Collin County Living Well Magazine November-December 2022

MICHAEL B. JORDAN MAN OF THE MOMENT MAKING HIS DIRECTORIAL DEBUT

A HOLIDAY HEART-TO-HEART

STEPHEN P. COURTNEY, MD

Orthopedic Spine Surgeon

STAND OUT WITH THE EMINENT CHOICE IN HEALTHCARE

Pain Management • Sports Medicine • General Surgery • Spine Surgery

Orthopedic Surgery • Neurosurgery • Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery

Total Joint Surgery • Foot & Ankle Surgery • Hand Surgery

Gynecological Surgery • Plastic Surgery

ROBOTIC TECHNOLOGY

Orthopedic

Southwest Foot & Ankle Center is a respected group of board certified foot and ankle surgeons. They are fellow trained surgeons, and board certified in wound care and reconstructive surgery. All physicians have also completed an intense residency and fellowship in the area of limb salvage, and foot and ankle surgery. The team at Southwest Foot & Ankle Center strive to make each patient’s experience personable. Our outcomes are of perfection and meticulous in surgery. As a result, patients from all over the country seek to be treated by DFW Wound Care Center.

Invasive Surgery

Heel Pain (Plantar Fasciitis) Stem Cell Therapy

Neuropathy Ingrown Toenails

Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome Diabetic Foot Care Flat Feet Trauma Wound Care

Custom Orthotics & Braces

Laser Therapy for Pain, Swelling, Arthritis, and Wounds

FROM THE PUBLISHER

MEN OF THE MOMENT

Every decade has its stars—the anointed few who somehow capture the zeitgeist of a specific moment in time and end up defining a generation. A star at his peak, actor Michael B. Jordan isn’t taking his moment in the spotlight for granted. From his start as a child model for Toys “R” Us to starring on the big screen, Jordan has parlayed each of his roles into something bigger and better.

Living Well Living

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2022

PRESIDENT & CEO SAM HOUSTON

VICE PRESIDENT & CFO

SPRING HOUSTON

EDITOR, FEATURE WRITER & SOCIAL MEDIA SONDRA BARR

ART DIRECTOR

VANESSA FRYER

ACCOUNTS MANAGER JENNIFER BEAVERS

WEBSITE LYDIA ROGERS

While his first big action hero turn in Fantastic Four was a bust, Jordan stayed the course and would go on to earn a role that would jumpstart his career. Playing Donnie Creed, the son of boxer Apollo Creed in the seventh Rocky film, Jordan transformed his body for the role. The movie was a career catalyst and led to starring parts in the Black Panther, No Remorse, and Creed II. Now Jordan is taking on his directorial debut with Creed III. We check in with Jordan on page 24 to find out what’s next and to get the details on a new project where he’ll be featured as the black version of Superman.

Another man of the moment is a bit closer to home. Dr. Stephen P. Courtney is bringing attention to neck and back disorders. Dr. Courtney and his team at Advanced Spine Center share a passion for excellence and work together to provide relief to those in pain. He’s known for his straightforward, honest approach, which puts his patients at ease. They trust him to perform highly technical operations that will help them restore their quality of life. Read about his revolutionary approach to medicine in this issue.

As we move ahead into 2023, we hope you enjoy all the things medical and beyond in this winter issue of LIVING WELL Magazine. During the holiday season, we are reminded that the gifts we cherish the most don’t come wrapped in a box. Rather, it is the time we spend with loved ones that makes the greatest present of all. As you celebrate the holidays with friends and family, we encourage you to sit down with the seniors in your life to discuss their plans for the future. Turn to page 31 to learn how to approach the issue.

Don’t hesitate to reach out to the community professionals that share their expertise in this issue. Their invaluable contributions extend beyond the pages of this magazine. Remember, they’re just a call away.

Be well!

SAM AND SPRING HOUSTON

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LIVING WELL MAGAZINE is a source for quality educational articles on living a healthy, vibrant life. Our focus is on connecting our readers with the latest information on a host of topics relevant to their evolving life. From cutting edge medical news and procedures to top-tier financial, legal and lifestyle information. Connecting readers to leading medical and business professionals in their community in Texas and Oklahoma.

SPRING AND SAM HOUSTON

Weight loss options for a healthier you.

Weight loss options for a healthier you.

Ready to give your life the reset it deserves? Texas Health has weight loss programs that are built to last. Our care is designed for long-term success, with support for you and your family before and after your procedure. We are ready to help you. Take the first step today with a two-minute assessment to determine if you are a candidate. Texas Health is right there with you.

Take our weight loss surgery assessment at TexasHealth.org/Reset

Ready to give your life the reset it deserves? Texas Health has weight loss programs that are built to last. Our care is designed for long-term success, with support for you and your family before and after your procedure. We are ready to help you. Take the first step today with a two-minute assessment to determine if you are a candidate. Texas Health is right there with you. Take our weight loss surgery assessment at TexasHealth.org/Reset

Stephen P. Courtney, MD

BOARD-CERTIFIED, FELLOWSHIP-TRAINED ORTHOPEDIC SPINE SURGEON PRACTICING FOR 26 YEARS.

For board-certified, fellowship trained orthopedic spine surgeon

Dr. Stephen P. Courtney, patients come first. It’s an ethos that developed early on in his life and one that has helped guide him in his journey to earn a distinguished reputation among his professional colleagues, medical peers and, most importantly, his patients.

Dr. Courtney began his medicine career from the ground up. While a teenager, he spent summers working in a rural north Louisiana hospital. As an orderly, he was an integral part of the hospital environment. While not a glorified job, cleaning bed pans, changing bed sheets, cleaning patient rooms, helping medical practitioners, and assisting patients, offered him an invaluable glimpse into the hard work and dedication necessary to succeed in the medical field. The job also served as the catalyst for his decision to pursue medical school.

Inspired by the patients he’s cared for there, Dr. Courtney made education a priority. He was salutatorian of his high school class and went on to graduate summa cum laude from Northeast Louisiana University. While at Louisiana State University Medical School, he utilized his summer to perform spine biomechanical tests on human spine cadavers utilizing pedicle screws. Considered cutting edge biomechanics and technology at that time, most spine surgeons didn’t even know they existed yet. However, Dr. Courtney performed one of the first biomechanical tests on those implants. It was a feat that earned him the Howmedica Biomechanic Award and the Louisiana Orthopedic Association Award. He also placed fourth in the World Congress for Student Research Competition.

Dr. Courtney’s residency at Texas A&M University Medical Center and further specialty training through a fellowship at Florida Neck & Back Institute in Gainesville, Florida, additionally cemented his strong medical foundation. From there, he continued to gain more knowledge and insight on how to help his patients with useful tools, while recognizing there was room for much improvement in the tools at hand.

This realization inspired Dr. Courtney to design, develop, biomechanically test, complete FDA testing and oversee quality control and

validation on a host of tools he created. To date, Dr. Courtney has developed nine spinal product lines and obtained nine patents and 14 trademarks on spine related products.

When he’s not traveling the country training other physicians on how to utilize his products, Dr. Courtney dedicates himself to the patients of his own medical practice, Advanced Spine Center.

