Top Doctors 2008

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, this year we list our top doctors along with several other leading physicians in each specialty.

We’ve profiled several of the top vote-getters to help explain the challenges and rewards of medicine, and we include replies from doctors to two questions we asked on the poll.

The ListHere’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 42 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)LebanonBedford Ambulatory Surgical Center (BASC)Catholic Medical Center (CMC) Manchester Cheshire Medical Center/Dartmouth-Hitchcock Keene (Cheshire/DHK) KeeneConcord Ambulatory Surgery Center (CASC)Concord Hospital (Concord)Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center (DHMC)LebanonElliot Hospital (Elliot)ManchesterExeter Hospital (Exeter)Franklin Regional Hospital (FRH)Frisbie Memorial Hospital (Frisbie)RochesterNew London Hospital(New London)Parkland Medical Center (PMC) DerryPortsmouth Regional Hospital (PRH)Southern New Hampshire Medical Center (SNHMC)NashuaSpeare Memorial Hospital (Speare)PlymouthSt. Joseph Hospital (SJH)NashuaWentworth-Douglass Hospital (WD) DoverAllergy Immunology John Kalliel, M.D.CMC/Elliot Manchester Allergy Inc.765 S. Main St.Manchester, (603) 668-6444Medical School: Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Mass., 1982Past Top Doctors WinnerOther Leading Physicians:Steven Grandgeorge, M.D.DHMC/ManchesterManchester, (603) 695-2560Pediatric Allergy and Clinical Immunology at Children’s Hospital at Dartmouth (CHaD)Robert W. Hickey, M.D.PRHPortsmouth, (603) 436-5110Allergy Associates of N.H.Portsmouth, (603) 436-7897Anesthesiology Paul Del Giudice, M.D.CMC/BASC Anesthesia Care Group195 McGregor St.Manchester, (603) 647-9325Medical School: Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Mass.,1979Past Top Doctors WinnerOther Leading Physicians:Steven J. Hattamer, M.D. SNHMC Nashua Anesthesia PartnersNashua, (603) 889-2624Alan Mekler, M.D.Elliot Amoskeag Anesthesia PLLCManchester, (603) 663-2315CardiologyRobert M. Lavery, M.D. Elliot/CMCN.H. Cardiology ConsultantsOne Elliot Way, Suite 100Manchester, (603) 627-1669Medical School: Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Md., 1976Past Top Doctors WinnerOther Leading Physicians:Peter Klementowicz, M.D., FACCSJH/CMCNew England Heart InstituteManchester, (603) 668-3545New England Heart InstituteNashua, (603) 883-5673Andrew Torkelson, M.D. DHMC/New LondonLebanon, (603) 650-5724Past Top Doctors WinnerDermatologySteven Del Giudice, M.D.Concord Hospital250 Pleasant St.(603) 226-6119Joined Staff In: 1989Medical School: Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, 1981Past Top Doctors WinnerOther Leading Physicians:Thomas P. Habif, M.D.PRHJackson-Gray Medical BuildingPortsmouth, (603) 431-5205Robert Posnick, M.D.SNHMCNashua Dermatology AssociatesNashua, (603) 579-9648Past Top Doctors WinnerJohn A. Watson, M.D. SNHMCNashua, (603) 577-4260Dartmouth-Hitchcock NashuaEmergency CareJoseph Leahy, D.O. SNHMC8 Prospect St.Nashua, (603) 577-2000Medical School: University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine, Biddeford, Maine, 1992Past Top Doctors WinnerOther Leading Physicians: Donavon Albertson, M.D., F.A.C.E.P. PRHPortsmouth, (603) 436-5110Past Top Doctors WinnerPeter Blume, M.D. ConcordConcord Emergency Medical AssociatesConcord, (603) 225-2711Michael Lynch, M.D.ConcordConcord, (603) 225-2711Past Top Doctors WinnerNorman Yanofsky, M.D. DHMCLebanon, (603) 650-7000Past Top Doctors WinnerEndocrinologyRobert Levine, M.D. F.A.C.E.SJHOffice of Doctor LevineThyroid Center of New Hampshire5 Coliseum Ave.Nashua, (603) 881-7141Medical School: University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, Conn., 