Closer Look

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

There could not be a better name then New Leaf Chiropractic Wellness Center for Dr. Michael Pease.

After 20 years in the telecommunications business, Dr. Pease was looking for a career change that would get him out from behind a computer to more face-to-face interaction with people.

Although he lived a healthy lifestyle, eating mostly healthy foods and exercising regularly, being at a desk all day long resulted in frequent headaches, neck pain and insomnia.

“I liked my job, but didn’t like how it made me feel,” said Dr. Pease, who worked for Alltel Communications in its cellular division for many years. “I was only in my mid-30s, but already had prehypertension and didn’t have the energy I should for someone who was so health conscious.”

And then seven years ago, he had an “aha moment” that changed his life forever. “I happened to meet a chiropractor at a health screening event,” said Dr. Pease. “I told the doctor about my medical problems, and he said he could help. After just three months under his care, I saw a 180-degree improvement in my health.”

As Dr. Pease tells the story, he describes it as an awakening — a calling that took his life in a completely new direction. “It was almost as if the clouds parted and I knew what I was meant to do — to help people get well, just as I had been helped,” he explains.

With this insight, Dr. Pease quit his job and turned over a “new leaf,” enrolling in Palmer College of Chiropractic in Port Orange.

“That was back in 2008. I have never looked back and never doubted that I made the right decision,” said Dr. Pease. After graduating as a chiropractic physician, Dr. Pease moved to Tampa tobe closer to his two teenage children and started his own practice in a shared facility on Bearss Avenue.

In August of this year, he moved to Lutz to a professional center on State Road 54, located just east of the new Lowe’s store.

“Our name is apropos for myself as well as our patients, because they too are often turning over a ‘new leaf’ to get healthy and stay fit,” said Dr. Pease. “I believe everyone can benefit from chiropractic treatments. I give every one of my patients 100 percent of my focus and energy. I strive to maintain good communication with patients, and am always open.”

Dr. Pease is currently offering special promotional discounts on initial exams for new patients, as well as discount cash payment options. He strives to keep his rates affordable and offers flexible payment plans.

813-254-2500

2029 Osprey Lane, Suite B, Lutz, FL 33549

NewLeafChiroLLC.com

Special to The Laker / Lutz News

Steve Morgan, general manager of Victory Lane Motorcars in Land O’ Lakes, loves his job because he helps people facing difficult times get financing to buy a vehicle. “Unfortunately, people have bad luck –

bankruptcy, bad health, unemployment,” said Steve. “And when their luck is down, they cannot buy a car the traditional way because they have poor credit and little money for a down payment.”

That’s where Steve and his sales manager, Harry Gooden, come in. “We’re able to get almost anyone in a car, even folks whose credit scores are as low as 400 to 500,” said Steve. “Helping someone get financing for a vehicle is often the first step in re-establishing their credit.”

Steve explains that Victory Lane is not a “buy here, pay here” car lot. “Those lots do not report a client’s credit history to the credit bureaus. And because they don’t, a loan at a ‘buy here, pay here’ lot does nothing to help someone improve their credit score,” said Steve.

Steve and Harry can usually qualify someone for financing in 15-20 minutes. “I like the challenge of helping people find the most affordable financing,” said Harry. “Once we do, within an hour, we can usually complete the sale, and send the customer home in a new car.”

Victory Lane Motorcars keeps close to 100 vehicles on its lot and rotates its inventory every few weeks. It has everything from late model year vehicles with less than 30,000 miles, to cars for as little as $1,500 to $2,000.

“You’ll see all models here, domestic and foreign, including Mercedes, Lexus, Mazda, pickup trucks and even Hummers,” said Steve.

Most customers come from Pasco County, but many travel from Tampa and St. Petersburg looking for a specific vehicle, said Steve.

“And when someone comes by, they usually stay and buy from us, because of our personal touch and genuine customer service,” said Steve. “We’re here to make it happen,” adds Harry. “It is not unusual for us to stay open after closing hours to help a customer get their car that day.”

Every car Victory Lane puts on its lot first goes through an intensive mechanical review. There is a full-time, certified mechanic on staff, and also a body shop. “Every one of our vehicles has been serviced and is ready to go,” said Harry.

Harry and Steve have been selling vehicles for a long time. Steve and his father operated M & M Used Cars in Hamilton, Ohio for 58 years. Harry has been in the car business for more than 10.

