Savannah Health Supplement 2024 by Savannah Magazine

100+ MEDICAL EXPERTS INSIDE

A+ FOR EMPATHY

Schools tackle students’ mental health

BACK IN ACTION

Say goodbye to chronic back pain

Meet the dentists keeping the Savannah Ghost Pirates on solid ice

PAGE 142

Ghost Pirates forward Alex Gilmour

A MORE SPECIALIZED CARE

Savannah Vascular Institute celebrates 30 years of collaborative, expert quality vascular care to Coastal Georgia and beyond

IMAGINE THIS: you are a candidate for a vascular procedure and your vascular surgeon specializes in open surgery, but not minimally invasive alternatives. You can either proceed with the open surgery or be referred to a surgeon who specializes in minimally invasive procedures.

Now, imagine this: that same vascular surgeon is in a practice with 14 other board-certiﬁed vascular experts with a combined 250 years of experience who meet each morning to discuss their patients’ needs and collectively determine the best course of treatment and care, and

the ideal physician to provide it.

The second scenario is generally limited to major academic medical centers in metropolitan cities, but Savannah Vascular Institute changed that, growing a patient-focused team of expertly trained, board-certiﬁed vascular surgeons and interventional radiologists.

ADAPTING TO AN EVOLVING FIELD

Just a few decades ago, the role of the surgeon looked very diﬀerent. They were trained broadly, meaning each surgeon could expertly perform a myriad of

surgeries without a deﬁned specialization. As technology became more advanced and procedures more complicated, the need for surgical specialties where a physician focuses entirely on the treatment of speciﬁc disorders started to develop.

That was about the time Dr. Anthony Sussman took a keen interest in vascular surgery. After training at the Cleveland Clinic, the Georgia native came to Savannah with the goal of opening a stateof-the-art vascular center that could oﬀer patients the best medical management and vascular surgical procedures.

Photo by KATHERINE IVES

From left, Taylor Ellison Jr., MD; Justin Brown, MD; and Davis Moon, MD

Dr. Sussman established Savannah Vascular Institute in 1994 when minimally invasive surgeries were beginning to revolutionize medicine. Seeing this as an opportunity to provide his patients with more options in care, Dr. Sussman brought Dr. Anthony Avino into the fold. Dr. Avino, who subspecialized in minimally invasive vascular surgery, could oﬀer procedures that were safer, faster and have less morbidity and mortality for patients with vascular disease.

The practice grew with the addition of seven more vascular specialists in less than a decade. “As vascular surgeons combined with interventional radiologists, we really have a unique perspective on treating the whole breadth of vascular disease,” Dr. Avino says. “We’re able to determine which is best for each patient — to have either minimally invasive surgery or the traditional open surgery. And if you can’t oﬀer both, then you can’t know when one is a better option than the other.”

Some of these procedures include comprehensive, minimally invasive management of an aneurysm of the chest and abdomen, and carotid stenting to avoid surgery in the neck for patients who may have blockages that could cause a stroke. Savannah Vascular also has a state-of-the-art freestanding facility offering patients efficient and costeffective angioplasties for blockages in the legs and other parts of the body, not to mention its stroke program where interventional radiologists work on-call for the community.

It’s this collaborative culture between vascular surgeons and interventional radiologists that makes Savannah

Vascular successful and unique. “It’s not a competitive environment.” Dr. Avino says. “We’re all incredibly good about collaborating to ﬁnd the right person who is the best physician to treat a patient,” which, he adds, “is pretty unique in medicine.”

It’s also how the practice can provide the highest quality of care to its patients. “If you don’t have a bunch of colleagues and combined expertise, then you’re not oﬀering them optimal care because vascular medicine is a complicated specialty,” Dr. Avino explains, “and it’s frequently changing and improving with minimally invasive procedures.”

GROWING STRATEGICALLY

In its 30 years of service, the practice has strategically grown into eight locations across the Southeast with over a dozen physicians including recently added board-certiﬁed vascular surgeons: Dr. Taylor Ellison, Dr. Justin Brown and Dr. Davis Moon.

Dr. E. Jerry Cohn Jr., likens the practice’s strategic growth to a wagon wheel. The Savannah location is the central hub for Chatham County and others nearby, from which the spokes radiate to the other oﬃces serving smaller cities like Dublin and Brunswick and rural communities such as Vidalia and Jesup.

“We understand that rural Georgia has a high incidence of complicated vascular disease and relatively poor access to care,” Dr. Cohn says. “Because of our size and volume, we are able to establish local clinics in adjacent counties and oﬀer stateof-the-art care to most of South Georgia and the South Carolina Lowcountry.”

This is particularly important for patients who would otherwise have to travel great distances for specialized care. “It’s helpful that they do not have to go to Atlanta or Florida or even farther for very challenging procedures because we are able to accommodate most high acuity vascular problems,” he says.

As Dr. Cohn reﬂects over the past 30 years, he is proud of the practice’s strategic growth that has remained patient-focused. “We’re celebrating with our staﬀ and patients, but really looking forward to the next 30 and what challenges are ahead,” he says.

Dr. Avino echoes this forwardthinking approach to growth. “Our goal is to continue to provide the equivalent of what’s oﬀered in major academic institutions, combining the breadth of everyone’s experience and training at major medical centers around the country.”

SAVANNAH VASCULAR: 4750 WATERS AVE., SUITE 500 SAVANNAH 912.352.VEIN (8346) SAVANNAHVASCULAR.COM

Dr. Anthony Sussman established Savannah Vascular Institute in 1994.

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Mr. & Mrs. Charles Cortese

Georgia Power Gulfstream

Cynthia Willett

Goto

Hayes

Kathy Levitt

Cliff McCurry Sr. Margaret Beatty, R.S.M.

Kaitlynne Haylock Writer

THE LEUKEMIA & LYMPHOMA SOCIETY congratulates this year’s Visionaries of the Year and the entire class of candidates who competed. Their e orts and commitment have made an impact in the search for cures and e ective blood cancer therapies. For more information or to nominate a candidate for 2025, please visit llsvisionaries.org.

Keeping Children Safe Online

Written by ANDREA GOTO

IF, LIKE ME, you need your child to show you how to change the wallpaper on your smartphone or, worse yet, you don’t even know what wallpaper is, then how are we to expect parents to navigate the cumbersome world of limiting the online content our children are exposed to?

“It’s very diﬃcult, as a parent, to know if your child is really viewing only age-appropriate material,” says Dr. Ben Spitalnick of Pediatric Associates of Savannah. “There are ways to limit, through parental controls, but it really is complicated.”

This is why Spitalnick and other pediatricians across the country have come together to support a bipartisan bill called the Kids Online Safety Act. The bill aims to hold the major players — social media companies, streaming services and online inﬂuencers — accountable for putting better safeguards in place to limit what kind of content minors have access to.

Think of it like the rating system adopted in the mid-1980s to alert parents to the kinds of content their children may be exposed to while viewing a movie. Back then, minors couldn’t even get into an R-rated ﬁlm, that is, unless accompanied by an adult. The Kids Online Safety Act is similar; the default is to initially have guardrails in place, but if parents want to give their children access to what is deemed age-inappropriate content,

like the gloriﬁcation of drugs, alcohol or violent and graphic content, they just opt-in, which is a lot easier than trying to ﬁgure out how to opt-out.

Spitalnick explains that the Kids Online Safety Act isn’t just about giving parents more control over the online content their children are exposed to, it’s about advocating for the overall mental health of our children and teens.

“The more hours per day that kids spend viewing online, age-inappropriate content, the more it changes their view of the world and the more it increases anxiety, depression and separation from friends and withdrawal from activities,” he says. “It really changes a young, developing mind.”

Perhaps not surprisingly, those opposing the bill are online advertisers, content creators and inﬂuencers — those whose livelihood depends on the number of people seeing their programming — claiming that it’s a form of censorship.

“In some ways, it kind of is, but that’s the whole point,” says Spitalnick. “We need to ask ourselves as parents and as a society, is censorship to be avoided at all costs, or is making sure that the most vulnerable — that our children and teens — are being protected in ways that we were protected as children?” He argues that the Kids Online Safety Act will put parents — not the techsavvy children or online content creators — back in the driver’s seat in a virtual world that is often very diﬃcult to navigate.

St. Joseph’s/Candler is expanding with a 7-acre campus at the expansive Heartwood community rising in Richmond Hill. Located at 3866 Belfast Keller Road, the first building spans 15,000 square feet and brings together urgent, primary and specialty care, labs and the St. Joseph’s/Candler Bē Health & Well-Being programs — altogether representing a $15 million investment. Future phases, including additional buildings and services, are being planned as Bryan County continues to rapidly grow. … After six years of serving the Savannah area through neurologically-based chiropractic medicine, Dr. Ben Stabbe opened Driftwood Chiropractic (107 Charlotte Road, Suite D) on Whitemarsh Island. The practice provides services for the whole family, including prenatal, athlete and pediatric. … Savannah Vascular Institute (4750 Waters Ave.) celebrates its 30th anniversary this year. Helmed by Dr. Anthony Sussman — the region’s first fellowship-trained vascular surgeon, the physician-owned practice began caring for patients in July 1994. … Plastic surgeon Dr. Matthew McLeod launched his own practice, Seaport Plastic Surgery (2280 E. Victory Drive, Suite C), with a specialty in migraine surgery. The menu also includes non-surgical treatments, including Botox and neuromodulators, Juvéderm and fillers, radiofrequency microneedling and skin resurfacing. … Building upon its established practices in Savannah and on Wilmington Island, The Speech Clinic of the Coastal Empire has added a third location in Pooler (138 Canal Street, Suite 204). … Nearby, Bridge Hospice is a locally-owned option for families in need of end-of-life comfort and support also in Pooler (119 Canal Street, Suite 103). … Also joining the Pooler community is PedsNow, a pediatric urgent care (2321 Pooler Parkway, Suite 103). … Refine Medical Aesthetics has rebranded. Now known as Altera Aesthetix, the boutique med spa still delivers the same high-quality, aesthetic procedures across its three locations in Savannah, Statesboro and Richmond Hill. … Paris Laundry (220 Whitaker St.) has a new resident skin magician: master international esthetician Irini Sevdalis of Try Facials by Irini With a focus on holistic wellness, her signature Celestial Facial promises a restorative treatment of botanicals and nutrients, combined with a blend of advanced face massage, ayurvedic modalities and lymphatic drainage to clear cellular debris while encouraging radiance, nourishment and energy flow. … SouthCoast Health recently launched robot-assisted eTEP ventral hernia repairs. Using this modern technology, Dr. Jeffrey Mandel has already performed more than 50 repairs since 2022. Rosenfeld Neurology and Sleep has moved one door over — allowing more spaces for patient care and a new sleep lab (7001 Hodgson Memorial Drive, Suite 1). … CenExel iResearch opened a new, 9,000-square-foot facility in late 2023 (6349 Abercorn St.). Under the guidance of Medical Director Kimball Johnson, M.D., CenExel iResearch is continuing the study of innovative medicines, treatment opportunities and increasing access to care for underserved populations. PRESENTED BY INSTITUTE FOR PERSONALIZED MEDICINE

Elevate Your Health Care Experience with Concierge Functional Medicine

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Extended, unhurried appointments

Direct access to your doctor 24/7

Comprehensive, personalized health plans

Advanced diagnostic testing

We believe in building lasting relationships with our patients. Our concierge service ensures you receive the highest quality care, tailored to your speciﬁc needs, and we are always available when you need us. This is truly patientcentered care where you are the star.

TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR HEALTH JOURNEY BY JOINING OUR CONCIERGE PRACTICE TODAY. CONTACT US TO LEARN MORE ABOUT MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS.

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Dr. Mary Kay Ross consults with a patient.

THRIVE ON!

Redefining Senior Living on Skidaway Island

NESTLED ON SKIDAWAY ISLAND , you’ll ﬁnd

Thrive on Skidaway, a senior living community that redeﬁnes the concept of older adult living. With a coastal-inspired design and a resort-like feel, Thrive on Skidaway exudes elegance and contemporary luxury. It is unsurpassably warm and inviting — creating the perfect place to call home for so many wonderful Savannah seniors. Not only is the community breathtaking to admire, but its approach to care is also what sets it apart.

Thrive focuses on a core philosophy of creating meaningful relationships with its residents. The team takes the time to truly know each individual, including their personal history, family connections and career background. Delving even deeper, the Thrive team learns about their residents’ preferences, such as their morning

routines, favorite foods and what brings them joy. By forging these meaningful relationships, it leads to an even deeper level of care.

For assisted living and memory care residents, the community provides around-the-clock nursing oversight and personalized care plans that are consistently reviewed and updated. This unwavering commitment ensures that residents receive optimal care, enabling them to live life to the fullest.

To encourage socialization, engagement and purposeful living for all its residents, the community oﬀers a wide range of incredible programs. Residents can participate in gardening, ﬁtness classes, pet therapy, art classes, outings to local attractions, walking clubs, church services, happy hours and so much more.

There’s also an abundance of amenities, including pickleball, bocce ball, a salon and barbershop, billiards, Convivium Coﬀee Co., an athletic center as well as on-site physical, speech and occupational therapy. And the cuisine is topnotch, featuring locally sourced, nutrient-rich and seasonally inspired dishes.

Thrive on Skidaway provides independent living, assisted living and memory care options, all with bright and modern private apartments. To learn more, stop by or call to schedule a tour.

‘‘Our philosophy centers around creating a truly exceptional life for our residents — one imbued with purpose and meaning. What truly warms my heart is the delightful sound of laughter echoing through the community as our residents wholeheartedly embrace the joy of each day. Witnessing their happiness is what truly makes our community wonderful.”

— Kaylynn Evans, community president

From left, Carol Elkins, Hailey Vernon, Brittany Marshall, Kevin Bohler, Gretchen Speestra, Kaylynn Evans, Michael Patrick, Biz Austin and Terrie Matthews

Photo courtesy of THRIVE ON SKIDAWAY

Photo by KATIE MCGEE

All Dried Up

A new, noninvasive treatment puts an end to profuse sweating

Written by ANDREA GOTO

AS ALL SOUTHERNERS KNOW, sweltering summers lead to excessive sweating. And not the dainty dabbing-ofthe-temples-with-a-hanky kind of sweating; we’re talking ugly sweating, where rivers run from the top of your head, meet up with other tributaries on the way down, and pool inside your shoes.

But now imagine that kind of sweating regardless of the season or the A/C setting. It’s a medical condition called hyperhidrosis, and it aﬀects millions of people around the world. Those who have it can break into a sweat anytime, anywhere and produce four to ﬁve times more sweat than the average person.

