In our 2009 survey we asked New Hampshire doctors who they would choose to provide for the medical needs of friends and loved ones and their choices are here in your hands.
To broaden the reach of our poll, we list our top doctors along with other leading physicians in each specialty. Plus, for the first time, we’ve solicited votes from our readers.
Several of the top vote-getters are profiled to help explain the challenges and rewards of medicine, and we include replies from doctors to two questions we asked on the poll about health care reform.
The List Here’s how it works: We send a survey to each doctor on the New Hampshire Board of Medicine’s list of physicians licensed to practice in the state — 3,819 names. This year, we received responses from 558. The survey asks the physicians to nominate specialists they would most recommend to family and friends. Hundreds of physicians statewide were named. We include those who received the greatest number of recommendations within 43 specialties.
Those picked in our survey are then fact-checked for biographical information. New Hampshire Magazine editors are not able to visit the Top Doctors nor screen their credentials. Many excellent physicians are not on this list and we wish we could report on all the stories of tireless service to patients that we hear during the course of our poll. Many fine doctors have practices in areas of the state with small populations and fewer associates to receive surveys, thus creating a bias toward more populated regions of the state. Even so, smaller hospitals are often represented in the poll and we trust this list is broad enough to be useful and to represent the level of excellence that exists across the state. When seeking a new specialist for care, it’s always a good idea to consult with your own doctor first.
Key to Abbreviations: Many of the doctors featured in this survey practice in more than one hospital and many have private practices. Below is a list of the hospitals represented and the abbreviations we used:
Alice Peck Day Memorial (APDMH) Lebanon Bedford Ambulatory Surgical Center (BASC) Catholic Medical Center (CMC) Manchester Cheshire Medical Center/Dartmouth-Hitchcock (Cheshire/DHK) Keene Concord Ambulatory Surgery Center (CASC) Concord Hospital (Concord) Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center (DHMC) Lebanon Elliot Hospital (Elliot) Manchester Exeter Hospital (Exeter) Franklin Regional Hospital (FRH) Frisbie Memorial Hospital (Frisbie) Rochester New London Hospital (New London) Parkland Medical Center (PMC) Derry Portsmouth Regional Hospital (PRH) Southern New Hampshire Medical Center (SNHMC) Nashua Speare Memorial Hospital (Speare) Plymouth St. Joseph Hospital (SJH) Nashua Wentworth-Douglass Hospital (WD) Dover
Survey Results
Allergy Immunology
Top Vote Getter
John Kalliel, M.D. Elliot/CMC Manchester Allergy Inc. 765 S. Main St. Manchester, (603) 668-6444 Medical School: Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Mass. 1982 Past Top Doctor
Other Leading Physicians
Barbara L. Deuell, M.D. PRH Allergy Associates of New Hampshire Portsmouth, (603) 436-7897 Medical School: State University of New York at Buffalo School of Medicine Buffalo, N.Y., 1985
Steven Grandgeorge, M.D. DHMC Pediatric Allergy and Clinical Immunology at Children’s Hospital at Dartmouth (CHaD) Manchester, (603) 695-2560 Past Leading Physician
Anesthesiology
Top Vote-Getters
Robert LaFlam, M.D. Concord Hospital Anesthesia Associates, P.A. 501 South St., Box 2 Bow, (603) 224-4776 Medical School: Dartmouth Medical School, N.H., 1984 Past Top Doctor
Paul Del Giudice, M.D. CMC/BASC Anesthesia Care Group 87 McGregor St., Ste. 1400 Manchester, (603) 647-9325 Medical School: Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Mass. 1979 Past Top Doctor
Robert Parker, D.O. SNHMC Nashua Anesthesia Partners Nashua, (603) 889-2624
Cardiology
Top Vote-Getter
Louis Fink, M.D., F.A.C.C. CMC/PMC New England Heart Institute at CMC 100 McGregor St. Manchester, (603) 663-6888 Medical School: University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pa. 1980
Other Leading Physicians
Robert M. Lavery, M.D. Elliot/CMC N.H. Cardiology Consultants Manchester, (603) 627-1669 Past Top Doctor
Peter Klementowicz, M.D., FACC SJH/CMC New England Heart Institute Manchester, (603) 668-3545 New England Heart Institute Nashua, (603) 883-5673 Past Leading Physician
Dermatology
Top Vote-Getter
Steven Del Giudice, M.D. Concord Hospital 250 Pleasant St. (603) 226-6119 Medical School: Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Mass. 1981 Past Top Doctor
Other Leading Physicians
Thomas P. Habif, M.D. PRH Portsmouth, (603) 431-5205 Past Leading Physician
Robert Posnick, M.D. SNHMC Nashua Dermatology Associates Nashua, (603) 579-9648 Past Top Doctor Winner and Past Leading Physician
Emergency Care
Top Vote-Getter
Michael Lynch, M.D. Concord Hospital 250 Pleasant St. Concord, (603) 225-2711 Medical School: University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Va., 1993 Past Top Doctor and Past Leading Physician
Other Leading Physicians
James Martin, M.D., F.A.C.E.P. SJH SJH Emergency Department Nashua, (603) 882-3000
Donavon Albertson, M.D., F.A.C.E.P. PRH Portsmouth, (603) 436-5110 Past Top Doctor and Past Leading Physician
Endocrinology
