Being an outstanding doctor takes more than knowledge and skill. It requires a special something extra — an ability to connect with and communicate with patients, to allay their fears and to give them hope. As their patients can attest, South Mississippi’s best physicians stand out not only for their medical expertise, but for their compassionate approach to care.
We received dozens of nominations and votes, and we are pleased to present the reader-approved Coast Top Doctors 2024 winners, chosen by you.
ALLERGY & IMMUNOLOGY
Dr. Mark Murray
What others say: “He has a great bedside manner and listens (in) every conversation.”
Sponsored Listing
Mark Murray, MD
Mississippi Asthma & Allergy Clinic P.A.
3200 Mallett Rd., Ste. D3 | D’Iberville, MS 39540
(228) 392-6875
Website: www.msaac.com
ANESTHESIOLOGY
Dr. Brian R. Dix, DO
What others say: “Dr. Dix was absolutely the best doctor I have ever been to! He took a long time explaining in detail the treatment he recommended for my condition and in language I could understand. He is very compassionate, and you c
AUDIOLOGY
Dr. Karen Slater, AuD
What others say: “Dr. Slater has been a fixture on the Gulf Coast for over 30 years. She has consistently provided unparalleled service with integrity, compassion and honesty to the Gulf Coast community with five locations from Bay St Louis to Pascagoula. She also has supervised over 150 doctoral students from The University of Southern Mississippi and The University of South Alabama for the last 30 years, meaning her influence is felt throughout the country. Dr. Slater’s and her Coastal Hearing Center staff’s dedication to their profession is unmatched, and they look forward to serving the Coast for years to come.”
Sponsored Listing
Karen Slater Au.D.
Coastal Hearing Center
1720A Medical Park Dr., Ste. 140 | Biloxi, MS
(228) 207-7102
3017 13th St. | Gulfport, MS
(228) 863-6592
Website: www.coastal-hearing.com
BARIATRIC MEDICINE/WEIGHT LOSS SURGERY and General Surgery
Dr. Jason Payne, FACS
What others say: “Dr. Payne and his staff are the best I’ve ever dealt with! Not only was the procedure flawless, the expectations and questions were all addressed and answered immediately. He and his staff genuinely care about you, which is something I thought was gone in today’s world. I could not recommend him enough. If you’re needing a procedure or searching for the
CARDIOLOGY
Dr. Ahmad Agha, FACC
What others say: “Dr. Agha thoroughly explained my cardiac status and answered all my questions as to what further tests were needed.”
Sponsored Listing
Paul E. Mullen, MD FACC, FACP, FSCAI
Antoine B. Rizk, MD, FACC, FSCAI
Jay J. Libys, MD, FACC
Coast Cardiovascular Associates
1391 Broad Ave | Gulfport
1756 Popps Ferry Rd | Biloxi
835 Thames | Bay St. Louis
45000 E Aloha Drive | Diamondhead
(228) 863-8868
CARDIOVASCULAR/CARDIOTHORACIC SURGERY
Dr. Jason Williams
What others say: “I am forever grateful to Dr. Jason Williams. He is an excellent surgeon with amazing bedside manner and a smile that makes your day! I thank God for placing him in my life and for the knowledge he graced him with to help me and so many others that have experienced what I have.”
CHIROPRACTOR
Dr. Genevieve Pitchford, DC
What others say: “When you need someone to help to relieve your pain and discomfort, she is the best. She reviews what ails you and offers solutions and a plan to get better — not a Band-Aid, but real care. I would recommend her to anyone. She improves my quality of life.”
DENTISTRY
Dr. Amanda McMurphy, DMD
What others say: “Dr. Amanda McMurphy emphasized compassion, empathy, diversity and great patient relationships. She offers innovative treatment options and the highest-quality dental services. She focuses on the patient’s excellent care.”
Sponsored Listing
Cameron Larson, DMD
South Mississippi Smiles
GULFPORT
9354 HWY 49, SUITE L
228.206.1234
PASCAGOULA
4105 HOSPITAL RD
228.762.1889
Website: smsmiles.com
Sponsored Listing
Kinyatta Bennett, DMD
Healthy Smiles Family Dentistry
GULFPORT
13179 Three Rivers Road | Gulfport, MS
(228) 832-1000
PASCAGOULA
3804 Hospital Road | Pascagoula, MS
(228) 696-2611
Website: www.healthysmilesgulfport.com
Sponsored Listing
Catherine Bruni, DMD
Waveland Dental Center
110 Auderer Blvd. Waveland, MS
(228) 270-0044
Website: wavelanddentalcenter.com
DERMATOLOGY
Dr. Angela Wingfield
What others say: “Dr. Wingfield provides access to quality care with four locations across the Mississippi Gulf Coast. She is always providing the latest technology and the best dermatology care. She truly cares about her patients, her team and her community. She is a wonderful person and a fantastic physician!”
