May 2024 | Vol. 1 | Issue 43

EXCELLENCE • COMPASSION • BELONGING • DIVERSITY • PROFESSIONALISM • INNOVATION

Welcome to Your Monthly Checkup, an electronic newsletter sharing vital information with TPMG patients, keeping you up-to-date with the latest news and advancements.

Recent News & Announcements

Breakthroughs in Patient Care

FDA Approves Vafseo® Tablets to Treat Anemia in Chronic Kidney Disease Patients


TPMG is pleased to announce that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Akebia pharmaceutical’s Vafseo® (vadadustat) tablets, a drug used for the treatment of anemia from chronic kidney disease (CKD) in individuals who are undergoing dialysis treatment.

Beginning in February 2019, the TPMG Clinical Research Division in Newport News conducted clinical trials for this drug to test the efficacy of stimulating the body’s physiologic response to achieve and sustain target Hb levels.


“We are proud to have contributed to this important advancement in the care of people with chronic kidney disease on dialysis,” said TPMG Clinical Research Director, Linda G.P. Schneider, MD.


Read more here about this exciting advancement.

Welcome New Providers

TPMG Coastal Allergy welcomes Aimee Byman, MPA, PA-C.


With over two decades of clinical experience, Aimee understands the importance of delivering compassionate care to her patients. Throughout her career, she has gained clinical experience in a variety of settings including emergency medicine, family medicine, pediatric and adult dermatology, as well as allergy/immunology. Aimee treats a variety of conditions including allergies, eczema, and urticaria, among others. She has a special interest in preventative care and helping patients achieve a healthy lifestyle. 


Learn more about Aimee here on her provider page.

On the Move

TPMG Nutrition Services Move

+ Addition


TPMG Nutrition Services in Newport News has moved to Suite 106 of the Omni Building.


In addition, Gale Pearson, MS, RDN, CDCES will begin seeing patients twice a month in Suffolk beginning May 8th. This Southside location will share space with TPMG Coastal Endocrinology - Suffolk located at 1540 Breezeport Way, Suite 100.


Our Registered Dietitians and Nutrition Educators are here to help you achieve your goals. Call (757) 232-8768 to schedule an appointment at one of our TPMG Nutrition Services locations throughout Hampton Roads.

TPMG Coastal Endocrinology


Effective May 1, TPMG Coastal Endocrinology will be expanding its care to Newport News upon the departure of Dr. Almirante. As a reminder, the practice will be under a new name - TPMG Coastal Endocrinology - Newport News.


Dr. Timothy Petersen and his colleagues, Family Nurse Practitioner, Lane Bell and Physician Assistant, Ryan Melchers will see patients at the Newport News location Monday through Friday from 7:30 am - 4:00 pm. Patients of Dr. Almirante are encouraged to make an appointment with this new office.

Timothy C. Petersen, MD, FACP, FACE, ECNU

Lane Bell, DNP, FNP-C

Ryan C. Melchers, PA-C

All three Coastal Endocrinology locations can be reached by calling (757) 963-1488.

Newport News office: 860 Omni Blvd., Suite 301 | Newport News, VA 23606

Virginia Beach office: 4421 Virginia Beach Blvd., Suite 112 | Virginia Beach, VA 23462

Suffolk office: 1540 Breezeport Way, Suite 100 | Suffolk, VA 23435

Clinical Research

The TPMG Clinical Research Division in Williamsburg is conducting a clinical study for adults with moderate to severe asthma.

 

Participation Criteria includes:



  • Must be 18 years of age or older.
  • Must be diagnosed with asthma for at least 12 months.
  • Have had 1 or more asthma attacks in the past 12 months that required treatment.

Help develop a potential treatment for those with moderate to severe asthma and consider joining our clinical research study. All participants are compensated for their time. Contact us to see if you may qualify – call (757) 707-3503 or email clinicaltrials@tpmgpc.com.

Health and Nutrition

Are You Getting Enough Protein?


Protein plays a crucial role in maintaining a well-balanced diet. This essential nutrient serves as a fundamental component of the body's growth and development. While protein undeniably provides a multitude of advantages for our overall nutritional needs, is it the only thing we should be looking to add to our plate?


Registered Dietitian and Certified Diabetes Educator, Gale Pearson of TPMG Nutrition Services explains in her latest blog how protein should factor into your nutrition.

Our trained dietitians offer guidance and assistance for all of your nutritional needs. For more information, contact TPMG Nutrition Services at (757) 232-8768.

Healthy Weight Loss with TPMG Nutrition Services

Choose TPMG Nutrition Services for healthy weight loss counseling. Our registered dietitian nutritionists and certified diabetes educators are trained to partner with you to develop sustainable meal plans that work for your budget and lifestyle. Learn more here.


Most major insurers cover nutrition counseling services for weight loss. Check with us to verify your insurance coverage by calling (757) 232-8768.

May is Melanoma Awareness Month and we want to encourage patients to always remember the importance of sun protection. Skin cancer is the most common cancer worldwide and yet one of the most preventable cancers. When choosing a sunscreen, ensure that it’s water resistant and offers broad spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays. Applying SPF daily not only protects against skin cancer but also reduces the appearance of aging. This offer is valid May 1-30.


TPMG Hampton Roads Center for Dermatology

Newport News (757) 232-8856

Virginia Beach (757) 568-5423

Strive Fitness & Sports Performance

Get to know TPMG Strive's newest trainer, Toni Johnson!

