With over 6,000 votes from readers, patients and local medical professionals, HealthLinks is proud to present our 2023 Best in Health winners.
Equipping individuals and families with the tools to recover from the challenges of substance use disorders, Waypoint Recovery champions the Best Addiction Recovery Center category. With intensive outpatient and residential treatment, continuing care programs, a detox facility and family services, Waypoint shows the way to recovery.
BEST ALLERGIST
Board-certified in allergy, asthma and immunology for both pediatrics and adults, Dr. Bruce Ball of Charleston Allergy + Asthma is no stranger to being honored as the best. His peers have elected him for inclusion in Best Doctors in America every year for more than 20 years. Dr. Ball helps his patients experience Charleston Allergy + Asthma’s mantra: “Breathe better. Feel better. Live better.”
BEST ALLERGY CENTER
Ah-choose Charleston Allergy and Asthma when you’re looking for the Best Allergy Center. Dedicated to the most up-todate and advanced treatments and having served the Lowcountry for more than 30 years, Charleston Allergy and Asthma is ensuring that patients breathe better, feel better and live better.
BEST AMBULATORY COMPANY
Flashing lights and blaring sounds aren’t needed when you’re the best – well, in this case, they might be. With all the bells and whistles, Medical University of South Carolina was voted Best Ambulatory Company.
Opt for the best for your optical needs. Dr. Savannah Coker, also named one of America’s Best Eye Doctors, has a passion for serving others and specialized training in myopia control, specialty contact lenses and ocular diseases.
BEST OPHTHALMOLOGIST
With more than 14 years of experience as a surgeon, Dr. Andrew Eiseman is a professor of ophthalmology and the director of the ophthalmic plastic and reconstructive surgery service at the Albert Florens Storm Eye Institute at the Medical University of South Carolina.
BEST ORAL SURGEON
Maintaining a reputation for care, commitment, honesty and affordability, Dr. Jason Hehr practices a full scope of oral and maxillofacial surgery with expertise ranging from corrective jaw surgery to wisdom tooth removal. With a comfortable environment, personalized service and no referrals needed, Dr. Jason Hehr earned the “Best” award.
BEST ORTHODONTIST
Dr. Jed Kelley’s vast experience is one contributing factor to his prestigious reputation. He is currently the vice president of the South Carolina Association of Orthodontists and former president of the Georgia Orthodontists Foundation. Dr. Kelley attended the Medical College of Georgia and earned a postgraduate degree in orthodontics.
Helping patients hear and live better, Dr. Jennifer Esse of HearingLife has earned the accolade of Best Audiologist. Dr. Esse has been dedicated to her patients and to audiology for 20 years; she compassionately helps patients navigate hearing evaluations, hearing aid services, assisted listening devices and hearing protective services – just a few of the services she provides.
BEST BARIATRIC DOCTOR
Coastal Carolina Bariatric and Surgical Center’s Dr. Neil McDevitt is motivated by celebrating the happiness of his patients’ victories. His expertise and his personal attention to treating people, not their medical problems, makes him our reader’s choice for best bariatric doctor.
BEST BEDSIDE MANNER (M.D.)
Coastal Vascular & Vein Center’s Dr. Kenneth DeSart has successfully served his patients with extraordinary talent, compassion and care. Described by his patients as “attentive,” “kind” and “efficient,” Dr. DeSart earned top votes for best bedside manner.
BEST BEDSIDE MANNER (NON-M.D.)
Who better to have by your side than the best: John Schulte, PA-C, of South Carolina Sports Medicine and Orthopaedic Center. Likely due in-part to the perspective he gained from the shoulder injury he experienced as a baseball catcher, he’s ironically a great shoulder to lean on.
BEST CANCER CENTER
MUSC Health Hematology Oncology at Hollings Cancer Center is the “Holl-y” grail of cancer care. It’s one of 71 National Cancer Institute-designated cancer centers in the nation and the only one in South Carolina.
BEST CARDIOLOGIST
Dr. Michael Craig’s got rhythm, keeping the beat of great care and improving the heartbeats of patients at multiple hospitals in the greater Charleston area. Dr. Craig has been a cardiologist for more than 20 years, and he enjoys improving quality of life in a diverse population of patients.