Led by Dr. Courtney, the skilled team at Advanced Spine Center cares for patients with neck and back pain using a wide array of the most state-of-the-art tools and techniques—from conservative physical therapy and injection therapy—to advanced pain management, as well as surgical intervention. We employ the latest in minimally invasive spine surgeries, in addition to cutting-edge replacement technology. Incorporating both high tech and high touch, we get our valued patients back to their lives so they can enjoy all the activities they love.

The medical field is not the only arena in which Dr. Courtney excels. He approaches fitness with the same dedication and vigor he applies to medicine. In 2005, Dr. Courtney was in the top 10 of his age group in mountain biking in Texas. He also completed one of the largest cycling events in the country multiple times: the “Hotter’N Hell” race. Always up for a new challenge, from there, he began training to compete in triathlons.

Dr. Courtney trains for triathlons with the same focus he uses as a surgeon. Waking up at 4 a.m. six days per week to work out in his home gym, he never waivers from the goal at hand—exceeding his personal best. After successfully completing multiple triathlons, Dr. Courtney shows no signs of slowing down. He continues to train and looks forward to competing in many more triathlons.

“I think if you can survive a triathlon you are absolutely living well,” he says.

Paying attention to fitness is something he encourages his patients to consider, too. “People don’t have to be a tri-athlete to be healthy. I like to tell people you need to start small. Do something to be active. It can even be yard work—that’s a great workout too. As you get older

Incorporating both high tech and high touch, we get our valued patients back to their lives so they can enjoy all the activities they love.

especially, you need to be in tune with your body, monitor your calorie intake and be active. I encourage people to change slowly, start small, and find out what you like to do,” he says.

Sharing his wellness journey is part of the straight-forward, honest approach that puts his patients at ease and creates a trusting bond, an important element for the highly technical operations Dr. Courtney performs to help restore patients’ quality of life. As he learned early on, the single most important person in the treatment process is the patient and well-informed patients are more successful in following through on their rehabilitation and have better outcomes.

It’s a sentiment that his patients echo. “You don’t want to trust (your back) to just somebody that has his name on a door. You have to go to people that you trust. I talked to people and everybody trusted Dr. Stephen Courtney and I do too and I’d highly recommend him,” says Judy Jones, a lumbar fusion patient of Dr. Courtney’s.

“Above all, I believe in treating each and every patient I have with honesty, dignity, and respect. My patients come away from our shared interactions feeling confident, assured that they are truly in the best hands,” says Dr. Courtney, who always brings his A-game.

SEE WHAT DR. COURTNEY’S PATIENTS HAVE TO SAY.

Natasha Hernandez

SURGERY: L5/S1 360° LUMBAR FUSION

“After having back surgery twice and being frustrated with the lack of care from my previous doctor, I made an appointment to see Dr. Courtney. He is one of the most humble, funny, laid back and coolest surgeons I’ve met. He makes you feel like family. His office staff is amazing. His clinic Eminent Medical Center, where he performs the procedures, is also a 5-star facility. Every staff member I have encountered there has been so caring and professional. I am so glad I decided to change doctors and meet Dr. Courtney. I can see his attention to detail and his caring personality every time I see him. Before my injections he took some time to chat and made me feel at ease since it’s always nerve wrecking to have any spinal procedure. I will be having surgery soon and even though I am nervous and scared I know I am in good hands, and I know Dr. Courtney and all his staff will take great care of me. Thanks, Dr. Courtney and thanks to all his staff.”

Irene Shelby

SURGERY: LEFT L5/S1 MICRODISCECTOMY

“My husband and I have been coming to Dr. Courtney for years. We trust him for all of our back issues here recently. I had a spinal condition and had no doubt that Dr. Courtney would be able to take care of this and make me fully normal again. He and his staff were amazing! From the moment I decided to move forward with the surgery option to the very last post-op appointment, Dr. Courtney and his staff have been nothing but pleasant, courteous, professional and extremely friendly and helpful. I encourage anyone who has any type of back pain to come to Dr. Courtney’s office He is the BEST!”

Deanna Noyes

SURGERY: C4/C5, C5/C6, C6/C7 ACF (ANTERIOR CERVICAL FUSION)

“Great medicine coupled with great care. Dr. Courtney takes the time to listen to your medical needs. He put me at ease regarding my condition.”

Holly Coffman

SURGERY: L5/S1 360° LUMBAR FUSION

“After struggling for 11 years with severe back pain, I found Dr. Courtney through a mutual friend. After the first visit, Dr. Courtney said he could fix my problem back pain and let me tell you HE DID! This 360° fusion has saved my life. Thank you, Doctor Courtney.”

Lori Juarez

SURGERY: L4/5, L5/S1 360° LUMBAR FUSION

“After years of learning to “live with the pain” I made an appointment with Dr. Courtney, expecting a drawn out wait time. I was shocked at the quick, friendly and professional attention I received from Dr. Courtney and his staff. After 5 years of life altering pain, I am able to keep up with twin toddlers and a 3-yearold grandbaby without a problem. From office to operating room, Dr. Courtney and his staff are the best at what they do.”

How A Breakthrough Light Adjustable Lens Can Improve Your PostCataract Vision

Courtesy KEY-WHITMAN EYE CENTER

The Light Adjustable Lens by RXSight has a unique ability to allow post-operative cataract patients to test-drive and customize their vision to their individual lifestyles. You can find this revolutionary new option at the offices and surgery center of Key-Whitman Eye Center.

“I’m excited about the Light Adjustable Lens because it gives our cataract patients the power to choose their own final vision,” says Key-Whitman’s Chief Surgeon Dr. Jeffrey Whitman. That’s why he recommended it to his wife, Bonnie, when her cataracts were becoming an issue.

Bonnie knew it was time to take care of her cataracts when she started having trouble seeing to drive at night. Previously, she had enjoyed many years of great vision without glasses or contacts after she had Radial Keratotomy (RK) surgery in the 1990s. The RK treated her distance vision, but like LASIK, does not prevent the need for reading glasses later in life. Nor can it overcome the problem of cataracts. Bonnie missed having great vision without the need for glasses, so she chose the new Light Adjustable Lens for her cataract surgery.

What Should Cataract Patients Know About the Light Adjustable Lens Experience?

Patients will not notice any difference in the procedure. As in any cataract surgery, once the cataract is removed, it is replaced with an intraocular lens implant (IOL). In Bonnie’s case, Dr. Whitman inserted the Light Adjustable Lens during her cataract procedure.

Dr. Whitman likes to refer to the Light Adjustable Lens as the “Magic Lens” because the focusing power of the lens can be modified using a painless beam of specialized ultraviolet (UV) light. That’s where the post-cataract surgery experience is different for Light Adjustable Lens patients. Like Bonnie, these patients need to wear UV protection when outside until final adjustments are made. When Bonnie’s vision was completely stable and she was fully healed after surgery, Key-Whitman was able to fine-tune changes to her lenses. Once she was happy with her vision, her final adjustment was performed with the UV light—no need for more surgery. As a result, she can see without correction for all distances.

How Do You Know It Is Time For Cataract Surgery?

When you are young, the focusing lens inside the eye is flexible and

clear. It could automatically adjust to see things at every distance, much like the lens on a camera. In your mid-40s, you begin to lose your ability to focus up-close and, eventually, it progresses until it becomes a cataract. That clear and flexible lens is now dense and cloudy. As it advances, the cataract gets thicker and turns from clear to yellow, then all the way to brown. That’s why people with cataracts can no longer see true colors. Also, bright lights can cause blinding glare when you have cataracts, which makes it hard for people to see well enough to drive, especially at night.

