JenCare Senior Medical Center

Bios

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  Chang O Son, MD

  MD

  Growing up in South Korea, Dr. Chang O Son knew since he was in kindergarten that he would be a doctor. "I even have a photo of me playing doctor with a stethoscope back then," he says. "I chose medicine as a career because it enables me to help people in difficult times. I am very interested in helping seniors and supporting them with my knowledge and expertise. My job is to use proven medical science to help them stay informed and make the best decisions for their health and well-being. I appreciate my patients' trust and enjoy seeing them happy and satisfied with their personalized care plan."

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  Link: Chang O Son, MD

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  Yvette Thompson, MD

  MD

  As a child growing up in Columbus, GA, Dr. Yvette Thompsonliked playing doctor. After that, all it took to spark her interest in a medical career was an advanced high school science course.  "I enjoy treating and educating my patients," she says. "Seniors' healthcare is very unique. They are regularly forgotten about or overlooked, which can leave them vulnerable to poor or worsening health and a lower sense of well-being. Taking the time to listen to their concerns is important to me and to them."

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  Link: Yvette Thompson, MD

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  Elizabeth Ann Carr, DO

  DO

  As a child, house calls and healing abilities were the things that Dr. Elizabeth Carr admired most about her family's physician. In fact, watching him practice medicine influenced her decision to become a doctor. "Our family provider came to our home every few weeks—and whenever needed in between—to attend to my grandmother," Dr. Carr recalls. "I was grateful that he was able to keep my grandmother well enough to remain home with my family. I decided at that very young age, about 5 years old, that I wanted to be like him. My favorite part of being a doctor is working with my patients to achieve their health goals." Dr. Carr's road to becoming a board-certified physician was a long one. She couldn't afford college after high school, so her path began in a well-respected and affordable registered nursing program. While working as a critical care registered nurse, she earned a bachelor degree. After 10 years in nursing, she began her studies at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, where she earned her Osteopathic Medical degree. Today, she specializes in family medicine. As a primary care physician, Dr. Carr serves as the first contact for her patients and treats a wide range of health concerns. She enjoys working with seniors, setting active goals for their care, detecting health concerns early, and helping them stay active and meet their daily needs. Dr. Carr is also a hospitalist who encourages her patients and their families to question anything they don't clearly understand, whether in or out of the hospital. She is a member of the American Osteopathic Association, American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians, American Medical Association and Society of Hospital Medicine. When she's not caring for her patients, Dr. Carr enjoys spending time with her husband, Scott. She also enjoys cooking, reading, listening to music and bowling. She is a baseball, football and NASCAR fan. Her favorite place to be is on the beach, walking, no matter the season, and using that time to reflect, feel gratitude and be inspired.

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  Link: Elizabeth Ann Carr, DO

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  Danielle Cunningham, RN, MSN

  RN, MSN

  Danielle Cunningham’s experience in the hospital for the birth of her first child was a momentous event personally and professionally. It inspired her desire to pay it forward and become a nurse. Danielle specializes in neurology, pulmonology and critical care, and senior care is important to her. “The senior population is the highest population in need of health care,” said Danielle. “I want to be able to help provide the care they need.”

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  Link: Danielle Cunningham, RN, MSN

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  Maria Rodriguez Contreras, MD

  MD

  For Dr. Maria Rodriguez Contreras, becoming a world-class doctor means helping people around the globe. "Having traveled and worked as a physician in many parts of the world – with and for people of very diverse cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds – I'm able to reach out to patients at a comfortable, respectful and personal level to help them understand their health and achieve successful outcomes," she says. "Seniors face some of the most challenging medical and social problems, and they need dedicated medical care. My training allows me to provide that for them."

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  Link: Maria Rodriguez Contreras, MD

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  Carla Acra, MD

  MD

  At age 16, Dr. Carla Acra knew she wanted to be a doctor and that working with seniors was important to her. "Seniors often have chronic conditions that need more time and attention," she says. "I enjoy spending time with my patients and helping them learn to make small changes for a better outcome. Helping them feel better, sharing some basic knowledge about their disease process, and working together to prevent illnesses in the future is my favorite part of my job," she adds. 

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  Link: Carla Acra, MD

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  Folashade Alade, MD

  MD

  Dr. Alade is a true advocate for her patients and believes in spending the necessary time required with her patients to fully understand their concerns. She is committed to providing pertinent and comprehensive care based on evidence based medicine.

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  Link: Folashade Alade, MD

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  Nikitia Booth, FNP-C

  Nurse Practitioner

  Nikitia Booth felt called to help people at a young age. She went on to earn her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in nursing from South University in Richmond. Today, she is a board-certified family nurse practitioner specializing in cardiology. What she enjoys most about her work is making a difference in someone’s life. “I do all that I can to provide good quality care for my patients,” says Nikitia. “I believe education plays a large role in this. It is my belief that I should educate my patients, keeping them well informed about their health. I also make sure to include them in the plan of care.” Nikitia and her husband have three children. She enjoys spending time with her family, hiking, watching movies, bike riding and exploring new places. Her favorite trip was to Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.