1981Past Top Doctors WinnerOther Leading Physicians:Richard J. Comi, M.D. DHMCLebanon, (603) 650-8630Past Top Doctors WinnerJohn H. Turco, M.D. DHMCLebanon, (603) 650-8630End of Life CareIra R. Byock, M.D.DHMCPalliative Medicine One Medical Center DriveLebanon, (603) 650-5402Medical School: University of Colorado School of Medicine, Denver, Co., 1978Past Top Doctors WinnerOther Leading Physicians:Donald McDonah, M.D. SJHSJ Family Medical CenterNashua, (603) 891-4804Diane M. Palac, M.D. DHMCGeneral Internal MedicineLebanon, (603) 653-9500GastroenterologyTimothy Scherer, M.DSNHMC/DHMCDartmouth-Hitchcock Nashua (603) 577-4081Medical School: State University of New York, Brooklyn, N.Y., 1996Past Top Doctors WinnerOther Leading Physicians: Daniel L Rath, M.DCHESHIRE/DHKKeene, (603) 354-5400Mark Silversmith, M.D.BASC/CMC/Elliot N.H. Gastroenterology, Inc.Manchester, (603) 625-5744Past Top Doctors WinnerGeriatricsBeverly Jean (B.J.) Entwisle, M.D.Concord Capital Region Family Health Center250 Pleasant St.Concord, (603) 228-7200Medical School: Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, 1984Past Top Doctors Winner Other Leading Physicians:Ken Dolkart, M.D.SNHMCNashua Ctr. for Healthy AgingNashua, (603) 577-3080Past Top Doctors WinnerSamuel Goldman, D.O. Elliot Senior Health Primary Care Elliot Senior Health CenterManchester, (603) 663-7030Diane Palac, M.D.DHMCGeneral Internal MedicineLebanon, (603) 653-9500Harry Ward, M.D., F.A.C.P.SJHThe Roger Dionne, M.D. Senior CenterNashua, (603) 595-3722General/Family PracticeLouis Rosenthall, M.D.Dartmouth-Hitchcock Concord253 Pleasant St.Concord, (603) 226-6108Medical School: Boston University School of Medicine, 1971Joined Staff: August 16, 1976Other Leading Physicians:Kevin M. Donovan, D.O.Frisbie Rochester(603) 332-5211Rochester Hill Family PracticeRochester, (603) 335-2401Sarah J. MacDuffie, D.O.PRHPortsmouth Family PracticePortsmouth, (603) 431-2516GynecologyMark Conway, M.D.SJH/SNHMCOB/GYN Associates of Southern New Hampshire30 Daniel Webster Hwy.Merrimack, (603) 883-3365Medical School: New York Medical College, Valhalla, NYOther Leading Physicians:Leslie DeMars, M.D.DHMCLebanon, (603) 653-3530Past Top Doctors WinnerKaren Maynard, M.D.SNHMCWomen’s Care of Nashua(603) 577-3100Past Top Doctors WinnerGary Wasserman, M.D.CMC/Elliot Manchester Obstetrical Associates, P.A.(603) 622-3162Past Top Doctors WinnerGynecological OncologyLeslie DeMars, M.D.DHMCOne Medical Center Dr.Lebanon, (603) 653-3530Medical School: University of Vermont College of Medicine, Burlington, Vt., 1987Past Top Doctors WinnerOther Leading Physicians:Cynthia Rasmussen, M.D., F.A.C.O.GSNHMCEvery Woman GynecologyNashua, (603) 577-3170Past Top Doctors WinnerKathryn M. Vargo, M.D.APDMHWomen’s Care CenterLebanon, (603) 448-3996Newport Women’s Care Center, NewportHematology OncologyJames D. O’Shea, M.D.SNHMCOncology/Hematology10 Prospect St., Nashua(603) 886-7900Medical School: University of Rochester School of Medicine, Rochester, N.Y. Joined Staff in 1988Other Leading Physicians:Denis Hammond, M.D.CMC/Concord/Elliot/Exeter/LRGH/PMCN.H. Oncology-Hematology PAHooksett, (603) 622-6484Past Top Doctors WinnerGautami Rao, M.D.SNHMC/SJH/CMC/ElliotDHMC Norris Cotton CenterManchester, (603) 629-1828Nashua, (603) 577-3460Past Top Doctors WinnerInfectious Disease Michael Strampfer, M.D., F.A.C.P.SNHMC/SJH/CMC/ElliotInfectious Disease Associates/Travel Clinic10 Prospect St.Nashua, (603) 595-1305Medical School: State University of N.Y. Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, N.Y., 1981Past Top Doctors WinnerOther Leading Physicians:Elizabeth Clark, M.D.SJH/SNHMCInfectious Disease AssociatesNashua, (603) 595-1305Past Top Doctors WinnerDavid Itkin, M.D.Exeter/PortsmouthSeacoast Infectious Disease AssociatesPortsmouth, (603) 433-8733Past Top Doctors WinnerInternal MedicinePaul Clark, M.D.Concord 250 Pleasant St.Concord, (603) 224-4003Medical School: University of Massachusetts Medical Center, Worcester, Mass., 1979Past Top Doctors WinnerOther Leading Physicians:Charles F. CarrierCMC Queen City Medical AssociatesManchester, (603) 625-6198Thomas N. Decker, M.D.WDHStrafford Medical AssociatesDover Professional CenterDover, (603) 742-3664Gregory Kaupp, M.D., F.A.A.P.SNHMCMedicine-Pediatrics of NashuaNashua, (603) 889-2847Phillip Finocchiaro, M.D.CMC Granite State Internal Medicine, (603) 206-1380NephrologySean Fitzpatrick, M.D.SNHMC/SJH/PMCNashua Nephrology38 Tyler St.Nashua,(603) 882-2921Medical School: Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Mass., 1989Past Top Doctors WinnerOther Leading Physicians: Clay A. Block, M.D.DHMCNephrologyLebanon, (603) 653-3830Charles Kert, M.D.SNHMC/SJH/PMC Nashua NephrologyNashua, (603) 882-2921Past Top Doctors WinnerNeurology Robert Thies, M.D.CMC/ElliotNeurology Associates769 S Main St.Manchester, (603) 669-0859Medical School: Cornell University Medical College, New York, N.Y., 1976Past Top Doctors WinnerOther Leading Physicians:Mildred LaFontaine, M.D.Concord HospitalNeurology AssociatesPillsbury BuildingConcord, (603) 224-6691Past Top Doctors WinnerKeith J. McAvoy, M.D.Elliot HospitalDartmouth Hitchcock BedfordBedford, (603) 695-2940ObstetricsKaren Maynard, M.D., F.A.C.O.G.SNHMCWomen’s Care of Nashua19 Tyler St.Nashua, (603) 577-3100Medical School: Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Mass., 1994Past Top Doctors WinnerOther Leading Physicians:Emily R. Baker, M.D.DHMCObstetrics and GynecologyLebanon, (603) 653-9306Past Top Doctors WinnerJeanne Johnson, M.D.CMCBedford Women’s Care Associates, P.A.Bedford, (603) 647-0494Past Top Doctors WinnerMary Jo Montanarella, M.D.CMC/ElliotDr. Montanarella & Assoc.Manchester, (603) 624-1638Past Top Doctors WinnerJanet Perkins, M.D.WDHGarrison Women’s Health CenterDover, (603) 742-0101OphthalmologyGeorge Shaker, M.D.Elliot/CMCBellows, Goodman, Shaker, & Siegal Medical Eye Center250 River Rd.Manchester, (603) 668-2020Medical School: University of Rochester School of Medicine, Rochester, N.Y., 1989Past Top Doctors WinnerOther Leading Physicians:Erin Fogel, M.D.Concord The Eye Center of ConcordConcord, (603) 228-1104Christie Morse, M.D.Concord Concord Eye Care, P.C.Pillsbury BuildingConcord, (603) 224-2020Past Top Doctors WinnerMatthew Norman, M.D., F.A.C.S.PRHSeacoast OphthalmologyPortsmouth, (603) 436-7485Past Top Doctors WinnerPatrick J. Riddle, M.D.SNHMCNashua Eye Associates, P.A.Nashua, (603) 882-9800OtolaryngologyJames Bartels, M.D.CMC/Elliot/PMCEar Nose & Throat Specialists of Southern New Hampshire30 Canton St.Manchester, (603) 622-3623Medical School: University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry,Rochester, N.Y., 1982Past Top Doctors WinnerOther Leading Physicians:Jeffrey Byer, M.D.SJHEar, Nose & Throat PhysiciansNashua, (603) 595-4800Ear, Nose & Throat PhysiciansManchester, (603) 669-0831Benoit J. Gosselin, MDDHMCOtolaryngologyLebanon, (603) 650-8112Gifford Medical CenterRandolph, Vt., (802) 728-2454John M. O’Day, M.D., F.A.C.S.WDH/FrisbieHead/Neck Specialty Grp.Somersworth, (603) 692-4500Donald V. Wilson, M.D.Cheshire Medical CenterDH-KeeneKeene, (603) 354-5496PathologyDavid Donsker, M.D.Exeter/Anna Jaques, Newburyport, M.A. Seacoast Pathology, P.A.1 Hampton Rd.Exeter, (603) 778-8522Medical School: University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, 1974Past Top Doctors WinnerOther Leading Physicians:Cheryl Ennis, M.D.SNHMC/SJHNashua Pathology, PA(603) 577-2845Past Top Doctors WinnerMichael