While most cataracts develop gradually and over time, certain medications, diabetes, or trauma to the eye can cause earlier onset of cataracts. If you notice that even with glasses that you can no longer see well enough to do the things you love to do, it’s time to see your eye doctor.

How To Choose Your Cataract Surgeon?

When selecting a surgeon to perform your cataract surgery, it is important to choose a board-certified eye surgeon, who is both highly experienced and can offer you a full range of lens options to enhance your vision.

The doctors at Key-Whitman offer you the best of both. They use only the most advanced equipment and techniques approved by the FDA, so you can feel confident about your procedure, no matter which option you choose. This is one reason Key-Whitman can offer advanced options like Light Adjustable Lenses, as well as other high-tech lenses to decrease your dependency on glasses or contacts. In fact, Key-Whitman is one of the few centers in Texas to offer this exciting technology.

In addition, Key-Whitman participates in many research clinical studies with the FDA. Leading providers of new technologies specifically request Key-Whitman because of their expertise and experience. This allows the practice to offer the latest options to patients.

Join the thousands of patients, who have chosen Key-Whitman to improve their vision. Patient surveys show that the doctors and staff at Key-Whitman are caring and responsive to questions. If you are noticing changes in your vision, don’t let cataracts stop you from enjoying your daily activities.

Call Key-Whitman to treat your cataracts and take care of all your eye health needs.

BonnieandDr.Whitman

Key-Whitman Eye Center celebrates over 60 years of providing excellence in eye care to North Texas. The Plano clinic has provided services in Collin County for 20 years.

Dr. Kimberly Warren is board certified in general ophthalmology by the American Board of Ophthalmology and specifically board certified in LASIK and cataract surgery by the American Board of Eye Surgery. She has been an integral part of the Key-Whitman staff since 2000. She resides in Plano with her husband and three children.

Dr. Faisal Haq is also board certified in general ophthalmology by the American Board of Ophthalmology and specifically board certified in LASIK and cataract surgery by the American Board of Eye Surgery. He joined Key-Whitman in 2006 and lives in Plano with his wife and two children.

Dr. Warren and Dr. Haq provide a full range of adult vision services, including comprehensive eye exams, management of glaucoma and corneal disease, and cataract surgery.

From left to right are: Leslie Pfei er, M.D.; Anita Jacob, O.D.; Kimberly Warren, M.D.; Sadaf Razi ElHa ar, O.D.,; Faisal Haq, M.D.

» Staffed by 2 Licensed, Doctors of Audiology

» Hearing Aid Fittings, Maintenance and Repairs

» Invisible Fittings/Open Fittings

» Evaluation Period On All Hearing Aids

» Hearing Evaluations For All Ages

» Wireless/Connectivity Hearing Solutions

» Battery Purchase Programs

» Custom Ear Protection

» Assistive Devices

Effects of Hearing Loss on a Patient’s Life and How to Better Communicate!

Courtesy HEARING SERVICES OF McKINNEY

We think of the obvious effect of hearing loss with regard to communication difficulties. However, your hearing health contributes to your overall well-being and quality of life. Statistically, hearing loss is the third most prevalent chronic condition in older Americans after hypertension and arthritis. Aging also brings cognitive processing deficits that interfere with communication and can create distractions that lead to memory loss, falls and other accidents. Let’s examine these effects.

Memory and Hearing Loss: Adults with hearing loss are more likely to develop problems thinking and remembering than adults with normal hearing. Also, adults with hearing loss develop a significant impairment in their cognitive abilities 3.2 years sooner than those with normal hearing. It’s believed that untreated, degraded hearing may force the brain to devote too much of its energy/resources to processing sound.

Dementia and Hearing Loss: Seniors with hearing loss are significantly more likely to develop dementia over time than those who retain their hearing or treat their hearing loss. It appears that this effect increases as the amount of hearing loss increases.

Falling and Hearing Loss: People with mild hearing loss are three times more likely to have a history of falling. Each additional increase of hearing loss by 10 decibels increases the chance of falling by 1.4 times the original risk.

Mental Health and Hearing Loss: Hearing loss results in social isolation. Adults with untreated hearing loss tend to withdraw from engaging with family and friends. They are also likely to report depression, anxiety, anger and frustration. The degree of depression or other emotional or mental health issues also increases with the severity of the hearing loss.

Tinnitus and Hearing Loss: Tinnitus or “ringing in the ear” affects up to 50 million Americans. Ninety percent of people with tinnitus also have hearing loss. The most common causes of tinnitus are: noise exposure, aging, head injury and medication side effects.

Income and Hearing Loss: Statistics show that people with untreated hearing loss lose up to $30,000 annually. Adults with hearing loss, who wear hearing aids, have a lower unemployment rate than those who don’t.

So, hearing loss can affect your life in many ways. You may miss out on talks with friends and family. Sometimes hearing problems can make you feel embarrassed, upset and lonely. It’s easy to withdraw when you can’t follow a conversation. It’s also easy for friends and family to think you are confused, uncaring or difficult when the problem may be that you just can’t hear well.

We often get asked in our office by friends and family, especially when fitting a new patient with hearing aids, how to best communicate with them. So, we thought we’d share some tips on how to communicate with a hearing impaired person

• Face the person and talk clearly (not while walking away from the person or while looking in cabinets, refrigerators, etc.).

• Speak at a reasonable speed, often slowing down how you speak is more beneficial than raising your voice.

• Do not hide your mouth (so much speech information comes from non-verbal cues and facial expressions) or talk while eating or chewing gum.

• Stand in good lighting.

• Reduce background noises.

• Use facial expressions or gestures to give useful cues.

• Repeat yourself if necessary, using different words.

• Include the hearing-impaired person when talking. Talk with the person, not about the person when you are with others. This helps keep the person with hearing loss from feeling alone and excluded.

• Be patient; stay positive and relaxed.

• Ask how you can help!

Also important, here are some tips of what the hearing impaired person can do to improve their communication with hearing aids:

• Let people know that you have difficulty hearing.

• Ask people to face you and to speak slowly and clearly. Ask them to speak without shouting, which can just distort the speech signal.

• Pay attention to what is being said and to facial expressions or gestures.

• Let the person talking know if you do not understand.

• Ask people to reword a sentence and try again.

• Turn off any unnecessary, extraneous noises (such as the radio while in a car, a TV at home, etc.).

• Wear your hearing aids consistently!

Totally Rock the Joint!

Back pain can make any movement unbearable. The orthopedic specialists at Orthopedic Institute of North Texas can resolve your back pain and return you to the activities you’ve been missing.

We offer comprehensive operative and non-operative orthopedic expertise to resolve your joint issues with care, compassion and confidence. Returning you to a fuller more productive life is our priority and you can depend on us throughout diagnosis, treatment, and recovery. You can rely on our doctors to fully discuss every step of your medical treatment until you feel comfortable and confident that the solutions we recommend will deliver the best possible outcome.

Don’t put your life on hold one day longer because of your pain. Call the experts at Orthopedic Institute of North Texas today.

