Radiation Oncology
David P. Buser, M.D., M.S.
Dr. David Buser graduated with a double major in biology and psychology from Washington University in St. Louis. He then earned a Masters of Science at the University of Illinois, performing neuroscience research, and his medical degree at Southern Illinois School of Medicine. After completing his first residency in obstetrics and gynecology, Dr. Buser practiced as a board-certified OB/GYN before experiencing a forearm injury that prevented him from delivering babies and performing surgery. He chose to pursue a second residency in radiation oncology at Duke University Medical Center and will be joining the Robert Boissoneault Oncology Institute in May.
Why is RBOI and Ocala the right fit for you? I searched far and wide for an opportunity to join a radiation oncology practice that is physician owned and locally operated. Today, many cancer centers are owned by large corporations. I believe that this type of medicine fosters an impersonal relationship between physicians and patients. In contrast, RBOI is locally owned and focused on providing state-of-the-art cancer care to the residents of Ocala. The physician partners have successfully created a family atmosphere among patients, medical staff and employees. This is the practice that I hope to remain in for the rest of my professional career. Ocala and its neighboring communities represent a unique area of Florida that remains focused on preserving a family-oriented lifestyle, conducive to maintaining the strong personal value system and work ethic I was raised to believe in while growing up in the Midwest.
How will patients benefit from your addition to the practice? Before becoming a radiation oncologist, I was intimately involved in caring for numerous cancer patients as an OB/GYN. My experience in two very distinct fields of medicine enables me to be a very strong patient advocate, reaching out to multiple medical subspecialties to achieve optimal results for my patients. Patient care requires open communication, compassion and collaboration with patients, their families and other physicians. I find that treating patients with cancer is one of the most human experiences a physician can have and one that is filled with sincerity, realism and honesty. Even though the cancer care journey requires difficult decisions, I consider it a privilege to help guide patients and families along this path.
David P. Buser, M.D., M.S.
Certification/Associations: Member of American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology, American Society of Clinical Oncology, American College of Radiation Oncology and American College of Radiology
Robert Boissoneault Oncology Institute
2020 SE 17th Street, Ocala
(352) 732-0277
Skin Care
Dr. Ashley Cauthen
What can people do early to combat fine lines? Hands down, the most important thing to do is protect your skin with sunscreen. Sunscreen is the most effective “anti-aging” product on the market. Of course, at some point, those pesky fine lines start to appear (the age they start to appear depends on genetics and sun exposure), and typically, the first method we use to combat them is Botox. If you look in the mirror and have wrinkles while your face is in a neutral position, you would benefit from Botox.
What would you recommend as far as a skincare routine for normal skin? The three ingredients everyone should be using, regardless of age, are at least SPF 30 every day, a vitamin C serum and some type of retinoic acid. The one with the most scientific evidence behind it is prescription-strength tretinion. My favorite is Retin-A Micro.
Facial oils are gaining popularity. Are there any you recommend? You’re right! Facial oils are all the rage these days. I remember when my patients would cringe when I mentioned putting an oil on their face. We could do an entire article on this, but a few of my favorites are jojoba oil, rosehip oil, castor oil, hemp seed oil and tamanu oil.
Dr. Ashley Cauthen, Owner
Certification/Education: 2008 graduate of Florida State University’s School of Medicine, dermatology residency completed in 2012 at the University of South Florida, Tampa. Board certified. Faculty member at the James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital in Tampa.
MidState Skin Institute
1630 SE 18th St. #400, Ocala
(352) 512-0092
Implant & Cosmetic Dentistry
Dr. Daniel Weldon
What are dental implants? A dental implant is a titanium replacement for the root of a tooth. Implants are the most natural way of replacing missing teeth and the best way to stabilize loose dentures.
How can they be used to replace teeth? Implants can be used to replace a single tooth, multiple teeth, anchor down dentures or even replace existing teeth that are no longer functional. One of the best advantages of implants is they allow us to replace teeth without damaging adjacent teeth. Removable partial dentures can be replaced with implant-supported crowns that stay in the mouth once they are placed and function like real teeth.
How exactly do dental implants help with dentures? Implants can be attached to an existing denture to securely anchor it into place or a new denture can be made to fit the implants if the current denture needs to be replaced. They can also be used to create a hybrid denture that does not come out and doesn’t cover the roof of the mouth. Dental implants can be used with an upper or lower denture and even with partial dentures. Implants have revolutionized denture wearers’ ability to chew and talk without worrying about their dentures moving around.
