heroin dealer.

“I started praying,” Robin said after Zack’s family couldn’t locate him. “Just please let my son be in jail.

Because I thought, those were the only two options.

“But at 3 p.m. that afternoon, I got the call that they had found his body in the back seat of his grandparent’s car. He had overdosed on heroin.”

Zack had traveled to “The Bluff,” a neighborhood located southwest of Georgia Tech, which has been labeled “The Heroin Capitol of the Southeast.” But the opioid problem is not isolated to that small section of Atlanta.

The city’s northern suburbs, including Alpharetta and Johns Creek, have seen sharp spikes in opioid-related deaths in recent years. So much so that portions of North Fulton, Cobb, DeKalb and Gwinnett counties have since become known as the “heroin triangle.”

Zack’s story has become a familiar one to many families living in the affluent suburbs.

On March 4, dozens of these community members met at Christ the Shepherd Lutheran Church in Alpharetta to hear Robin and County Commissioner Bob Ellis speak about the rising opioid crisis in North Fulton.

“The numbers are staggering, and they have not gotten any better,” Ellis said. “The death rate in Fulton County alone is about double the national average.”

The opioid crisis encompasses three types of drugs: prescription pain killers, heroin and synthetic opioids such as fentanyl and carfentanil. And while there is no one “silver bullet” solution, Ellis said, there is hope.

“The numbers are staggering, but there is hope,” Ellis said. “This is a man-made crisis. And we all have it within our powers, if we all work together in different ways, to end the epidemic. We can change the script on those numbers.”

Each year, there are two national drug takeback days held for people to safely dispose of unwanted prescription drugs to avoid potential misuse from fam-

24 | Medical Answer Book 2018

North Fulton drug drop box locations More locations, along with a full list of accepted drugs, can be found using the online locator at fultoncountyga.gov/soa-home.

• Alpharetta Station 1 2970 Webb Bridge Road • Alpharetta Station 2 3070 Market Place Blvd.

• Alpharetta Station 3 9600 Westside Parkway • Alpharetta Station 4 525 Park Bridge Parkway • Alpharetta Station 5 1475 Mid Broadwell Road • Alpharetta Station 6 3275 Kimball Bridge Road • Alpharetta Public Safety Headquarters 2565 Old Milton Parkway • Roswell Police 39 Hill Street

ily members or friends. Proper disposal can be crucial as up to 70 percent of opioid abusers get pills from their friends and families, Ellis said.

Additionally, there are 23 drug boxes spread out across Fulton County that allow for year-round collection.

Non-prescription opioids are harder to deal with.

Fentanyl and carfentanil are both newer types of opioids that can be hundreds of times more potent as heroin, which in turn makes them more likely to cause an overdose. The two are almost indistinguishable from heroin, and dealers and buyers often can’t tell the difference.

Overdoses from fentanyl and carfentanil often require multiple doses of naloxone, an opioid antidote, to reverse. Since 2016, Fulton County has committed $98,000 to outfit emergency responders with naloxone.

Ellis also said he was a “big believer” in creating more behavioral and mental health resources within schools and youth communities to help youth avoid drugs and alcohol as an escape.

Fulton County has already implemented one initiative, the first in the Southeast, to provide an anonymous 24/7 texting line for youth in crisis. Text A Tip (844-201-9946) links students with licensed clinicians from the Fulton County Department of Behavioral Health, who can provide resources or send emergency

Robin Elliot helped pass the Georgia 911 Medical Amnesty Law after her son, Zack, overdosed.

responders. It currently has pilot programs in Milton, Cambridge and Roswell high schools.

After Zack’s death, Robin helped pass Georgia’s 911 Medical Amnesty Law on April 24, 2014 and currently serves on the Board of Directors for Georgia Overdose Prevention. The law ensures protection for people who call 911 seeking medical assistance for someone experiencing a drug or alcohol-related overdose. Neither the caller nor the victim can be arrested, charged or prosecuted for small amounts of drugs, alcohol or drug paraphernalia if the evidence was obtained as a result of seeking medical assistance.

“There are no real second chances for my son,” Robin said. “But what we’re trying to do is provide second chances for other people… If they’re alive, there’s hope.”

To learn more and get help, visit georgiaoverdose prevention.org.

Naloxone, also known as Narcan, is used to reverse opioid overdoses.

Medical Answer Book 2018 | 25

Emory Johns Creek Hospital has announced plans for a $61 million, two-story expansion to its main building.

Emory Johns Creek Hospital plans two-story expansion

By CARSON COOK

E

mory Johns Creek Hospital is planning an estimated $61 million expansion that would add two stories to the main hospital building.

The expansion would be 84,000 square feet and add a fifth and sixth floor to the hospital, according to a letter of intent filed with the state Office of Health Planning on July 19.

The sixth floor will provide additional clinical space, including 21 inpatient medical beds and 19 observation beds. The fifth floor will primarily provide non-clinical space, such as offices, conference rooms, physician sleep room and storage space.

A two-chair inpatient dialysis room will also be constructed on the fifth floor to treat patients with kidney disease.

Alysia Satchel, senior manager of media relations with Emory Johns Creek, confirmed a letter of intent was filed but did not have any additional information at this time.

At the 2018 Johns Creek State of the City address this March, Emory leaders announced that the hospital had seen unprecedented growth over the past year

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“At Emory Johns Creek, not only did we turn 10 years old this year, but we were also fortunate to experience record numbers of growth in all areas,” said Hannah Henry, vice president of operations at Emory Healthcare. “That includes 14 percent growth for inpatient admissions and more than 27 percent growth for outpatient visits.”

To meet this increased demand for care, Marilyn Margolis, CEO of Emory Johns Creek, announced several upcoming improvements in addition to the twostory construction. The improvements included hiring new specialists and other physicians, expanding labor and delivery care, purchasing a third surgical robot and other technology, renovating the pharmacy and building a parking garage “We’re really excited about all these projects,” Margolis said.

Emory University Hospital also filed a letter of intent to acquire Intuitive da Vinci Xi Robotic Surgical System.

The surgery system was launched in 2014 and includes technology that advances minimally invasive surgery.

This estimated $2.6 million project will be located on the second floor of the Atlanta hospital. Emory Johns Creek is located at 6325 Hospital Parkway.

WellStar breaks ground on new Avalon Health Park

By JULIA GROCHOWSKI

C

onstruction is underway on a new one-stop health center in Avalon.

On June 4, WellStar Health System held a groundbreaking ceremony for the WellStar Avalon Health Park – a facility that will house both primary and specialty physician practices. Medical practices and departments will include cardiac diagnostics, OrthoSport Physical Therapy, urgent care, pediatrics, lab outreach services and OB/GYN. It will be located at 2450 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta.

“WellStar is always seeking innovative ways to increase patient access to world-class healthcare, and we have found our network of health parks to be very successful at doing just that,” said Joe Brywczynski, senior vice president of WellStar Health Parks Administration & Development. “We are thrilled to bring this innovative, one-stop shop for outpatient healthcare services to patients and families of Alpharetta as it will complement the variety of WellStar outpatient and

inpatient services in the area, including WellStar North Fulton Hospital located just a few miles away.”

The two-story, 40,000-square-foot facility is expected to see over 80,000 outpatient procedures and patient visits in the North Fulton area its first full year of operation. It is expected to create 50-75 new jobs.

The total cost of the project is approximately $15 million, and its completion is scheduled for summer 2019.

“WellStar North Fulton Hospital has been a fixture in this community for years,” said Jon-Paul Croom, WellStar senior vice president and president of WellStar North Fulton Hospital. “The opening of the WellStar Avalon Health Park creates a wonderful opportunity for patients and consumers to experience the high-quality care they have come to expect at the hospital in an outpatient setting.”

WellStar is one of the largest health systems in Georgia and includes 240 medical office locations and 11 hospitals. For information on WellStar, its services and projects, visit wellstar.org.

