What makes a great doctor? Excellent credentials and training. Vast knowledge of his or her specialty, maintained with continual study. Genuine care and compassion for patients and their families. Most would agree these attributes belong on the list. Then there’s that certain something – a undefinable mix of intuition, ingenuity and persistence that is the hallmark of exceptional physicians.
Great doctors put us at ease. When we have a symptom or concern, we go to them first because we know we can trust their opinion. They earn our loyalty by treating the person, not the condition.
South Mississippi is fortunate to have a number of such dedicated, talented professionals serving in our communities. Gulf Coast Woman is pleased to present the 2022 roster of the Coast’s Top Doctors, nominated and chosen by you, their patients. Congratulations to the following doctors who were voted the best in their fields.
ALLERGY & IMMUNOLOGY
Dr. Mark Murray
What others say: “Spends time with his patients; listens to what we are telling him. Never rushes through the appointment, really cares about his patients.”
ANESTHESIOLOGY
Dr. Catina Marucci
What others say: “Best Anesthesiologist in the whole world — love, compassion and patience makes up her character as a person and professional.”
AUDIOLOGY
Dr. Karen Slater
What others say: “Dr. Slater has been serving her patients along the Coast for 30 years with a kindness, compassion and diligence rarely seen. She goes above and beyond to make sure the needs of her patients and her community are met and has hosted countless audiology interns over the years on their journey to becoming doctors of audiology. Her influence is felt across the country.”
CARDIOLOGY AND CARDIOVASCULAR/ CARDIOTHORACIC SURGERY
Dr. Antoine Rizk
What others say: “Dr. Rizk is an extremely talented physician. I wouldn’t trust anyone else to take care of both my parents. He and his team are very responsive to questions and concerns. Everyone in his office is very friendly and helpful.”
CHIROPRACTOR
Caleb Fortenberry
What others say: “Caleb is the best chiropractor and doctor I have ever seen. He takes time with his patients, listens and truly wants to get them feeling their best.”
COLON AND RECTAL SURGERY
Dr. Ramon Brown
What others say: “Dr. Ramon Brown is an experienced colon and rectal surgeon and a decorated U.S. Air Force veteran. He has been recognized as a COERS surgeon of excellence in robotic surgery. Dr. Brown is a member of several professional societies, has received numerous awards and has authored several publications. He is a fellow of the American College of Surgeons and the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons. Dr. Brown brings a high level of expertise and quality in colon and rectal surgical care to Singing River Health System.”
DENTISTRY
Dr. Kinyatta Bennett
What others say: “She’s genuine and caring!”
DERMATOLOGY
Dr. Angela Wingfield
What others say: “Dr. Wingfield provides the most comprehensive and cutting-edge dermatology and cosmetic services on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. She is a brilliant physician and treats every patient with compassion and respect. She is a trusted leader and mentor in the medical community, offering her time and expertise to young health professionals. In addition, she is a generous philanthropist and donates time and money to numerous charities across the Gulf Coast. She is a wonderful physician and a true blessing to her patients and the Mississippi Gulf Coast community!”
EMERGENCY MEDICINE
Dr. David L. Eakes
What others say: “Had some chest pain, went to the emergency room and was seen promptly by Dr. Eakes. Even though it ended up not being something serious, he took me very seriously the entire time, explained everything extremely well and answered all my questions. Even though he probably had patients way more urgent than me, he never made me feel stupid or foolish for coming in. If he was a regular office doctor, there’s no one I’d rather see.”
ENDOCRINOLOGY
Dr. Ellen Caswell
What others say: “She is a terrific doctor, very thorough, compassionate and takes the time to explain everything to you in layman’s terms.”
GASTROENTEROLOGY
Dr. April Ulmer
What others say: “She literally saved my baby’s life. I was referred to her by so many friends of mine after she had taken care of their babies. My child had been seen by another (specialist) in town and was only getting worse. Once she saw Dr. Ulmer, within one week, she was already getting better. I don’t know what would’ve happened if we had not met her. She’s also so good with my child. Her bedside manner is the best I’ve ever seen, and you can tell she really cares. What’s even better is that she really knows her stuff. Hands down the best doctor I’ve ever met, and the Coast is so blessed to have her. I refer everyone I know to Dr. Ulmer!”
GENERAL SURGERY
Dr. T. Paul Mace
What others say: “Best physician ever!”
GYNECOLOGY
Dr. Tonya Henderson
What others say: “She is the best ob/gyn. She is a great doctor to all her patients, and everyone loves her.”
HOSPICE AND PALLIATIVE MEDICINE
Dr. Nathan Boles
What others say: “Took great care of me.”
INFECTIOUS DISEASE
Dr. Nicholas Conger
What others say: “He works nonstop caring for his many patients and serving as the COVID expert and resource for Memorial and the entire Mississippi Gulf Coast. He makes himself easily accessible to all who seek his advice and has the best bedside manner of any physician I have encountered in my 32 years as a nurse. He chose to live on the Mississippi Gulf Coast after his military career, and we are grateful and lucky that he did.”
NEPHROLOGY
Dr. Douglas Lanier
What others say: “Dr Lanier has a lifelong bond with his patients and their families. He cares deeply for his patients, and his passion for healthcare is superior to all others. He cared for my father for more than 10 years. During that time, he became a friend and confidant. Dr. Lanier celebrated with my father when he overcame hurdles, and he assisted me when I had to make the most difficult decisions of my life. My family will forever feel grateful for the stellar healthcare provided my Dr. Lanier.”
