Doctors & Dentists of Distinction

A Sarasota Scene Special Section

Rebecca S. Cohen, M.D.
1217 S East Ave., Suite 209 Sarasota, FL
941.404.0545
drrebeccacohen.com 

Always aiming to help patients achieve remission, Dr. Rebecca Cohen tailors individual treatments for patients using a comprehensive approach based on modern advances in psychiatric medicine. Dr. Cohen is an experienced psychopharmacologist–a psychiatrist specializing in fine-tuning medications to improve patient outcomes. She also has looked beyond medications for effective treatments and pioneered a non-invasive FDA-approved option to help those with persistent major depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder. 

Known as transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), this treatment also has shown promise for a range of other conditions from PTSD and generalized anxiety to certain bipolar disorders. “It’s not that medications don’t work. The psychopharmacology of mental health disorders is highly improved over what it could offer in the past. For some patients medications work beautifully, but not for all,” said Dr. Cohen, who also serves as Medical Director and consultant for Greenbrook TMS Neuro Health Centers, the largest national provider with more than 80 locations nationwide.

Dr. Cohen, whose experience includes research at the Harvard Medical School Neurology Department and serving as Chief Psychiatry Resident at Georgetown Hospital, has helped launch five Greenbrook sites in the Tampa Bay area, including Sarasota and Lakewood Ranch. TMS works on the brain’s mood centers by focusing short bursts of magnetic energy similarly to an MRI. Treatment is done while the patient is awake and lasts about 15 minutes, usually with no discomfort, in an attractive, serene setting designed to promote relaxation. 

“Some patients suffer from major depression that is only partially responsive to medication, and for others medication usage is limited by side effects,” she said. “With TMS, 70 percent of patients experience significant improvement and of those, 40 percent achieve remission. People feel better, clearer and more focused, and the durability of the effect is better than most other options.”

Locally, Tod Creneti underwent a course of TMS treatments and achieved noticeable results. “Right away I noticed that getting started in the morning was much easier. When you struggle with depression, the hardest thing to do all day is get out of bed because bed seems like a safe place,” Creneti said. “As treatment progressed, I started noticing more clarity in my thinking and a certain clarity that helps me understand when I’m just having a tough day and when I’m feeling depressed. I think this is a treatment that could help a lot of people.”

While TMS is FDA-approved for treatment resistant major depression and OCD, research is underway for other conditions, including Parkinson’s disease, autism, chronic pain and auditory hallucinations. Off-label uses for PTSD, generalized anxiety disorder and bipolar 1 and bipolar 2 have been showing convincing data, Dr. Cohen said.

In addition to psychopharmacology and TMS, Dr. Cohen offers patients additional options for comprehensive care. She works closely with primary care doctors and with several experienced psychotherapists. Counseling on proper nutrition, exercise and sleep hygiene also plays an important role in patients’ wellness. Because stress-related issues, such as anxiety and insomnia, are so common, Dr. Cohen has a biofeedback specialist on staff to work with patients by giving them better tools for stress reduction and mindfulness. 

To accommodate significant growth in the practice, Dr. Cohen is planning to bring in an additional psychiatrist mid-year to expand availability of private practice hours. “We need to get patients to remission, and we use all the tools to get there,” she said. “I advocate a full court press because it’s not one thing that gets people better, it’s everything working synergistically,” When she’s not helping patients, Dr. Cohen is teaching the next generation as Clinical Assistant Professor at FSU College of Medicine as part of the outpatient psychiatry clerkship for students.

Jenifer C. Back, DMD
Sarasota Smile Design
3800 Clark Rd., Sarasota, FL
941.927.5411
info@sarasotasmiledesign.com
sarasotasmiledesign.com

Growing up in rural Kentucky, Dr. Jenifer Back of Sarasota Smile Design describes her early experience with dentists as terrible. Out of her fear and discomfort grew the desire to offer others a far different dental visit. “I thought I could change how people experience going to the dentist,” Dr. Back said. “I wanted it to feel like a small town beauty shop where people want to be and are getting things done that they want. That still drives what we do.” Now in her 25th year in Sarasota, she offers a full spectrum of general dentistry but has found her practice has grown more into cosmetic dentistry, which she finds very rewarding. Dr. Back also recently has added a practitioner who practices general dentistry and also focuses on placing dental implants.