BEST CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL
MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital envisions what’s possible for every child every day. From promoting healthy lifestyles to offering lifesaving treatments, the hospital’s team delivers comprehensive care and pediatric expertise with a focus on the needs of children and their families.
BEST CHIROPRACTOR
You want to trust a chiropractor who always has your back. HealthLinks readers pick Dr. Christopher Gray for his keen ability to prevent, diagnose and treat conditions associated with the neuromusculoskeletal system, while improving each patient’s functionality and quality of life.
BEST COLORECTAL SURGEON
With an outstanding reputation for excellent outcomes and personal attention, Dr. Margarita Murphy – a colorectal surgeon, published author and speaker – pulled in the most votes for this year’s Best.
BEST DERMATOLOGIST
In addition to her winning smile, Dr. Joni Mazza-McCrann is one of the Medical University of South Carolina’s top specialists for skin health and wellness. Originally from Queens, New York, she trained at both St. Luke’s-Roosevelt and the Beth Israel divisions of Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York City. Whether your dermatology needs are pediatric, adolescent, women’s, cosmetic, surgical or skin cancer and excision, Dr. Joni is your best bet for your best skin.
BEST DERMATOLOGY CENTER
Germain Dermatology offers the finest in dermatological patient care with the most cutting-edge medical, surgical, cosmetic and aesthetic services available today. Board-certified Dr. Marguerite Germain and her staff provide exceptional experiences, genuine care and outstanding results. Patients discover what it feels like to be their best, beautiful selves.
BEST DENTAL PRACTICE
Crosslands Dental Associates, led by Drs. Steve Crossland and David Bodie, features a team of first-rate hygienists and assistants who use cutting-edge dental technology to keep patients’ teeth healthy. Drs. Crossland and Bodie bring more than 30 years of their expertise to the Lowcountry. They look forward to seeing a steadfast list of returning patients and welcoming new ones, too.
BEST DENTIST
Your first impression upon seeing Dr. Ashley Hyman’s bright, white smile might easily be, “I want my teeth to look just like hers.” Through her expert use of endodontics, periodontology, dental implants, restorative techniques, new dental technology and products, Dr. Ashley makes it a personal point to give every patient their best teeth and best smile.
BEST EMERGENCY ROOM
An emergency room visit is something you never want to experience. But if you need one, Roper St. Francis is close by to treat your needs swiftly. With six full-service emergency rooms equipped with the most advanced diagnostic capabilities throughout Charleston and the Lowcountry, RSF’s emergency doctors and nurses give you back your life.
BEST EMS
In a word, the Charleston County EMS/Dorchester County EMS are seen by Lowcountry residents as “exemplary.” Their 98 current employees respond to approximately 24,000 calls each year. They operate 10 ambulances, each staffed with a paramedic and an EMT. And all of their people, vehicles and equipment operate from seven strategically located EMS stations. So if you ever need 911, you couldn’t be in safer hands.
BEST ORTHOPEDIC DOCTOR
Specializing in the newest techniques of knee and shoulder surgery, Dr. James Dalton thrives on watching his patients recover and excel in their athletic pursuits. He can boast that one of his patients was on a winning Super Bowl team following a knee reconstruction.
BEST PAIN MANAGEMENT PRACTICE
Founded by Dr. Christopher Gray in 2008, Advantage Healthcare of Charleston is all about getting your muscles, bones, nerves, limbs and joints back into flexible shape. Care includes Euflexxa knee injections, all aspects of chiropractic and therapies such as the wobble chair and muscle stimulation. Regardless of your age, Advantage Healthcare gives you all the attention you need to make sure your body is working properly.
BEST PATIENT ADVOCATE
Maria Gmitro is the kind of health professional you rarely see – but you would be glad to know she’s present. As founder and president of the Breast Implant Safety Alliance, Gmitro collaborates with health care providers, regulators and legislators to support systems of education and accountability that promote patient safety. But her chief duty is to empower patients, making sure make sure medical treatments are as safe, effective and affordable as possible.
BEST PEDIATRIC DENTIST
Children and adults look forward to visiting Coastal Kids Dental & Braces. The staff promotes personalized dental care with education on oral surgery, braces when necessary and how to clean and care for your teeth every day. With nine locations and 20 dentists on hand, you never have to travel far for a checkup.