Victory Lane Motorcars is open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., every day except Sunday, when the business is closed. Steve and Harry invite folks to come by to check out their huge inventory and overcome any credit issues they may have.

 

6600 Land O’ Lakes Blvd,

Land O’ Lakes, FL 34638

813.996.6019

Michael Higgins is an orthopaedic doctor who knows first hand the trauma of knee replacement surgery.

A few years back, at age 49, Dr. Higgins had a total knee replacement. From that personal experience, he refined medical treatment and follow up care that results in less pain and a faster recovery for people undergoing knee and hip replacement surgery.

Dr. Higgins is now sharing his experience — both as a patient and orthopaedic surgeon — with residents of central and east Pasco.

He recently opened an orthopaedic practice next to Bayfront Health Dade City. Located at 13020 Fort King Road, the office is in the same location that was occupied for 30 years by Dr. Ben Chiang.

Dade City is Dr. Higgins’ second office. The other is in Spring Hill, where he has practiced for 11 years and has medical privileges at Oak Hill Hospital, Bayfront Health Springhill and Bayfront Health Brooksville. He has served as chief of surgery at Bayfront Health Brooksville.

In Dade City, Dr. Higgins sees patients and does surgery two to three times a week. He is working with Bayfront Health’s administration to expand its orthopaedic group and as other physicians come on board, expanded orthopaedic services will be available at Bayfront Health Dade City.

In addition to his personal knee replacement experience, Dr. Higgins also offers patients a unique perspective as a physical therapist, a profession he worked for seven years before earning his medical degree.

“Coming from a physical therapy background gives me a more holistic approach,” said Dr. Higgins. “I first consider what can be done to help a patient with therapy and other non-invasive treatments. Surgery is not always the best answer, because once you cut, you can’t take it back.”

Dr. Higgins views himself as a conservative physician, who prescribes proven, established best practices with documented results.

“Just because there is a new treatment out there, it doesn’t mean it’s the best treatment for the patient,” said Dr. Higgins. “I strongly believe that people have a right to be treated locally and to receive outstanding care locally. There is no reason for patients to go to Tampa for the medical/surgery expertise they need.”

Dr. Higgins views himself as an old-fashioned doctor who is determined to operate as an independent physician with no affiliation to any medical group.

“I like a practice where I know my patients, where my staff knows my patients,” said Dr. Higgins. “It is very important to me that I continue to maintain my private practice because it allows me to give patients the time I need to listen and provide top quality care.”

Dr. Higgins’ staff of seven, which includes medical assistants, an x-ray technician and a practice manager, staff both the Dade City and Springhill offices, which gives patients consistent, quality customer service.

Dr. Higgins lives in Spring Hill with his wife, Cara and their three sons: 10-year-old Edward, 7-year-old Ian and 3-year-old Patrick. The Higgins are active members of St. Francis Xavier Cabrini Church in Spring Hill, where he also participates in the Knights of Columbus and the Ancient Order of Hibernians.

Hernando Orthopaedic & Spinal Surgery

13020 Fort King Road, Suite 102, Dade City, FL 33525

Phone: 352-688-6035 • Fax: 352-688-6219

www.HernandoOrthoSpine.com

Special to The Laker / Lutz News

Craig Laporte has lived in Pasco County since graduating from the University of Florida in 1975 and moving to his parents’ home in New Port Richey to look for work. And, as Craig tells the story, he “fell into an opportunity” with the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office that resulted in becoming a deputy. For the next four years, he worked mostly nights patrolling the western half of the county.

Four years later, when the Sheriff’s office needed a pilot to fly its helicopter, Craig was a perfect candidate because, in college, he was in the U.S. Air Force Reserves. Craig flew the Sheriff’s helicopter for the next three and a half years, while also attending Stetson University College of Law, graduating in 1983.

With this background, it’s no surprise that Craig’s law firm, Proly, Laporte & Mulligan, is the organizer and primary sponsor of an annual event for families of Pasco’s law enforcement community. Simply called Family Fun Day, this year’s event was in April and was attended by more than 675 adults and children. Activities included pony rides, bounce houses, water slides, and Hungry Harry’s barbecue dinners.

Proly, Laporte & Mulligan has also raised money for many other community groups. Why do Craig and his partners support so many charities? “Because we believe in giving back to the community,” said Craig. “Pasco County has been good to me personally, and good to my firm. It’s natural for us to give back, and we especially like charities where 100 percent of the proceeds benefit local groups.”

