Dr. Brian S. Coan, MD, FACS, Double Board Certified Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon
CARE Plastic Surgery
10 years in practice
Why did you choose to become a doctor?
I wanted to make a marked and positive impact on people’s lives. In our field, we have the unique opportunity to care for and emotionally connect with patients. I’m passionate about problem-solving and helping people achieve their aesthetic goals
What do you enjoy most about working with patients?
It’s the ultimate opportunity to help others.
What is the most challenging part of your job?
As always, there’s a work and family balance involved with any profession. The medical field requires sacrifices of time and energy, which is why it’s so important to love your field. My family is my everything and balancing the work/family life is challenging.
Dr. Shefali V. Parmar, M.D., FAAP
Pediatrician, Cornerstone Pediatric & Adolescent Medicine
14 years in practice
Why did you choose to become a doctor?
My love for science and people. After visiting my sick grandmother in India at the age of 10, I just knew this was my calling.
What is special about living in the Triangle?
Cultural diversity, nationally ranked schools and universities, amazing parks and greenways, thriving art scene, hub for technology and innovation, creative dining, and our unique location between the mountains and the sea are few aspects that makes the Triangle special. But, above all, it’s the people.
What is your New Year's Resolution?
Beat my daughter's 5K time!
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Dr. Joseph Andrew Franklin, MD, FACS
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, Franklin Plastic Surgery
14 years in practice
Why did you choose to become a doctor?
Growing up, I wanted to be a doctor, attorney or architect. In medical school, my intention was to become a psychiatrist. Today, I suppose that I am a psychiatrist with a scalpel.
What do you enjoy most about working with patients?
Direct patient care is the best thing about being a physician.
Use one word to describe your practice.
Approachable.
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Dr. Mary Jennings, DC, LAc
Acupuncture Center for Wellness
23 years in practice
Why did you choose to become a doctor?
My desire to help people get well and stay well as naturally as possible.
What do you enjoy most about working with patients?
Participating in their healing journey and guiding them as they take ownership of their choices/habits and then see this natural progression flow into their attitude, activities and energy.
What is the most challenging part of your job?
Teaching patients how to take an active role in their health.
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Dr. William “Jeff” Rutledge, MD, FAAP
Pediatrician, Cornerstone Pediatric & Adolescent Medicine
19 years in practice
Why did you choose to become a doctor?
Like most physicians, I wanted to combine my natural talents and interests in science with a career choice that would be able to benefit others. I wanted to do something where I would feel like I was making an impact in the lives of those around me.
What do you enjoy most about working with patients?
The greatest joy in working with patients and their parents is seeing them encounter a difficulty and being able to help them successfully get through that challenge.
Use one word to describe your practice.
Patient-centered.
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Dr. Mary Lanier Zaytoun Berne, DDS, MS
Orthodontist, Zaytoun Orthodontics
1+ years in practice
Why did you choose to become a doctor?
When I was in first grade, I predicted that I would be here. The project was titled “When I Grow Up.” And in my best 6-year-old handwriting, I wrote: “When I grow up, I want to be an orthodontist. I want to work with teeth.” Sometimes first-grade dreams really do come true,
What do you enjoy most about working with patients?
One of my favorite things about Zaytoun Orthodontics is the generations of families that
have trusted us with their smile. I love meeting people who were treated by my grandfather, have kids that were treated by my father and aunt, and now have grandkids that are coming to me for treatment! Building family bonds and fostering real, meaningful relationships that span generations are a special aspect of our practice.
Use one word to describe your practice.
Family.
Dr. Kelly Ritter, DDS, MS
Orthodontist, Ritter & Brogden Orthodontics
19 years in practice
Why did you choose to become a doctor?
I grew up with a father who was a very good dentist. I always have enjoyed helping others and working with people of all ages!
What is the most challenging part of your job?
The balance of being busy at work and being there for my family, but after 18 years, I have figured it out. Family always comes first, and being a mom also makes me a better orthodontist.
Use one word to describe your practice.
Respected.
Dr. Lisa H. Mayes, DDS
Dentist, Preston Dental Center
31 years in practice
What do you love about your job?
I am a people person. I enjoy building relationships with my patients and doing both their dentistry and spending time with them is what gives me my greatest joy. It’s why I show up each day and I still get excited when I see those familiar names on the schedule and look forward to meeting new, soon-to-be familiar names every day.
What is your favorite part of living in the Triangle?
I am a North Carolina native and I can’t imagine living in any other state. What makes the Triangle so special is its metropolitan feel with access to all the amenities of big city living without sacrificing its southern charm.
Use one word to describe your practice.
Relationships.
