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Dallas County Living Well Magazine July/August 2026

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MICHAEL J. FOX

STILL LOOKING UP

NEW LIGHT FOR AGING EYES

OZYMPIC, WEGOVY, AND YOUR JOINTS

TOP DOCTORS

Modern Spine Solutions at Texas Back Institute

Kwame A. Ennin, MD, MBA

Orthopaedic Surgeon

Kwame Ennin, MD, MBA, is a fellowship-trained board-certified orthopedic surgeon at Texas Joint Institute in McKinney and Plano, Texas who is an expert in hip and knee replacement procedures, adult reconstructive surgery, and nonoperative osteoarthritis care.

Dr. Ennin earned his undergraduate degree in biochemistry from the State University of New York in Stony Brook. He then went on to receive his medical education at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, before completing his general internship and orthopedic surgery residency at The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas. He is fellowship-trained in adult reconstructive surgery from William Beaumont Hospital in Michigan.

Dr. Ennin has a keen desire to educate. He is a presenter and educator to his colleagues regarding direct anterior total hip arthroplasty, total knee arthroplasty, revision total knee arthroplasty, partial knee replacement, and robotic surgery. He is committed to ensuring that the best understandings and techniques are available to all surgeons in the orthopedic community. Dr. Ennin is passionate about research. He has, throughout his career, been involved in and published numerous peer-reviewed studies.

Dr. Ennin has been a leader in the North Texas orthopedic community since 2015. He delivers personalized, patientcentered, evidence-based care for his patients. He is committed to taking care of his patient’s joints for their lifetime.

Dr. Ennin specializes in:

• Hip Replacement Surgery

• Knee Replacement Surgery

• Revision Hip and Knee Replacement Surgery

• Orthopedic Surgery

• Osteoarthritis

William F. Tucker, Jr., MD
Duncan L. McKellar, Jr., MD
J. Conner Ryan, MD
Brian I. Nwannunu, MD
Florian F. Dibra, MD
Charles E. Toulson, MD
Cyrus E. Abbaschian, MD
Donald W. Hohman, MD
J. Stephen Appleton, MD
Alexander S. Greenstein, MD
Kwame A. Ennin, MD
Samuel K. Stephenson, MD
Raj Yalamanchili, MD
Emmanuel D. Eisenstein, MD

Windhaven Medical Imaging has the most advanced 3T MRI equipment and CT imaging. Often, patients can be evaluated and complete diagnostic testing on the same day, thereby enabling them to obtain an immediate solution.

The recently remodeled and enlarged Windhaven Ambulatory Surgery Center provides patients with a state-of-the-art surgical, staffed by a highly trained and compassionate medical team.

Windhaven Medical Plaza was intentionally designed to help make spine care simple and convenient by bringing the services you need together in one location. It houses Windhaven Medical Imaging, Neurospine Surgical Consultants, and the Windhaven Ambulatory Surgery Center

Neurospine Surgical Consultants offers a collaborative clinical team that utilizes their knowledge and experience along with the latest technologies in the diagnosis, management, and treatment of adult neurosurgical conditions, including acute and chronic musculoskeletal disorders.

Coordinating all the care for your spine health can be tedious and challenging. Rather than traveling to different locations, at Windhaven Medical Plaza, patients can access a wide range of services, from face-to-face clinical encounters to expedited diagnostic studies and even outpatient procedures and treatments, all in one convenient location. Accepting all major insurance plans.

Living Well Living

Most of us don’t think much about our backs until something goes wrong. Then, suddenly, it’s all we can think about. So much of feeling good comes down to a healthy spine: staying active, sleeping through the night, keeping up with the people we love. That felt like the right place to open this issue.

Our cover features Blake Staub, MD, of Texas Back Institute (page 8). Dr. Staub is a board-certified neurosurgeon who handles some of the most complex spine and scoliosis cases in the region, and he’s part of a practice that has spent nearly 50 years pushing spine care forward. Their article, “Myths and Truths of Spine Surgery,” takes on the old assumptions that scare people away from getting help. The most reassuring one? Most patients never need surgery at all.

This is also our Top Docs 2026 issue, on page 38. Every doctor on the list was nominated by members of our community, the people who know firsthand whose hands they’d trust with their own families. It’s the kind of list you don’t need until you really need it, so it’s worth holding onto for the next time you or someone you love is looking for care.

You’ll find more on staying active in “Ozempic, Wegovy, and Your Joints” (page 17). Orthopedic surgeon Brian Nwannunu, MD, walks through what the GLP-1 medications everyone’s talking about really mean for your knees, muscles, and bones, including the questions worth asking before you start.

And don’t miss our spotlight on Michael J. Fox. At 65, more than 30 years after his Parkinson’s diagnosis, he still meets life with humor and a stubborn kind of hope. He has a way of reminding us that living well was never about avoiding the hard things. It’s about how we carry them. Read it on page 24.

Here’s to your health this summer.

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Live well, Sam & Spring Houston

Dr. Bilal Mahmood is a Cleveland Clinic trained orthopedic surgeon with fellowship training in adult hip and knee reconstruction and joint replacement. He specializes in anterior hip replacement, robotic joint replacement, hip resurfacing, total knee replacement, partial knee replacement, minimally invasive joint replacement, same-day joint replacement, complex hip and knee deformity, revision joint replacement, hip and knee arthritis, osteonecrosis, hip dysplasia, and femoroacetabular impingement (FAI).

Outside of work, Dr. Mahmood enjoys spending time with his wife and children. His hobbies include alpine skiing, baseball, hockey, biking, and travel.

He is involved with local outreach organizations for medically underserved populations. He is also involved in research and innovation to advance hip and knee joint replacement.

ORTHOPEDIC SURGEON

MYTHS AND TRUTHS OF SPINE SURGERY

Texas Back Institute has continued to stay on the cutting edge of spine research, as well as new techniques and technological development for nearly 50 years. Many of the myths that exist today are based on dated information and can create concern for patients who are suffering from neck or back pain. Sometimes these misconceptions can even deter a patient from getting the help they need. However, spine surgery today is very different than it was 10 years ago. Here we will look at some of the common myths and truths that surround spine surgery to help answer any questions you may have.

MYTH 1: I have had low back pain for years. There is nothing that can be done about it.

TRUTH 1: Spine specialists have several non-surgical and surgical options which are effective in helping patients with neck or back pain regardless of how long they have suffered from that pain. Non-surgical options include targeted physical therapy, injections, nerve blocks or medication. Surgical options begin with minimally invasive surgeries. Texas Back Institute also offers robotic options for complicated revision or deformity surgeries.

MYTH 2: If I see a spine surgeon, they will tell me I need surgery.

TRUTH 2: About 85% of patients who are suffering from neck or back pain can be treated with non-surgical conservative care options to help alleviate pain and get them back to their day-to-day activities.

MYTH 3: Newer surgeries like disc replacement are still experimental.

TRUTH 3: Texas Back Institute performed the first disc replacement in the U.S. over 25 years ago. Since that time there have been multiple research studies showing the efficacy of disc replacement.

MYTH 4: I will lose my flexibility and/or range of motion in my neck or back after surgery.

TRUTH 4: There are several spine surgery options designed to preserve mobility in the spine. However, there are surgeries that could limit range of motion by 5% to 10%. Loss of range of motion or flexibility depends on what type of surgery is performed. Ask your spine specialist if you are a candidate for a motion-preserving surgical option.

MYTH 5: Fusion is my only option for a herniated disc.

TRUTH 5: Today’s spine surgery offers options like disc replacement or a microdiscectomy for herniated disc for some patients with a herniated disc.

MYTH 6: It takes several months to get back to daily activities after spine surgery.

TRUTH 6: Recovery after spine surgery depends on what type of surgery is performed. Patients are generally up and walking the same day. With many spine surgeries, patients are back to their normal activities in days or weeks, although full recovery could take longer.

MYTH 7: Spine surgery is risky and creates complications.

TRUTH 7: Any surgery is risky, but spine surgery is generally safe with less than 2% of cases having serious complications. It is important for you to discuss all risks of surgery with your surgeon so you are aware of them and can make an informed decision if you want to move forward with surgery.

MYTH 8: You cannot have spine surgery after a certain age.

TRUTH 8: Age is rarely the sole reason a patient would not qualify for surgery. Elderly spine patients might choose to have neck or back surgery to improve their quality of life. The spine surgeon’s decision to perform surgery would take the patient’s overall health, functional status, strength and the long-term effect on a patient into consideration before deciding to offer a surgical solution.

MYTH 9: Spine surgery is the best immediate fix for neck or back pain.

TRUTH 9: Spine surgery is considered a last resort to treat neck or back pain. Patients should try conservative care, non-surgical options to treat pain before looking into surgical options. Most of the time these options can alleviate a patient’s pain and get them back to their lives without surgery.

NEED A FUSION? CHECK OUT

DISC REPLACEMENT

ELIMINATING YOUR NECK OR BACK PAIN WHILE PRESERVING MOTION

If you have questions about your neck or back pain, email us at info@texasback.com and we will have a surgeon review your question and get back with you.

Disc replacement is a modern-day surgery which removes a patient’s native disc surgically and fills the space where the disc once was with an implant called an artificial disc. Dr. Scott Blumenthal says, “An artificial disc can reduce or eliminate pain in the neck or back while preserving motion. This is the only technology that can do both.” Dr. Blumenthal, with Texas Back Institute, performed the first disc replacement in the U.S. in March of 2000. Since that time TBI has done over 5,500 disc replacement surgeries.

When disc replacement was initially approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), surgeons believed there were a lot of disqualifiers for disc replacement surgery. Over the last 25 years, through experience and research, surgeons have been able to move patient selection from a narrow group to a more general population.

“About 50% of patients who have been told they need a lumbar fusion would qualify for disc replacement,” says Dr. Blumenthal.

Other benefits of disc replacement are that it decreases the chance of re-operation in the future and adjacent segment disease, compared to fusion, and quicker recovery.

TBI has been involved in disc replacement research for the past 25 years and has been a leader in the use of artificial disc across the U.S. The long-term research has shown these devices to be safe, durable, and effective.

Dr. Jessica Shellock is excited about the growth of spine technology and how it will continue advancing in this area. She states, “In the future we expect to see more navigation in this area through spine robotics leading to safer surgeries and better outcomes.”

If you have been told you need a fusion and would like to see if you qualify for disc replacement, email us at info@texasback.com for more information.

Dr. Scott Blumenthal and Dr. Jessica Shellock Co-Founders for the Center for Disc Replacement at Texas Back Institute

ROBOTICS AND PRECISION IN SPINE SURGERY

One of the major advancements in spine surgery in recent years is the use of robotics. Robotic spine surgery allows for pre-surgical planning, robotic guidance during the surgery, and ultimately gives the surgeon more control during a procedure.

Robotic surgery uses 3D images (CT scans), which are taken before and during surgery, to make a map of the patient’s anatomy.

“Prior to surgery, the surgeon can plan a procedure using preoperative imaging which drives the entire surgical construct,” says Dr. Uche Davidson. “Each case is tailored to the patient’s unique anatomy so there is no guesswork. This map is then used to plan for precise targeting which limits the surgical footprint and reduces soft tissue disruption. The result is a more minimally invasive procedure with less adjacent segment violation, faster recovery, and meaningfully improved patient satisfaction and outcomes.” The mapping also allows for custom implants that can be identified and secured in advance of surgery.

During surgery, the robot navigates the surgeon according to the plan which ensures high accuracy and allows the surgeon to reduce the use of unnecessary instrumentation, minimizes the risk of neurovascular injury, and mitigates the complications associated with freehand techniques.

COMPLEX SPINE SURGERY MINIMIZING RISK AND USING MINIMALLY INVASIVE TECHNIQUES

“Robotics serve as a powerful teaching platform as well, working together with traditional anatomical landmarks and instrumentation techniques to reinforce and bridge the gap between conventional techniques and next-generation, real-time guidance,” says Dr. Alexander Satin.

At Texas Back Institute we have a SIM lab which allows surgeons to teach and train the next generation of surgeons.

Complex spine surgery refers to advanced spine surgery procedures which may involve multiple levels and is designed to correct a previous spine surgery, major spine deformity, tumors or instability.