BEST PEDIATRICIAN
Dr. Stephen Stripling was still a child when he took an interest in pediatrics – partly because he was the son of a pediatrician. Since then, he has not only become board certified in pediatrics – he has helped turn the practice of Coastal Pediatric Associates into a trusted Lowcountry mainstay, caring for families and acting as a principal investigator in pediatric clinical research trials.
BEST PEDIATRIC AFTER HOURS CLINIC
Though only in the Lowcountry for the past 12 years, Coastal Pediatric Associates has become the area’s premier place for all things pediatric, especially for families who need to see a doctor after business hours. Whenever you need them, the professionals at CPA provide the highest level of pediatric care – handling short-term illness, long-term chronic disease and all-around well-being with locations in James Island, Mount Pleasant, Summerville and West Ashley.
BEST PEDIATRIC PRACTICE
Coastal Pediatric Associates is recognized for being accessible, comprehensive, family-centered, coordinated, compassionate and culturally effective. What it all means is that the staff, which includes Charleston’s top pediatrician, Dr. Stephen Stripling, takes the extra steps to learn about you, your family, your life situation and your health goals and preferences. Before your first visit is over, you will know that you and your child are full partners in CPA’s care.
BEST PERIODONTIST
Growing up in Christiansburg, Virginia, Dr. Jennifer Wade remembers always being around dental professionals. Her grandparents were dentists – and now she not only carries on the family tradition, she has become a specialist in caring for gums and bone supporting the teeth. Using LANAP lasers, 3D CT scanners, guided surgery, digital X-rays and sedation dentistry, Dr. Wade gives you every chance to keep your teeth firmly in place.
BEST PERSONAL TRAINER
If you come to Alicia O’Conner at the MUSC Wellness Center, be prepared to go the distance in getting your weight right, your body fit and your daily habits altered. Now with more than 25 years of experience in personal fitness and wellness training, including post-rehabilitation and disease management, O’Connor surfs, hikes, skis – and will personally see to it that you become the best and fittest you.
BEST PHARMACIST
Word to the wise – you want the best from your pharmacist, and HealthLinks readers voted that person to be Mary Wise. Founder and pharmacist-in-charge at Herold’s Pharmacy, the West Ashley resident takes a personal pride in serving the community.
BEST PHARMACY
Many Lowcountry residents have opted for Herold’s Pharmacy in West Ashley – not because of proximity or better medicine but because of its people. Founded in 2010 by locals Mary and Michael Wise, Herold’s pharmacists and technicians have made a reputation of knowing their customers, solving their needs without a lot of waiting and accepting all public and private insurance with the lowest prices around.
BEST PHYSICAL THERAPIST
Having been a physical therapy professional since graduating from the Medical University of South Carolina almost 20 years ago, Kim Durst of Axis Hand and Physical Therapy treats patients in all aspects of training and conditioning. Whether it’s developing a fitness and wellness plan, preventing disability, joint replacement rehabilitation or teaching you how to prevent or manage your condition to achieve long-term health benefits, Durst gives hands-on care to restore your mobility and help you toward a full, painless recovery.
BEST PLASTIC SURGEON
A trusted name nationally and locally for more than 18 years, Dr. Sonny O refreshes the natural beauty of women and men. Specializing in facial plastic surgery, Dr. O developed the Timeless Lift to diminish all the signs of aging. His surgical and nonsurgical rejuvenation of the face, body and breasts is complemented by an attentive staff, a convenient outpatient surgery and after care center and excellent results.
BEST ENDOCRINOLOGIST
If your hormones are acting up and threatening problems, do what many Lowcountry residents have done for peace of mind and see the specialists at Magnolia Endocrinology. Let Drs. Amy Turner, Temple Simpson and Sarah Dolven diagnose and treat concerns about type 1 and 2 diabetes; provide integrative thyroid care; remedy gland malfunctions; and handle calcium disorders such as osteoporosis to help you keep your best life.
BEST ENT DOCTOR
Although he is only one of many ear, nose and throat specialists in the Lowcountry, Dr. Eugene Brown keeps patients of all ages coming back for all of their ENT concerns. Now in his 23rd year with Charleston ENT & Allergy, Dr. Brown handles easy and “very difficult” problems. The best part is that he will make your problem look easy to treat.