“Excessive sweat can have devastating effects on a person’s emotional health and confidence,” says Dr. Claudia Gaughf of Gaughf Dermatology . “It is known to cause stress in professional lives, selfconsciousness in relationships and social settings, and embarrassment with the constant fight against sweat stains on clothing.”

While there is a surgery to treat hyperhidrosis, Gaughf is excited about a new, nonsurgical procedure that can permanently eliminate those sweat glands causing the trouble.

The noninvasive treatment is called miraDry, and the application is pretty straightforward and painless. After administering local anesthesia, the doctor uses a specialized handpiece to deliver thermal energy to the oﬀending glands, destroying them. According to Gaughf, patients can expect an 80 to 90% reduction in axillary sweat with just two miraDry treatments.

She points out an added bonus: the thermal energy also eliminates odor glands and hair follicles in the treated areas. No unwanted hair, odor or sweat? No problem.

PRESENTED BY INSTITUTE FOR PERSONALIZED MEDICINE

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SICK AND TIRED of treating symptoms without addressing the underlying issues? Dr. Mary Kay Ross oﬀers a comprehensive, patient-centered approach to health care. Using functional medicine, she focuses on identifying and treating the root causes of chronic illnesses, ensuring health and wellness.

At Institute for Personalized Medicine, we combine the latest scientiﬁc research with natural therapies to create personalized treatment plans tailored to your unique needs. Whether you’re dealing with persistent fatigue, digestive issues or hormonal imbalances, we are here to help you achieve optimal health.

DISCOVER THE DIFFERENCE FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE CAN MAKE IN YOUR LIFE. SCHEDULE YOUR CONSULTATION TODAY!

INSTITUTE FOR PERSONALIZED MEDICINE : 1 OGLETHORPE BLVD., SUITE 201 | 912.999.6444 DRMARYKAYROSS.COM

DR. MARY KAY ROSS

DENTISTS ON ICE

Meet the team of dentists at the Ghost Pirates’ beck and call — ready to suture gums and reconstruct teeth — one body check at a time

Written by ZACHARY HAYES

AS THE ZAMBONI CREEPS through its final lap and the players take to the ice, the crowd at Enmarket Arena erupts into an electric sea of black, white and neon green as the Savannah Ghost Pirates prepare to plunder their unlucky foes in the rink. Amid the chaos, several figures in the crowd watch intently, scrutinizing every blow and high stick as they wait for the inevitable incisor to go skittering across the ice. This is the Ghost Pirates’ dental team, a collection of some of Savannah’s finest dental minds that have joined forces to tackle even the toughest cases of tooth trauma. With the high intensity and physical brutality of your typical hockey game, nearly all professional teams enlist the help of a team dentist to treat players on and off the ice, but the Ghost Pirates have taken things a step further, building out a comprehensive roster of practitioners from a range of specialities to meet all of the team’s dental needs, no matter how grisly.

IN NOVEMBER OF 2023, Ghost Pirates forward Alex Gilmour listened to the gentle whir of the reclining examination chair as Dr. Steven Berwitz came in close to inspect the damage. The day before, Gilmour had been gliding along the ice of Orlando’s Kia Center in a game against the Solar Bears when he took a puck to the face. A dentist for the Solar Bears checked him out and cleared him for play, but Gilmour felt something was oﬀ.

When the team arrived back in Savannah the next day, he went to see Berwitz, the team dentist for the Ghost Pirates, for a second opinion — his diagnosis: jaw fracture. Gilmour would be benched for eight weeks, his jaw wired shut as the team’s resources worked tirelessly to keep him ﬁt and fed. This was not his ﬁrst run-in with Berwitz that season, nor would it be his last, but with the experience and expertise of the Ghost Pirates’ dental team behind them, Gilmour and his teammates rest assured knowing that whenever dental disasters strike, they’ll be back on the ice in no time with a full set of pearly whites.

Dental teams in hockey are on the front lines of some of the most gruesome injuries in sports, parsing through gum lacerations and gap-toothed grins with care and speed as the players itch to return to the ice. Since joining the East Coast Hockey League (ECHL) in the 2022-2023 season, the dental team for the Savannah Ghost Pirates has been led by Berwitz, who personally enlisted the help of an elite squad of dental professionals for the job. A long-time hockey fan, Berwitz jumped at the opportunity when he heard that Savannah would be getting a professional hockey team of its own.

“When I was in school, I always joked around, ‘It would be so nice to be the team dentist for the New Jersey Devils,’” says Berwitz. “And then we moved to Savannah, and I didn’t expect a hockey team would ever show up here. But then, all of a sudden, news of the hockey team came, and being somebody in town to deal with a lot of dental trauma, I said, ‘Oh, this would be a great opportunity.’”

Berwitz is the main point person for the dental team, meaning he works with the Ghost Pirates through just about every game and every issue, from mouthguard fabrications to trauma treatment. During games, he sits in the stands just opposite the bench, giving him a perfect view when trainer Dillon Campbell gives him the signal.

“Dillon looks up to me and just kind of points to me, and I know that I need to head down to the locker room to suture somebody or take care of a dental injury,” says Berwitz. “You just never know what you’re going to get. But the players are really appreciative. Their main thing is they want to get back out on the ice as fast as they can.”

When he is called down to assist, Berwitz meets the injured players in the trainer’s room, where he has put together a comprehensive dental kit, allowing him to work on the majority of injuries right there in the arena.

“It’s basically a tackle box ﬁlled with anything I can use,” he says. “Stuﬀ to splint teeth if they’ve come out, local anesthetic,

cements — just a whole host of dental supplies.”

Over the past two seasons, the Ghost Pirates have sustained a number of injuries during play, including mouth lacerations, displaced teeth and two jaw fractures — one each season — but when it comes to treating the players, the dental team must take into consideration much more than just the physical injuries.

“When your jaw is gonna be wired shut, you can’t skate, and we have to maintain your nutrition so that when the eight weeks pass, we can get you back on the ice,” Berwitz says in regard to treating Gilmour this last season. “Helping them not only through the dental aspect but also the psychological aspect is always a tricky situation.”

Managing the stress of being benched for eight weeks with a mouth full of metal is taxing enough, but this is not the only stressor players encounter when they’re referred to the dental team for treatment. As Berwitz will tell you, a trip to the dentist is an experience that can strike fear into the hearts of even the toughest players on the ice.

“It’s amusing at times because these guys are so tough, and you watch them draw gloves and ﬁght often,” he says. “But the minute they’re in a dental oﬃce, it’s another story. The nice thing is that I get to know them really well, and I get to gain their trust. We develop a good rapport, and they become very comfortable. And at the end of the day, it always comes down to a bad experience they had once upon a time, just like everybody else.”

Of course, there are limitations to the kinds of medical care that can be done in the arena on the ﬂy, so Berwitz often works with players directly in his Savannah-based dental practice as well. And in cases where more specialized care is warranted, Berwitz has enlisted the help of Chatham Oral Surgery, who has assisted in both of the jaw fracture cases, as well as the providers at Broderick, Dusek,

COURTESY

Alex Gilmour

and DeLeon Orthodontics and Savannah Endodontic Associates, who are on standby to help with displaced teeth and root canals as needed.

“It’s a really top-notch group of folks,” says Dr. Rebecca Aspinwall of Savannah Endodontic Associates. “Savannah is a small dental world, but because of the way Dr. Berwitz has shaped the team, we can help with whatever happens to the guys.”

While Berwitz and the rest of the dental team have worked tirelessly to keep the Ghost Pirates on the ice and smiling bright, full smiles, they also say that the opportunity to work together as a group of medical professionals has been a unique experience that they’ve come to cherish.

“Dentistry is a very solitary profession,” says Berwitz. “You’re working by yourself a lot of times, so it’s nice to work in an environment where you have a team. I get to work with a bunch of doctors from Optim Orthopedics; I get to work with the trainers for the team; I get to work with the chiropractor for the team. And so there’s this nice little medical community that the Ghost Pirates have. And it’s just an amazing feeling to be part of that.”

After eight weeks of a clamped jaw, liquid meals, and — toward the end — very careful no-contact training, Alex Gilmour was ﬁnally back on the ice and ready to see some action. He played it safe, wearing a full facial cage during games to protect his jaw from further injury, and with it, he managed to avoid another serious encounter with the dental team for some time. But just two months after his jaw had fully healed, Gilmour took a hard check into the boards, fracturing an upper tooth and sending him right back to the dentist’s chair for some serious reconstruction. Despite his repeated injuries, Gilmour remains ever grateful for the time he has spent working with Berwitz, a feeling he attributes to the doctor’s endless patience and positivity.

“In a hockey season full of surprise dental visits, Dr. Berwitz always made himself available when I needed it most,” says Gilmour. “Whether it was a simple cleaning, tooth reconstruction, or root canal, Dr. Berwitz was quick to aid in every situation, and his positive attitude and outgoing personality really made going to the dentist an enjoyable experience. Dr. Berwitz truly is the best around.”

Alex Gilmour

REVOLUTIONARY IMPACT OF EGYM

Personalized fitness system increasing strength, energy across region

THE YMCA OF COASTAL GEORGIA has always been a cornerstone of community wellness, but the introduction of EGYM across its branches has marked a significant leap in fitness innovation, particularly benefiting senior members and those who may not be comfortable with a traditional gym atmosphere. With seven of 11 branches now offering EGYM — Richmond Hill, Habersham, West Chatham, Islands, Effingham, Liberty and the soon-to-open Guyton branch — this state-of-the-art fitness program is transforming lives and making a profound impact on the community’s health and well-being.

EGYM is a smart, personalized fitness system designed to accommodate all fitness levels. The equipment automatically adjusts to each user’s specifications, providing a customized workout plan that adapts as they progress. This means that no matter where someone starts on their fitness journey, EGYM meets them where they are and helps them achieve their goals efficiently and safely.

Many seniors have found that staying active is crucial for maintaining health, and EGYM makes it easy and enjoyable. By using EGYM, they have regained strength and signiﬁcantly reduced their biological age. This innovative ﬁtness system has provided them with the opportunity to maintain their independence and improve their quality of life.

“EGYM has strengthened my muscles, and it’s like working with my own physical therapist,” says senior member Carmen Young. “My bio-age is 56 years old, but I’m actually 84. I work out with EGYM four or ﬁve times per week.”

Similarly, members who were initially reluctant to go to the gym have found EGYM to be highly intuitive and userfriendly. The personalized nature of the workouts makes each session feel tailormade, leading to noticeable improvements in strength and energy levels while making the gym experience more enjoyable and less intimidating.

Being the ﬁrst to premiere EGYM in Georgia and the region, the YMCA’s expansion of the circuit to seven branches is a strategic move that underscores its commitment to inclusive and progressive ﬁtness solutions.

This technology is revolutionizing fitness in the community by offering an easy-touse, adaptable system that is changing lives, says Mary Arocha, Senior Vice President of Healthy Living and Corporate Wellness. EGYM empowers members to take control of their fitness journeys in a way that has never been possible before, resulting in increased confidence and vitality.

Whether aiming to maintain independence and strength or just starting a ﬁtness journey, EGYM has proven to be a beacon of health and wellness in the area. This revolutionary approach to ﬁtness is not only a technological advancement, but it’s also a commitment to enhancing lives and building a stronger, healthier community for all.

OUR PROVIDERS

William L. Mansour, M.D. • Branden S. Hunter, M.D. • Gregory D. Borak, M.D. • Travis F. Wiggins, M.D.

Ansley S. Tharpe, M.D. • Isaac E. Perry, D.O. • Jordan T. Houston, PA-C • Samantha H. Hess, PA-C Kristen Rosales-Vasquez, PA-C • Sara L. Barrett, PA-C • Mirada G. Christensen, PA-C

WE’RE ALWAYS HEAR FOR YOU

Meet the Experts at Georgia Ear Nose & Throat. The fellowship-trained, board-certified and highly-respected physicians at Georgia Ear, Nose & Throat Specialists always strive to make the most complex of treatments easily understood – even to the youngest of patients.

Michael Poole, MD

Dr. Poole is a Pediatric Otolaryngologist and the only ENT physician in the U.S with a doctorate in microbiology. He is considered his specialty’s top expert in antibiotic treatment of ENT infections and has authored or coauthored several national and international guidelines concerning treatment of sinus and ear infections.

Stephanie Ambrose, MD

Dr. Stephanie Ambrose is a highly trained expert, board certified in Complex Pediatric Otolaryngology. She provides expertise in cleft and lip palate corrective surgery and other complicated ENT conditions including pediatric tumors and airway reconstruction, as well as more common ENT issues such as tubes, tonsils and adenoids.

Tyler DeBlieux, MD

Dr. Tyler DeBlieux specializes in disorders of the ear, nose and throat. He has special interests in sleep surgery, thyroid and parotid surgery, and sinus surgery.

Robert Logan, MD

The first Otolaryngology resident in the Emory University / Grady Memorial Hospital program, Dr. Logan also brought the first Otolaryngology laser to Savannah for surgical use. He specializes in ear pain, hearing loss, dizziness and Hearing Aids.

Dr. Michael Poole

Dr. Stephanie Ambrose

Dr. Tyler DeBlieux

Dr. Robert Logan

An “A” for Empathy

As youth suicide rates rise across the nation, local school initiatives aim to bring the painful issue out of the dark

Written by ZACHARY HAYES

AS ANY PARENT would tell you, schools play a vital role not only in the day-to-day lives of our children but in preparing them for any number of issues life might throw their way. But now, a massive — and growing — burden is being placed on these institutions to care for children and families in crisis, particularly those dealing with the eﬀects of our nation’s rising youth suicide rate. According to the most recent data from the Georgia Department of Public Health, Chatham County alone experienced the loss of seven kids and young adults between the ages of 10 and 24 to suicide in 2022, up from a single case just two decades prior in 2002. This tragic trend has child psychologists and education experts begging for schools to introduce newer, evidence-based solutions to prevent suicidal ideation before it takes root, and thankfully, Savannah-Chatham County schools have taken this challenge to heart.

OPEN AND HONEST

Across the country, suicide rates have steadily increased over the last couple decades to borderline epidemic levels. While this unfortunate reality has plagued people of all walks and ages, it has been particularly insidious in children and young adults, with suicide becoming the second-most common cause of death between the ages of 10 and 24, following accidents, according to the CDC. This age group saw 7,126 deaths

to suicide in 2021 alone, a more than 50% increase since 2000 with few indicators suggesting a turnaround anytime soon. But while the reasons behind this increase remain largely speculative at this time, many schools are working to put eﬀective preventative strategies in place to address suicidal ideation.