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Medical Answer Book 2018 | 27

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28 | Medical Answer Book 2018

Northside Hospital Forsyth Administrator Lynn Jackson, right, and Women’s Center Manager Melissa Sugg strive daily to make patients feel like they’re a part of the Northside family.

Northside Forsyth celebrates 10 years of Women’s Center

By KATHLEEN STURGEON

A

t the Northside Hospital Forsyth Women’s Center, treating everyone like family is taken literally.

So much so, hospital administrator Lynn Jackson and Women’s Center manager Melissa Sugg have had grandchildren born there.

“It was wonderful,” Sugg said. “The staff and doctors were great. But they didn’t do anything they don’t do for everybody.”

READ MORE, PAGES 30 – 31 Medical Answer Book 2018 | 29

The labor and delivery rooms are designed to calm expecting parents, rather than feeling like a stuffy hospital room.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 29: The Women’s Center, 1200 Northside Forsyth Drive, is now celebrating its 10th year of service. And, there’s reason to celebrate with 26,000 babies born, including 3,200 last year.

Sugg has been deeply involved since the center opened Aug. 1, 2008.

But her journey to opening the center wasn’t a straight path. Sugg was originally an interior designer before she became a stay-at-home mom. She visited many hospitals after her daughter was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. Throughout that time she became fascinated with anatomy and physiology. She went back to school with the intent of taking care of neonatal babies at Northside to help empower moms to know they have the skills they need.

Her timing was spot-on because that’s when Northside was beginning to expand its women’s units and she captured the attention of her director who was working on the plans for the original center in Atlanta.

When it was discovered Sugg could read blueprints and work with families, her future was set. She helped open the Atlanta Center, and jumped on the chance to work with the Forsyth Center when it later opened.

“I was asked what my vision was, and I said I 30 | Medical Answer Book 2018

wanted it to be a place where people in the community can come and feel welcome,” Sugg said. “I also wanted it to be a place where the staff is extremely passionate about being here and providing the best customer service they can.”

Sugg and her leadership team handpicked 150 staff members to open the Forsyth Center initially, and they were able to help fine-tune the building to include specifications they deemed necessary. Most of the new staff members came from the Atlanta campus, so Sugg said they already understood the Northside vision and mission.

“Every baby deserves a healthy start,” she said.

“Every family deserves to have the very best for their baby. People now kind of treat having birth like a Disney event because it’s very choreographed.

We want them to have that experience, but we’ll be just behind the scenes in case there’s a need for intervention.”

Today, there are countless benefits offered at the Forsyth Center including more than 20 classes, private labor and delivery rooms, a lactation center, Center for Perinatal Medicine, 24/7 anesthesia (epidural) services, C-section delivery rooms, Level III neonatal intensive care unit, physical therapy for adults and newborns,

pharmacy and 24/7 neonatologist coverage.

This makes it “easy” for a person to want to be a patient at Northside, administrator Jackson said, because the hospital has made an effort to make the Women’s Center feel welcoming, including rooms that don’t seem scary or too sterile.

Sugg agreed.

“The only rule I had was the patient comes first,” she said. “No matter what the issue or question, stop and think how this impacts the patient, and then we will will base the decision on that. That’s still our mantra to this day. Sometimes we think outside of the box because that’s the right thing for the patient.”

Before the center opened, Sugg said expectant mothers had to go outside of Forsyth County for delivery, unless they were having an emergent situation.

For people living in the community, Jackson said there’s a certain point of pride to have a child born at Northside Forsyth because it can be a family tradition or legacy.

“Even before we got the state approval to open, there was a lot of community support,” Sugg said.

“From day one, the community has been so supportive of us. The thing that still sets us apart is the community feel. Our staff is taking care of friends, family or their kids’ teachers. We live here and work close by. The first year we opened I met more family of staff members than I did the entire 12 years I was in Atlanta because people are close by.”

Northside has worked hard to be the hospital of choice in the field of obstetrics, Sugg said, which is proven due to the hospital delivering more babies than any other community hospital in the country.

“We also strive very hard to make sure we are doing the cutting-edge clinical responsibilities as well,” she said. “With that reputation comes responsibility to always try to stay in the forefront of making sure we are giving the best care we can. We have a lot of resources. Northside has always been very supportive of whatever we needed to provide the best care.”

Medical Answer Book 2018 | 31

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Medical Answer Book 2018 | 33

Growing bones deserve Children’s orthopaedics During childhood, ordinary fractures can become complicated when they occur in the growth areas of a child’s bone. In kids and teens, bone growth happens at specific parts of the bone called growth plates, which determine the future length and shape of the bone. Since growth plates are made of cartilage, they are weaker than other areas of a growing skeleton. This makes them more vulnerable to injuries. Pediatric orthopaedic specialists know how to properly diagnose and treat injuries to minimize growth disturbances associated with fractures.

If a growth plate is not treated properly, it could: • Stop or slow a bone’s growth • Change how a bone works • Cause the bone to grow crooked If you think your child or teen has a fracture, the Orthopaedics experts at Children’s are here to help.

34 | Medical Answer Book 2018 | Sponsored Section

Whether it’s setting a broken bone, performing delicate spine surgery, or treating a sports injury, the Orthopaedic specialists at Children’s understand how to treat your child’s growing bones to ensure they heal correctly. Where you take them matters.

Children’s at Old Milton Parkway 3300 Old Milton Parkway, Suite 310 Alpharetta, GA 30005 Children’s at Forsyth In the Collection at Forsyth 410 Peachtree Parkway, Suite 300 Cumming, GA 30041

Community hospital, specialized care At WellStar North Fulton Hospital it is our vision to deliver world-class healthcare with the hospital’s team members, physicians, patients and community. Today, the 202-bed facility, located in Roswell, is recognized for its Accredited Cancer Program, Chest Pain Center and Primary Stroke Center designations, and is one of only three state-designated Level II Trauma Centers in metro Atlanta.

Continued Commitment to Quality It’s WellStar North Fulton Hospital’s mission to provide quality, compassionate care to improve the health of those in the North Fulton community. For this reason, we have invested in technology and services, including two 128-slice CT scanners, laboratory and surgical equipment to ensure our patients receive the best care possible. Additionally, we renovated and expanded the Pain & Spine Center to provide patients infusion therapy, more waiting areas, and additional exam and procedure rooms. This spring a new outpatient rehabilitation center opened in our hospital campus.

Inpatient rehabilitation WellStar North Fulton’s Inpatient Rehabilitation unit helps patients get back to the highest level of functional independence possible—as quickly as possible.

Women’s Services From obstetrics and gynecology to mammography and specialized breast health services, WellStar North Fulton Hospital provides vital health services to women at all stages of their lives. Our hospital offers numerous childbirth options, including water births and access to a level ii Neonatal intensive Care unit.

Community Involvement We offer a variety of classes and screenings throughout the year. Call 770-956-STAR (7827) to register for these classes or to obtain more information.

WellStar North Fulton Hospital 3000 Hospital Boulevard, Roswell, Georgia 30076 Main Line 770-751-2500 Physician Referral Line 770-956-STAR (7827) www.wellstar.org Sponsored Section | Medical Answer Book 2018 | 35

State of the art medical/robotic surgery experts for women available in Johns Creek and Cumming With no time to be sick, in pain or have surgery, the physicians of Modern OBGYN know that educating women with different options for surgery is important. Dr. John Reyes, Dr. Ingrid Reyes, Dr. Natu Mmbaga, Dr. Annie Kim, Dr. Stacey Pereira, and their newest addition Dr. Christy Kenkel, understand that one way of helping women in this busy world is through minimally invasive surgical options via robotic surgery and in-office surgical procedures. “There are so many great options for women,” Dr. John Reyes said. “It’s our job to get that information to them and make them aware they don’t need large incisions, long hospital stays, or painful recovery times.”