Top Vote-Getter
Robert Levine, M.D. F.A.C.E. SJH Office of Doctor Levine Thyroid Center of New Hampshire 5 Coliseum Ave. Nashua, (603) 881-7141 Medical School: University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, Conn., 1981 Past Top Doctor
Other Leading Physicians
Richard J. Comi, M.D. DHMC Lebanon, (603) 650-8630 Past Top Doctor and Past Leading Physician
Ellie Chuang, M.D. SNHMC Joslin Diabetes Center affiliate at Southern New Hampshire Medical Center/Southern New Hampshire Endocrinology Nashua, (603) 577-3290
End of Life Care
Top Vote-Getter
Ira R. Byock, M.D. DHMC Palliative Medicine One Medical Center Drive Lebanon, (603) 650-5402 Medical School: University of Colorado School of Medicine, Denver, Co., 1978 Past Top Doctor
Other Leading Physicians
Donald Mc Donah, M.D. SJH SJ Family Medical Center Nashua, (603) 891-4804 Past Leading Physician
Patrick Clary, M.D. The Palliative Care Service, LLC (603) 436-8690
Gastroenterology
Top Vote-Getter
Timothy Scherer, M.D SNHMC/DHMC Dartmouth-Hitchcock 21 East Hollis Street Nashua (603) 577-4081 Medical School: State University of New York, Brooklyn, N.Y., 1996 Past Top Doctor
Other Leading Physicians
Mark Silversmith, M.D. CMC N.H. Gastroenterology, Inc. Bedford, (603) 625-5744 Past Top Doctor and Past Leading Physician
John G. Meadows, M.D. Concord Hospital GI Associates - Concord Gastroenterology Concord, (603) 228-1763 Past Top Doctor
Geriatrics
Top Vote-Getter
Beverly Jean (B.J.) Entwisle, M.D. Concord Hospital Capital Region Family Health Center 250 Pleasant St. Concord, (603) 228-7200 Medical School: Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Mass., 1984 Past Top Doctor
Other Leading Physicians
Harry Ward, M.D., F.A.C.P. SJH The Roger Dionne, M.D. Senior Center Nashua, (603) 595-3722 Past Leading Physician
Samuel Goldman, D.O. Elliot Senior Health Primary Care Elliot Senior Health Center Manchester, (603) 663-7030 Past Leading Physician
General/Family Practice
Top Vote-Getter
Mary Merkel, D.O. SNHMC/DH–Merrimack Merrimack Family Practice 294 DW Hwy. Merrimack, (603) 424-4713 Medical School: New York College of Osteopathic Medicine, Old Westbury, N.Y., 1999
Other Leading Physicians
Louis Kazal, Jr., M.D. DHMC Dartmouth-Hitchcock Community Health Center Lebanon, (603) 650-4001
Doug Dreffer, M.D. Concord Hospital Concord Hospital Family Health Center Hillsboro, (603) 464-3434
Robert Quirbach, M.D. SJH SJ Family Medical Center Milford, (603) 673-3014
Jonathan B. Thyng, M.D. SNHMC/DHMC Dartmouth-Hitchcock Nashua Nashua, (603) 577-4440 Past Top Doctor
Gynecology
Top Vote-Getter
Mary Jo Montanarella, M.D. CMC/Elliot Dr. Montanarella & Assoc. Manchester, (603) 624-1638 Medical School: University of Rochester School of Medicine, Rochester, N.Y., 1986 Past Top Doctor and Past Leading Physician
Other Leading Physicians
Valerie A. Bell, M.D., F.A.C.O.G. SNHMC/SJH/DHMC–Nashua Nashua, (603) 577-4300
Leslie DeMars, M.D. DHMC Lebanon, (603) 653-3530 Past Top Doctor and Past Leading Physician
Gynecology Oncology
Top Vote-Getter
Leslie DeMars, M.D. DHMC 1 Medical Center Drive Lebanon, (603) 653-3530 Medical School: University of Vermont College of Medicine Burlington, Vt., 1987 Past Top Doctor and Past Leading Physician
Other Leading Physicians
Lloyd A. West, M.D. DHMC/DH–Concord/DHMC–Lebanon Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center Gynecologic Oncology Lebanon, (603) 653-3525
Anne Shapter, M.D. Concord Hospital Lahey Clinic Medical Center-Gynecology Burlington, MA (781) 744-5021
Hemotology Oncology
Top Vote-Getter
Denis Hammond, M.D. CMC/Concord/Elliot/ Exeter/LRGH/PMC N.H. Oncology-Hematology PA 200 Technology Dr. Hooksett, (603) 622-6484 Medical School: Tufts University School of Medicine Boston, Mass., 1973 Past Top Doctor and Past Leading Physician
Other Leading Physicians
Gautami Rao, M.D. SNHMC/SJH/CMC/Elliot DHMC Norris Cotton Center Manchester, (603) 629-1828 Nashua, (603) 577-3460 Past Top Doctor and Past Leading Physician
Marc S. Ernstoff, M.D. DHMC–Lebanon/Norris Cotton Cancer Center Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center Hematology/Oncology Lebanon, (603) 650-5534
Infectious Diseases
Top Vote-Getter
David Itkin, M.D. Exeter/Portsmouth Appledore Medical Group 330 Borthwick Ave. Portsmouth, (603) 433-8733 Medical School: University of Illinois College of Medicine Illinois, Chicago, Ill., 1980 Past Top Doctor and Past Leading Physician
Other Leading Physicians Michael Strampfer, M.D., F.A.C.P. SNHMC/SJH/CMC/Elliot Infectious Disease Associates/Travel Clinic Nashua, (603) 595-1305 Past Top Doctor
Elizabeth Clark, M.D. SJH/SNHMC Infectious Disease Associates Nashua, (603) 595-1305 Past Top Doctor
Internal Medicine
Top Vote-Getter
Paul Clark, M.D. Concord Hospital 248 Pleasant St. Suite 2800 Concord, (603) 224-4003 Medical School: University of Massachusetts Medical Center, Worcester, Mass., 1979 Past Top Doctor
Other Leading Physicians
Tanja VanderLinde, M.D. Concord Hospital Internal Medicine Pillsbury Building Concord, (603) 224-4003
Charles F. Carrier CMC Queen City Medical Associates Manchester, (603) 625-6198 Past Leading Physician
Nephrology
Top Vote-Getters
Sean Fitzpatrick, M.D. SNHMC/SJH/PMC Nashua Nephrology 38 Tyler St. Nashua, (603) 882-2921 Medical School: Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Mass., 1989 Past Top Doctor