Proly, Laporte & Mulligan is a law firm with 35 years experience — all of it in Pasco County. It works with clients in all areas of the county, primarily in personal injury and criminal law.

“We keep our practice limited to personal injury and criminal defense. That’s what we do, because that’s what we’re good at,” said Craig. Unlike many personal injury firms, Proly, Laporte & Mulligan works with clients through the case’s conclusion, including litigation, if necessary.

“When I sit down with a client and take their case, it is with the full understanding that I will be with them until the end — win, lose or draw,” said Craig. “About 10 to 15 percent of our personal injury cases go to trial. The rest are settled by the insurance company, because their client is at fault.”

When you call Proly, Laporte & Mulligan with a legal matter, you will always talk to an attorney, not a paralegal, said Craig.

“You are always a person, never a case number, with our firm” says Craig. Craig welcomes local residents to call his law firm for experienced legal counsel where the client’s interest is always first.

800-273-8303 • www.PLMAttorneys.com

11914 Oak Trail Way • Port Richey, FL 34668

Steve Saladino is one of those people who is just as excited today about his job as he was 25 years ago. So excited, in fact, that when he talks to you about his profession, his enthusiasm is so contagious that you begin to think that insurance is the most fascinating job in the world.

“I’m more passionate, and having more fun, helping people than ever,” said Steve. “And really, that’s what the insurance business is all about — helping people.”

Steve is the owner and principal of Saladino Financial Group, LLC, in Northdale. He has clients throughout Florida, with a concentration in north Tampa, Lutz and Land O’Lakes.

“I grew up in Land O’ Lakes — attending Sanders Elementary, Pine View Middle and Land O’ Lakes High,” said Steve. “My father, Joe, has lived in Land O’ Lakes since 1972, and he and his wife Gail, have many, many friends in the area.”

The Saladino family is well known among long-time Land O’ Lakes residents for the two-story log cabin home on Ehren Cutoff they built and lived in for many years. While the family no longer owns the cabin, it remains a landmark for those who travel Ehren Cutoff.

“My brothers and I spent 18 months between 1983 and ’85 helping our Dad put together a log cabin kit for our family. It was one of the best experiences of my life, and taught me the value of hard work and the importance of family,” said Steve.

After graduating from Land O’ Lakes High in 1985, Steve spent four years in the U.S. Army with the 82nd Airborne Division at Ft. Bragg, N.C. as a non-commissioned officer in the Finance and Accounting Department.

After his military commitment, Steve entered the financial services industry and worked as an advisor for Metropolitan Life for 15 years before starting his own independent business in 2005.

“I have spent the past 25 years helping folks achieve their personal and business financial goals,” said Steve. “I never think of my job as selling insurance or financial services. It’s truly about helping people achieve their financial goals and taking care of their loved ones.”

Steve’s approach to his business is based on a needs-based, multi-line philosophy that uncovers his clients’ financial goals, needs and objectives for today, as well as those in the future.

“As an independent agent, I can offer high caliber, unbiased and objective service and solutions,” said Steve. “My goal for every client is to create a clear plan for their financial future by breaking complex ideas into simple-to-perform actions.”

Services provided include insurance, investments, business planning/development, financial need analysis, long-term care planning, life insurance review, risk management, strategic alliances marketing development, point-of-sale support, target market identification and joint field coaching.

Steve’s success and competence is evident by the recognition he’s received in the financial services industry, including the prestigious LUTCF (Life Underwriter Training Council Fellow), which was awarded by The National Association of Life Underwriters after several years of extensive studies. He has also been a LUTCF moderator for many years, assisting with its continuing education program offered by The American College and Florida Department of Financial Services.

Steve is dedicated to mentoring the next generation of insurance agents and financial planners by recruiting top candidates and helping in their training and development.

Steve currently serves on the board of directors as president-elect of the Florida Chapter of the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (NAIFA). He was the NAIFA-Tampa president from 2006-08, and is a 2008 graduate of the organization’s Leadership in Life Institute.

 

Steve and his wife, Alisa, enjoy fishing, boating, camping, and hunting with their three sons. They volunteer in several community groups and attend Grace Family Church in Lutz.

Please contact Steve if you want to learn more about planning for your family’s financial future. You’ll find him easy to talk to, a good listener and always looking out for the best interest of his clients.