“When I can fix how a tooth looks, give someone a new smile or improve something that’s been bothering them their whole life, it gets close to the beauty shop experience that I remember,” she said. “There is an emotional reward for that.” While her practice emphasizes a personal touch, Dr. Back also focuses on high tech. She uses new materials for restorations that are not only beautiful but also stronger than natural teeth. Her investment in digital dentistry means she can provide patients with visual imagery of what final work will look like. Because of her confidence in her work, Dr. Back guarantees it for a lifetime with proper care.

“I try to under-promise and over-deliver so if you like the visuals, you’ll love the actual results,” she said. “Our work is very individual. We do 3D modeling and go tooth by tooth to be sure patients get what they want. The hallmark is when people say ‘what a beautiful smile’ and not ‘that’s nice dental work’.” Dr. Back’s work has been recognized in a variety of national media including clinical journals, such as Woman Dentist Journal, DentistryIQ.com and PinkTooth.net, as well as New Beauty Magazine where she has been named a top doctor. Bringing a small town warmth to beautiful results means Dr. Back and Sarasota Smile Design are creating smiles all around. 

Karen Brainard, M.D.
Bradenton East Integrative Medical Center
8614 State Rd. 70 E, Suite 200
Bradenton, FL 
941.727.1243
kbrainard@beimonline.com
beimonline.com

Dr. Karen Brainard, co-founder of Bradenton East Integrative Medicine, sets patients on the path to wellness–or helps them stay well–with a holistic approach that combines emerging, proven medical treatments with an array of complementary services. “We get to know each person in the context of their family and community, learning what motivates them,” Dr. Brainard says. “Therapies are directed at who they are and what they want to do. Patients receive prudent medical advice and have a menu of services to diagnose root causes and help them achieve their goals.” She works with those age 10 and older and, given Florida’s demographics, has a variety of tools to help people optimize how they address aging.

These include achieving a healthy gut, which is important given newer science on the gut-brain interaction. She addresses chronic illness from lifestyle and medical perspectives, and provides bio-identical hormone replacement along with MonaLisa Touch vaginal rejuvenation for post-menopausal women. A variety of intravenous therapies include nutritional support, relief for chronic fatigue, immune system support and more. A team of practitioners provides a comprehensive range of complementary services. These include another doctor, three nurse practitioners, acupuncturist, massage therapist/aesthetician, and health coach. A chiropractor, podiatrist, and aesthetic services nurse practitioner are co-located at the office. Dr. Brainard credits them for providing compassionate care that is the foundation of her practice. 

“I’ve been doing integrative health care for nearly 25 years. At a community health care center in rural New England, I worked with people from all walks of life who wanted different approaches, learned nutrition based therapies and the power of the mind for healing,” she says. “I also was a nurse before medical school, which grounds the caring part of my practice. I want to help each person reach optimal health.” Dr. Brainard is board certified in family medicine and integrative holistic medicine. She also models life balance for her patients by making time to enjoy her passions for ballroom dancing, gardening, and giving back through Bradenton’s Am and Fm Enterprise.

Pamela Chapman, D.O.
Soulful Restoration
5861 Cortez Rd. W 
Bradenton, FL 34210
941.202.2106
soulfulrestoration.com

Experiencing first-hand the family distress caused by life-threatening conditions, Dr. Pamela Chapman gained an early interest in helping people prevent illness and live healthier lives. As a functional medicine physician who is board certified in family medicine, Dr. Chapman empowers women to heal chronic conditions more naturally by addressing underlying causes of their symptoms. In her practice, Soulful Restoration, she takes a very personal approach to addressing common consequences of modern living, including fatigue, digestive issues, chronic stress, autoimmune issues, and toxic exposure. Dr. Chapman also focuses on women’s health to correct hormonal imbalances, thyroid disease and support heart health.