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  Link: Nikitia Booth, FNP-C

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  Minhtam Thai, MD

  Podiatrist

  As a podiatry specialist and foot and ankle surgeon, Dr. Minhtam Thai, says “I love being able to make patients’ lives better.” It’s always been her focus—since she was a child—and those dearest to Dr. Thai inspire her to provide the best level of care. “Seeing the seniors in my family struggle in their daily activities, due to complications of diabetes, motivated me to prioritize seniors and gives me deeper insight for improving their quality of life,” she shares. When Dr. Thai isn’t providing compassionate care or keeping up with advances in podiatry, she loves going to her daughter’s soccer games and helping her practice. Dr. Thai also looks forward to visiting Vietnam, where she grew up.

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  Link: Minhtam Thai, MD

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  Nelson Patz

  Ph.D, M.A.c

  Dr. Nelson Patz’s compassion and respect for all life are virtues he’s exhibited since childhood. “My mother and teacher would let me bring home frogs, tadpoles and salamanders I’d collected,” he says. “My greatest joy was learning to care for them and watch them thrive.” Today, as a board certified acupuncturist, Dr. Patz continues to demonstrate that same enthusiasm and concern for his patients’ well-being. “I love interacting with my patients,” he adds. “I help them learn to become their own best caregiver and harness the power they have to affect their health through better lifestyle choices.”

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  Link: Nelson Patz

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  Olisaemeka Achike

  MD

  Dr. Olisaemeka Achike has felt called to care for patients since he was a teenager. “I was always inspired by my father, who is a physician, and the vast awesomeness of the human body,” he says. As a cardiologist, Dr. Achike loves getting to know his senior patients and help change their lives for the better. To do that, he says, “I strive to make sure they leave with a better understanding of their heart conditions and recommendations. I am very happy to take the time needed.” When not working, Dr. Achike likes to spend time with his wife and daughter, read, watch movies, and travel—for pleasure or to help those in need. Some of his favorite destinations have been London, Sedona, and the California Spanish Missions.

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  Link: Olisaemeka Achike

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  LaToya Burke

  NP

  LaToya Burke has always been enthusiastic about public health and educating others. As a nurse practitioner, she is able to care for others while educating patients on preventative care. She explains that one of her biggest goals is “to reduce health disparities and inequalities, especially among minority populations.” LaToya Burke is an avid reader and enjoys keeping up with the latest medical advancements through medical journals. She says her favorite part of her profession is “seeing the positive outcomes in patients.” In her free time, LaToya Burke enjoys shopping, cooking, and spending time with her family. She would love the opportunity to one day travel to Africa— either on a vacation or a missionary assignment.

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  Link: LaToya Burke

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  Yu Chen

  DO

  As a physician, Dr. Yu Chen loves the opportunity to not only care for patients but also help them navigate the healthcare system. “I wanted to take care of others, but throughout my medical training, I realized one of the most important things for me is advocating for others,” he explains. Dr. Chen enjoys getting to know patients beyond their medical conditions and wants them to “feel that they are a part of a family.” He adds that he wants patients to enjoy their lives “without having to worry about their health.” When not with patients, Dr. Chen loves spending time with family and friends. He also likes playing games and used to participate in fencing using an epee. Dr. Chen enjoys learning about new hobbies and activities.

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  Link: Yu Chen

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  Daniel Carl Cochran

  DO

  Dr. Dan Carl Cochran has always loved connecting with and reaching out to people. “I have a strong admiration and respect for our geriatric population.” He explains, “I find it important to remember that people have lived through a lot and deserve respect in our medical community.” He aims to be approachable and encourages patients to be active in the decision-making surrounding their care. “I want patients to feel free to ask me questions,” he says. He strives to be available to patients and explains that in his practice, patients are always “heard and respected.” When not caring for patients, Dr. Dan can be found enjoying quality time with family and friends. He also loves spending time outdoors, especially at the beach.

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  Link: Daniel Carl Cochran

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  Dana Keys-Frezzell

  MD

  In the many years Dr. Dana Keys-Frezzell has practiced internal medicine, she’s believed that each patient has purpose and importance and should be cared for with the utmost dignity and respect. It was ingrained in her from childhood—by her RN mother who fueled her medical interests, and by her faith. Reflecting on her experience with seniors, she says “It’s been a fulfilling privilege to sit and learn about my patients as we develop a plan that best meets their needs and goals. I appreciate the life experience seniors share, and I want to ensure they get the time and assistance their care requires.” When she’s not working, Dr. Keys-Frezzell loves to spend time with her husband and four sons. She also likes to read and visit historical sites.

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  Link: Dana Keys-Frezzell

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  Amesha Whitlock

  NP

  Amesha Whitlock knew in middle school that she wanted to work in healthcare. She explains that nurse practitioners “not only address patients’ current, acute problems but promote health in all areas of life.” Amesha Whitlock loves serving the senior population. “Elderly patients value their independence, and I like to help them achieve it by providing the best care,” she says. If Amesha Whitlock could change anything about the current healthcare system, she would make appointments more accessible. “Having easier accessibility to physicians and nurse practitioners would benefit patients as a whole,” she says. When not caring for patients, Amesha Whitlock enjoys traveling with her family. She also loves watching and playing basketball.

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  Link: Amesha Whitlock