“When we think about what’s going to have the biggest impact, we have to start taking things out of the dark and exposing them to the light,” says Dr. Kristi Hofstadter-Duke, pediatric psychologist and director of Savannah Behavioral Pediatrics. “The more we hide something and don’t talk about it, the more likely it is that children are going to just ﬁnd misinformation and come up with their own ideas that may be really detrimental. Even just opening the door to diﬃcult conversations sets the stage for the type of relationship where a child is going to come and share with you what’s going on with them.”

Those kinds of open relationships with responsible adults are crucial in preventing suicidal ideation in children and young adults as they create a clear line of communication to someone who can then get them or their peers the help they need in times of crisis. HofstadterDuke also places emphasis on the importance of giving kids a game plan for getting help that they can use should such a situation arise.

“I actually had a conversation with my own children about suicide,

Savannah Health

probably just two months ago,” says Hofstadter-Duke. “I said, ‘Listen, people who die by suicide are in a lot of emotional pain. And so if you ever find yourself in pain, if you feel really sad, if you feel like something is really difficult, the first step is always to reach out to a trusted adult.’” She explains that when people are dealing with the heavy mental burdens that often lead to suicidal ideation, having a clear plan of action can be a pivotal guiding light in the darkness.

Of course, the nature of these kinds of conversations can look very diﬀerent depending on the age of the child, but clarity is crucial across the board. “At a younger developmental level, we probably want to give a little less speciﬁc information, but be very concrete in our language,” says Hofstadter-Duke. For example, she says using clear language like “someone died” or “death” are almost always preferable to abstract phrases like “they went to a better place,” as these can be confusing for younger children. As kids reach school age and older, though, they typically begin to have a greater understanding of death and are capable of more in-depth discussions.

“You can give a little more information at that point,” says Hofstadter-Duke. “But try to keep it so that you’re saying things that are factual and being very open and nonjudgmental so that they’re free to tell you how they’re feeling. That will open the door for any additional conversations down the road that need to happen.”

A NEW SCHOOL OF THOUGHT

These preventative steps — fostering trusting relationships and forming a concrete plan — form the basis of the SavannahChatham County Public School System’s (SCCPSS) latest initiatives to tackle suicidal ideation in the district. In addition to some of the more traditional programs, such as connecting students and families in crisis with local mental health resources and deploying a crisis team when suicide strikes in the community, SCCPSS has tested two new pilot programs: Positive Peer Inﬂuencer and Handle With Care.

The Positive Peer Inﬂuencer program,

a collaboration between SCCPSS, The Mediation Center of the Coastal Empire and the Chatham-Savannah Counter Narcotics Team, trains local high school students to serve as mentors for their younger peers in middle school, and while the program’s focus lies mainly in reducing potential drug use, the relationships built between these students have far-reaching beneﬁts. And SCCPSS’s work with The Mediation Center doesn’t end there.

“We are educating our teachers, our sta , our administrators, social workers and guidance counselors to be trauma-informed so that, when we do encounter a student, we will know how to appropriately address their issue.”

— DR. QUENTINA MILLER-FIELDS, DIRECTOR OF SCCPSS STUDENT AFFAIRS

“We are bringing a lot of traumainformed practices to our school district,” says Dr. Quentina Miller-Fields, director of student aﬀairs for SCCPSS. “We are educating our teachers, our staﬀ, our administrators, social workers and guidance counselors to be traumainformed so that, when we do encounter a student, we will know how to appropriately address their issue.”

From there, Handle With Care, a collaboration with the Savannah Police Department, takes that trauma-responsive perspective to another level. Through this program, when a police oﬃcer encounters

a child involved with a scene or incident to which they respond, they notify the school district of that student’s involvement through an app, allowing schools to provide the student with the additional support they may need much more eﬃciently.

“If little Johnny is acting out of character, prior to Handle with Care, it could have ended up with a suspension or write-up, because the teachers and the principals don’t know what’s going on,” says Miller-Fields. “But now, we know that something has happened. They’ve experienced some kind of traumatic event. Therefore, we’re going to be suited to handle that, and we’re going to try to provide support.”

COUNSELOR COMMUNITIES

While these programs were originally available in only a few select schools and cities in the county, administrators say that they are planning to expand them further in the coming months and years given the overwhelming community support and success they’ve seen so far. And while these new initiatives are beginning to ﬂourish in the county’s public schools, an exciting development out of St. Andrew’s School is hoping to address this issue even further by bridging the gap between counselors in the area’s public and private schools.

Spearheaded by counselors David Nash and Elizabeth Bush, St. Andrew’s hosted the inaugural run of the Low Country School Counselor Conference earlier this year, bringing together 30 counselors from both public and private schools to meet and discuss the unique challenges of their work with peers with whom they may not have otherwise had the opportunity to connect with. Topics ranged from developing strategies for conversations with parents around social media usage to the importance of building character and relationships in developing and sustaining a positive culture.

“Our kids are connected,” says Anne Weisel, the lower school head at St. Andrew’s and former program manager for school counseling in SCCPSS. “Even if we don’t know the counselor over at that other high

“I actually had a conversation with my own children about suicide, probably just two months ago. I said, ‘Listen, people who die by suicide are in a lot of emotional pain. And so if you ever ﬁnd yourself in pain, if you feel really sad, if you feel like something is really di cult, the ﬁrst step is always to reach out to a trusted adult.’”

— DR. KRISTI HOFSTADTER-DUKE, PEDIATRIC PSYCHOLOGIST AND DIRECTOR OF SAVANNAH BEHAVIORAL PEDIATRICS

school or at that other middle school, our kids all know each other, and our kids are spending time together. We’re breaking down those barriers, and building connections and relationships, which uniquely support the students that they’re going to serve.”

The conference, to be held annually in the region, was both a rousing success and an opportunity to reﬂect on the progress being made to address the needs of students, even during their darkest moments — an opportunity that Weisel ﬁnds particularly inspiring.

“I have a hard time putting into words how good, positive, overwhelming, joyful I felt standing in the room with those 30-plus counselors,” she says. “The energy in that group of people, the professionalism in the room, but also the passion that those folks have for helping kids — I feel so good knowing who’s at the table.”

CHANGE ON THE HORIZON

It’s moments like this that demonstrate just how much power and positive change a community can generate when they come together to acknowledge and address an issue, especially one that — like suicide — we might otherwise want

to sweep under the rug because it can be so hard to make sense of. As any of these educators and practitioners will tell you, there is still much work to be done to curb the rise in youth suicide, but the fact that local schools are engaging in these conversations, creating these communities and implementing these new strategies within their walls suggests a turn of the tides, one that Chatham County schools are striving toward with empathy and a welcoming embrace.

Even so, Hofstadter-Duke, who spoke at the inaugural counselor conference, acknowledges it’s important to recognize that, despite best eﬀorts, conversations and programs put in place, tragedy can still strike. If it does, she reiterates that the best path forward lies in clear, honest communication.

“These are really diﬃcult emotions that, for the most part, most people try not to talk about too much, which is just a normal human tendency,” she says. “But if I have an open line of communication with my child, and I am going to listen to what they say in a nonjudgmental way, I’m more likely to hear what’s going on. And that gives me more power in terms of what I can do.”

Positive Progress

In its efforts to combat loneliness and isolation, St. Andrew’s School ushered in a new paradigm in the fall of 2022 with the help of The Positivity Project, a national non roﬁt organi ation dedi ated to t e power of building positive relationships.

This project, cofounded in 2015 by Army veterans Mike Erwin and Jeff Bryan, provides resources, lesson plans and training to over 800 schools across the nation, giving them the tools they need to help students build stronger, healthier bonds while growing as individuals. And now, Savannah residents an ﬁnd e ositivity ro e t at a nu ber of local schools — including the Upper and Lower schools at St. Andrew’s, Susie King Taylor Community School and Tharros Place — with hopes to expand further into the county in the coming years.

Through thoughtful and consistent 15-minute daily lessons, students are exposed to positive psychology’s 24 character strengths — traits like perseverance, open-mindedness and humility — through hands-on activities, stories and video clips, providing students and educators with a powerful common language.

“The Positivity Project is an upstream a roa to ﬁg ting t e loneliness epidemic,” says Bryan, a Savannah resident and speaker at this year’s inaugural Low Country School Counselors Conference. “We want students to be able to identify, appreciate and articulate the strengths in themselves and other people, and then build positive character-based relationships through their understanding.”

According to David Nash, a counselor at St. Andrew’s, the results speak for themselves.

“The kids have taken the ball and are running with it,” he says. After a lesson on the appreciation of beauty in the world, two ﬁrst grade students reated an environ ental club, enlisting a team of young scholars to help clean up the playground for their peers. A lesson on spreading humor in the face of negativity inspired the students to create a joke book for the families at the Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Coastal Empire, and, in one particularly heartwarming moment, Nash recalls a second-grader who came to the aid of one of his peers, consoling him when he noticed the boy crying and struggling over his math work. This, of course, came after a lesson on true friendship and the power of just being there for someone in times of need.

“We have seen countless examples where the kindness of just one person can make all the difference in the world,” Nash says.

Yes, Tonight, Sweetheart

Hormone therapy helps recharge menopause-induced low libido

Written by KAITLYNNE HAYLOCK

LIBIDO IS OFTEN A COMPLEX and sometimes frustrating thing for a woman to navigate throughout her life. Stress, nutrition, exercise and sleep habits can all be factors affecting a woman’s sex drive, but throw menopause into the mix, and it may feel as if women simply have to learn to live without it. Spoiler alert: They don’t have to. Hormone therapy offers women an effective treatment option.

Approaching your doctor about menopause-induced low libido can feel daunting and maybe a little embarrassing but it isn’t something to shy away from, especially considering how prevalent it is. One study by The Harper Clinic, a London-based menopausal clinic, found that 50% of women between the ages of 25 and 40 will experience a decline in their testosterone levels — an essential hormone linked to sexual desire.

“Testosterone in women is produced at a very low level,” shares Dr. Carmela Pettigrew, medical director of Coast Care Primary Partners. “So when menopause begins, and hormones begin to ﬂuctuate, it causes a lot of problems, not just with libido.”

Though more dominant in men, testosterone helps women not only maintain their sex drive but also regulate their moods and energy levels. This is why, when going through menopause, some women have reported feeling increased mood swings.

But there is help. There are two FDA-approved medications such as Addyi (ﬂibanserin tablets) and Vyleesi (bremelanotide injection), but according to Dr. Pam Gaudry, OB/GYN at The Georgia Center for Menopausal Medicine, these treatments may not be as eﬀective as testosterone treatment.

“Nothing about women’s sexual health care is black and white,” says Gaudry. “Treatments diﬀer from patient to patient, but I’ve found that Addyi and Vyleesi are eﬀective around 60% of the time, whereas with testosterone, it works for most women about 90% of the time.”

Pellet Therapy is a testosterone treatment that has been used for decades despite it not being FDA-approved for women. If women are not administered the right dosage or start the treatment without having an in-depth initial consultation with their OB/GYN, there can be side eﬀects, such as blood clots and a risk of stimulating breast cancer.

“But it can be done safely, once monitored correctly,” says Gaudry.

“Which is why a patient-doctor relationship and deep dive into a patient’s medical history are so important from the beginning. The treatment is only one part of the patient’s care.”

The treatment, consisting of bioidentical hormones, which are similar to the natural hormones released by the human body, is administered every 12-16 weeks. The procedure is also fairly simple. The physician will numb the skin, usually near the hip area, and make a small incision. One or more pellets — about the size of a Tic Tac — are then inserted underneath the skin.

“The average patient I have coming in for low libido will typically say, ‘I don’t care if I ever have sex again. But I used to enjoy it and I want to like it again,’” says Pettigrew.

Different patients report different results. Some of the more common effects Pettigrew has seen in her patients have been an increase in self-confidence and feeling better about themselves as their moods have improved.

“It’s always a partnership,” says Pettigrew. “If a patient comes in and is concerned about things like facial hair that is a predominantly male characteristic and can be developed because of an increase in testosterone, I work with them to decrease their dosage.” Gaudry adds that some patients benefit from simultaneously increasing their progesterone, which can also help with other menopausal side effects like vaginal dryness, hot flashes and night sweats.

“That is why, for me, it is so important that I work with my patients and deliver that comprehensive care,” says Gaudry. “Women’s sexual health is so much more than simply prescribing something and waiting for it to work.”

When it comes to how long Pellet Therapy takes to work, it varies. Every woman goes through menopause diﬀerently and will respond to treatment diﬀerently. However, Pettigrew has seen a majority of patients experience a positive change within two to three weeks.

“Some may not see improvement after their ﬁrst dosage,” she says. “Stress can act against the treatment and women’s sex drive in general, but most of my patients see a result after that ﬁrst dosage.”

Beginning any medical treatment is a big step and takes some courage, but Pettigrew and Gaudry encourage women to reach out and begin that conversation with their provider. Not only does treatment beneﬁt the patient, but it can strengthen their relationship with their partner as well.

“I can’t tell you how many relationships I feel like I’ve restored with this treatment,” says Pettigrew. “My patients will come for a follow-up appointment and tell me ‘It’s been life-changing, and I feel like myself again.’”

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Balancing Act

Essential resources help to support the growing number of middle-aged adults acting as caregivers for both their children and aging parents.

Written by ETHAN MATHEWS

THE MOMENT ARRIVES UNEXPECTEDLY, the phone call that tells you your parents can no longer fend for themselves or one another. It comes without warning, never slotting neatly into the rare empty spaces of your calendar, never pausing until you’ve steadied your ﬁnances or cleared enough headspace to take charge.

While no one anticipates the urgency of “the call,” according to AARP, for nearly one in ﬁve U.S. adults — predominantly women — it is an inevitable pivot to a role reversal they may feel least prepared to assume.

In 2021, 38 million U.S. adults ﬁt into the so-called “Sandwich Generation,” also according to a report from AARP, simultaneously feeling the squeeze of caring for children under 18 and adult relatives over 65. And if we put this value in economic terms, family caregivers’ unpaid contributions were estimated to

be $600 billion — with a B.

As the “silver tsunami” approaches, ushering the last of the baby boomers into retirement by 2030 — with projections that by 2034, adults aged 65 and older will outnumber children under 18 — the number of adults facing such life-changing calls will proliferate. Now, more than ever, it’s vital to understand the risks and resources for those who fall into this category.

Nurse Care Management

In an ideal world, every person would have access to professional in-home caregivers to support them and their loved ones as they navigate this new and unfamiliar territory. Increasingly complex healthcare challenges can emerge quickly and suddenly, and the need for professional intervention can sneak up on a family caregiver.