Minimally invasive robotic surgery allows the physicians at Modern OBGYN to operate through just a few small incisions. Featuring a high-definition vision system and tiny wristed instruments that bend and rotate far greater than the human wrist, da Vinci enables them to operate with enhanced vision, precision and control.

As the first surgeons to perform da Vinci robotic surgeries at Emory Johns Creek Hospital, the husband and wife team, Dr. Ingrid and Dr. John, know some common issues that can be addressed with robotic surgery are hysterectomies, ovarian cysts, pelvic pain and heavy bleeding. Striving to do their best for the women in the community, Dr. John said, “It’s a blessing 36 | Medical Answer Book 2018 | Sponsored Section

to be able to do minimally invasive and robotic surgeries on patients suffering from longstanding issues such as infertility from endometriosis, fibroids, or pelvic adhesive disease.”

Caring for patients in their own practice since 2010, Modern OBGYN is able to care for more patients and now at two different office locations: Johns Creek and Cumming, on the Northside Forsyth campus.

Along with compassionate care for patients and their needed surgeries, Modern OBGYN strives to give expecting mothers the support they need by making sure that the mothers know their doctor, personally.

“You’ll always know us, and we’ll always know you,” Dr. John said. “No surprises when it comes time to deliver!” Dr. John says the best part about building doctor-patient relationships is, “We can help them become pregnant, and come full-circle to care for them during their pregnancy and delivery. It’s the full spectrum of caring for what’s so important to a woman’s life—her health and her family.”

Modern OBGYN also provides routine annual exams, Pap smears, HPV testing, irregular cycles, menopause and other common women’s issues. The physicians perform robotic surgery at both Emory Johns Creek Hospital and Northside Hospital-Forsyth. www.reyesobgyn.com

Advice on heart health

ashyap B. Patel, MD K The Heart Center of Northeast Georgia Medical Center Q: What are the symptoms of a heart attack?

A: Heart attack symptoms can feel different for different people.

The most common symptom of a heart attack is left-sided chest pain or discomfort. Quite often, this pain can radiate into the jaw or left arm. However, not all patients have chest pain as their primary symptom.

Additional symptoms include discomfort in other areas of the upper body, shortness of breath, dizziness, fatigue and nausea. Some groups of people have “silent” heart attacks, in which they have minimal or no symptoms.

Q: What are risk factors for heart disease?

A: Heart disease occurs when plaque develops in arteries that lead to the heart. Being overweight and/or diabetic, smoking, being inactive and eating unhealthy foods are all factors that contribute to your risk of developing heart problems.

Having high blood pressure and high cholesterol also lead to a higher risk of developing heart disease.

Family history plays a major role in heart disease, too, but is often overlooked.

Lifestyle changes may prevent or even treat heart disease, but high blood pressure and diabetes need to be aggressively managed by a physician.

Managing stress, exercising regularly and eating a healthy diet are also things you can do to reduce your risk of developing heart-related problems.

Kashyap B. Patel, MD

Q: W hen should I see a cardiologist?

A: There are a variety of reasons you should see a cardiologist. Any symptom of heart disease should not be ignored.

Many patients are referred by their primary care physicians, and some come on their own. There are many ways to test for heart disease, but specific testing should always be tailored to your circumstances and risk factors.

We encourage you to schedule an appointment at one of The Heart Center of Northeast Georgia Medical Center’s 14 locations, including Cumming, if you have any of the risk factors for heart disease or have a family history of heart problems.

Sponsored Section | Medical Answer Book 2018 | 37

Advanced cancer treatment

onathan Stegall, MD J 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, surgery, and radiation to nutrition, supplementation, and stress reduction therapies. 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, and I believe it is the best way to treat cancer.

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 specific cancer diagnosis, genetics, lifetime environmental exposures, and even emotional stressors. Every detail matters.

Using a combination of advanced diagnostic and lab testing, as well as a thorough understanding of each patient’s unique history, a personalized treatment plan is developed. This is contrary to the one-size-fits-all approach many oncologists today are still using.

Q: What advice would you give to patients investigating cancer treatment options for themselves or a loved one?

A: Knowledge is power! I encourage patients (and their families) to do their research and not feel rushed into a decision. Oncology can be a very fear-based speciality if we aren’t careful, and I find that approach to be counterproductive. Choosing which treatments to pursue is a huge decision, and patients should feel confident in their decisions.

However, spending too much time trying to find the perfect treatment is likely to be detrimental, not only because many cancers are aggressive, but also because there is a lot of bad information out there (especially on the internet!).

Q: How can patients get more information?

A: The best way is to visit my website, cancersecrets. com, where I share a wide range of helpful information in a variety of formats. My bestselling book, Cancer Secrets, can be purchased there in paperback and Kindle formats.

My podcast, The Cancer Secrets Podcast, can also be accessed on the site. Finally, I post regular blog posts which are archived there. My goal is to provide as much information as possible. For those individuals looking for an integrative oncologist, my office number is (770) 5512730, and my practice website is advanced-med.com.

38 | Medical Answer Book 2018 | Sponsored Section

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Preventative, General, Restorative, and Cosmetic Dentistry for the entire family

Loose denture getting you down?

Dr. Sarah Roberts

678.319.0123

crabappledental.com 12670 Crabapple Road • Suite 110 Milton, GA 30004 40 | Medical Answer Book 2018 | Sponsored Section

Your teeth are very important!

Losing your natural teeth can be a traumatic experience and living with a denture or partial is often unreliable, unstable, and produces negative effects like difficulty eating, speaking and bone loss leading to jaw shrinkage creating the “Popeye” effect.

A natural-looking smile is often viewed as a symbol of health and beauty. Smiling provides positive emotional and psychological benefits to those around you in love and business. A functionally secure fixed prosthesis allows you to enjoy your favorite foods and smile with confidence at that next celebratory meal.

How is this accomplished?

Dental implants’ small titanium screws are inserted that replace and function like a natural tooth root. They are placed during a surgical procedure and teeth are mounted onto the implant. Dental implant technology has been around since 1965.

Dental implants are made of a material that is not toxic or harmful to living tissues so your body easily accepts them. And the new teeth are given on day one, so you do not have to go around without teeth after surgery.

Benefits include: immediate improvement in eating, comfort, esthetics, speech and prosthesis stability.

In addition, your appearance can be restored as your facial features and lips now have more support.

With proper care and good oral hygiene, your new dental implants and restorations will last many years or even a lifetime.

Call Crabapple Dental at 678-319-0123 or drsarh@ crabappledental.com to set up a consultation.

Treating mild skin cancers with Photodynamic Therapy When caught early, skin cancer is one of the most effectively treated cancers with treatment options that carry very high success rates. Photodynamic therapy, or PDT, is a treatment that has helped many people control and cure pre-cancers and very early skin cancers.

PDT is a non-invasive therapy that uses a photosensitizing medicine called aminolevulanic acid or ALA (brand name Levulan) to treat precancers and early skin cancers. A photosensitizer is a substance that makes cells more sensitive or susceptible to damage from light. What makes ALA special is that this chemical is more photosensitizing for unhealthy or bad cells than it is for good cells. When Levulan is applied to the skin, unhealthy cells quickly absorb the medicine whereas healthy cells absorb minimal amounts.

Once they have absorbed the medicine, the unhealthy cells will be damaged and eliminated when they are exposed to light that activates the medicine.

It turns out that blue light with a wavelength of 410417nm best activates amino-levulanic acid’s photoactive metabolites. That is why blue light is used during PDT and why PDT is also called “blue light therapy.”

Exposing the Levulan-treated patient to blue light activates the medicine and causes the unhealthy cells to fall away and be replaced by healthy undamaged cells. As a result, photodynamic therapy allows for a relatively pinpointed type of treatment.

In medical school, doctors always here about the search for the “magic bullet” – a treatment that cures a disease without harming the person. PDT is one such treatment – preferentially targeting precancers and early cancers and restoring health to the skin.

