Mystic Oaks Family & Cosmetic Dentistry Offers Quality, Gentle Dental Care

The Mystic Oaks Family & Cosmetic Dentistry family (l.-r.): Dr. Somasekhara Reddy Kaipu, MD, Dr. Prematee Sarwan, DDS, office mgr. Sasha Cruz & Cecilia Carrasco, EFDA.

If you’ve been avoiding a needed trip to the dentist, there’s a new practice offering a gentle approach to dental care for New Tampa and Wesley Chapel residents to consider when they need treatment for their teeth.

Mystic Oaks Family & Cosmetic Dentistry in The Shops at Mystic Oak neighborhood retail center at the intersection of Redfern Way and Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. here in Wesley Chapel, is operated by Prematee Sarwan, DDS, who says she is committed to improving people’s smiles by first easing their concerns.

According to Dr. Sarwan, her patients’ worries aren’t always related to physical pain and discomfort.

“The big issue we deal with is fear; fear of what I’m going to say, fear of cost, fear of judgment,’’ she says. “People don’t want to be judged and we’re just not about that.”

At Mystic Oaks, people who come in for treatment are referred to as guests, not patients. Dr. Sarwan says a little hospitality in a clinical setting can go a long way to improving the quality of care and health.

“We want them to feel so comfortable at the end of their visit that they want to come back,” she says.

For Dr. Sarwan, an informed guest is empowered to take ownership of his or her own dental health and appearance.

“First of all, we’re here to educate and try to alleviate fear,” says Dr. Sarwan, who earned her DDS degree from the Loma Linda University School of Dentistry in Loma Linda, CA.

Recognizing that the way some dentists work can turn a mouth into an oral construction zone, Dr. Sarwan and her team are committed to a different approach — putting your comfort at the forefront of everything they do.

“People may have had experiences in the past that make them apprehensive, but our motto is ‘Gentle Dentistry,’ that’s just what we’re trying to do,” says Dr. Sarwan, who has 10 years of experience as a dentist in group practice but can now treat her patients the way she would like to be treated.

Dr. Sarwan reviews a digital X-ray with a patient.

Dr. Sarwan adds that she and her team do everything possible in using their skills to ensure that procedures will be as painless as possible, which means going beyond just administering local anesthesia or nitrous oxide and relying on technology.

“My technique is very gentle, and it’s something I’ve developed over a period of time,” Dr. Sarwan says. “It’s definitely not something they teach you in dental school.”

Patient Mercy Diggs-Terc says Dr. Sarwan’s technique is indeed gentle, and found that getting some dental fillings at Mystic Oaks Dentistry was a welcome contrast to what she experienced at other practices.

“(Dr. Sarwan and her staff) were very caring and friendly and patient,” Diggs-Terc says. “If you were nervous about any of the procedures being done, you could take little breaks. They did everything possible on their end to make me feel as comfortable as possible.”

Diggs-Terc adds that Mystic Oaks Dentistry is ideal for people who have been avoiding a necessary dental treatment.

“For especially the patients that have any anxiety over dentists, this would be the number one place that I would recommend,” she says. “I’ve tried a lot of dentists and (Dr. Sarwan is) the best one so far in making me feel comfortable.”

Dr. Sarwan’s new practice also is garnering Five-Star Google reviews from patients, with a 5.0 overall rating from five reviews as of our press time.

A full range of dental services is available at Mystic Oaks Family and Cosmetic Dentistry, including cleanings, fillings, crowns, bridges, implants, veneers, teeth straightening and even complete smile makeovers, which also can incorporate the use of dermal fillers to reduce wrinkles around the mouth that can occur through loss of teeth or the vital bone structure.

This occurs when the supporting bone tissue of the upper and lower jaws dissolves and the muscles of the face can lose support, which allows wrinkles to deepen.

Botox injections also can be administered by Dr. Sarwan, who lives in Wesley Chapel with her husband, Dr. Somasekhara Reddy Kaipu, MD, and their two young children.

“We are a full-service dental practice catering to both kids and adults,” she says.

Top-Notch Tech, Too!

