My roll as clinical director of PPA has brought me an immeasurable degree of satisfaction and, frankly speaking, pride.
We have pulled together some of the finest clinicians in Forsyth County. My staff has always
utilized a closely united team approach where the psychiatrists, psychotherapists, group therapists, nurses and physician
assistants are all within arms’ reach of each other. We are Client centered, maintain strict quality guidelines, and
confer with each other about our clients every day. Eager to help new patients, I take more pleasure in saying "case
closed and full recovery." This recovery process allows us time to continue taking new patients. I've always wondered
why some practices do not take new patients when the goal in mental health is full recovery. The great majority of our patients
on medication, as part of treatment, are only on these medications for twelve to fifteen months. Some of our patients
(around 20%) have more chronic needs. We are conservative and judicious with the use of all psychotropic medications.
I treat adults with a variety of psychiatric disorders, have a special interest in patients with co-existing medical problems
and work closely with other specialists.
I've lived in the Winston-Salem area
all my life except for my years away at school. Early in my education while working my way through college and later medical
school, internship and psychiatric residency, I learned two very important lessons, first ‘common things are common.'
For example the sudden onset of rapid heart rate, subjective anxiety, shortness of breath, fear of dying, and numb fingers
is likely a panic attack, not likely an adrenal tumor (we evaluate both of course). The second and most important lesson learned
is ‘If I simply listen to the patient very carefully, he or she will essentially tell me their diagnosis.' Sometimes
the same question may be asked three or four different ways in order for us to hear the answer. We often gather records
from other doctors, obtain lab studies, or do a physical exam in order to hear the patient. We listen here
at PPA and look forward to helping you. If you need help, call us today. We strive to make prompt appointments
and frequently, in crisis situations, will make arrangements for same day or next day service. We accept most insurance plans
as well as Medicare.
