With over 10,000 votes from readers, patients and local medical professionals, HealthLinks is proud to present our 2022 Best in Health winners.
Honoring a family promise to a boy who lost his life to substance misuse disorder, WakeUp Carolina offers a safe place of hope and healing for Charleston’s youth, young adults and their families.
BEST ALLERGIST
If it’s in the air, you might just have to bear! Or make a visit to Dr. Bruce Ball of Charleston Allergy and Asthma and benefit from his board-certified expertise in allergy, asthma and immunology.BEST ALLERGY CENTER
From athletes looking to improve their prowess to mechanics hoping to breathe better, people have been confidently running to Charleston Allergy and Asthma. For more than 30 years, they have been helping Lowcountry residents feel better and live better, and they can help you, too!
BEST AUDIOLOGIST
Helping patients hear and live better, Dr. Jennifer Esse of Carolina Hearing Services has been doing hearing evaluations and providing hearing aid services for people of all ages. Her dedication to the practice for 20 years has earned her the accolade of Best Audiologist by our readers.
BEST BARIATRIC DOCTOR
Coastal Carolina Bariatric and Surgical Center’s Dr. Neil McDevitt is motivated by celebrating the happiness of his patients’ victories. His personal attention to treating people, not medical problems, makes him our reader’s choice for best bariatric doctor
BEST BEDSIDE MANNER (MD)
His performance is the opposite of in “vein” – well, sort of. Dr. Kenneth DeSart of Coastal Vascular & Vein Center has successfully served his patients with extraordinary care, making him your best for bedside manner.
BEST BEDSIDE MANNER (NON-MD)
Lamar Hood of South Carolina Sports Medicine & Orthopaedic Center brings a “kick” to his patient care, providing extraordinary service to his patients.
BEST CANCER CENTER
This dedicated practice is committed to bringing patients the latest advancements in cancer medicine. Charleston Oncology is your choice for Best Cancer Center for diagnosis and treatment of many types of cancer.
BEST CARDIOLOGIST
Being voted the best isn’t “tachy” at all. Dr. Troy Bunting of Coastal Cardiology gets his heart pumping for interventional cardiology and innovative technologies to deliver his patients excellent care.
BEST CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL
From promoting healthy lifestyles to lifesaving treatments and compassionate care given in a few minutes to well after hours, there are many reasons why MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital has been voted the Best Children’s Hospital.
BEST CHIROPRACTOR
Deconstruct your pain and reconstruct your brain by heading to Dr. Alykhan Shariff of Advanced Spinal Care for his chiropractic expertise, back-boned by extensive experience managing back and neck pain, headaches and numbness and tingling of the extremities.
BEST COLORECTAL SURGEON
Dr. Jorge Lagares-Garcia specializes in the treatment of colorectal cancer and pelvic reconstruction, has performed more than 1,000 robotic procedures and was a leader in making Roper St. Francis Healthcare the first in the Southeast to offer robotic surgery.
BEST DENTAL PRACTICE
If you are looking for great teeth, look no further than the great hands of I’On Family Dentistry for achieving optimal oral health, from a royal clean to crowns fit for a queen.
BEST DENTIST
Word of mouth has spread. A South Carolina native is your choice for Best Dentist – he received a little “plaque” in recognition! Head to Dr. Steve Crossland of Crossland Dental Associates for the whole “tooth” of how to have a healthy mouth.
BEST DERMATOLOGIST
Environmental and emotional stress getting under your skin? Find Dr. McLean Sheperd of Sheperd Integrative Dermatology. She partners with her patients to identify underlying causes of skin issues and delivers treatment for optimal results.
BEST DERMATOLOGY CENTER
Although skin is on the outside, Sheperd Integrative Dermatology believes what’s on the inside of their practice is what makes them unique. Their work is guided by core values like kindness, medical and aesthetic excellence, sustainability, art and a healing environment marked by excellent customer service.
BEST EMERGENCY ROOM
Even when the situation is unexpected, you can expect great care from Roper St. Francis Hospital.
BEST EMS
In the field and in transit, Charleston County EMS was your choice for the Best EMS. Its team provides critical emergency medical support services and transportation to local hospital emergency departments.
BEST ENDOCRINOLOGIST
It’s no endo-crime to want the Best Endocrinologist. Magnolia Endocrinology provides tailored care to help patients become successful in understanding how to manage their endocrinology conditions on a daily basis.