Dr. Sarwan’s skillful and gentle techniques are supported the dental industry’s latest technology, such as digital X-rays (digital dental radiography) and digital impressions, in place of physical molds.

Digital radiography is more sensitive than traditional film techniques. which means greater safety, since lower levels of radiation are needed to produce the images. There also is a quicker turnaround time to viewing the images, which can be reviewed on a monitor in front of the guest’s chair.

Mystic Oaks Dentistry also has eliminated one of the more distasteful procedures — the taking of dental impressions with putty-like materials made of alginate or silicone. Instead, Dr. Sarwan offers a state-of-the-art digital alternative, using the iTero Element Scanner.

A wand-like scanner is used to take images of the teeth and gums, which can be used to create 3D models for producing crowns, bridges and implants.

To help pass the time while receiving dental treatments, Dr. Sarwan’s guests can watch some of their favorite programs on the same chairside monitors used to view the digital X-rays and impressions.

Dr. Sarwan’s perspective on dentistry encompasses how good dental health affects the whole body.

“My vision is health before anything,” she says. “Don’t underestimate the value of a healthy mouth. Your mouth is the gateway to your body.”

Published research available online at the American Dental Association’s website (ada.org) examines the relationships between oral health and illnesses such as heart disease.

The holistic approach to the dental experience at Mystic Oaks Dentistry extends to the treatment rooms themselves, which are identified by the names of trees — Palm, Oak, Pine and Maple — instead of numbers.

“We’ve created a space that’s less clinical, to increase comfort,” Dr. Sarwan says.

That comfort begins with the initial contact, which could very well be with office manager Sasha Cruz.

“The important thing is to take care of people and not to judge them,” says Cruz, who also coordinates PPO network and other insurance coverage as well as an in-house dental savings plan that offers discounts on services. Mystic Oaks Dentistry also accepts payments through CareCredit financing.

Cecilia Carrasco is an Extended Function Dental Assistant (EFDA), which is a dental assistant who has received additional training and certification to perform services such as applying sealants to teeth and taking the digital dental impressions.

She also is skilled at getting to the root of someone’s dental concerns, according to Dr. Sarwan.

“Cecilia gets more insight into what their main complaint is,’’ Dr. Sarwan says, “so that by the time I come into the room, I already understand the situation.”

While the practice has only been open since June, Dr. Sarwan says her team has really come together. “We’re just about a family now,” she says.

Mystic Oaks Family & Cosmetic Dentistry is offering a Welcome Exam and X-ray for $39, and a Healthy Mouth Cleaning for $59 for new patients.

For more info about Mystic Oaks Family & Cosmetic Dentistry (3751 Bruce B Downs Blvd.) visit online at MysticOaksDental.com, or call (813) 291-0059.

Kehoe & DeWeerd, CPA — For Professional Tax & Accounting Help Throughout The Year

David DeWeerd, CPA (right), and Wesley Chapel office manager Liyen Coffey of Kehoe & DeWeerd, CPA, in the Cypress Glen Professional Park off S.R. 56.

The clock is running out on the 2017 tax return season’s “second half,” when individuals and businesses taking advantage of a six-month extension find themselves facing the inevitability of now having to file with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

For those needing help preparing their returns, the accounting professionals at Kehoe & DeWeerd, CPA PA,  located in the Cypress Glen Professional Park, just north of SR 56 in Wesley Chapel, are ready to assist.

“We’re here to help anyone who has requested an extension to file,” says David DeWeerd, CPA. “Sometimes, you need additional time to get things together or circumstances in your life prevent you from getting documents in order.”

According to the IRS website (irs.gov), about 15 million individual returns were filed with extensions last year.

The extended filing deadline for individuals is Monday, October 16. That is also the deadline for “C” corporations to file a form 1120 return.

But, the extended deadline is even earlier — Friday, September 15 — for businesses whose normal filing date was March 15 of this year. These include partnerships (form 1065 or 1065-B) and “S” corporations (form 1120S).