Gold, M.D.SNHMCNashua Pathology, P.A.Nashua, (603) 889-4431Alan R. Schned, M.D.DHMCPathologyLebanon, (603) 650-7211 J. Samuel SmootElliot/Monadnock Community HospitalPathology Specialists of New England, P.A.Manchester, (603) 663-2583Pediatrics Christian Hallowell, M.D.Dartmouth-Hitchcock Concord253 Pleasant St.Concord, (603) 226-6100Medical School: Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, 1973Joined Staff: July 1982Past Top Doctors WinnerOther Leading Physicians:Andrew J. Breen, M.D.PRHPediatric Associates of HamptonHampton, (603) 929-3838Patricia Campbell, D.O.Cheshire/DHKKeene, (603) 354-5400Past Top Doctors WinnerEmory Kaplan, M.D.SNHMCKaplan & McNamee PediatricsNashua, (603) 595-7388Past Top Doctors WinnerSteven P. Loh, M.D.Exeter Exeter Pediatric AssociatesSaltonstall Medical Building Exeter, (603) 772-8900Past Top Doctors WinnerPodiatryRaef Fahmy, D.P.M., F.A.C.F.A.S.BASC/CMC/Elliot/CheshireAssociates in Podiatry18 Constitution Dr. Ste. 2Bedford, (603) 669-2188Medical School: Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine, 1987Past Top Doctors WinnerOther Leading Physicians:David Court, D.P.MDHMC/Concord – OrthopaedicsDartmouth-Hitchcock Nashua Nashua (603) 577-4340; Dartmouth-Hitchcock Concord, (603) 224-5522James Dolan, D.P.M.Exeter Integrated Orthopedics, (603) 418-0777Past Top Doctors WinnerAnna Ruelle, D.P.M.Cheshire/DHKKeene, (603) 354-5400Past Top Doctors Winner James P. Wilton, D.P.M., F.A.C.F.A.S., C.W.S.PRHFoot Surgery and Sports MedicineSeacoast Foot Surgery AssociatesJackson-Gray Medical Bldg.Portsmouth, (603) 430-8505Pulmonary DiseasesWilliam Goodman, M.D., F.C.C.P., M.P.H.SNHMCNashua Pulmonary Medical AssociatesNorth II Specialty Services8 Prospect St.Nashua, (603) 886-0290Medical School: Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Mass.Joined Staff: 1995Past Top Doctors WinnerOther Leading Physicians:Steve Imgrund, M.D.ConcordConcord Hospital Pulmonary Medicine, (603) 224-9661Past Top Doctors WinnerHarold L. Manning, M.D.DHMCPulmonary and Critical Care MedicineLebanon, (603) 650-5533PsychiatryWassfy M. Hanna, M.D PRHSeacoast Mental Health Ctr.1145 Sagamore Ave.Portsmouth, (603) 431-6703278 Lafayette RoadPortsmouth, (603) 436-6887Medical School: Cairo University School of Medicine, Cairo, EgyptOther Leading Physicians:James Antisdel, M.D.CMCAmoskeag Psychiatric & Psychotherapy AssociatesManchester, (603) 668-0016Past Top Doctors WinnerKarl Lanocha, M.D.Concord Psychiatry Associates (603) 228-7100Past Top Doctors WinnerDonald A. West, M.D.DHMC Dartmouth-Hitchcock Psychiatric AssociatesLebanon, (603) 650-7075RadiologyGerald Smith, M.D.ConcordX-Ray Professional Association2 1/2 Beacon St.Concord, (603) 228-1521Medical School: University of Maryland School of Medicine, 1972Past Top Doctors WinnerOther Leading Physicians: Robert F. Oot, M.D.SNHMCAssociated Radiologists, P.A.Nashua, (603) 883- 4636Past Top Doctors WinnerO. Robert Stevens, M.D.PRHPortsmouth Radiological Associates, P.A.Lafayette Professional Ctr.Portsmouth, (603) 436-5569Rehabilitation/ Physical Medicine Barry Gendron, D.O.PRH/WDSeacoast Area Physiatry2064 Woodbury Ave.Newington, (603) 431-5529Medical School: University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine, Biddeford, Maine 1989Past Top Doctors WinnerOther Leading Physicians:Nancy A. Bagley, M.D.DHMCPhysical Medicine & RehabilitationLebanon, (603) 650-6330Edward Kois, M.D.SNHMCWilliam E. Kois MDNashua, (603) 821-5613Past Top Doctors WinnerReproductive MedicineMisty Blanchette Porter, M.D.DHMCObstetrics and GynecologyOne Medical Center DriveLebanon, (603) 653-9240Medical School: Dartmouth Medical School, Lebanon, N.H., 1989Past Top Doctors WinnerOther Leading Physicians:Joseph Albert Hill, III, M.D.PRHFertility