Charles Kert, M.D. SNHMC/SJH/PMC Nashua Nephrology 38 Tyler St. Nashua, (603) 882-2921 Medical School: University of Southern California School of Medicine, 1981 Past Top Doctor and Past Leading Physician
Other Leading Physicians
Clay A. Block, M.D. DHMC Nephrology Lebanon, (603) 653-3830 Past Leading Physician
David S. Friedenberg, D.O., F.A.C.P. Elliot/CMC Nephrology Associates PA Manchester 603) 641-5800 Past Top Doctor
Neurology
Top Vote-Geter
Robert Thies, M.D. CMC/Elliot Neurology Associates 769 S Main St. Manchester, (603) 669-0859 Medical School: Cornell University Medical College, New York, N.Y., 1976 Past Top Doctor
Other Leading Physicians
Mildred LaFontaine, M.D. Concord Hospital Neurology Associates Pillsbury Building Concord, (603) 224-6691 Past Top Doctor and Past Leading Physician
Jeffrey A. Cohen, M.D. DHMC/ALS Center/DHMC–Lebanon Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center Lebanon, (603) 650-8589 Medical School: University of Oklahoma School of Medicine, Oklahoma City, Okla., 1977
Keith J. McAvoy, M.D. Elliot Hospital Dartmouth Hitchcock Bedford Bedford, (603) 695-2940 Past Top Doctor and Past Leading Physician
Obstetrics
Top Vote-Getter
Mary Jo Montanarella, M.D. CMC/Elliot Hospital Dr. Montanarella & Assoc. 30 Canton St., Ste. 6 Manchester, (603) 624-1638 Medical School: University of Rochester School of Medicine, Rochester, N.Y., 1986 Past Top Doctor and Past Leading Physician
Other Leading Physicians
Karen Maynard, M.D., F.A.C.O.G. SNHMC Women’s Care of Nashua Nashua, (603) 577-3100 Past Top Doctor and Past Leading Physician
Valerie A. Bell, M.D., F.A.C.O.G. SNHMC/SJH/DHMC–Nashua Nashua, (603) 577-4300
Opthalmology
Top Vote-Getter
George Shaker, M.D. Elliot Hospital/CMC Bellows, Goodman, Shaker, & Siegal Medical Eye Center 250 River Rd. Manchester (603) 668-2020 Medical School: University of Rochester School of Medicine, Rochester, N.Y., 1989 Past Top Doctor
Other Leading Physicians
Erin Fogel, M.D. The Eye Center of Concord Concord, (603) 228-1104 Past Leading Physician
Matthew Norman, M.D., F.A.C.S. PRH Seacoast Ophthalmology Portsmouth, (603) 436-7485 Past Top Doctor and Past Leading Physician
Optometry
Top Vote-Getters
David Caban, O.D. Manchester Eye Associates 581 Second St. Manchester (603) 668-2010 Medical School: New England College of Optometry, Boston, Mass. 1977
Peter Lapre, O.D. DHMC-Lebaon/LASIK Laser Vision Center Dartmouth-Hitchcock Court Street Eye Clinic & Optical One Court St. Lebanon, (603) 650-2651 Medical School: New England College of Optometry, Boston, Mass., 1988
Other Leading Physicians
Doug Benoit, O.D., F.A.A.O. The Eye Center of Concord Concord, (603) 228-1104
David MacKay, O.D. MacKay Vision Center, LLC Bedford, (603) 668-2771
Otolaryngology
Top Vote-Getter
James Bartels, M.D. CMC/Elliot/PMC Ear Nose & Throat Specialists of Southern New Hampshire 30 Canton St. Manchester, (603) 622-3623 Medical School: University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, N.Y., 1982 Past Top Doctor Winner
Other Leading Physicians
Brett Steven Rankin, M.D. PRH Family Ear Nose and Throat Landmark Hill Kittery, Maine (207) 351-3525
Jeffrey Byer, M.D. SJH Ear, Nose & Throat Physicians Nashua, (603) 595-4800 Ear, Nose & Throat Physicians Manchester (603) 669-0831 Past Leading Physician
Pathology
Top Vote-Getter
J. Samuel Smoot, M.D. Elliot Hospital/Monadnock Community Hospital Pathology Specialists of New England, P.A. Manchester, (603) 663-2583 Medical School: University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Wash., 1990 Past Leading Physician
Other Leading Physicians
Alan R. Schned, M.D. DHMC Pathology Lebanon, (603) 650-7211 Past Leading Physician
Weldon Sanford, M.D. Pathology Specialists of NE PA Manchester, (603) 663-2583
Pediatrics
Top Vote-Getter
Charles T. Cappetta, M.D. DHMC 591 West Hollis St. Nashua, (603) 577-4400 Medical School: University College and Middlesex School of Medicine, London, UK, 1988
Other Leading Physicians
Stanley S. Paras, M.D. Elliot River Road Pediatrics Bedford, (603) 622-8619
George DeVito, M.D. Concord Hospital Concord Hospital Family Health Center Concord, (603) 228-7200 Past Top Doctor
Denise E. Youssef, M.D. SNHMC/DH-Nashua Nashua, (603) 577-4400
Patricia Campbell, D.O. Cheshire/DHK Keene, (603) 354-5400 Past Top Doctor and Past Leading Physician
Podiatry
Top Vote-Getter
Raef Fahmy, D.P.M., F.A.C.F.A.S. BASC/CMC/Elliot/Cheshire Associates in Podiatry 18 Constitution Dr. Ste. 2 Bedford, (603) 669-2188 Medical School: Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine, Philadelphia , Pa., 1987 Past Top Doctor
Other Leading Physicians
David Kosofsky, D.P.M., F.A.C.F.A.S. SJH/SNHMC Nashua Podiatry Associates Nashua, (603) 880-9177 Past Top Doctor
Anna Ruelle, D.P.M. Cheshire/DHK Keene, (603) 354-5400 Past Top Doctor and Past Leading Physician
Psychiatry
Top Vote-Getters
Wassfy M. Hanna, M.D PRH Seacoast Mental Health Ctr. 1145 Sagamore Ave. Portsmouth, (603) 431-6703 278 Lafayette Road Portsmouth (603) 436-6887 Medical School: Cairo University School of Medicine, Cairo, Egypt, 1957 Past Top Doctor
Michael McGee, M.D. SJH/Roger Dionne Senior Center at SJH 172 Kinsley St. Nashua, (603) 595-3722 (603) 598-3334 Medical School: Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, Calif.