In scoliosis, or a spinal deformity, there is an abnormal curvature of the spine which is 10 degrees or more. Deformity surgery is a procedure designed to straighten a curve that is 45 to 50 degrees to correct it and prevent it from getting worse. Complex or revision spine surgery can be necessary when, “A patient has had previous spine surgery but fails to get better or gets worse after surgery. In this case, the patient should see a spine specialist to determine if they need revision surgery. Often these patients are told there is nothing more that can be done, but there may be a surgical option to help the patient,” says Dr. Blake Staub.

Surgery for spine tumors also falls under complex spine surgeries due to the nature of the anatomic involvement. Spinal tumors are growths of abnormal cells which are in the spinal cord or vertebrae. These tumors can be benign or malignant and can be surgically removed.

In the cases above, the surgeon typically reconstructs portions of the spine to restore stability, often using rods and screws, while also addressing pain and neurological symptoms. “Complex spine cases are highly challenging, as surgeons are correcting severe conditions while navigating intricate, critical neural structures, often complicated further by extensive scar tissue. They are more intense and more involved,” says Dr. Blake Staub.

Few surgeons specialize in these complex cases, making it crucial to find one whose primary focus is in this area and who is confident in managing such procedures. Finding someone who understands the biomechanics of the spine and will take the time to accurately identify the patient’s pain generator to determine the most effective, least invasive treatment approach is essential.

In complex cases, there are many variables to take into consideration. Surgeons at Texas Back Institute use specialized 3D x-rays of the entire spine to take 20 to 30 different measurements based on that x-ray to ensure the correct amount of curvature is built back into the spine. They also employ custom rods and spacers, so each patient gets what they need for their anatomy. Dr. Alejandro Carasquilla states, “I chose to focus on tumors of the brain, spine and nerves to preserve the nervous system that gives us our humanity and individuality.”

If you need a complex revision surgery, send your images to us at Texas Back Institute and we will review your imaging and let you know if there is a surgical option to get you back to the things you love.

Dr. Uche Davidson
Dr. Blake Staub

GUS MIGNUCCI

When the stakes are high, experience matters.

Gus Mignucci is an

trial lawyer known for taking on tough cases and fighting for the people and businesses he represents.

As founder of Mignucci Law Firm, he has successfully advocated for clients in personal injury and commercial litigation cases ranging from motor vehicle accidents, to slip and falls, to business disputes against Fortune 500 companies. His competitive nature, aggressive approach, and relentless work ethic have earned the trust of clients facing some of life’s most difficult legal challenges. From serious injury cases to complex business disputes, Mignucci Law Firm is committed to protecting its clients’ interests and obtaining the justice they deserve.

Luis Antonio Mignucci, MD

SPINE CARE. PROVEN EXPERIENCE.

Dr. Luis Mignucci, the founder of Neurospine Surgical Consultants, has helped patients throughout the DallasFort Worth area find relief from spine and neurological conditions for more than 36 years. Awarded Top Doctor from Living Well Magazine and has been awarded Best Doctor by D Magazine an unprecedented 24 consecutive years. He is one of the few neurosurgeons in the nation certified by both the American Board of Spine Surgery and the American Board of Neurological Surgery.

Dr. Mignucci specializes in the surgical management of spinal tumors and spine conditions, including scoliosis and spondylolisthesis. Additionally, he performs minimally invasive procedures to treat ruptured discs in the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine.

Neurospine Surgical Consultants is located within Windhaven Medical Plaza, home to Windhaven Medical Imaging and its advanced 3T MRI technology. Patients can often be evaluated and complete diagnostic imaging the same day, helping expedite diagnosis and treatment. The building also houses the recently expanded Windhaven Ambulatory Surgery Center, offering state-of-the-art surgical care in one convenient location.

Orthopedic

Total

Headache

Brian Nwannunu MD, MS

Brian Nwannunu, MD, MS, is an orthopedic surgeon specializing in hip and knee replacement. He cares for patients at Texas Joint Institute in Allen and in McKinney, Texas.

Dr. Nwannunu, a native of Dallas, graduated Valedictorian from the High School for Health Professions at Townview Magnet Center in DISD. He then earned his bachelor’s degree in Biology at Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia, where he was part of the Morehouse College Honors Program. Upon graduation, he completed his master’s degree in Physiology at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C., with a concentration on complementary and alternative medicine. Dr. Nwannunu then graduated with his medical degree from Howard University College of Medicine in Washington, D.C., where he was inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society.

Dr. Nwannunu completed his residency in orthopedic surgery at the John Peter Smith Health Network in Fort Worth, Texas, before pursuing additional training with a fellowship in adult reconstruction at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas. In addition to his clinical training, Dr. Nwannunu enjoys mission work abroad, providing medical care and health education to populations in need. He is also one of the few official Jiffy Knee™ surgeons in the North Texas area.

He is a member of the American Medical Association, National Medical Association, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons.

When not working, Dr. Nwannunu enjoys basketball, weight training, outdoor activities, attending art and music festivals, traveling, world news, and reading.

Ozempic, Wegovy, and Your Joints

What an orthopedic surgeon wants every patient to understand about GLP-1 medications, muscle loss, bone health, and joint protection

If you’re taking Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, or another GLP-1 medication, you’re part of one of the fastest-growing health trends of the decade. GLP-1 medications have evolved from diabetes treatments into one of the most significant medical developments of our time. Millions of Americans are now taking them to lose weight, and for many, the results have been remarkable. Patients are experiencing significant weight loss, improved blood sugar control, and meaningful cardiovascular benefits.

But what happens to your bones, muscles, and joints while that weight comes off?

That’s the question many patients aren’t asking, and as an orthopedic surgeon, I believe they should.

I think GLP-1 drugs are excellent medications for the right patient, but the full picture is more complex than many people realize. Some of the risks may affect the very patients who are least equipped to handle them. Here’s what I wish every GLP-1 patient knew.

Your Knees Love It.

Let’s start with the good news. Excess body weight is extremely hard on the joints, especially the knees. The numbers are striking. For every additional pound of body weight, the knee joint experiences roughly four pounds of force during walking.

That means if you’re carrying an extra 25 pounds, your knees may be absorbing the equivalent of 100 extra pounds of force with every step. When patients lose 20, 30, or more pounds on a GLP-1 medication, the relief can be dramatic.

Weight loss has long been a cornerstone of non-surgical treatment for knee osteoarthritis. For the right patients, GLP-1 medications may

become one of the most effective tools we’ve ever had to help achieve that goal. In some cases, reducing stress on the joints can significantly improve quality of life and even delay the need for major procedures such as knee replacement surgery.

Your Muscles Might Not.

Weight loss medications don’t just reduce fat. They can also contribute to the loss of lean muscle mass, and that’s something I encourage patients to take seriously.

Weight loss is rarely limited to body fat alone. When muscle mass declines, it can affect both joint stability and bone health. In some individuals, that may increase the risk of injuries or even fragility fractures.

The reason is simple: muscle and bone health are closely connected. People with greater muscle mass generally have stronger, denser bones. The reverse is also true. Significant muscle loss can place added stress on the skeletal system in ways that may not become apparent for years.

Not Everyone Pays the Same Price.

Not everyone taking a GLP-1 medication faces the same orthopedic risks. Postmenopausal women and older adults already have a higher risk of developing osteoporosis. When the potential muscle-depleting effects of a GLP-1 medication are added to that existing vulnerability, the combined effect can become concerning.

For patients in these groups, adequate protein intake and regular resistance training are essential strategies for preserving both muscle and bone health.

Continued on page 18

Brian Nwannunu, MD, MS

Questions Still Being Asked.

As GLP-1 prescriptions have surged into the tens of millions, researchers have begun studying the medications’ long-term effects.

In March 2026, The Washington Post reported on emerging research suggesting possible associations between long-term GLP-1 use and increased risks of osteoporosis, gout, and osteomalacia, a condition that causes bones to soften.

As more patients use these medications over longer periods of time, we will inevitably learn more about both their benefits and their risks. That makes ongoing monitoring especially important. Physicians should be counseling patients about potential adverse effects and regularly reassessing whether continued treatment remains appropriate if complications begin to develop.

Don’t Skip This Part.

When patients taking Ozempic, Wegovy, or similar medications come into my office, I typically focus on two questions:

• How much weight are you losing each week?

• How many grams of protein are you consuming each day?

Protein intake matters because preserving muscle mass is one of the most important ways to protect both bones and joints during weight loss.

I also strongly encourage resistance training. Research shows that resistance exercise stimulates a process known as mechanotransduction, in which cells convert physical stress into chemical signals that promote bone remodeling and strengthening.

In plain English, lifting weights tells your bones to become stronger. That doesn’t mean patients should immediately begin intense workout programs. I generally caution against extremely heavy lifting or high-impact activities that may increase injury risk, particularly during periods of rapid weight loss.

Let’s Not Overdo It.

Many ask if they should get a bone density scan. That’s a great question, but this is where I push back against the instinct to overmedicalize. I do not believe everyone taking a GLP-1 medication needs to rush out and get a bone density scan or start taking calcium and vitamin D supplements without a specific medical reason. Those decisions should be made in consultation with a physician. Taking supplements that aren’t needed usually accomplishes very little. In many cases, the body simply eliminates the excess. Instead, I recommend making sure your physician includes routine laboratory monitoring as part of your treatment plan. If vitamin deficiencies are identified, they can be addressed appropriately and effectively.

A Promising Possibility.

There is also emerging data suggesting that patients taking GLP-1 medications may experience lower infection rates following joint replacement surgery. The theory is reasonable, even if the evidence isn’t fully there yet.

Research has consistently shown that severe obesity and poorly controlled diabetes increase the risk of prosthetic joint infections. Because GLP-1 medications often improve both weight and blood

sugar control, they may help reduce some of those risks. However, larger studies are still needed before we can draw firm conclusions.

The Real Risk Ahead.

What I’m hoping to see in five to ten years of follow-up data, is genuinely optimistic. I hope we will see patients enjoying longer-lasting joint health, delaying the need for major orthopedic procedures, and experiencing fewer complications when surgery becomes necessary.

At the same time, I have one significant concern.

I am worried that many patients will adopt a “one size fits all” philosophy to the medications and will inadvertently cause other harm unknowingly.

GLP-1 drugs are excellent medications for the right patient when they are used thoughtfully and monitored carefully. I encourage anyone taking or considering a GLP-1 medication to revisit their goals, progress, and potential side effects regularly with their health care provider. These medications work best when they are part of a larger, actively managed health strategy.

Success Requires a Strategy.

Make sure your physician is checking your labs regularly. Pay attention to your protein intake. Incorporate resistance training into your routine. And if you’re a postmenopausal woman or older adult, have a direct conversation with your provider about protecting your bone health. Most importantly, don’t view these medications as a set-itand-forget-it solution. They require active management, ongoing monitoring, and a partnership between patient and physician every step of the way.

Siddiqi,

is a fellowshiptrained orthopedic surgeon specializing in primary and complex revision hip and knee replacement. He believes joint replacement should be more than a procedure—it should be part of a personalized plan focused on restoring quality of life.

Dr. Siddiqi combines advanced surgical techniques with an individualized approach to care, tailoring treatment to each patient’s anatomy, lifestyle, goals, and overall health. After helping build one of the Northeast’s busiest joint replacement programs, he now brings that experience to North Texas through the Texas Center for Joint Replacement.

His patient-centered philosophy, known as Siddiqi 360, emphasizes education, preparation, recovery, rehabilitation, and long-term wellness. By focusing on the whole patient—including mobility, nutrition, physical conditioning, and pain management—he strives to optimize outcomes and help patients return to the activities that matter most.

Patients often describe Dr. Siddiqi as approachable, honest, and accessible, with a commitment to listening first and treating every patient as an individual.

Ahmed Siddiqi DO,

Ahmed
DO, MBA, FACS

Texas Back Institute

Texas Back Institute (TBI) has served the North Texas area in spine care for nearly 50 years. An uncompromising desire to put patients first and provide individualized spine care has helped change the treatment options available to patients for neck and back pain.