DeWeerd says that while people and businesses are only dealing with their tax returns between January and October, Kehoe & DeWeerd is available throughout the year to assist with decisions and situations that may affect tax liabilities, such as whether to buy or lease a car, how a change in income or revenue should be handled or whether something is deductible on a tax return. DeWeerd says clients can inquire about those types of issues with Kehoe & DeWeerd without being nickled and dimed.

“We don’t send out bills for phone calls,” he says, adding that initial consultations, whether for business or personal finance clients, are free.

According to DeWeerd, who has been with Kehoe & DeWeerd for 18 of its 32 years, the firm’s  purpose is clear: “We want to make sure we do the very best we can to give you the best outcome possible on your taxes,” he says. “We prepare your tax returns so that you never hear from the IRS.”

He adds that if a client does end up getting audited, Kehoe & DeWeerd will be there when needed. “We definitely stand behind everything that we do,” he says.

Everyone’s tax situation is different and, in a service profession like accounting, meeting the needs of a variety of clients calls for an individualized approach.

“We’re a smaller firm, so we’re able to do that and look at their return on a more customized basis and be more thorough,” says DeWeerd,  who has a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Business Administration and a Master of Accountancy (MAcc) degree from the University of South Florida (USF) College of Business in Tampa.

Some of the related services Kehoe & DeWeerd offers include developing tax management strategies with clients to minimize liabilities and maximize cash flow, as well as estate and trust planning, once again to minimize tax liabilities.

A Little Feedback…

Meadow Pointe resident Paul Davies, who is a professional stage technician for musical performing artists, says he finds Kehoe & DeWeerd’s personalized practices to be a good fit for his needs because his employment status varies and he incurs tax obligations in many states and foreign countries through his work.

“I’m a sole proprietor, so it means sometimes I’m on W-2 income and sometimes it means I’m on 1099 income,” says Davies. “A lot of it is out-of-state work, and international as well, and when you go into various states you get charged withholding against a local state liability.”

He adds, “Sometimes, I’ve had to file 10 state returns for my normal tax year, so it was important for me to get someone who has an understanding of not just taxes as they pertain to Florida, but taxes as they pertain to traveling all over the world.”

Accessibility is another thing Davies says he likes about Kehoe & DeWeerd.

“I know I can reach David anytime I need to talk to him, or send him an email from anywhere I’m at and ask him a question about something,” he says. “He does a fantastic job and he doesn’t send me an invoice every time I ask him a question.”

Meadow Pointe resident Heather Stamp sells real estate through Exit Prime Realty and is the founder and chief executive officer of the Wesley Chapel Network, which promotes and connects 17,000 online business professionals and service providers.

As a busy entrepreneur, she says DeWeerd has been her “go-to guy for anything financial for the last three years and will be for many more to come.”

That kind of peace of mind is invaluable. “Taxes can be very stressful and he puts me at ease,” says Stamp.

When it comes to their small business clients, the firm does more than just prepare tax returns. As any business owner knows, the compliance and reporting requirements levied upon them by government agencies and entities (such as sales and payroll taxes), are numerous and must be met. DeWeerd says his firm takes care of those requirements, and more, such as payroll processing and managing employee benefits. Kehoe & DeWeerd also is certified by Intuit, Inc., to install and manage QuickBooks accounting software for clients.

“We’re always on top of all those deadlines,’’ he says. “It’s important to have somebody you trust to look out for your business and do what’s best for you.”

That’s what Dr. Prematee Sarwan, D.D.S., owner of Mystic Oaks Family & Cosmetic Dentistry in Wesley Chapel (see story on pg. 24), says she was looking for when she hired Kehoe & DeWeerd to take care of her practice’s tax and payroll needs.

She says delegating those responsibilities allows her to concentrate on her patients.

“It means that I can take care of the other things in the office because I know David has me covered when it comes to the taxes and payroll,” Dr. Sarwan says. “And he’s so accessible. I can call him at any time with any question.”

Dr. Sarwan also expresses appreciation for the customer service she receives from the Kehoe & DeWeerd staff.

“We’ve been on the phone with Liyen (Coffey) so much, and she’s wonderful,” Dr. Sarwan says.