“People may think the first visit to a functional medicine physician means a battery of expensive tests,” she said. “I prefer to start with a stepwise protocol that gives women actionable steps so they leave my office feeling empowered rather than overwhelmed.” Before the first visit, women complete an extensive questionnaire that covers everything from childhood illness to stress and environmental exposures. “The first visit lasts at least an hour. I like to sit down and get to know them, and they get to know me,” she said. “I talk to women about the importance of feeling heard by their provider, and I strive to make sure they do feel heard when they leave my office.”

Dr. Chapman believes that a “soulful” approach to medicine requires the expression of feelings and emotions. It brings the patient’s thoughts and goals to the forefront. “By creating connection to hear our patients and dig deeper into their chronic symptoms, we can often restore wellbeing without the need for multiple drugs from big-pharma,” she says. “Traditional Western medicine is great at treating acute disease, but if we’re going to make big changes for future generations we have to look at the whole picture.” After earning an undergraduate degree in biochemistry at Louisiana State University, Dr. Chapman relocated to Florida where she received her medical degree from LECOM. She subsequently served as Chief Patient Advocate and Chief Resident at St. Petersburg General Hospital and is a member of the Institute for Functional Medicine.

Mark Checcone, M.D., FACS
RejuveFace
1958 Prospect St. 
Sarasota, FL
941.404.LIFT (5438)
info@RejuveFace.com
rejuveface.com

Dr. Mark Checcone offers his patients a truly comprehensive and personalized experience in his practice, RejuveFace, which focuses on facial plastic surgery. As the name implies, Dr. Checcone helps patients appear rejuvenated whether they want to look their age, but rejuvenated and refreshed, or their goal is to reverse the signs of aging. He is double board certified in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery as well as otolaryngology (ear, nose and throat) and does both cosmetic and medical procedures. Rhinoplasty is a forte, and it is not unusual for him to combine it with sinus surgery for those who have functional issues along with cosmetic goals. “My training in rhinoplasty is extensive, which is of particular importance for revision rhinoplasty,” he said. “The nose should be the center of your face, not the center of attention.”

As a specialist of the face, head and neck, Dr. Checcone treats all ages, including children for otoplasty (ear pinning) and trauma, such as dog bites. He also offers patients minimally invasive options such as laser resurfacing, Botox, fillers and facial fat transfer. Dr. Checcone offers the newest radiofrequency micro-needling technology that heats the skin for superior subdermal tightening. This Vivace microneedling is a good option for all patients with lighter or darker skin who want to avoid sun sensitivity induced by lasers and other light based therapy.

Dr. Checcone grew up in Ohio and earned an undergraduate degree in biomedical engineering from Brown University. Following graduation, he spent two years in investment banking but missed medicine. Dr. Checcone completed post-baccalaureate study at Harvard Extension School and earned his medical degree from The Ohio State University. He completed his otolaryngology residency at the University of Miami and a fellowship in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery at the University of Illinois-Chicago. He conducted research at Johns Hopkins University and was on the faculty of Washington University in St. Louis. “Plastic surgery requires thinking in three-dimensional space, creative design and artistry,” Dr. Checcone said. “It puts all the pieces of my experience together to problem-solve in unique ways that help people to heal and look healthier and rejuvenated.”

M. Jonathan Clark, M.D.
Fyzical Health
2401 University Pkwy
Suite 102
Sarasota, FL  
941.355.2767
fyzicalhealth.com

As an experienced ear, nose and throat surgeon, Dr. M. Jonathan Clark of Fyzical Health understands the value his patients receive from vetted advancements in medical science and technology. These include leading edge hearing devices and options for in-office sinus procedures with minimal down time. “I’m always looking for what is available in the hearing restoration world,” Dr. Clark said. “Totally implantable hearing devices are available, but for now, partially implantable devices work better and are less expensive. Earlens is a nonsurgical option I like because if a patient isn’t satisfied, the device can be easily removed during the 30 day trial period and has a money back guarantee under Florida statues.” Dr. Clark performs cochlear implants and launched a successful implant program at Guthrie Clinic in Pennsylvania. He also does surgeries to repair chronic ear disease, ear bones and eardrums. 