Other Leading Physicians
Karl Lanocha, M.D. Concord Psychiatry Associates Concord(603) 228-7100 Past Top Doctor and Past Leading Physician Donald A. West, M.D. DHMC Dartmouth-Hitchcock Psychiatric Associates Lebanon, (603) 650-7075 Past Leading Physician
Marc M. Sadowsky, M.D. SNHMC Nashua, (603) 882-2114
Pulmonary Diseases
Top Vote-Getter
Stephen Rowe, M.D. CMC/Elliot/PMC Bedford Commons 706 Riverway Place Bedford, (603) 623-3516 Medical School: University of Vermont College of Medicine, Burlington, Vt., 1975 Past Top Doctor
Other Leading Physicians
William Goodman, M.D., F.C.C.P., M.P.H. CMC Manchester (603) 645-6407 Past Top Doctor and Past Leading Physician
Steve Imgrund, M.D. Concord Hospital Concord Hospital Pulmonary Medicine, Concord, (603) 224-9661 Past Top Doctor and Past Leading Physician
Radiology
Top Vote-Getter
Eric Landis, M.D. Elliot Hospital So. NH Radiology Consultants 703 Riverway Place Bedford, (603) 627-1663 Medical School: University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, Conn., 1988
Other Leading Physicians
Peter Van der Meer, M.D. Elliot Hospital So. NH Radiology Consultants Bedford, (603) 627-1663
Gerald Smith, M.D. Concord X-Ray Professional Association Concord, (603) 228-1521 Past Top Doctor
Rehabilitation/Physical Medicine
Top Vote-Getter
Barry Gendron, D.O. PRH/WD Seacoast Area Physiatry 2064 Woodbury Ave. Newington, (603) 431-5529 Medical School: University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine, Biddeford, Maine, 1989 Past Top Doctor
Powen Hsu, M.D. CMC New Era Medicine Manchester (603) 622-8665
William E. Kois MD SNHMC Nashua, (603) 821-5613 Past Top Doctor and Past Leading Physician
Reproductive Medicine
Top Vote-Getter
Paul Manganiello, M.D. DHMC One Medical Center Drive Lebanon, (603) 653-9240 Medical School: Jefferson Medical College of Thomas Jefferson university, Philadelphia, Pa., 1973 Past Top Doctor and Past Leading Physician
Other Leading Physicians
Misty Blanchette Porter, M.D. DHMC Obstetrics and Gynecology Lebanon, (603) 653-9240 Past Top Doctor
Richard H. Reindollar, M.D. DHMC-Manchester/DHMC-Lebanon/DH-Nashua Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center Obstetrics and Gynecology Lebanon, (603) 653-9240
Rheumatology
Top Vote-Getter
Hoke Shirley, M.D. Concord/New London Concord Orthopaedics 264 Pleasant St. Concord, (603) 224-3368 Medical School: Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, La., 1982 Past Top Doctor
Other Leading Physicians
John H. Yost, D.O. Dartmouth-Hitchcock Manchester Manchester, (603) 695-2550 DHMC Adult & Pediatric Rheumatology Lebanon, (603) 650-8622 Past Leading Physician
James Vailas, M.D. CMC/Elliot/PMC/SJH/ SNHMC/BASC The Orthopedic Center Manchester (603) 634-0080 Medical School: Dartmouth Medical School, N.H., 1981 Past Top Doctor and Past Leading Physician
Other Leading Physicians
Greg Soghikian, M.D. CMC/Elliot Hospital NH Orthopaedic Surgery PA Manchester (603) 669-5454 Past Top Doctor
Josh Siegel, M.D. Exeter/PRH/Northeast Surgical Care Access Sports Medicine and Ortho Exeter, (603) 775-7575 Past Top Doctor and Past Leading Physician
Breast Surgery
Top Vote-Getter
Teresa A. Ponn, M.D. Elliot Hospital Elliot Health Breast Center 275 Mammoth Rd. Manchester (603) 668-3067 Medical School: University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville , Fla., 1976
Other Leading Physicians
Edward Dalton, M.D., F.A.C.S Elliot Elliot Breast Health Center Manchester (603) 668-3067 Past Top Doctor
Kari M. Rosenkranz, M.D. DHMC Cancer Services (Norris Cotton Cancer Ctr. at CMC) General Surgery Lebanon, (603) 650-9479 Dartmouth-Hitchcock Manchester Past Leading Physician
Cardiac Thoracic Surgery
Top Vote-Getter
Benjamin Westbrook, M.D. CMC/Elliot/PMC Cardiothoracic Surgical Associates, P.A. 100 McGregor St. Manchester (603) 663-6340 Medical School: University of South Alabama College of Medicine, Mobile, Ala.,1979 Past Top Doctor
Other Leading Physicians
David C. Charlesworth, M.D., F.A.C.S. CMC New England Heart Institute Manchester (603) 663-6888 Past Top Doctor and Past Leading Physician
Lawrence Dacey, M.D. DHMC Cardiothoracic Surgery Lebanon, (603) 650-7390 Past Leading Physician
Colon Rectal Surgery
Top Vote-Getter
Russell Strong, M.D. Concord Concord Surgical Associates 246 Pleasant St., # 205 Concord, (603) 224-0584 Medical School: University of Illinois College of Medicine Chicago, Ill., 1987 Past Top Doctor