The first step to PDT treatment is prepping the skin with a cleanser then applying the ALA/Levulan directly onto the area to be treated. The ALA “incubates” or

rests on the skin long enough for it to be absorbed well. After the ALA has incubated and been allowed time to absorb, blue light is applied for approximately fifteen minutes to activate the photosensitizing agent.

Photodynamic therapy is usually an outpatient procedure performed in the comfort of our office. It is not uncommon to see Dr. Brent Taylor this therapy used in conjunction with other cancer therapies. Blue light therapy is an excellent option when a patient has numerous areas of sun damage warranting treatment at the same time.

Thankfully, most insurers recognize the value of PDT – it is a proven treatment and carries FDA approval for treating grade 1 or 2 (thin or moderately thick) actinic keratoses.

Note all PDT treatments are created equal.

FDA-scrutinized studies used a light source called “Blu-U” that is optimized to activate medicine during PDT and help treatments be successful. Not all dermatologists use the Blu-U device when performing PDT. At Premier Dermatology and Mohs Surgery of Atlanta, we use only genuine Levulan Kerasticks and the BLU-U device to help assure treatment success. To learn more about Blu-U, visit: http://www.dusapharma. com/blu-u.html If you are affected by skin cancer and would like to learn more about your treatment options, make an appointment at Premier Dermatology and Mohs Surgery of Atlanta as soon as possible. The earlier the skin cancer is treated, the more treatment options are available.

Schedule an appointment at our office in Alpharetta, GA to learn more about photodynamic therapy and how it can be used to help restore your skin’s health.

Sponsored Section | Medical Answer Book 2018 | 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 Pkwy, 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 Rd., Cumming, 770-886-5821; 2500 Hospital Boulevard, Suite 450, Roswell, 770-343-8675. northfultonent.com • Northside Hearing: 1360 Upper Hembree Rd. 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:T 4190 Old Milton Pkwy, Ste 2e, Alpharetta, GA 30005 770-462-2000 southernmedicalhearing.com

Cardiology

• Atlanta Cardiology Consultants: 3400 Old Milton Parkway, Suite 395, Alpharetta; 1505 Northside Blvd, Suite 3400, Cumming, 770-751-9131. atlantacardiologyconsultants.com • The Heart Center of Northeast Georgia Medical Center: 900 Sanders Rd., Suite A, Cumming, 770-886-5184. 108 Prominence Court, Suite 210, Dawsonville 706-265-1415.

1400 River Place, Braselton, 770-848-8000. nghs.com

Child Services

• Angels Over Forsyth: 3651 Peachtree Parkway, Suite E, PMB 350, Suwanee, 770-569-0776. angelsoverforsyth.com 42 | Medical Answer Book 2018

• Giving Children a Chance: 11805 Northfall Lane, Suite 803, Alpharetta, 770-255-1018. gcacofgeorgia. 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 • SAFFT: 219 Castleberry Rd., Cumming, 770-8869505. safft.org

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 Street #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, 770-927-4023. healthsourceofjohnscreek.com • Inspire Chiropractic: 2615 Peachtree Pkwy #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 Pkwy, 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 Street, Suite 101, Cumming, 678-947-4449. vickerychiro.com • Willis Chiropractic: 317 N. Main Street, Alpharetta, 770-740-8740. willischiropractic.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 • 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 Pkwy, Suite 203, Alpharetta, 678-566-5000. winwardpsychology.com • Margot Vetrovsky, B.A. Cogmed and ADHD Coach: 314 Maxwell Rd, ste 400, Alpharetta, GA 30009 770442-9447 ext 114 margot@yourshrink.com • Dr. Malcolm Anderson, ph.D: 3355 Medlock Bridge Rd., Norcross, 770-582-0532, drmalcolmanderson.net

Dentists

• Advanced Dental Associates: 285 Elm Street, 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 Pkwy, 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 Street, 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 Street, #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

directory of doctors

Counseling Services/ Mental Health

Windward Plaza, Suite R, Terraces At Windward , Alpharetta, 678-894-8266. thesmileexperience.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 Pkwy, 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 Street, 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 Pkwy, Suite 440, Suwanee, 770-888-3384. myjohnscreekdentist.com • Family Dentistry of Forsyth: 3130 Mathis Airport Pkwy #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 2018 | 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 Pkwy, 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, 678781-0050. 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 Pkwy, Suit 2K, Alpharetta, 678-389-6669. polkadotdental.com • Reich Dental Center: 4849 S Cobb Dr,, Smyrna, 770435-5450, 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 • Stone, Stone & Elliot: 4205 North Point Parkway, Alpharetta, 770-475-4449. stonestoneandelliott.com

44 | Medical Answer Book 2018

• 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 Pkwy, #340, Alpharetta, 770-664-5225. atlcenterforderm.com • Atlanta Dermatology, Vein and Research Center: 77800 Atlantis Place, Alpharetta, 770-360-8881. dermandvein.com • Derm Clinic: 425 Peachtree Pkwy #345, Cumming, GA 30041, (404) 937-3447, dermclinicmd.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 Pkwy, Suwanee, 770-814-8222. naderm.com • Premier Dermatology and Mohs Surgery of Atlanta: 3180 North Point Pkwy #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 Pkwy, Suite E, Suwanee, 770-623-3334. thefountainlaser.com

Diabetes

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

• Atlanta Allergy & Asthma: Multiple Atlanta Metro Locations, atlantaallergy.com • Northside ENT: 1360 Upper Hembree Rd. Suite 20, Roswell, 770-475-3361. chacko@allergy.com

Family Medicine

• Alpha Family Medicine: 480 N Main St #202, Alpharetta, GA 30009, (678) 619-1974, alphafammed.com • Alpharetta Family Practice: 3400 Old Milton Parkway, Suite 585, Alpharetta, 770-475-3200.

• Campbell Family Medicine: 410 Peachtree Pkwy, 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 Street, #200, Cumming, 770-205-5518. lfhllc.com • Longevity Health Center: 1745 Woodstock Road, Roswell, 770-642-4646. longevityhealthcenter.com • Morrow Family Medicine: 3970 Deputy Bill Cantrell Memorial Rd. Suite 150, Cumming, 770-781-8004 morrowfammed.com 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 • Pandya Medical Center: 3970 Deputy Bill Cantrell Memorial Rd, Suite 220, Cumming, 770-373-7704. pandyamedicalcenter.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, 770-718-1122. longstreetclinic.com

Gastroenterologists

• Advanced Gastroenterology Associates: 4275 Johns Creek Pkwy #A, Suwanee, 678-4751606. 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 Pkwy, Suite 450, Johns Creek, 770-227-2222. digestivecarephysicians.com • GI North: 1505 Northside Blvd., Suite 1800, Cumming, 404-446-0600. gi-north.com

directory of doctors

Ear Nose & Throat

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 Pkwy #89, Alpharetta, 770-777-0129, www. alpharettawellness.com • Center for Advanced Medicine: 3333 Old Milton Pkwy suite 560, Alpharetta, GA 30005, 770-5512730. 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, 770-6234078, exercise4prevention.com • Integrative Healthcare of Atlanta: 1342 Auburn Rd., #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 Medical Answer Book 2018 | 45

directory of doctors

(Hospitals continued) • 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 • WellStar North Fulton Hospital: 3000 Hospital Blvd., Roswell, 770-751-2536. wellstar.org • Northeast Georgia Medical Center: 743 Spring Street, 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

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 Street, 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 2018

• Nile: 401 South Main Street, Suite B-8, Alpharetta, 770-521-2229. 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: 3333 Old Milton Pkwy suite 560, Alpharetta, GA 30005, 770-551-2730. advanced-med.com