“The heavy lifting falls on the family unless you employ someone to help you with it,” says Scott Pierce, co-owner of Coastal Care Partners. “And family members are [often] not trained medical professionals.”

Home care companies like Coastal Care Partners bridge this gap by dispatching Certiﬁed Nurse Assistants (CNAs) to manage everything from daily routines to medication management and decoding medical jargon among specialists.

Yet, this solution comes with a signiﬁcant caveat: these visits charge by the hour, and they’re expensive. Traditional health insurance does not cover these services, so families are often left to pay out of pocket for in-home care. For caregivers in the Sandwich Generation, this might be weighed alongside the cost of childcare, an adult child’s college tuition, or lost wages as a result of time spent caregiving.

Those like Pierce who understand the pains of ﬁnding trustworthy care for their parents, emphasize that paying for even the smallest level of support can make a huge diﬀerence. “All of the focus is on the person with the healthcare condition, but the hidden issue is the one caring for that person and when they reach their breaking point,” says Pierce.

Avoiding Caregiver Burnout

As responsibilities multiply and pressures mount, the risk of caregiver burnout looms large.

“The psychological impact on caregivers can be disarming. We are put into a situation that increases our level of stress due to having to manage two diﬀerent sets of dynamics,” says Mary Hubbard, a therapist at Shrink Savannah. “This added stress of being responsible for more loved ones can lead to a whole host of psychological issues.”

These psychological issues can include anxiety, depression and substance abuse, which pose the serious and common risk of caregiver burnout. Additionally, these complications can extend beyond the caregiving environment, manifesting as disrupted sleep, social isolation and self-neglect.

“With having to juggle all the everyday responsibilities and tough choices for others, we get stretched too thin and begin neglecting ourselves,” says Hubbard. “In the longterm, without proper coping skills, an individual can suﬀer from medical problems, physical ailments and mental health problems.”

Hubbard recommends setting limits with others that honor yourself, give yourself grace, talk with someone you trust, and know that it’s OK to ask for help when you need it.

Building Your Network of Support

Often echoed by professionals across the spectrum—from hospice counselors to mental health experts—the advice stands ﬁrm: do not shoulder this burden alone. Jill Costello is the program coordinator for Hospice Savannah’s Edel Caregiver Institute, which oﬀers support groups and individual consultations for

“The psychological impact on caregivers can be disarming. We are put into a situation that increases our level of stress due to having to manage two different sets of dynamics.”

MARY

HUBBARD, THERAPIST SHRINK SAVANNAH

“nonpaid, nonprofessional, nonprepared caregivers.”

Her admiration for family caregivers inspires her hard work for the institute.

“It’s really important to take the time oﬀ, to keep boundaries and to get that support around you,” says Costello. “Keep in mind the ambiguous loss that’s involved in what you’re going through. They’re sitting right there, they’re still with me, but I’ve lost who that person was and the relationship we had.”

Costello says she frequently reminds family caregivers to talk to one another about their unique situations. More often than not, they discover that the people around them are struggling with similar things, which helps them gain useful advice, build a community and ﬁnd solace during a diﬃcult time.

Through donations and local partnerships, the Edel Caregiver Institute is able to oﬀer a range of innovative programs for nonprofessional caregivers, like palliative care education, support groups, restorative yoga, and Dementia Live, which uses a high impact dementia simulator to provide a deeper understanding of and empathy for life with dementia.

“There is so much growth and awesomeness going on at Hospice Savannah,” says Costello.

Among the new initiatives that the Edel Caregiver Institute is working to implement is Project Sherpa, which connects retired physicians with caregivers to help translate care instructions, ask the right questions and act as a second set of eyes for things a family caregiver might not know to look for. The institute is also working to adopt Hospice Savannah’s Music and Memory program, where specially trained volunteers create personalized playlists for anxious or agitated patients, with the hope that this will indirectly ease the process of caregiving.

As with all of the Edel Caregiver Institute’s oﬀerings, these programs are free of charge and exist to ease the pressure of life’s most diﬃcult moments — ensuring that the bond between parent and child stays intact on both ends of the Sandwich Generation.

From left: Dana Tomko, FNP-C; Marianne Mainer, AGPCNP-BC; Not photographed: Tasha Schultz, FNP-BC

Back in Action

Savannah’s spinal solutions aim to eliminate the pain

Written by BRENDAN RINEY

ACCORDING TO GEORGETOWN UNIVERSITY’S

Health Policy Institute, about 8% of all adults have persistent back pain. The trouble is that, just like knees and hips, the spine develops arthritis, the discs degrade. A potential result of disc degradation is lumbar spinal stenosis, which is characterized by the narrowing of the spinal canal. Meanwhile, spinal arthritis can lead to a condition called spondylolisthesis, commonly referred to as a slipped disc.

“While there is a genetic predisposition to spondylolisthesis, it’s also just wear and tear,” says Dr. James Lindley, a neurosurgeon at the Neurological Institute of Savannah. Luckily, Savannah has two procedures that, while not cure-alls, present a promising push toward a pain-free back, or more speciﬁcally, lower back.

Just last year, the FDA approved the Total Posterior Spine System (TOPS), an invasive procedure where an implant is placed speciﬁcally on the L3-L5 vertebrae to help anyone with degenerative spinal stenosis and spondylolisthesis (grades I and II). Among the promising aspects of TOPS are increased mobility and sciatic pain relief (pain extending down through the legs).

If back surgeries were in a competition, TOPS would be playing against spinal fusion. The key diﬀerence between the two is that spinal fusion completely eliminates mobility while TOPS maintains some. A fusion can also potentially cause adjacent segment disease (ASD), which arises from the increased stress put on the fused vertebrae. Because TOPS does not fuse the vertebrae, but instead supports it, it eliminates the root cause of ASD. “Fusion remains the gold standard,” Lindley notes, “but TOPS is a good option.”

The implant device, which attaches to the lowest three vertebrae in your lumbar spine, picks up some of the shockabsorbing slack while maintaining the structure and six degrees of mobility found in the spine.

The second procedure is called Intracept, a minimally invasive outpatient procedure that would likely come if an epidural injection fails to provide relief. Intracept targets the basivertebral nerve that resides in the spinal column, destroying it to interrupt the pain signals it channels to the brain.

“The secret to pain management is if you can’t ﬁx the problem causing the pain, you obliterate the root of the pain,” says Dr. Joseph Hegarty, an interventional pain management specialist with Optim Health Systems.

For this procedure, patients receive anesthesia and a local

anesthetic to numb the skin where the doctor makes a miniscule incision to access the inﬂamed discs by inserting a special probe. The probe heats up to 167 degrees Fahrenheit (75 degrees Celsius) and for seven minutes the probe burns the basivertebral nerve. After a brief recovery period, most patients report signiﬁcant pain relief within two to four weeks.

Life takes the backseat when back pain comes to town. Each patient has their own experience, but almost universally, people suﬀering from back pain feel completely reduced in their capabilities, both physically and cognitively. Gee Gee Kirkley, a successful Intracept patient, knows this all too well. “There’s no aspect of my life it didn’t play a role in,” she says. “It aﬀects everything you can do and everything you can’t do.”

Both treatments are built to last, so patients can get back to life as it had been before chronic back pain. Kirkley, for example, says she is able to easily walk down Broughton Street with her granddaughter, whereas before she would need to stop and rest because of her back. Today, she enjoys her mobility the way we all should be able to: pain free.

is dedicated to providing compassionate and

Our fellowship trained physicians are focused on treatment plans that are in line with the needs and goals of each of our patients.

Jessica Wilder, MD

Schulze Eye & Surgery Center

MEDICAL DEGREE: University of Virginia

RESIDENCY: Ochsner Medical Center, New Orleans, Louisiana

INTERNSHIP: Roanoke Memorial Hospital, Virginia

FELLOWSHIP: Kentucky Eye Institute

AFFILIATIONS: American Medical Association, American Academy of Ophthalmology, American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, International Society of Refractive Surgery, Medical Advisory Board of the Georgia Eye Bank

I’M A LEADING EXPERT IN: Anterior segment surgery, which includes cataract surgery, refractive surgery (i.e. LASIK, PRK, ICL) and corneal transplantation.

I WAS ATTRACTED TO THIS FIELD BECAUSE: I am a fourth-generation physician and the fourth eye doctor in my family — after my father, my grandfather and my uncle.

I’M MOST EXCITED ABOUT: Artiﬁcial intelligence and its application to help improve accuracy in eye surgery through better planning to achieve better results.

I KNEW I WANTED TO BE A DOCTOR WHEN: I was 6 years old.

MY MOST REWARDING MOMENT AS A DOCTOR: Doing free surgery on a homeless person who had gone blind and could no longer work. Restoring his vision allowed him to regain his occupation and his sense of dignity.

I’M MOST PROUD OF: My three daughters.

MY PATIENTS WOULD DESCRIBE MY BEDSIDE MANNER AS: Warm but professional.

Richard R. Schulze Jr., M.Phil. (Oxon), MD

MY FAVORITE WAY TO STAY FIT: Windsurﬁng and working out at the gym.

MY FAVORITE WAY TO RELAX: Playing with my dog and reading ﬁction and history.

MY GUILTY PLEASURE: Chocolate.

MY GO-TO SPOT IN SAVANNAH: Hiranos, for sushi once a week.

ONE PERSON I WOULD LIKE TO HAVE DINNER WITH:

Elon Musk. I think he is changing the world. I’ve been driving Teslas since 2013, and the technology is amazing.

YOU’D NEVER GUESS THAT: I went to graduate school for English at the University of Oxford in England before going to medical school.

IF I WASN’T A DOCTOR: I would be an English professor.

I ENJOY VOLUNTEERING FOR:

The town of Vernonburg, where I serve on the town council.

THE LAST BOOK I READ:

“The Wide Wide Sea: Imperial Ambition, First Contact and the Fateful Final Voyage of Captain James Cook,” an account of Cook’s last voyage in which he “discovered” Hawaii. It’s got it all: drama, history, anthropology and high adventure.

ONE THING I WOULD TELL AN ASPIRING FUTURE DOCTOR: Don’t go into medicine for the money; you will be disappointed if you do.

DON’T BELIEVE THE HYPE: Blue-blocking glasses don’t help.

Dr. Richard R. Schulze Jr., M.Phil. (Oxon), center, and his Schulze Eye & Surgery Center team

Audiology and Hearing Aid Services

SAVANNAH: 803 E 68th St., 912.351.3038

SKIDAWAY ISLAND: 6 Skidaway Village Walk, 912.598.0616

POOLER: 1000 Towne Center Blvd., Suite 200, 912.351.3038 ahassavannah.com

CREDENTIALS: All of our audiologists are accredited with the Georgia State Board of Audiology, the American Speech-Language Hearing Association and are members of the American Academy of Audiology.

WE’RE EXPERTS IN: Helping patients communicate with their loved ones.

OUR APPROACH TO MEDICINE: Patientcentered care. Every single patient is different and unique. We tell a lot of our patients that they cannot compare their journey to anyone else’s. We pride ourselves on treating each individual and each hearing loss as unique to that patient’s needs. Getting to the core of what environments are troublesome to a atient and causing them di ﬁculties in communicating is the key to a successful ﬁtting o hearing de ices. reating hearing loss is a lifetime journey that changes and needs monitoring.

OUR MOST REWARDING MOMENTS: When patients come tell us how great it was to be able to hear their grandchildren or how they were ﬁnally a le to artici ate at ridge family dinner or sewing club.

WE ARE MOST PROUD OF: Our service to each patient. We want all of our patients to feel like they are with family and have the support they need to succeed in getting the best hearing possible.

OUR FAVORITE WAYS TO RELAX ARE: Going to the beach or going for a walk around the Islands YMCA Walking Trail. Dr. King has a brand new puppy to keep her busy in her free time, while Dr. Kim, Dr. Bradshaw and Dr. Laws all enjoy playing tennis.

WE WISH MORE OF OUR PATIENTS WOULD: Get a baseline hearing test at an early age. We tell every patient that it’s never too early for a hearing test. Having a baseline is great to monitor hearing and communication needs as they change.

From left: Lucy Bradshaw, AuD.; Casey Allen, AuD., CCC-A; Katy Laws, AuD., CCC-A; Sara King, AuD., CCC-A; and Sieon Kim, AuD., CCC-A

Thomas Horn, MD

THE GEORGIA INSTITUTE FOR PLASTIC SURGERY

5361 Reynolds St. 912.355.8000

mycosmeticsurgeon.md

MEDICAL DEGREE: University of Florida

RESIDENCY: The Medical College of Georgia

FELLOWSHIP: The University of Miami

AFFILIATIONS: American Society of Plastic Surgery, The American Board of Surgery

I WAS ATTRACTED TO THIS FIELD OF MEDICINE BECAUSE: Every day is different, I am able to make a difference in people’s lives, and I truly enjoy helping people.

I KNEW I WANTED TO BE A DOCTOR: At a young age. My grandad and dad were both physicians, and I knew I wanted to follow in their footsteps.

I’M MOST PROUD OF: My team and how we work together and give exceptional care to our patients and their families.

I STAY FIT BY: Riding my Peloton.

MY FAVORITE WAY TO RELAX IS: Spending time with my family, long-distance shooting and ﬁshing.

MY GUILTY PLEASURE: Eating peanut butter out of the jar.

A DAY DOESN’T GO BY THAT I DON’T: Try to better myself.

MY GO-TO SPOT IN SAVANNAH: he Pink ouse it is the deﬁnition o Southern charm.

ONE PERSON I WOULD LIKE TO HAVE DINNER WITH: My wife. It gets quite busy, and I enjoy spending one on one time with her.

YOU’D NEVER GUESS THAT: I was a diesel mechanic prior to becoming a plastic surgeon.

THE LAST BOOK I READ: “Make Your Bed” by Adm. William McRaven. Start your day with a positive act, and the rest of your day is synergistic on that.

I WISH MORE OF MY PATIENTS WOULD STOP: Using Google.

David S. Oliver, MD, FACS, FAAOA

COASTAL EAR, NOSE & THROAT

SAVANNAH: 322 Commercial Drive 912.355.2335

POOLER: 200 Blue Moon Crossing 912.450.2336 coastal-ent.com facebook.com/drdavidoliver

MEDICAL DEGREE: Medical University of South Carolina, College of Medicine

RESIDENCY: Medical College of Virginia

AFFILIATIONS: St. Joseph’s/Candler

I’M A LEADING EXPERT: In balloon sinuplasty, a minimally invasive procedure for relieving sinusitis. I have performed more than o these in o ﬁce procedures since its inception in 2011. When compared to traditional sinus surgery, balloon sinuplasty is less invasive, has less bleeding and offers a faster recovery period. Most people can return to work in a few days rather than a week or so. If you are suffering from chronic sinusitis and are not responding to medical treatment, we can help you.