Dr. Daniel Weldon
Certification/Education: Doctor of Dental Medicine from University of Florida; member of Florida Dental Association, American Dental Association, American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine; president of the Marion County Dental Association; Fellow in the International Congress of Oral Impantologists
Weldon General & Cosmetic Dentistry
812 NE 25th Ave., Ocala
(352) 622-3236
Nursing Education
Kathryn Whitson, MSN, RN, Nursing Faculty
Tell us a little about the Rasmussen College School of Nursing. Our nursing courses are taught by an experienced faculty of nurses. Students have access to simulation experiences in nursing labs and real-world experience in a variety of clinical settings.
I need flexible education options. Is Rasmussen College for me? With no waiting list for qualified applicants, students can start sooner in a program where they will gain job-ready skills they can apply to their career right away. Four starting periods per year also allow students more opportunity for enrollment and year-round course work.
Is Rasmussen College an accredited institution? Yes. Rasmussen College is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. In addition, the Rasmussen College Associate Degree in Nursing program in Ocala is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). The College’s Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science (RN to BSN) degree program is also accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. Accreditation signifies our programs meet the highest standards for quality and integrity in nursing education and prepares professionals to improve health care in the United States.
Kathryn Whitson, MSN, RN, Nursing Faculty
Certification/Education: Bachelor of Science in nursing and Master of Science in nursing education from Florida State University; board member of Florida Board of Nursing; member of National League for Nursing, Florida Organization of Nurse Executives, Florida Nurses Association; past board member for Florida Center for Nursing
Rasmussen College School of Nursing
2100 SW 22nd Place, Ocala
(352) 291-8597
Home Care
Janice Smith & Debi Shields
What makes Families Come First different from other home care agencies? Janice: Families Come First has no admission or contract cancellation fees. Tailored care is a total focus with us, so we are delighted to offer free consultations. Debi: It’s all about the love shown to clients and our community. Not many for-profit agencies sponsor a senior citizen’s singing group to entertain nursing and assisted living facilities.
How long have you been in business? Janice: We are in our fifth year of business with a change in ownership 18 months ago. Families Come First has approximately 80 caregivers and office staff in place.
What else should we know about Families Come First? Janice: We provide extra help for clients who want to remain at home, including personal hygiene, medication reminders, light housekeeping, respite care, grocery shopping and companionship. Debi: When you combine our services with caring and compassion, the client’s independence is preserved and quality of life is obtained. Wherever our clients call home is where Families Come First promotes comfort and well-being.
Janice Smith, General Manager Debi Shields, Marketing Manager
Certification: A Bonded Nurse Registry licensed through the Agency for Healthcare Administration (AHCA); caregivers are bonded and certified with Level II AHCA. Lic # NR30211474.
Families Come First, LLC
220 S Pine Ave., Inverness
(352) 419-6508
familiescomefirst.net
Stem Cell Therapy for Lung Disease
Dr. Burton Feinerman, MD
Stem cells may seem like they just recently appeared on the world stage, but they have been used in medical procedures for their regenerative properties for over 45 years. In 1968, when the first bone marrow transplant was performed, physicians most likely didn’t know that they’d usher in a new field of medicine. Dr. Burton Feinerman, Medical Director of the Lung Institute, is a pioneer of the stem cell world. He has been researching this treatment option and developing protocols for years. To advance his goal of improving the public’s understanding of stem cell therapy, he offered us some insight into this growing field of medicine.
How did you get started in the field of regenerative medicine? About 10 years ago I first became interested in stem cells. While continuing my medical practice, I also began conducting hours upon hours of stem cell research and testing. Because intravenously delivered stem cells reach the lungs first, I noticed that treatments were particularly effective for patients with lung disease. I recognized a huge need for a company like the Lung Institute that could use stem cells to treat lung diseases like COPD, emphysema and pulmonary fibrosis.
What makes stem cells a beneficial option for treatment of lung disease? Stem cells offer an alternative to current treatment options that often provide little to no results. For too long, patients have been limited to highly invasive procedures like lung transplants or lung reductions. Stem cell therapy provides them with a chance to feel better, stronger and healthier.