Orthodontics

• Braces Braces: 5215 Windward Pkwy 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 Pkwy, Alpharetta, 770-751-1240. jwjordan.com • Hiser Orthodontics: 285 Elm Street, Suite 101, Cumming, 770-888-7798. hiserortho.com • Walton Orthodontics: 2609 Peachtree Pkwy, Suite C, Suwanee, 770-663-0955. drwalton.com • Windermere Orthodontics: 3120 Mathis Airport Pkwy #106, Suwanee, 770-888-1929, windermereorthodontics.com

Ophthalmologists

• Eye Associates of North Atlanta: 5755 North Point Pkwy, 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: Locations in Alpharetta, Johns Creek and Cumming, 470-326-0330. milaneyecenter. com • North Georgia Eye Clinic: 1230 Bald Ridge Marina Road, Suite 100, Cumming, 770-292-1999; 6300 Hospital Pkwy, Suite 325, Johns Creek, 470-3260330. northgeorgiaeyeclinic.com • Thomas Eye Group: 11690 Alpharetta Hwy., Roswell, 770-475-5515; 1120 Peachtree Industrial Blvd., Suite 101, Suwanee, 770-809-3366. thomaseye.com

• Clarity Vision Group: 1780 Peachtree Parkway, Suite 301, Cumming, 770 205-2520. clarity-vision.com • Eye Care Solutions: 12630 Crabapple Rd. Milton, 678-909-9864 eyecaresolutionsatl.com • North Point Eye Care: 5755 North Point Pkwy #222, Alpharetta, 770-410-1540 • Reimbold Eye Group: 4180 Old Milton Parkway, 1-D, Alpharetta, 770-776-9000. reimboldeye.com

Orthopaedics

• Bender Orthopaedics: 11660 Alpharetta Hwy ste 630, Roswell, GA 30076, 678-297-7588 benderorthopaedics.net • OrthoAtlanta: 6300 Hospital Pkwy, Suite 400, Johns Creek, 678-205-4261, orthoatlanta.com • Ortho TLC: 1120 Peachtree Industrial Blvd., Suite 106, Suwanee, 770-814-2223. orthotlc.com • Resurgens Orthopedics: 1285 Hembree Rd, Suite 200-A, Roswell, 770-475-2710. Other Metro Atlanta locations. resurgens.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 Pkwy, Suite 510, Alpharetta, 770475-2233. 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 Street #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

directory of doctors

Optometrists

Plastic Surgery

• Luna Plastic Surgery and Medical Spa: 6335 Hospital Parkway, Suite 216, Johns Creek, 678-8927820. lunaplasticsurgery.com • Milan Eye Center: 6300 Hospital Pkwy, 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 Rd., 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 Pkwy #200, Johns Creek, 770-418-0456. atlpod.com • Village Podiatry Centers: 960 Sanders Road, Suite 100, Cumming, 770-889-9596; 3506 Old Milton Pkwy, Alpharetta, 678-867-7053; 11459 Johns Creek Parkway, Suite 260, Johns Creek, 770-232-5030; 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 Pkwy, Suite 107, Cumming, 770-205-3939. champtionpt.net • LeBarnes Pelvic Therapy: 555 Sun Valley Drive, Suite C1, Roswell, 678-835-8494, lebarnespelvictherapy.com • PT360: 5400 Laurel Springs Pkwy. #1401, Suwanee, 770-225-8860, pt360atl.com Medical Answer Book 2018 | 47

directory of doctors

(Physical Therapy continued) • Johns Creek Physical Therapy: 4060 Johns Creek Pkwy., Suite H, Suwanee, GA 30024, 770-622-5344, johnscreekpt.com

Prosthetists

• 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 Street, Roswell, 770-998-5547.

Senior Care

• 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 Street, 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.

• Home Helpers Home Care: 5755 North Point Pkwy Suite 281, Alpharetta, GA 30022, 678-430-8511 HomeHelpersHomeCare.com/Alpharetta • Hometown Hearts: 10180 Hickory Flat Hwy, Woodstock, 678-597-8440, hometownhearts.org • InterMed Homecare: 1580 Warsaw Rd, Roswell, 770-455-3817, intermedhomehealth.com • Life Balance Home Care: 290 S. Main Street, Suite 500 Alpharetta, 770-663-4100. lifebalancehomecare. com • Mobility Partners: 980 Birmingham Road, Suite 501, Alpharetta, 678-221-4006 • NexSeason Transitions: Alpharetta, 404-439-1022, nexseasontransitions.com • Seen Your Way: 1218 W. Paces Ferry, Suite 204, Atlanta, 404-981-2273. seenyourway.com • Senior Helpers: 294 S Main Street #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 48 | Medical Answer Book 2018

• The Memory Center: 12050 Findley Rd., 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

• 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 Living

• Addington Place of Alpharetta: 762 N Main Street, 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 Rd., 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 Street, 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 • Cumming Manor: 2775 Castleberry Road, Cumming, 770-781-2300.

directory of doctors

• Dogwood Forest: 253 North Main Street, Alpharetta, 770-410-9169; 4125 North Point Parkway, Alpharetta, 678-366-7700. dogwoodforestnorthpoint.com • Eden Brook: 4125 N Point Pkwy, Alpharetta, 678366-7700. sunriseseniorliving.com • Elmcroft of Roswell: 400 Marietta Highway, Roswell, 770-650-0555. elmcroftal.com • Freedom Pointe Roswell: 75 Magnolia Street, Roswell, 770-645-1900. brookdaleliving.com • Georgian Lakeside: 1070 Hardscrabble Rd., Roswell, 678-367-4744. georgianlakeside.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 470-539-8290 • 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 • Morningside of Alpharetta: 253 North Main St., Alpharetta, 770-410-9169. morningsideofalpharetta.com • Parc Alpharetta: 1000 Fanfare Way, Alpharetta, 770346-9011. watertonresidential.com • Parc at Duluth: 3315 Peachtree Industrial Blvd., Duluth, 770-622-6880. duluth.parccommunities.com • Roswell Senior Living: 11725 Pointe Place, Roswell, 770-450-4875. pacificaroswell.com • Sanford Estates: 500 Walton Way, Roswell, GA 30076, (770) 679-2172, seniorlivinginstyle.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 Pkwy, Alpharetta, GA 30022, 470-365-2800 mansionsseniorliving.com • The Oaks Senior Living: 5610 Hampton Park Drive, Cumming, 678-965-5700; 255 Elm Street, Cumming, 770-889-7889; 3875 Post Road, Cumming, 770-8862630. oaksseniorliving.com

• The Phoenix at Milton: 13943 Hwy. 9 N, Milton, 678-212-1166, phoenixsrliving.com • The Veranda of Roswell: 11725 Pointe Place, Roswell, 770-521-9913. verandaroswell.com • Towne Club Windermere: 3950 Towne Club Pkwy, Cumming, 770-844-7779. towneclubwindermere.com • Vickery Rose Retirement Community: 295 East Crossville Road Roswell, GA 30075 • Village Park of Alpharetta – Wills Park: 12300 Morris Road, Alpharetta. 678-740-3499. villageparkseniorliving.com • Village Park of Alpharetta – Corner of HWY 9 and Wills 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

Shelters/Outreach

• Find a way home: 89 Grove Way, Suite 101, Roswell, 770-645-0050.

• 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 Street, Roswell, 770993-0055.

• 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 Pkwy., #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 Medical Answer Book 2018 | 49

directory of doctors

(Specialty continued) • AYA Medical Spa: 2130 Avalon Boulevard, Alpharetta, GA 30009, (678) 534-5035, ayaskincare.com • Georgia Reproductive Specialists: 3400 Old Milton Pkwy, Alpharetta, 404-843-2229. ivf.com • Sunrise Detox: 4500 North Point Pkwy, Alpharetta, 678-762-0370.

• Lyfewell Integrative Healthcare: 10700 Medlock Bridge Rd., 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 Street, 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 50 | Medical Answer Book 2018

• Primecare Urgent Care: 1628 Market Place Blvd., Cumming, 770-292-9982.