I AM PASSIONATE ABOUT: Building a foundation of trust and fostering strong doctor-patient relationships. A commitment to educate and empower my patients in their health care is one of the cornerstones of our practice. In order to give my patients the best care must ﬁrst listen to their needs.

I’M MOST EXCITED ABOUT: The addition of our CT scanner, the 3D Accuitomo 170 ENT, which delivers a high level of clarity and visualizes paranasal sinus and temporal bones at a much lower radiation dosage than conventional CT scans. The new service has increased patient satisfaction and retention with the ability to scan, diagnose and plan treatment in one visit.

WE OFFER: A myriad of services including treating common adult and pediatric ENT conditions like allergic rhinitis, chronic sinusitis, deviated septums, thyroid disorders, snoring and sleep apnea and balance issues. We also provide hearing loss evaluations and can help patients with hearing aids and more. ENT disorders can interfere with an individual’s quality of life and, if left untreated, can lead to more permanent damage.

Yulianty Kusuma, MD, FACP

INTERNAL MEDICINE OF SAVANNAH

SAVANNAH: 6413 Waters Ave., Suite 102

POOLER: 114 Canal St., Suite 102 912.349.6624 internalmedicineofsavannah.com

CERTIFICATION: American Board of Internal Medicine

SPECIALTY: Adult medicine, diagnosing and treating acute and chronic diseases, and preventive care. We encourage annual wellness exams, cancer screenings, updating vaccines and healthy lifestyle habits to help control risk factors such as elevated blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar. We work closely with patients to improve their quality of life and achieve wellness goals.

ON WORK-LIFE BALANCE: As a full-time physician, business owner, wife, mother and daughter, achieving work-life balance can be a wildering quest. After setting aside time for family, work and health, preparing and eating healthy meals is just one more job to tackle. Oftentimes, I have less than an hour to prepare meals and less than 30 minutes to enjoy them during workdays. It’s certainly easier to eat ready-made meals. However, what about the nourishment from fruits, vegetables, whole grains and low-fat meats and ﬁsh that the ody needs or the e tra calories that the body doesn’t? Controlled portions can balance these needs. When time is limited, it’s best to prepare something quick and simple, resulting in extra time to spend eating dinner with family. On weekends or holidays, we tend to indulge in more than we need. Cutting the portions and adding minutes to your exercise routine will help reestablish balance.

HEALTHY FOOD OPTIONS AND PORTIONS:

• BREAKFAST: 1 whole boiled egg (75 calories); 5 ounces of yogurt (180 cal.); 2 cups red berries cereal (280 cal.) with 1 cup of whole milk (150 cal.); coffee with ta les oon a ored cream cal. .

• LUNCH: California sushi roll, 6 pieces (192 cal.); 1 cup salad with cheese, berries and dressing (170 cal.); 1 bowl noodle with ﬁsh cake sou cal. 1 medium apple (90 cal.)

• DINNER: 3 ounces grilled salmon (160 cal.); 1 cup sautéed green beans (70 cal.); 1 cup rice (240 cal.); 1 cup salad with cheese, berries and dressing (170 cal.); 1 corn on the cob (160 cal.)

• SNACKS: banana chips, 48 pieces (225 cal.); 1 cup of popcorn (26 cal.); 1 mochi (126 cal.); 1 mini strawberry bundt cake (160 cal.); 1 cup berries (60 cal.); 2/3 cup frozen Ube, purple yam with cheese bits ice cream (170 cal.); watermelon, two slices (120 cal.)

Paige Marnell, MD & Chad Brock, MD

SAVANNAH: 1601 Abercorn St.

POOLER: 114 Canal St., Suite 301 912.712.2550 shrinksavannah.com

MEDICAL DEGREES: New York Medical College (Marnell); University of Oklahoma (Brock)

BOARD CERTIFICATIONS: General Psychiatry (Brock and Marnell) and Addiction Medicine (Marnell)

RESIDENCIES: University of Chicago (Marnell); Medical University of South Carolina (Brock)

FELLOWSHIP: Addiction Psychiatry, University of Texas Southwestern (Marnell)

I’M EXCITED ABOUT: The new and evolving treatments we are using to treat addiction and other psychiatric disorders. – Marnell

MY PHILOSOPHY WHEN IT COMES TO MEDICINE: You must start by establishing a good relationship with the patient. – Brock

I’M PASSIONATE ABOUT: Educating physicians-in-training and serving as a community advocate for the expansion of addiction treatment in the Savannah area. – Marnell

OUR PRACTICE CONTINUES TO BE A LEADER IN THIS AREA FOR: Alternatives for treatment-resistant depression. With the addition of more therapists and physician assistants to our team, we are able to offer Ketamine-assisted therapy as well as Ketamine-infusion treatments. Many patients state their experience teaches them to

reframe the way they perceive their stress or anxiety. – Brock

MY FAVORITE PART OF THE JOB:

Patient care and seeing the incredible improvements in their lives. I’m really proud of my team at Shrink Savannah and enjoy the sense of family we’ve built. – Brock Teaching residents and seeing patients recover from addiction. – Marnell

WHEN I’M NOT WORKING:

I’m riding my mountain bike or working with the Southeast Georgia Chapter of Southern Off-Road Bicycle Association (SEGA-SORBA) on building and maintaining the mountain biking trails at Tribble Park off Largo Drive. – Brock I am spending time with my family. – Marnell

MY FAVORITE SAVANNAH ACTIVITY:

Getting out on the water in the summertime and exploring Savannah’s food scene. – Marnell

SHRINK SAVANNAH

ExperCARE Health

DOWNTOWN: 818 Abercorn St. 912.800.0110

MALL BOULEVARD: 318 Mall Blvd. (next to Kroger) | 912.358.1515

POOLER: 2201 Pooler Parkway (near Costco) 912.800.6004

RICHMOND HILL: 60 Exchange St. (next to Kroger) | 912.756.2273

RINCON: 463 S. Columbia Ave. ne t to hick ﬁl A | 912.812.1001

HINESVILLE: 632 W. Oglethorpe Hwy., Unit A 912.430.4545

STATESBORO: 121 Tormenta Way (next to Publix) | 912.680.0020 ExperCAREhealth.com

WE ARE: rate ul to e your ﬁrst choice for on-demand health care for the last 15 years!

OUR MISSION: To provide on-demand access to top-quality health care.

HOW WE ARE DIFFERENT: We faced the status quo. The long wait times, the hurried providers, the worried patients. We saw it. And we couldn’t ignore it. So we stepped over and above it. We dreamt that every person would have access to health care when, how and where they needed it. Our patients became our guests. We re-engineered the whole health care experience. We threw the door open to change the lives and touch the ne t generation. o i the script on the system. A rainy day? We hold the umbrella. A crying child? We unwrap the popsicle. A feeling of

uncertainty? We’re here to listen. This isn’t health care from anyone, but it is for everyone. Because it’s better when it’s from someone who cares. We imagined what health care could be. Then we made it happen.

WE ARE EXPERTS IN: On-demand health care. Whether urgent care (diagnostic) or preventative (primary care), our model ensures access to top-quality health care on your terms — no approintment needed. This is health care for the whole family.

OUR APPROACH: We know that your time is precious, that’s why we are open when you need us. Extended hours and weekends, in-network with your insurance and transparent cash prices are just a few ways we take the guesswork out of where to go.

ExperCARE Health founder and CEO Catherine Grant, center, and her ExperCARE Health team

ForSight Unique Eye Care & Eye Wear

350 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. 912.483.6600 forsighteye.net

MEDICAL DEGREE: Doctor of Optometry (Morrow, Keller, Murphey), Master of Vision Science (Morrow); Master of Clinical Chemistry (Keller)

AFFILIATIONS: American Optometric, Association and Georgia Optometric Association

MY MOST REWARDING MOMENTS: Seeing a child who has been struggling to see clearly ut their glasses on or the ﬁrst time. Their excitement melts my heart and reminds me why I became an optometrist. — Dr. Keller

I’M MOST PROUD OF: Our ability to positively impact and improve our patient’s lifestyle and day-to-day activities through good visual acuity and comfort. — Dr. Murphey

I’M MOST EXCITED ABOUT: The technology that we’ve invested in that allows us to ﬁt ad anced s ecialty contact lenses. Patients who have corneal conditions such as keratoconus, astigmatism or scarring can have 20/20 vision again with specialty contact lenses. I am the only provider in this region who has an aglet ur ace Proﬁlometer. his technology scans the surface of the eye,

taking more than 350,000 measurements in one image, allowing me to customize a s ecialty lens to ﬁt your eye e actly.

— Dr. Morrow

PATIENTS OFTEN ASK ME: What’s the best ways to help with digital device strain and irritation. I often recommend good blue light and antire ecti e ro erties on your glasses copious preservative-free lubrication and the 20-20-20 rule — every 20 minutes, take 20 seconds and look 20ft away. — Dr. Keller

I WISH MORE OF MY PATIENTS WOULD: Value their eyes more. Saving money is important, but clear, comfortable vision should be a priority when choosing contact lenses or glasses. — Dr. Morrow

MY FAVORITE WAY TO STAY FIT:

Participating in local sports leagues like Savannah Ultimate! — Dr. Murphey

From left, Dr. Gabrielle Murphey, OD, Dr. Erika Morrow, OD, MS, and Dr. Melissa Keller, OD

Hospice Savannah and Steward Center for Palliative Care

1352 Eisenhower Drive 912.355.2289 hospicesavannah.org

MEDICAL DEGREES: Medical School at San Juan Bautista School of Medicine (Perdue); Medical School at San Martin de Porres University School of Medicine (Watanabe)

FELLOWSHIPS: Hospice and Palliative Care at Mercer University at Atrium Health (Perdue and Watanabe)

BOARD CERTIFICATIONS: Hospice and Palliative Medicine and Internal Medicine (Perdue and Watanabe)

WE’RE EXPERTS IN: Providing effective, compassionate hospice and palliative care in our community.

OUR PHILOSOPHY: You don’t have to suffer just because you are sick.

WE ARE MOST EXCITED ABOUT: Our ongoing a filiation with t. ose h s andler Center for Palliative Care in partnership with The Steward Center. We recently relocated the Palliative Care Outpatient Clinic to the third oor o the eart and ung uilding ne t to andler os ital. he larger o fice space has enabled us to see more patients, work more e ficiently and drastically decrease wait times.

OUR MOST REWARDING MOMENTS AS DOCTORS: When our patients and their families get the much needed help they deserve.

WE ARE MOST PROUD OF: Our ability to manage symptoms and provide a better quality of life.

OUR PATIENTS WOULD DESCRIBE OUR PRACTICE AS: A holistic, team approach to helping those who are suffering from a serious illness.

OUR FAVORITE WAYS TO STAY FIT: Walking and running.

OUR FAVORITE WAYS TO RELAX: Spending time with family and friends.

YOU’D NEVER GUESS THAT WE: Are uent in anish as well as nglish.

OUR PATIENTS OFTEN ASK: If they can receive palliative care while pursuing curative treatments. The answer is “Yes!”

From left: Dr. Hayda Perdue, Medical Director, and Dr. Eiko M. Watanabe, Associate Director

Je rey S. Mandel, MD, FACS

SOUTHCOAST HEALTH – SURGERY

1326 Eisenhower Drive, Building 2 912.354.6303 southcoasthealth.com/providers/ jeffrey-s-mandel

MEDICAL DEGREE: University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia

RESIDENCY: Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina

FELLOWSHIP: Advanced Laparoscopic Surgery, NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia, New York, New York

AFFILIATIONS: American College of Surgeons, Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons, Society of Laparoscopic Surgeons, Southeastern Surgical Congress, Georgia Surgical Society, Georgia Medical Society

I’M A LEADING EXPERT IN: Robotic and advanced laparoscopic surgery.

I WAS ATTRACTED TO THIS FIELD OF MEDICINE: Because it allows me to address patients’ problems in a minimally invasive fashion, leading to quicker recovery and less discomfort than traditional surgery.

MY MOST REWARDING MOMENTS AS A DOCTOR: Seeing my patients get better and enjoying their lives and families after being in my care.

I’M MOST PROUD OF: Being selected by my peers and coworkers to perform their and their family’s surgeries because they have had a behind-the-scenes look at my work and decided to trust me to be the surgeon to take care of them and their loved ones.

THE LAST BOOK I READ WAS: “GRIT: The Power of Passion and Perseverance” by Angela Duckworth. This book reinforced my belief that my success has been due to both hard work and determination in a ﬁeld that rings me great pride and satisfaction.

MY PATIENTS TELL ME: That I take the time to explain and answer their questions regarding their pending surgery in terms they understand.

IT’S SUCH AN HONOR: To have been selected by Savannah magazine readers as Best General Surgeon in Savannah since 2013.

WHEN I’M NOT WITH PATIENTS: I enjoy spending time with family and friends.

Keith A. Kirby, MD

SAVANNAH PAIN MANAGEMENT, INC.

8 Wheeler St. 912.352.4340

SavannahPainManagement.com

QUALIFICATIONS: Diplomate of the American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

BOARD CERTIFICATIONS: Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Pain Medicine

I AM A LEADING EXPERT IN: Nonsurgical treatment of pain. Our staff understands the suffering caused by pain. We are committed to relieving your suffering so that you may return to a more active lifestyle.

OUR SERVICES INCLUDE: Pain treatment from degenerative disc disease, disc herniation, arthritis of the spine, SI (sacroiliac) joint problems, sciatica, peripheral neuro athy shingles re e sym athetic dystrophy (RSD) and other causes of persistent pain.

MY TRAINING ENABLES ME TO: Construct a rehabilitation plan designed to return you to those activities that your pain prevents you from doing.

WHATEVER YOU DO, DON’T: Suffer from pain needlessly. If you suffer from pain that does not resol e itsel in our to si weeks ask your doctor to re er you to a hysician who is oard certiﬁed in ain medicine.

ASK YOUR DOCTOR ABOUT: Nonsurgical treatment options for degenerative disc disease and disc herniation o your neck and ack. inety ercent o those with a herniated disc will im ro e within si months after nonsurgical treatment.

Pamela Gaudry, MD, NCMP, FACOG

COASTAL CARE PARTNERS

4 Skidaway Village Walk, Suite B 912.598.6312

coastalcarepartners.com

EDUCATION: University of Georgia

RESIDENCY: Medical College of Georgia

AFFILIATIONS: Georgia Medical Society; Executive Board of the Medical Association of Georgia; Inaugural class of the Georgia Physician Leadership Academy

WE’RE EXPERTS IN: Concierge adult primary care.