Dr. Clark, who is board certified in otolaryngology, helps patients with general ENT issues such as hoarseness and vocal cord paralysis. He recently joined Fyzical Health and likes its approach to preventive health for patients by providing physical therapy on site. “Hearing and balance go hand in hand,” Dr. Clark said. “I think it is genius to put physical therapy right in house since it can lead to better quality of life.” Because patients may have a number of treatment options to consider, he allows ample time to address any concerns and wants them to leave feeling their questions have been answered. 

Dr. Clark earned his medical degree at the University of Louisville and completed a residency in otolaryngology at the Geisinger Health System. He also attended Alliance Theological Seminary for a year in preparation for medical mission work, which he has done for many years in the Dominican Republic. Working with a school for the deaf, Dr. Clark helps provide children with hearing devices. He and his wife recently founded a nonprofit, Hearing for the Heart, to aid deaf children in the Dominican Republic and other areas in the Caribbean. Dr. Clark’s initial hopes are to establish a speech therapy program to aid children in developing normal speech patterns and eventually to offer cochlear implants.

Joseph Greco, PhD, PA/C
Greco Medical Group
1990 Main St.
Suite 700, Sarasota, FL
941.952.3300
grecomedicalgroup.com

The Greco family has been at the forefront of hair restoration for 60 years. Joseph Greco PhD, PA/C of Greco Medical Group has honored that tradition by continuing to pioneer and validate surgical and nonsurgical innovations.Dr. Greco has stayed on the leading edge of advanced cellular therapies to offer biologic treatments along with medical and surgical hair restoration solutions for women and men. He developed the use of platelet rich plasma (PRP) in all phases of surgical hair restoration and growth factors for nonsurgical hair restoration. 

“We did the original research 12 years ago with PRP to thicken hair utilizing the patient’s own growth factors. People come to us from every state and 70 countries for our treatments,” he says. “We also participate in many research studies because we like to do things the right way, and have developed patented methods utilizing biologics to regenerate hair.” Dr. Greco’s latest innovations move beyond PRP therapies, which concentrate healing and growth factors in a patient’s own blood. He is now conducting an outcome study on a treatment for androgenic alopecia using exosomes. Exosomes are derived from umbilical cord tissues, which carry RNA signaling cells that stimulate other cells such as hair follicles. 

“We also are conducting a study on advanced cellular therapies for diffuse alopecia where patients lose all of their hair including eyebrows,” he says. “What’s exciting about these therapies is that tissue taken from birth tissue following Cesarean sections has 50 times more growth factors than our own cells, for example.” Greco Medical Group also uses these advanced therapies to help orthopedic patients. His dedication to remaining at the forefront of treatment has earned attention from Vogue, ABC and Fox News, New York Times and U.S. News & World Report. Dr. Greco has 39 years of experience in hair surgery and served as the clinical director of Orogen Biosciences, a biotech research and development firm. He also is on the faculty of George Washington University for a postdoctoral course in regenerative medicine. Dr. Greco’s articles have been widely published in peer-review journals and textbooks.

Avantika Mishra, M.D.
11505 Palmbrush Tr.
Suite 200, Lakewood Ranch, FL

5741 Bee Ridge Rd.
Suite 550, Sarasota, FL
941.361.1100
fdhs.com

Dr. Avantika Mishra of Florida Digestive Health Specialists provides her patients with care that is grounded in evidence-based medicine. Dr. Mishra is board certified in internal medicine with subspecialties in general gastroenterology and hepatology. She has a variety of special interests including cancer prevention, esophageal and reflux disorders, inflammatory bowel disease and liver disorders. Dr. Mishra also specializes in women’s health. 

