"Philosophy of care | My philosophy of care is patient-centered. I believe in a strong doctor and patient relationship that involves mutual respect, honesty, compassion and personal responsibility. I believe an essential part of ""doctoring"" is providing quality medical care in a caring atmosphere where every patient is heard and treated as a unique individual. | Why I entered medicine | Ever since I could remember I had always wanted to go into medicine. I am one of seven children. My mother was a nurse and she always encouraged me to enter the medical profession. She entered nursing school when I was 8 years old. I was brought up watching her study, listening to stories about patients and the hospital. My enthusiasm for medicine continued in high school and college; I loved the sciences. When it was time to fill out my application, I knew being a doctor would enable me to make a positive and meaningful difference in the lives of people when they need it most, and there are not many professions that give us that privilege. | Community involvement | I remain active in the community supporting my church, childrens schools and sports teams. I am also active in the American Heart Association's Lehigh Valley chapter. | Personal interests | As a mother of three beautiful children, wife of a wonderful cardiologist and a solo medical practitioner in internal medicine, personal interests are hard to fit in. My father purchased a home on the Jersey Shore in 1994, which allows me to enjoy the beach and precious time with my family. I also love to ski. I started skiing in medical school and make a yearly trek out West with my family and friends. As a physician, I am always reminding patients of the benefits of regular exercise, and I, too, try to remain physically active. In 2011, I completed the Lehigh Valley Marathon -- that was a very proud moment!". Dr. Persin is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Lyme Disease. Her top areas of expertise are Vitamin D Deficiency, Sitosterolemia, High Cholesterol, and Hypertension.

Philosophy of care | My philosophy is really that of a student and a teacher. I need to listen and learn from each patient encounter and pass on this knowledge to be successful. | Why I entered medicine | The greatest mentors I had in training were infectious diseases specialists, and I wanted to be just like them. They were very smart and excellent teachers. | Community involvement | I volunteered in a homeless shelter during my medical school and residency, and I would like to do something like this again. I was in Kenya on a volunteer medical exchange, and it made me realize that there are many people here in the Lehigh Valley that could use charitable care as well. | Personal interests | I have too many hobbies and not enough time. I am an amateur beekeeper and like to bicycle. When I get lazy, I ride my motorcycle. Dr. Naktin is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Lyme Disease. His top areas of expertise are Lyme Disease, Infective Endocarditis, Strep Throat, and Infectious Arthritis.

Don Kannangara is an Infectious Disease provider in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. Dr. Kannangara is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Lyme Disease. His top areas of expertise are Lyme Disease, Babesiosis, Infectious Arthritis, and Strep Throat.

Karine Thevenin is a primary care provider, practicing in Family Medicine in Allentown, Pennsylvania. Dr. Thevenin is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Lyme Disease. Her top areas of expertise are Cellulitis, Peptic Ulcer, Necrosis, and Otitis.

Philosophy of care | I think it’s fundamentally important that a solid relationship based on trust be created between myself and patients.  This is accomplished by working in a partnership with the patient to accomplish mutually defined health goals, by treating illnesses and diseases using strategies based on the best evidence, and by ensuring excellent bi-directional communication between myself and patients. | Why I entered medicine | After experiencing numerous injuries and illnesses while growing up, I became deeply familiar with the health care system from the perspective of the patient.  While this generated interest in the role physicians play from direct experience, it also created the desire to give back to others by helping to prevent illnesses and injuries, as well as to manage diseases that arise. | Community involvement | I have had ongoing sponsorship for disadvantaged kids who have suffered burn injuries to enable them to attend a special summer camp through the University of Michigan Burn Center. | Personal interests | I work to maintain my own well-being by spending time with my 20-year-love, Susan, my wonderful 4 kids, extended family and friends (as well as my huge dog, Bo, and multiple other furry and feathered friends).  Together we enjoy family movie nights, ice cream runs (not | every | night!), sporting events, and trips into NYC.  I might periodically also be spotted pounding the pavement on a run or getting muddy on a mountain bike. Dr. Cowell is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Lyme Disease. His top areas of expertise are Cellulitis, Peptic Ulcer, Necrosis, and Otitis.

Amy Slenker is an Infectious Disease provider in Allentown, Pennsylvania. Dr. Slenker is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Lyme Disease. Her top areas of expertise are Myelitis, AIDS Dysmorphic Syndrome, AIDS Dementia Complex, and HIV/AIDS.