NEUROLOGY
Dr. Lennon Bowen IV
What others say: “Great personality, so good at making patient’s feel comfortable.”
NEUROSURGERY
Dr. Eric H. Wolfson
What others say: “Fantastic surgeon! Helped me to be able to walk normally again.”
OBSTETRICS
(two doctors tied in this category)
Dr. Julius Bosco, Jr.
What others say: “Dr. Bosco is a great doctor who actually listens to you.”
Dr. Nestor K. Delgado
What others say: “Dr Delgado is a very great doctor! He made me feel great through my whole pregnancy and when he delivered my baby. He answered any questions and was always concerned when I thought something was wrong.”
ONCOLOGY
Dr. Pamela Tuli
What others say: “Over my 34 years of living, I have never met another physician that is more intelligent and knowledgeable, with a constant display of kindness, than Dr. Tuli. She is extremely caring of all her patients and shows great patience.
OPTHALMOLOGY
Dr. Johneen Gilich
What others say: “Dr. Gilich is great! Her staff is very helpful and kind as well! She took the time to explain the answers to my questions and a bit more! I am very grateful for her and her team! This is my new eye care home! Thank you all for such a wonderful experience!”
ORTHOPAEDIC SURGERY
Dr. Philip Myers
What others say: “Dr. Myers is a devoted orthopedist with extensive experience that brings with it several skillsets we need on the Coast. He brings our community a much-needed set of skills in the field of hand surgery. His training at a level-one trauma center for hand injuries has given him a wealth of knowledge to optimize patient outcomes. Also new to the coast, Myers brings minimally invasive anterior total hip arthroplasty, which allows patients to recover more quickly after major hip replacement. Furthermore, Dr. Myers plans to provide comprehensive care for sports injuries, shoulder/ elbow pathology, foot/ankle problems and all other general orthopaedic concerns.”
OTHER – CHIEF MEDICAL OFFICER
Dr. Randy Roth
What others say: “Dr. Randy Roth is the chief medical officer of Singing River Health System, as well as the medical director of inpatient physician services. … He’s the most compassionate doctor. He makes time for his patients and their families and always puts them first. “
OTOLARYNGOLOGY
Dr. Vincent J. Pisciotta
What others say: “Caring and compassionate.”
PAIN MANAGEMENT
Dr. Kelly M. Coleman
What others say: “Dr. Coleman does pain management and injections for patients all over the Coast. I have seen how caring he is towards his patients and what a difference his specialty has made in the quality of life for patients.”
PEDIATRICS
Dr. Tamara W. Harper
What others say: “Dr. Harper is board certified by the American Academy of Pediatrics. While she is from Moss Point, she currently is proud to provide care in Gulfport. She graduated from Xavier University with a bachelor’s in chemistry. She completed an internship at University of South Alabama Pediatrics, and she held a medical doctorate residency at USA College of Medicine. Dr. Harper is a lifelong resident of the Coast. Previously, she spent five years at USA Women’s and Children’s Hospital in Mobile, Alabama. Dr. Harper is married to Dr. Oswego Harper.”
PLASTIC SURGERY
Dr. Anna Pavlov
What others say: “Dr. Pavlov is an excellent surgeon. She cares for her patients and performs surgeries that give women (and men) the self-confidence everyone should feel. She’s supportive and knowledgeable and honest with her professional opinions regarding body contouring changes requested by her patients.”
PODIATRIST
Dr. Bernard J. Meadows
What others say: “I have diabetes, and Dr Meadows has been wonderful, as I have many issues with my feet. His staff is caring and work hard to make sure you are doing well. Would recommend him to everyone.”
PRIMARY CARE
Dr. Tana Cooper
What others say: “I’ve found Dr. Cooper to be the most thorough and knowledgeable provider I’ve ever seen. She is very passionate about her profession and strives to improve patient care.”
PSYCHIATRY/ PSYCHOTHERAPY
Dr. Donna Burrowes
What others say: “Dr. Burrowes has not only made a huge impact on the lives of veterans in our community, but she also has a heart for children with special needs. I have seen her, time and time again, go above and beyond when advocating for her clients and others in our community. She is an absolutely wonderful person, and our community is better for having her with us.”
PULMONOLOGY
Dr. Summer Allen
What others say: “Amazing doctor who truly cares about her patients.”
RADIOLOGY
Dr. Leena Pande
What others say: “She is knowledgeable, respected and always puts her patients first.”
RHEUMATOLOGY
Dr. Richa Gupta
What others say: “I have had several rheumatologists, and Dr. Gupta rises above the rest.”
UROLOGY
Dr. Paul J. Shannon
What others say: “Dr. Shannon is a phenomenal doctor. He is calm, understanding and allows the patient to actively participate in the treatment plan. He is very easy to talk with. He is a great listener and explains clearly each step of the treatment process. He makes the tests as comfortable as possible and makes the patient feel completely at ease.”
VASCULAR/BLOOD HEALTH
Dr. Joseph Graham
What others say: “He’s a skilled, caring and compassionate doctor who goes above and beyond for all patients. Patients feel at ease with him, and he is calm and in control of all situations. We are blessed to have him at our facility.”
VETERINARY MEDICINE
Dr. Jason Gulas
What others say: “He is a champion for furry and feathered friends. As owner of Fur Baby’s Veterinary Hospital, he truly is a compassionate individual, often taking in strays until fosters can be found.”