Today, TBI is a leader in artificial disc replacement, minimally invasive spine surgery, complex revision surgery, and treatment of spinal deformity. TBI has trained hundreds of surgeons, scientists, and allied health professionals now practicing worldwide. Its research institute employs state-of-the-art technology and is actively involved in many clinical trials, including artificial disc replacement, minimally invasive technologies, and robotic spine surgery. Texas Back Institute has remained one of the most academic practices in spine care. It is one of the largest multidisciplinary spine centers in the world, providing comprehensive care for neck and back pain. With a fully dedicated staff of board-certified orthopedic spine surgeons, neurosurgeons, physiatrists, and physical therapists, the TBI team works together to support its mission of helping patients get back to life. The 27 physicians at Texas Back Institute are leaders in the surgical

and nonsurgical treatment options for back and neck pain, from the most common outpatient procedures to the most complex cases. Thanks to the unmatched expertise of the medical staff, the advanced diagnostic testing, and an unparalleled commitment to patient care, the Texas Back Institute physicians can identify the potential cause of your pain and create a treatment plan specific to your needs.

Texas Back Institute has developed several spine specialty programs. These include the Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Center, Center for Disc Replacement, Scoliosis and Spine Tumor Center, and Complex Back Surgery Center. These programs give patients access to highly-trained care teams who focus specifically on these areas of spine care, allowing patients in the North Texas area access to treatment options for their individual problems from physicians with extensive experience in these areas.

“At Texas Back Institute, finding the right solution for each patient and offering the least invasive treatment is core to our belief and the foundation for all treatment plans.” Dr. Michael Duffy.

ALLIANCE

3025 N. Tarrant Pkwy., Ste. 220 Fort Worth (Alliance), TX 76177

ARGYLE

310 FM 407E, Ste. 100 Argyle, TX 76226

DALLAS

12222 N. Central Expy. Pavilion II, Ste. 310 Dallas, TX 75243

DENTON

3537 S. Interstate 35, Ste. 308 Denton, TX 76210

FLOWER MOUND

4370 Medical Arts Dr. River Walk Bldg. III, Ste. 230 Flower Mound, TX 75028

FORT WORTH

1650 W. Rosedale St., Ste. 301 Fort Worth, TX 76104

FRISCO

5575 Frisco Square Blvd. Ste. 400 Frisco, TX 75034

MANSFIELD

2925 E. Broad St., Ste. 101 Mansfield, TX 76063

McKINNEY

4510 Medical Center Dr., Ste. 106 McKinney, TX 75069

NORTH RICHLAND HILLS

4351 Booth Calloway Dr. Ste. 404 Fort Worth, TX 76180

CENTRAL PLANO

4001 W. 15th St., Ste. 455 Medical Office Bldg. III Plano, TX 75093

PLANO

6020 W. Parker Rd., Ste. 200 Plano, TX 75093

ROCKWALL

3164 Horizon Rd., Ste. 100 Rockwall, TX 75032

SACSHE

4650 President George Bush Turnpike, Ste. 100 Sachse, TX 75048

WICHITA FALLS

501 Midwestern Pkwy. E Wichita Falls, TX 76302

TOP ROW: Sheena Bhuva, MD; Michael Duffy, MD; Alejandro Carrasquilla, MD; Brian Braaksma, MD; Theodore Belanger, MD; Stephen Tolhurst, MD; Blake Staub, MD; Alexander Satin, MD; Ivan Cheng, MD; Kevin Ju, MD; Akwasi Boah, MD; Junyoung “Jon” Ahn, MD; Chun Lin, MD
BOTTOM ROW: Adewale Adeniran, MD; Thomas Kosztowski, MD; Rey Bosita, MD; Rajesh Arakal, MD; Jessica Shellock, MD; Isador Lieberman, MD, MBA, FRCSC; Richard Guyer, MD; Jack Zigler, MD, FACS; Scott Blumenthal, MD; Kevin Gill, MD; Nayan Patel, MD; Craig Lankford, MD; Michael Hisey, MD; Uche Davidson, MD

Dear Olivia,

My family is concerned that they may not be able to manage complex symptoms at home, especially if my condition escalates, and I am concerned about putting that burden on them. Can you help me understand what resources are available to patients and families if the care becomes too much to manage at home?

~Concerned About my Care Needs

Dear Concerned About my Care Needs, Thank you for sharing this worry so openly. You are not alone. Many families feel anxious about whether they can safely manage complex hospice care at home, especially as symptoms change. It’s completely understandable to want comfort for yourself and peace of mind for those you love.

It may help to know that hospice care is built around four levels of support, all designed to meet patients where they are and adjust when needs become more demanding.

1.Routine Home Care

This is the most common level of hospice. A team— nurses, social workers, spiritual care providers, home health aides, and volunteers—makes intermittent visits wherever you call home. Many people remain on this level for most of their hospice experience.

2.Continuous Care

If symptoms suddenly become overwhelming, hospice

can provide more intensive support at home. A nurse may stay at the bedside for extended periods until the crisis stabilizes. This can be a tremendous relief during unpredictable or frightening moments.

3.Respite Care (Inpatient)

Caregiving is meaningful, but it can also be exhausting. Respite care allows a patient to stay in an appropriate inpatient setting for up to five days while family members rest and recharge. VNA will be offering this support at the T. Boone Pickens Center in Dallas, beginning in summer 2026. As well as at several trusted partner facilities.

4.General Inpatient Care, or GIP

When symptoms become too difficult to manage safely at home—even with help—a patient may be moved to a hospice inpatient center for more intensive, around-the-clock care. This level of care will also be provided at the T. Boone Pickens Center. Many families describe GIP as an immense source of relief during rapidly changing medical situations.

Please remember: hospice is not a place, but a philosophy of care. Your team is there to listen, assess, and adjust your support so that you and your family feel safe and supported at every step. You do not have to carry these concerns alone.

~Olivia

To schedule your free in-home informational visit please call (972) 433-7061 or email gethelp@vnatexas.org For volunteer opportunities please call (214) 689-2271 or email volunteer@vnatexas.org

OLIVIA ROGERS RN, BSN, CHPN, CHPO, MBA, is a leading voice in health care and senior services and the Vice President, Chief Nursing Officer of VNA

Michael

J. FOX

Half a lifetime into a Parkinson’s diagnosis, the actor turned advocate keeps finding the good, and seizing it.

TWe’re in business to go out of business.

here is a version of Michael J. Fox’s story that reads as one long run of hard luck, and he is the first to tell you he doesn’t live in it. He built one of the most beloved careers of his generation as Alex P. Keaton on Family Ties, Marty McFly in 1985’s Back to the Future and Deputy Mayor Mike Flaherty on Spin City. He has also carried Parkinson’s disease for more than three decades, since a diagnosis that arrived at the very peak of his fame. He recently turned 65. Actor, author, advocate, and, by his own cheerful insistence, a lucky man.

The middle initial, it turns out, is a bit of invention. He was born Michael Andrew Fox, but the Screen Actors Guild already had a Michael Fox on its books when the teenage Canadian arrived in Los Angeles. Rather than become “Michael A. Fox,” he borrowed a “J” in tribute to character actor Michael J. Pollard, a small act of reinvention from a kid who would make a career of them.

The climb was anything but smooth. Before Family Ties made him a star, Fox was broke enough to sell his furniture piece by piece. “I owed the IRS a lot of money. I was just out of prospects and it was really rough,” he told Route Magazine The sitcom made him the youngest actor ever to win a lead-comedy Emmy; Back to the Future made him famous worldwide. At 23, he recalled, he had “a Ferrari, a Mercedes, and a Range Rover” and a daily decision to match: “What car am I gonna drive to Paramount today?”

Then, in 1991, while filming Doc Hollywood the pinky on his left hand began to twitch and wouldn’t quit. The diagnosis was early-onset Parkinson’s disease. He was 29.

“I had no idea what that meant, because Parkinson’s to me was a thing that… it was just an old person’s disease. It was a concept more than it was a disease,” he told Route Magazine. The fear came from what he saw on other people’s faces. “I was scared. I was more confused than scared, but I was scared,” he said. “I had a sense of free-floating doom, but I had nothing to affix it to.”

He told almost no one. For seven years he kept working and kept the secret, hiding a worsening tremor from cameras and crews. By 1998 the symptoms had outpaced his ability to hide them, and he chose to tell his own story before the tabloids told a sensationalized one.

Across three decades of interviews, he rarely reaches for self-pity. “The end is not pretty—I’d like to stop it from its logical conclusion—but I’m grateful,” he told People “It’s made me stronger. A million times wiser. And more compassionate.” Having Parkinson’s, he said in 2008, “is part of an amazing life. And not an ‘otherwise’ amazing life.”

He is also careful not to speak for anyone else’s hardship. “I understand Parkinson’s is a real hardship for [some] people, and I’m not trying to be insensitive to them,” he told People. “Yes, it’s a horrible condition. Would I choose not to have it? Yeah, I think so. But it’s not my choice.”

As I lay there on the couch that morning, I knew that alcohol had become yet another adversary.

Beneath the optimism runs one steadying constant: Tracy Pollan. The two met playing love interests on Family Ties in 1985, reconnected two years later filming Bright Lights, Big City and married in 1988. Pollan’s first impression was not the stuff of fairy tales. “He was very cocky… He was funny, but he was cocky,” she recalled to People

The marriage has absorbed a great deal: the diagnosis, a period of heavy drinking Fox chronicled in his memoir Lucky Man, and the quiet renegotiations chronic illness forces on a couple. He has written about waking on the couch to find Pollan standing over him with their young son. “As I lay there on the couch that morning, I knew that alcohol had become yet another adversary,” he wrote. “Which meant the alcohol had to go.”

Learning to be cared for took longer than learning to cope. “It took me a while to get that it wasn’t just about me,” he admitted to People “If I break my arm, I’m dealing with my broken arm. But if you’re the person who lives with and loves and supports the person with the broken arm, you’ve got to do everything.”

His own theory of the marriage is refreshingly unromantic. “We just really like each other, and we trust each other,” he told Route Magazine “Like Tracy always says, we give each other the benefit of the doubt… The person I live with every day of my life, why would I want to hurt them?”

Pollan’s summary, offered near their 30th anniversary, is tidier still: “It was us against the world. That’s exactly what we’ve created.”

Together they raised four children, son Sam and twin daughters Aquinnah and Schuyler, followed by daughter Esmé. Of fatherhood, Fox says, “It’s been the best part of my life.” Raising daughters, he told Route Magazine, is “just pure love… They’re so mysterious.”

In 2000, Fox converted his fame into something durable, founding The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research and seeding it with proceeds from Lucky Man It has since grown into the world’s largest nonprofit funder of Parkinson’s research, driving more than $2.5 billion into the field. “I’m not a scientist. I’m not a businessperson. But I am someone living with Parkinson’s,” he told U.S. News & World Report. “We’re all involuntary experts on the disease.”

His goal for the foundation is, fittingly, its own obsolescence. “We’re in business to go out of business,” he has said. “Truly what I’m most proud of, is the people who have Parkinson’s… If I made it easier for people to explain what they’re dealing with, to say well, it’s the thing Michael J. Fox has—then that’s a great gift.”

He discusses mortality without flinching; he has said he doesn’t expect to reach 80. The humor stays intact. When CNN mistakenly published a “Remembering the life of actor Michael J. Fox” tribute video this year, the very-much-alive Fox answered on Threads with a multiple-choice quiz of appropriate reactions, among them: “(B) Pour scalding hot water on your lap, if it hurts you’re fine.” He signed off, “I thought the world was ending, but apparently it’s just me and I’m OK. Love, Mike.” Kathy Griffin’s reply: “You’re a helluva ghost.”

The recognition has been considerable over the years, five Emmy Awards, an honorary Oscar and, in January 2025, the Presidential Medal of Freedom. He announced his retirement from acting in 2020, then stepped back for a 2026 guest turn on Shrinking opposite Harrison Ford, whose character also has Parkinson’s. The work, like the man, isn’t finished. “As a parent, husband and friend, I have a lot left to do,” he told People. Ask whether he’d surrender the disease that reshaped his life, and the answer comes instantly, then pivots, as it always does, toward the good. “Parkinson’s? I’d give it up in a second,” he told Route Magazine. “To be put in a position where I can help affect that change, it’s the most humbling thing and the thing that I am most proud of.”

It is, in the end, the same move he has made for 30 years: finding the good and seizing it. As he put it, simply, to People: “You take the good, and you seize it.”