Philosophy of care | I seek to partner with patients and their families to help them care for childhood illnesses and to provide patient-centered, evidence-based wellness care. I choose to practice in a larger multispecialty group because of the convenient access to a broad range of specialty and urgent care services. I work to help my office and staff provide a superior customer service experience. | Why I entered medicine | I went into medicine because it gives me the opportunity to help others learn how to treat current health problems and prevent future ones. | Personal interests | Outside of medicine I enjoy reading, bicycling, and shooting sports. Dr. Burnham is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Lyme Disease. His top areas of expertise are Croup, Herpangina, Scarlet Fever, and Pertussis.

Philosophy of care | My main goal is to treat every patient as a person with kindness and respect. I’m passionate about preventative care and educating patients about lifestyle changes that help people live longer, healthier and happier lives. I like to take a holistic approach that includes diet, exercise and helping the body heal itself, as opposed to just using medications. I prescribe them when necessary, but a lot of chronic conditions can be improved or prevented with lifestyle changes alone. I think the extra time I spend counseling and educating patients about caring for their bodies is definitely worth it to their health and well-being. | Why I entered medicine | My grandfather was a physician with his own practice. He had a passion for medicine that I believe was passed on to me. He just loved caring for patients and getting to know them. He literally took care of whole families, delivering babies and caring for each family member throughout their entire lives – a true family practitioner. I saw from a young age how rewarding a career in medicine could be. Fortunately, I found that I really enjoyed studying the sciences. Biology was my favorite subject in high school, and I majored in it in college. I took a year off before applying to medical school to work for Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York. I triaged all patient phone calls and handled OR scheduling. It wasn’t a clinical role, but working closely with patients showed me without a doubt that I wanted to follow in my grandfather’s footsteps. | Community involvement | I have two small children who take a lot of my time when I’m not working, so I give to the community when I can. In college I volunteered with an organization called Dress for Success that helps homeless women dress for job interviews. During my residency, I volunteered at high schools and colleges giving sports physicals. I was a competitive figure skater when I was younger, so I love working with young athletes, talking to them about preventing injuries and staying in peak condition. It’s truly a joy watching them achieve their highest athletic goals. | Personal interests | I love spending time with my two kids and my husband. We like being active outdoors, going for walks as a family and exploring the area. I still skate for fun, and also stay in shape by practicing yoga and spinning (riding a stationary bike). My kitchen is another happy place for me. I love baking and cooking Italian food. My grandparents were born in the United States but met in Rome where my grandfather went to medical school and my grandmother worked for the American embassy. I grew up hearing all about Italian culture and cuisine. In my quieter moments, there’s nothing like a good novel. I’ve always enjoyed losing myself in a book more than watching TV. It’s a wonderful escape and a great way to unwind. Dr. Stockhausen is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Lyme Disease. Her top areas of expertise are Cellulitis, Peptic Ulcer, Necrosis, and Otitis.

Philosophy of care | I strive to provide you the highest possible medical care and to build a long-term relationship. I believe strong physician-patient relationships are the basis for excellent health care. With each visit, it’s important to attempt to make you feel better and happy. | Why I entered medicine | I entered the medical field to help others overcome their ailments. | Community involvement | I founded Community Professional Services free clinics in Coopersburg and at New Bethany EC Church in Allentown. | Personal interests | I like golfing, cooking, gardening and spending free time with my family. Dr. Shoenberger is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Lyme Disease. His top areas of expertise are Fructose-1,6-Bisphosphatase Deficiency, Tracheitis, Glucocorticoid-Remediable Aldosteronism, and Familial Hypertension.

Thomas Czajkowski is a primary care provider, practicing in Family Medicine in Allentown, Pennsylvania. Dr. Czajkowski is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Lyme Disease. His top areas of expertise are Glucocorticoid-Remediable Aldosteronism, Hypertension, Familial Hypertension, and Familial Transthyretin Amyloidosis.

"Philosophy of care | My general philosophy of medicine and treating patients is that I believe every patient requires the same level of excellent care. We always give 110 percent effort to each patient care problem. Our goal is to try to make a rapid diagnosis and institute an extremely effective treatment plan. In this regard we need to be committed fully to each patient every day, all the time so that we may provide the best level of service to our patients here at Lehigh Valley Health Network. We believe that each patient should be treated with the best scientific technology, but also with as much compassion as possible, thus combining the best of science and the art of medicine. | Why I entered medicine | I had several relatives who were physicians. They were great role models for me in my younger years. I always looked up to them as well-regarded professionals in their field. They were extremely well-regarded within our family as well. They were very compassionate people who went out of their way to help others. They were very successful in their scientific careers. This greatly influenced my decision to enter the field of medicine. I chose the field of infectious diseases because our cases are always fascinating and at times quite difficult. Diagnosis often requires a significant amount of investigation, often ""sleuthing"" in a detective-style fashion that I find extremely exciting. In our field there are always new diseases, such as the recent SARS epidemic, Avian influenza and many others that require immediate action. This keeps the level of scientific interest quite high and makes the job very challenging, and I enjoy that. | Personal interests | At the present time I have very little spare time. The free time I do have I enjoy with my family, often at sporting events or other family outings. I do enjoy photography as a hobby and hopefully will be able to devote more time to that in the near future.". Dr. Knouse is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Lyme Disease. His top areas of expertise are Osteomyelitis in Children, Lymphangitis, Bacterial Gastroenteritis, and Cellulitis.