Other Leading Physicians
Jeffrey Harnsberger, M.D. Elliot/DHMC Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center Manchester (603) 695-2840 Past Top Doctor
Lawrence Hoepp, M.D. CMC/Elliot General Surgical Specialists of New England Manchester, (603) 627-1102 Past Top Doctor
Ear, Nose, Throat Surgery
Top Vote-Getter
James Bartels, M.D. CMC/Elliot/PMC Ear, Nose & Throat Specialists of Southern NH 30 Canton St. Manchester, (603) 622-3623 Medical School: University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, N.Y., 1982 Past Top Doctor
Other Leading Physicians
Jeffrey Byer, M.D. SJH Ear, Nose & Throat Physicians Nashua, (603) 595-4800 Past Top Doctor
Brett Steven Rankin, M.D. PRH Family Ear Nose and Throat Landmark Hill Kittery, Maine, (207) 351-3525
General Surgery
Top Vote-Getter
Lawrence Hoepp, M.D. CMC/Elliot General Surgical Specialists of New England 184 Tarrytown Rd. Manchester, (603) 627-1102 Medical School: Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pa., 1973 Past Top Doctor
Other Leading Physicians
Joseph P. Meyer, M.D. Concord Hospital Concord Surgical Associates Concord, (603) 224-0584 Past Top Doctor
Connie Campbell, M.D., F.A.C.S. CMC Manchester, (603) 668-3454 Past Leading Physician
Gynecological Surgery
Top Vote-Getters
Valerie A. Bell, M.D., F.A.C.O.G. SNHMC/SJH/DHMC–Nashua 21 East Hollis St. Nashua, (603) 577-4300 Medical School: University of Vermont School of Medicine, Burlington, Vt., 1999
Gary Wasserman, M.D. CMC/Elliot Manchester Obstetrical Associates, P.A. Manchester (603) 622-3162 Medical School: State University of New York in Buffalo School of Medicine, Buffalo, N.Y., 1977 Past Top Doctor and Past Leading Physician
Other Leading Physicians
Mark Conway, M.D., F.A.C.O.G. SJH/SNHMC OB/GYN Associates of Southern New Hampshire Merrimack, (603) 883-3365 Past Top Doctor and Past Leading Physician
Mary Jo Montanarella, M.D. CMC/Elliot Dr. Montanarella & Assoc. Manchester, (603) 624-1638 Past Top Doctor and Past Leading Physician
Hand Surgery
Top Vote-Getter
Jinsong Wang, M.D., Ph.D. BASC/CMC/Elliot New Hampshire Orthopaedic Surgery 700 Lake Ave., # 1 Manchester, (603) 669-5454 Medical School: University of Chicago School of Medicine Chicago, Ill., 1994 Past Top Doctor and Past Leading Physician
Other Leading Physicians
Robert Heaps, M.D. SNHMC/Elliot/CMC/BASC The Orthopedic Center Nashua, (603) 883-0091 Past Top Doctor
Robert E. Eberhart, M.D. PRH Sports Medicine Atlantic Orthopaedics, P.A. Portsmouth, (603) 431-1121
Neurosurgery
Top Vote-Getter
N. Ross Jenkins, M.D. Concord Hospital/CMC/Elliot/PMC/ SNHMC NH NeuroSpine Institute 4 Hawthorne Dr. Bedford, (603) 472-8888 Medical School: Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Conn., 1987 Past Top Doctor
Other Leading Physicians
Theodore R. Jacobs M.D. Elliot/SNHMC/Concord N.H. NeuroSpine Institute Bedford, (603) 472-8888 Past Leading Physician
Carlos A. Palacio, M.D. PRH Coastal New Hampshire Neurosurgeons Portsmouth, (603) 433-4666
Orthopedic Surgery
Top Vote-Getter
Eric Benson, M.D. CMC/Elliot/BASC N.H. Orthopaedic Surgery P.A. 700 Lake Ave., # 1 Manchester, (603) 669-5454 Medical School: University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Mass., 1993 Past Top Doctor and Past Leading Physician
Other Leading Physicians
James Vailas, M.D. CMC/Elliot/PMC/SJH/ SNHMC/BASC The Orthopedic Center Manchester, (603) 695-2870 Past Top Doctor and Past Leading Physician
Thomas V. King, M.D. PRH Knee, Hip and Shoulder Center Medical Office Building Portsmouth (603)431-5858 Past Top Doctor Winner
Plastic/Reconstructive Surgery
Top Vote-Getter
Wayne Stadelmann, M.D., F.A.C.S. Concord/CASC/Elliot/CMC/ New London Stadelmann Plasic Surgery, PC 248 Pleasant St., # 201 Concord (603) 224-5200 Medical School: University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine, Chicago, Ill., 1990
Other Leading Physicians
Bruce Topol, M.D. CMC/Elliot 36 Bay St. Manchester, (603) 622-0900 Past Top Doctor
George Chatson, M.D. SJH/SNHMC Andover/Nashua Plastic Surgery Nashua, (603) 882-2103
Urological Surgery
Top Vote-Getter
John Munoz, M.D. Elliot/CMC Manchester Urology Associates, P.A. 4 Elliot Way, # 200 Manchester, (603) 669-9200 Medical School: University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pa., 1995 Past Leading Physician