BEST ENT PRACTICE
It’s almost impossible to go wrong with any of the specialists with Charleston ENT & Allergy. Having celebrated its 25th anniversary in the summer of 2022, the practice provides care for ear infections, hearing loss, allergies, tonsillitis, sinusitis, sleep apnea and many other complicated ENT concerns. And now you can find them at two locations each in Charleston and Mount Pleasant, and in North Charleston, Summerville, Goose Creek and Moncks Corner as well.
BEST EXERCISE PROGRAM
If you are fighting Parkinson’s disease and want to improve your mobility, balance and strength, try Rocksteady Boxing at the MUSC Wellness Center. This exercise program operates in a team environment, with emphasis on no-contact boxing; balance and mobility training; stretching; strength training; hand-eye coordination; mental focus; and specialized cardiovascular training. So fight back in a way that will help keep Parkinson’s at bay.
BEST EYE CENTER
Whether it’s eye injuries, eye diseases, eye exams or emergency eye care, The Vision Center at Seaside Farms will likely meet all your needs. Led by founder Dr. Brad Bodkin and Dr. Savannah Coker, TVC practices full scope eye care with a clinical focus on contact lenses – including specialty fits such as bifocal/multifocal, gas permeable and hybrid lenses. If necessary, they will even recommend a new pair of sunglasses.
BEST FITNESS CENTER
If you want to shape up but don’t know which fitness place to choose, the MUSC Wellness Center in Charleston is the area’s favorite. With a weight room, 25-meter swimming pool, two group exercise studios, a multipurpose gymnasium, paddle and racquet courts and indoor and outdoor rooftop running tracks, you might end up losing a pound or two just trying to figure out where you should start.
BEST GI DOCTOR
People come to Dr. Lee Royall of Charleston GI because he’s an expert in diagnosing and treating gastrointestinal disorders and also because of his bedside manner. Citing patient interaction as “the favorite part of my workday,” Dr. Royall guides his patients through solving a host of conditions such acute pancreatitis, food poisoning, irritable bowels and constipation – in a way that takes the embarrassment completely out of the equation.
BEST GI PRACTICE
Led by Dr. Lee Royall and his colleagues, it is no surprise that Charleston GI is the top choice for diagnosing and treating gastrointestinal disorders. Whether patients needed a colonoscopy, an endoscopy, hemorrhoid banding or an endoscopic ultrasound to assess potential diseases of the digestive tract and other organs and tissues, they gave Charleston GI accolades as the Best.
BEST HEALTH RESTAURANT
Dedicated to being green inside and out, Verde makes healthy eating easier than ever with fresh-from-the-farm produce and made-from-scratch dressings. Verde helps customers eat well – no matter how they toss, chop or wrap their favorite foods.
BEST HEALTH INSURANCE COMPANY
As the only South Carolina-owned and operated health insurance carrier, Blue Cross Blue Shield of South Carolina has offered security to Palmetto State citizens for more than 70 years.
When it comes to plastic surgery, Lowcountry residents will tell you that Dr. Sonny O Plastic Surgery and MedSpa in Mount Pleasant is about as good as it gets. Refreshing the natural beauty of women and men, his surgical procedures involve the face, body and breasts. His nonsurgicals include laser, BodyTite, FaceTite, injectibles and cosmetic fillers, natural fat transfer, thread lifts, timeless glow and chemical peels. Try him – you only have everything to gain.
BEST PODIATRIST
When it comes to foot and ankle care, Dr. Adam Brown specializes in nearly every conceivable area, including ankle sprains, gout, ingrown toenails, fungal toenails, plantar warts, foot and ankle fractures, foot and ankle surgery, foot and ankle orthotics and radial pulse wave therapy – as well as reconstructive surgery. With his 25+ years of experience in the medical field, your feet couldn’t be in better hands.
BEST PRIMARY CARE DOCTOR
Dr. Deanna Vroman makes it simple: She specializes in primary care and internal medicine. She is affiliated with numerous hospitals in South Carolina, including the Medical University of South Carolina. With more than 28 years of experience, Dr. Vroman provides you with long-term, comprehensive care in both the office and in the hospital – and her many patients like it just that simple.