Coffey manages the firm’s Wesley Chapel office, and she says the client’s needs come first. When clients visit the office for the first time, especially for tax consultations, they should bring in all of the relevant documents, such as tax returns from the previous years. “We try to make them feel at ease when they come in,” Coffey says.

Kehoe & DeWeerd has successfully served the west Pasco community for more than three decades, initially in Port Richey and now in Trinity. Thomas Kehoe, who has a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree in Accounting from the USF College of Business Administration, founded the firm in 1985.

DeWeerd, who serves on the Board of the Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce, says that he and Kehoe opened the Wesley Chapel office together in November of 2015 to meet the financial management needs of the growing east Pasco community.

“We have a strong client base in west Pasco and would like to build those same relationships here,” DeWeerd says.

Kehoe & DeWeerd’s Wesley Chapel office is located at 26829 Tanic Dr., Suite 102. For more info, visit KDCPA.net or call (813) 279-2977.

The Doctors Ambay Open Their Transformations Aesthetic Center Off S.R. 56!

Skin-related medical care and beauty treatments, as well as body restoration and alteration options, are now available in one location at the new Transformations Aesthetic Center, located about a mile east of I-75, just north of the intersection of SR 56 and Cypress Ridge Blvd., behind the Tower Radiology building in Wesley Chapel.

The Transformations building is a sleek, freestanding structure with an architectural style befitting a fine art museum.

Housed within its 11,000 square feet are two medical practices devoted to your beauty and your health: 360 Dermatology and Ambay Plastic Surgery, employing the skills and talents of Aparna Ambay, M.D., and her husband, Raj Ambay, M.D., D.D.S., respectively.

The husband-and-wife team of Dr. Aparna Ambay (above) and Dr. Raj Ambay has opened the Transformations Aesthetics Center in Wesley Chapel.

The building’s signage reads simply as, “TRANSFORMATIONS,” and does not display the names of the two practices, which according to Dr. Raj, work together toward a unified goal.

“The name of the building is Transformations because everything we do around medicine is about only one thing, which is transforming people to better health,’’ he says. “The two practices are separate but we always work together to find ways to benefit the patient and elevate the level of care.”

Dr. Raj cites skin cancer surgery affecting substantial areas of the body as a situation that will sometimes warrant reconstructive plastic surgery and would benefit from close collaboration between the two doctors. He adds that the new facility is equipped with some of the latest technology to optimize patient comfort, convenience and treatment outcomes.

These features include computer-controlled lighting, customized music playlists and LCD imagery in exam and treatment rooms that the patient selects and automated text messaging to update patients about the status of their appointments or potential wait times.

“We’ve paired with technology to find ways of improving the experience for our patients,” Dr. Raj says.

There also is an onsite surgical center that Dr. Raj says rivals what is available at area hospitals. “It’s not like an office space surgery center, it’s a full-on surgery center where we can perform all types of services, including general anesthesia, just like at a hospital,” he says. “Whatever you could potentially do at a hospital as an outpatient, you can do at our surgery center as well.”

Dermatology Services

While patients will benefit from the technology the Transformations Center brings to the local medical community, 360 Dermatology’s aesthetic services manager Regan Hoefle says the personal touch is still important.

“We have a larger and more modern, state-of-the-art facility at our disposal,” she says, “but I think what our patients notice most is that the quality and compassionate care we deliver is different than what you might find in another medical dermatology setting. We treat our patients very much like family and friends.”

There are many services available at 360 Dermatology, including treatments for skin cancer, acne and acne scars, eczema, skin growths and infections.

Dr. Aparna’s practice also provides cosmetic services such as Botox and other dermal fillers, as well as chemical peels. Medical grade skin products for home use by Obagi Medical and SkinCeuticals are available for sale.

“We run the full gamut from medical to cosmetic dermatology,” says Hoefle. “What we really want to create for people is a destination for medical dermatology, as well as cosmetic dermatology, so that when someone comes into our office, they can not only get their annual skin check but if they are interested in intervening in the aging process, we can offer help with that. Or, if they need something beyond dermatology, we have the option to send them over to Ambay Plastic Surgery.”