• 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 Pkwy., Suite 535, Alpharetta, 770-772-4427; 1800 Northside Forsyth Drive, Suite 370, Cumming, 770-889-9737; 11459 Johns Creek Pkwy., 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 • Heart and Vascular Care: 3970 Deputy Bill Cantrell Memorial Rd, Suite 100, Cumming, 678-466-7389. hvcmd.com • North Georgia Vein Institute: Cumming, 678-5131600. northgeorgiavein.com • Premier Dermatology and Mohs Surgery of Atlanta: 3180 North Point Pkwy #420, Alpharetta, GA 30005, 678-345-1899 premierdermatologyatlanta.com • Vein Solutions: 1505 Northside Blvd., Cumming, 678-513-4275. veinsolutions.com • VeinInnovations: 4255 Johns Creek Pkwy, 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 2019 edition, please contact Kathleen Sturgeon at kathleen@ appenmediagroup.com.

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Medical Answer Book 2018 | 51

Cumming Elementary school nurse Kathy Gregory uses her maternal instincts when at her job working with the children.

Cumming Elementary nurse enjoys taking care of students

By KATHLEEN STURGEON

A

s a mother of three, Kathy Gregory has used her maternal skills at her job as the Cumming Elementary School nurse for the past year.

She worked as a nurse at Northside Hospital and Gwinnett Medical Center before she heard of an opening with the school district and decided to take it.

“I always wanted to be a school nurse,” she said.

“The timing was never right because I had small kids.

I met another mom at a softball game who told me she had a friend who just put in her notice. I ended up subbing through that.”

After doing that for some time, she was interviewed to be a full-time nurse in the district, and was offered her spot at Cumming Elementary last year.

While subbing, she worked with students across all grade levels, but she prefers elementary. She has three children who range in age from pre-kindergarten, to middle school to a high schooler, so she said she loves all kids.

“I really love the little ones,” she said. “They’re so sweet. I love the little ones because they’re fun, you can take care of them and you can make such a big difference in their lives. Something little can change their day and make it better.”

One of the most fun parts of her job is it is never the 52 | Medical Answer Book 2018

same, she said.

“On a typical day I’ll have kids with nosebleeds, bug bites and medications to give out daily,” Gregory said.

“I give out lots of Band-Aids. For the most part, I get a little variety every day.”

Occasionally something bigger will happen like a fracture. Last year, one student severed an artery when another kid fell on top of her. This was the most severe issue Gregory has had to deal with, but she said her instincts kicked in.

“Honestly, the mom in me is more of my instinctual how to take care of a sick kid,” Gregory said. “In an emergency situation, all the training I’ve had kicks in.

I just ‘do.’ You don’t think. You just react. You always wonder, ‘will I do the right thing if something happens?’

I don’t know if it’s adrenaline but for the most part it’s being a parent that’s given me experience on how to treat kids, take care of them and make them feel better.”

Sometimes, the students don’t necessarily need medical attention.

“They might just need a minute for a little attention and TLC,” Gregory said. “I have my regular kiddos who come and see me on a pretty regular basis. I enjoy the kids and the people who work here. It’s like a family because they make work fun. This is the most rewarding job I’ve ever had.”

Atlanta developer plans luxury sports training campus

By PATRICK FOX

A

n Atlanta developer plans to build a high-end athletic training facility in Alpharetta’s Northwinds District that he says will attract top professional and aspiring athletes from across the country.

Lux Atlanta won City Council approval in July for an athletic training campus on five acres near Kimball Bridge Road and Northwinds Parkway. The facility would border the southern leg of the Alpha Loop.

Brandon Wheeless, CEO and developer for Lux Atlanta, told the City Council he wants to build a facility that can train, rehabilitate and care for aspiring professional athletes in a setting that invites commitment with unique landscaping and amenities.

After a seven-year stint in the military which took him to all parts of the globe, Wheeless said he struck out to begin his own business, an enterprise that would marry athletics with the beautiful landscaped settings he toured in the East.

His vision, Lux on the Alpha Loop, includes a 40,000 square-foot gymnasium, 20,000-square-foot-building with medical offices, 12,800 square feet of free-standing restaurants, a 60-room boutique hotel and belowgrade parking structure.

Wheeless said Georgia ranks No. 3 in the nation in the number of professional athletes it turns out. Many of those athletes live in North Fulton, he said.

The City Council, which needed to approve the site for the special uses, gave enthusiastic support for the plan.

“I congratulate you for being ambitious and going for something like this,” Mayor Jim Gilvin said, adding

that he would encourage Wheeless to explore a scholarship program for young, local athletes to use the facilities.

“I would encourage you to reach out to some in the community who might not otherwise be able to achieve pro status without these types of facilities,” Gilvin said.

The only sticking point raised among council members was whether the final site plan should be approved by the city planning staff or by the Design Review Board. With Councilman John Hipes absent, the members were evenly split on the issue.

Ultimately, the City Council voted unanimously to have both groups sign off on the final plans before permits were issued.

Wheeless spoke about bringing his dream to Alpharetta.

“I’m world traveled,” he said. “I’ve been around the world. I’ve seen beautiful developments, and I’m looking to take aspects that I’ve seen in Singapore and China and bring them here to the U.S. and put them in a development – exquisite architecture, exquisite landscaping. We want people to step on our property and just be amazed and want to be there.”

In addition to the clientele, Wheeless said Alpharetta offers many other intangibles that make an ideal location for his development.

“Alpharetta is suited for us because of the people,” he said. “It’s a fantastic community, fantastic leadership. If you take the clientele we’re looking to house and have these amenities for, a lot of them are local. Then, with the swing of development here in Alpharetta, it makes it ideal to be up here.”

Medical Answer Book 2018 | 53

SUN SMARTS:

Avoiding skin cancer begins with good choices

By CANDY WAYLOCK

H

ow well you know your own body, and the subtle changes that occur over the years, can make the difference between life and death when it comes to skin cancer. And in nearly every case, skin cancer is linked to your past and present relationship with the sun.

While breast cancer grabs the headlines and the dollars, and deservedly so, skin cancer has reached epidemic proportions among women, with more new cases diagnosed annually than the combined incidence of breast, lung and colon cancers.

In 2015, the latest year for available data, 80,442 new cases of melanomas of the skin were reported in the United States, and 8,885 people died from melanoma skin cancer, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Georgia, with its nearly year-round sunshine, is among the top 10 states for skin cancer diagnosis, as well as deaths reported. Among women, it is those under age 45 who are disproportionately affected.

Melanoma skin cancer accounts for the majority of skin cancer deaths annually. But it has a five-year survival rate of nearly 99 percent when detected early.

According to the Melanoma Research Foundation, (www.melanoma.org), skin cancer is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal skin cells. It occurs when unrepaired DNA damage to skin cells (most often caused by ultraviolet radiation from sunshine or tanning beds) triggers mutations, or genetic defects, that lead the skin cells to multiply rapidly and form malignant tumors.

So while genetics play some role in skin cancer, it is nearly always linked to lifestyle choices.

“Melanoma risk is predominantly associated with sun exposure in early life, whereas non-melanoma risk is associated with sun exposure in both adulthood and early life,” according to statistics from the CDC. Pale skin was once associated with wealth and health, but there has been a paradigm shift in the past century.

Today, the medical benefits of sunlight and the outdoors is touted, along with the desire for tanned skin. Not coincidentally, the invention of the bikini in the 1940s also coincided with the rise in skin cancer incidents.

In a study of skin cancer diagnoses in Connecticut 54 | Medical Answer Book 2018

(selected because of its diligence in recording cancer statistics) there was a 2,000 percent increase in reports of skin cancer between 1950 and 2007. The population, on the other hand, only increased by 75 percent in that same time period.