Where do the stem cells come from? Everyone has stem cells in their body. We treat patients with autologous stem cells, which means they are from the patient’s own bone marrow, fat tissue or blood. Using the patient’s stem cells effectively eliminates the risk of rejection.
What makes stem cell therapy different from other treatments? Stem cells are natural healers. Instead of treating symptoms, stem cells target the disease; they can repair damaged tissue. The Lung Institute provides patients with an innovative treatment option. It’s a whole new ball game, and it gives people realistic hope to challenge the incurable.
What is the difference between stem cell treatment centers? I can’t speak to other providers, but over 600 patients have turned to the Lung Institute. We specialize in treating pulmonary conditions and are constantly developing new protocols. I believe that stem cell therapy is the future of medicine and gives patients a better chance for a normal lifestyle.
Dr. Burton Feinerman, M.D.
Certification/Education: Dr. Burton Feinerman, M.D., Medical Director of the Lung Institute, specializes in the field of regenerative medicine. His 60 years of experience started with his education at New York Medical College and an internship at the prestigious Mayo Clinic. Today, he treats those suffering from lung disease that seek an alternative option to help them breathe easier.
Lung Institute
201 E Kennedy Blvd., Suite 425, Tampa
(855) 978-5708
Chiropractic Care
Dr. Timothy T. Terlep
Terlep Chiropractic uses the latest technology in spinal care to accurately assess and treat patients. Dr. Terlep believes chiropractic care should be used first when it comes to spinal problems. With multiple specialists on-site and 24/7 emergency care, Terlep Chiropractic is able to treat almost all types of spinal issues.
How does spinal health relate to overall health? The spine itself is present to protect the spinal cord and nerves that leave the cord to go out and control the body. Proper movement of all the spinal joints functions like priming or feeding a well or battery—if the movement is normal, nerve function can be normal. If the movement of spinal joints is abnormal, nerve function is altered and can then alter the function of the nervous system as a whole.
What’s the latest technology used in chiropractic care? The latest assessment and treatment tool for healthy movement of the spine and its joint is Ultralign Instrumentation. Computer-guided technology assesses spinal motion and then incorporates digitized instrumentation to gently alter local spinal joint function. The advances in care and treatment of spinal disorders have dramatically improved outcomes for our patients when utilizing computer technologies.
Why should I consider chiropractic treatment? Chiropractic care should be sought as the first line and most conservative approach to the care and treatment of spinal dysfunctions. The efficacy of chiropractic care is well documented in literature, and we can always move up the ladder of more aggressive forms of care, but once more interventional types of care are used, it’s a bit more difficult to go down that same ladder.
How does your practice differ from other chiropractic offices? Our office incorporates the latest digital technologies to assess and treat spinal disorders and enhance the comfort of our patients. We also offer other types of care, such as non-operative solutions to joint problems of the spine as well as the extremities. Our office also incorporates on-site orthopedic specialists, physical therapists, athletic trainers, massage therapists and others to provide comprehensive rehab care for most disorders of the musculoskeletal system, so we can readily incorporate a multi-specialty approach to an issue easily and quickly under one roof. For emergencies, same-day appointments are always available.
Dr. Timothy T. Terlep, Doctor of Chiropractic
Certification/Associations: Doctoral degree from Palmer College of Chiropractic, post-doctoral studies in functional neurology, member for the Florida Chiropractic Association and American Chiropractic Association, member of the Hernando Chamber of Commerce
Terlep Chiropractic
8466 Northcliffe Blvd., Springhill
(352) 666-2222
Nursing Home & Rehabilitation Care
Sheri Lewis, RN & Amy Derby, NHA
Lcated in Lecanto, Life Care Center of Citrus County offers rehabilitation and skilled nursing services that keep patients and residents at their maximum levels of independence. With inpatient and outpatient options available, patients and residents are given the best care possible in a homelike atmosphere. Executive Director Amy Derby and Director of Nursing Sheri Lewis tell us why Life Care is one of the best nursing homes in the area.
What inspires you to provide quality patient care? Sheri: People are my passion, and I believe great patient care starts with putting patients first. When people become a part of the clinical team, we can expect better outcomes as well as greater patient satisfaction. Amy: I believe that dignity, respect and compassion are all integral parts of a patient care plan. Putting a smile on our residents’ faces inspires me beyond belief.