Center of New EnglandPortsmouth, (603) 501-4500Paul Manganiello, M.D.DHMCLebanon, (603) 653-9240Past Top Doctors WinnerRobert Sasso, M.D.Concord Women’s Reproductive Health & FertilityConcord, (603) 228-7308RheumatologyHoke Shirley, M.D.Concord/New LondonConcord Orthopaedics264 Pleasant St. Concord(603) 224-3368Medical School: Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, La., 1982Past Top Doctors WinnerOther Leading Physicians:Lin A. Brown, M.D. RheumatologyDHMCLebanon, (603) 650-8622Christopher J. Lynch, M.D.Elliot/CMC/Manchester VA HospitalRheumatologyManchester, (603) 625-2775Past Top Doctors WinnerJohn H. Yost, D.O.Dartmouth-Hitchcock ManchesterManchester, (603) 695-2550DHMCAdult & Pediatric RheumatologyLebanon, (603) 650-8622Sports MedicineJohn O’Connor, M.D.ConcordConcord Orthopaedics, P.A.264 Pleasant St.Concord, (603) 224-3368Medical School: Harvard Medical School, 1982Joined Staff: 1987Other Leading Physicians:Charles F. Carr, M.D.DHMCOrthopaedic SurgeryLebanon, (603) 650-7788Josh Siegel, M.D.Exeter/PRH/Northeast Surgical CareAccess Sports Medicine and OrthoExeter, (603) 775-7575Past Top Doctors WinnerJames Vailas, M.D.CMC/Elliot/PMC/SJH/SNHMC/BASC The Orthopedic Center Manchester, (603) 695-2870Past Top Doctors WinnerSurgery:Breast SurgeryEdward Dalton, M.D., F.A.C.SElliotElliot Breast Health Center 275 Mammoth Rd.Manchester, (603) 668-3067Medical School: St. Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Mo., 1970Past Top Doctors WinnerOther Leading Physicians:Richard Barth DHMCGeneral SurgeryLebanon, (603) 650-9479Norris Cotton Cancer Center Past Top Doctors WinnerHelen M. Corbett, M.D. F.A.C.S.SNHMCFoundation SurgeryNorth II Specialty ServicesNashua, (603) 882-8375Diane P. Palladino, M.D.ExeterCore Surgical SpecialtiesExeter, (603) 775-7405Kari M. Rosenkranz, M.D.DHMCGeneral SurgeryLebanon, (603) 650-9479Dartmouth-Hitchcock ManchesterCancer Services (Norris Cotton Cancer Ctr. at CMC)Cardiac Thoracic SurgeryBenjamin Westbrook, M.D.CMC/Elliot/PMCCardiothoracic Surgical Associates, P.A. 100 McGregor St.Manchester, (603) 663-6340Medical School: University of South Alabama College of Medicine, Mobile, Ala., 1979Past Top Doctors WinnerOther Leading Physicians:David C. Charlesworth, M.D., F.A.C.S.CMCNew England Heart Institute(603) 663-6888Past Top Doctors WinnerLawrence Dacey, M.D.DHMCCardiothoracic SurgeryLebanon, (603) 650-7390David W. Johnstone, M.D.DHMCCardiothoracic SurgeryLebanon, (603) 650-8537Donato A. Sisto, M.D., F.A.C.S.PRHCardiothoracic SurgeryCoastal Cardiothoracic & Vascular AssociatesMedical Office BuildingPortsmouth, (603) 559-4111Colon/Rectal Surgery Jeffrey Harnsberger, M.D.Elliot/DHMCDartmouth-Hitchcock Medical CenterManchester, (603) 695-2840Medical School: Medical College of Ohio, Toledo, Ohio, 1987 Past Top Doctors WinnerOther Leading Physicians:Russell Strong, M.D.Concord Concord Surgical AssociatesConcord, (603) 224-0584Past Top Doctors WinnerJohn E. Sutton, Jr., M.D.DHMCGeneral SurgeryLebanon, (603) 650-8022Ear, Nose and Throat SurgeryJames Bartels, M.D.CMC/Elliot/PMCEar, Nose & Throat Specialists of Southern NH30 Canton St.Manchester, (603) 622-3623Medical School: University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY, 1982Joined Hospital Staff: 1987Past Top Doctors WinnerOther Leading Physicians:Jeffrey Byer, M.D.SJHEar, Nose & Throat PhysiciansNashua, (603) 595-4800Past Top Doctors WinnerJoseph A. Paydarfar, M.D.DHMCOtolaryngologyLebanon, (603) 650-8112DHMC/ManchesterManchesterCancer Services (Norris Cotton Cancer Ctr. at CMC)General Surgery Lawrence Hoepp, M.D.CMC/ElliotGeneral Surgical Specialists of New England184 Tarrytown Rd.Manchester, (603) 627-1102Medical School: Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pa., 1973Past Top Doctors WinnerOther Leading Physicians:Connie Campbell, M.D., F.A.C.S.CMCManchester, (603) 668-3454Michael Remar, M.D.SJHNashua, (603) 598-0455Gynecological SurgeryLeslie DeMars, M.D.DHMCOne Medical Center DriveLebanon, (603) 653-3530Medical School: University of Vermont College of Medicine, Burlington, Vt., 1987Past Top Doctors WinnerOther Leading Physicians:Mark Conway, M.D., F.A.C.O.G.SJH/SNHMCOB/GYN Associates of Southern New HampshireMerrimack, (603) 883-3365Gary Wasserman, M.D.CMC/Elliot Manchester Obstetrical Associates, P.A.