OUR APPROACH TO MEDICINE: Focusing on the highest quality care delivered through the best customer service possible. We believe health care should have the same focus on customer service as other industries. Our members have access to our clinical providers 24 hours a day, and we believe in quick communication and urgency. We treat our members like we want to be treated.

MY FAVORITE WAYS TO STAY FIT: Running with my dog and using an exercise machine on my back porch.

YOU’D NEVER GUESS THAT: I am a huge Georgia Bulldog fan, and we rarely miss a home game. I love UGA so much that I named by Golden Retriever Munson!

ONE THING WE WOULD TELL AN ASPIRING FUTURE DOCTOR: The key to caring for the patient is “caring for” your patients. The profound relationship that you form with them will last for years. One of the greatest accomplishments of my career is being able to be friends with my patients. If you care for them like you would your family, you will do well.

WHAT MAKES YOUR PRACTICE

DIFFERENT: Our focus is not in seeing how many a ointments we can ﬁt into a day. Instead, our focus is making sure we are available to you, our patient, when you need us. Traditional medical practices may be patient-focused, but they’re not customer focused. We put the atient and the customer ﬁrst. We believe in “making yes happen,” and our approach is always delivering on our mission, “how can we help?”

Carl B. Pearl, MD

CHATHAM PLASTIC SURGERY

8 Stephenson Ave. 912.446.1985

chathamplasticsurgery.com

RESIDENCY: Medical College of Georgia (General Surgery)

FELLOWSHIP: University of Tennessee Memphis (Plastic Surgery)

AFFILIATIONS: AOA, ASPS

I’M A LEADING EXPERT IN: Cosmetic surgery of the face and body.

I WAS ATTRACTED TO THIS FIELD OF MEDICINE: Because the intricacies and details of plastic surgery inspire and challenge me.

I’M MOST EXCITED ABOUT: The grand opening of our state-of-the-art ambulatory surgery center.

I KNEW I WANTED TO BE A DOCTOR WHEN: My mother survived breast cancer. I always felt that her surgeon gave me more time with her.

MY MOST REWARDING MOMENTS AS A DOCTOR ARE WHEN: Patients cry because they are happy with themselves and how they look.

MY GO-TO SPOT IN SAVANNAH IS: My house because I love my dog.

ONE PERSON I WOULD LIKE TO HAVE DINNER WITH: te ﬁ ra want to know what she thought about while competing.

YOU’D NEVER GUESS THAT: I am a good bowler.

I WISH MORE OF MY PATIENTS WOULD STOP: Comparing themselves to images on social media.

ONE THING I WOULD TELL AN ASPIRING FUTURE DOCTOR: If you are the smartest person in the room, you are in the wrong room.

Savannah Behavioral Pediatrics, LLC

310 Eisenhower Drive, Building 5 912.436.6789

savannahbehavioralpediatrics.com

OUR MISSION IS: To expand access to the highest quality psychological assessment and treatment services for children and families struggling with developmental, behavioral or learning challenges.

OUR MOTTO IS: “Changing behavior. Changing lives.” When committed families collaborate with us and work hard, we see life-changing transformations for both the child and the family.

WE’RE EXPERTS IN: Child behavior, learning and development. We help parents and guardians to better understand the challenges facing their children, and we partner with families to change behavior, improve learning and overcome developmental obstacles. Whether your child or adolescent is exhibiting challenging behavior, anxiety, social delays or learning di ﬁculties we

are the best specialists trained to identify, treat and monitor your child throughout the developmental period.

WE ARE MOST EXCITED ABOUT: Offering unmatched care for children and adolescents in the Lowcountry. We offer the best and most comprehensive evaluations and effective, evidence-based behavior therapy. There’s no rule book for raising a child, but we are the next best thing! Through knowledge, practice and partnership, we help you and your child be your very best.

ONE QUICK

TIP FOR IMPROVING CHILD BEHAVIOR

IS: Catch your child being good (i.e. quiet, calm, polite, etc.)! Adult attention, particularly parental attention, is behavioral fuel, so catch and label good, appropriate behaviors to see them more often.

From left: Heather Myers, family therapist; Amanda Wadley, child and adolescent therapist; Dr. Kristi Hofstadter-Duke, director and pediatric psychologist; Dr. Cassidy Oliver, psychology postdoctoral fellow; Dr. Kristen Hembree, pediatric psychologist and director of integrated care; Dr. Cecelia Ribuffo, pediatric psychologist

Claudia Gaughf, MD

GAUGHF DERMATOLOGY

SAVANNAH: 639 Stephenson Ave.

POOLER: 1000 Town Center Blvd, Suite 900 RICHMOND HILL: 200 Interchange Drive 912.354.7124 gaughfdermatology.com

MEDICAL DEGREE: Medical College of Georgia

RESIDENCY: Medical Doctor, Internal Medicine at Medical Center of Central Georgia; Dermatology, Medical College of Georgia

CERTIFICATION: American Board of Dermatology

AFFILIATION: Georgia Society of Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery

I AM EXCITED ABOUT: The everchanging ﬁeld o dermatology. When ﬁnished residency years ago we had no real cures for psoriasis, atopic dermatitis or alopecia areata, all of which can have devastating effects. Biologic therapies have now changed the quality of life for patients with these conditions.

A MOST REWARDING MOMENT: Seeing a child with atopic eczema who, after receiving new therapies, is now smiling and no longer miserable and itching all over.

A UNIQUE PROCEDURE I’M EXCITED TO OFFER: MiraDry decreases sweat and odor by up by 80 percent. Hyperhidrosis, or excessive underarm sweating, can be embarrassing, and we are excited to offer this cure. MiraDry uses a noninvasive handheld device to deliver precisely controlled electromagnetic energy beneath

the underarm skin to the s eciﬁc area where sweat glands are located.

A DAY DOESN’T GO BY THAT I DON’T:

Think about all that my parents have done for me. My mother, age 99, works out with a personal trainer and is an example of staying ﬁt and kee ing your mind acti e. he ust keeps going. I am lucky to have her genes.

I LEARNED SO MUCH FROM: My father, who spent hours teaching me tennis since I was 9. Now deceased, my father was an accomplished musician and taught me perseverance, competiveness, a strong work ethic and to do my best in everything.

I’M MOST PROUD OF: My two talented, beautiful children, ages 18 and 20. Both inherited beautiful voices and music skills from my father. I am thankful I have been able to balance having a career and motherhood.

Timothy Minton, MD, FACS

SAVANNAH FACIAL PLASTIC SURGERY

5356 Reynolds St., Suite 510 912.644.0744

savannahfacialplasticsurgery.com

MEDICAL DEGREE: State University of New York

RESIDENCY: Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery, State University of New York, Syracuse

FELLOWSHIP: Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Albany Medical University

AFFILIATIONS: Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society, Fellow American Academy of Facial Plastic Surgery, Fellow American College of Surgeons

I’M A LEADING EXPERT IN: Facelift surgery, rhinoplasty, eyelid surgery and facial reconstruction after skin cancer.

I WAS ATTRACTED TO THIS FIELD OF MEDICINE BECAUSE OF: The com ination o artistic e ression scientiﬁc study and hand-eye technical skills.

I’M MOST EXCITED ABOUT: Deep plane facelift surgery and preservation rhinoplasty, which can provide natural results without the stigma of plastic surgery all while minimizing complications.

MY MOST REWARDING MOMENTS AS A DOCTOR: Helping to improve a person’s uality o li e and sel conﬁdence.

I’M MOST PROUD OF: My incredible team at Savannah Facial Plastic Surgery.

MY FAVORITE WAY TO STAY FIT: Early morning strength training.

MY GUILTY PLEASURE: Celsius energy drinks.

MY GO-TO SPOT IN SAVANNAH: Islands Ace Hardware — I love a good home project.

IF I WASN’T A DOCTOR, I WOULD BE: A park ranger in Alaska.

I ENJOY VOLUNTEERING FOR: Face To Face, an organization that provides plastic surgery services to victims of domestic violence.

I WISH MORE OF MY PATIENTS WOULD STOP: Getting bad medical advice online.

THREE FOODS THAT CAN IMPROVE YOUR HEALTH: Protein, veggies and fruits — in that order.

Expert Hearing

… YOUR CONCIERGE SOLUTION

2 Skidaway Village Walk, Suite C 912.777.8580 experthearingsavannah.com

EDUCATION: Master’s in Audiology, University of Georgia; Doctorate in Audiology, Arizona School of Health Sciences (Timna); Bachelor’s in Communication Sciences and Disorders, University of Georgia; Doctorate in Audiology, University of Louisville (Palmer)

SPECIALTY: Tinnitus Management (Timna)

CERTIFICATION: Dementia Care (Timna) and Audiology, American Speech-LanguageHearing Association (Timna and Palmer)

ACCREDITATION: Georgia State Board of Audiology, American Speech and Hearing Association (Timna and Palmer)

AFFILIATIONS: American Academy of Audiology

WE OPENED BECAUSE: We recognized the need to create a hearing health care practice that is personalized and affordable. Our combined experience of more than 45 years has put us at the forefront of hearing health care in Savannah.

OUR PHILOSOPHY: With our state-ofthe art e ui ment ert earing is the ﬁrst in the Coastal Empire to offer cutting-edge testing to determine how a patient hears, understands and processes speech in noise. Studies have shown that managing hearing loss early can slow the potential effects of dementia. Expert Hearing has made that even easier and more affordable for our patients. Options of care include home visits, after-hours personal phone support and more. We can see you in our o ﬁce or within your home! Our commitment is to improve your hearing and communication needs in any environment and help you age in place.

OUR MOST REWARDING MOMENTS:

Have been seeing the many patients whom we have truly helped with their hearing challenges and seeing how our efforts have allowed them to thrive.

WHEN WE AREN’T IN THE OFFICE:

Dr. Cori Palmer is a marathon runner and enters numerous marathons across the country. Dr. Susan Timna stays active with her grandchildren and Pilates classes, both of which keep her challenged and busy!

WE WISH: That with all of the literature about untreated hearing loss leading to earlier cognitive decline, that everyone would come in for a baseline evaluation to see where they fall, not only in the volume of sound but also in the clarity of speech in noise and the speed of processing that speech.

Doctors of Audiology Susan Timna, right, and Cori Palmer

Rosenfeld Neurology & Sleep

7001 Hodgson Memorial Drive, Suite 2 912.298.6646 rosenfeldneuro.com

MEDICAL DEGREE: Emory University School of Medicine

RESIDENCY: University of Miami, Neurology

FELLOWSHIP: Neurophysiology and Critical Care Neurology, University of California, Los Angeles

CERTIFICATION: Neurology and Sleep Medicine

I’M A LEADING EXPERT IN: Neurophysiology, neurology and sleep medicine. We offer home sleep testing, in-lab sleep testing including polysomnography, Inspire titration, CPAP and BiPAP titration, multiple sleep latency testing, vestibular autorotation testing, neurocognitive testing, nerve conduction and electromyography, electroencephalography, ambulatory testing with video telemetry, neurocognitive testing and small ﬁ er ner e io sy.

MY PRACTICE PROVIDES: State-of-the-art, cutting-edge medical therapies for neurologic and sleep conditions with a personalized focus in a compassionate setting.

I’M MOST EXCITED ABOUT: The ability to test or Al heimer s now using s inal uid analysis as well as being able to test for conditions like Amyloidosis and Parkinson’s disease using skin punch biopsies.

I’M MOST PROUD OF: Having Savannah’s only sleep facility accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Health Care (ACHA).

I HAVE BEEN PUBLISHED: In numerous medical publications about sleep medicine, sleep electrophysiology, migraines, neuro-oncology, Huntington’s disease, Guillain-Barré syndrome, sleep a nea restless legs and ﬁ romyalgia.

MY FAVORITE WAYS TO RELAX: Praying, hunting ﬁshing and laying with my kids.

YOU’D NEVER GUESS THAT: I was raised to be a percussionist.

THREE FOODS THAT CAN IMPROVE YOUR HEALTH: Eggs, mushrooms and blueberries — they are all good for the brain. –Answers by Victor Rosenfeld, MD

Dr. Victor Rosenfeld, center, pictured with his Rosenfeld Neurology & Sleep team.

Children’s Eye Institute of Savannah

340 Eisenhower Drive, Suite 1400A 912.353.1001 ceisav.com

EDUCATION: University of Pennsylvania (DeVaro); Arizona College of Optometry (Bennett)

RESIDENCY: Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh (DeVaro); Pediatric Optometry, Indiana University School of Optometry (Bennett)

FELLOWSHIP: Pediatric Ophthalmology Fellowship, Duke University Eye Center (DeVaro)

WE’RE EXPERTS IN: The eye care of infants and children, including glasses, amblyopia, strabismus, tearduct obstruction, pediatric cataract and glaucoma and retinopathy of prematurity.

OUR APPROACH TO EYE EXAMS: Starts with patience. We understand getting eyes checked may be scary and uncomfortable.

WE ARE MOST EXCITED ABOUT: New approaches to myopia control and amblyopia as well as the recent opening of our new optical shop.

OUR MOST REWARDING MOMENTS: Being able to help the next generation see so that they can go on to learn and thrive in school and beyond.

WE WISH MORE OF OUR PARENTS KNEW: Children around the world are becoming increasingly myopic. Children should decrease their screen time, increase their outdoor time and wear the correct prescription glasses fulltime if recommended.

WE ENJOY GIVING BACK: Since 2017, Dr. Bennett has volunteered as a doctor with See Better Learn Better. This is a group of eye doctors and volunteers who travel to West Moreland, Jamaica, to bring eye care and affordable glasses to school-aged children. Dr. DeVaro directs the ophthalmology curriculum for the pediatric residents at Memorial and teaches local medical students.

THREE FOODS THAT CAN IMPROVE YOUR HEALTH ARE: atty ﬁsh green leafy vegetables and water.

From left: Hannah Floyd, Erica Wolfe, Chelsey Hopf, Dr. John DeVaro, Dr. Elizabeth Bennett, Aimy Bitzer, Lizzie Dittmer and Hannah Horton

LUX ~ A Medical Spa

BLUFFTON: 350 Fording Island Road, Suite 101 HILTON HEAD ISLAND: 24 Shelter Cove Lane, Suite 50 843.252.0037 | luxhhi.com

EDUCATION: Medical degree, Emory University Medical School (Traywick); bachelor’s in biochemistry, University of Notre Dame (Weniger); medical degree, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine (Weniger); MBA, University of Pittsburgh (Weniger)

INTERNSHIP: Dermatology, Emory University School of Medicine (Traywick)

RESIDENCY: Dermatology, Emory University School of Medicine (Traywick); Plastic Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine

CERTIFICATIONS: Dermatology (Traywick); Plastic Surgery (Weniger)

WHAT SETS US APART: We’re the only medical spa in the Lowcountry co-owned by both a plastic surgeon and a dermatology.