Introducing Christopher Kowalski, MD

Education:

Medical School:

Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA

Residency:

Penn State University at Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, PA

Fellowship:

Spinal Surgery, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA

Memberships:

• American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons

• North American Spine Society

• Cervical Spine Research Society

• Scoliosis Research Society

Minimally-Invasive Spine Surgeon

Dr. Kowalski specializes in cervical, thoracic, and lumbar problems ranging from disc herniations to complex spinal deformity correction surgeries. His interests include degenerative, traumatic, and oncologic spinal conditions and aims to help patients navigate operative, as well as nonoperative, treatment modalities to help solve your spine problems.

Dr. Kowalski enjoys spending time with his family, including his wife and four children. He is an avid outdoorsman, earned the rank of Eagle Scout, and spends much of his free time hiking, fishing, hunting, and boating. He also likes exercising regularly and playing golf. Dr. Kowalski is fluent in Spanish and is currently welcoming new patients and accepts most insurance plans.

David Shau, MD/MBA

Texas Hip and Knee Center Fellowship Co-Director and Faculty at the Anne Burnett Marion School of Medicine at Texas Christian University

Dr. David Shau is a native Texan, born in Fort Worth, TX. He graduated high school in Flower Mound, TX, and attended the University of Texas at Austin, where he studied biomedical engineering. Dr. Shau then ventured out-of-state to work at leading academic orthopedic surgery centers, including Vanderbilt University, Emory University, and University of California, San Francisco, before being recruited to return home to practice at the premier DFW joint replacement group, the Texas Hip and Knee Center (THK).

Dr. Shau has quickly built his practice through connecting with his community, committing to quality service, and delivering excellent patient care. He utilizes a variety of techniques and approaches for hip and knee care, including direct anterior hip replacements, and offers technology-assisted surgeries, such as Mako Technology for partial and total joint replacements. He also specializes in revision joint surgeries and enjoys complex, challenging cases. As a result of dedicating himself to his craft, his partners at THK promoted him to Fellowship Co-Director early in his practice. Dr. Shau also serves as a Physician Development Coach and is an Assistant Professor at the Burnett School of Medicine at TCU, where he enjoys his roles as a teacher, mentor, and coach.

In his free time, he enjoys food, sports, music, and spending time with his wife and daughter. For more information on Dr. Shau’s care philosophy and the techniques/approaches offered for hip and knee care, please visit DavidShauMD.com.

Dr. Shau has three office locations: 10900 Founders Way, Ste. 201, Fort Worth, TX 76244 6301 Harris Parkway, Ste. 300, Fort Worth, TX 76132

How to Choose the Right Funeral Home

By RICK ALLEN

Fortunately, most people will only need the services of a funeral professional two or three times over the course of their lifetime. Although a person may attend several funerals during their lives, they will only be responsible for choosing who to use for a close family member a few times. If you’ve had a good experience in the past with a professional, that is normally who you will call again. But what if you’ve never needed those services or you are new to your area and find yourself in need of a funeral home?

Surveys indicate people will choose, and most often remember, a funeral professional because of the way that person made them feel when they had their first encounter. You can only do so much reliable research before the time comes when you need to have a conversation with someone and make your choice. Before calling a funeral home for a conversation, part of your research should be looking at BBB ratings. See if that funeral home has had complaints filed and how they were resolved. If you belong to a church, check with your pastor or religious leader. They will often have experiences working with different funeral directors and can offer guidance based upon those who they’ve had the best encounters with. Also, checking the content on a funeral home’s website can shed light on whether there may be a good fit. Ultimately, after doing your due diligence, call and talk to a funeral director and have some questions ready to ask during that conversation.

Cost for the services you will want provided will be something

to cover in that discussion. But, unless you only have limited or little money with which to work, you should refrain from only focusing on who is the cheapest. As with all things, the cheapest price is usually a result of corners being cut, processes skipped or less than ethical practices being used. Instead of focusing on just cost, listen to how the person you are talking to answers your questions. You will be able to pick up quickly on how interested that person is in serving you and your family or if you feel as if you are being “sold”.

A good funeral professional will be kind, patient, understanding and will spend whatever time is necessary to be sure you have clear and concise answers to all your questions and concerns. Surprisingly, after two or three conversations with different funeral directors, you should detect very distinctive differences and the one you feel most comfortable with will become apparent.

Your funeral director has been educated and has experience in all the details that need to be tended to in meeting legal requirements and helping you plan a tribute that will be meaningful, appropriate and affordable. Taking the time on the front end of the process to assure you are working with the best fit for your needs will pay off in the end. Finally, don’t put off having this discussion until you have a need. Planning for an imminent death or pre-planning for yourself prior to the time of need is highly encouraged. Having things decided and secured ahead of time is a gift to your family that will be appreciated more than you can imagine.

OGUNRO, DO Hand Surgeon

Orthopaedic Surgeon

Orthopaedic Surgeon & Sports Medicine Specialist

Orthopaedic Spine Surgeon

At North Texas Orthopaedic & Spine (NTOS), patients of all ages are given the focused, individualized care they need in order to live fully and comfortably. The team at NTOS has a high level of expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions involving the spine, joints, and bones.

Patients appreciate the practice’s ability to educate them thoroughly about their conditions and give them the tools that they need to take control of their well-being. Whether the patient is an athlete with an injury or someone who has a long-term condition that affects their daily life, the NTOS team works alongside them to get them back to a full, active life. NTOS offers treatment for shoulder pain, tennis elbow, torn ACLs, sciatica, carpal tunnel, herniated disc, scoliosis and more. These and other conditions can get in the way of your work, hobbies, and general enjoyment of life.

VUDHI SLABISAK, MD

OLABISI

BRUCE MARKMAN, MD

RAHUL BANERJEE, MD

4090 Mapleshade Ln., Ste. 100 Plano, TX 75093

4833 Medical Center Dr., 6E McKinney, TX 75069

874 West Hwy., 243, Suite 110 Kaufman, TX 75142

Lakewood Medical Center 6243 Retail Rd., Ste. 500 Dallas, TX 75231

3670 West Wheatland Rd. Dallas, TX 75237

7589 Preston Rd., Ste. 500 Frisco, TX 75034

8080 Independence Pkwy., Ste. 100 Plano, TX 75025

600 East Taylor St., Ste. 304 Sherman, TX 75090

3110 Parks Center Drive Tyler, TX 75701

;PhotocourtesyMarvelStudios

WithoutRemorse;PhotocourtesyParamount

MAN OF THE MOMENT

FROM MODEL TO ACTOR AND PRODUCER, MICHAEL B. JORDAN IS NOW MAKING HIS DIRECTORIAL DEBUT

By Shay Moser

Fruitvale Station,  Creed, and  Black Panther are some of Michael B. Jordan’s best movies. Imagine if these films hadn’t cast him. That could have happened had he not gotten his start as a child model for Toys “R” Us. However, he broke into the industry as a model, moved into the acting world, and he’s been thriving. Now, he’s a producer and making his directorial debut in Creed III, coming out in 2023.

Although Jordan didn’t think he was an attractive kid at age 11, a receptionist at the doctor’s office believed he was cute enough to try modeling. “I figured it was a cool way to make some extra dollars and get out of school early,” the 35-year-old told Backstage Magazine. Small modeling parts led to bigger ones, resulting in a notable effect.

Jordan’s first official acting roles in 1999 were in a single episode of Cosby and Th Sopranos. His first significant film role followed in 2001 when he was featured in Hardball, starring Keanu Reeves.