Sponsored Listing
Angela Wingfield, MD
The Dermatology Clinic PLLC
11295 E Taylor Road, Gulfport, MS 39503
(228) 864-3300
Hwy 90, Suite C, Gautier, MS 39553
(228) 372-8559
116 Menge Ave, Suite A, Pass Christian, MS 39571
(228) 586-9565
Frontage Drive East, Wiggins, MS 39577
(601) 385-8106
Facebook: The Dermatology Clinic
Website: www.thedermclinic.net
EMERGENCY MEDICINE
Dr. David Eakes
What others say: “Great team leader, compassionate, thorough and amazing bedside manner”
Sponsored Listing
Singing River
Website: singingriverhealthsystem.com
GULFPORT HOSPITAL
15200 Community Rd | Gulfport, MS 39503
(228) 575-7000
Sponsored Listing
Memorial Health System
Website: wearememorial.com
GULFPORT HOSPITAL
4500 13th St Suite 900 | Gulfport, MS 39501
(228) 867-4000
ENDOCRINOLOGY
Dr. Muzaffar Piracha
What others say: “Good understanding, good communication, trustworthy”
Family Medicine
Dr. Tana Cooper
What others say: “This doctor actually listens, and she’s super smart.”
Sponsored Listing
KidMed Urgent Care
1423 Magnolia Street, Suite I | Gulfport, MS
(228) 240-8833
Website: kidmed.net
GASTROENTEROLOGY
Dr. Eric Plott
What others say: “I love Dr Plott because he was so professional and caring. I feel like I have found a doctor who will help me get well!”
GYNECOLOGY oncology
Dr. Michael Finan
What others say: “A great doctor and a compassionate human being”
HOSPICE AND PALLIATIVE MEDICINE
Dr. Lisa Bond
What others say: “Dr. Bond is absolutely the very best! (She) explains everything in detail and makes you feel at ease with your situation.”
INFECTIOUS DISEASE
Dr. Okechukwu Ekenna
What others say: “Dr. Ekenna saved my life. His knowledge of disease and infection is unbelievable!”
INPATIENT PHYSICIAN SERVICES
Dr. Tricia Aultman
What others say: “(Provides) dedicated service to her patients and has limitless energy and compassion”
Internal Medicine
Dr. Tim Ivey
What others say: “Dr. Ivey is very thorough; I was very impressed. He listened to my issues with my health and addressed them each with compassion.”
NEUROLOGY
Dr. Christopher Karcher
What others say: “I absolutely love Dr. Karcher! He’s been treating me for my migraines for about two years now, and since I’ve been seeing him, I’m no longer having to hide away in dark rooms away from my family and friends. I can once again enjoy life.”
NEUROSURGERY
Dr. Eric H. Wolfson, FACS
What others say: “Our experience with Dr. Eric Wolfson was absolutely stellar. His surgical skills are top notch. He is a very gifted, brilliant surgeon.”
OBSTETRICS and Gynecology
Dr. Lynsey J. Cox
What others say: “Dr. Lynsey Cox is a beacon of compassion and knowledge. She provides comprehensive care, explanations of treatment and genuine support to every patient. Her dedication to delivering high-quality women’s health services and making patients feel comfortable is truly inspiring. Words to describe Dr. Lynsey Cox are empathetic, a great listener, attentive, genuine, knowledgeable and efficient. The Mississippi Gulf Coast is fortunate to have someone of her stature caring for our community.”
Sponsored Listing
Alisha H. Ware, M.D., F.A.C.O.G.
Woman’s Clinic P.A.
GULFPORT
4577 13th St. | Gulfport
228-864-2752
BILOXI
2781 C.T. Switzer Dr., Ste. #306 | Biloxi
228-822-6368
Website: www.womansclinicpa.net
Sponsored Listing
John Preston Parry, MD, MPH
Positive Steps Fertility
(833) POS-STEP (767-7837)
149 Fountains Blvd | Madison, MS
401 Cowan Rd, Ste A | Gulfport, MS
Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, Youtube
Website: positivestepsfertility.com
Sponsored Listing
John F. Pappas, M.D., F.A.C.O.G.
Woman’s Clinic P.A.
GULFPORT
4577 13th St. | Gulfport
228-864-2752
BILOXI
2781 C.T. Switzer Dr., Ste. #306 | Biloxi
228-822-6368
Website: www.womansclinicpa.net
ONCOLOGY
Dr. Techksell Washington, MPH, FACP
What others say: “Her compassion for her patients (is evident). She specializes in the risk and reduction of breast cancer.”
OPHTHALMOLOGY (EYE Health)
Dr. Donald W. Benefield
What others say: “Dr. Don is patient, compassionate and extremely knowledgeable. He is a fantastic surgeon and is known for his expert care.”
Sponsored Listing
Avit ‘Frere’ Gremillion, MD
VitreoRetinal Eye Center
(228) 388-7000
962 Tommy Munro Drive, Suite E | Biloxi, MS
Website: www.vitreoretinaleyecenter.com
ORTHODONTICS
Dr. Eun-Chee Lee, DDS, MSD
What others say: “She loves her patients and is consistently finding ways to connect with the people in her local community to make things better and life more meaningful.”
ORTHOPAEDIC SURGERY
Dr. Philip Myers, DO
What others say: “Every surgeon looked at and treated me like a lost cause, and this went on for years. Dr. Myers and his staff treated me with nothing but respect and kindness. His bedside manner really put me at ease, and I felt heard and understood.”
