Top Doctors 2009
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 ResultsAllergy 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
Other Leading Physicians
Robert Kramer, M.D.
Concord Hospital
Anesthesia Associates, P.A.
Bow, (603) 224-4776
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
Patricia Locuratolo, M.D.
PRH
Orchard Park, Ste. B-4-5
Portsmouth, (603) 427-2577
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
Other Leading Physicians
Gregory Zuercher, D.O.
SJH
Office of Rehab Services
Nashua, (603) 598-2401
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
Irene Orzano
Concord Hospital
Concord Orthopedic
Concord, (603) 224-3368
Sports Medicine
Top Vote-Getter
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
John Ford, M.D.
Weeks Medical Center
Whitefield
Jennifer Jones, D.O.
DHMC
Manchester
Pediatrician
Tessa Lafortune-Greenberg, M.D.
DH–Concord
Concord
Leonard Small, M.D.
Dover Pediatrics
WDH
Patricia Edwards, M.D.
Concord Pediatrics
Concord Hospital
Concord
Elizabeth Olson, M.D.
DHMC
Elliot Hospital
Manchester
Ann Dobbins, M.D.
Nashua Pediatrics
SNHMC
Nashua
Thomas Johnson, M.D.
DHMC
ChaD
Manchester
Kathleen Fisher, M.D.
Cheshire/DH–KeeneKeene
Obstetrician
Timothy Fisher, M.D.
Cheshire/DH–Keene
Keene
Jeffrey Segil, M.D., F.A.C.O.G, M.S.
Dover Women’s Health
WDH
Sonja Nelson, M.D.
Women’s Health
Associates
Portsmouth
Melissa Martinez-
Adorno, M.D., F.A.C.O.G.
Foundations Medical Partners
SNHMC
Nashua
Mary Jo
Montanarella, M.D.
Dr. Montanarella & Assoc.
CMC/Elliot
Manchester
Alternative/Complementary Health Care
Deborah Sellars, N.D.
Center for Integrative Medicine
Concord
Donna Lang-Rice, P.T., D.P.T., Cert. M.D.T.
Gilford Physical Therapy and Spine Center
Gretchen Baker, LMT,
Natural Rhythms Massage & Bodywork, Londonderry
Patricia Garcia LMT (Bodywork) & Bryant Stevener D.C.
(Chiropractor)
Capitol Chiropractic Center, Bow
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 ItkinWhy 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 PonnWhy 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 MerkelWhy 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 FinkWhat 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 StadelmannWhy 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 QuestionWe 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 QuestionWe 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 QuestionWe 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.”
“Allowing costs to continue to escalate.”
“Failure to enact legislation.”
“Take away patient choices.”
Force employers to cover universal healthcare.”
“Anything he touches.