(603) 622-3162Past Top Doctors WinnerHand Surgery Robert Heaps, M.D.SNHMC/Elliot/CMC/BASCThe Orthopedic Center17 Riverside St. Suite 101Nashua, (603) 883-0091Medical School: Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, D.C., 1989Past Top Doctors WinnerOther Leading Physicians:Paul C. Bettinger, M.D.Cheshire/DHKKeene, (603) 354-5482Jinsong Wang, M.D., Ph.D.BASC/CMC/ElliotNew Hampshire Orthopaedic SurgeryManchester, (603) 669-5454Past Top Doctors Winner Neurosurgery N. Ross Jenkins, M.D.Concord/CMC/Elliot/PMC/SNHMCNH NeuroSpine Institute4 Hawthorne Dr.Bedford, (603) 472-8888Medical School: Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Conn., 1987Past Top Doctors WinnerOther Leading Physicians:Theodore R. Jacobs M.D.Elliot/SNHMC/ConcordN.H. NeuroSpine InstituteBedford, (603) 472-8888David Roberts, M.D.DHMCLebanon, (603) 650-8736Past Top Doctors WinnerOrthopedic SurgeryDouglas Joseph, M.D.SJHThe Orthopedic Center17 Riverside St.Nashua, (603) 883-0091Medical School: University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, Ky.Past Top Doctors WinnerOther Leading Physicians:Eric Benson, M.D.CMC/Elliot/BASCN.H. Orthopaedic Surgery P.A.Manchester, (603) 669-5454Past Top Doctors WinnerCherie A. Holmes, M.D.Cheshire Medical Center/DHKKeene, (603) 354-5482Plastic/Reconstructive SurgeryBruce Topol, M.D.CMC/Elliot36 Bay St.Manchester, (603) 622-0900Medical School: Northwestern University Medical School, Chicago, Ill., 1980Past Top Doctors WinnerOther Leading Physicians:Mark Constantian, M.D., F.A.C.S.SJH/SHMCMark B. Constantian, M.D., P.A.Nashua, (603) 880-7700Past Top Doctors WinnerCharles J. Gaudet, M.D., F.A.C.S.PRHPiscataqua Plastic SurgeryPortsmouth, (603) 431-5488Past Top Doctors WinnerCarolyn L. Kerrigan, M.D., M.S.C.DHMCLebanon, (603) 650-5881Wayne Stadelmann, M.D., F.A.C.S.Concord/CASC/Elliot/CMC/New LondonStadelmann Plastic Surgery, PCConcord, (603) 224-5200 Past Top Doctors WinnerUrological SurgeryJohn J. Janeiro M.D.SJH/SNHMC/PMCUrology Center of Southern New Hampshire17 Riverside St., Ste. # 201Nashua, (603) 883-1550Medical School: University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Mass., 1982Joined Hospital Staff: 1987Past Top Doctors WinnerOther Leading Physicians:John Munoz, M.D.Elliot/CMCManchester Urology Associates, P.A.Manchester, (603) 669-9200William Santis, M.D.Concord/New London/DHMC/Speare MemorialConcord Hospital Center for Urological Care,250 Pleasant St.,(603) 224-3388Past Top Doctors WinnerJohn D. Seigne, MBDHMCUrologyLebanon, (603) 650-6052Vascular SurgeryLawrence Hoepp, M.D.CMC/ElliotGeneral Surgical Specialists of New England184 Tarrytown Rd.Manchester, (603) 627-1102Medical School: Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pa., 1973Past Top Doctors WinnerOther Leading Physicians:Joseph Meyer, M.D.ConcordConcord Surgical AssociatesConcord, (603) 224-0584Richard Powell, M.D.DHMCLebanon, (603) 650-8677Laurence P. Young, M.D.SNHMC Foundation Vascular SurgeryNorth II Specialty ServicesNashua, (603) 577-3070The most rewarding aspect? Operating on patients and watching them get better.”
— Dr. Benjamin Westbrook, CMC, Elliot, PMC and Cardiothoracic Surgical Associates, P.A.

