PatellofemoralPainSyndromePFPS near Indian Trail, NC

Biography: As an orthopedic surgeon, I focus exclusively on replacing hips and knees in adults who have exhausted other options for reducing pain and restoring mobility. I have performed hundreds of hip and knee replacements since completing a fellowship in adult reconstructive surgery in 2003. \n Thanks to advances in technology and surgical techniques, these types of surgeries involve much less blood loss, pain and recovery time compared to 20 years ago. Nevertheless, I work with a care team to carefully screen my patients before recommending hip or knee replacement surgery. For example, if you are a smoker, are obese, have a history of chronic narcotics use or other risk factors, we may develop a plan to improve your health before surgery to minimize the potential for complications. \n While a hip or knee replacement may not get you back to running marathons, it can reduce or eliminate pain that makes golfing, hiking, gardening and other favorite activities and daily tasks an ordeal. My goal is to restore your quality of life by restoring your mobility. \n My father was a physician. Seeing the joy that helping people brought him inspired me to go into medicine. I was drawn to orthopedics because I enjoy problem solving, the physical nature of the work and the rapid pace of innovation. \n Outside of medicine, I enjoy spending time with my wife, Natalie, and my sons, Jack and Alex. We love traveling and exercising together. In my personal time, I enjoy gaming and have a passion for snow skiing.

Care Philosophy: Dr. Tuwanda Williamson, MD is a Family Medicine Specialist at Oak Street Health specializing in care for adults on Medicare.

Biography: My route to becoming a pediatrician was a circuitous one. I used to be a lawyer. \n After earning a business administration degree at Wesleyan College, I went to Mercer University Walter F. George School of Law and served as editor-in-chief of the Law Review my last year. I practiced law for four years before following in my dad's footsteps and going into medicine. \n I returned to Mercer - this time for medical school - and was elected to the Alpha Omega Alpha national medical honor society and earned senior awards for pediatrics, psychiatry and anesthesiology. \n I came to Charlotte for my residency and was chief resident my last year. I've been a board-certified pediatrician with Novant Health since 2001. I completed a second board certification from the American College of Lifestyle Medicine in 2022. \n The best medicine, the saying goes, is prevention. I believe that strongly. And optimizing lifestyle habits goes a long way toward disease prevention. The six pillars of lifestyle medicine are eating a mostly unprocessed, whole food, plant-based diet; exercising daily; maintaining consistent sleep; managing stress; maintaining quality social support and avoiding risky substances. \n Adopting those habits has been shown to significantly decrease the incidence of common chronic health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, obesity, most cases of dementia and even some types of cancer. My motto is "Eat, move, rest, connect." I share that with parents and children as we work to establish beneficial habits that promote health in body, mind and soul. \n Outside work, I love to spend time with my husband, our two daughters, our three fur babies - two English Golden Retrievers - and our cat. I love traveling, reading about lifestyle medicine, cooking, being in nature, writing, playing my crystal sound bowls and practicing yoga. In 2023, I completed a 200-hour yoga teacher certification training. I'm now enrolled in mindfulness meditation teacher certification and hope to have my certification in 2025.

Biography: Dr. Stephanie Richter, MD is a Pediatrics Specialist who practices in Charlotte, NC. She is 60 years old and has been practicing for 32 years. Dr. Stephanie Richter, MD is affiliated with Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center.

Biography: Dr. Laura Walby, MD is a Pediatrics Specialist who practices in Charlotte, NC. She is 47 years old and has been practicing for 21 years. Dr. Laura Walby, MD is affiliated with Novant Charlotte NC.

Biography: Dr. Amy Ryan, MD is a Pediatrics Specialist who practices in Charlotte, NC. She is 56 years old and has been practicing for 30 years. Dr. Amy Ryan, MD is affiliated with Novant Charlotte NC.

Biography: Dr. Matthew Rankin, MD is a Pediatrics Specialist who practices in Charlotte, NC. He is 43 years old and has been practicing for 15 years. Dr. Matthew Rankin, MD is affiliated with Novant Charlotte NC.