Toni Johnson, CPT is a Certified Personal Trainer through the National Association of Sports Medicine (NASM) and Adaptive Fitness Specialist. Growing up in Connecticut, Toni’s childhood was filled with adventure, sparking her passion for sports and movement. Her interest in health and wellness led her to play volleyball in the Coast Guard Academy’s travel volleyball league, and later compete in roller derby.


With a person-centered, holistic approach to personal training, Toni believes in the ability of everybody and every body. She enjoys helping people find their abilities and strengths through education and specialized programming, including mobility, balance training, and functional movement.

Serving as a personal trainer, Toni looks forward to helping clients achieve their fitness goals and aspirations.


As a married mother of two young boys, most of her spare time is spent outdoors with them, playing, climbing, riding bikes, or skating. She is also a Spartan Ambassador and spends time training, volunteering, and competing in obstacle course races. (Picture at right from Spartan obstacle race in October 2023.)


Toni's best advice she would give to someone just beginning their fitness journey is to try everything. Fitness isn't one-size-fits-all. It's learning about YOU and your body. Take it one day at a time and find what works for you!

Strive is offering a Spring Special of 10% OFF for new clients for any package with Toni! This special runs May 1st – July 31st. To schedule a training session with Toni or inquire about a discount package, call (757) 345-2512, or email strive@tpmgpc.com.

TPMG Strive Fitness & Sports Performance

5424 Discovery Park Boulevard, Building B, Suite 101 | Williamsburg, VA 23188

Featured Blog

11 Ways You Can Improve Your Sleep


Our overall physical and mental health depends on getting quality sleep every night. Sleep plays a vital role in supporting healthy brain function, facilitating the body’s repair processes, safeguarding against disease, and recharging our entire system. Over time, poor sleep can significantly impact our quality of life and can even lead to serious health problems.

Sabrina Brown, MSN, FNP-C of TPMG Lung & Sleep Specialists in Newport News discusses how underlying issues could be waking you up in the night. Read more here to find out how you can get better sleep.


Sabrina treats conditions such as asthma, COPD, and sleep apnea. Working with her patients, she takes an individualized approach to help them control their symptoms, prevent further progression, and meet their health goals.


TPMG Lung & Sleep Specialists

11848 Rock Landing Drive, Suite 402 | Newport News, VA 23606

(757) 234-8770

Read more blogs from our providers, staff, and medical experts here.

Accepting New Patients

Zachary Rasor, DPM, FACFAS of TPMG Foot and Ankle is accepting new patients.

As a foot and ankle specialist in Virginia Beach and Williamsburg, Dr. Rasor treats a variety of lower extremity conditions, including severe fractures, chronic deformities, including Charcot, arthritis and tendonitis, ulcers, and ingrown nails. He offers the full spectrum of podiatric care to adults of all ages and treats minor skin and nail conditions.


Dr. Rasor is dedicated to helping his patients achieve optimal health and wellness. Through his specialized treatment plans, he can improve mobility and reduce pain, ultimately restoring a patient's quality of life. With his thoughtful, compassionate approach, Dr. Rasor is committed to helping his patients achieve their best possible outcome. Learn more about Dr. Rasor here.

TPMG Foot and Ankle

4421 Virginia Beach Blvd.

Suite 114

Virginia Beach, VA 23462

TPMG Orthopedics

5424 Discovery Park Blvd.

Building B, Suite 105

Williamsburg, VA 23188



Phone (757) 963-7676

Fax (757) 937-0104

At TPMG, we have over 240 primary care, specialty physicians, and advanced practice clinicians who are working every day to help you maintain optimal health.


To see all TPMG providers who are currently accepting new patients:


  • Visit our Find a Provider page.
  • Check the box labeled Accepting New Patients.

For questions related to insurance, visit our website for a comprehensive list of accepted insurance carrier plans. Please call the office you are inquiring about, as not all TPMG physicians participate in the list of plans featured on our website. It is up to each office location as to which insurance plans they accept.

Patient Portal Communication

The Patient Portal is free, simple, and secure. Enroll today!

The Patient Portal gives you access to:


  • View lab results quickly
  • Send secure messages to your provider
  • Schedule or change your appointment
  • Request a prescription refill
  • Access test results


Click here for more details and to enroll.

Recognizing Excellence

The Beacon Award is a TPMG employee appreciation program that rewards and celebrates staff members who demonstrate an exceptional level of skill, care, and passion for the meaningful work done with, and for, our patients every day.


The staff members you see below recently received this award for providing excellent care and customer service to patients, providers, and fellow coworkers.

Tracey

TPMG Ear, Nose, and Throat Specialists

Julie

TPMG Interventional Pain Treatment Center

Kelly

TPMG Procedure Suite

Would you like to recognize a TPMG employee for outstanding work and excellence? If you have had a great experience with a TPMG employee and believe they deserve to be recognized, please consider nominating them for the TPMG Beacon Award by clicking here. It is quick and easy, and you might just make someone's day!

Career Opportunities

By becoming a part of the TPMG team, you have the opportunity to provide care to patients in the Hampton Roads community and surrounding areas. Our mission is to deliver exceptional medical care to every patient at a competitive cost, to improve the health of our communities, and to provide a premier work experience for our employees and physicians.


Visit our career page for clinical and non-clinical job opportunities and see if TPMG is a fit for you!

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