Other Leading Physicians
John J. Janeiro M.D. SJH/SNHMC/PMC Urology Center of Southern New Hampshire Nashua, (603) 594-0880 Past Top Doctor
John D. Seigne, M.B. DHMC Lebanon, (603) 650-6052 Past Leading Physician
William Santis, M.D. Concord Hospital/New London/DHMC/Speare Memorial Concord Hospital Center for Urological Care Concord (603) 224-3388 Past Top Doctor and Past Leading Physician
Vascular Surgery
Top Vote-Getter
Lawrence Hoepp, M.D. CMC/Elliot General Surgical Specialists of New England 184 Tarrytown Rd. Manchester, (603) 627-1102 Medical School: Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pa., 1973 Past Top Doctor
Other Leading Physicians
Richard Powell, M.D. DHMC Lebanon, (603) 650-8677 Past Leading Physician
Laurence P. Young, M.D. SNHMC Foundation Vascular Surgery North II Specialty Services Nashua, (603) 577-3070 Past Leading Physician
Readers' Poll: We invited our readers to log onto our Web site and cast their votes.
Primary/Family Practitioner
Julia Burdick, M.D. DH–Concord Concord
Mary Merkel, D.O. SNHMC/DH–Merrimack Merrimack Family Practice Merrimack
Donald M. Mazanowski, M.D. DH–Keene Keene
Richard Lefleur, M.D. F.A.C.P. Southern NH Internal Medicine Associates Derry
John Foley, D.O. Strafford Medical Associates Dover
Donald McDonah, M.D. Saint Joseph’s Family Medical Center Nashua
John Dipastina, D.O. DH–Concord Concord
Robert Mike-Mayer, M.D. Exeter Family CareExeter
Timothy Pike, D.O. Beacon Internal Medicine PRH Portsmouth
Jeffrey Reisert, D.O. Tenney Mountain Internal Medicine Speare Memorial Hospital Plymouth
Anthony C. Zwaan, M.D. Family Medicine Exeter Hospital Exeter
Thomas Lyng, M.D. Frisbee Hospital Rochester
Brian Claussen, M.D. Family Physicians of Manchester CMC Manchester
Peter Doane, M.D. Newfound Family Practice Bristol
Susan Murray, M.D. Woodbury Family Practice PRH Newington
Mark Rholl, M.D. Bedford Family Practice DH-Bedford DH-Manchester Bedford
Christopher Riccio, M.D., F.A.A.P. Medicine-Pediatrics of Nashua SNHMC Nashua
We also asked readers to submit stories of their own personal "Health Care Heroes."
“Dr. [Donald] Mazanowski has been my family physician for over 20 years. While, fortunately, my family and I have not had any truly serious health situations for which we’ve called on ‘Dr. Maz,’ I feel that he is an extraordinary practitioner deserving of recognition.”
“Dr. [Jeffrey] Reisert has personally called me at home to check on me more than once, and he also called my father after my mother passed away. My parents, in-laws, my husband and my children are all patients of Dr. Reisert’s. He is one of a kind in this day and age. He truly cares about all of his patients.”
“Dr. [Thomas] Lyng goes beyond the call of duty every day. He is a dedicated young physician who cares about his patients and his community.”
“Dr. [John] Ford will call you himself to check on your well-being after he sees you. In some cases he will give you his home phone number for a real emergency. He is very kind and listens to his patients. He never treats a patient like a nuisance.”
“This husband/wife team [Drs. Timothy and Kathleen Fisher] is phenomenal. He delivers your baby and she provides the care for the little one. As far as knowledge and especially caring, these doctors are unexcelled. Not sure where they came from, but N.H. is a better place for their being here.”
Top Doctor >> Infectious Disease Dr. David Itkin
Why medicine? Why this specialty?
Infectious Disease medicine is a complex, ever-evolving science that is, in essence, the ongoing conflict between man and microbe. I am able to apply this science to a human, one-on-one level that cuts across all areas of medicine. It allows me to see a vast array of challenging clinical problems. It is never boring.
Most rewarding aspect of your work?
The most rewarding aspect of my work is seeing a patient through a serious, life-threatening illness, and knowing that I made a difference.
Most difficult aspect?
The most difficult aspect of my work is informing a patient or family when there is nothing left to offer diagnostically or therapeutically. Be it a terminal illness or a non-life-threatening chronic symptom complex, these discussions are never easy and need to be done in a relaxed, open, honest and sensitive manner.
What makes a great doctor?
