Page 37 - Panama City Living Magazine

“ I USE ALL POSSIBLE TREATMENT MODALITIES TO PERSONALIZE CANCER CARE FOR EACH PATIENT.Jon Ward, M.D.CUTTING-EDGE TECHNOLOGY AND PERSONALIZED TREATMENT“My philosophy as a doctor is to be a problem solver. Pa- tients are coming in to be seen because of a problem they are having and my job is to fix that problem,” Dr. Ward ex- plains. “Typically, in cancer care, patients are given three to four treatment options. Not everyone has the same prob- lem and each patient has to have a customized plan that works for them. It is the same for patients with skin condi- tions like eczema or psoriasis.”He points out that there are many treatment options but often there is an obstacle if cutting-edge treatments are not being covered by the patient’s insurance. “To solve this problem, we have dedicated staff members who are filing paperwork and making phone calls all day long to get our patients the medications they need. It’s how we solve prob- lems for our patients that sets us above other practices. This has been our patient care philosophy from day one.”Dermatology Specialists uses the most advanced technol- ogy and utilizes cutting edge equipment–often not to be found in other practices in our area.In our in-house spa, Aqua Medical Spa, we offer a variety of laser and cosmetic procedures. “Our laser for tattoo re- moval is the area’s most advanced and removes tattoos in the fewest number of treatments. Our resurfacing laser can renew the skin and make a patient look years younger. In addition, we are the only practice with a Hair Loss Nurse Educator and we perform more hair transplants than any other practice in the area. We also offer platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections which stimulate hair follicles to grow fuller and thicker hair. Our superficial radiation therapy machine, the SRT Vision, is the areas only machine of its kind. Op- erated by a board-certified radiation therapist, it measures the exact depth of the cancer and delivers the most precise dose of radiation to limit skin breakdown and ulceration. It is the type of care you can only receive at world class can- cer centers like Dermatology Specialists of Florida, here at home in Panama City.”Dr. Ward reiterates that it is important for patients to know that if they have a problem with their skin–be it a rash or a growth–they should see a Board-Certified Dermatol- ogist. “I also think patients need to be aware that not ev- ery doctor who works at a dermatology practice or has a practice advertising skin care is a dermatologist. Ask your skin doctor if they are a Board-Certified dermatologists andif the answer is no, seek care elsewhere.” He explains that the average physician has two days of dermatology training during medical school. A dermatologist completes a three- year training program during residency. “The difference in knowledge and outcome is highly important. Most patients would be very surprised to know that there are many “skin doctors” in the area who haven’t been trained to do so. I definitely think the biggest misconception is that dermatol- ogists are not cosmetic surgeons. Having performed nearly 20,000 cancer removals and the reconstructive surgery on nearly all of these patients, I still occasionally have patients who think they need to see a plastic surgeon if the cancer occurs on their face. I typically show these patients a folder of before and after photos on the cheek, lip, ear, or eyelid of cases I performed and they understand they will be in great hands. Practice makes perfect and there is no doctor of any specialty in the area that has removed and repaired more skin cancers.”Dr. Ward has been a Board-Certified Dermatologist for more than 12 years and has practiced in Panama City since 2006. He is a medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatologist with a focus on treating skin cancer. He has received addi- tional training in Mohs Micrographic surgery which provides the highest cure rate for skin cancer. “As a skin cancer spe- cialist, I use all possible treatment modalities to personalize cancer care for each patient. In addition to Mohs surgery, I offer superficial radiation therapy, oral and topical cancer treatments, and both laser and light treatments for skin cancer.”Dr. Ward earned his medical degree at the University of Florida College of Medicine before completing his derma- tology residency at the University of Massachusetts where he earned the position of Chief Resident. He has been published in the Journal of Dermatology and he presents lectures across the country. He is a leader in the state and local medical community where he has served as president of the Bay County Medical Society and was elected the first president of the Bays Medical Society Health Trust. He has also served on the board of the Florida Medical Associa- tion Board of Governors and on the board of the Florida Society of Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery. He has been recognized for excellence in non-invasive cosmetic procedures, including laser skin resurfacing, CoolSculpting and injectables (Botox, Sculptra, and other fillers) and has been named a Top Beauty Doc by New Beauty Magazine.2505 Harrison Avenue Panama City, FL 324054357 Lafayette Street Marianna, FL 32446212 Hwy 98, Suite B Port St. Joe, FL 32456(850) 233-3376 DermatologySpecialistsFL.comADVERTORIAL SECTION37“