BEST ENDODONTIST
Get to the root of your teeth problems when you open up to Dr. Christos Maltezos of Lowcountry Endodontics. Employing advanced technology and prioritizing gentle and effective treatments, he will get your smile brighter from the inside out.
BEST ENT
This is your “sinus” to see Dr. Eugene Brown of Charleston ENT for comprehensive, convenient and individualized care of your ear, nose and throat needs.
BEST EYE CENTER
There is nothing “cornea” about seeking great care for your eyes. Carolina Eye Care Physicians has a mission of bringing clear vision to life. They strive to give their patients a more enjoyable life by being dedicated to pursuing excellence in eye care and compassion.
BEST FITNESS CENTER
If you are getting “whey” into developing a healthy lifestyle, jog over to MUSC Wellness Center in Charleston. It promotes wellness attitudes and practices to the community and offers a wide array of amenities to members, including a boxing studio and multipurpose gymnasium.
BEST GASTROENTEROLOGIST
Don’t leave yourself “gassing” how to treat gastrointestinal issues. See Dr. Derek Feussner of Palmetto Digestive Health Specialists. He specializes in inflammatory bowel disease, liver disease, esophageal and stomach disorders and colorectal cancer.
BEST GI DOCTOR
Make finding the best your gut reaction. See Dr. Marc Noble of Charleston GI for great internal medicine and a sense of health you can easily stomach.
BEST GI PRACTICE
For stomach, intestinal and digestive matters, the medical team at Charleston GI strives to ensure the best overall gastroenterology experience, and our voters believe it is achieving its mission.
BEST HEALTH EVENT
The Annual Cooper River Bridge Run is a South Carolina favorite. The event brings runners from around the world to celebrate movement and promote health and wellness through education by telling participants to “get over it.”
BEST HEALTH INSURANCE
When you need to “insure” you have a plan that covers your medical needs and enables you to focus on being healthy, you need the best in health insurance. HealthLinks’ readers choose BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina.
BEST HEALTH RESTAURANT
Fast doesn’t have to mean furiously bad for your body. Verde is serving up fast food that is satisfying and healthy. No matter how you choose to toss, chop or wrap it, you can enjoy fresh and bright ingredients from several locations across South Carolina.
BEST HEARING CENTER
You deserve the best to meet your hearing loss, hearing aid and tinnitus needs because you are “ear-replaceable!” Holy City Hearing offers free hearing tests and comprehensive hearing aid services to care for every individual it serves.
BEST HOLISTIC MEDICAL DOCTOR
There are no holes in the care provided by Dr. Yusuf Saleeby of Carolina Holistic Medicine. His care is as all-encompassing as his approach to medicine. He wrote the book on specialty medicinal herbs.
BEST HOME HEALTH
MUSC Health at Home by BAYADA (pictured here) strives to provide high-quality, compassionate, reliable care when patients need to get better in the comfort of their own home. Also finishing as a top Home Health Company, Amedisys Home Health Care offers care to patients in the moments that matter most.
BEST HOSPICE CARE
When hoping to connect with the resources to live with an illness or support a loved one, South Carolina looks to Crescent Hospice. It prioritizes patient care and quality service by responding compassionately to its patients and supporting families.
BEST HOSPITAL
Since being founded in 1829 as the Carolinas’ first community hospital, Roper St. Francis Healthcare has made a legacy of leading- edge technology and best practices. The hospital continues its tradition of receiving national awards for quality patient care.
BEST ICU
Patients facing life-threatening illness or injury need high quality care. HealthLinks’ readers look to the team of experts at the Medical University of South Carolina for treatment of severe medical problems.
BEST IN-HOME CARE
If you can bring takeout home, why not care, too? Comfort Keepers brings care to you, providing customizable services to assist adults and seniors in living and thriving in the places they have always called home.
BEST IV CLINIC (INTRAVENOUS THERAPY)
Looking to boost your care routine? Find people who know the “art-ery” of keeping you and your body hydrated at Renew Medical IV Spa & Urgent Care, Charleston’s locally owned and operated urgent care and hydration spa.
BEST LABOR AND DELIVERY UNIT
It’s all in the delivery! East Cooper Medical Center provides comprehensive services for mothers and their newborns. From maternal-fetal care to postpartum support, its specialists and experienced staff strive to deliver warm service and expert technical skills and clinical judgment.