(813) 833-3514

Saladino Financial Group, LLC

Steven Saladino, President

By Meaghan O’Neal

Special to Laker/Lutz News

In 1954, A. Kilbride Insurance began as a small business with just one location. Today, 61 years later, the Kilbride family still owns the business and is looking to expand beyond their five locations.

It all began with Adrian Kilbride, who had the aspiration to start an insurance agency to help people find the coverage they needed. He moved moved his family from Boston to Tampa and began handling personal insurance.

In 1981, Kilbride’s daughter, Adrienne Decker, bought the business from her dad and added commercial insurance lines, including commercial auto, business property, workers compensation, general liability and bonds. Adrienne also expanded the company’s personal lines, adding homeowners, flood, health and life insurance.

Fast forward another 34 years and now Adrienne’s daughter, Nicole Gee, is planning on buying the business from her mother and continuing the Kilbride family legacy.

Kilbride Insurance operates as an independent agent, allows the company to serve clients better with many attractive choices.

“Because our family has been in business for so long, we’ve been able to expand our market of insurance companies through the trust and reputation we’ve built,” said Adrienne. “And because we have a market of companies to choose from, we can shop for companies that truly offer the best coverage and best price for a client.”

Adrienne added, “If you come to us and need insurance, we can make a decision about which company will best fit your needs. I love to get to know our clients personally so I can better decipher what their real needs are.”

The number one goal at A. Kilbride is to serve clients well. “Because our focus has always been to do what’s best for clients, we continued to flourish when the economy went down and a lot of agencies went out of business,” said Adrienne.

Kilbride is different than other agencies because it has multiple locations with each one focusing on a different type of insurance. From the start, the company realized that staff members could not be experts in everything. So based on that premise, they hired people who have different strengths and spread them out to their different locations.

For example, the office in North Tampa at 1401 W. Busch Blvd. specializes in commercial policies, while their Land O’ Lakes location at 2436 Land O’Lakes Blvd. is focused on personal and commercial policies.

Adrienne is very proud of each location, but is especially excited to see the recent growth and success of their Land O’ Lakes office. Working at this office for the past year is April Sasser, who is a specialist in personal lines.

“I was drawn to work for A. Kilbride because of the family atmosphere it offers,” said April. “As an insurance agent, I strive to save clients money while giving them the best coverage they can possibly have. I let them know that I’m here for them.”

Adrienne is looking forward to expanding the company again with a new branch in Wesley Chapel sometime in the near future. Like the Land O’ Lakes Office, this new branch will focus on personal lines for new homeowners, as well as commercial lines for new business owners.

2438 Land O’Lakes Blvd. (Behind McDonald’s)

(813) 996-7467

 

By Mike Matthew

Special to The Laker / Lutz News

In just a few months, business owners who process credit card payments will benefit from a favorable new rule regarding Fraud Liability — so long as they meet certain criteria.

“Beginning in October, 2015, the liability on fraudulent transactions switches to the issuing bank instead of the merchant, so long as the merchant is able to process credit cards that have the new chip technology,” explains Terry Inman, President and CEO of Vecter Technologies, LLC. “The new chip technology is known in the industry as EMV (Europay MasterCard Visa) which is a technical standard for smart payment cards.”

“However, businesses that are unable to process smart cards will continue to be liable for fraudulent transactions,” Terry explains.

In order to benefit from this important change, Vecter Technologies is updating its current customer base, while also helping new merchants, by providing compliant credit card processing equipment needed to process EMV transactions.

“Vecter loans EMV capable equipment to qualifying merchants at no cost,” says Terry. “Vecter never leases equipment to its customers, as equipment is constantly changing to meet processing demands. In many cases, merchants are stuck in a lease where the equipment they are using is no longer a viable solution. Lease options can be a costly investment to the merchant.”

Terry goes on to say, “We encourage businesses to upgrade their equipment which will allow them to accept EMV, near communications, and swipe transactions now, and not wait until the liability shift in October.”

EMV cards, or smart cards, which have been in use for years in Canada and Europe, have a small computer embedded in them which significantly reduces credit card fraud.

“These smart cards help with fraud prevention and will not be usable if a thief attempts to skim the card numbers, which is unfortunately something that can happen with magnetic stripe cards today,” Terry stated. “Even though Pay at the Pump stations and ATM locations are prevalent to these type of fraudulent transactions, the Fraud Liability shift for these services will not go into effect until October, 2017. The reason for the delay is due to the significant equipment investment and the limited number of certified installation technicians across the country.”