The qualities that I see in the physicians that I most admire are humility and the ability to listen. Those that have these qualities, practice their craft at a high level and go the extra distance for their patients are great doctors, in my eyes.
How do you put patients at ease?
Patients need to know that they are being heard. They need the time and space to express themselves. Humor is an important part of my approach.
Any misconceptions about your specialty?
The danger. With the use of hand hygiene and appropriate barrier precautions, I can confidently protect myself from contagious diseases.
Exciting development in your field?
The ability to control the progression of HIV infection has been the most remarkable development during my career. Emerging infectious diseases and antimicrobial resistance will remain ongoing challenges.
Top Doctor >> Breast Surgery Dr. Teresa Ponn
Why medicine? Why this specialty?
Medicine is still at heart a service industry and surgery combines the chance to be intellectually curious and physically busy. Surgeons are ‘doers’ and for me breast surgery is such a custom disease, it never becomes rote or boring. I love being able to teach and guide patients through a difficult and emotionally charged journey. I chose breast surgery because most of my patients do well and I get to see them regularly after they’ve been through multidisciplinary treatment.
Most difficult aspect?
It is never easy telling someone she has breast cancer. That moment changes her life forever — sometimes for the worse and, actually, sometimes for the better. I want my patients to know I will be there for them throughout their journey.
What do you do to relieve stress and leave work behind?
I love the game of golf — it provides the relaxation I need to recharge.
Exciting development in your field?
There are many new developments from newer methods of diagnosis — MRI, BSGI (breast-specific gamma imaging), digital mammography, 3D ultrasound — to new methods of treatment — oncoplastic surgery, partial breast irradiation, introperative irradiation — and, always, new drugs in oncology.
What can patients bring to the patient/doctor equation?
Patients should bring a willingness to learn about their condition and hopefully trust in their physician. We are educators and our job is to make sure our patients understand as much as they need to help themselves and make informed choices.
Top Doctor >> General/Family Practice Dr. Mary Merkel
Why medicine? Why this specialty?
I came at it in a non-traditional way. I was an English major in college and have always had a keen interest in people’s stories — I realized that I would experience people’s lives with them in a unique way as their doctor. Family medicine was the best fit because you care for patients during all phases of life. I also really enjoy taking care of multiple generations within a family.
Most rewarding aspect of your work?
I love to see someone make meaningful change with her own effort — whether it is weight loss or quitting smoking or learning to put herself first. While making a correct diagnosis or choosing the right medical therapy is satisfying, it is so much more rewarding when patients see their own hard work pay off.
Most difficult aspect?
It can be very difficult when a patient dies — especially one you have cared for through health and illness. The daily challenge for me is to watch anyone suffer because he is stuck in a bad pattern and cannot get out. I doubt patients understand how hard that can be for their doctor.
What makes a great doctor?
Listening to the patient is critical regardless of your specialty.
Any misconceptions about your specialty?
We know that listening is critical to good primary care and that the best care comes from time spent with patients, taking a thorough history and educating them. However, healthcare policy and funding are not consistent with what we all read and are taught. The system does not encourage doctors to take the time to listen.
What do you do to relieve stress and leave work behind?
I spend time with my husband and 19-month-old daughter. Kate and I enjoy getting outside with our dog for a walk almost every day when I get home. I like to cook and work in the garden when I can.
What can patients bring to the patient/doctor equation?
Honesty. If we don’t know the whole story, it is very hard for us to be helpful.
Top Doctor >> Cardiology Dr. Lou Fink
What kinds of procedures do you perform most often?
Cardiac catheterizations and intra-coronary stenting.
What makes a great doctor?
A great doctor is compassionate, intelligent, technically skilled and detail-oriented; however, a great doctor is only as great as the team of healthcare providers that supports him or her.
Rx for staying healthy:
Choose your parents carefully. Seriously, eat a heart healthy diet, exercise regularly and if you have diabetes, hypertension, cholesterol problems or obesity, treat these problems aggressively. Also, don’t smoke.
What do you do to relieve stress and leave work behind?
Playing classical piano, exercising, reading for pleasure and enjoying family activities such as hiking and traveling.
Do you have a motto or philosophy?
Always treat and respect patients as you’d want them to do if the roles of physician and patient were reversed.
Most rewarding aspect of your work?
l) Following patients longitudinally and seeing how dramatically their lives have improved because of the therapies we’ve provided and 2) performing life-saving interventions in the cath lab for patients experiencing acute heart attacks.
Top Doctor >> Plastic Reconstructive Surgery Dr. Wayne Stadelmann
Why medicine? Why this specialty?
I decided to pursue plastic surgery first and medicine second! One day in college I was studying in the science library and going through the “stacks” looking at various journals. I happened upon the “Journal of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery” and became immediately captivated by the prospects that this specialty could offer. At that moment I decided to pursue medicine.
The most rewarding aspect of your work?
I love seeing good outcomes and the positive effect good outcomes have on my patients. Hearing a patient say “Thank you, Dr. Stadelmann” is immensely gratifying whether it comes from a cosmetic patient or someone who has a reconstructive procedure.
Most difficult aspect?
The hardest aspect of my job is sharing the news of a cancer diagnosis and the spread of cancer. I treat a large number of patients with melanoma and their disease process is sometimes more extensive than predicted.
What kind of procedures do you perform most often?
I do a wide range of procedures but the most common are breast operations for reconstruction and augmentation. I perform a large number of tummy tucks and liposuction procedures. Melanoma care is also a passion of mine.
What is the trickiest procedure to perform?
Probably a facelift.
What makes a great doctor?