Sponsored Listing
Bienville Orthopaedic Specialists
228-230-BONE (2663)
Website: BienvilleOrtho.com
EAST LAKE (GAUTIER)
6300 East Lake Blvd. Suite 201 | Gautier, MS
CEDAR LAKE (BILOXI)
1720-A Medical Park Dr. Suite 220 | Biloxi, MS
ORANGE GROVE (GULFPORT)
15476 Dedeaux Rd. Suite B | Gulfport, MS
PASCAGOULA
3615 Hospital St. | Pascagoula, MS
HURLEY
7001 Hwy 614 | Hurley, MS
OTOLARYNGOLOGY/EAR NOSE THROAT AND PLASTIC AND RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY
Dr. Timothy Haffey
What others say: ““Very informative, knowledgeable and talented. He is very easy to talk with and make you understand procedure he will perform.”
Sponsored Listing
Coastal ENT Associates
BILOXI LOCATION
970 Tommy Munro Drive | STE B
228-388-4585
GULFPORT LOCATIONS
15190 Community Road | STE 100
228-539-3824
4300 15th Street
228-864-0828
3017 13th Street
228-539-3824
OCEAN SPRINGS LOCATION
3704 Bienville Blvd. | STE A1
228-271-4050
Website: www.centams.com
PAIN MANAGEMENT
Dr. Charles Schlosser, III
What others say: “Not only is he honest with his patients, but he genuinely cares about their rehabilitation. He is a team player with all his staff. He always has a joke to share a few laughs. He is very down to earth and is considerate of his patients and staff.”
PEDIATRIC CARDIOLOGY
Dr. Diego Lara, MPH
What others say: “His knowledge and compassion, combined with his ability to use analogies that simplify complex situations, are incredibly impactful for parents like me … .”
PEDIATRICS
Dr. Tamara W. Harper, FAAP
What others say: “Dr. Harper is the best. She is professional, friendly and thorough, and my kids love her. We would never go anywhere else.”
PODIATRY
Dr. Renita Parker, DPM
What others say: “Dr. Parker has the most joyful disposition, and her bedside manner is unmatched! She was very thorough in explaining the issue with my foot and what we could do as far as treatment options.”
PRIMARY CARE
Dr. Tana Cooper, DO
What others say: “Dr. Cooper is the most knowledgeable and thorough primary care doctor I have ever seen. I’ve been a patient of Dr. Cooper for the past 15 years and always receive top-notch care from her entire staff.”
PSYCHIATRY/PSYCHOTHERAPY
Dr. Catherine Rogers
What others say: “Dr. Rogers is one of the most caring and professional psychiatrists. She listens to your concerns and explains everything from symptoms to treatment to what to expect from your medications.”
PULMONOLOGY
Dr. Ijlal Babar, FCCP, FAASM
What others say: “Dr. Babar is a leader in advancing lung treatment on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. … His patients feel lucky to have him as a pulmonologist and refer to him as caring, thorough and kind, in addition to being incredibly knowledgeable.”
Radiation oncology
Dr. Allison Wall
What others say: “(She has) genuine love and compassion for her patients.”
RADIOLOGY
Dr. John Anderson Banahan
What others say: “Practicing in the community where he grew up, he never tires of going the extra mile to help someone with a medical question, whether it be in the field of radiology or not. He takes the time to listen to his patients and explain what it is that he is seeing on imaging, as well as the next step that they will be taking for definitive care. … In addition to caring for his patients, he cares deeply for his community, understanding that it is vital that physicians put down roots in the community in which they practice.”
RHEUMATOLOGY
Dr. Nicole Walton, DO
What others say: “Dr. Walton is always through in her examinations, clearly explains all problems and procedures and is always friendly and polite.”
UROLOGY
Dr. David Owens
What others say: “Dr. Owens is awesome. I have had the privilege of being his patient, as well as working with him professionally. He is so kind and caring. He will educate you (including drawing pictures) and answer all your questions. He is extremely knowledgeable and up to date on the latest medical findings. He is just an all-around very good physician. This area is blessed to have him!”
VASCULAR/Vein HEALTH
Dr. Andrea Barker
What others say: “She is always willing to help any patient. She dedicated to her job, and it shows.”
Sponsored Listing
J. Keith Thompson, DO, RVT, FACOS
Vein Institute of South Mississippi
(228) 200-9449
3950 Promenade Pkwy, Ste E | D’Iberville, MS
Website: veinsms.com
VETERINARY MEDICINE
Dr. Jacob Church
What others say: “Dr. Church is attentive and always takes extra time with his clients. He will go the extra mile for all his fur patients.”
Sponsored Listing
Bienville Animal Medical Center
1524 Bienville Blvd | Ocean Springs, MS
(228) 872-1231
Website: www.bienvilleanimal.com
Sponsored Listing
Neely Gaddy Beaugez, DVM
Handsboro Animal Hospital
(228) 896-3613
1445 E Pass Rd | Gulfport, MS
Facebook: Handsboro Animal Hospital
Website: handsboroanimal.com