“Gastrointestinal issues are often private and can be challenging to one’s health. I dedicate my practice to all patients, including women who prefer to discuss their concerns with a female provider,” she said. “It is important for one’s physical and mental health to enjoy an active, healthy life and create wonderful memories, many of which revolve around delicious meals with family and friends. We see a decline in patients who are not able to enjoy these simple pleasures.”

Dr. Mishra is also a strong advocate for colon cancer prevention through proper and timely screenings. 

She emphasizes the safety of screening procedures and believes screenings are especially important since colon cancer is a leading cause of death in the U.S.

“Colon cancer incidence is on the rise, and now seen in younger patients more than ever before,” said Dr. Mishra. “It is imperative that all patients pursue colon cancer screening when they reach age 50. Those at high risk should check with their gastroenterologist to see if earlier screening is necessary.”

Having received her education and training at large academic centers, she appreciates the opportunities she had to learn from many leading experts. Dr. Mishra earned her medical degree from Rutgers New Jersey Medical School and trained in internal medicine at Medstar Georgetown University Hospital. She completed her training in gastroenterology and hepatology at Rutgers Robert Woods Johnson Medical School where she served as chief fellow.

Fabian A. Ramos, M.D., DABA, DABPM, DABIPP, FIPP
Ramos Center for Interventional and Functional Pain Medicine
941.708.9555 | ramoscenter.com
100 3rd Ave. W 
Suite 110, Bradenton FL
————-
2540 S Tamiami Tr.
Sarasota, FL 
————-
1370 E Venice Ave. 
Suite 104, Venice, FL

Dr. Fabian Ramos, founder of the Ramos Center for Interventional and Functional Pain Medicine, has earned international recognition for providing patients with leading edge advancements for chronic pain relief through multiple modalities. Dr. Ramos has recently been able to offer new techniques to help a wide range of conditions, including patients with severe spinal stenosis, sacroiliac pain, discogenic pain and chronic abdominal pain. This is in addition to the many effective techniques and technologies he offers to alleviate a variety of chronic pain conditions, including radiofrequency ablations of metastatic tumors of the spine to relieve pain for cancer patients. For spinal stenosis patients, a new minimally invasive procedure is available that is now covered by most insurance companies. The outpatient procedure lasts just 30 minutes, requires no screws, and does not interfere with future surgery should that become necessary. 

“Many spinal stenosis patients are able to walk farther and have less pain when leaning on a grocery cart. The Inter-spinous spacer mimics that,” Dr. Ramos said. “It is very rewarding for patients suffering from this condition.” Another recent option replaces surgical screws with an injection of pre-treated bone to relieve recurrent sacroiliac pain, particularly for patients who develop buttock pain after lumbar spine fusion surgeries. For patients with discogenic pain, a new technique uses radiofrequency ablation to numb nerves within the vertebra and provide relief. Patients with chronic abdominal pain now may opt to have an implantable 10,000-hertz spinal cord stimulator. The stimulator significantly relieves pain in most patients with conditions such as gastroparesis, Chron’s disease, and pain from adhesion’s following surgery.

Dr. Ramos is triple board certified in pain medicine, interventional pain medicine and anesthesiology and is one of the first specialists in the U.S. to be recognized by the prestigious World Institute of Pain. His dedication to preventing and reducing substance abuse has earned awards as Champion of Prevention in Healthcare by Drug Free Manatee and the Community Health Advocacy Award from the Sarasota Medical Alliance Foundation and Society. In 2019, he was named to Castle Connolly’s peer-nominated Top Doctors list. To further aid patients working to wean off Schedule II opiates, Dr. Ramos recently added a board certified addiction medicine specialist to his staff. 

