Previous Best in Health Awards Winners Lists

BEST ONCOLOGIST
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.

BEST OB/GYN
Providing primary and preventive care, education and GYN surgery, Roper St. Francis Healthcare’s DR. ELAINE EUSTIS led the readers’ poll in her category, which includes hormone replacement and hormone balancing. She earned high marks in explaining conditions and treatments.

BEST OB/GYN PRACTICE
With offices in four locations from downtown to Georgetown, winner LOWCOUNTRY OB/GYN bills itself as the “leader in comprehensive obstetric and gynecological services for women of all ages.” This practice offers personalized care from pregnancy testing through delivery and postpartum care.

BEST ONCOLOGIST
Winner of the Physician Champion Award of the Roper St. Francis Foundation, DR. DAVID ELLISON also takes top honors among our readers. A graduate of Yale and Duke University, Dr. Ellison is board-certified in internal medicine, medical oncology and hematology.

BEST OPTOMETRIST
At MyEyeDr. in Mount Pleasant, you’ll find winner DR. BRAD MAJORS, who examines, diagnoses, treats and manages diseases, injuries and disorders of the visual system, the eye and associated structures and identifies related system conditions affecting the eye.

BEST OPTHALMOLOGIST
Founder and medical director of Waring Vision Institute in Mount Pleasant, DR. GEORGE WARING IV, is HealthLinks’ winner. Dr. Waring is an expert in refractive and cataract surgery. Active in clinical research, he incorporates technological advances into his practice.

BEST OPERATING ROOM
Unless you’re on the surgical team, it’s hard to understand how anyone could rate an operating room – because you’re unconscious if they’re doing things right. ROPER ST. FRANCIS HEALTHCARE takes the title in this category, offering modern operating rooms and technology, including cutting-edge robotics.

BEST ORAL SURGEON
Maybe DR. MATTHEW BAREFOOT earned the crown because he’s a DDS and an M.D. Maybe it’s because he wants every patient to experience the passion he feels about his profession. Dr. Barefoot has the tools and expertise to assure the best outcomes.

BEST ORTHODONTIST
If straight, white teeth and a beautiful smile are your goals, COASTAL FAMILY ORTHODONTICS is the place to go, according to HealthLinks Charleston readers. This is a forward-looking practice offering services including palatal expanders and clear and ceramic braces.

BEST ORTHOPEDIC DOCTOR
It’s a tie: DRS. DEL SCHUTTE and JOHN M. GRAHAM. Dr. Schutte emphasizes total joint replacement and reconstructive surgery, including robotic technology. Dr. Graham leans toward the evaluation and treatment of sports injuries, including knee and shoulder surgery.

BEST PAIN MANAGEMENT DOCTOR
If they’re in pain – real pain – HealthLinks Charleston’s No. 1 go-to guy is Advantage Healthcare’s DR. CHRISTOPHER GRAY. He provides comprehensive services from medical pain relief to physical therapy and rehabilitation to joint injections and trigger point therapy.

BEST PAIN MANAGEMENT PRACTICE
No surprise here. Taking top honors in this category is ADVANTAGE HEALTHCARE. Their team of physical medicine specialists includes medical doctors, nurse practitioners and chiropractors dedicated to helping patients combat pain and reach their personal health and wellness goals.

BEST PATIENT ADVOCATE
Patient advocacy is an area of health care concerned with speaking for patients, survivors and caregivers. Advocates may be found, as our winner, DR. BRITTANY HENDERSON is, within a specific medical specialty. Dr. Henderson’s is endocrinology, with an emphasis on thyroid disorders.

BEST PEDIATRICIAN
DR. LAUREN TIPTON leads the pack in this category. One review of the doctor raved, “The best bedside manner and very knowledgeable. Couldn’t imagine a physician interacting with children any better than Dr. Tipton. She truly listens and takes her time.”

BEST PEDIATRIC AFTER-HOURS CLINIC
Why do so many kids’ medical issues happen when most doctors are gone for the day? Maybe because those youngsters up to age 18 know they can get quality care from our winner, the three after-hours clinics of MUSC CHILDREN’S HEALTH!