WHY MEDICINE? WHY THIS SPECIALTY?
Great opportunity to help the less fortunate. Cardiovascular and Thoracic surgery is a dynamic specialty.

MOST REWARDING ASPECT OF YOUR WORK?
Operating on patients and watching them get better.

MOST DIFFICULT ASPECT?
The business of medicine.

WHAT KINDS OF SURGERIES DO YOU PERFORM MOST OFTEN?
Coronary artery bypass and valve surgery.

WHAT’S THE TRICKIEST SURGERY TO PERFORM?
Repairing a ruptured heart in the setting of an acute myocardial infarction.

WHAT MAKES A GREAT SURGEON?
Great judgment, hands and humility. And great colleagues and team.

RX FOR STAYING HEALTHY?
Exercise and eat well.

HOW DO YOU PUT PATIENTS AT EASE?
Stay relaxed and confident.

ANY MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT YOUR SPECIALTY?
It is not easy, but it is fun.

WHAT DO YOU DO TO RELIEVE STRESS AND LEAVE WORK BEHIND?
Spend time with wife and family.Accept new challenges; work to expand your skills.”
— Dr. Misty Blanchette Porter, DHMC

WHY MEDICINE? WHY THIS SPECIALTY?
It was a given that I would go into medicine. My great grandmother was a mid-wife, my mother is a chairman of a Department of Geriatric Medicine. Louise Brown was born when I was in high school, and after reading about the process of IVF I knew I wanted to be a Reproductive Endocrinologist.

MOST REWARDING ASPECT OF YOUR WORK?
I enjoy seeing children that I helped couples conceive out in the community with their families.

MOST DIFFICULT ASPECT?
The grief that couples experience when they don’t conceive.

EXCITING DEVELOPMENTS IN YOUR FIELD?
Robotic surgery and 3-D imaging in GYN ultrasound. I do a fair amount of minimally invasive GYN surgery and the technical advances of the robot will allow me to expand my endoscopic skill set and perform fewer open cases. Three-D imaging will allow us to be more efficient in patient care and obtain detailed images without depending upon the use of more expensive technologies.

WHAT CAN PATIENTS BRING TO THE PATIENT/DOCTOR EQUATION?
Find someone they trust and work together in the process of care.

WHAT DO PEOPLE NEED TO UNDERSTAND ABOUT MEDICINE?
My colleagues do their best and try their hardest. We aren’t always successful.

DO YOU HAVE A MOTTO OR PHILOSOPHY?
Accept new challenges, work to expand your skills.

WHAT DO YOU DO TO RELIEVE STRESS AND LEAVE WORK BEHIND?
I bake almost nightly with my kids.I want patients to engage with me person to person as much as possible.”
— Dr. B.J. Entwisle, Concord Hospital and the Capital Region Family Health Center

WHY MEDICINE? WHY THIS SPECIALTY?
Medicine is a great opportunity to work with people — patients, families and all the other caregivers; fellow providers — docs, PAs and ARNPs and all related specialties — nurses, PTs, MAs. I have met a lot of wonderful people and find that most of us in these related fields share values of wanting to help people and to do the best job that we can. The team work is very satisfying.

In my role as faculty at the NH Dartmouth Family Medicine Residency I work with multidisciplinary colleagues (FP, PEds, OB GYN and myself as internist/geriatrician) as we teach younger (mostly) physicians in training. I really enjoy my teaching partners and getting to know ongoing groups of younger people — keeps me on my toes!

MOST REWARDING ASPECT OF YOUR WORK?
Working with older people, and helping them achieve their own goals of being as independent as possible, or helping to simplify care and orient towards quality days for people near the end of their lives. Recently I took on a new 99-year-old man, a retired French teacher. He handed me a book of his own poems; I feel very appreciative of getting to know someone like him. Also in my other role as a teacher, to observe the residents mature into independent physicians with eagerness and curiosity intact is very rewarding.

MOST DIFFICULT ASPECT?
Paperwork, paperwork, paperwork. We spend as much time describing what we do as DOING what we do; hopefully I will live long enough to see this change.

RX FOR STAYING HEALTHY?
Following all of our own advice: try to eat healthy, exercise, enjoy friends and family, have some great hobbies and try to reduce stress!

HOW DO YOU PUT PATIENTS AT EASE?
To demonstrate to them, as much as possible, that we are a team together. Clearly I have the power of knowledge, and I need to handle that respectfully, but I want patients to engage with me person to person as much as possible. I also take care of a large number of elders with dementia, so in that case it is relating to their families and caregivers.