Television roles between 2002 and 2011 included Wallace in the first season of the HBO crime drama series The Wire, Reggie Montgomery on the ABC soap opera All My Children, and Vince Howard in the NBC sports drama series Friday Night Lights. He also landed guest starring appearances, independent film roles, and spots in music videos.

“I was everybody’s little brother, and I got to learn from Idris Elba, Dominic West, Michael K. Williams, Wendell Pearce, Wood Harris … the list goes on,” he told  The Guardian about his experience on The Wire. “There were so many phenomenal actors there, and I picked up tools from them that I still use daily on set.”

While these early television roles were the start of his success today, Jordan almost gave up on his acting career when he first moved to Los Angeles because he had difficulty finding someone to represent him.

“I remember when I first came to L.A., and my mom and I went to all these agencies trying to get representation, and they passed on me,” he said in an interview with Vanity Fair

Jordan’s film performances between 2012 and 2019 include Red Tails, Chronicle, That Awkward Moment, Fantastic Four, Just Mercy, and Parenthood

But the role that catapulted Jordan into superstardom was in 2013 when he starred as shooting victim Oscar Grant in Fruitvale Station. His performance garnered critical acclaim, including being named an “actor to watch” by  People and  Variety. In addition,  Time magazine named him one of 30 people under 30 who are changing the world, and he was also named one of 2013’s breakout stars by Entertainment Weekly and GQ

“I knew it wasn’t going to be an easy role to play,” he told The New York Times. “But I saw a lot of similarities to myself.”

In 2015, Jordan starred in Fantastic Four, which was a bust at the box office. However, his next big break at the box office came in 2015 when he starred as Donnie Creed, the son of boxer Apollo Creed in the seventh Rocky film, Creed

Jordan prepared for his role as a boxer in Creed by undertaking a year of rigorous physical training and a stringent low-fat diet. “I felt muscles I never knew I had,” Jordan told Men’s Journal.

“I’VE PASSED ON A LOT BECAUSE I CAN’T PLAY EVERY BLACK HISTORICAL FIGURE. THERE ARE OTHER AMAZING, TALENTED ACTORS OUT THERE THAT SHOULD HAVE OPPORTUNITIES FOR THOSE.”

Since the Creed role, a few of Jordan’s other starring parts, such as in the Black Panther, No Remorse, and Creed II, have required him to stay in excellent shape. As a result, he’s stuck to a workout and diet routine that helps him portray a boxer, an elite Navy SEAL, and a supervillain, respectively.

To prepare for Black Panther, Jordan’s trainer had him lift heavy weights twice daily, including bench presses, lat pulldowns, and deadlifts. Additionally, he did aquatic fitness routines for No Remorse. Workouts for Creed focused on cardio, such as boxing. Jordan drank a gallon of water daily and ate five to six small, clean, carb-heavy meals a day.

“It’s hard to go out to a club or a party when you’re like, ‘Oh, wait! Meal prep! We gotta go pop this thing in the microwave and eat food.’ It’s tough to socialize when you gotta get in shape like that,” the 35-year-old Jordan said on The Ellen Degeneres Show

Jordan may have even less time to socialize with his additional title as executive producer. After launching the production company Outlier Productions in 2019, he co-produced the animated series Gen:Lock and the legal drama Just Mercy. Also, his production company signed a deal with Amazon and is developing Val-Zod, an HBO Max series featuring a Black version of the DC Comics character Superman.

“I’ve passed on a lot because I can’t play every black historical figure. There are other amazing, talented actors out there that should have opportunities for those,” he told  Men’s Health. “One of the reasons [I started] the production company was I wanted to be able to open up the doors for other people that haven’t had those shots, that maybe couldn’t see the pathway or the move to carve out their piece.”

Jordan is ready to make his directorial debut with Creed III, which includes boxing champion Canelo Alvarez, in addition to producing and repeating his starring role as boxer Donnie Creed, set to release in March 2023.

“Directing has always been an aspiration, but the timing had to be right,” Jordan said in an interview with  Variety. “Creed III is that moment—a time in my life where I’ve grown more sure of who I am, holding agency in my own story, maturing personally, growing professionally, and learning from the greats like Ryan Coogler, most recently Denzel Washington, and other top tier directors I respect. All of which sets the table for this moment.”

Jordan is producing and starring in the sequel of I Am Legend with Will Smith. There’s no official release date yet.

In the meantime, Jordan has been settling into the $12.5 million brand-new mansion in L.A.’s Encino community that he bought in May.

“IT’S HARD TO GO OUT TO A CLUB OR A PARTY WHEN YOU’RE LIKE, ‘OH, WAIT! MEAL PREP!”

ELDER LAW FOR SENIOR ADULTS & THEIR FAMILIES

True Compassion

Elder Law is first and foremost about empowering seniors. Elder Law services help you address issues of living arrangements, financial well-being, healthcare options, and the ultimate disposition of assets, enabling you to make your own choices and decisions about managing life as you age.

Lauren Olson Attorney

Lori Leu Certified Elder Law Attorney

Erin Peirce Attorney

A HOLIDAY Heart-to-Heart

By LEU & PEIRCE ELDER LAW ATTORNEYS

During the holiday season, we are reminded that the gifts we cherish the most do not come wrapped in a box. Rather, it is the time we spend with loved ones that makes the greatest present of all. As you celebrate the holidays with family and friends, we encourage you to sit down with the seniors in your life to discuss their plans for the future. There is more to planning for the future than just signing documents as part of an estate plan. Discussing Elder Law issues with your loved ones will give them options so they can have control over decisions about their own care, thus giving them peace of mind. After all, Elder Law is first and foremost about empowering seniors. Elder Law is not a type of law, but a relatively new way to bring

• LIVING ARRANGEMENTS—No one knows exactly what the future holds, but the key to feeling secure is to keep all of your options open. There are a wide range of living arrangements for seniors, from retirement communities to assisted living facilities to memory care to skilled nursing facilities. Some people want to stay in their own homes as long as possible and bring in outside help to make that possible. Others want the freedom from home maintenance that a senior residence community offers. Elder Law services can help you weigh all the options and make sure you have the right plans in place for the future.

• FINANCIAL WELLBEING—Money matters can be especially complex for seniors. It is important to plan carefully and preserve your assets for when you need them most. Will your Social Security, pension, or other retirement fund be enough to pay your monthly expenses? Will you be eligible for public benefits such as Medicaid or Veterans benefits? Do you have long-term care insurance? Have you designated individuals to act on your behalf in financial and legal matters through a proper Durable Power of Attorney so your finances can be protected if you cannot act for yourself? Elder Law encompasses all of these decisions within the context of planning for long-term care.

several areas of law together to benefit a particular group of people— older adults. Elder Law services enable you to make your own choices and decisions about managing life as you age. Everyone wants to have some control over the future, and Elder Law helps people do just that. The main areas of Elder Law include planning for your living arrangements, financial wellbeing, healthcare options, and the ultimate disposition of assets. Helping seniors learn about these Elder Law issues may be the most valuable gift you give this year.

Starting the conversation about aging and planning for care can be overwhelming. Consider opening the discussion with these important topics:

• HEALTHCARE OPTIONS—Healthcare in the United States has become one of the most confusing and uncertain issues we face. If you have private insurance that covers medical expenses or long-term care, you need to be sure that changing laws and regulations will not affect your coverage. If you rely on Medicare and a Medicare Supplement or, alternatively, a Medicare Advantage Plan to pay your healthcare costs, do you know what your benefits those plans will cover when you need them? Elder Law includes these issues, and can help you outline your wishes for health decisions through a Medical Power of Attorney and Advance Directives.