BEST MARTIAL ARTS ACADEMY
Looking to kick off some skills in self-defense, goal-setting and confidence? Take some classes at School of Empty Hand Art to learn karate basics and beyond. Its dojo strives to create intense fun for all ages and a community of friendly learners.
BEST MEMORY CARE FACILITY
When facing the fear and uncertainty of memory loss, you need the best. Mount Pleasant Gardens takes a holistic approach to care, developing partnerships with health care providers and family members to meet the needs of its residents.
BEST NEUROLOGIST
No need to be nervous about who to find for your neurology needs. When you think it’s time to see someone for the pain in your brain or if you are concerned about a disorder or condition, go to Dr. Charles Kelly of Tidewater Neurology for excellent treatment.
BEST NICU
MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital provides pediatric care with a focus on convenience for parents and comprehensive care for children from birth to 18 years of age. The hospital approaches the unique needs of children with everything from specialized medicines to trained pediatric professionals.
BEST NURSE
Karen Lloyd of Roper St. Francis Healthcare is confident in her skills and knowledge and extends that information to her patients to make them comfortable and confident in her care.
BEST NURSERY
It isn’t infantile to want only the best care, and that’s why HealthLinks’ readers have chosen two for best nursery. Roper St. Francis Healthcare cultivates a warm and caring setting to provide compassionate, quality health care. Recognizing that every baby is unique, Summerville Medical Center strives to provide individualized support and care to all its patients.
BEST NURSING SCHOOL
The MUSC College of Nursing is in a class by itself. It has a long history of preparing professional nurses to care, cure and create new knowledge. It educates hundreds of students a year, preparing them to shape the future of health care.
BEST OB-GYN
When it comes to care for women, you deserve the best. Dr. Lara Wilson of Lowcountry OB/GYN has been providing OB and gynecology medicine for years, with particular interest in HPV treatment and preconceptual counseling.
BEST OB-GYN PRACTICE
Lowcountry OB/GYN recognizes that all its patients are unique, so it offers complete obstetric and gynecologic services for all patients in all stages of life. Even same-day appointments are available.
For cancer treatment, the best needs to be “oncol.” That’s why HealthLinks readers have found two great doctors in South Carolina. The passionate Dr. Julia Saylors of Charleston Oncology takes a healing-oriented approach to creating treatment plans for her patients. Dr. Yanis Bellil of Lowcountry Hematology & Oncology is board-certified in internal medicine and medical oncology and has conducted clinical research focused on lung cancer.
BEST OPTHALMOLOGIST
For in-focus care, go to Dr. George Waring IV, founder and medical director of the Waring Vision Institute. His commitment to research and education, expertise in refractive and cataract surgery and years of experience may be a few of the reasons he was voted the best!BEST OPTOMETRIST
With great care you can “visualize” a happier you. Dr. Ellesse Boiwka of The Vision Center at Seaside Farms has a passion for taking care of her patients, delivering cutting-edge services and providing information on medical and visual concerns.
BEST ORAL SURGEON
You don’t have to face issues in your mouth alone. Dr. Kevin Riker of Charleston Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery can address oral problems with surgical intervention, treating teeth, gums and other oral structures.
BEST ORTHODONTIST
Don’t delay getting a smile you’ll smile about! Dr. James Kelley II and Dr. Roberta Z. Gardner of Kelley & Gardner Orthodontics are diplomats of the American Board of Orthodontics so you can rest assured that you are getting the best Oral Health Care possible!
BEST ORTHOPEDIC DOCTOR
Ready “ortho” not, a healthier, more mobile you is possible! Dr. Daniel Wartinbee of South Carolina Sports Medicine & Orthopaedic Center has focused on upper extremities, working with world-renowned experts to learn more about hand, wrist, forearm and elbow pathology and how to improve the quality of life for his patients.
BEST PAIN MANAGEMENT DOCTOR
With experience training and teaching orthopaedic residents and medical students and personal experience as an athlete, Dr. Emily Darr of South Carolina Sports Medicine & Orthopaedic Center is experienced in helping patients young and old get on their path to restored function.
BEST PAIN MANAGEMENT PRACTICE
When dealing with pain, finding great care should be the thing that’s painless. The goal at South Carolina Sports Medicine & Orthopaedic Center is to provide patients with high-quality care, fully-explained and treatment options, a caring staff and a well-equipped facility.