Leading the way for 360 Dermatology is Dr. Aparna, who earned her M.D. degree from Drexel University’s College of Medicine in Philadelphia and followed up by interning at the prestigious Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN.

She completed dermatology residency programs at the Marshfield Clinic in Marshfield, WI, and at the University of Wisconsin at Madison. Dr. Aparna is Board-certified in dermatology and is trained in Mohs skin cancer surgery, which is considered to be a highly effective and efficient treatment, as it allows patients to have their tumors removed and analyzed in one visit.

Hoefle says Dr. Aparna’s standards for 360 Dermatology are high.

“Dr. Ambay is adamant about high quality patient care, delivered with integrity and adhering to ethical medical standards,” Hoefle says. “We follow all appropriate medical protocols to ensure patient safety and comfort.”

Mechelle Casciotta is a patient who says her experience with Dr. Aparna and the 360 Dermatology team reflects the values that the practice promotes.

“The professionalism and caring of 360 Dermatology is just outstanding,” says Casciotta, who commutes between Wesley Chapel and Warwick, NY, where she owns businesses and is president of the Warwick Valley Chamber of Commerce.

“Because I’m a professional, it’s important to look my best, but I didn’t know about Botox, fillers and needles,” Casciotta adds. “They were great and do things to put the patient’s comfort first.”

Ambay Plastic Surgery

For patients looking for plastic surgery, whether for reconstructive or cosmetic purposes, Transformations Aesthetic Center also is home to Ambay Plastic Surgery, led by Dr. Raj, who is a Colonel in the U.S. Army Reserve.

In addition to earning his M.D. from Drexel University’s College of Medicine, Dr. Raj also has a Doctor of Dental Surgery (D.D.S.) degree from the Northwestern University Dental School in Chicago.

He completed his general surgery residency at the Mayo School of Graduate Medical Education in Rochester, MN, followed by a plastic surgery residency at the University of Wisconsin at Madison.

He added to his surgical skills by studying microvascular reconstructive surgery at the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center of the University of Texas in Houston. He is Board-certified in plastic surgery and, as part of his military responsibilities, he has served at medical facilities supporting U.S. combat operations in both Iraq and Afghanistan.

The type of care delivered at Ambay Plastic Surgery reflects Dr. Raj’s mix of education, experience and service.

“Our practice is not a corporation,” Dr. Raj says. “We are a military family and our practice is about family values. Our mission is to build relationships on a foundation of trust and honesty, so we treat people the way we want to be treated.”

Ambay Plastic Surgery also provides a wide range of services.

In addition to breast lift, augmentation and reduction options, Ambay Plastic Surgery offers what it calls a “Mommy Makeover,” a combination of individually tailored cosmetic procedures that can reverse some of the effects of childbirth.

Face, neck and thigh lifts, as well as fat transfers and body contouring, are some of the other procedures performed.

Patient care coordinator Jacqueline Sucarichi says patients can expect to get the best care possible at Ambay Plastic Surgery.

“Dr. (Raj) Ambay is very caring and meticulous,” Sucarichi says. “He won’t leave the surgical table until he’s 110-percent satisfied.”

Delivering that kind of care to their patients reflects a choice that both Dr. Raj and Dr. Aparna have made about how they will operate their practices.

“We’ve decided we’d rather take more time with people and really deliver the best experience,” Dr. Raj says. “Quality is more important than quantity.”

While both 360 Dermatology and Ambay Plastic Surgery have benefited from the good work they do for their patients, Hoefle says community involvement is a big part of the success of both practices.

“We are thriving because of the support of the Wesley Chapel and New Tampa communities, and the surrounding areas as well,” she says. “We are very ingrained in the fabric and are active in the community by participating in health events.” 

The Ambays relocated their practices to the Transformations Aesthetic Center in May. A Grand Opening event and Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce ribbon cutting are planned to be held in mid-September.

Transformations Aesthetic Center is located at 2441 Oak Myrtle Ln. in Wesley Chapel. For more information about 360 Dermatology, you can visit 360Dermatologytampa.com, call (813) 406-4835. Ambay Plastic Surgery’s website is AmbayPlasticSurgery.com and the phone number is (813) 406-4448.