BEST PRIMARY CARE PRACTICE
Palmetto Primary Care Physicians is the largest independent multispecialty group practice in South Carolina. This group comprises more than 100 medical providers with a wide range of expertise in primary and specialty care, including endocrinology, gastroenterology, neurology and physical therapy. With 32 primary care locations throughout Charleston, Columbia and other parts of the Lowcountry, 11 specialty care offices and one urgent care facility in North Charleston, PPCP is hard to miss – or beat.
BEST PSYCHIATRIST
With over 25 years of experience in the Charleston area, and double board-certified in adult, child and adolescent psychiatry, Dr. Ricardo Fermo helps you improve coping skills, levels of functioning and all parts of your life. Whether you suffer from depression, anxiety, mood disorder, ADHD or bipolar disorder, Dr. Fermo’s compassion and support will help you thrive.
BEST PULMONOLOGIST
Plainly put, Dr. Chung Lee helps his patients breathe – in all the right ways. Be it issues with asthma, interstitial lung disease, cystic fibrosis, neuromuscular disease, immune systems, viruses or lung-related questions – or just re-assurance for a loved one needing technology-dependent services, Dr. Lee uses his expertise in pediatric pulmonology and sleep medicine to get you all the breath you need without the pain and suffering.
BEST RADIOLOGIST
A radiologist with Imaging Specialists since 2018, Dr. Nicolas Mazal is board-certified and subspecialty-trained in neuroradiology, body imaging, musculoskeletal, interventional and diagnostic radiology. So whether you need a 3T MRI, a CT scan, X-Ray, breast MRI, ultrasound, prostate MRI, bone density scan, 3D mammography – or dedicated women’s imaging – let Dr. Mazal give you peace of mind by helping ensure you that keep a clean bill of health.
BEST REGENERATIVE MEDICINE
Advantage Healthcare of Charleston offers Lowcountry residents the best option for recovery from a host of ailments and illnesses. Among the many conditions treated are neck and shoulder pain, muscle spasms, obesity, fibromyalgia, whiplash and even acne. The many pain-relief and wellness solutions include: hormone replacement therapy, medical weight loss, diagnostic testing, chiropractic care, joint injections and trigger point therapy and low level laser therapy.
BEST REHABILITATION FACILITY (FOR PHYSICAL THERAPY)
For a helping hand in your healing journey, head to Axis Hand & Physical Therapy. Voted the best for its mission of helping you live your best life, its highly trained occupational and physical therapists are ready to rehabilitate.
BEST RESEARCH CENTER
Starting in the spring of 2012 as an extension of a similar firm, Coastal Pediatric Research has grown into a multispecialty, diverse pediatric research program within a private practice setting. Involved in more than 100 clinical trials in all phases of clinical research that include vaccine, pharmacologic, device and observational studies, CPR nurtures and champions the health of all children.
BEST RHEUMATOLOGY PRACTICE
With years of clinical and research experience, the professionals at Low Country Rheumatology specialize in diagnosing and managing all kinds of rheumatologic disorders. Whether it’s rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis, systemic lupus, scleroderma, vasculitis, gout, pseudogout, osteoarthritis or musculoskeletal disorders, the LCR team utilizes digital X-rays and research, an infusion suite and a phlebotomy lab to give patients a full-spectrum of treatment at three locations – Summerville, West Ashley and Mount Pleasant.
BEST HEARING CENTER
As owners of the Holy City Hearing Center, Derrick and Nancy Woods take pride in treating patients with precision and compassionate care. Their center offers hearing health care services not only to patients in the community but also to National Football League players. Whether our readers needed a hearing test, tinnitus management or the latest hearing aid technology, they voted Holy City Hearing “The Best.”
BEST HOLISTIC MEDICAL DOCTOR
To treat the whole you, go holistic. Dr. Christopher Gray is passionate about helping patients reach their health goals as quickly as possible holistically and naturally. Each day he enhances and restores function and quality of life to those who have pain, limitations or physical problems.
BEST HOME HEALTH
A leading provider of health care, Amedisys strives to become the premier solution for patients across the country. From home health to hospice to personal care, Amedisys’ team members provide quality, clinically- distinctive care to more than 415,000 patients every year.
BEST HOSPICE CARE
A tie – Amedisys and Lutheran Hospice Care captured Bests because they provide patients with genuine, personal attention. Their patient-centered focus leads Amedisys and Lutheran Hospice Care to success – and the honor of “Best.”