BEST PEDIATRIC PRACTICE
With four offices serving the Lowcountry, COASTAL PEDIATRIC ASSOCIATES offers plenty of convenience for parents wanting first-rate care for their young children. Now, our HealthLinks readers’ poll winner offers virtual visits to keep everyone in the family safe from COVID-19.

BEST PERIODONTIST
No one looks forward to needing periodontal work. But, when they do, our readers’ No. 1 go-to guy is DR. JEFFREY LARO at the Center for Periodontics and Implant Dentistry. High tech and sedation dentistry are hallmarks of his practice.

BEST PERSONAL TRAINER
Get ready for the workout of your life from HealthLinks’ Best Personal Trainer, COREY SKINNER at Hylo Fitness. He’s a certified trainer, of course, and he was a squadron fitness leader in the Air Force. Ready. Set. “Ten-hut!”

BEST PHARMACIST
CHAD STRAUGHAN at Tidewater Pharmacy and Compounding is our winner in this category. And why not? After all, he owns the place, which is a new, independent, patient, family and community-focused pharmacy. And he can compound those unusual or difficult prescriptions.

BEST PHARMACY
And … TIDEWATER PHARMACY AND COMPOUNDING is our winner! That’s likely because this pharmacy’s stated mission is to improve lives throughout the Lowcountry by providing the best pharmacy service and unmatched customer service and care “today and always.” Here, “the patient always comes first.”

BEST PLASTIC SURGEON
Winner of the Order of the Palmetto, South Carolina’s highest civilian award, DR. MARCELO HOCHMAN earned top honors with our readers. Specializing in plastic and reconstructive surgery, Dr. Hochman is director of the Hemangioma and Malformation Treatment Center at MUSC Health.

BEST PLASTIC SURGEON PRACTICE
And our winner is … DR. SONNY O PLASTIC SURGERY. This practice offers breast rejuvenation with a full range of surgical and nonsurgical solutions. Dr. O brings nearly two decades of experience to his Lowcountry practice.

BEST PODIATRIST
Looking for a great foot doctor? Try CAROLINA FOOT & ANKLE SPECIALISTS. That’s where our No. 1 podiatrist, Dr. Andrew Saffer, practices as a podiatric physician and surgeon. For foot pain from systemic issues, sports injuries and serious trauma, he does it all.

BEST PRIMARY CARE DOCTOR
They may not always be flashy and get top billing, but primary care doctors are the medical professionals we rely on most and most often. Our readers have named DR. STEPHEN THOMAS of North Charleston the Lowcountry’s very best.

BEST PRIMARY CARE PRACTICE
With 20 locations throughout the Lowcountry and teams of highly-trained physicians on hand, PALMETTO PRIMARY CARE is a major health care provider for all of our communities, which translates to many satisfied patients and No. 1 by our readers.

BEST PSYCHIATRIST
DR. SARA MARCINO takes the top slot in this category. Practicing at the Still Point clinic, Dr. Marcino blends psychopharmacology and traditional psychotherapy to treat a wide range of common mood disorders, including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder and PTSD.

BEST PULMONOLOGIST
With board certifications in internal medicine, pulmonary disease, critical care medicine and sleep medicine, DR. JASON GUNN of Charleston Pulmonary Associates is HealthLinks’ readers’ pick as the best of the best in his field. Now take a deep breath!

BEST ROAD RACE
Two native Charleston competitions share the honors for Best Road Race! They are the now internationally-recognized COOPER RIVER BRIDGE RUN and the LOWVELO BIKE RIDE for cancer research. The Bridge Run also benefits a wide range of local charities.

BEST RADIOLOGY GROUP
Add to IMAGING SPECIALISTS’ laurels as the Lowcountry’s only privately-owned, free-standing imaging center, our readers’ also crowned them as Best Radiology Group. With an experienced team of on-site radiologists, they promise “to offer the best technology at the best price.”

BEST REGENERATIVE MEDICINE
Maybe you are considering an alternative to orthopedic surgery. Try the holistic therapies offered by Best in Health winner DR. JEFFREY FARRICIELLI, chosen as our readers’ No. 1 clinic, The Center For Regenerative Med- icine. His practice focuses on speeding up natural healing.

BEST PT REHAB FACILITY
You may know THE VILLAGE AT SUMMERVILLE as an outstanding assisted living facility. But did you know that they offer services for short-term patients and long-term residents who need rehabilitative skilled care from licensed practitioners and skilled nurses? And they’re No. 1.