BEST PATIENT ADVOCATE
Things can get overwhelming and confusing sometimes when dealing with medical knowledge out of your wheelhouse. Laura Boykin of Trident Medical Center helps the wheels keep turning, identifying opportunities for communication and amplifying your needs as a patient.
BEST PEDIATRIC AFTER HOURS CLINIC
As an extension of its commitment to compassion and advocacy for every patient and family, regardless of the time of day, Coastal Pediatric Associates is South Carolina’s choice for Best Pediatric After Hours Clinic.
BEST PEDIATRIC DENTIST
Even if they will need braces, there is no need for children to brace themselves when they come into the child-friendly office of Dr. Randall Pagenkopf – just call him Dr. Randy. His “floss-ophy” for the best care is working together with a team of pediatricians and other dental specialists.
BEST PEDIATRIC PRACTICE
Coastal Pediatric Associates makes obtaining great medical care a breeze so you and your children can coast into a healthy lifestyle. They take great pride in being compassionate, relentless advocates for patients and their families.
BEST PEDIATRICIAN
Contrary to the small size of some of his patients, Dr. Stephen Stripling of Coastal Pediatric Research has huge “patients” when it comes to delivering excellent care to infants, children and adolescents. HealthLinks’ readers voted him the Best Pediatrician.
BEST PERIODONTIST
Having anything less than great care can be pretty “jawing.” Luckily, HealthLinks’ readers have identified Dr. Jeffrey Laro of the Center for Periodontics and Implant Dentistry as the best for dental implants and the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of periodontal disease.
BEST PERSONAL TRAINER
Empower your health and happiness journey with the powerful ethos of Joey Welling of Ethos Athletic Club. He founded the club and the culture and energy rooted in integrity, discipline and growth. He is committed to positivity and empowerment to cultivate confident, strong and healthy athletes.
BEST PHARMACIST
A spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down, and a great pharmacist helps you get it! Joe Gandy of Delta Pharmacy earned top honors with our readers for helping patients manage and access their medications.
BEST PHARMACY
Make obtaining medicine an easy pill to swallow at Sweetgrass Pharmacy & Compounding. Locally opened and operated, it is committed to personalizing medicine for the entire family, even the pets, and offers services such as compounding and compliance packaging for an improved and customized experience.
BEST PHYSICAL THERAPIST
The votes are in. Dr. Jonathan Cancienne of Advantage Physical Therapy is the choice of HealthLinks readers for the Best Physical Therapist. He specializes in post-surgical care, chronic pain in athletes, functional training and balance disorders.
BEST PICU
HealthLinks’ readers’ top “pick” for pediatric intensive care unit is MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital. It offers comprehensive pediatric care in settings designed for children and ease and convenience for parents.
BEST PLASTIC SURGEON
Uncovering the results of HealthLinks’ readers voting – Dr. Sonny O is the winner for patients looking to uncover their natural beauty. He provides face, body and breast rejuvenation, offering a range of surgical and nonsurgical solutions.
BEST PODIATRIST
When you are off your feet, you need someone that will get you “heeled” fast. When you can no longer stand it, head to the best – Dr. Andrew Saffer of Carolina Foot & Ankle Specialists – for excellent care.
BEST PRIMARY CARE DOCTOR
Looking to get yourself in prime health? Make an appointment with a third-generation primary care physician, Dr. Kay Durst with Roper St. Francis Physician Partners. Her passion for lifestyle medicine and commitment to putting herself in her patients’ shoes makes individualized and lasting health care possible.
BEST PRIMARY CARE PRACTICE
If you are prioritizing pristine primary care, go to Palmetto Primary Care Physicians to improve your lifestyle, detect diseases early and identify more advanced care when you need it.
BEST PSYCHIATRIST
If you’re feeling low, and not just because you are in the Lowcountry, go to Dr. Kelly Holes-Lewis of Trident Medical Center for treatment of mental health conditions. It’s never too late to ask for support.
BEST PULMONOLOGIST
“Lunging” to breathe easy? Make a visit to Dr. Michael Spandorfer of Lowcountry Lung and Critical Care for diagnosis and treatment of complex, lung-related conditions that are holding you back from living your healthiest and happiest life.
