Doctor's Orders from White-Wilson Medical Center

May 20, 2022

Warm weather and sunny days are back and so are we! In between your trips to the beach (don't forget the sunscreen) and all that family fun you're sure to be having now that school is out, why not relax a moment and check out the latest edition of Doctor's Orders!

In this season's newsletter, you will discover just who can help you out when it comes to annoying allergies, how to safely navigate the baby formula shortage and what health screenings you might have missed out on. You will also meet the many new faces we have roaming our halls, get some tips on making sure your children swim safely and discover some delicious summer and spring flavors with recipes that will make you the talk of the town.

What are you waiting for? Scroll down now to learn more about these important topics and get the latest updates from WWMC!

For many parents, summertime means more and more days spent splashing around the beach or pool. While we can all agree that it's a great way to keep kids active and cool in the summer, it can also pose a lot of danger. Luckily, White-Wilson Pediatrician Dr. Alison Colonna is here for you with these tips to keep the summer fun flowing and your little ones safe in the water.

Dr. Alison Colonna is board-certified by the American Board of Pediatrics and cares for children at White-Wilson Pediatric Clinic in Fort Walton Beach. To learn more about Dr. Colonna and her approach to patient care, click here.

Myth Busters: Only Allergists Can Treat Allergies
Spring is blooming and so are those pesky allergies. For many of us, allergy season usually means watery eyes, scratchy noses and lots and lots of tissues, but for those whose allergies are more severe, it may be time to seek help from a doctor. The question now is, who to see?

Find out the answer.

Tips for Navigating the Formula Shortage Crisis
As parents of infants are aware, the nation is currently in the midst of a shortage of baby formula. In light of the shortage, many parents are looking for guidance on what to do and what internet remedies to believe. Pediatrician Dr. Dale Volquartsen is here with some advice to help.
Check it out.

Mid-Year Health Screening Breakdown
With the year almost half-way gone, it's time to take stock of your health and what screenings you should receive soon. To make sure you don't miss anything, Family Medicine physician Dr. Tyler Hamilton breaks down a checklist of routine health screenings you should schedule.

Learn more.

PROVIDER SPOTLIGHT

Need a Family Medicine Specialist in Crestview? Meet Dr. Jacob Urda

Jacob Urda, DO is a highly-skilled Family Medicine physician managing a broad spectrum of patients and conditions at the White-Wilson Family Medicine Clinic in Crestview. Board-certified by the American Osteopathic Board of Family Physicians, Dr. Urda has been caring for the Crestview community for many years and strives to bring the latest developments and methods of health care into his visits with patients. He utilizes an approach that focuses on trust between patient and provider, helping patients minimize risk of future illness by prioritizing preventive care and the adoption of healthy habits.

Dr. Urda is accepting new patients at our Family Medicine Clinic in Crestview. To learn more about him or to schedule a visit, click here.

WELCOME NEW PROVIDERS!

Dr. Melissa Chrites
Internal Medicine
Fort Walton Beach

A former flight surgeon in the United States Air Force, Melissa Chrites, DO specializes in adult primary care and diagnosing and managing chronic illnesses and diseases. She is board-certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine and has a special interest in preventive care and weight management, as she feels these set the foundation for a health life. She has experience working with patients from many different cultures and enjoys working collaboratively with them to set reasonable and attainable goals.

Learn more about Dr. Chrites' approach to patient care here.

Dr. Tyler Hamilton
Family Medicine
DeFuniak Springs

Tyler Hamilton, DO is board-certified by the American Osteopathic Board of Family Physicians and has extensive experience caring for patients of all ages. Dr. Hamilton prefers to utilize a “listening first” approach during visits, allowing the patient to openly communicate about their health before he makes any judgements and strives to treat patients as family.

Learn more about Dr. Hamilton's approach to patient care here.

Dr. John Peters
In-Patient Care
Fort Walton Beach

A native of Fort Walton Beach, John Peters, MD is board-certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine and cares for patients admitted to Fort Walton Beach Medical Center. Dr. Peters has more than 10 years of experience caring for patients as a hospitalist providing care for broad range of medical emergencies and chronic conditions.

Learn more about Dr. Peter's approach to patient care here.

Dr. Sara Rushing
In-Patient Care
Fort Walton Beach

Sara Rushing, MD is board-certified by American Board of Internal Medicine and cares for patients admitted to the hospital as a part of White-Wilson Medical Center's In-Patient Care team. A lifelong resident of Crestview, Dr. Rushing has been caring for patients for more than 20 years, many of which have been spent right here on the Emerald Coast. She understands the fear and confusion that often come with a hospital stay and strives to be a comforting presence to her patients and their families.

Learn more about Dr. Rushing's approach to patient care here.

Cynthia Cuson, APRN
Rehab & Long-Term Care
Fort Walton Beach

Assisting long-time WWMC physician Dr. Melissa Fischer, Cynthia Cuson, APRN is a registered nurse practitioner providing in-patient care to patients at skilled nursing and rehabilitation facilities. APRN Cuson especially enjoys working with those in long-term care facilities and prides herself on creating individualized care plans for her patients, taking into account their personality and history so that they may achieve sustainable success.

Learn more about APRN Cuson's approach to patient care here.

Lindsey Mann-Badyrka, APRN
Family Medicine
Niceville

Lindsey Mann-Badyrka, APRN is a registered nurse practitioner caring for patients of all ages at White-Wilson Family Medicine Clinic in Niceville and supporting Dr. Lee Barnes and Dr. Karen Hoffman. APRN Mann-Badyrka views her patients as teammates, working together to achieve optimal health outcomes. She strives to be caring and compassionate in every interaction, preferring to develop strong relationships with her patients and building trust.

Learn more about APRN Mann-Badyrka's approach to patient care here.

Mary Jean Middleton, APRN
Immediate Care
Destin

Mary Jean Middleton, APRN is a registered nurse practitioner providing same-day care for most common illnesses, injuries and health needs at the White-Wilson Immediate Care Clinic in Destin. APRN Middleton allows the patient to fully express what brings them in before drawing conclusions and strives to ensure patients receive the comfort and timely care they need during times of illness and injury.

Learn more about APRN Middleton's approach to patient care here.

Jackie Stafford, APRN
In-Patient Care
Fort Walton Beach

Jackie Stafford, APRN is a registered nurse practitioner caring for patients admitted to the hospital as a part of White-Wilson Medical Center's
In-Patient Care team. APRN Stafford has more than 30 years of experience caring for patients in a variety of settings. As a nurse practitioner, she prides herself of creating plans with goals that are achievable for her patients given their current lifestyle and educating those in her care on the best practices to adopt post-discharge.

Learn more about APRN Stafford's approach to patient care here.

Recipes

Prosciutto-Wrapped Asparagus with Raspberry Sauce
Be the belle of the barbecue with this savory and sweet appetizer that's sure to get your guests talking with their mouths full.

Spring Roll Salad
Indulge your appetite for Asian cuisine with this healthier take on the ever-so addictive take-out treat without all those greasy calories!

Pear Rhubarb Crisp
Fill all your fruitful fancies with this diabetic-friendly version of a classic home-style dessert made sweet with natural sugars.