BEST RESEARCH CENTER
Could there be any other winner in this category other than MUSC? Not in this year’s HealthLinks Best in Health tally. MUSC is dedicated to engaging community members in all aspects of the research process.

BEST RHEUMATOLOGIST
For general rheumatological concerns, including arthritis, gout and osteoporosis, our readers named DR. RICHARD SILVER at MUSC as their Best in Health in this category. Add in his special focus on disorders including scleroderma and childhood rheumatic diseases, and you’ll understand why.

BEST SENIOR ADVOCATE
The winner in this category is TRIDENT AREA AGENCY ON AGING for their commitment to promoting and supporting the health and wellness of current and future generations of older adults in our communities. Their focus is on the well-being of older adults.

BEST SENIOR LIVING COMMUNITY
With its personalized living options, curated and refined according to the needs, interests and personal value of every resident, THE VILLAGE AT SUMMERVILLE earned top honors. Activities at The Village include a saltwater pool, walking paths and a fitness room.

BEST SENIOR CENTER
From a game of pingpong or shooting some pool to learning an instrument or just playing some cards, the best place around is the MOUNT PLEASANT SENIOR CENTER. Arts and crafts anyone? Or just grab a bite at the café.

BEST SPINAL CARE DOCTOR
The founder of Advantage Healthcare, DR. CHRISTOPHER GRAY, rates best for spinal care. His integrated health and physical medicine approach offer a comprehensive program of services from regular adjustments to pain relief, regenerative treatments and rehabilitation services.

BEST SPORTS MEDICINE PRACTICE
Hitting the tape in a photo finish are: BACK 2 HEALTH and LOWCOUNTRY ORTHOPEDICS. They’re the experts on physical fitness and the prevention and treatment of injuries related to sports and exercise. No sports injuries? Maybe you’re not really trying!

BEST SPORTS PODIATRY
With an honors degree from the Barry University School of Graduate Medical Sciences and 23 years’ experience, DR. ADAM BROWN was a “shoe in” to capture gold in HealthLinks’ readers’ poll. Dr. Brown is also a specialist in reconstructive surgery.

BEST TELEHEALTH
With the rise of COVID-19 restrictions, telemedicine has become more important than ever. Our readers’ No. 1 pick for using it best is DR. BRITTANY HENDERSON, who is a board-certified endocrinologist with a specialty in disorders of the thyroid gland.

BEST PHYSICAL THERAPIST
Working out of Eastern Rehab Services, KERRY WHITE claimed the laurels as Best Physical Therapist for a commitment and expertise in helping patients regain their functional independence through, strength, balance, gait training and guidance in the activities of daily living.

BEST PHYSICAL THERAPY PRACTICE
Locally owned and operated, winner EASTERN REHAB SERVICES is an outpatient rehabilitation company that provides physical, occupational and speech therapy to individuals in their homes or assisted living facilities. Their goal is remedying all manners of debilitating conditions.

BEST URGENT CARE
Suddenly really sniffly? Fell off your hoverboard and your arm’s bent at a weird angle? You need help now! You’ll get it as a walk-in at HOLY CITY MED URGENT AND PRIMARY CARE, with locations in Charleston and North Charleston.

BEST UROLOGIST
DR. THEODORE E. BRISSON likes golfing and fishing, but what he really likes is helping men and women alike with procedures that include robotic surgery. He has become recognized as one of the most experienced robotic surgeons in the state.

BEST VASCULAR VEIN CENTER
Maybe most of us don’t think about our veins very often, but the board-certified doctors at COASTAL VASCULAR & VEIN CENTER sure do. They offer state-of-the-art facilities to diagnose and treat a variety of vascular disorders as well as varicose veins.

BEST VETERINARY CLINIC
Topping the poll of HealthLinks readers, PALMETTO VETERINARY HOSPITAL provides pets with compassion and the highest standards of care. Their aim is to be the source of healing, caring, relief from pain and support for all of God’s creatures.

BEST WEIGHT LOSS PROGRAM
Having trouble losing weight? Maybe it’s not your diet or your lifestyle. Find out at CHARLESTON THYROID CENTER. They offer comprehensive, state-of-the-art, conventional and integrative thyroid-specific care.