August 2022 | Vol. 1 | Issue 22

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

Welcome Kevin Lavender, DO to TPMG Denbigh Family Medicine in Newport News.


Considering the mind, body, and spirit, Dr. Lavender cares for patients from newborns to those of advanced age for a variety of chronic conditions, including hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol, coronary artery disease, hypothyroidism, and atrial fibrillation; as well as acute injuries and conditions such as muscle sprains/strains, sports injuries, common colds, and infections. Dr. Lavender has a special medical interest in minor sports injuries, health and nutrition, and Osteopathic Manipulation Techniques. A member of multiple professional organizations, Dr. Lavender also teaches medical students from various medical schools across Virginia in his clinic. 


To learn more about Dr. Lavender, please visit his provider page

Welcome Zachary Rasor, DPM, FACFAS to TPMG - Foot and Ankle in Virginia Beach.


Through creativity and attention to detail, Dr. Rasor enjoys treating a variety of pathologies found in the foot and ankle. He treats lower extremity conditions including severe fractures, chronic deformities, Charcot, arthritis and tendonitis, ulcers, and ingrown nails. Dr. Rasor offers the full spectrum of podiatric care to adults of all ages and treats minor skin and nail conditions. He also takes a special medical interest in elective reconstruction of both congenital and acquired deformities, which often greatly improves his patients’ quality of life. Dr. Rasor has lectured nationally and internationally, been a part of multiple clinical wound trials, and has several publications in a variety of medical journals.


To learn more about Dr. Rasor, visit his provider page

Welcome Emma Robl, DO to TPMG Indian River Family Practice in Chesapeake.


Dr. Robl enjoys forming bonds of trust with her patients and their families, using the art of medicine to heal and educate. Her philosophy is to deliver quality care to improve a person’s overall health and wellbeing using evidence-based medicine. As a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine, she uses a whole-person approach to prevent illness and injury. Dr. Robl treats patients of all ages, from newborns to those of advanced age, including those in hospice care. She treats a variety of chronic and acute conditions, including high blood pressure, diabetes, depression/anxiety, elevated cholesterol, low back pain, asthma/COPD, and more. She has a particular medical interest in women’s health, pediatrics, palliative care, and psychiatry.


To learn more about Dr. Robl, visit her provider page

Tiffany Yang, PA-C to TPMG Edinburgh Family Medicine in Chesapeake.


To Tiffany, being a good provider isn’t just about having medical knowledge, but also showing kindness and compassion to patients and caring for them holistically. Tiffany sees patients of all ages for a variety of acute and chronic conditions relating to primary care, including diabetes management, infection, well-child checks, and more. She has a particular medical interest in pediatrics, pediatric cardiology, and sports medicine.


To learn more about Tiffany, visit her provider page

Primary Care Medicine: Celebrating the Gatekeepers

Family medicine will always remain at the heart of patient care. The Summer 2022 issue of Hampton Roads Physician Magazine celebrates our primary care physicians. We are honored to have our very own Dr. Jerome Provenzano of TPMG Hidenwood Family Medicine featured on the cover for his notable contributions in the field. Click on the magazine cover picture and read his full profile story on pages 12-13. 


Dr. Latisha Murray of TPMG Grafton Family Medicine is also featured in this issue. Read Dr. Murray's article here, where she talks about the rising cases of chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis, and how to have difficult conversations with patients. (page 34)

Health and Nutrition

Eating Seasonally: Roasted Red Pepper Dip

Eating seasonal food - food that is purchased and eaten around the same time it is caught or harvested - can help improve your nutrition. The variety of seasonal food differs depending on the time of year and region. Those living in Hawaii will have a much different seasonal food selection than those living in Hampton Roads. Adjusting your diet for seasonal eating is also a great way to eat healthier without breaking the bank.


Learn how you can add variety to your diet and how to make this delicious in-season snack hereFor more nutrition tips, reach out to our team of Registered Dietitians with TPMG Nutrition Services - (757) 232-8768.