PHDermatology Offers Skin Cancer Treatments, Skin Care & More!

The skin care professionals of PHDermatology are ready to provide a range of medical and aesthetic dermatological services.

Keeping your skin healthy or enhancing its appearance can be challenging, but the medical and aesthetic professionals of PHDermatology (formerly known as Palm Harbor Dermatology) provide state-of-the-art skin care at four locations, all within a reasonably short drive from New Tampa: Westchase, Brandon, South Tampa and Palm Harbor.

PHDermatology’s Board-certified doctors treat skin diseases and disorders, including skin cancers, and its State-licensed aestheticians provide personalized skin guidance and permanent cosmetic procedures to help you look your best.

Visitors to the South Tampa office, located on S. MacDill Ave. (at the intersection of Azeele St.), may recognize Margaret Rinker, M.D., who treated patients at Tampa Palms Dermatology from 2004 until 2014. Dr. Rinker earned her Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree from the Medical College of Georgia in Augusta. Her dermatology residency was through the University of South Florida (USF)’s College of Medicine in Tampa and she is Board-certified in dermatology.

According to Dr. Rinker, treating skin diseases, particularly cancers, is the primary focus of PHDermatology.

“Skin cancer is the biggest thing we do here,” says Dr. Rinker. “Being in Florida it is extremely prevalent, especially in our elderly population.”

She adds that there are many other conditions that warrant dermatological attention, such as acne, rashes, eczema and psoriasis.

When it comes to treating skin cancer, PHDermatology offers screenings, biopsies and treatments. The medical professionals at all four offices use Mohs Micrographic surgery to treat patients with both basal and squamous cell cancers, the most common forms of skin cancer. Dr. Rinker says it is the most thorough and convenient way available to treat skin cancer patients. “It’s all done in the office, under local anesthesia.”

In Mohs surgery, the tumor is removed, frozen, sliced and systematically examined under a microscope, while the patient is waiting to see if all of the cancer has been removed.

If cancer cells exist too close to the margins of the excised material, more skin is removed from the patient to be sure all cancer is removed.

Dr. Rinker says the procedure is rarely useful for melanoma cancer, as it does not work effectively with those kinds of tumors, and melanoma has a greater tendency to metastasize, or spread quickly.

Mohs surgery differs from usual skin cancer surgery in that a doctor can determine if all the cancer has been removed while a patient is still in the office. The alternative is to send the removed specimen out to a lab for analysis and, if it is determined that not all of the cancer was removed, another surgical procedure would need to be scheduled and performed. “This allows you to wait until you know it is clear before you close it up,” Dr. Rinker says. “It also offers a cosmetically better outcome and a smaller scar.”

All four of PHDermatology’s offices are set up to perform Mohs surgery. The determination of whether or not to use Mohs surgery is decided on an individual basis, depending upon the size and location of the cancer.

Patients with melanomas can be treated in the office, if it is caught early enough. If not, patients are referred to the Moffitt Cancer Center, which is located on the USF Tampa campus.

Precancerous lesions, such as actinic keratoses, can be treated with photodynamic therapy (PDT). A photo-sensitizing solution is applied to the affected area, which is then exposed to light. Patients need to completely avoid the sun for two days after treatment. PDT also is used to treat acne and sun damage.

Other Available Treatments

In addition to treating skin diseases and disorders, PHDermatology offers a variety of treatments, services and products that can enhance an individual’s appearance. Dr. Rinker says there is nothing superficial about the benefits these options offer.

“Skin conditions, because they’re visible to everyone else, can cause a lot of stress, anxiety and even social isolation,” she says.

M22 IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) Rejuvenation is used to treat blemishes like freckles, uneven pigmentation, birthmarks, age and sun spots, as well as rosacea. The pulsing light penetrates the skin tissue of the targeted area, creating heat. The body’s healing process removes the treated skin while collagen and elastic fiber are produced. Sessions typically last less than one hour and depending upon the need, the treatment may be administered from one to six times over a period of a few weeks. Patients can resume their normal activities immediately after the treatment in most cases, although it is recommended to stay out of the sun for a few days and apply sunscreen as well.