Urology Care

Robert Brunner, MD is a general urologist with Urology Clinics of North Texas serving patients in our Dallas office located at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Dallas. A native of Toledo, Ohio, Dr. Brunner combines a robust academic foundation with extensive clinical expertise. He graduated magna cum laude from the University of Notre Dame, earning dual degrees in Economics and PreProfessional Studies. He then earned his Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree from the University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, where he was inducted into the prestigious Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society.

Following medical school, Dr. Brunner completed his residency in Urology at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas, where he received comprehensive training in all aspects of adult urology. He developed specialized expertise in the management of stone disease and in the use of robotic-assisted surgery, particularly with the Da Vinci robotic system. Dr. Brunner is skilled in treating a wide range of both benign and malignant urologic conditions, with a particular focus on leveraging advanced robotic technologies to improve surgical outcomes and accelerate patient recovery.

Committed to providing exceptional care, Dr. Brunner is passionate about staying at the forefront of urologic advancements, ensuring that his patients benefit from the latest techniques and innovations in the field.

SOME CONDITIONS TREATED:

• Bladder Cancer

• Blader Stones

• Enlarged prostate or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)

• Erectile dysfunction

• Kidney stones

• Low Testosterone

• Male sexual dysfunction

• Overactive bladder

• Penile curvature or Peyronie’s disease

• Prostate Cancer

• Stress urinary incontinence (Male & Female)

• Testicular Cancer

• Ureteral Cancer

• Ureteropelvic juncion (UPJ) obstruction

• Urethral stricture

• Urinary retention

• Urinary tract infection (UTI)

• Comprehensive Adult Eye Care

• Light Adjustable Lens, Odyssey™, Symfony®, PanOptix, Vivity® and the Eyhance IOL

• Management of Dry Eye, Glaucoma & Corneal Disease

• Eyelid Surgery & Botox®

• Laser Vision Correction, EVO ICL™

PRIMARY OFFICE LOCATION: Urology Clinics of North Texas 8230 Walnut Hill Lane, Prof. Bldg. 3, Ste. 700, Dallas, TX 75231 (214) 691-1902 | urologyclinics.com Follow us on (username: keywhitman)

Convenient locations to serve you in Allen, Arlington, Dallas, Frisco, Greenville, McKinney, Mesquite, North Fort Worth, Plano, Richardson, and Rockwall.

Give us a call today 214–220–3937 or Toll-Free 800-442-5330 www.keywhitman.com

From left to right: Larry A. Fish, M.D.; Leslie Pfeiffer, M.D.; Jeffrey Whitman,

Independent, family-owned, and rooted in service, we deliver exceptional care with integrity, respect, and unwavering attention to every detail.

Rick Allen

Melanie Allen

Conner Allen

Our New Dallas Arrangement Office Conveniently serving Park Cities families with Pre-Planning and At-Need Arrangements.

F5

Top Myths of Funeral Service

or many years, the funeral industry has been veiled in a cloak of mystery and even fear about the entire process. People have had fears about the funeral industry for a couple of primary reasons. First, the experience itself is something most people will only be responsible for dealing with once or possibly twice in their lifetime, so there is no familiarity of the process. All of us are a little leery about the unknown, so just not knowing what to expect causes anxiety. Second, the public perception about funerals is that they are extremely expensive. This can be true, depending on the choices a family makes regarding the type of funeral service, merchandise selected and whether or not cemetery property has been secured in the past or if that too is a required expense at the time. So, let’s explore the top five myths about funerals and see if we can clear up some of the confusion or misinformation that exists on the subject.

1. Embalming is required – Every state has their own rule regarding embalming. In Texas, as in most states, the requirement for embalming is left up to the funeral home. Typically, if a body is going to be viewed or present at a public service or visitation, embalming will be required by the funeral home. This is necessary for public health purposes and a body that has been properly embalmed and prepared for viewing presents a better memory picture for those seeking closure in dealing with their grief. If cremation is your choice, and no one will need to see the deceased once they have been brought into the care of the funeral home, embalming is not necessary.

2. Cremation is cheaper than burial – In a nutshell, yes. This is true because you eliminate the need for cemetery property in most cases. However, if you have a traditional funeral service followed by cremation the cost will be the same. The difference, or savings, lies in the fact that the need for cemetery property is eliminated. Most funeral homes offer a ceremonial (or rental) casket for those who desire a traditional funeral but also want cremation. The absolute cheapest way to dispose of a deceased individual’s body is by direct cremation. With this option, there is no viewing and no service at all. Additionally, only a minimal

container (usually constructed of cardboard) is all that is required to hold the body.

3. Only one person can be buried in a single grave space – Most cemeteries are now offering what is referred to as a second rite of interment. For a fee, usually a percentage of the cost of the grave space, a second interment can be made. If a burial has been made in the past, the second interment may be limited to only cremains. If it is designated prior to the first burial being made, up to two persons can be buried in a single space. Some cemeteries have special sections set out for this and the grave liner is already in place prior to either burial being made. These types of spaces are called lawn crypts.

4. You must have a vault if you choose to bury – This requirement may or may not exist. The cemetery can decide if they require any type of outer burial container. If the cemetery requires such, its primary function is to keep the grave level by providing a foundation for which the dirt replaced in the grave after burial rests on. Typically, these are simply a concrete box and do not provide a dry resting place for the casket. If that is important to you, a protective vault should be chosen and this will meet any minimum requirement of the cemetery.

5. Funerals must be paid for in full up front – Most funeral homes want to know how you plan to pay and yes, some will require you to pay in full prior to the funeral service. If you plan to use proceeds from a life insurance policy to pay for a funeral, most funeral homes will accept an assignment of proceeds as a form of payment. Most funeral homes also accept credit cards as well. Very seldom will you find a funeral home that offers installment payment options, unless you are pre-planning in advance of an actual need.

Hopefully, this has helped to clear up some of the questions you may have had about funerals. In the event you would like more information about any of the above mentioned topics, or have additional questions, please feel free to call us.

OUR SERVICES:

Macular Degeneration

Diabetic Eye Disease

Retinal Vein & Artery Occlusions

Flashes & Floaters

Retinal Tears & Detachments

Macular Pucker/Epiretinal

Membrane

Macular Holes

Uveitis

At Texas Macula & Retina, our mission is to provide exceptional eye care with a focus on the diagnosis, treatment, and management of retinal disorders.

Dr. Adams is a board-certified Ophthalmologist and Ophthalmic Surgeon specializing in Vitreoretinal Surgery. His principal areas of interest include age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, retinal detachment repair, macular surgery, retinal lasers, and secondary intraocular lens implantation.

Dr. Adams and his team are committed to preserving and improving the vision and overall quality of life for our patients by offering the most advanced and personalized retina care available.

A New Light for Aging Eyes

What Every Senior Should Know About Red Light Therapy

If you’ve noticed that reading the morning paper has become a little harder lately, or that familiar faces seem slightly blurred at a distance, please know this: you are not alone, and more importantly, there is more we can do for you now than ever before.

As a retinal specialist, I spend every day helping patients protect and preserve the gift of sight. One of the most exciting developments I’ve seen in years is a treatment called Photobiomodulation Therapy, more commonly known as Red Light Therapy. I’d like to discuss what it is, who it can help, and why I believe it’s worth considering for anyone with macular degeneration.

What Exactly Is Red Light Therapy?

Photobiomodulation is an FDA-approved treatment that uses precise wavelengths of red and near-infrared light to gently energize the cells inside your retina, the thin, light-sensitive layer at the back of your eye that makes clear, central vision possible. Unlike injections or surgical procedures, this therapy is completely non-invasive: nothing touches your eye, nothing enters your eye, and there is absolutely no pain involved. The entire treatment takes place right in the office, and most patients are in and out in around five to ten minutes.

I often describe it this way: think of the cells in your retina like tiny batteries that power your vision. As we get older, and especially for those of us dealing with a condition called Age-Related Macular Degeneration, or AMD, those batteries gradually lose their charge. Red Light Therapy works by giving those cells a gentle but meaningful boost, helping them produce energy more efficiently, reducing harmful inflammation, and clearing away cellular waste that tends to accumulate over time.

Who Is This Treatment For?

Age-Related Macular Degeneration is one of the leading causes of vision loss in adults over 60, and it affects millions of Americans. If you’ve been told you have early or intermediate dry AMD, or if you’ve noticed subtle changes such as blurry or slightly distorted central vision, this treatment may be a very good fit for you.

Patients who tend to benefit most are those who want to take an active, proactive role in protecting their vision, rather than simply waiting to see what happens. That’s a mindset I deeply respect, and it’s exactly the kind of patient this therapy was designed for.

What Can You Realistically Expect?

I believe in being straightforward with my patients. Red Light Therapy is not a cure for macular degeneration, and it will not fully restore vision that has already been lost. What it can do is meaningful: research shows

it may improve how sharply and clearly you see, enhance your ability to distinguish contrast, and help slow the progression of the disease.

In fact, a recent clinical study found that 84 percent of patients who received this therapy either maintained or actually improved their vision over a two-year period compared to where they started. That is a remarkable result for a condition that, left unmanaged, tends to worsen over time.

Many of my own patients describe the experience warmly. They say things look a little cleaner and crisper, reading feels more manageable, and colors seem more vivid. These may sound like small changes, but for someone who loves to read, cook, garden, or simply recognize a grandchild’s face across a room, they are anything but small.

What Happens During a Treatment Session?

You’ll sit comfortably and look into a specialized light device for just a few minutes per eye. There’s no dilation required, no anesthesia, no speculum holding your eye open. Most patients describe the sensation as warm and relaxing. Treatments are usually completed in a series spread over several weeks, making it easy to work into your regular schedule.

Let’s

Talk About Your Eyes

The best way to know whether Red Light Therapy is right for you is through a comprehensive retinal examination. Every patient is different, and a personalized evaluation allows us to look carefully at the health of your retina and discuss a treatment plan built around your specific needs.

Your vision is precious. It connects you to the people you love and the life you’ve built. If there’s a safe, gentle, and proven option that may help protect it—don’t you deserve to know more? Call our office today to schedule your evaluation. We are here to help you see your world clearly, for years to come.

The Faithfulness of Ordinary Days

Afew years ago, I started noticing something about my prayers.

Not the prayers themselves, necessarily, but the circumstances surrounding them. The prayers that felt easiest to remember were usually attached to significant moments. They were the prayers offered during a crisis, a major decision, a health scare, a season of uncertainty, or one of those unmistakable moments when life suddenly changes direction. Those prayers felt important because the circumstances felt important.

But then I began thinking about all the other days. The days that never become part of a testimony. The days that aren’t marked by dramatic breakthroughs or life-changing decisions. The days filled with errands, appointments, phone calls, laundry, meal preparation, work responsibilities, and the dozens of small tasks that quietly consume our time. If I’m honest, there have been seasons when I treated those ordinary days as though they were simply the space between the moments that really mattered. I suspect I’m not alone in that.

Many of us are drawn to the mountaintop moments of faith. We love stories of unexpected provision, miraculous healing, restored relationships, and dramatic answers to prayer. Those stories encourage us because they remind us that God is actively involved in our lives. They give us something tangible to point to when we talk about His goodness.

The problem is that most of us don’t spend our lives on mountaintops. Most of life happens somewhere in the valley between them. Most of life is made up of Tuesday afternoons that look remarkably similar to the Tuesday afternoons that came before. It’s taking care of responsibilities, showing up for people, keeping commitments, paying bills, preparing meals, caring for aging parents, checking in on friends, and doing work that often feels unnoticed. There are entire stretches of life that can feel repetitive enough to make us wonder if anything meaningful is happening at all.

Yet the longer I walk with God, the more convinced I become that He does some of His deepest work there. There is a passage in Colossians that I’ve returned to many times over the years. It says, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters” [Colossians 3:23]. I’ve heard that verse used in discussions about careers and work ethic, but lately I’ve found myself lingering over the first three words. Whatever you do. Not some things. Not only the things that feel important. Not just the things that seem spiritual. Whatever you do.

There is something beautifully freeing about that. It suggests that God is not waiting for us to step into some grand assignment before He becomes interested in our lives. He is already present in the life we’re living right now. The work we do, the people we care for, the obligations we fulfill, and the small acts of faithfulness that no one else notices are not separate from our spiritual lives. They are part of them.

