April 2023 | Vol. 1 | Issue 30

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

Masks are not universally required in our TPMG locations; however, some offices may choose to require them.


Your physician's office will inform you if you must wear a mask.


Please continue to wear a mask if you have symptoms, have tested positive for COVID-19, or have had close contact with someone with COVID-19 or the FLU.

TPMG City Center Family Medicine in Newport News welcomes Erica Hess, FNP-BC.


With over 18 years of acute care nursing experience, Erica strives to create personal connections with her patients, partnering with them and their caregivers. She values quality, evidence-based care and aims to help patients find sustainable treatments to help manage their conditions. Erica sees patients across their lifespan from newborns to those of advanced age for well exams and treatment of acute and chronic conditions.


Visit Erica's provider page to learn more.

Awards & Accolades

Celebrating our TPMG Physicians on National Doctors' Day

March 30th marked National Doctors' Day, a time to honor physicians for their dedication and contributions to society. Countless lives in our community have been impacted by the resilience, compassion, and healing touch of our TPMG physicians. We thank them for the incredible work they do each and every day to keep our patients healthy and safe!


Click here or on the image to see how we honored our doctors with heartfelt thanks.

Residents' Choice Awards from Commonwealth Senior Living


Congratulations to Dr. Frances Jones (pictured left) of TPMG Gastroenterology - Williamsburg, Dr. Patricia Mayes (right) of TPMG Neurology at Williamsburg, and Dr. Geoffrey B. Kostiner (not pictured) of TPMG Williamsburg Urology, who all received a "Residents' Choice Award" from Commonwealth Senior Living at Williamsburg.

The Sales Directors from Commonwealth Senior Living, Alethea Dillow and Kelly Birchfield, presented these awards.


We are proud of these physicians and excited to announce their achievements!

Upcoming Events

Join Us for an Exclusive Vitamin C Event!


TPMG Hampton Roads Center for Dermatology - Virginia Beach invites you to discover superior protection from advanced environmental aggressors as we celebrate the gold standard of Vitamin C.


The evening event will include skin demonstrations, chemical peels, Skinscope evaluations, product promotions, and more!


To sign-up for a Skinscope evaluation, please select two timeframes that work best for you in the RSVP form.

We hope to see you there!

When: Tuesday, May 16 from 4:00 – 7:00 PM

Where: TPMG Hampton Roads Center for Dermatology - Virginia Beach 4421 Virginia Beach Boulevard, Suite 106A, Virginia Beach, VA 23462

Phone: (757) 568-5423



Scan the QR code to RSVP by May 8, or email here.

Health and Nutrition

April is Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Awareness Month


Experts do not know what causes IBS, but stress, diet, drugs, or hormones may aggravate the condition. Changing your diet might help improve your IBS symptoms. Having a well-balanced diet, eating regular meals, and drinking plenty of fluids are important in order to keep your digestive system moving.

Foods to avoid with IBS:

  • Fatty meats
  • Whole milk
  • Whole milk cheeses
  • Fatty desserts
  • Broccoli


Foods to avoid with IBS:

  • Brussel sprouts
  • Cabbage
  • Cauliflower
  • Corn
  • Onions


Nutritionists 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.

The Benefits of Mini Workouts


With the weather warming up and activities starting to pick back up, finding time to be active can be difficult.

Mini workouts may be your exercise solution! Performing smaller workouts throughout the day can make it easier to reap the benefits of traditional exercise. For example, instead of a 30-45 minute cardio and resistance training session, do the following:


  • Morning – 15-minute walk in the morning
  • Lunch – 15-minute light yoga or stretching session at lunch
  • Evening – 15-minute high-intensity training after work


If you have children that are involved in sports or after-school activities, instead of waiting in the car for them to finish, find a walking trail or do laps around the parking lot if you are comfortable doing so.


For more creative ideas, talk with one of our Strive personal trainers at TPMG Strive Fitness & Sports Performance. Call (757) 345-2512 or email [email protected] and conquer your fitness goals!

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.

Navigating the Food Jungle: Buzzwords to Ignore at the Grocery Store


There are ways to navigate around marketing strategies and unveil the truth behind the items you place in your cart. Continue reading here.

What's the Most Important Thing in a Relationship?


While communication and honesty are an integral part of any relationship, the strongest relationships are based on something far more important. Read about it here.

Eating with Chronic Kidney Disease


Working with a registered dietitian to adopt a kidney-friendly diet is one way to drastically reduce the progression of chronic kidney disease. Learn more here.

Accepting New Patients

Amanda Schaeffer, PA-C, and Lauren Reynolds, FNP-C, of TPMG Discovery Park Family Medicine are accepting new patients.

As a strong proponent of patient-centered care, Amanda practices evidence-based medicine. She sees patients of all ages for a variety of acute and chronic conditions relating to family medicine, including upper respiratory infections, viral and bacterial infections, urinary tract infections, diabetes, hypertension, and more. She has a unique medical interest in preventative care, health education, and orthopedics. Amanda is a member of multiple professional organizations including the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA) and the Virginia Academy of Physician Assistants (VAPA).


Learn more about Amanda by visiting her provider page.

Board certified as a family nurse practitioner by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP), Lauren enjoys developing relationships with patients and their families in her role as a primary care provider. Lauren sees patients of all ages for a variety of acute and chronic conditions, including upper respiratory infections, UTIs, wellness visits, diabetes, COPD, hypertension, and more. She has a passion for learning, as well as a particular interest in adolescent and teen medicine and disease prevention.


To learn more about Lauren, please visit her provider page.


Learn more about TPMG Discovery Park Family Medicine here.

5424 Discovery Park Boulevard, Building A, Suite 201 | Williamsburg, VA 23188

Phone (757) 345-2071

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.

Carol Elizabeth

TPMG Orthopedics

Kyah

TPMG Obstetrics & Gynecology

Temeka

TPMG Human Resources

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 Physical Therapy is Hiring


Find a rewarding career in healthcare and join our growing team!


  • Licensed Physical Therapist
  • Licensed Physical Therapy Assistant
  • Must have a current license in Virginia



We’re looking for individuals who are dedicated to delivering high-quality patient care and work well in a team dynamic. 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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