Health officials put much of the blame on the popularity of tanning beds beginning in the 1980s, which delivered a dramatic increase in overall UV exposure and ultimately led to the biggest blow to women’s health when it comes to skin cancer.

While operators of tanning salons often tout the beds as a safe alternative to the sun, health officials say there is no such thing as a safe level of indoor tanning.

The Melanoma Research Foundation (MRF) strongly discourages anyone from using indoor tanning devices.

“This year, over 178,000 people will be diagnosed with melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, and 90 percent of these cases are linked to UV exposure from the sun and artificial sources like tanning beds,” said Shelby Moneer, director of education for the MRF. “Young people who use tanning beds are eight times more likely to develop melanoma, which is the leading cause of cancer death in women ages 25-30.”

Once detected, the standard of care for melanoma is surgical excision. On delicate areas that remain visible, such as on the lips, nose or eyelids, doctors use Mohs surgery that provides the highest cure rate and leaves the smallest surgical defect.

Looking ahead, advances in skin cancer treatment are promising, even for the most challenging cases.

Five drugs have recently gained Food and Drug Administration approval for the treatment of advanced melanoma, with several others in the pipeline awaiting approval.

And similar to breast cancer detection, monthly screenings and annual checkups are the best course of successful treatment and ultimate survival for skin cancer.

Prevention Women should consistently use a broad-spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher every day, regardless of sun exposure. Although many cosmetics have integrated sun protection factor in their products, health officials say these are not enough, and are often weaker than stand-alone sunscreen.

Stay in the shade when outdoors, and wear protec-

Categories of skin cancer Actinic Keratoses (AK) • Dry patches or spots that are precancerous growths, and are generally found in people with fair skin.

• Most people see their first AKs after age 40, because it tends to develop after years of sun exposure.

• AKs usually form on skin that gets lots of sun exposure, such as the head, neck, hands and forearms.

• Because an AK can progress to squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), treatment is important.

Basal cell carcinoma • The most common type of skin cancer; found mainly in people who have fair skin, but can be seen in those with darker skin.

• Look like a flesh-colored, pearl-like bump or a pinkish patch of skin.

• Develop after years of frequent sun exposure or indoor tanning.

• Common on the head, neck and arms, but also appear on the chest, abdomen and legs.

• Early diagnosis and treatment is important.

BCC can invade the surrounding tissue and grow into the nerves and bones, causing damage and disfigurement.

tive clothing as often as possible for optimal full body protection.

For women pursuing a “healthy glow,” the American Academy of Dermatology recommends self-tanning products as an alternative to tanning in UV light from the sun or indoor tanning.

Detection Finding melanoma early can save your life. Each month, do a full body screen for spots or moles on the skin. See something unusual? Make an appointment with a dermatologist as soon as possible.

Be on the lookout for moles that itch or bleed, a spot that does not heal, any dark spots under toenails or fingernails, flat red spots that are dry, rough or scaly and any spots that are painful or tender.

Check your entire body and all of its nooks and crannies. Early detection of skin cancer improves prognosis, promotes survival and reduces the burden of invasive treatment procedures. Patients, through self-screening, are usually the first to detect suspicious skin lesions.

Remember, if found early, melanoma skin cancer is nearly always treatable.

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) – • The second most common type of skin cancer; found mainly in people who have light skin, but can develop in darker-skinned people.

• Often looks like a red firm bump, scaly patch or a sore that heals and then re-opens.

• Tends to form on skin that gets frequent sun exposure, such as the rim of the ear, face, neck, arms, chest and back.

• SCC can grow deep in the skin and cause damage and disfigurement. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent this and stop SCC from spreading to other areas of the body.

Melanoma • The deadliest form of skin cancer.

• Frequently develops in a mole or suddenly appears as a new dark spot on the skin.

• Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial.

• Knowing the early signs can help you find an early melanoma.

• include anesthesia, operating room facilities or other related expenses.

Source: The American Academy of Dermatology (www.aad.org) Medical Answer Book 2018 | 55

Alpharetta dog provides comfort to Parkland survivors

By JULIA GROCHOWSKI

L

uke may look like an average golden retriever, but when his vest comes on, it’s time for work. Most recently, that work has taken him to Parkland, Fla. Luke joined over a dozen other Certified LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs from Lutheran Church Charities Feb. 15-21 to provide emotional support to grieving family and community members in the fallout of the recent Stoneman Douglas High School shooting.

Luke, along with his handler Judy Adams, visited the nearby Park Trails Elementary School. Placed off to the side in a quiet area, the two lent an ear to those who wanted to talk. Like in most of these encounters, Adams remains nearby, but doesn’t necessarily talk.

Other comfort dogs were stationed at the other schools and local community areas.

“What he does, basically, is offer comfort,” Adams said. “Because he’s quiet and doesn’t respond back, people often find that they can tell their stories to him...

That’s just what Luke does. Hopefully, we never have to go to something like that again.”

Now back in Alpharetta, Luke has the next few days off to relax, recuperate, play ball and get massages.

“We keep a very close eye on what he does and what he takes on,” Adams said. “We are very careful with our comfort dogs. And that’s my role as the Top Dog, to make sure he doesn’t work too much or too long.”

When he’s on the job, Luke goes wherever he’s invited, including to funerals, independent living communities and hospitals. Each Tuesday and Thursday, he visits local schools to help encourage children to read out loud. He has also been invited to schools in the wake of tragedies, including suicides.

People can open up and change dramatically while talking to Luke, Adams said.

“A person when they pet a dog naturally smiles, their blood pressure lowers, their heart rate lowers,” Adams said. “You will find a totally different person, even if it’s just for a second, once they’ve been around a dog, if they’re receptive to dogs.”

Luke seems to know when someone needs him most, Adams added.

“There are times where people are in stressful situations, and Luke will almost gravitate to that person,” Adams said. “Somehow he senses and knows.”

Like other certified comfort dogs, Luke was tested as a puppy and had accumulated over 2,000 hours of training before he began working in the field. He knows over 20 commands and was tested in chaotic environ-

56 | Medical Answer Book 2018

Luke is trained every day to provide comfort to children and anyone in need. ments to make sure he can remain calm and quiet.

This intensive training will continue throughout his career.

Commonly misunderstood as a service dog, Luke has a different set of skills and qualifications as a comfort dog. He has not been specifically trained to work with people’s disabilities.

Luke currently is the only Certified LCC K-9 Comfort Dog in the North Metro Atlanta area.

The comfort dog program, started by Lutheran Church Charities in 2008, has placed dozens of dogs across 23 states and usually allows dogs to work for about eight years. Handlers adapt the work schedules over the years to match the abilities of the dogs.

“As the dog ages, the Top Dog is very, very cautious and works with top-notch veterinarians,” Adams said.

“We don’t want the dog to take on more than it should.

Once the dog gets a little bit older, it’s not placed in such chaotic situations.”

Luke has a Facebook page @LukeComfortDog and is on Twitter @LCCK9Luke. He can be contacted through social media or through Christ the Shepherd Lutheran Church by visiting cts.org or calling 770-4750640.

Forsyth named healthiest county for 6th year O

ut of 159 counties in the state, Forsyth County again ranked No. 1 when it comes to health for the sixth consecutive year.

The annual County Health Rankings & Roadmaps study conducted by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute has again placed Forsyth at the top.

The rankings are based on two types of measures: how long people live and how healthy people feel while alive.

Northside Hospital Forsyth Administrator Lynn Jackson said the healthy community recognition is built on decades of work from many community leaders.

“With six straight years of recognition, there is evidence that supports Forsyth County has a hardwired platform of ever expanding community resources, physical and social environments and governmental support that maintains a healthy community,” Jackson said. “Unlike some of our many other community accolades, the recognition as the healthiest community embraces and supports all of us.”

Jackson said health initiatives, whether parks and recreation facilities, health care providers, hospitals, clinics or sidewalks and civic clubs all help to reduce the health gaps that can come from differences in income, education, race, ethnicity or location.