I think sometimes we accidentally divide life into categories. We place church, prayer, Bible study, and ministry into one column and everything else into another. One feels sacred while the other feels ordinary. But Scripture repeatedly challenges that way of thinking. God seems far less interested in separating the sacred from the ordinary than we are. Again and again, He meets people in fishing boats, fields, kitchens, workshops, roadsides, and everyday conversations.

The older I get, the more comforting I find that truth. Because if spiritual growth only happened during extraordinary moments, many of us would spend years waiting for it. But if God is present in the ordinary rhythms of life, then every day becomes an opportunity to know Him more deeply. Every conversation matters. Every act of kindness matters. Every small choice to trust Him matters, even when there is no dramatic outcome attached to it.

I think about some of the believers who have influenced me most over the years. None of them would have described themselves as remarkable. They weren’t famous authors or well-known speakers. Most lived quiet lives that would never attract much attention. Yet there was a steadiness about them that left a lasting impression. They continued praying when prayers seemed unanswered. They continued serving when nobody noticed. They continued trusting God through losses, disappointments, illnesses, and uncertainties. Looking back, I realize what I admired wasn’t their giftedness. It was their faithfulness.

That word doesn’t get much attention these days. We celebrate talent, achievement, influence, and success, but faithfulness often goes unnoticed because it tends to look ordinary. It’s the person who keeps showing up. The person who continues doing the right thing long after the excitement has faded. The person who quietly trusts God one day at a time.

Yet Scripture speaks about faithfulness with remarkable consistency. In Luke 16:10, Jesus says that whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much. For years, my attention was drawn to the “much.” Like most people, I was interested in the larger opportunities, the bigger assignments, and the greater purpose.

Now I find myself thinking more about the “very little.” Because that’s where most of life takes place.

We love stories of unexpected provision, miraculous healing, restored relationships, and dramatic answers to prayer. Those stories encourage us because they remind us that God is actively involved in our lives.

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Stephen P. Courtney, MD Fellowship-Trained Orthopedic Spine Surgeon

Over 28 Years of Experience

Dr. Courtney is a board-certified orthopedic spine surgeon located in Plano, Texas. A Louisiana native, he attended Louisiana State University for medical school, and completed residency at Texas A&M followed by a fellowship at the Florida Neck and Back Institute.

SPECIALTIES:

• Back Pain

• Neck Pain

• Spine Pain

• Disc Replacement

• Microdiscectomy

• Spinal Fusion

• Minimally Invasive Surgery

• Steroid Injections

• Physical Therapy

“I believe in treating each of my patients with honesty, dignity, and respect. My patients come away from our shared interactions feeling confident, assured that they are truly in the best hands. Throughout my career, I have remained laser-focused on providing world-class care and innovation to the patients I treat on a daily basis. I look forward to getting to know you!”

In this special editorial section, the doctors and other healthcare professionals are listed in alphabetical order and by ad size. To learn more about these professionals and their specialty, you can visit their websites provided. Their information presented in Living Well Magazine is provided by the professional and is not a referral service.

Living Well Magazine ’s readers were invited to nominate their favorite doctors and other healthcare professionals they felt were great candidates for the Top Doctor and Other Healthcare Professionals recognition by Living Well Magazine. Not all professionals nominated opted to participate in this paid section. While we strive to maintain a high degree of accuracy in the information provided, we make no claim, promise or guarantee about the accuracy of the information provided to us. Selecting a healthcare professional is an important decision that should not solely be based upon advertising or the listings in this magazine. You can usually find out basic information about the medical and healthcare professional you’re interested in online.

Top Docs Top Docs &

Matthew K. Adams, MD, MBA

WINNING CATEGORY: Ophthalmologist

Dr. Adams is a board-certified Ophthalmologist and Ophthalmic Surgeon specializing in Vitreoretinal Surgery. While currently practicing in Texas, he has perfected his craft, gained experience, and left a great impact on communities across the country, including California, Minnesota, Ohio, and Florida.

His principal areas of interest include age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, retinal detachment repair, macular surgery, retinal lasers, and secondary intraocular lens implantation.

A native of Grapevine, TX, Dr. Adams attended Texas A&M University for his undergraduate degree where he majored in Biomedical Science. He received his Bachelor of Science with summa cum laude honors in just three years. His passion for medicine led him to achieve his medical degree from Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, TX. During medical school, he also received a Master of Business Administration degree from the Jones Graduate School of Business at Rice University where he received the renowned ‘Owl Award’ by coming in first place during the 2011 Action Learning Project competition. Dr. Adams’ medical journey continued when he received training in Ophthalmology during his residency at the Cullen Eye Institute at Baylor College of Medicine. He was further honored to complete a fellowship in Vitreoretinal Surgery at the #1 ranked hospital in the nation at Mayo Clinic where he was awarded the status of ‘Instructor of Ophthalmology’.

With years of experience in his field, Dr. Adams is board-certified in Ophthalmology by the American Board of Ophthalmology (ABO). The ABO is an independent, non-profit organization responsible for certifying ophthalmologists in the United States of America.

Maintaining professional competence, Dr. Adams is an active member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, American Society of Retina Specialists, Texas Ophthalmological Association, Texas Medical Association, Collin-Fannin County Medical Society, and the American Medical Association.

As a scientific reviewer for multiple medical journals, Dr. Adams’ work has appeared in numerous journal articles, posters, and presentations on a national and international level. In an effort to advance knowledge and research “in the field”, he has also participated in over 25 clinical trials involving the treatment of macular degeneration, diabetic eye disease, and retinal vein occlusions.

Apex Orthopedics

At Apex Orthopedics, we believe North Texas families shouldn’t have to navigate a sprawling medical system to get exceptional care. As a proudly independent practice, we answer to one group of people: our patients. That means faster appointments, more time face-to-face with your surgeon, and a treatment plan built around your life—not a corporate protocol.

Our fellowship-trained, board-certified orthopedic surgeons have trained and served as faculty at leading academic medical centers, with a focus on research, innovation, and minimally invasive techniques. That universitylevel expertise now lives right here in Frisco caring for weekend warriors, youth to professional athletes, and grandparents alike, with the personal attention only an independent practice can offer.

Nathan Boes, MD

Sports

Medicine & Shoulder

Replacement

Dr. Boes completed his sports medicine fellowship at the internationally renowned Steadman Hawkins Clinic. He specializes in arthroscopic surgery of the shoulder, elbow, hip, and knee, and shoulder replacement—as well as fracture care and return-to-sport rehabilitation. Dr. Boes treats athletes at every level, from youth club sports to professional competitors, as well as active adults and anyone looking to move better and live without pain.

Ken Estrera, MD

Hip & Knee Replacement

Dr. Estrera specializes in adult joint reconstruction surgery, including minimally invasive knee replacement, anterior hip replacement, partial knee replacement, and complex revision joint surgery. He has extensive experience treating post-traumatic arthritis and joint conditions in former athletes with prior injuries or surgeries. Dr. Estrera’s goal is to help patients return to sports, travel, and an active lifestyle for years to come.

Mohammed Khaleel, MD

Spine Surgery

Dr. Khaleel specializes in minimally invasive spine surgery, spinal trauma, and complex spinal deformity correction. A respected leader in spine care, he previously served as Director of Orthopedic Spine Surgery and Spinal Trauma at Parkland Memorial Hospital. He currently serves patients throughout North Texas and is a consultant spine surgeon for Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children.

Top Docs

Bruce S. Bowers, MD

WINNING CATEGORY: Cardiovascular Surgeon

Dr. Bruce Bowers is the co-founder of Texas Cardiovascular Specialists, formerly Dallas Cardiovascular Specialists, in Dallas. He is a nationally recognized leader in the field of interventional cardiology and minimally invasive valve surgery. His outstanding and groundbreaking cardiology work has resulted in him being named the National Medical Director of Interventional Cardiology for HCA Healthcare. In this role, Dr. Bowers helps lead the cardiology programs of more than 150 hospitals across the country.

In addition to his national leadership role, he serves as the Medical Director of Invasive and Noninvasive Cardiology and the Dallas Valve Institute at Medical City Dallas Hospital. Dr. Bowers is also the Medical Director of Interventional Cardiology and CoChairman of the Cardiovascular Executive Board for Medical City Healthcare. Dr. Bowers continues to accept new patients and has a busy general cardiology office practice where he sees patients in need of cardiac risk factor management and cardiac testing such as stress tests, echocardiograms, and vascular evaluations.

Dr. Bowers has a simple care philosophy that has served him well over the years, “Treat patients the same way you would want your own family member to be treated.”

Located 15 minutes from downtown Dallas, Palomino Place is a 120-bed facility that represents the next generation in transitional, short-term care. In addition to offering around-theclock clinical support, our comprehensive rehabilitation program features private rooms in a serene environment. Experienced staff provide patient-centered care that promotes the comfort, dignity, and well-being of everyone we serve.

Hospice and palliative care

• Respite care

• 24-hour skilled nursing

• Restorative nursing services

• Physician services

• Interdisciplinary approach

• Individualized care plans

• Medication administration

• Post-surgical stabilization

• Intravenous therapy

• Respiratory therapy

• Tracheotomy care

• Enteral and parenteral care

• Wound management

• Telemedicine

• Rehabilitation services (Inpatient/Outpatient)

• Diagnostic services

• Pharmacy services (7 days a week)

• Other special services

Top Docs Top Docs &

Stephen Courtney, MD

WINNING CATEGORY: Orthopedic Surgeon, Spine Surgeon

Dr. Stephen Courtney is a board–certified, fellowship–trained orthopedic spine surgeon and the founder of the Advanced Spine Center in Plano, TX. Dr. Courtney has been practicing medicine and providing exceptional patient care in Plano since 1995 and has developed superior operative techniques to treat neck and back disorders.

Dr. Courtney is a respected orthopedic spine surgeon who focuses on disorders of the neck and back. His work ethic, outstanding outcomes, and personable approach to patient care have earned him a reputation as one of the best spine surgeons in Texas. He has expanded his reach and has improved the quality of life for patients across the country. Dr. Courtney has developed 9 product lines, and has obtained 18 patents and 14 trademarks on its spine related products. Dr. Courtney has over 100 patents, 14 US-FDA 510(k) spinal implant systems approved, including the only US-FDA 510(k) 3D titanium pedicle screw approved in the WORLD!

Led by Dr. Courtney, the skilled team at Advanced Spine Center cares for patients with neck and back pain using a wide array of the most state–of–the–art tools and techniques—from conservative physical therapy and injection therapy—to advanced pain management, as well as surgical intervention. They employ the latest in minimally invasive spine surgeries, in addition to cutting–edge replacement technology. Incorporating both high tech and high touch, we get our valued patients back to their lives so they can enjoy all the activities they love.

Dr. Courtney is dedicated to educating not just himself and his colleagues but his patients as well. He is known for his straight–forward, honest approach which puts his patients at ease, trusting him to perform highly technical operations that will help them restore their quality of life. He knows the single most important person in the treatment process is the patient.

Florian Dibra, MD

WINNING CATEGORY: Orthopedic Surgeon

Florian F. Dibra, MD is a board-certified, orthopedic surgeon located in Frisco, Texas who has extensive knowledge in hip and knee orthopedics and treats operative and non-operative hip and knee arthritis. He focuses on minimally invasive muscle-sparing total hip and knee replacement, anterior hip replacement, partial knee replacement, robotic joint replacement and complex hip and knee replacement revisions. Dr. Dibra is specialized in magIQknee™ and magIQhip™, muscle-sparing techniques with robotic technology.

Dr. Dibra graduated with honors from Villanova University in Pennsylvania. Soon after, he received his medical degree, with cum laude honors from the esteemed Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He completed his orthopedic surgery training at the University of Florida. He continued at the University of Florida Health Hospital to complete his fellowship in Adult Arthroplasty with an emphasis in hip and knee reconstruction. During his surgical training, he accomplished several publications, book chapters, and poster presentations.

Dr. Dibra’s family consists of his wife and two children. In addition to English, he is fluent in Albanian and Italian, and proficient in Spanish. When he is not working, he enjoys spending time with his family, playing soccer, traveling, and cooking.

Eminent Medical Center

WINNING CATEGORY: Surgical Hospital

Eminent Medical Center is a premier, boutique treatment destination in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. By considering us as an option for your care, you are taking the first important step towards wellness. Our state–of–the–art facility provides more than a healthcare service, it provides a healthcare experience. We are an In–Network provider with Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, and United Healthcare.