OUR APPROACH: Combines dermatology and plastic surgery expertise so that our practitioners can ensure our patients receive comprehensive care that addresses both skin and structural concerns.

WE ARE MOST EXCITED ABOUT: The opportunity to make a positive impact on our patients’ lives by helping them feel more conﬁdent com orta le and radiant in their own skin. We’re also excited about introducing Morpheus8 by Inmode, a minimally invasive device that helps our atients achie e smoother ﬁrmer skin.

WE ARE SO PROUD THAT: Our doctors and our medical spa have won “Best of” contests year a ter year since ﬁrst o ening in .

We also are proud of the launch of our own skincare product, Lumen Skin Care.

WE ENJOY GIVING BACK: We provide more than 1,000 silent auction vouchers per year to multiple organizations and charitable events.

WE WISH MORE OF OUR PATIENTS WOULD STOP: Comparing themselves to social media and following fads. The aesthetics industry should be about what makes you feel your best. So many fads come and go; so don’t believe everything you read online.

OUR PATIENTS OFTEN ASK: What is your one recommendation? We tell them to invest in medical-grade skin care and apply sunscreen daily. The best way to navigate all the skincare options is to schedule a consultation with a licensed aesthetician.

From left: Frederick G. Weniger, MD, FACS, MBA and Carmen A. Traywick, MD, FAAD

Moon River Pediatrics

7001 Hodgson Memorial Drive, Suite 1 912.513.5787 | moonriverpediatrics.com

EDUCATION: Medical degree, Medical College of Georgia (Alexander); Bachelor’s in Nursing, Georgia Southern University; Family Nurse Practitioner, South University (Bossak)

RESIDENCIES: University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center, Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital (Alexander)

WE’RE EXPERTS IN: Pediatrics (newborn to 21 years) and breastfeeding medicine.

WE ARE MOST EXCITED ABOUT: Direct communication with our patients! Our patients can text, Facetime or call their pediatrician directly to improve patient care and convenience.

WE ARE MOST PROUD OF: Our relationships with our patients and their families. We love getting hugs, photographs and hand-made cards from patients.

WHAT SETS US APART: We have a limited patient panel so we can ro ide more ersonali ed care with unrushed isits e i le scheduling and direct communication with our patients.

WE ENJOY VOLUNTEERING FOR: PACK Savannah.

Ismary De Castro, MD

SAVANNAH ENDOCRINOLOGY LLC

912.232.5900 | 107 Southern Blvd., Ste. 103 savannahendocrinology.com

RESIDENCY: Memorial Health University Medical Center

FELLOWSHIP: University of Rochester School of Medicine & Dentistry

I’M AN EXPERT IN: Endocrinology, diabetes and metabolism. I was attracted to this ﬁeld o medicine when learning a out human physiology. Endocrinology is a vast and thriving specialty with emerging therapies and progress year after year. Our endocrine system controls our hormones, which regulate our metabolism, reproduction, growth, movement and sexual development.

I’M MOST EXCITED ABOUT: Novel treatment options that improve quality of life and patient outcomes, and incorporating diabetes technology to support patients’ day-to-day work-life balance.

MY FAVORITE WAY TO STAY FIT IS: With routine exercise, planning my meals and a good night’s sleep.

MY PATIENTS ALWAYS ASK ME: “Is there something I can do on my own to improve my condition?" Absolutely. I generally begin by evaluating each patient’s lifestyle and include individualized dietary and physical activity recommendations for them.

From left: Kelsey Alexander, MD; and Samantha Bossak, FNP-C, CLC

Photo

CHRISTINE HALL PHOTOGRAPHY

Daniel O’Mara, MD

SAVANNAH CHATHAM IMAGING

scirads.com

MEDICAL DEGREE: Georgetown University School of Medicine

INTERNSHIP: Internal Medicine, Georgetown University Hospital

RESIDENCY: Diagnostic Radiology, Johns Hopkins Hospital

FELLOWSHIP: Vascular and Interventional Radiology, Johns Hopkins Hospital

CERTIFICATION: American Board of Radiology

AFFILIATIONS: St. Joseph’s/Candler, including Savannah, Pooler and Bluffton, South Carolina, locations

WHAT SETS ME APART: am oard certiﬁed in oth diagnostic and interventional radiology. This means I am an expert in using medical imaging ray ultrasound to ﬁnd a normalities inside the body as well as perform minimally invasive procedures to treat diseases. It is immensely satisfying to be able to seamlessly offer my patients diagnostic and treatment services.

MY GO-TO SPOT: Forsyth Park for Sunday family-dinner picnics. Food and fun in the shade of the live oaks is my favorite way to end the weekend. The sidewalks are also a great canvas for me to share my chalk art. Look out for my skeletons!

Ryan Moody, MD, FCCP

SOUTHEAST LUNG ASSOCIATES

340 Hodgson Court | 912.629.2290 | selung.com

MEDICAL DEGREE: Mercer School of Medicine

RESIDENCY: University of Virginia

FELLOWSHIP: Medical College of GA

CERTIFICATION: Sleep, Pulmonary and Critical Care

AFFILIATIONS: St. Joseph’s/Candler

I’M A LEADING EXPERT IN: Pulmonary hypertension.

I’M MOST EXCITED ABOUT: Advancements in lung cancer diagnosis and treatments.

MY MOST REWARDING MOMENTS AS A DOCTOR: enuine connection with eo le in di ﬁcult situations.

MY PATIENTS WOULD DESCRIBE MY BEDSIDE MANNER AS: Relaxed, informative and pragmatic.

MY GO-TO SPOT IN SAVANNAH: Forest City Gun Club.

MY FAVORITE WAY TO RELAX: Riding my motorcycle.

I ENJOY VOLUNTEERING FOR: St. Mary’s Community Center.

Pearl Medesthetics at Chatham Plastic Surgery

8 Stephenson Ave. 912.446.1985

chathamplasticsurgery.com

@chathamplasticsurgery

THE TEAM:

ayman ri ﬁn A

arianne mith

ary ay P Practice Administrator

ichelle urley A P

Allyson ngram PA

WE’RE EXPERTS IN: edical skin care rotocols acials cosmetic laser rocedures medical skin treatment de ices weight loss and in ecta les.

OUR PATIENTS WOULD DESCRIBE OUR PRACTICE AS: A lend o hysician and esthetician treatments addressing aging redness and igment or correction and re ention as well as long term skin and ody maintenance or our cosmetic surgery atients. We also hear that we ha e a lot o un. We admit you are most likely to hear laughter in our hallways. ur sta lo es what we do en oys working together and is assionate a out hel ing our atients get the healthy glowing skin they desire.

OUR PHILOSOPHY: o create a ath to healthy eauti ul skin that is uni ue

to each atient. We don t ha e a menu or the masses. We a roach skin with a di erse selection o roducts treatments and laser and light treatments s eciﬁc to the indi idual in our chair. We create a lan or the erson taking into account the current condition o their skin their ersonal goals and medical history. We want to create a uni ue and im act ul experience at every appointment.

OUR PATIENTS OFTEN ASK US: an you make me look like this ﬁlter

WE WISH MORE OF OUR PATIENTS WOULD STOP: om aring themsel es to what they see on social media.

A DAY DOESN’T GO BY THAT WE DON’T: A ly sunscreen e eryone should

Shrink Savannah

SAVANNAH: 1601 Abercorn St.

POOLER: 114 Canal St., Suite 301 912.712.2550 shrinksavannah.com

MEDICAL DEGREES: Master of Science Physician Assistant Studies, South University (Stearns, Hilliard, Triplett, Yates); Master of Science Physician Assistant Studies, Augusta University (Tilley); Masters of Science in Nursing, Georgia Southern University (Mell)

I’M EXCITED TO LEARN: More about psychiatry’s use of psychedelics as a way to help patients get the relief and recovery they need. – Stearns

More about Ketamine therapy and the different ways we can apply it to our ﬁeld. – Hilliard

I AM MOST EXCITED ABOUT: The use of Botox for the treatment of depression. Psychiatry is experiencing a major paradigm shift. No longer is depression a disease of nore ine hrine and serotonin deﬁciency. oday we are e loring in ammation methylation, epigenetics and neuroplasticity as major players, and we are using innovative treatment interventions such as Ketamine, magnets silocin anti in ammatories and even botulinum toxin. – Triplett

WHAT I LOVE MOST ABOUT MY JOB: Being a part of a team who is actively working

to nullify the stigma attached to mental illness. – Mell

Getting to know my patients and seeing the improvements that they make. – Hilliard

THE MOST REWARDING PART OF PATIENT CARE IS: Helping people. It’s nice to reassure patients that they are not alone in their mental and emotional health crisis and to give them a hand toward a better life and see many come through to the other side feeling hopeful and more positive. – Stearns

WHEN I’M NOT AT WORK: I am likely spending time with my husband and two young children. We love spending time outside, either near the water or in the country. Working part time at Shrink Savannah has provided me the opportunity to be more present with both my family at home and my patients in the practice. – Yates

Front: Calysta Tilley, PA-C, and Anna Hilliard, PA-C; back: Lydia Stearns, PA-C; Kristy Triplett, PA-C; and Andrea Yates, PA-C; not pictured: Heather Mell, NP-C

Sonshine Pediatric Therapy

(SPEECH, OCCUPATIONAL AND PHYSICAL)

5105 Paulsen St., Suite 100 912.356.4200 sonshinetherapy.net

THE TEAM:

Bethany Manning, MS, CCC-SLP, Owner

Olivia Chester, OTD, Patient Care Coordinator

Sophia Vargas, MS,CCC-SLP, Speech Director

Reed Cetti, OTR/L, OT Director

Gabrielle Scarpa, MS, CCC-SLP

Estella Reynolds, MS, CF SLP

Carlyn Seese, MS, CF SLP

Zoe Craig, MS, CF SLP

Candace Todd, MS, CF SLP

Ellie Hoffman, OTR/L

Rebecca Shadoff, OTR/L

icole reenﬁeld P

WE’RE EXPERTS IN: Helping children reach their fullest potential in all developmental milestones.

OUR MOTTO: To be the “Sonshine” for all our families and children by lifting them up and celebrating every milestone — whether it be big or small.

WE ARE MOST EXCITED ABOUT: The many additions to our staff, our growth and our plans to open our second location within the coming year.

OUR MOST REWARDING MOMENTS AS THERAPISTS: Seeing our patients meet new milestones and hearing exciting stories from families about how therapy has improved the lives of their families and children.

OUR PATIENTS OFTEN ASK: How long will it take for my child to graduate from therapy.

WE WISH MORE OF OUR PATIENTS WOULD: Clearly understand that their buy-in to their child’s therapy is required for them to make the best progress.

WE ARE MOST PROUD OF: How many children have graduated therapy in the last two and a half years — more than 100 children!

OUR PATIENTS WOULD DESCRIBE OUR PRACTICE AS: Full of “Sonshine.” Our goal is to brighten days and provide our patients and their families with a warm and nurturing environment. Our therapists are caring and compassionate, and they excel at creating a supportive environment where children feel comfortable and safe. We believe in the power of play and incorporate fun activities into each individual session.

Rita Slatus, Executive Director BUCKINGHAM SOUTH

5450 Abercorn St. | 912.355.5550 | buckinghamsouth.com

ASSISTED LIVING FACILITIES: Address both the health care needs as well as the social and emotional well-being of each resident. An assisted-living community will provide medication monitoring, daily housekeeping, transportation and stimulating recreational, social and cultural activities.

WHAT SETS BUCKINGHAM SOUTH APART: Is the unparalleled, personalized approach, tailored to provide the highest quality of health care and medical attention. Buckingham South is able to provide continuity of care as one’s medical needs increase. Twenty-four-hour, aroundthe-clock nursing care including a full-time registered nurse, licensed medical technicians certified nursing assistants a medical director and security are all on call to ensure the finest care. ecause uckingham outh is locally owned and operated, management is on location 24/7 to address family questions and concerns and to ensure the highest level of individualized attention. Buckingham South is truly Savannah’s finest assisted li ing community

Dr. Neal Hollis, PharmD

GEORGETOWN DRUG COMPANY

1080 King George Blvd. | 912.920.1500 | georgetowndrug.com

MEDICAL DEGREE: Doctor of Pharmacy from South University AFFILIATIONS: Georgia Pharmacy Association, Academy of Independent Pharmacists, National Community Pharmacists Association

I WAS ATTRACTED TO THIS FIELD: By the daily patient interaction and being able to form lasting relationships with my patients. Pharmacy is the most accessible form of health care in that talking with a pharmacist doesn’t require an appointment or a copay, and I love being there to help.

MY MOST REWARDING MOMENTS: Being able to serve the Savannah community during COVID and showing how integral independent pharmacy is to health care.

I’M MOST PROUD OF: My staff and the growth our pharmacy has been able to sustain over the last four years of being in business. I would not be in this position without them.

MY FAVORITE WAY TO RELAX: Playing golf with close friends.

MY FAVORITE MEAL IN SAVANNAH: Italian at Bella Napoli on East State Street.

Walker T. Pendarvis, DMD, MHS

COASTAL DENTAL SURGERY, LLC

6600 Abercorn St., Suite 204 912.349.3259 CoastalDentalSurgery.com

EDUCATION: Medical University of South Carolina; College of Dental Medicine, Charleston, South Carolina; Postgraduate Residency in Periodontics

MEDICAL DEGREE: Doctor of Dental Medicine (Summa Cum Laude) and Master of Health Sciences (Summa Cum Laude)

BOARD CERTIFICATION: Diplomate of the American Academy of Periodontology

ORGANIZATIONS: American Dental Association, American Academy of Periodontics, Georgia Society of Periodontists, Georgia Dental Association, American Dental Society of Anesthesiology, Academy of Osseointegration

I’M A LEADING EXPERT IN: Implant dentistry, surgical extractions, ridge/sinus augmentation, soft tissue (gum) grafting, dental surgery, periodontal disease treatment and IV sedation. My team and I provide the highest level of innovation and surgical experience while utilizing technological ad ances s ch as in office imaging to ensure absolute diagnostic accuracy and patient safety.

MY APPROACH IS DIFFERENT BECAUSE: I spend quality time listening to each patient to fully understand their concerns and needs. After performing a comprehensive clinical and radiographic examination, we then discuss best treatment options to achieve a successful outcome. I am passionate about providing minimally invasive procedures to reduce post-surgical issues so patients can enjoy their lives.