BEST HOSPITAL
Roper Hospital builds on a long legacy of excellence with a mission-minded and community-centered approach. Roper also is recognized for its cutting-edge technology and best practices.
BEST IN-HOME CARE
Providing in-home care for seniors and adults who require assistance, Comfort Keepers’ expertly trained home care aides let loved ones remain at home for as long as safely possible. The caregivers’ one goal is to enrich the lives of their clients and their families.
BEST IV CLINIC (INTRAVENOUS THERAPY)
Assisting people by providing a new approach to treating depression, anxiety and chronic pain, the compassionate team of experts at the Charleston Ketamine Center provide a better quality of life for all their clients.
BEST LABOR AND DELIVERY UNIT
Roper St. Francis Hospital heals all people with compassion, faith and excellence. As the area’s only private not-for-profit health care system, Roper maintains an outstanding reputation for excellent outcomes and personal attention.
BEST MARTIAL ART ACADEMY
You should Doj-Go to Japan Karate Institute to reach your fitness goals, work on self-improvement or even focus on self-defense. Embrace the magic of martial arts that is designed to accommodate everyone.
BEST MEMORY CARE FACILITY
The Mount Pleasant Gardens Alzheimer’s Special Care Center strives to help individuals maintain a sense of dignity and purpose in life while creating an environment that residents are happy to call home. The Center adroitly develops partnerships with family members and other health care providers to meet each resident’s physical, social, emotional, mental and spiritual needs.
BEST MEN’S CLINIC
Pain interferes with every aspect of one’s life. That’s why Advantage Healthcare of Charleston cares about each patient’s concentration, mobility and overall health and happiness. Advantage Healthcare’s compassionate team has helped thousands of patients throughout the Lowcountry reach their health and wellness goals.
BEST NEUROLOGIST
Dr. Sunil Patel is a board certified physician in neurological surgery, with additional fellowship training in skull base surgery, cerebrovascular surgery, and microneurosurgery. He has been in practice for over 20 years and is currently the chair of neurosurgery at MUSC. He has special expertise in minimally invasive neurosurgery of the brain and spine. He completed his training at MUSC with fellowships completed at UPMC and Nagoya University hospital in Japan.
BEST NURSE
A graduate with honors from the Medical University of South Carolina College Of Medicine, Kathleen O. Price has more than 15 years of diverse experience. As an adult care nurse practitioner, she has made an impact on her patients and the HealthLinks readers who voted her the best.
BEST NURSING SCHOOL
For more than 135 years, the MUSC School of Nursing has been preparing professional nurses who care, cure and create new knowledge to improve the health of individuals, families and communities. The school gives nursing students the opportunity to participate in interprofessional and clinical experiences that are not found anywhere else in South Carolina.
BEST OB/GYN
Suiting her title as Best OB/GYN, Dr. Beth Cook believes the relationship she builds with her patients is the cornerstone of providing excellent care. Enjoying caring for patients throughout all stages of life, she provides a full complement of obstetric and gynecologic services and a receptive ear to questions about her patients’ health.
BEST OB/GYN PRACTICE
Women’s Health Partners offers comprehensive health care for women of all ages, with an emphasis on gynecology and obstetrics. The team of experts at Women’s Health Partners is dedicated to paving the way for a lifetime of improved women’s health and well-being.
BEST ONCOLOGIST
Dr. Yanis Bellil completed his undergraduate degree at The College of Charleston and earned his medical degree from the University of South Carolina School of Medicine. He earned his fellowship in hematology and oncology at Duke University Medical Center, with clinical research focused on lung cancer.
Dr. Julia Saylors is passionate about bringing a healing-oriented, holistic approach to her patients’ treatment plans. She completed her undergraduate degree at Clemson University, with a double major in biological sciences and psychology, then went to the University of South Carolina School of Medicine for her medical degree.
BEST SENIOR LIVING COMMUNITY
Established as a local ministry in 1850, Bishop Gadsden has since become the Southeast’s leading life-plan retirement community. Now with more than 500 residents and 400 employees shaping its vibrant character, this time-honored notfor- profit, faith-based community has earned the highest accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities. So whether it’s personal care, companionship, transportation or other services, let Bishop Gaddsen show you what it can do for you.
