March 2023 | Vol. 1 | Issue 29

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

TPMG Ear, Nose, and Throat Specialists welcome Gregory Davidson, PA-C, MPAS, and Charla V. Johnson, PA-C to the practice.

With over 20 years of experience practicing medicine, Greg strives to provide the best patient care at all times, making each patient feel comfortable during their visit. He treats both children and adults for a variety of non-surgical ENT disorders such as ear and sinus infections, tonsillitis, wax impactions, hearing loss, and nosebleeds. Retired from the United States Air Force, Greg has lived and worked in Hampton Roads for over 20 years. He served as a clinical coordinator for a physician assistant training program while on active duty.


Learn more about Greg by visiting his provider page.

Charla has been practicing medicine since 1997 and was the first Black American to graduate from the PA program at Des Moines University. She treats patients aged 10 and up for a variety of acute and chronic ear, nose, and throat conditions including allergic, chronic, or vasomotor rhinitis, acute and chronic sinusitis, dizziness, hearing and ear issues, GERD, throat and voice issues, thyroiditis, and neck masses. She has a particular medical interest in chronic rhinosinusitis, allergy and immunology, and dizziness. During treatment, Charla cares for her patients holistically, providing support for the mind, body, and soul.


Learn more about Charla here on her provider page.

Patient Safety Awareness Week:

March 12-18


Patient Safety Awareness Week is an annual recognition event intended to encourage everyone to learn more about health care safety. During this week, the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI) seeks to advance important discussions locally and globally, and to inspire action to improve the safety of the health care system — for patients and the workforce. This week serves as a dedicated time and platform for growing awareness about patient safety and recognizing the work already being done.


Learn more about TPMG's commitment to patient safety here.

Awards & Accolades

Congratulations to Geoffrey B. Kostiner, MD of TPMG Williamsburg Urology who was recently designated as a UroLift® Center of Excellence!

The Center of Excellence designation signifies Dr. Kostiner has achieved the highest level of training and expertise with the UroLift System and his continued commitment to improving the health outcomes of men suffering from Prostatic Hyperplasia or BPH.


The Urolift procedure is a breakthrough treatment option that can be performed in the comfort of our on-site Procedure Suite and allows patients to return to their normal routines much faster than traditional surgical options. The UroLift permanent implant is delivered during a minimally invasive transurethral outpatient procedure, which relieves prostate obstruction and opens the urethra directly without cutting, heating, or removing prostate tissue.


Learn more about Dr. Kostiner by visiting his provider page.

TPMG Celebrates our Phlebotomists


Phlebotomists Recognition Week was celebrated February 13-17 to honor phlebotomists' vital role in maintaining patient health and promoting lab efficiency and effectiveness. Phlebotomists draw blood for medical testing, transfusions, and research, which all play a critical role in diagnosing illness. Their accurate and timely blood draws are critical for patient care and treatment decisions.


While not everyone loves to get their blood drawn, from a diagnostic standpoint, a blood sample can indicate a serious illness or unhealthy levels of blood sugars. It can also indicate genetic markers that signal a predisposition for a disease or the possibility of disease in future children.

Phlebotomists are instrumental to our healthcare team! We thank them for their professionalism and contributions to patient health.

Congratulations to TPMG Coastal Endocrinology on their recent AIUM Accreditation! The AIUM Ultrasound Practice Accreditation is a peer review process, which allows practices to demonstrate that they meet or exceed nationally recognized standards in both performance and interpretation of diagnostic ultrasound exams. In addition, this demonstrates Coastal Endocrinology’s commitment to clinical excellence and delivering the highest quality patient care.

Health and Nutrition

Tips to Lighten Your Carbon Footprint


March is National Nutrition Month, and eating with sustainability in mind and lightening your carbon footprint is the focus of this year’s theme, Fuel for the Future. There are plenty of easy food-related actions to lighten your carbon footprint while eating healthier.

  1. Buy locally and in-season
  2. Eat more plant-based foods
  3. Choose foods with minimal packaging
  4. Bring your own bags to the store
  5. Conserve energy in the kitchen
  6. Save water


Continue reading here for more details and eco-friendly tips from eatright.org.

The Importance of RDNs in Patient Care


Registered Dietitian and Nutritionists play an integral role in a patient's health. These clinicians provide personally tailored nutritional advice to fit your unique needs, help manage chronic diseases, and guide you through food allergies, sensitivities, and other complex medical issues.

Click on the above image to hear Gale Pearson, MS, RDN, CDCES explain how seeing a nutritionist can help individuals make positive lifestyle changes to improve their overall health and well-being.


Call (757) 232-8768 to schedule an appointment at one of our TPMG Nutrition Services locations throughout Hampton Roads.

It's a great time to give Strive a try!


Whether your goal is weight loss, improved performance, pre/post-surgery function, or strengthening, the experienced coaches at TPMG Strive Fitness & Sports Performance will construct a program specific to you and your needs. Below are just two examples of classes that help patients stay active and strong.

Balance and Strength class is for anyone wishing to improve and gain strength in everyday life, as well as improve balance and coordination for day-to-day activities. This class is perfect for someone who may have a walker or cane, or has just finished physical therapy and wants to continue to build upon their achievements. Classes are offered on Tuesdays at 10am. With this class, you also get access to the open gym.

Silver Power Hour is a group class for active older adults who want to improve flexibility, balance, strength, and bone health. We utilize light free weights, machines, and resistance bands, while a trained professional assists with movement modifications. The Silver Power Hour is offered on Tuesday/Thursday at 12pm as well as Wednesday/Friday at 10:30am. 

For more information, please call TPMG Strive Fitness & Sports Performace at (757) 345-2512 or email [email protected].

Featured Blogs

New blogs are written every week by our providers, staff, and medical experts.

Click here to view our complete library of blogs and articles.

Ankle Replacement Surgery


Many people are unfamiliar with the idea of ankle replacement surgery as an option for the treatment of chronic ankle pain. Click here to learn more and see what Dr. Matthew Hopson with TPMG Orthopedics says about total ankle replacement.

Love Bombing: How to Protect Yourself


Love bombing occurs when someone showers you with attention, love, and other grand gestures, promising the world, but turns cold and nonresponsive after you respond. Read more here to learn how to protect yourself in a new relationship.

Accepting New Patients

TPMG Williamsburg Urology offers state-of-the-art, minimally invasive urologic procedures at TPMG’s on-site Procedure Suite, cutting down on patient costs and providing greater access and convenience for their patients. The practice offers Urolift and Rezum for BPH and Botox for overactive bladder at TPMG’s on-site Procedure Suite, bringing innovative and cutting-edge technology to patients at a competitive cost.

TPMG Williamsburg Urology | Phone (757) 345-6223

5424 Discovery Park Boulevard, Building B, Suite 203 | Williamsburg, VA 23188


Learn more about TPMG Williamsburg Urology here.

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

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.

Gabrielle - TPMG Colonial Endocrinology

Tana - TPMG - IT Systems Analyst

Ashley - TPMG Hampton Lab

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

TPMG is Hiring!


We are looking for a driven and enthusiastic Benefits Manager to join our growing Human Resources team. The Benefits Manager is responsible for overseeing and administering all employee benefits, wellness, and related programs for the company.


Apply on the Careers Tab at mytpmg.com

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.

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