Dr. Rinker also notes that loose skin, such as around the waist, under the chin and on the arms, is often the result of fatty deposits. CoolSculpting is a method that eliminates that fat by freezing it with a device that applies targeted cooling. The fat is then reabsorbed and eliminated by the body.

Also available at PHDermatology is the Silhouette InstaLift, which is an alternative to traditional face lifts, whereby sutures are inserted into the cheek area to reposition and elevate facial skin, contour the face and give a more youthful appearance. As the body absorbs the sutures, collagen is produced as part of the healing process. Most activities can be resumed following the treatment, with benefits generally lasting about 18 months.

Skin Care From A Familiar Face

People interested in a personalized skincare program using selected products from manufacturers such as SkinCeuticals, ClearChoice, Obagi and Avene, among others, can get guidance from onsite, licensed aestheticians. One of them is Leanne Carter, who joined PHDermatology’s South Tampa office six months ago, after working in New Tampa for 20 years, first at the old Bostonian Hair Salon in Tampa Palms and then at her own business, Facial Accents by Leanne. Carter says being part of the PHDermatology team gives her the opportunity to better serve people’s needs.

“The level of skin care I can offer clients is highly elevated working in a dermatology practice,” she says.

Carter also provides permanent eyebrow and eyeliner cosmetic solutions, as well as postsurgical skin care, chemical peels and dermaplaning treatments. She is also trained in reconstructive techniques, such as areola restoration following a mastectomy.

Some of the other aesthetic services available at PHDermatology include Botox and filler injections, a variety of facials and hair removal.

Dr. Rinker notes that providing aesthetic care, as well as medical treatments, enables PHDermatology to accommodate a greater range of needs. “My number one priority is medical care,” she says. “We are the experts in skin care, so we want to make it (aesthetic care) available for people who want it.”

PHDermatology patient Ethel Murphy says that Dr. Rinker has been her skin care specialist for the last 15 years. “Anything from Botox to laser skin treatments, skin cancer treatments, PDTs and photodynamic therapies/blue light treatments,” Ethel says. “I have also had two types of skin cancers, basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas. Her treatment is customized, specialized, and very individual to each patient. Dr. Rinker knows my skin sensitivities.  My outdoor lifestyle needs (which include playing tennis and boating regularly) have to be met in conjunction with my skin cancer.”

She adds, “My treatments go beyond what happens at her office. She will send me the latest research about the treatments from medical journals that she subscribes to.  I do not have to do the research on my own and I always trust her medical judgment.  The treatment and care I received at the office is wonderful.  It’s all about preventive measures in the fight against skin cancer.”

Another PHDermatology physician who might be familiar to Neighborhood News readers is Isabel Valencia, M.D., who worked at Tampa Palms Dermatology from 2008 until 2013. She treats patients at the Westchase PHDermatology office on Sheldon Rd., one mile north of Linebaugh Ave.

Dr. Valencia also is Board-certified in dermatology, earning her Medical Degree from the Pontificia Universidad Javeriana in Bogota, Colombia. She completed her dermatology residency at the Miller School of Medicine at the University of Miami, FL.

PHDermatology was founded in 2008 by Dr. Amy Ross, who earned her M.D. degree at Drexel University College of Medicine in Philadelphia, PA, where she also completed her dermatology residency, followed by a dermatologic surgery fellowship at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, TN. She, too, is Board-certified in dermatology. Dr. Ross opened her practice in 2008 as Palm Harbor Dermatology, reflecting the office’s Pinellas County location. As the practice grew to four offices, it was renamed PHDermatology.

To learn more about PHDermatology, visit PHDermatology.com or call toll-free, (855) 743-4968. PHDermatology’s offices are located at: 310 S. MacDill Ave., Tampa; 4197 Woodlands Pkwy., Palm Harbor; 11601 Sheldon Rd., Westchase; and 621 Medical Care Dr., Brandon. 

Madison Davis ‘Paying It Forward’ By Helping Shriners Hospital Kids

Madison Davis, center, with her mom, Helena Hampton-Davis, and her dad, Mike Davis.