• DISPOSITION OF ASSETS—Elder Law includes estate planning issues such as wills, trusts, special needs trusts, and property transfers. As time passes and circumstances change, it is often necessary to make changes to your plans to control the disposition of your assets during your lifetime and after you pass. Further, depending upon the government benefits for which you may be eligible, changes may be needed to ensure your long-term desires are met. Elder Law considers the importance of planning to preserve assets and maintain eligibility for public benefits.

As this holiday season approaches, consider having a heart-to-heart with your loved ones about these important Elder Law issues. The peace of mind for your family will be the gift that keeps giving for years to come.

Experienced DWI Defense THE LAWYER LAWYERS CALL

Deandra M. Grant

Attorney Deandra M. Grant is the Managing Partner of Deandra Grant Law’s five offices. She is an international speaker on DWI law, science and trial skills. As the author of the annually updated Texas DWI Manual, she is viewed by her peers as being a leader in her field. Deandra understands the science behind alcohol absorption and elimination rates and can use this knowledge to competently defend you.

Deandra formerly was an assistant district attorney. Her tenure as a prosecutor focused on DWI prosecutions which has given her firsthand knowledge on how to counter the prosecutor’s evidence and strategy. Deandra has spent hundreds of hours in training courses and programs related to DWI defense and has completed the certification course to administer standard field sobriety testing (SFST), the same training course taught to police officers nationwide on how to identify drunk drivers during traffic stops. As a certified SFST Instructor, Deandra has taught the course to other attorneys. She’s also completed the coursework on DWI forensic blood and urine testing.

GRANT DEANDRA

Co-Author of the Texas DWI Manual

“I have a masters degree in pharmaceutical science and a graduate certificate in forensic toxicology. I am able to take apart evidence in ways a lot of other attorneys are not able to do. The most important part of my job is being the barrier between the government and my client. Standing between them. Making sure their rights are protected.”

–DEANDRA GRANT

JD, GC, MS

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Brian Nwannunu, MD, MS

Brian Nwannunu, MD, MS, is an orthopedic surgeon specializing in hip and knee replacement. He cares for patients at Alpha Orthopedics & Sports Medicine’s offices in Sherman and McKinney, Texas.

Dr. Nwannunu, a native of Dallas, graduated Valedictorian from the High School for Health Professions at Townview Magnet Center in DISD. He then earned his bachelor’s degree in Biology at Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia, where he was part of the Morehouse College Honors Program. Upon graduation, he completed his master’s degree in Physiology at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C., with a concentration on complementary and alternative medicine. Dr. Nwannunu then graduated with his medical degree from Howard University College of Medicine in Washington, D.C., where he was inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society.

Dr. Nwannunu completed his residency in orthopedic surgery at the John Peter Smith Health Network in Fort Worth, Texas, before pursuing additional training with a fellowship in adult reconstruction at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas. In addition to his clinical training, Dr. Nwannunu enjoys mission work abroad, providing medical care and health education to populations in need.

He is a member of the American Medical Association, National Medical Association, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons.

When not working, Dr. Nwannunu enjoys basketball, weight training, outdoor activities, attending art and music festivals, traveling, world news, and reading.

DFW Wound Care Center is a group of wound care specialists in all of the DFW area. They are fellow trained surgeons, and board certified in wound care and reconstructive surgery. All physicians have also completed an intense residency and fellowship in the area of limb salvage, and foot and ankle surgery. When it comes to wound care and limb salvage, DFW Wound Care Center has the knowledge and experience to successfully treat your condition. As a result, patients from all over the country seek to be treated by DFW Wound Care Center.

Whether caused by diabetes, infection or disease, any wound that will not heal can be very serious. If you are experiencing a wound or ulcer that will not properly heal, our wound care center can provide a range of expert treatment options best in each case. We offer non-surgical and surgical treatments for:

Diabetic Wounds & Ulcers

Arterial Ulcers

Infected Wounds

Open Wounds

Pressure Ulcers

Vascular Wounds

Acute Wounds

Non-Healing Wounds

Chronic Wounds

Surgical Wounds

Traumatic Wounds

PLANO CLINIC 5804 Coit Road, Ste. 100 Plano, TX 75023

LEWISVILLE CLINIC 502 N. Valley Pkwy., #2 Lewisville, TX 75067

IRVING CLINIC

6161 N. State Hwy. 161, Ste. 320 Irving, TX 75038

DESOTO CLINIC 714 N. Hampton Rd. De Soto, TX 75115

JOSHUA WORLEY, DPM | REZA MOBARAK, DPM, FACFAS, FAPWCA, FAPWHC | MARK MASHNI, DPM, AACFAS | MITCH WILLIAMS, DPM

PERSPECTIVE

After Neck and Back Surgery, Texas Back Institute Makes One of Their Own Whole Again

Cheryl Zapata knew something was seriously wrong the weekend of her son’s wedding when her right hand, arm, and thigh simultaneously went numb.

Although she’d been dealing with neck and back issues for years, along with suffering from debilitating headaches, she had previously shrugged it off and never considered those issues were related. But, as she was getting ready to celebrate her son’s momentous day on May 21, 2022, she recognized this time her symptoms required professional attention.

“When we were getting ready for the wedding at our ranch, my husband and I were doing a lot of physical labor and I must have pulled something or done something that led to losing functionality,” explains Cheryl.

As she headed to work the Monday following her son’s nuptials, Cheryl didn’t have far to go to see a specialist about the increasing numbness overtaking her limbs. As the Chief Development Officer for Texas Back Institute for the past 14 years and a vendor for the practice for 17 years prior, she immediately consulted with Dr. Rajesh Arakal, an orthopedic spine surgeon at TBI, to assess the situation.

After explaining to Dr. Arakal what was going on, he performed a myriad of tests, and immediately sent her for an MRI. After reviewing the results, Dr. Arakal recommended surgery. “I was hoping to have surgery later in the summer, but Dr. Arakal explained that once you start to have

neurologic symptoms (numbness, tingling, weakness) you need to have surgery sooner than later,” explained Cheryl.

“I’ve had some neck pain and back pain that was manageable for years, although my right arm and hand had been getting weaker and weaker over time,” says Cheryl, who was also becoming increasingly prone to dropping things. She was getting Botox injections every eight weeks for migraine headaches, had balance issues and was known to fall. Hearing these details further cemented Dr. Arakal’s diagnosis for immediate neck surgery. In looking at the options available, Disc Replacement, which is a motion preservation surgery, was considered. However, it was determined she was not a candidate due to her physiology. Dr. Arakal then recommended a neck fusion surgery.

Cheryl had no qualms as she was wheeled in for her neck fusion surgery on June 9. “I’ve always had a lot of confidence in the TBI doctors, and I have known there is a great benefit to coming to Texas Back Institute for many reasons. These doctors stay on at the forefront of spine treatment through education and research by attending weekly Neuroscience meetings. There is a peer review process in place and they present their interesting cases to one another bi-weekly to learn from one another. TBI also has a research facility at the Plano location which enrolls patients in FDA studies. It is a diverse group consisting of pain management, neurosurgeons and orthopedic spine surgeons. But, most importantly, the doctors here treat everything from degenerative spine

Cheryl with her orthopedic spine surgeons Dr. Peter Derman (left) and Rajesh Arakal (right).