Eminent Medical Center was designed by local physicians with their patients’ healthcare, safety, comfort and overall well–being in mind. Our hospital offers both inpatient and outpatient procedures all with highly skilled expert specialists in their fields, ensuring you receive the best healthcare.

Our center features three operating suites, along with a pharmacy, laboratory, emergency department, tranquil pre and post–operative areas, and five private relaxing patient rooms designed with your comfort in mind—right down to the 55” high–definition televisions placed in every room. Your family will also wait in comfort with our luxurious waiting areas, complete with complimentary beverages, free Wi–Fi, and 70” high–definition televisions.

By housing each of these different resources on one hospital campus, we can expedite your treatment and ensure that you receive the prompt attention that you don’t find at some of the larger hospitals in the region. If anything can be done to enhance your experience, we encourage you to let us know right away. We pride ourselves on offering exceptional patient healthcare with an extraordinary patient experience in mind.

Our hospital is currently offering services for: Pain Management, Sports Medicine, General Surgery, Spine Surgery, Orthopedic Surgery, Neurosurgery, Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery, Total Joint Surgery, Foot & Ankle Surgery, Hand Surgery, Headache and Migraine Treatment, and Plastic Surgery. Onsite services of x–ray, laboratory and pharmacy are also available.

In this day and age, you have many options for your healthcare. When you entrust your well–being to the specialists at Eminent Medical Center, you will receive the quality of care that you want and that you deserve. From the moment you arrive at our spacious hospital, you will feel the Eminent difference, the Eminent Choice.

1351 W. President George Bush Hwy. Richardson, Texas 75080

Top

Kwame A.

Ennin,

WINNING CATEGORY: Orthopedic Surgeon

MD, MBA

Kwame Ennin, MD, MBA, is a board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon at the Texas Joint Institute, where he specializes in hip and knee replacement, adult reconstructive surgery, and nonoperative management of osteoarthritis. Known for his patient-first approach and surgical expertise, Dr. Ennin has been a trusted leader in the North Texas orthopedic community since 2015.

Dr. Ennin earned his undergraduate degree in biochemistry from the State University of New York at Stony Brook. He went on to receive his medical degree from the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, followed by a general surgery internship and orthopedic residency at The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas. He further advanced his expertise through a prestigious fellowship in adult reconstructive surgery at William Beaumont Hospital in Michigan.

A strong advocate for education and innovation, Dr. Ennin is a frequent presenter and educator on advanced orthopedic techniques. He shares his knowledge with colleagues on topics such as direct anterior total hip arthroplasty, total and revision knee arthroplasty, partial knee replacement, and robotic-assisted joint surgery. His commitment to clinical excellence extends into research, where he has authored numerous peer-reviewed publications that contribute to the advancement of orthopedic medicine.

Dr. Ennin takes pride in delivering personalized, evidence-based care tailored to the unique needs and goals of each patient. His philosophy is grounded in long-term joint health and a lifelong commitment to his patients’ mobility and well-being.

Whether he is in the operating room, mentoring peers, or consulting with patients, Dr. Ennin’s dedication to excellence and innovation continues to shape the future of joint care in Texas.

MCKINNEY 4201 Medical Center Dr. Ste. 100 McKinney, TX 75069 (469) 796-4295

SACHSE 4650 Pres. George Bush Tpke. Ste. 100 Sachse, TX 75048 (972) 566-5255 PLANO 4001 West 15th St. Ste. 180 Plano, TX 75093 (972) 566-5255

Bilal Mahmood, MD

WINNING CATEGORY: Orthopedic Surgeon

Dr. Bilal Mahmood is an orthopedic surgeon with fellowship training in adult hip and knee reconstruction and joint replacement. He specializes in anterior hip replacement, robotic joint replacement, hip resurfacing, total knee replacement, partial knee replacement, minimally invasive joint replacement, same-day joint replacement, complex hip and knee deformity, revision joint replacement, hip and knee arthritis, osteonecrosis, hip dysplasia, and femoroacetabular impingement (FAI).

He aims to care for each patient with the same quality, compassion, and respect that he would want his family to receive when seeking medical care. Along those same lines, he wants his patients to be able to make wellinformed decisions about their healthcare. Therefore, his first rule is to listen to his patients about their symptoms. Dr Mahmood will then use his expertise to thoroughly explain and educate his patients as to what is contributing to their pain and present them with all potential options. Ultimately, Dr. Mahmood and his patient make an informed decision together.

Technology behind hip and knee replacement is an ever-changing field with new advancements and technologies coming forth every day. Should surgery be needed, Dr. Mahmood incorporates innovative technologies in hip and knee replacement surgery such as robotics, computer navigation, and minimally invasive techniques to provide personalized and up-todate surgical care. Dr. Mahmood’s expertise and innovative technologies provides him with the unique opportunity to make real, positive change in his patients’ lives almost immediately with the goal of reducing pain and restoring function so that patients can continue doing the things that they enjoy in life.

Outside of work, Dr. Mahmood enjoys spending time with his wife and children. His hobbies include alpine skiing, baseball, hockey, biking, and travel.

He is involved with local outreach organizations for medically underserved populations. He is also involved in research and innovation to advance hip and knee joint replacement.

Luis Antonio Mignucci, MD

WINNING CATEGORY: Neurosurgeon, Spine Surgeon

Under the leadership of Dr. Luis Mignucci, Neurospine Surgical Consultants continues to provide unparalleled medical care to the residents of DallasFort Worth and surrounding areas that he has served for more than 36 years in the North Dallas and Plano areas. Dr. Mignucci has earned recognition from his peers, including selection among Dallas’ Best Doctors by D Magazine and Top Doctors by Living Well Magazine

Dr. Mignucci graduated from the University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine, Department of Neurological Surgery. He completed his spine fellowship at the prestigious Cleveland Clinic Foundation and pursued additional specialized training at the National Hospital for Nervous Diseases at the University of London. Dr. Mignucci is one of the few neurosurgeons in the United States certified by both the American Board of Spine Surgery and the American Board of Neurological Surgery. To further evidence his expertise, Dr. Mignucci has participated in multiple clinical trials related to spine care and is actively involved in the design of advanced medical devices and equipment. During his 34 years of practice, Dr. Mignucci has developed special interest and mastery in the surgical management of spinal tumors and spine conditions, including scoliosis and spondylolisthesis. Additionally, he performs minimally invasive procedures to treat ruptured discs in the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine.

Neurospine Surgical Consultants is located within Windhaven Medical Plaza, home to Windhaven Medical Imaging and its advanced 3T MRI technology. Patients can often be evaluated and complete diagnostic imaging the same day, helping expedite diagnosis and treatment. The building also houses the recently expanded Windhaven Ambulatory Surgery Center, offering state-of-the-art surgical care in one convenient location, staffed by a highly trained and compassionate, professional personnel.

The medical team at Neurospine Surgical Consultants offers the latest technologies in the diagnosis and management of adult neurosurgical conditions, as well as the evaluation and nonsurgical treatment of acute and chronic musculoskeletal disorders.

Brian Nwannunu, MD, MS, is a fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon specializing in adult reconstruction and total hip and knee replacements at the Texas Joint Institute, with locations in McKinney and in Allen, Texas. His approach blends advanced surgical skill with a commitment to compassionate, patient-centered care. He is also one of the few official Jiffy Knee™ surgeons in the North Texas area.

Dr. Nwannunu began his academic journey at Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia, where he was a member of the prestigious Honors Program. He went on to earn a master’s degree in physiology from Georgetown University in Washington, DC, focusing on complementary and alternative medicine. He received his medical degree from Howard University College of Medicine, where he was inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society, a distinction awarded to top medical students nationwide.

His orthopedic surgery residency was completed at John Peter Smith Health Network in Fort Worth, Texas. Dr. Nwannunu then pursued advanced fellowship training in adult reconstruction at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston. Dedicated to extending his care beyond the clinic, he also participated in a medical mission trip to Antigua, Guatemala, offering orthopedic care and health education to underserved communities.

Dr. Nwannunu is affiliated with Medical City Orthopedic & Spine Surgery Center at Dallas and Medical City McKinney, where he contributes to their Joint Replacement Center of Excellence. He is an active member of numerous professional organizations, including the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons, American Medical Association, and National Medical Association. He is also a proud member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.—Pi Chapter.

Outside of medicine, Dr. Nwannunu enjoys playing basketball, weight training, traveling, attending art and music festivals, and listening to jazz. He also has a passion for world news and reading, reflecting his curiosity and commitment to lifelong learning.

Top Docs Top Docs & OTHER HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS & OTHER HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS

James P. Ralston, MD, FAAD

WINNING CATEGORY: Dermatologist

Dr. James Ralston is a board-certified dermatologist and nationally recognized dermatosurgeon known for combining advanced technology with personalized, patient-centered care. Serving the McKinney community since 2008 as President of the Dermatology Center of McKinney, he provides comprehensive dermatologic care for pediatric, adolescent, and adult patients.

In 2025, Dr. Ralston was named Best Physician–Dermatologist by the McKinney Chamber of Commerce for the 15th consecutive year. He has also been recognized multiple times by McKinney/Allen Living Magazine as Best Dermatologist and Best Laser Hair Removal Specialist, and is a repeat recipient of awards for Best Tattoo Removal and Best Place for Botox. In 2026, Living Well Magazine honored him as a Top Docs Winner for the seventh consecutive year. He has also been listed among D Magazine ’s Top Doctors.

Dr. Ralston offers state-of-the-art treatment options for a wide range of conditions including skin cancer, acne, acne scarring, eczema, psoriasis, rashes, sun damage, and aesthetic concerns such as wrinkles and age spots. His practice incorporates advanced technologies, including GentleCure® image-guided superficial radiation therapy for non-surgical skin cancer treatment and photodynamic therapy for skin cancer, precancerous lesions, acne, and sun-related aging. With more than 35 aesthetic devices in his practice, he is known for delivering customized, results-driven care.

After earning his medical degree from The University of Texas Medical School at Houston, Dr. Ralston completed his dermatology residency at SUNY Buffalo, where he served as Chief Resident. He further specialized through a fellowship in Cutaneous Oncology and Photodynamic Therapy at Roswell Park Cancer Institute, where he helped pioneer less invasive treatments for skin cancer and precancerous conditions. He has also received additional training in skin surgery, including Mohs micrographic surgery, and has contributed to medical textbooks and peer-reviewed publications.

A national lecturer, Dr. Ralston shares his expertise with physicians and aesthetic providers across the country, focusing on lasers, emerging technologies, and innovations in dermatologic care. Outside the office, Dr. Ralston enjoys life in McKinney with his wife and children. His interests include music, technology, the arts, and spending quality time with his family.

Jason D. Roe, DDS, FACP

WINNING CATEGORY: Dentist

Dr. Roe brings international experience and personalized attention to dentistry. Nothing is more important to him than your smile. He and his staff are committed to making sure that you like what you see in the mirror. After all, it’s not just a reflection of you—it’s also a reflection on us!

His mission is simple—to make you healthy and happy. However, to achieve that goal, there are several options and variables that can be confusing. This is where Dr. Roe’s years of experience as a prosthodontist can help you choose the options that best suit you and your budget.

Dr. Jason Roe has performed cosmetic dentistry and provided tooth replacement options for countless patients, not only in the Dallas area, but all over the US and from around the world.

Dr. Roe attended Baylor College of Dentistry in early 2000’s and followed with several noteworthy years in the military. During his time in the U.S. Army, Dr. Roe provided care to active–duty soldiers and family members, both stateside and in Afghanistan. He was hand–selected by the commanding general of the Special Forces to accompany them on their tour and provide dental services to Special Forces soldiers during their deployment.

While serving stateside, Dr. Roe completed a Prosthodontic Residency and went on to challenge the American Board of Prosthodontics becoming a Board–Certified Prosthodontist.

Dr. Jason Roe is a lifelong learner and a true educator. For several years he served as Chief Prosthodontic Mentor for Fort Bragg’s comprehensive dental residency. During that time, he was named mentor of the year. In addition, he has guest lectured on implant and full mouth restorations at Harvard and multiple other Advanced Education in General Dentistry venues across the country.