What experience do you bring to the Lecanto community? Sheri: Having been an RN for more than 14 years in skilled nursing and rehabilitation, I’ve learned so much from our patients and residents. I strive to give them the very best service and care they deserve. Amy: My experience with Life Care started in my teens as a volunteer, and as an adult, I wanted to continue upholding the same compassionate care and dedication to service that I had always witnessed from the day I set foot in the care center.
Why choose Life Care for skilled nursing? Sheri: In addition to certified nursing care, we provide a number of personalized programs tailored to each patient’s unique recovery and healing goals. We offer a restorative nursing program, pain management, wound care and a host of specialized rehabilitation services designed to improve quality of life. I am proud to be a part of a team-oriented environment that puts the focus where it should be—on helping people and each other. Amy: We want to ensure that our patients have the most comfortable experience during the recovery process. They can enjoy a number of deluxe amenities, including transportation services, private suites and bathrooms, courtyards, flat-screen TVs with cable, Wi-Fi and fine dining. From outings and trips to events and celebrations—we do everything to keep our residents and patients feeling cared for.
Sheri Lewis, RN, Director of Nursing
Certification/Associations: LPN degree from The Health Institute of Louisville; ASN degree from Spencerian College; 14 years experience in long-term care
Amy Derby, NHA, Executive Director
Certification/Associations: Licensed Nursing Home Administrator; 15 plus years experience in long-term care; member of Altrusa International
Life Care Center of Citrus County
Joint Commission accredited
3325 W Jerwayne Lane, Lecanto
(352) 746-4434
lifecarecenterofcitruscounty.com
Mold Removal
Benje Thomas
What are the adverse health effects from mold? One of the challenges of diagnosing a mold allergy is that reactions are so varied from one person to another. Some people start having memory problems, while others may experience sudden changes in disposition, such as agitation, anger, panic or depression. Headaches are common but don’t affect everyone exposed to mold. Common symptoms include: coughing and wheezing, sinus problems and post-nasal drip, rashes and joint pain. What many people don’t realize is that mold can make you extremely sick or even kill you. According to the EPA, all molds have the potential to cause ill health.
What should I do if I discover mold in my home? Mold spores are very difficult to destroy. The best way to reduce the problem is through smart preventive measures. When a mold breaks down, it disintegrates, and every little particle may contain mycotoxins that have the capability of making you very sick. Seek professional remediation. If you suspect a mold problem, you may want to consider hiring ServiceMaster Restore. Unless proper precautions are taken, undertaking black mold removal on your own can be almost as hazardous as doing nothing at all because spores will be stirred up and sent airborne during the cleaning process.
Benje Thomas, Owner
ServiceMaster Restore is a certified mold remediator. All technicians are certified by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification.
ServiceMaster Restore
275 NE US Hwy 19, Crystal River
Marion: (352) 401-1966
Citrus: (352) 794-0270
Hernando: (352) 684-0131
Dentistry
Julio Sanchez DDs, FICOI
Are implants right for me? If you want a single tooth to replace a gap or a better fitting denture, implants are an option for almost everyone. Our team would simply need to make sure you have enough bone for the procedure. Unfortunately, just looking in your mouth is usually not enough to determine if implants will work for you. X-rays and/or CT scans are sometimes needed to make a final determination.
Do I need new dentures?
I recommend new dentures at least every 10 to 15 years. Not always do you have to wait until you have a problem to fix it. Relines are a great alternative. It allows your dentures to fit better but does not always keep it from moving.
Why do I need a crown? A tooth has five sides. When you are missing three or more sides, you may need to protect what is left with a crown to protect it while eating. A filling on a tooth may not give you enough strength when eating, and your tooth could break more, which could mean more treatment. It is important for every patient to ask questions. Only by knowing your options can you make the best decision for your dental health.
Julio Sanchez DDS, FICOI
Certification/Education: Graduated from Marquette University as a Doctor of Dental Surgery in 1997; fellow in the International Congress of Oral Implantologists (ICOI) since 2011; current member of the Academy of General Dentistry; completed multiple mini residencies in orthodontics and pediatric dentistry; current participant in the master track program at the University of Florida School of Dentistry
Dental Team of Ocala, West
8750 SW Hwy 200, Ocala
(352) 840-7077