One of the things I was most impressed by was that the doctors were very thorough in explaining to me exactly what was going on with my body during this process. They make sure their patients know what’s happening, what they’re going to do, why they’re going to do it, and what the results should be.

conditions to scoliosis to trauma patients and specialize in specific areas of spine care which allows patients to get the treatment that is right for them,” she says.

Her confidence was well placed. “I remember laying in the hospital bed right after my neck surgery and I said to my husband, ‘I can feel the strength returning to my hand,’” she says. “A couple of days later, I went to get something out of the refrigerator and before I knew it, I had grabbed a drink and as I pulled it out, I was reaching over with my left hand to try and help my right hand to keep from dropping it. Suddenly, I realized, I’m not going to drop it. I can hold things now.”

Her neck fusion required a 24-hour hospital stay and a six-week recovery period, before her back surgery. While the neck fusion alleviated the numbness and lack of strength in her hand and arm, her back surgery was becoming increasingly more urgent as she was losing the ability to use her right leg and walk. “My right leg under my knee felt too heavy to pick up when I tried to walk,” explained Cheryl.

When it came time to address her back, Dr. Arakal re-evaluated her completely and determined that while he could do a fusion on her back that wasn’t what she needed. “‘What you need,’ he said, ‘is an ultra-minimally invasive discectomy which is done endoscopically so that it doesn’t disrupt your tissue but more importantly so that it doesn’t disrupt your bone,’” details Cheryl. In this ultra-minimally invasive spine surgery, relief is generally immediate and it requires a very small incision.

Armed with this information, Dr. Arakal referred Cheryl to Dr. Peter Derman a fellow orthopedic spine surgeon at Texas Back Institute who specializes in this specific procedure.

Sending her to Dr. Derman further bolstered Cheryl’s confidence in Texas Back Institute. “They will refer you to the proper doctor for your

specific needs and they will ensure the right surgery for you. I’ve always known that, but as I was going through the process, it struck home in a different way,” she says. “Why would you go anywhere else? You would want to go to a place where you know no matter what’s wrong with you, you’ll end up with the surgeon right for you.”

“One of the things I was most impressed by was that the doctors were very thorough in explaining to me exactly what was going on with my body during this process. They make sure their patients know what’s happening, what they’re going to do, why they’re going to do it, and what the results should be,” Cheryl explained. Six weeks after her neck fusion, Cheryl went in for back surgery at 1 p.m. and was home by 5:30 p.m. the same day. “I’m an insider and work for these doctors, I get it, but when it happens to you, it’s weird. I had just gotten back from recovery, and they said, ‘You’re going home.’ I thought, ‘I can’t walk, I just got back from recovery,’” says Cheryl, who was pleasantly surprised to find out she could walk without any issues.

Not only is she pain free, but she also has full mobility, and her headaches are a thing of the past. She’s also gained a fresh perspective on her job. Roughly three months post-surgery and Cheryl reflects on her positive experience as a patient of Texas Back Institute. “It may sound cliché but going through this situation motivates me more to help get patients who are suffering with neck or back pain or issues to our doctors who can help get them back to their lives.”

As Cheryl embarks on a pain-free life, she’s excited for a future that includes holding her grandchildren. “I have a one year old granddaughter that I had not been able to pick up. Especially over the last year, I was afraid I might drop her. I love being able to pick her up now without having to sit down first and have someone hand her to me!”

Diane S. Litke, MD Diplomate American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery

Dr. Litke is a passionate artist, both in her spare time and as an orthopaedic surgeon. At L&W Orthopaedics, she approaches every orthopaedic problem with an eye toward restoration of function and mobility. With a deep knowledge of the inner workings of the body’s most active and important joints, Dr. Litke is able to repair most hip, knee, and shoulder problems, giving her patients the freedom to move again. Assisting her skilled hands, she uses the latest state-of-the-art robotic equipment for accuracy and precision, delivering a powerful combination of experience and technology to all of her patients.

Dr. Litke earned her medical degree at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill. She went on to complete her orthopaedic residency at the University of South Carolina in Columbia South Carolina. She is certi ed by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery, and is a Fellow of American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgery and a Fellow of the American Associaion of Hip and Knee Surgeons. Dr. Litke is the medical director of the Orthopedic Department for Methodist Health System and is a liated with the Methodist Richardson Medical Center, where she is the director of the joint program. When she’s not working, Dr. Litke enjoys photography and cycling.

Please call 972.498.4791 to schedule an appointment.

Orthopaedic Surgeons located in Richardson, TX

www.LWOrthopaedics.com

Dr. Diane S. Litke, MD

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM YOUR Family Physician

Have you ever experienced “Hand on the Doorknob” syndrome?

If you have seen a physician who failed to fully enter the room, do not go back. That is not how a relationship is built. Family Medicine is about relationships. Your office visit does not have to be long, but it must be about you.

The following list reflects the core values of Family Medicine.

Regardless of how your physician is paid, whether by the government, insurance, or concierge cash, you should always expect the highest standards of care. These high standards were developed by the generations of primary care physicians that served before us. It is the history of this great profession that elevates it, not the type of insurance.

Your family physician should sit down, make eye contact, and ask you how you are doing. You are here for a reason, and your concern should be the focus of your physician’s attention. You deserve an answer to your question, and no question is off limits.

This relationship is about building trust. These few minutes, a few times each year, could become some of the most important moments of your life. Your physician should never judge you. This relationship is not about good or evil, it is not about right or wrong. Healthcare is about defining what is helpful or harmful, and the gray zones in between. Your physician must be brutally honest with you, and you must never lie.

Privacy has been, and remains, the foundation of the physician-patient relationship. This honor of confidentiality allows discussions of any topic, revelations of any secret, and enables healing. Your family physician will bring years of training into every office visit. Before entering practice, a board-certified family physician has completed four years of medical school, followed by three more years of post-graduate training, and an intense certification examination. Family physicians also commit to a minimum of 50 hours of continuing education every year for as long as they practice.

Expect to hear your physician say, “I don’t know”. Those are words of confidence and experience. Primary care is a humble profession, reminded daily that the more we learn, the less we know. Don’t be surprised by a referral to another physician. Medical care is often best with a team, and your family physician knows the best consultants.

Your physician should be respectful of your time, making every effort to be punctual. Of course, there will be exceptions. The breadth of unpredictable issues that occur every day in family medicine is epic. Real life happens. The next patient who needs extra time might be you. Please know that your patience is appreciated, and your physician should always tell you so.

You should expect your body and your feelings to be respected. You set the boundaries. If anything makes you uncomfortable, speak up immediately. Expect a chaperone during any exam of your private areas, and you decide what is private. This mutual respect protects both you and your physician.

One final expectation:

You should expect to care for your family physician, just as your physician cares for you. Your personal physician is a treasure, a trusted resource, and a stable foundation in your rapidly changing world. Your physician has dedicated a lifetime for this relationship, and wants you to never forget it is about you.