PROCEDURES I PERFORM THAT ENHANCE MY PATIENTS’ LIVES INCLUDE: Immediate tooth removal with prompt implant placement and temporization. A patient may arrive with a fractured tooth and literally walk out with a beautifully restored implant that looks as natural as a perfect tooth. No sutures and no pain — immediate full arch of teeth in one day. Diseased teeth are removed, implants placed and a same-day beautiful restoration is delivered. Minimally invasive g m grafting bea tifies the smile and improves oral health.

Savannah Dental

SAVANNAH: 815 E. 68th St. RICHMOND HILL: 12650 GA 144 912.355.8821 www.savannah.dental

MEDICAL DEGREES: DMD from Medical College of Georgia (Sweeney); DMD from the Dental College of Georgia (Fransoso); DDS from Georgetown University (McLoughlin)

SPECIALTIES & CERTIFICATIONS: Hybridge full-mouth restoration and Invisalign (all); airway therapy, oral development in children oto and dermal ﬁllers (Sweeney); oral surgery (Fransoso); dental implants (McLoughlin)

WE ARE EXPERTS IN: “Big picture dentistry” — a revolutionary shift in the dental world. one are reacti e ﬁ es and painful procedures; we focus on prevention and functional dentistry. Unlike most dentists who act only when problems arise, we prioritize regular check-ups and tune-ups. Our “big picture” approach uses the latest technology to analyze occlusion, development, airway, sleep disorders, cavities and gum health. We re not ust ﬁ ing smiles we’re enhancing lives by combining health with esthetics. — Dr. Sweeney

WE WISH MORE OF OUR PATIENTS

WOULD: Tell their friends about our relaxed, s a like i e and meet our terriﬁc team o caring professionals. — Dr. McLoughlin

A HEALTH FAD TO AVOID IS: Oil pulling. This new trend on TikTok involves swishing a mouth rinse made of oils, essential oils

and other “natural” ingredients. There is no scientiﬁc e idence or studies ehind it and people have been making ludicrous claims about it. Don’t trust social media; trust your dentist! — Dr. Fransoso

OUR PATIENTS OFTEN ASK US: “Why hasn’t anyone ever told me this before?” Most dentists are still taught a reactionary approach to dentistry. So, for example, someone not trained in functional development wouldn’t analyze your swallowing habits. Dentists trained in this area can spot the cause of your constant relapse of crowding or spacing following braces or Invisalign as a sign of a functional untreated issue. — Dr. Sweeney

I RELAX BY: Going to the gym, running, being active outdoors and on the water, and I’m into “The Three-Body Problem” series the ook and et i show . — Dr. Fransoso

From left: Dr. John McLoughlin, DDS; Dr. Stephanie Joy Sweeney, DMD; and Dr. Drew Fransoso, DMD

Scott Cohen, DDS

COHEN DENTAL

310 Eisenhower Drive, Building 2 912.353.9533

savannahdentalcentre.com

MEDICAL DEGREE: University of Tennessee, Memphis

ORGANIZATIONS: Southeast District Dental Society, Georgia Dental Association, American Dental Association, Georgia Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry

AREAS OF CONCENTRATION: Cosmetic Dentistry, Invisalign and Implant Restoration

MY APPROACH TO PATIENT CARE: My family has been in the retail business in Alma for nearly 100 years. Growing up and working in the store — starting at age 6 — I learned the value of stellar customer service from my grandfather and father. They said, being fair, selling quality products and treating customers as if they were family will keep them coming back. Being a dentist isn’t much different. I’m selling myself and my skills to gain my atients trust and conﬁdence. hat s how I have built my practice for more than 30 years, and the fact that I am now treating four generations of some families proves what I learned was true. I’m proud to display the original s ohen s sign in my o ﬁce hallway, a continual reminder to me of the lessons I learned — treat people right, and they’ll keep coming back!

MY TEAM AND I FREQUENTLY: Attend continuing education courses to keep our

o ﬁce u to date on the newest changes in dental technology and techniques in dental medicine.

I KNEW I WANTED TO BE A DENTIST WHEN: My godmother gave me a junior dentist kit at age 8. I loved the tools and the aluminum oil sha ings or ﬁlling the ca ities

I SUPPORT MY COMMUNITY BY: Donating and raising funds for local, national and international charities. We have challenged our Facebook following to raise money for Greenbriar Children’s Center Christmas fund, and we also raise money for Ronald McDonald House Charities at its Wine, Women and Shoes annual event.

I WISH MORE OF MY PATIENTS WOULD: Understand how important oral health is to their overall well-being.

Lindsay Sammons, DMD

HOWARD FAMILY DENTAL, POOLER

91 Brighton Woods Drive, Pooler 912.748.4858

howardfamilydental.com

MEDICAL DEGREE: DMD, Medical College of Georgia Dental School

AFFILIATIONS: American Academy of Facial Esthetics, American Dental Association, Georgia Dental Association, Academy of General Dentistry

I’M MOST EXCITED ABOUT: All things airway. I have been providing sleep solutions for patients for more than 15 years now, and I have recently completed my mini residencies in adult and pediatric airway health solutions as well advanced myofunctional orthodontics. I am motivated daily to ﬁnd solutions or atients who are suffering from sleep-related breathing disorders and educating patients on how this affects development, overall health and oral health. I can’t say enough about ensuring my patients get the best care and information on living a healthy lifestyle and helping them make changes that lead to a healthy body and mouth. Breathing and thriving is so important for your overall health, and, when you aren’t, it wreaks havoc on your body and your mouth.

I’M MOST PROUD OF: My drive to offer more to my patients than just treating

cavities and oral disease. We focus on root cause as well as the best course of treatment for their oral condition.

MY FAVORITE WAY TO STAY FIT: Weight training.

I WISH MORE OF MY PATIENTS WOULD STOP: Eating the terrible processed foods out there. The direct link to bad health and these highly processed foods is real. Read ingredient labels and eat as close to whole foods as possible.

FOODS TO AVOID TO HELP IMPROVE YOUR HEALTH: Ultra-processed foods, seed oils and genetically modiﬁed ingredients. it is made in a lab, should you eat it? “You are what you eat gets re eated in my o ﬁce daily! I focus on educating my patients on the things no one else is talking about and how it affects their overall health and oral health.

Mark N. Dye, DMD

MARK N. DYE, DMD LLC

310 Eisenhower Drive, Building 14 912.355.2424 thesavannahdentist.com

MEDICAL DEGREE: Tufts University School of Dental Medicine

RESIDENCY: Tufts University School of Dental Medicine

ORGANIZATIONS: American Dental Association, Georgia Dental Association, Dental Organization for Conscious Sedation, American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry

MY APPROACH TO DENTISTRY: A conservative approach. My patients know that they will not have to deal with highpressure sales and excessive treatment plans.

MY PATIENTS WOULD DESCRIBE MY CHAIRSIDE MANNER AS: Professional, knowledgeable and caring with a sense of humor.

I LOVE SINKING MY TEETH INTO: Tableside guacamole, shrimp tacos and a spicy margarita at Tequila’s Town.

ADD YEARS TO YOUR LIFE BY: rushing and ossing twice a day

AFTER A STRESSFUL DAY, I UNWIND BY: Hopping on my bicycle for a leisurely ride around the many bike trails at The Landings on Skidaway Island.

WE ARE PROUD TO BE: Truly state-ofthe art We are constantly redeﬁning exceptional dentistry with the latest dental technology. We are one o our regional dentists to use an iTero Scanner for digital impressions. This means no more mouthfuls of goo.

MY DENTISTRY PHILOSOPHY: If it isn’t roken then don t ﬁ it. We take ride in offering quality cosmetic and general dentistry to our patients, but one of the things our patients seem to appreciate most is that we do not push unwanted procedures on them.

Ageless Altruism

What we can learn from an octogenarian’s age-defying approach to civic engagement

Written by ETHAN MATHEWS

AT 81 YEARS OLD, Toby Hollenberg could easily be enjoying the leisurely pace of retirement, perhaps indulging in the quiet comforts that come with advancing years. Yet, for Hollenberg, settling into the expected rhythm of the golden years is simply not her style.

“People ask, ‘Why do you do so much?’” says Hollenberg. “Well, what else would I do with myself? I don’t play mahjong and I don’t play bridge. I don’t denigrate anybody who does because that’s social and that’s important, but I’ve just always had a very compassionate feeling for people who have less.”

This compassion, coupled with a lifetime of constant movement and adapting to new environments, is what fuels her today as she volunteers her time, talent and resources to local boards, committees and anywhere else she identiﬁes a need. “Finding something I can do to help make a diﬀerence in someone else’s life is what makes life worthwhile as far as I’m concerned,” Hollenberg says while curling a 25-pound dumbbell.

OK, that last part is not true, but she does do three intensive workouts every week with diﬀerent personal trainers — two of which are opera singers for the Savannah VOICE Festival she co-chairs. Hollenberg says this ﬁtness regimen is integral to staying healthy and active at her age, and when she begins to feel tired throughout the day, she simply goes for a walk.

Hollenberg was born in Brooklyn in 1943. “I grew up with less ﬁnancially, but not emotionally,” she says. “I always had family around me, food to eat, and a roof over my head.” Unable to aﬀord college, she returned to Brooklyn after high school to live with her aunt and commute to work in Manhattan, where she met her husband, Stephen Hollenberg, on a blind date. Three years later, his career would take them from Pennsylvania to Georgia, to Texas, back to New York, to Kansas, to Missouri, to New Jersey, to Connecticut, then back to New York again.

“I had ‘jobs’ — he had a career,” she says. “And that was ﬁne because I had interesting jobs.”

Throughout her many lives, Hollenberg served as the principal of

a religious school in St. Louis, Missouri, administrative director of a youth and family services agency, and a relocation director for a real estate company.

“My modus operandi with every place was to get involved with everything,” says Hollenberg. “Find the places you feel you can be most eﬀective and that are most meaningful.”

Before she and her husband had arrived in Savannah to retire in 1997, Hollenberg had already made plans to volunteer with a pediatric care home, and within a week of arrival, she began volunteering with the Congregation Mickve Israel, where she would later serve as president. After her husband’s passing in 2004 from pancreatic cancer, Hollenberg created the Stephen D. Hollenberg Memorial Patient Assistance Fund, which works with social workers at local hospitals to provide ﬁnancial assistance to cancer patients. Her volunteer work for Medbank, League of Women Voters, One Hundred Children’s Foundation, and myriad other local organizations ﬁlled the gaps between life events that would make, for most others, an extremely tiring retirement.

In addition to serving as co-chair of the Savannah VOICE Festival, Hollenberg currently sits on the board of Horizons Savannah and Hospice Savannah. This involvement has presented a unique opportunity to exercise her skills as a networker — with one of her famous Landings soirees producing partnerships like the VOICES That Heal Listening Labs, providing soothing and healing music to hospice patients. Hollenberg also admits to an unexpected perk from hosting VOICE singers during the festival, ﬁlling her home with music and energy for which she is deeply grateful.

Hollenberg lives her life at the intersection of physical, mental, and spiritual strength and endurance, and shows no signs of slowing down.

Toby Hollenberg

REFINE’S REBRAND

Local favorite for aesthetic medicine announces Altera Aesthetix

IF YOU’VE BEEN around the aesthetics block in Savannah and surrounding areas, chances are you’ve heard of Reﬁne. Currently serving Savannah, Statesboro and Richmond Hill, Reﬁne specializes in all things medical aesthetics with a foundational emphasis on injectable

treatments like Botox and ﬁller. Now, this beacon of aesthetic medicine is announcing a rebrand as Altera Aesthetix. Co-owners Martina Kolovich and Janie Futch share what’s happening at Reﬁne and what you can expect to see in the future from Altera.

WHAT PROMPTED A NAME CHANGE AFTER ALMOST FIVE YEARS?

We learned we would need to change our name given growth and expansion plans we have been working on. Unfortunately, the name Reﬁne is too generalized. We were absolutely

devastated because that’s the name that gave us the path we are on, and it’s what all of our beloved patients have known us as since inception. Although we didn’t know then where our journey would take us, we are excited it has come this far and are ready for the next steps. Change can be liberating and necessary sometimes!

IS ANYTHING ELSE CHANGING?

No. Genuinely, there are no other changes occurring at our practices other than some letters. Same ownership, same providers, same treatments, same products, same brand colors — just a new name!

AND A COOL NEW LOGO ... ANY OTHER REBRAND REFRESHES?

We have thrown in some renovations to help spruce up our look along the way. Sometimes even our buildings and spaces need a little refresh and revamp!

WHAT DOES THE FUTURE LOOK LIKE FOR ALTERA IN TERMS OF VISION AND GROWTH?

Although nothing is changing at our current locations, what clients and residents may see is more opportunity with our aesthetics brand in other places. We have decided on the growth track of franchising because we want this

opportunity to exist for others — for owners and providers as well as for more patients in more places.

HOW WILL THIS GROWTH IMPACT YOUR PATIENTS?

We’ve found there is strength in numbers for our Altera community. The bigger our network, the more advantages we’ve witnessed. There are more perks for our patients in the form of higher education from providers and the ability to offer more affordable and a wider array of services. Also, more providers mean more minds off which to bounce ideas and share innovations and clinical outcomes. When our patient outcomes and results are better, our providers and patients always win!

WHAT ROLE DOES EDUCATION PLAY IN WHAT YOU DO?

Our foundation is in education —not only making sure our providers are the most up to date with the ever-evolving aesthetics industry, but also making sure our patients are educated consumers. They lead the charge in their aesthetic journeys while utilizing our expertise. Patient goals are always diﬀerent from one to the next. We don’t believe in cookiecutter services and truly enjoy spending the time customizing our services for each patient’s journey.

WHAT DOES YOUR BRAND REPRESENT?

What we and our brand represent is still the same. At Altera, our belief is that aesthetic services should be more accessible and part of a normal self-care routine — something that exists to make our patients feel like their best selves and exude conﬁdence that aﬀects the rest of their lives positively. Over the years, we’ve gotten creative with memberships and treatment plans to make these services more patient-friendly. We love establishing long-term relationships with our patients; they have become like friends and family.

WHAT'S ONE THING YOU WANT FUTURE AND POTENTIAL PATIENTS TO KNOW?

Our consults are always complimentary. We know that the world of aesthetic procedures can feel overwhelming and intimidating. We want our patients to feel comfortable when they come in. We want them to feel we are educating them with no pressure to do anything they don’t want to do. Every patient is unique, and, sometimes, it’s the smallest things that lead to the biggest changes in appearance and conﬁdence. Sometimes, all you need is a little alteration.