Steven Reichbach, M.D.
Gulf Coast Ketamine Center
2415 University Parkway Building 3, Suite 215
Sarasota, FL
941.213.4444
info@findpainrelief.com
findpainrelief.com

Helping people find relief from chronic pain and overcome mood disorders that haven’t responded fully to other treatments led Dr. Steven Reichbach to establish the Gulf Coast Ketamine Center in 2016. Dr. Reichbach is a board-certified anesthesiologist with 28 years of experience. He had worked with ketamine during his practice as an anesthesiologist and has gotten great satisfaction over the past four years treating clients with intractable pain and mood disorders. “We have about 800 patients in our practice and I’m amazed at how well the majority respond with respect to their symptoms and function. We’re not usually the first stop for most clients. Patients who are struggling generally find us on their own, through word of mouth, or via a referral from their physician,” Dr. Reichbach stated. 

Dr. Reichbach offers intravenous infusions of ketamine for those suffering from certain mood disorders, including treatment resistant depression, OCD and PTSD where other conventional modes of therapy have been ineffective. Ketamine works by a different mechanism than most oral antidepressants and mood stabilizers.  “I liken it to a ‘hardwire’ change in the brain,” he said. Ketamine IV therapy can also be effective for clients with certain neuropathic pain syndromes, including complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), migraines, shingles, trigeminal neuralgia, fibromyalgia, pain associated with Lyme disease and amputees’ phantom limb pain. Some clients who suffer from failed spinal surgery and peripheral nerve pain may also respond to treatment. 

Medical cannabis assessment is also offered by the Gulf Coast Ketamine Center and can provide relief for cancer patients, pain and PTSD, among many other conditions. Both ketamine and medical cannabis have been beneficial in helping patients transition off opiates. “When patients have a positive response, there is nothing quite so satisfying. Many clients return to our center periodically for booster infusions and we consider them part of our family. Opening and operating this practice is the most gratifying thing I’ve done in my entire career.”

Federico Richter, M.D.
Florida Vein Center
6050A 53rd Ave. E (SR 70), Bradenton, FL
941.907.3400
floridaveincenter.com

Dr. Federico Richter of the Vein Center at Erasers is the third generation of a family of doctors treating venous conditions. Dr. Richter specializes in bringing patients the latest advancements in minimally invasive treatments for a spectrum of venous conditions. These range from varicose veins and inadequate blood circulation due to venous insufficiency to cosmetic issues with spider veins. “Many people’s impression of treatment is vein stripping with a lot of pain and down time, but that is no longer true,” Dr. Richter said. “We have new minimally invasive treatment options that are pretty much painless and done in the office with little or no downtime. People usually are back to daily activities by the next day.”

Modern treatments are done through small catheters, and problematic veins are closed through lasers or radiofrequency technologies. Dr. Richter also offers a new procedure with medical grade “superglue” that can seal veins from ankle to groin with a small injection. Often patients suffer for many years with the swelling caused by venous insufficiency because its symptoms can be mistaken for restless leg syndrome, plantar fasciitis or diabetic neuropathy. “When they come here, we do a venous ultrasound to find the root cause of the swelling,” he said. “We put them at ease, treat them like family, and patients feel they are at home here.”

Dr. Richter has more than 10 years of experience diagnosing and treating vein disease and is certified by the American Board of Venous and Lymphatic Medicine. After receiving his medical degree, he completed a year of general surgery and a Fellowship in vein and lymphatic disorders. He became fascinated with the specialty as a child. His grandfather was one of the first vein specialists in Argentina and his father has treated veins for more than 45 years. “Treating veins has always been a passion for me. Patients who could not walk two blocks before treatment now can walk miles. They are more active, can sleep through the night without cramps, and be on their feet at work,” Dr. Richter said. “That is life changing, and we see it every day.”