One of the top songs on Madison Davis’ playlist is “Titanium,” sung by Australian recording artist Sia.

It’s a song about prevailing over adversity, and when the refrain, “I am titanium, I am titanium” comes around, the New Tampa 12-year-old sings along with the words coming from a place deep within her.

That’s because Madison recently had titanium rods surgically inserted in her back to correct a severe case of scoliosis, or curvature of the spine. The rods are attached to her spine in order to hold it straight.

According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, a case of scoliosis is considered severe, requiring surgery, if a still-growing person has a curvature of 45 degrees or greater.

She is well on the road to recovery following the six-hour surgery she underwent at Shriners Hospitals for Children — Tampa (located on the Tampa campus of the University of South Florida; see story on page 35 of this issue) in March, and her experience of overcoming a tough challenge at an early age has taught her to be generous.

Madison has formed a foundation {and applied for 501(c)(3) status} called Not on My Back, which raises money for rolling backpacks that she gives to children, including patients at Shriners who either have scoliosis or have had a spinal surgery.

Money is raised through fund-raising events and a GoFundMe page (GoFundMe.com/MadisonDavis). At our press time, the page showed that $5,625 of Madison’s $10,000 goal had already been raised.

To Madison, the rolling backpacks her project provides relieve a painful burden from the backs of children with scoliosis and is a way she can make a difference in the lives of others.

“It’s for a good cause, to give kids something they need and to make sure they’re not alone,” she says.

According to Madison’s mother, Helena Hampton-Davis, her daughter wants to express appreciation for the life-changing work that the doctors and staff at Shriners perform.

“She decided she wanted to do something nice for Shriners and that’s when she decided she wanted to start her own foundation,’’ says Helena. “We’ve committed to Shriners for 100 backpacks and we’ve already delivered 50.”

Helena adds that the backpacks are “fully loaded” with school supplies when they are presented to recipients.

The personal strength and generosity of spirit Madison displays has earned her a role as a member of the Shriners team, as a patient ambassador. The hospital’s public relations manager Lisa Buie says Madison is an inspiration to everyone who meets her.

“She is a delightful young woman, and we couldn’t be prouder of her,” Buie says.

There are many people who are proud of Madison and some of them gathered at her family’s home in Heritage Isles on June 24 to celebrate both her accomplishments and National Scoliosis Awareness Month, which is observed in June each year.

“Madison has a team of people who support her,” says Helena.

Professional artist and graphic designer Morgan Welch, who designed the fashionable “Curves are for hips, not backs” t-shirts that attendees wore, is part of that support team.

Another is Mercedes McDowell, who sells Premier Designs jewelry at in-home events and is planning one of the jewelry company’s “Parties with a Purpose” to raise money for Madison’s foundation.

Helena also acknowledges the daily, routine support her family received.

“There are people who came to the house to check on her,” Helena  says. “They brought food, gifts, cards and stuffed animals.”

Madison and her family also want to raise awareness about scoliosis and within their circle of support, they have definitely succeeded.

Anytime a child goes through a tough situation, it’s always a challenge for their parents, too. Madison’s father, Mike Davis, says his daughter has become a role model for him.

“My strength is really listening to her,” Mike says. “Instead of complaining about the situation, she’s helping others.”

Through dealing with the curvature of her spine and the surgery to correct it, Madison has acquired insight as to what is required to prevail in such a situation.

“It takes courage and strength, and you will get those from your family, friends and doctors,” she says. “You have gifts that God gives you and you will discover them.”

According to the American Association of Neurological Surgeons website, as many as nine million people in the U.S. have scoliosis, which can develop in infants and toddlers, but most frequently begins when children are 10-15 years old. Severe scoliosis also can put pressure on the heart and reduce lung capacity.

Treatments range from wearing a supportive brace to surgery. Madison’s operation was performed by Geoffrey Cronen, M.D., a spinal surgeon at Shriners. His prognosis of Madison’s prospects for a fulfilling life is positive.

“She’s a great person and has a bright future,” Dr. Cronen says.

Madison says that her future includes designing clothes and exploring careers in medicine and law. “I want to help people,” she says.