Never losing your perspective and your sense of humanity. Our jobs as caregivers should never be allowed to become routine or mundane. And always treat every patient as someone’s daughter, son, wife, husband, mother or father.
Any misconceptions about your specialty?
Plastic surgery is so much more than a nip and tuck. I am always amazed when patients and friends say “Wow, you do that?!”
Exciting development in your field?
Facial transplantation and the use of compposite allografts to do complex reconstructive procedures.
What do people need to understand about medicine?
Medicine is a two way street that requires mutual cooperation and respect. A good results are easiest to achieve if the patient and physicain work together toward a common goal.
Do you have a motto or philosophy?
“A more perfect you”
Survey Question
We asked the doctors surveyed to answer the following question: Name your favorite doctor from fiction, television or movies and your favorite health-related novel or film.
The favorite TV show among doctors is “House.”
“M*A*S*H” is a close second. Hawkeye Pierce is the favorite character.
“ER” and two of its main characters, Dr. Doug Ross (played by George Clooney) and Dr. Mark Green, were other favorites.
Other Popular Film and TV Doctors:
Quincy, M.D. Dr. Donald Westphall from “St. Elsewhere”
“Gifted Hands: The Ben Carson Story”
Characters from “Friends” • Dr. Ross Geller • Dr. Drake Ramoray (Joey’s soap opera character)
Characters from “Scrubs” • Dr. Dorian • Dr. Cox
Dr. Joe Gannon from “Medical Center”
Dr. Kildare
“The Andromeda Strain”
Dr. Marcus Welby
“Philadelphia”
Doc Baker of “Little House on the Prairie”
Dr. Zhivago
Characters from “Grey’s Anatomy” • Dr. Shepherd, aka McDreamy
“Private Practice”
Dr. Huxtable
Doogie Howser
Dr. Doolittle
Dr. Nick Riviera from the “Simpsons”
Dr. Spock
Dr. Strangelove
Joel Fleischman from “Northern Exposure”
Mark Sloan from “Diagnostic Murder”
Robert Rey from “90210”
Literary Characters
Dr. Watson and Sherlock Holmes in the novels by Sir Arthur C. Doyle
Stephen Maturin from the Patrick O’Brien novels
Books
“House of God” by Samuel Shem was the overwhelmingly favorite novel.
“Coma” by Robin Cook was mentioned second most.
Other Popular Books
“My Own Country” Dr. Abraham Verghese
“An Irish Country Doctor” by Patrick Taylor (Dr. Barry Laverty)
“Spark” by John Ratey, M.D.
“Mount Misery” by Samuel Shem
“The Making of a Surgeon” by Dr. William Nolen
“The World I Made for Her” by Thomas Moran
“The Demon in the Freezer” by Richard Preston
“Mountains Beyond Mountains” by Tracy Kidder
Robertson Davies author of “The Cunning Man”
Survey Question
We asked the Doctor’s surveyed to answer the following question: What one thing could President Obama do that would make health care much better?
30% Make health care universal and affordable for all
20% Malpractice/tort reform
15% Establish a single payer system
10% Put more emphasis/provide better coverage for preventative health care
10% Provide better reimbursement for primary care physicians and pediatricians
5% Better regulate insurance and pharmaceutical companies
5% Include doctors in the discussion
5% Miscellaneous suggestions
“Listen to practicing and rural physicians, not health care advocates or leaders or only organized medicine such as multi-specialty clinics.”
“Do not involve insurance companies in providing health care coverage; give doctors more roles in the decision-making process.”
“Reduce red tape and bureaucracy for physicians and hospitals.”
“Make insurance companies nonprofit.”
“Fund a study to figure out if cost benefits of universal health care exist.”
“Increase pay to primary care doctors and increase the number of jobs for PCPs so everyone has a PCP.”
“Talk about rationing health care, especially for the terminally ill.”
“Rein in malpractice lawsuits so doctors don’t have to practice ‘defensive’ medicine.”
“Standardized health care database.”
“Require doctors to post the cost for their 20 most common procedures/exams on a Web site.”
“Resign.”
“Nothing. Fix other problems first like the economy.”
“Get government out of health care.”
“Cap the cost of drugs to make them affordable.”
“Fix Medicare.”
“Put the power of understanding their coverage into the patients’ own hands.”
Survey Question
We asked the doctors surveyed to answer the following question: What one thing could President Obama do that would make health care much worse?
40% Do nothing
15% Socialize medicine
10% Increase the role of government
10% Give more power and control to insurance and pharmaceutical companies
10% Cut Medicare payments for primary care doctors
5% Ignore tort reform
5% Try to nationalize health care
5% Miscellaneous suggestions
“Continue current status, a ‘market system’ where consumers and physicians are not conscious of costs.”
“Doing nothing would invite disaster.”
“Believe that the government can run it (or anything).”
“Try to nationalize it.”
“Creating a universal health care system like the English or Canadian system.”
“Allow Medicare payments to continue to decline, which would decrease the ability to care for our aging population.”
“Reduce Medicare and Medicaid funding to hospitals and physicians — this will make it harder for many hospitals and physicians to care for the under-insured”
“Sweeping changes without careful input from medical societies.”
“Build ‘health reform’ around the current inefficient and exclusionary private insurance system.”
“Try to save the insurance and pharmaceutical companies.”
“Spend significant money to provide government-run universal coverage while reducing the quality and availability of services for all.”
“Let insurance companies dictate parameters of treatment.”
“Allow malpractice claims to accelerate by not restricting upper limits in settlements for pain and suffering.”
“Anything increasing bureaucratic load in the health care field.”
“Make it difficult for doctors who work long hours not to have increased financial gain.”
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