“The liability shift gives issuing banks a real incentive to provide customers with EMV credit cards,” Terry said, “even though they are more expensive to manufacture than traditional magnetic stripe cards commonly used today.”

“This means smart cards will quickly become the standard card used by most consumers. It’s essential that businesses update their processing equipment so they are ready to accept smart card transactions,” Terry noted.

In addition to providing credit card processing services, Vecter Technologies has a proprietary point of sale system (POS) called Total Commerce. It also offers an industry specific POS system for cigar merchants called Fuego Total Commerce, and a software application specifically designed for private schools called Total Campus, in order to provide a cashless environment. In addition to having their own frontend gateway, they are also certified on most Point of Sale software solutions including tablet systems such as BreadCrumb, iConnect, and ShopKeep.

 

Vecter Technologies, with sales offices in 22 states, differs from its competitors as its sales agents earn a portion of the residual revenue instead of an up-front commission. “This creates a personal relationship between the agent and the merchant. It also provides a real incentive for the agent to assist in resolving any merchant related issues that may arise,” said Terry.

Vecter Technologies is a register Agent of Citizens Bank NA, Providence, RI and utilizes WorldPay as its primary acquiring partner.

Terry and his wife, Kristan, are the sole owners of Vecter Technologies, LLC. The main office is located in Land O’ Lakes, Florida. They welcome calls from business owners wanting to learn more about the upcoming industry changes and how they can prepare their business for the future.

(888) 795-1280

2711 Letap Court, Unit 102

Land O’ Lakes, FL 34638

www.VecterTech.com

Vecter Technologies…A Direct Line to the Future

 

By Meaghan O’Neal

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Buck Rollings is passionate about making trees healthy and safe, and his employees at Omega Tree Service share that commitment.

Buck, a certified arborist, is the owner of Omega Tree Service — a commercial tree trimming company that has been in business for more than 30 years. Buck bought the business four years ago when he retired from the U.S. Marines Corps after 20 years of service.

With the business came crew members who had worked at Omega for many years.

“I was very fortunate to keep the crew that came with Omega,” said Buck. “Not only are these employees exceptionally skilled and knowledgeable, they’ve become like family because we spend so much time working together.”

Having an experienced crew is invaluable, Buck explains, because they keep alive the craftsmanship of tree trimming by training younger employees.

“Tree trimming is an art that is dying — a skill that can’t be found in books. It’s something you learn by doing,” Buck explains. “There’s a huge difference between having the knowledge of how a tree should look, and then actually being able to trim a tree safely and accurately.”

Once you understand how trees should be trimmed, it’s troubling when you see trees that are trimmed incorrectly, Buck says.

“There’s only one way to trim trees, and that’s the right way,” says Buck.

All of Omega’s crew members are certified, and all participate in ongoing training with other arborist in the area, as well as enrolling in programs taught by the University of South Florida. In addition, Omega Tree Service is a member of the International Society of Arborist.

Because felling trees and trimming massive tree limbs can be extremely dangerous, Omega’s employees are trained to avoid accidents and know how to leave a tree so it’s safe for customers.

“Trimming trees improperly doesn’t just make them less appealing visually, but it can actually make them very dangerous to homeowners. That is why we put so much time into training and making sure our work is done correctly,” said Buck.

Another priority of Buck and his staff is prolonging the longevity of their customers’ trees.

“We are very passionate about finding ways to preserve trees, instead of doing major work just for the money,” he said.

With Omega’s extensive experience and equipment, it primarily focuses on larger tree trimming jobs. Buck and his crew do a lot of work in Lutz and Land O’ Lakes because there are so many mature, older trees in this area.

813-931-4741 • www.OmegaTreesTampaBay.com

 

By Mike Matthew

Special to The Laker / Lutz News

Stephanie Metzger, owner of Steph’s Barber-Shop, and her staff of master barbers invite you to experience the look and feel of the neighborhood barbershop. It wasn’t too long ago when barbershops in small towns all across America were the hub of the community.

They were places where friends and neighbors came together, news was shared and people came to know one another as part of a community. These places still exist, though it can be hard to notice them when you’re driving by at 50 miles per hour, and your mind is buzzing with the day’s activities.

Steph’s Barber-Shop is an oasis of old-time peace and calm, tucked away in the Turtle Lakes Plaza on State Road 54 in Lutz, just north of 54 U-Store. Here you can take a few minutes to relax and actually enjoy a conversation with Steph, her barbers and your fellow patrons.