Dr. Roe and his team take pride in providing individualized, high–quality dental care. If you are ready to improve the quality of your life and regain your confidence, call him today and make an appointment for a consultation. He’s happy to walk you through the many possibilities available to give you a smile you’ll be proud to share.

Gregory D. Roberts, MD

WINNING CATEGORY: Facial Plastic Surgeon

We inherit some great characteristics from our ancestors. A sense of humor. A strong work ethic. Maybe even features such as high cheekbones and expressive eyes. But sometimes we also receive Dad’s baggy eyelids, Mom’s sagging jowls, or weak chin. Some of these traits can hide our inner beauty. Coupled with the effects of time, they may cause us to look tired and even older than we feel.

Unlike generations before us, we can explore surgical and nonsurgical options that not only produce natural results but are also affordable. Dr. Roberts specializes in facial cosmetic medical procedures, including the “scarless” face lift, endoscopic brow lift, blepharoplasty, otoplasty, chin and lip implants. For over 20 years, he’s devoted his practice to helping his patients achieve natural results and endeavoring to exceed their expectations. “Each patient is unique,” Dr. Roberts said, “so it’s important to really listen to what the patient wants. I start by asking what bothers you. What do you hope to achieve?”

His objective is to provide results that are in harmony with individual facial features. He also wants patients to be able to go out in public without makeup if they so desire. This requires him to take additional time in each procedure to incorporate a series of precise surgical methods.

For example, during a female Face Lift, he utilizes post–tragal incisions placed on the inside of the ear and bevels placement of incisions at the hairline to help provide a virtually “scarless” appearance. “No surgery can be performed without an incision, but over the years I’ve perfected my techniques so incisions can be practically imperceptible in many procedures perform,” Dr. Roberts said.

In an Endoscopic Brow Lift, he typically places tiny endoscopic incisions hidden above the hairline.

In each procedure, his goal is to provide an outcome that fits with an individual’s unique anatomy, as well as incorporating each person’s unique desires and goals.

“There’s an artistic element to every aspect of our practice,” Dr. Roberts said. “Many of our patients find a new or renewed sense of self–confidence. To me, it is as much of an aura of confidence as it is the results of the procedure that helps re–shape a person’s beauty. That is very fulfilling to me.”

Outside of his medical practice, Dr. Roberts enjoys saltwater fishing, golfing, and gourmet cooking. Known for building strong connections with his patients, he often shares stories about growing habanero peppers, crafting his signature praline cheesecake, and witnessing unforgettable sunrises while wade fishing for redfish. A lifelong Texan, Dr. Roberts has spent most of his life in Dallas and Austin.

Dr. Roberts is certified by the American Board of Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery and the American Board of Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery. All procedures are performed at Dr. Robert’s AAAASF certified facility near George Bush Tollway and Preston Road in Dallas suburb, Plano, Texas.

Nationally–known facial plastic surgeon Dr. Gregory D. Roberts has refined a face lift technique, known as the “scarless” face lift, which allows patients to recover from surgery with virtually no visible scarring. The “scarless” face lift involves a series of surgical methods and meticulous precision that can help restore more natural, youthful facial features with virtually imperceptible signs of surgical intervention.

“My one guiding principle is that your cosmetic surgery looks natural,” said Dr. Roberts. “You should look refreshed and well–rested, never pulled.” Dr. Roberts takes the time necessary to meticulously place and close incisions, ensuring that his patients’ incisions are virtually invisible, as well as helping to minimize bruising and quicken the healing process.

TRANSFORMING SELF ESTEEM DR.

I inherited drooping eyes from my dad, sagging jowls from my mother. But Dr. Roberts has completely changed that for me. Now I get comments even from strangers about how good my skin looks. Only my close friends know what I’ve had done, but I feel dramatically different. It’s helped my confidence and I’m definitely more comfortable when I’m face–to–face with people.”

–Kathy

After surgery, I was wearing a ponytail two weeks later and attended a work conference a week after that. No one could tell I’d just had surgery! To me, it’s so natural. I can’t say enough good things about Dr. Roberts and his staff.”

–Janet

5144 Village Creek Dr., Plano, Texas 75093

Chin Augmentation & Lipo

Charles E. Toulson, MD, MBA

CATEGORY: Orthopedic Surgeon

Charles Toulson, MD, MBA, is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with Texas Joint Institute dedicated to exceptional patient outcomes. Fellowship-trained in adult reconstruction, he specializes in total hip and knee replacement, including complex revisions. Since 2007, Dr. Toulson has been a pioneer in anterior hip replacement and robotic-assisted joint replacement surgery in North Texas, helping transform the way patients experience joint replacement. His minimally invasive, muscle-sparing techniques have made same-day and next-day discharge joint replacement a reality for many patients, allowing them to return to active lifestyles sooner.

Driven by a commitment to improve patient outcomes, Dr. Toulson developed the SURRE KNEE, an innovative total knee replacement approach based on the Subvastus Rapid Recovery Experience (SURRE) technique. Combining robotic-assisted precision with a minimally invasive, muscle-sparing philosophy, the SURRE KNEE is designed to reduce post-operative pain, accelerate mobility, and enhance long-term function. Unlike traditional knee replacement methods, the procedure preserves the quadriceps tendon, working beneath the vastus medialis muscle, minimizing surgical trauma and allowing many patients to walk independently within days of surgery.

Dr. Toulson also pioneered the SURRE HIP technique, a comprehensive approach to direct anterior total hip replacement that integrates advanced surgical planning, modern implant technology, and reproducible muscle-sparing techniques. Performed with the patient in the supine position, the SURRE HIP utilizes the direct anterior approach, working between natural muscle planes rather than detaching muscles or tendons. This tissue-preserving method is designed to minimize pain, optimize implant positioning, and promote a faster, more comfortable recovery while delivering consistent, long-term results.

Dr. Toulson earned his doctorate from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, completed his residency at Johns Hopkins Hospital, and completed his fellowship at the Hospital for Special Surgery, one of the nation’s leading orthopedic programs.

For more than a decade, Dr. Toulson has been recognized as one of Texas’ top orthopedic surgeons. He has been repeatedly named among D Magazine ’s Best Doctors in Dallas and Best Orthopedic Surgeons in Collin County and received top honors from Living Magazine and Living Well Magazine . Dr. Toulson has partnered with many local hospitals to support them becoming Joint Replacement Centers of Excellence.

Dr. Cassandra Wilson, Au.D., has been a dedicated presence at Hearing Services of McKinney since 2010 and proudly took ownership of the practice in 2021. With a deep passion for hearing health and patient care, Dr. Wilson brings a unique blend of clinical expertise and a warm, personal touch to her work. She earned her Doctor of Audiology degree from Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, following a Bachelor of Music from the University of Wyoming—a background that reflects her deep appreciation for sound in all its forms.

Originally from Canada, Dr. Wilson has called Texas home since 2000. She is a licensed audiologist in the State of Texas and holds her Certificate of Clinical Competence in Audiology through the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. She is also an active member of the American Academy of Audiology and the Dallas Audiology Society.

Dr. Wilson has had the privilege of working with patients of all ages, helping them navigate their hearing challenges with compassion and clarity. Her approach is centered on building lasting relationships with each patient and guiding them through every step of their hearing journey—from diagnosis and treatment to ongoing support.

Hearing Services of McKinney recently relocated to their new location off Eldorado Parkway in McKinney, offering an updated space designed for comfort, convenience, and continued excellence in care. Dr. Wilson and her experienced team are committed to providing personalized solutions in a welcoming environment, ensuring that every patient feels heard, supported, and confident in their hearing health.

Texas Back Institute

ALLIANCE

FORT WORTH

CENTRAL PLANO

Texas Back Institute (TBI) has served the North Texas area in spine care for nearly 50 years. An uncompromising desire to put patients first and provide individualized spine care has helped change the treatment options available to patients for neck and back pain.

Texas Back Institute has developed several spine specialty programs. These include the Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Center, Center for Disc Replacement, Scoliosis and Spine Tumor Center, and Complex Back Surgery Center. These programs give patients access to highly-trained care teams who focus specifically on these areas of spine care, allowing patients in the North Texas area access to treatment options for their individual problems from physicians with extensive experience in these areas.

“At Texas Back Institute, finding the right solution for each patient and offering the least invasive treatment is core to our belief and the foundation for all treatment plans.” Dr. Michael Duffy.

Today, TBI is a leader in artificial disc replacement, minimally invasive spine surgery, complex revision surgery, and treatment of spinal deformity. TBI has trained hundreds of surgeons, scientists, and allied health professionals now practicing worldwide. Its research institute employs state-of-the-art technology and is actively involved in many clinical trials, including artificial disc replacement, minimally invasive technologies, and robotic spine surgery. Texas Back Institute has remained one of the most academic practices in spine care. It is one of the largest multidisciplinary spine centers in the world, providing comprehensive care for neck and back pain. With a fully dedicated staff of board-certified orthopedic spine surgeons, neurosurgeons, physiatrists, and physical therapists, the TBI team works together to support its mission of helping patients get back to life. The 27 physicians at Texas Back Institute are leaders in the surgical and nonsurgical treatment options for back and neck pain, from the most common outpatient procedures to the most complex cases. Thanks to the unmatched expertise of the medical staff, the advanced diagnostic testing, and an unparalleled commitment to patient care, the Texas Back Institute physicians can identify the potential cause of your pain and create a treatment plan specific to your needs.

3025 N. Tarrant Pkwy., Ste. 220 Fort Worth (Alliance), TX 76177

ARGYLE

310 FM 407E, Ste. 100 Argyle, TX 76226

DALLAS

12222 N. Central Expy. Pavilion II, Ste. 310 Dallas, TX 75243

DENTON

3537 S. Interstate 35, Ste. 308 Denton, TX 76210

FLOWER MOUND

4370 Medical Arts Dr. River Walk Bldg. III, Ste. 230 Flower Mound, TX 75028

1650 W. Rosedale St., Ste. 301 Fort Worth, TX 76104

FRISCO

5575 Frisco Square Blvd. Ste. 400 Frisco, TX 75034

MANSFIELD

2925 E. Broad St., Ste. 101 Mansfield, TX 76063

McKINNEY

4510 Medical Center Dr., Ste. 106 McKinney, TX 75069

NORTH RICHLAND HILLS

4351 Booth Calloway Dr. Ste. 404 Fort Worth, TX 76180

4001 W. 15th St., Ste. 455 Medical Office Bldg. III Plano, TX 75093

PLANO

6020 W. Parker Rd., Ste. 200 Plano, TX 75093

ROCKWALL

3164 Horizon Rd., Ste. 100 Rockwall, TX 75032

SACSHE

4650 President George Bush Turnpike, Ste. 100 Sachse, TX 75048

WICHITA FALLS

501 Midwestern Pkwy. E Wichita Falls, TX 76302

TOP ROW: Sheena Bhuva, MD; Michael Duffy, MD; Alejandro Carrasquilla, MD; Brian Braaksma, MD; Theodore Belanger, MD; Stephen Tolhurst, MD; Blake Staub, MD; Alexander Satin, MD; Ivan Cheng, MD; Kevin Ju, MD; Akwasi Boah, MD; Junyoung “Jon” Ahn, MD; Chun Lin, MD
BOTTOM ROW: Adewale Adeniran, MD; Thomas Kosztowski, MD; Rey Bosita, MD; Rajesh Arakal, MD; Jessica Shellock, MD; Isador Lieberman, MD, MBA, FRCSC; Richard Guyer, MD; Jack Zigler, MD, FACS; Scott Blumenthal, MD; Kevin Gill, MD; Nayan Patel, MD; Craig Lankford, MD; Michael Hisey, MD; Uche Davidson, MD

WE OFFER CUSTOM AND STERILE MEDICATION COMPOUNDING.

How Old Are You Really ?

At our age, most of us know exactly how old we are. We can recite the number without hesitation. It appears on our driver’s licenses, medical forms, and birthday cakes. Yet if you’ve ever met someone who seemed decades younger than their age, or someone who appeared much older than the years they’ve lived, you’ve probably wondered whether age is really as simple as a number.

The truth is, age has layers. Two people can be the same chronological age and have remarkably different experiences of life. One may be energetic, curious, socially connected, and eager to learn new things. The other may feel withdrawn, exhausted, and convinced their best years are behind them. They were born the same number of years ago, but in many ways they are aging very differently.