BEST RADIOLOGIST
The radio reception is crystal clear. Our voters chose Dr. Jon Carmain of Imaging Specialists of Charleston as the best for advanced imaging technology to get down to the bone – and tissue – of health issues.
BEST REGENERATIVE MEDICINE
Regenerate and revive your quality of life at the South Carolina Sports Medicine & Orthopaedic Center. They make every effort to explain the nature of your medical problem and available treatment options.
BEST REHAB FACILITY (FOR PT)
If discomfort in your body is a literal or figurative pain in your neck, go to the highly trained therapists at Axis Physical Therapy for evaluation skills and manual therapy techniques to improve pain level and get you back to doing the activities you enjoy.
BEST REHAB FACILITY (FOR SOBRIETY)
Helping those who suffer from alcoholism and drug addiction, WakeUp Carolina provides a safe place, a sober and strong support system and treats substance abuse to help their patients get happier and healthier.
BEST RESEARCH CENTER
Our research conducted in the HealthLinks readers’ poll found Coastal Pediatric Research is the Best Research Center. It seeks to nurture and champion the health of children and their families and embrace industry innovations that positively impact the community.
BEST RHEUMATOLOGY PRACTICE
Get hip to how to manage arthritis and other connective tissue disease. Low Country Rheumatology takes pride in creating patient relationships and delivering personalized approaches to solving difficult problems.
BEST SENIOR ADVOCATE
The Lowcountry Senior Network is committed to providing quality services to seniors, caregivers and adult children and treating all seniors, family members and members of the public with respect and dignity.
BEST SENIOR CENTER
For a variety of recreational, cultural and creative arts programs and health, wellness, educational and social activities, the Mount Pleasant Senior Center was voted the best.
BEST SENIOR LIVING COMMUNITY
Merrill Gardens is a family-owned company that wants its residents’ lives to be bigger – not smaller. It covers the chores and caretaking at its facilities and seeks to preserve freedom and flexibility for pursuing hobbies and being with friends.
BEST SPINAL CARE DOCTOR
If you’re feeling taken aback by back pain and eager to get yourself feeling just “spine” again, make an appointment with Dr. Benjamin Schell of South Carolina Sports Medicine & Orthopaedic Center.
BEST SPORTS MEDICINE
Regardless of the scoreboard, you will be a winner when you seek care at South Carolina Sports Medicine & Orthopaedic Center. Its commitment to high-quality medical care and educating you on your treatment options will make you feel like a pro.
BEST SPORTS PODIATRY
When your feet have stopped kicking, run to Dr. Adam Brown of Carolina Foot & Ankle Specialists. His years of experience treating foot pain and injuries will have you pushing off from the starting block on the right foot.
BEST SURGEON
Like a good stand-up comic, a good surgeon will leave you in stitches. A great surgeon will use the life-changing power of medicine to help you regain your quality of life. That’s why Dr. Dustin Hambright of South Carolina Sports Medicine & Orthopaedic Center was voted the best.
BEST THERAPIST
After all is said and done, it helps to have the best on your team. Katy Yahr of Still Point is a therapist and professional counselor helping patients find their strength through a multidisciplinary approach to addressing mental health issues.
BEST THERAPY PRACTICE
When life feels like it moves too fast and furious, take a moment to find the calm with Still Point. Its practitioners offer therapy, group counseling and psychiatric medication management to quiet the chaos of a storm.
BEST URGENT CARE
If it’s urgent, don’t be divergent from fast, affordable and quality care that Holy City Med Urgent and Primary Care has proven to offer. They are a beacon to South Carolinians seeking the best urgent care.
BEST UROLOGIST
“Ur-all” Dr. Kelly Shaffer of Lowcountry Urology cares about when she treats urology issues. Her extensive training in prosthetic surgery and various dysfunctions have made her your vote for Best Urologist.
BEST VASCULAR VEIN CENTER
Our lifeblood is your blood! Coastal Vascular & Vein Center was voted best for treating vein and artery conditions with minimally invasive procedures and therapies. The “art-ery” is in their dedication to providing excellent care.
BEST VETERINARY CLINIC
Anything is “paw-sible” when you have a team providing your special friends with exceptional medical care. That’s why you voted for Park West Veterinary Clinic as the best to improve the lives of your pets.
BEST WEIGHT LOSS PROGRAM
Doctors and medical professionals at multiple Metabolic Medical Center clinics are ready to help you live healthy and feel better with an array of weight loss programs.