BEST SENIOR CENTER
Just because you’re a senior doesn’t mean you have to be old – that’s the intent and focus of the Thomasena Stokes-Marshall Senior Center. Opening in 2009 and named for the only African American to serve on the Mount Pleasant Town Council, the center gives you a number of stay-young choices, including strength training, dance classes, weekly computer labs, basketball, billiards and all kinds of get-togethers.
BEST SPINAL CARE DOCTOR
A previous double winner as Best Pain Management Doctor and having the Best Pain Management Practice, Dr. Christopher Gray caps No. 3 with any part of the body that causes back pain. Whether it’s the knees, hips, sciatica, tingling in the feet or just ordinary spinal trouble, Dr. Gray and his team with Advantage Healthcare of Charleston will help make sure that your body is in working order.
BEST SPORTS MEDICINE
Being your best is a team sport, especially when it comes to treating and preventing injuries experienced by athletes. Get back into the game with South Carolina Sports Medicine.
BEST SPORTS PODIATRY
Already named Best Podiatrist, it’s hardly a stretch that Dr. Adam Brown is also considered the area’s best in sports podiatry – he applies the best principles of one to the other. So if you are active in sports and need treatments or assessments of lower limbs or advice on supportive footwear or on training and strengthening programs for lower extremity issues, Dr. Brown will improve your chances of staying active longer.
BEST SURGEON
While there are many kinds of surgeons, Dr. Kenneth DeSart with Coastal Vascular & Vein Center will help you keep your blood flowing by treating your veins – varicose, spider, chronic venous insufficiency or superficial thrombophlebitis. His treatments include closure fast procedures, VenaSeal™ Closure, sclerotherapy, varithena, prosthetics and all forms of all forms of thoracic, thoracoabdominal and abdominal aneurysms.
BEST THERAPIST
Never mind all the degrees and certifications and the fact that he owns his own speech therapy practice. Guy Vinette has spent many years working with children and adults in hospitals, rehabilitation centers and schools, providing needs that range from mild to severe language and communication impairments. He focuses on individual needs while including family and loved ones in the therapeutic process to ensure outcomes that are in everyone’s best interest.
BEST THERAPY PRACTICE
With a team of 14 led by owner and founder Guy Vinette, Vantage Speech & Language provides you the best evidence-based speech and language outcomes to maximize growth and development. His areas of expertise include nonverbal and verbal communicators in the areas of augmentative and alternative communication. VSL’s condition and diagnosis process includes Down syndrome, cerebral palsy and autism spectrum disorder. Treatments and assessments include alternative communication, prompt therapy and speech sound disorders.
BEST URGENT CARE
If you have an urge to have the best urgent care, head to Sea Island Medical Care. Family owned and operated, it is dedicated to providing the best experience possible for its patients. The talented team meets each patient with personalized care.
BEST UROLOGIST
Dr. Theodore Brisson received his bachelor of arts in economics from the University of North Carolina and completed his residency training in urology at the Mayo Clinic in Florida. Dr. Brisson was board-certified by the American Board of Urology in 2010 and is one of the most experienced robotic surgeons in South Carolina. He has performed more than 1,800 robotic surgeries during his career.
Dr. Kelly Shaffer earned her undergraduate degree at James Madison University. She completed medical school with highest honors at the Medical College of Virginia and her residency in urology with advanced training in female urology and reconstructive surgery at the Medical University of South Carolina.
BEST VASCULAR VEIN CENTER
Coastal Vascular & Vein Center brings new meaning to the term “patients first.” The Center offers patients the convenience of scheduled exams, which are often followed by sameday appointments. Additionally, exam results are communicated the same day, and most procedures – many of which include noninvasive diagnostic testing – can be scheduled within 24 hours. CVVC is the place to get swift, accurate diagnosis and treatment.
BEST VETERINARY CLINIC
HealthLinks readers did the vetting for you. From checkups to emergency care to boarding, Animal Medical Center of Mount Pleasant does it all. Their team includes experts who offer a family-oriented touch and an experienced staff – they love your pets just as much as you do.
BEST WEIGHT LOSS PROGRAM
“Weight” no longer. Metabolic Medical Center practitioners administer programming and supervise safe weight loss journeys. Programs include an initial exam, diet plans, exercise plans, counseling and weekly weigh-ins, catered to movement goals and to address any pain you might be feeling.