Diabetes Self-Management Education Classes


Diabetes Self-Management Education (DSME) classes happen monthly and are led by our team of registered dieticians. DSME classes at TPMG Nutrition Services are devoted to helping people living with diabetes better manage their condition and still live their life to the fullest.


Our program is endorsed by the American Diabetes Association (ADA), which has met national standards for diabetes patient education. A qualified nurse and certified diabetes educator, certified by the National Certification Board of Diabetes Educators, leads the program. DSME classes are offered in group sessions and individually. Learn more here.

 

DSME classes occur monthly, and are currently held online in a virtual meeting from 5:00 - 8:00PM. The next classes will be held September 12, 19, and 26Call TPMG Nutrition Services at (757) 232-8768 to sign up today!

The Silver Power Hour - Fitness Class


The Fitness Specialists at TPMG Strive Fitness & Sports Performance have designed a fun and safe fitness class tailored specifically for older adults. The Silver Power Hour provides a safe way to socialize and engage with others while working on improving strength, flexibility, and quality of movement.


The Silver Power Hour is held on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 12:00 PM as well as Wednesdays and Fridays at 10:30 AM. Click here to see class schedules and pricing information.


With Strive Fitness & Sports Performance, there is no commitment and no membership fees. Learn more here!

Featured Blogs
New blogs are written every week by our providers, staff, and medical experts. See if any of the below articles interest you, or click here to view our library of blogs and articles.

Are You Cleaning Your Ears Safely?


If you need to clean your ears, there are ways to remove the wax without affecting your hearing. Here are some tips for the next time you want to reach for a cotton swab. Read more here.

Making Vasectomies Painless For You and Your Wallet


A vasectomy procedure is a safe, effective form of male birth control proven to prevent nearly 100 percent of potential pregnancies. 

Continue reading here.

Accepting New Patients

The providers of TPMG Neurology at Williamsburg are accepting new patients by referring physicians. 


TPMG Neurology at Williamsburg is committed to providing you and your family with high-quality neurological care. Patricia Mayes, MDMaria Guina, MDKathy Green, MSN, FNP-BC, and their professional staff strive to provide the best care possible while treating each patient with dignity, respect, and compassion.


This practice works closely with referring physicians to diagnose and treat disorders of the nervous system, including, but not limited to, diseases of the brain, nerves, muscles, and spinal cord. Most procedures are performed right in the office, such as EEGs, EMGs, memory testing, and nerve conduction studies. 

Patricia Mayes, MD

Maria Guina, MD

Kathy Green, MSN, FNP-BC

Click here to learn more about TPMG Neurology in Williamsburg.

At TPMG, we have over 220 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, please visit our website for a comprehensive list of accepted insurance carrier plans. We also ask that you 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 the insurance plans they accept.

Did You Know?
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

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.

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

Vanessa - TPMG Family Practice of Hampton Roads

Tracie - TPMG Orthopedics

Ron - TPMG Facilities Department

Katlyn - TPMG Atlantic Coast Family Medicine in Virginia Beach

Did you know that you can recognize a TPMG employee for outstanding work and excellence? If you have had a great experience with a TPMG employee and believe they should 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 area and beyond. 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!
TPMG has a ZERO Tolerance Policy for:
  • Abusive or offensive language
  • Threatening or aggressive behavior or unwanted touching
  • Refusal to follow staff member instructions

Please allow us to keep our offices as safe and welcoming environments to heal and improve the well-being of our neighbors. Our staff has the right to be treated with dignity and respect while working. This behavior will not be tolerated in our offices and may result in the offender’s dismissal from the practice.


TPMG Spirit Week was celebrated bigger and better than ever for this special anniversary! It is impossible to fit every picture into this tiny space, but you can see all of the fun that was had in our many locations by checking out our Facebook @TidwaterPhysicians and our Instagram @Tpmgvirginia accounts.

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