“Our collective work in this area brings the greatest benefit to the highest number of our community members.”

Lynn Jackson Northside Hospital Forsyth Administrator “Our collective work in this area brings the greatest benefit to the highest number of our community members,” Jackson said.

Jackson said that while we pause to recognize this milestone in our community, she points out that there’s still a lot of work ahead.

“Our interests must continue to be focused on the future as we create successful strategies to overcome our challenges in areas such as drug use and abuse, expanding mental health needs in the wake of contracting mental health services,” she said. “And road safety to reduce traffic accidents and injuries from driving while distracted or under the influence. We still have opportunities as we make sure that Forsyth County remains the greatest place to call home.”

Medical Answer Book 2018 | 57

What we do for youth and beauty

By CANDY WAYLOCK

P

lace the blame on social media pressure and reality television stars, but the fact is more of us are getting nipped and tucked in the quest for everlasting youth (or at least the youthful image) than ever before.

In 2017, a record-breaking 17.5 million surgical and minimally invasive cosmetic procedures were performed in the United States – a 2 percent increase over 2016, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS).

Women comprised 92 percent of those seeking plastic and cosmetic surgery.

To define the terms from a medical perspective, plastic surgery “fixes” and cosmetic surgery “enhances,” explained Dr. Sheldon Lincenberg, a plastic and reconstructive surgeon with Georgia Plastic Surgery.

“There’s a difference,” he said. “While plastic and reconstructive surgery fixes broken bones of the face and reconstructs injuries and wounds, most cosmetic surgery is an enhancement of what is normal.”

Societal pressures aside, other factors in the popularity of cosmetic procedures include the expansion of options for enhancements, the removal of the stigma of “going under the knife” and price points that are well within reach of most people.

In his 25 years of practice, Lincenberg said he’s seen the world of cosmetic surgery evolve in significant ways. For one, the solutions to correcting an issue now focus on a journey of enhancement, rather than a onetime procedure.

“In the past, the recommendation given to a patient was often based on the complaint,” said Lincenberg, who has offices in Cumming and Sandy Springs.

“So a request for a younger face was answered by a standard facelift. Today, the same patient [receives] an individualized approach for her face, based on its pattern of aging.”

He acknowledged social media has had a huge influence on how people view themselves, and the expectations they have for plastic surgery.

Dr. Burke Robinson, of Robinson Facial Plastic Surgery in Alpharetta, said he’s seen the barriers fall on the view of plastic surgery in his 26-year career as a plastic surgeon.

“What I have seen change over the years is that

58 | Medical Answer Book 2018

Top 5 cosmetic surgical and minimally invasive procedures In the immortal words of Oprah Winfrey, “the sisters have gone south,” which is a prime reason one out of every five plastic surgeries are breast augmentations. Here is the list of most performed enhancement surgeries in 2017.

• Cosmetic surgical procedures: • Breast augmentation • Liposuction • Nose reshaping • Eyelid surgery • Tummy tuck Cosmetic minimally invasive procedures: • Botox • Soft tissue fillers • Chemical peel • Laser hair removal • Microdermabrasion

people are not as shy to share that they have had something done; whether as simple as a filler or as involved as a surgical facelift,” said Robinson. “The stigma of ‘having something done’ has dissolved over my career.”

The natural approach to plastic

An emerging trend that appeals to many is the less invasive approach to enhancements – even on traditionally surgical procedures.

By far, breast augmentation remains the most-requested procedure for women who are looking to reverse the effects of gravity and motherhood.

What is surprising, noted the ASPS, is the growing number of women seeking more natural approaches to breast enhancement. While surgically added implants are still the most popular option, the ASPS saw a 22 percent rise last year in fat transfer breast augmentation.

This process is exactly as it sounds – fat taken from other parts of the body is injected it into the breasts.

The procedure is generally best for women seeking

some enlargement and who do not want implants.

But this technique is not used only for breast enhancements. It has also become a viable option for the face.

“We receive daily requests for fat transfer,” said Georgia Plastic Surgery’s Lincenberg. “It [is] a reliable way to rejuvenate a face in a minimally invasive manner.”

He said fat transfer can plump up the gauntness that occurs as a face ages, to soften the hard bony angles that develop with age and to improve skin smoothness, texture and wrinkling.

And because it uses the patient’s own fat, it is a natural graft with permanent results.

The ASPS also reported a 200 percent increase in minimally invasive cosmetic procedures over the last decade, primarily in body sculpting and fat removal procedures.

Doctors are now using ultrasound, radio frequency, infrared light, vacuum massage, “freezing” and injectable medication to reduce fat cells and change the look of their patients’ bodies.

“Unwanted fat is something that affects so many Americans,” said Dr. Jeffrey E. Janis, president of ASPS. “Plastic surgeons are able to give patients more options than ever before for fat elimination or redistribution, [and it] can act as maintenance steps while they consider something more extensive down the line.”

Cosmetic procedures through the decades No matter her age, cosmetic surgery can help a woman with both her outward appearance as well as her own self-image.

“The main reason for seeking cosmetic surgery is to improve one’s self-satisfaction of their appearance,” said Lincenberg. “Exercise and diet can only do so much. We all seek to be satisfied in many aspects of life…appearance is no exception.”

But doctors caution that plastic surgery is not the answer to every issue, and patients must have realistic expectations of the limits of surgery.

“Of course plastic surgery is not the solution to

every problem,” said Robinson. “[But] the vast majority of patients that I see are very level-headed about their desires, and what it will do for them.”

Although there are some guidelines about age and appropriate procedures, these are the most commonly requested procedures for women at various ages: • 20s – nose job, breast augmentation, liposuction, breast reduction • 30s – breast augmentation, “mommy makeover,” tummy tuck, Botox • 40s – Mommy makeover, liposuction, Botox, lasers, facelift, skin care regimens, fillers • 50s – liposuction, facelifts, breast lifts, eye and brow lifts, skin care, Botox, fillers, lasers, breast reduction • 60s and beyond – face, eye and brow lifts, tummy tucks, breast reduction Of course, all surgery poses risks, said Lincenberg, and that risk often increases as we age.

“If the chance of a complication is too high, cosmetic surgery should not be a consideration,” he said.

“Compromised health…and the added risks must be weighed by the patient and surgeon. On the other hand, advanced age complimented by good health should not prevent a motivated patient from seeking cosmetic surgery.”

Robinson echoes the assessment that age alone should not be the determining factor on cosmetic surgery.

“After 26 years, I have learned there is never ‘too young’ or ‘too old’,” said Robinson, who noted he has performed facelifts on patients in their 80s and eyelid surgery on patients in their 20s.

“These are the extreme, however every patient ages in their own individual, genetically inherited way,” he said. “This is why it is so important to have an individualized consultation.”

He added that cosmetic surgery is not “cookie cutter” based on one’s age, so only your doctor can determine what procedures have the best available outcome.

Robinson said most surgeons follow the standard that patients be at least 18 years old – the legal age of consent – for cosmetic surgeries, especially liposuction and breast augmentation.

Medical Answer Book 2018 | 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.

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.

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.

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.

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 2018

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.

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12 months

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18 months

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19 – 23 months

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2 – 3 years

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4 – 6 years

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Shingles

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Bone Density, Aortic Aneurysm

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Glaucoma, Eye Disease, Thyroid

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Prostate, Breast Cancer screens

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Zoster

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Tetanus, Diptheria, Pertussis

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Human Papillomavirus

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Meningococcal

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Hepatitus A

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Varicella

4 months

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Measles, Mumps, Rubella

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Flu

2 months

Inactivated Poliovirus

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Pneumococcal

1 month

Haemophilus influenza type B

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Diptheria, Tetanus, Pertussis

Birth

Rotavirus

Hepatitis B

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

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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.

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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 2018 | 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 2018

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 2018 | 63

64 | Medical Answer Book 2018