GUY L. CULPEPPER, MD

Dr. Culpepper has led Bent Tree Family Physicians for 34 years, growing from a solo practice into a successful group of 7 MD’s and 13 mid-level providers, in North Dallas and Frisco. Bent Tree Family Physicians is a nationally recognized primary care practice that blends the traditions of personalized healthcare with the latest medical science and technology.

Dr. Culpepper co-founded Jefferson Physician Group (JPG), where he has served as CEO for 26 years. JPG is a group of over 500 practitioners dedicated to improving North Texas healthcare and to protecting the innovation of independent medical practices.

Dr. Culpepper has demonstrated leadership at every level of his career, from serving as Chief Resident during his training at U.T. Southwestern Medical School, to becoming the Chief of Staff and Founding Chair of the Family Medicine Department for THR Presbyterian Hospital.

He has served on the Board of Trustees for Medical City Hospital Plano and Frisco, in addition to the Foundation Board of the Dallas County Community College District.

His unique passion for healthcare has been rewarded with multiple honors, including 29 consecutive years as “Best Doctor” in D Magazine , and 18 consecutive years as “Top Doctor” in Texas Monthly

Dr. Culpepper believes that the strength of America’s healthcare comes from independent physicians, and he has dedicated his life to protecting the physician’s role as the leaders of patient advocacy.

Family Medicine

COLLIN JONES, M.D.

Collin Jones, M.D. is a board-certified family physician. Dr. Jones was born in Plano, Texas and graduated from Trinity Christian Academy. He received a Finance degree from the University of Texas at Austin, completed medical school at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, and finished a Residency in Family Medicine at Mayo Clinic.

Dr. Jones is proud to have joined Bent Tree Family Physicians in 2019, a practice where he was a patient as a child. Dr. Jones is dedicated to individualized treatment plans for his patients. He believes that every patient can unlock a healthy life when given the right tools, knowledge, and encouragement.

Dr. Jones’s clinical interests include:

• Diabetes

• Hypertension

• Sports Medicine

• Cardiovascular Care

• Anxiety and Depression

• Preventive Care

Jefferson Physician Group (JPG) is a network of over 200 independent physicians, working cooperatively to preserve the private practice of medicine and to provide the greatest value in healthcare.

Founded in 1995, JPG believes that independent physicians deliver the highest level of personalized care and offer the greatest opportunity for healthcare innovation.

Stephen P. Courtney, MD

Fellowship-Trained Orthopedic Spine Surgeon

Over 26 Years of Experience

Dr. Courtney is a board-certified orthopedic spine surgeon located in Plano, Texas. A Louisiana native, he attended Louisiana State University for medical school, and completed residency at Texas A&M followed by a fellowship at the Florida Neck and Back Institute.

SPECIALTIES:

• Back Pain

• Neck Pain

• Spine Pain

• Disc Replacement

• Microdiscectomy

• Spinal Fusion

• Minimally Invasive Surgery

• Steroid Injections

• Physical Therapy

“I believe in treating each of my patients with honesty, dignity, and respect. My patients come away from our shared interactions feeling confident, assured that they are truly in the best hands. Throughout my career, I have remained laser-focused on providing world-class care and innovation to the patients I treat on a daily basis. I look forward to getting to know you!”

Dear Olivia,

The doctor has told us that it is probably time to consider palliative care or hospice. We are not sure we really understand the difference. Can you shed some light on this for us?

-Seeking Help with Advanced Illness

Dear Seeking Help with Advanced Illness, Hospice can be a scary word, and palliative care is a confusing concept for many! At VNA, we try to help families to navigate the difficult world of health care options when health is beginning to fail. Simply stated, palliative medicine is aimed at symptom management and quality of life for those with serious or complex medical conditions. Hospice is a type of palliative care but is only one option. In palliative care, a person does not have to be terminal and can continue all treatment options and doctors’ visits as desired. Your doctor may refer you to a palliative clinic or supportive palliative care program if he or she feels that you may benefit from a specialist in symptom

management and coordination of care. Oftentimes, complex conditions require the input of a team of physicians, and to help you navigate this sometimes confusing and stressful journey, palliative care can offer the expertise of a physician certified in hospice and palliative medicine, medical social worker, RN case manager, Nurse Practitioner, spiritual counselor and more. Another option at the end of life is hospice care, which is a type of palliative care that is focused on quality of life and providing comfort in one’s own home. For patients who wish to stay at home with their families and no longer want to go to the hospital or emergency room, hospice care can provide the same type of interdisciplinary care as palliative care, but in the comfort of one’s own home. VNA hospice and palliative care are here to help you navigate these difficult decisions and is one phone call away should you need assistance at any time.

VNA Hospice Care focuses on living life to its fullest and treating you with the dignity and respect you deserve. As a nonprofit, our bottom line is patient support and care provided by our highly qualified staff.

To schedule your free in-home informational visit please call (214) 535-2615 or email gethelp@vnatexas.org For volunteer opportunities please call (214) 689-2271 or email volunteer@vnatexas.org

~Olivia

OLIVIA ROGERS is a leading voice in health care and senior services and the Chief Nursing Officer of VNA Texas.

Feel like Youagain.

Rahul Banerjee, MD is a board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeon who specializes in hip and knee replacement, comprehensive management of fractures, and treatment of complex orthopaedic problems. Dr. Banerjee graduated from the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine and completed his residency and fellowship at Brown University.

After training, Dr. Banerjee served in the United States Air Force and worked with the Army treating the injured and training residents in El Paso, TX. He was deployed to the War in Iraq and treated many soldiers and civilians.

After his military service, Dr. Banerjee joined the faculty at University of Texas Southwestern as Assistant Clinical Professor. In 2021, Dr. Banerjee joined North Texas and Orthopaedic Spine. Dr. Banerjee is available to see patients at office locations in Plano, Carrollton and Dallas.

• Total Hip Replacement

• Direct Anterior Hip Replacement

• Knee Replacement

• Treatment of Fractures

• Bone Deformity

• Nonunion of Fractures

• Limb Lengthening

• Elbow Injuries / Elbow Replacement

• Foot and Ankle Injuries

• Infections

• Total Hip Revision

• Total Knee Revision

“From the moment I met Dr. Banerjee, he listened to what I had to say and how I felt, that means a lot to me. After many years of knee pain and not being able to live the lifestyle I wanted, he agreed to do a total knee replacement. It was the best decision I ever made. He did an amazing job! Less than two months out and I am walking and biking like I haven’t been able to in years! It really changed my life!!!”

–David P.

Deandra M. Grant

Leaders in DWI Defense NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED DWI LAW FIRM

Have you been arrested? Whether you have been charged with DWI in Texas or another criminal offense, we advise you to secure the immediate representation of our experienced DWI lawyers. Your charges can have life-altering consequences. It is of the utmost importance that following an arrest, you hire our Dallas criminal defense lawyer. We will stop at nothing in order to protect your rights, freedom, and future. At Deandra Grant Law, you will receive the individualized support and tenacious advocacy that you require in order to combat your criminal charges.

Because we care deeply about helping as many people as we can, our Texas DWI & criminal attorneys also represent clients in Collin County and throughout northern Texas.

Deandra Grant Law’s five offices are led by Managing Partner Deandra M. Grant, JD, GC, MS, one of the most awarded and respected DWI authorities in the country. She is co-author of The Texas DWI Manual, certified in the science and testing of DWI enforcement, and respected by her peers as being a leader in her field.