"Philosophy of care | It is rewarding to help people cope with the unknown - and sometimes life-threatening - illnesses. It is especially rewarding because we have increasingly sophisticated tools to diagnose and treat infections. | Why I entered medicine | A career in infectious diseases is challenging, exciting and hard work. Using training, intellect and the resources of modern medicine, I have the opportunity to help patients, families and communities deal with often frightening illnesses. Recent decades have seen the emergence of AIDS, SARS, Avian Flu, MRSA and dozens of ""mystery"" illnesses, which demonstrates the need to have some of the brightest and dedicated physicians go into the field of infectious diseases. | Community involvement | I participate in the Lehigh Valley's Bioterrorism Preparedness and the Pandemic Influenza Preparedness groups. | Personal interests | When not working I enjoy bike riding and swimming". Dr. Rhodes is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Lyme Disease. His top areas of expertise are Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C), COVID-19, Strep Throat, and Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA).

Eric Young is an Infectious Disease provider in Allentown, Pennsylvania. Dr. Young is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Lyme Disease. His top areas of expertise are Infective Endocarditis, Osteomyelitis, Strep Throat, and Sepsis.

Philosophy of care | I strive to approach patients with concern, from their level of understanding and without judgement. | Why I entered medicine | I enjoy microbiology – it has shaped the futures of countries, societies and cultures. Medicine allows me to act locally while thinking globally. | Personal interests | I enjoy volleyball, tennis and my two dogs, Bernie and Elin. Dr. Benjamin is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Lyme Disease. His top areas of expertise are Strep Throat, Sepsis, Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA), and Osteomyelitis.

Philosophy of care | The relationship between a patient and physician should be an equal partnership in which the goal is to deliver the best care to the patient. I encourage my patients to be active participants in their health, by advocating patient education and by connecting them to the resources available to them. | Why I entered medicine | Infectious disease is a dynamic and challenging field. As infectious disease specialists, we have to stay one step ahead of organisms that are evolving to evade our antibiotics and also be ready when novel infections emerge. | Personal interests | I enjoy outdoor activities, including snowboarding, surfing, jogging, rollerblading and biking. I am learning how to play tennis. Dr. Shastry is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Lyme Disease. Her top areas of expertise are Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA), Strep Throat, Sepsis, and Lymphangitis.

Joseph Bognet is a primary care provider, practicing in Family Medicine in Allentown, Pennsylvania. Dr. Bognet is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Lyme Disease. His top areas of expertise are Hyperlipoproteinemia Type 5, Familial Lipoprotein Lipase Deficiency, Apolipoprotein C2 Deficiency, and Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome.

Jay Varrato is a Neurologist in Allentown, Pennsylvania. Dr. Varrato is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Lyme Disease. His top areas of expertise are Danon Disease, Pompe Disease, Epilepsy, and Myasthenia Gravis.

Philosophy of care | I treat every child the way I would like my own child to be treated. | Why I entered medicine | I was young and restless and wanted something challenging and diverse that would allow me to keep in touch with other people and be ever-changing. | Community involvement | I get involved with camp, health fairs, school and am the soccer team doctor. | Personal interests | I like to read, cook and entertain family and friends. I volunteer at school, sports teams and institutions that care for the youth, such as the YMCA. Dr. Villalobos is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Lyme Disease. Her top areas of expertise are Lyme Disease, Pneumococcal Meningitis, Febrile Neutropenia, and Childhood Pancreatitis.

James Wasson is a primary care provider, practicing in Internal Medicine in Nazareth, Pennsylvania. Dr. Wasson is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Lyme Disease. His top areas of expertise are Maturity Onset Diabetes of the Young, Tonsil Stones, Type 2 Diabetes (T2D), and Obesity in Children.

Mohammad Mukhtar is a primary care provider, practicing in Family Medicine in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. Dr. Mukhtar is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Lyme Disease. His top areas of expertise are Pemphigus, Pyridoxine Deficiency, High Cholesterol, and Obesity.