The atmosphere is friendly and relaxed. It’s a place where fathers and sons can sit side by side as equals. Ladies are welcome, too. Two female barbers, Stephanie and Bev, and two male barbers, Si and Tom, take all the time needed to provide you with a perfect haircut.

It’s truly a family practice with an old-fashioned look and feel. “We have a passion for the old-fashioned art of barbering,” says Steph. “That’s how I keep my clients. Once we get you in here, we keep you. People start out as clients, become our friends and, soon enough, we’re all one big happy family.”

“Our barbers are masters having over 30 years of experience providing gentlemen’s cuts, kids’ cuts and cuts for women, too,” says Steph. “We specialize in hot towel shaves, flattops and fades, along with new haircut fashions for young men and college students.”

Prices are fair. Regular cuts are $15, $13 for seniors and kids. After four haircuts, the fifth is free. Hours are Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Thursday and Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Walk-ins are welcome. After-hour cuts are available by appointment.

“Give us a try from your friends at Steph’s Barber-Shop.”

Steph’s Barbershop is located at 24016 State Road 54 in Lutz. Stop on by, or give her a call at (813) 948-4247. You can also visit her Facebook page at Stephs-Barber-Shop for more information, along with the latest specials and coupons.

By Meaghan O’Neal

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Dr. Anahita Azharian is bringing safe, life-changing plastic surgery to the Wesley Chapel area with Magnolia Plastic Surgery Center.

In August of 2014, Dr. Azharian moved back to Tampa, her childhood home, to open her new practice and be closer to family. She had earned a Masters of Public Health in Infectious Diseases at University of South Florida before leaving the area 14 years ago for medical school at Nova Southeastern University College of Osteopathic Medicine in Fort Lauderdale.

Dr. Azharian’s residency in General Surgery was completed at Mercy Catholic Medical Center in Philadelphia, followed by a fellowship in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine.

After her studies, Dr. Azharian worked in New York City until moving back to the Tampa area to open Magnolia Plastic Surgery Center.

Dr. Azharian enjoys owning her own practice for many reasons, but especially because it allows her to set her own high standards.

“Opening my own practice has been a good way to go by my own morals and values, and to do things the way I feel is right,” she says.

Her highest priority, and most important value, is patient safety. While Dr. Azharian acknowledges that any type of surgery comes with some risk, she always informs her patients if something is potentially dangerous, and encourages them to look at alternatives.

“Patient education is closely tied to safety,” said Dr. Azharian. “Many people who seek plastic surgery are not always educated about what it really entails. While plastic surgery is usually done for cosmetic reasons, the procedure is still a surgery and should always be taken seriously.”

Honesty is another important value that Dr. Azharian lives by, and she strives to make sure that her patients are realistic about what they’re going to look like after the surgery.

“We make sure patients have realistic expectations so there are no surprises,” said Dr. Azharian. “We never give anyone false expectations.”

That doesn’t mean that patients don’t have amazing results. “It means that patients get what they actually need and want,” said Dr. Azharian. “We believe that everyone is different, and that someone else’s results won’t necessarily be yours. My joy comes from finding the right surgery for the right patient, and then setting the right expectations.”

Magnolia Plastic Surgery is different than other practices for many reasons, Dr. Azharian said, beginning with the fact that she is a woman.

“I can relate to what society expects of a woman, and to the changes in a woman’s body as she ages,” she says. “Most of my patients are women and I share many of the same perspectives and experiences.”

Dr. Azharian also says her practice is different because of the amount of time that she spends with her patients.

“I never rush people out the door and want my patients to feel comfortable,” she says. “I take time to listen so patients can fully explain what they want,” she said.

Magnolia Plastic Surgery Center works with many breast cancer patients, many whom are referred by the Florida Medical Clinic.

Watching the progress and strength of cancer patients has been especially gratifying for Dr. Azharian and her staff. They often see patients from the start of their cancer treatments, through complications, and to when treatment ends

Dr. Azharian seeks to deepen the good reputation of the Magnolia Plastic Surgery Center by valuing her patient’s safety, being honest about her results, and giving patients the best surgery that they can have. Her ultimate goal is to do the best surgery she can every single time.

(813) 563-2220 (ask for Wanda) • 2404 Creel Lane, Suite 102 • Wesley Chapel • www.magnoliapsc.com