That’s because we don’t age in just one way. We age physically, mentally, emotionally, socially, and psychologically. Each of these dimensions influences how we experience life, and each tells a different story about who we are today.

Perhaps the most familiar form of aging is physical aging. It’s the one we see in the mirror and feel in our joints. Hair changes color. Recovery takes a little longer. Reading glasses appear in unexpected places throughout the house. Physical aging gets most of the attention because it’s visible, but it may be only one piece of the puzzle.

Some people remain remarkably active and physically capable throughout their later decades. Others experience limitations much earlier. Lifestyle habits, genetics, sleep, nutrition, movement, stress, and countless other factors influence how the body changes over time. Yet physical age doesn’t always determine how old someone feels. Have you ever noticed that some people seem permanently young at heart? They laugh easily, stay curious, and approach life with enthusiasm rather than resignation. They are willing to learn new skills, travel to unfamiliar places, and embrace experiences outside their comfort zone. This brings us to mental age.

Mental aging has less to do with intelligence and more to do with curiosity. Some people stop exploring long before they stop living. Others maintain an active interest in the world around them for decades.

Researchers at Harvard Medical School have long emphasized the importance of lifelong learning and mental engagement in supporting brain health and cognitive resilience. But beyond the science, there is something deeply human about remaining curious. Curiosity keeps life interesting. It encourages questions, invites growth, and reminds us that there is still more to discover.

People who continue reading, learning, creating, and exploring often seem younger than their years, regardless of what the calendar says. Emotional age tells another story entirely. This has little to do with maturity in the traditional sense. Instead, it reflects how we navigate challenges, relationships, disappointments, and change. Some people grow increasingly resilient as they age. They’ve weathered storms, learned difficult lessons, and developed perspective. They no longer react to every inconvenience as if it’s a catastrophe. They understand that most problems eventually pass.

Others remain trapped in old patterns of fear, anger, resentment, or worry. Life experience alone doesn’t guarantee emotional growth. Sometimes growth comes from reflection rather than experience itself. One of the most interesting aspects of emotional aging is the way priorities often shift over time. Small annoyances lose their importance, meaningful relationships become more valuable, and experiences often matter more than possessions.

Maybe the better question isn’t, “How old are you?” Maybe it’s, “How engaged are you with life?”

The people who seem youngest are rarely the ones with the fewest birthdays. They’re the ones who continue showing up for life. They’re still curious about the world around them. They keep learning new things, making new friends, trying new experiences, and setting new goals. They haven’t convinced themselves that growth has an expiration date.

The encouraging news is that these qualities aren’t reserved for a lucky few. You don’t have to train for a marathon, start a new career, or reinvent yourself overnight. Youthfulness often reveals itself in much smaller ways. It shows up when you take a class you’ve always wanted to try, say yes to an invitation, learn a new skill, volunteer in your community, or simply remain open to new ideas and experiences.

In many ways, staying young is less about preserving the body and more about nurturing the spirit. It’s about maintaining a sense of curiosity, purpose, connection, and possibility. Those qualities have a way of shining through regardless of the number on a driver’s license. The calendar will continue to move forward for all of us. None of us can stop that. But we can choose whether we continue growing, learning, laughing, connecting, and looking ahead. The people who do often possess a vitality that has very little to do with age and everything to do with how they approach life.

So how old are you really? While aging is inevitable, continuing to grow is always a choice.

At Syed, we’re not your typical community pharmacy. We are committed to providing top-notch pharmaceutical services and wellness products to ensure you and your family stay healthy and happy. We have great selections of over-the-counter medicines, medical equipment, assortments of nutritional supplements, and many more health care services.

Our experienced and friendly staff are here to support you with personalized care and expert advice. Some of our services are:

Compounding Services

Personalized compounding tailored to you—now offering sterile compounding to support your care.

• Eye drops, Injections, etc.

• Hormonal needs (Testing of both men and women)

• Pet needs

• ODT/Troches/Capsules

• Creams, Ointments, Lotions, Patches

• Weight loss medications

Vaccination Services

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A New Cholesterol Revolution Could One Treatment Change Cholesterol Forever?

At some point, sleep stops being the thing you fall into easily at the end of a long day and starts being the thing you have to work at. As we age, especially after 50, this shift can feel sudden and deeply frustrating. You lie awake at 2am for no particular reason. You wake up feeling like you barely touched the pillow. You drift off on the couch at eight in the evening but stare at the ceiling for an hour once you actually go to bed. If any of that sounds familiar, you are not imagining it, and you are not alone.

For decades, treating high cholesterol has largely meant taking medication every day. Millions of Americans swallow a daily statin pill, while others use injectable medications every few weeks to keep their cholesterol levels under control. But a new experimental therapy is raising an intriguing question: What if lowering cholesterol could someday require just a single treatment?

Researchers are now studying a gene-editing therapy called VERVE-102, an experimental treatment designed to permanently reduce levels of LDL cholesterol, often referred to as "bad" cholesterol. Early results have generated significant interest within the medical community because the therapy aims to alter the body's biology in a way that could provide long-lasting cholesterol reduction after a

single infusion. While the treatment is still years away from potential approval and much more research is needed, it offers a glimpse into what the future of cardiovascular medicine may look like.

To understand why researchers are excited, it helps to first understand cholesterol itself.

Cholesterol is a waxy substance that the body needs to build cells and produce certain hormones. The problem occurs when low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, or LDL cholesterol, builds up in the bloodstream. Over time, excess LDL cholesterol can accumulate within artery walls, creating plaque deposits that narrow blood vessels and increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

For many people, lifestyle changes such as eating a healthier diet, maintaining a healthy weight, and exercising regularly can help improve cholesterol levels. Others require medication because their cholesterol remains elevated despite their best efforts. Some individuals inherit genetic conditions that cause extremely high cholesterol levels from birth.

One such condition is called familial hypercholesterolemia. This inherited disorder causes the body to have difficulty clearing LDL cholesterol from the bloodstream, often leading to cholesterol levels

For decades, treating high cholesterol has largely meant taking medication every day.

that are dramatically higher than average. People with familial hypercholesterolemia can develop heart disease at much younger ages than the general population.

Traditional cholesterol medications work well for many people. Statins remain the most commonly prescribed treatment and have helped prevent countless heart attacks and strokes. Newer injectable drugs known as PCSK9 inhibitors can lower LDL cholesterol even further. However, all of these treatments require ongoing use. If the medication is stopped, cholesterol levels typically begin to rise again.

That is where gene editing enters the picture. Gene editing refers to technologies that allow scientists to make precise changes to DNA, the genetic instruction manual found in our cells. One of the most widely known gene-editing tools is CRISPR, which has transformed biomedical research over the past decade.

The therapy being studied, VERVE-102, uses a specialized form of gene editing known as base editing. Unlike earlier gene-editing approaches that cut DNA strands, base editing changes a single "letter" within the genetic code. According to Live Science, researchers believe this more precise approach may help reduce some of the risks associated with older gene-editing techniques while still achieving the desired biological effect.

The treatment targets a gene called PCSK9. Although most people have never heard of PCSK9, it plays a major role in cholesterol regulation. The liver contains receptors that remove LDL cholesterol from the bloodstream. The PCSK9 protein can reduce the number of these receptors available to do their job. As a result, more LDL cholesterol remains circulating in the blood.

cardiovascular deaths. Those questions require much larger clinical trials involving hundreds or even thousands of participants followed for several years.

Safety is another critical consideration. Any therapy that permanently alters DNA faces a very high safety standard. Unlike a medication that can be stopped if problems develop, gene editing may create long-lasting changes. Scientists therefore must carefully monitor participants for unexpected effects.

So far, the safety data from the VERVE-102 study have been encouraging. HCPLive reported that no treatment-related serious adverse events were identified during the early-stage trial. Even so, researchers emphasize that larger studies and longer follow-up periods will be necessary to determine the therapy's full safety profile and long-term effectiveness.

Another question is who might ultimately benefit from such a treatment. If future studies continue to show positive results, experts believe the therapy could be especially valuable for people with inherited forms of high cholesterol or those at very high risk of cardiovascular disease. It is less clear whether gene editing would ever become a routine treatment for the millions of Americans with moderately elevated cholesterol levels.

But a new experimental therapy is raising an intriguing question: What if lowering cholesterol could someday require just a single treatment?

Cost will also be an important factor. Gene therapies currently rank among the most expensive treatments in medicine. Although a onetime therapy could potentially save money over a lifetime compared with decades of medications, affordability and insurance coverage would likely become major issues if the treatment reaches the market.

Scientists have known for years that some people naturally inherit genetic variations that make PCSK9 less active. These individuals often have unusually low cholesterol levels and a lower risk of cardiovascular disease. Building on this observation, researchers at University College London Hospitals say the new therapy aims to mimic that natural protection by permanently reducing the activity of the PCSK9 gene in liver cells.

In a recently reported early-stage clinical trial involving 35 participants with either heart disease or inherited high cholesterol, researchers tested a single infusion of VERVE-102. According to findings published in the New England Journal of Medicine the treatment produced substantial reductions in LDL cholesterol levels, with some participants experiencing decreases of more than 60 percent. Researchers also reported significant declines in PCSK9 protein levels, and the effects appeared to persist throughout the follow-up period.

Those findings are encouraging because they suggest that the therapy may have a durable effect. In medical research, the term durable simply means that a treatment continues to work for an extended period without requiring repeated doses. Still, it is important to keep the results in perspective.

The study was small and designed primarily to evaluate safety and determine appropriate dosing levels. Researchers have not yet demonstrated that the treatment reduces heart attacks, strokes, or

The broader significance of this research extends beyond cholesterol. Historically, gene therapies have focused on rare genetic disorders affecting relatively small numbers of patients. High cholesterol, by contrast, is one of the most common health conditions in the world. If gene editing eventually proves safe and effective for a widespread condition such as cholesterol management, it could mark a major shift in how medicine approaches chronic disease. For now, however, the most important takeaway is that this therapy remains experimental. People should not view it as a replacement for proven treatments such as statins, healthy eating, exercise, blood pressure control, and smoking cessation. Those measures continue to provide substantial protection against heart disease and remain the foundation of cardiovascular care.

Still, the early results offer an exciting glimpse into what may lie ahead. The idea that a single treatment could permanently alter the body's ability to regulate cholesterol would have sounded like science fiction just a few decades ago. Today, researchers are beginning to explore whether that possibility could become reality.

Whether VERVE-102 ultimately fulfills its promise remains to be seen. But its development highlights how rapidly medical science is evolving and how researchers are increasingly looking beyond managing disease toward changing the underlying biology that causes it in the first place.

FLORIAN DIBRA, MD

Florian F. Dibra, MD is an orthopedic surgeon located in Frisco, Texas who has extensive knowledge in hip and knee orthopedics and treats operative and non-operative hip and knee arthritis. He focuses on minimally invasive muscle-sparing total hip and knee replacement, anterior hip replacement, partial knee replacement, robotic joint replacement and complex hip and knee replacement revisions. Dr. Dibra is specialized in magIQknee™ and magIQhip™, muscle-sparing techniques with robotic technology.

Dr. Dibra graduated with honors from Villanova University in Pennsylvania. Soon after, he received his medical degree, with cum laude honors from the esteemed Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

He completed his orthopedic surgery training at the University of Florida.

He continued at the University of Florida Health Hospital to complete his fellowship in Adult Arthroplasty with an emphasis in hip and knee reconstruction. During Dr. Dibra’s surgical training, he accomplished several publications, book chapters, and poster presentations.

Dr. Dibra’s family consists of his wife and two children. In addition to English, he is fluent in Albanian, Italian, and proficient in Spanish.

The Madison on Marsh is a 112-bed residential health community that features a stunning interior design.

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Expert Orthopedic Surgeons Close to

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John S. Early, MD
Terry K. Gemas, MD
William F. Tucker, Jr., MD
Duncan L. McKellar, Jr., MD
J. Conner Ryan, MD
Brian I. Nwannunu, MD
Florian F. Dibra, MD
Charles E. Toulson, MD
Cyrus E. Abbaschian, MD
Donald W. Hohman, MD
J. Stephen Appleton, MD
Alexander S. Greenstein, MD
Kwame A. Ennin, MD
Samuel K. Stephenson, MD
Raj Yalamanchili, MD
Emmanuel D. Eisenstein, MD

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