Alissa Shulman, M.D., F.A.C.S
Sovereign Plastic Surgery
1950 Arlington St., Suite 112 Sarasota, FL 34239 
941.366.5476 
www.sovereignps.com

Dr. Alissa Shulman of Sovereign Plastic Surgery combines the skills of an experienced, board certified plastic surgeon with the aesthetic sensibility of a gifted sculptress. Dr. Shulman also has a busy year ahead as Sarasota Memorial Hospital Chief of Staff and President of the Florida Society of Plastic Surgeons. Her practice focuses on breast and body sculpting, and she is known for her skill in reshaping breasts through lifts, augmentations and reductions. In addition, Dr Shulman devotes a good portion of her practice to breast cancer patients. Although she works with implants, whenever appropriate she encourages patients to consider fat grafting–a more natural approach. Fat grafting uses patients’ own purified fat, which is removed from areas where stubborn, unwanted fat accumulates, such as the belly and hips.

With rising concerns about certain cancers and reported symptoms associated with implants, including fatigue and chronic pain, many women are removing their implants and fat grafting provides an alternative. “I’m not against implants, but people deserve to be as natural as they can be. A lot of older women are opting to remove old implants and choosing a fit, athletic look with smaller, perky breasts,” Dr. Shulman said. “Most surgeons don’t do a lot of fat grafting because it takes more time than other procedures. It also is hard to teach because you have to have an artistic feel for where the fat needs to go along with the ability to visualize anatomy in three dimensions.”

Dr. Shulman’s artistic talents were evident very early on, and she was able to double major in anatomy and fine arts as an undergraduate at SUNY Buffalo where she also completed medical school. She is very active professionally on the local and state level. Prior to being named SMH’s Chief of Staff, she was its first female Chief of Surgery and previously was named the hospital’s Physician of the Year. Dr. Shulman also was the first local female named to the Florida Society of Plastic Surgeons board, where she served for many years prior to being named President, helping promote high ethical and professional standards throughout the state. 

Sanjay Yathiraj, M.D.
2902 59th St. W, Suite D
Bradenton, FL 34209
941.877.7007
office@psna.biz
palma-sola-neurology-associates.business.site

Dr. Sanjay Yathiraj founded Palma Sola Neurology Associates to deliver compassionate care and leading edge diagnostics and treatments for those with conditions affecting the brain and nervous system. Dr. Yathiraj is ACGME board certified in Neurology, Neuromuscular Medicine and Sleep Medicine. He stays on the leading edge of general neurological issues from migraines and memory issues to trauma, neuropathy, epilepsy, spasticity, Parkinson’s disease and many other neurologic conditions. “I grew up in Ohio and think of myself as a country neurologist with a high tech flair. Patients receive individual attention with access to cutting edge treatment,” he said. “It is very rewarding if I can benefit their quality of life through less pain, greater movement or improved cognition and memory.” 

Working with a consortium of neurologists researching epilepsy, neuromuscular medicine and Parkinson’s disease, Dr. Yathiraj provides access to cutting edge treatments. Mayo Clinic, University of Florida and University of South Florida are at his disposal to refer patients if needed for complicated cases. Dr. Yathiraj provides in-office comprehensive cognitive testing with NeuroTrax along with VNG testing to determine the underlying causes of dizziness and balance issues. He gives neuropathy patients hope for relief from intractable burning pain and weakness with electrodiagnostic testing. Treatments are then successfully targeted through pharmaceuticals and alternative medications, genetic testing, IVIG (gamma globulin), and plasma exchange if warranted. Some patients are not aware effective treatments are available for their conditions, such as for spasmodic dystonia that can restore a greater range of neck movement. 

Dr. Yathiraj has special expertise in correcting sleep issues to aid stroke, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s patients among others. Parkinson’s patients constitute a significant portion of his practice, and he provides many treatments to extend and improve their lives. “These patients have unique needs, and there have been tremendous treatment advances to mitigate symptoms for better quality of life and more independence,” he said. Dr. Yathiraj also is active with Parkinson’s Place and Neuro Challenge Foundation for Parkinson’s and participates in its Distinguished Speakers Series. He has practiced locally for more than 20 years and has been included in the Guide to America’s Top Physicians since 2009. Dr. Yathiraj teaches neurology to medical students as an associate professor at LECOM.