WHAT CAN PATIENTS BRING TO THE EQUATION?
Be as honest as you can, make sure your questions are answered and understand that a lot of problems take time and teamwork from patient and doc; hang in there with us! Respect the doctor who is able to say “I don’t know, but I will find out who does.”The improvement in people’s lives that I am able to assist gives me great satisfaction.”
— Dr. Lawrence M. Hoepp, CMC, Elliot and General Surgical Specialists of N.E.

WHY MEDICINE? WHY THIS SPECIALTY?
Surgery is the perfect forum for me to practice medicine. I am able to medically change people’s lives for the better and take an active part in their health care with technical procedures. It is an extension of medical care into the operating room that I believe can be used to great advantage.

MOST REWARDING ASPECT OF YOUR WORK?
The improvement in people’s lives that I am able to assist with surgical procedures. It gives me great satisfaction. The endearing notes of thanks that I receive from many of my patients is a great reward.

MOST DIFFICULT ASPECT?
My practice is quite active and we have very long hours, which means lost time from my wife and family, which is now mounting up over the year. Also the business aspect of managing a surgical practice is certainly not my favorite part.

WHAT KIND OF SURGERIES DO YOU PERFORM MOST OFTEN?
I have a unique practice since I was trained in the ’70s at one of the best surgical residency program in the United States and have specialties in Vascular Surgery and General Surgery in which I have received Board status. I have also had considerable training and experience in Thoracic Surgery. With this extensive background, I perform a wide variety of very difficult technical procedures on a daily basis.

WHAT’S THE TRICKIEST SURGERY TO PERFORM?
A carotid thromboendarterectomy. Not only is it different to pronounce and spell, but I pioneered the procedure in this area with the patient awake under local anesthesia with mild sedation. The procedure is performed to remove plaques in the neck arteries that can cause a stroke. It is more often than not performed on patients who have not had a stroke, so it is critical that it be performed in a perfect manner to avoid any type of complication.

WHAT MAKES A GREAT SURGEON?
My prior Chief of Surgery of the University of Rochester Strong Memorial Hospital was Dr. Charles Rob, an English-trained surgeon. He was a great surgeon, a man of infinite wisdom and tremendous technical skills and great diagnostic prowess. In England he was Winston Churchill’s surgeon and allowed him two cigars a day and two glasses of brandy. For that reason Churchill was able to keep those vices to a minimum.There is nothing more rewarding than putting all of the pieces of the puzzle together to arrive at that ‘Eureka’ moment.”
— Dr. David Donsker, Exeter Hospital and Seacoast Pathology, P.A.

WHY MEDICINE?
I can’t imagine a more rewarding profession. Medicine allows you to continually grow intellectually while working with equally devoted and engaged colleagues towards a common good by providing profoundly important, often life-altering services to your fellow human beings.

WHY THIS SPECIALTY?
Pathology, as practiced in the community hospital, requires a broad understanding of virtually every field of medicine. Although it is often regarded as a specialty amongst specialties, it actually provides an opportunity for those physicians who find all aspects of medicine fascinating to remain “generalists” at heart.

MOST REWARDING ASPECT OF YOUR WORK?
The core of the practice of pathology is making medical diagnoses. There is nothing more rewarding than putting all the pieces of the puzzle together to arrive at that “Eureka” moment.

MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT YOUR SPECIALTY?
Because of the high visibility of forensic pathology in the media, we are frequently regarded as dealing only with dead people. In fact, virtually everything we do as community pathologists directly affects a living patient.

RX FOR STAYING HEALTHY?
Stay physically fit, eat and drink well but in moderation, keep engaged with friends and family and, above all, keep looking forward to pursuits and challenges yet unfulfilled.

EXCITING DEVELOPMENTS IN YOUR FIELD?
Although some of the tools and methods we use in pathology, such as routine microscopy, haven’t changed much since the 19th century, pathological diagnosis is on the cutting edge of 21st century medicine. Laboratory testing and pathologic examination incorporate the most recent advances in such areas as robotics, molecular biology and genomic medicine on a daily basis.

WHAT DO YOU DO TO RELIEVE STRESS AND LEAVE WORK BEHIND?
Although I am fully devoted to medicine in my professional life, once out of the hospital I become entirely immersed in other pursuits. I am completely involved with my avocations: ornithology, the art and literature of natural history, good food and wine and travel. I am fortunate to be able to share these interests and more, as well as quiet bonding time, with my wife, Terri. The rule: Don’t talk medicine at home!

DO YOU HAVE A MOTTO OR PHILOSOPHY?
Whatever you do in life, do it fully, with passion and commitment.