Philosophy of care | Listening is important. That's the most helpful to patients. You get the most insight into their personality. Communication is also important -- not only with the patient, but with the patient's family, and especially in the hospital or nursing home. Good communication goes a long way. I've been doing this for more than 10 years, and you build a relationship with your patients. I like to catch up, see how they're doing, ask about their family, vacations. | Why I entered medicine | My father was a doctor, and that had an impact on me when I was growing up. | Personal interests | My greatest passion in life is my family -- my wife and my two daughters. That's the most important thing to me. I spend a lot of time with the family, and I like to fish. We're big Eagles fans, and I have season tickets. Dr. Ehrig is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Peptic Ulcer. His top areas of expertise are Cyclic Neutropenia, Smoldering Multiple Myeloma, Multiple Myeloma, and Cirrhosis.

Philosophy of care | I treat all of my patients as if they are members of my family. I feel that my role as a physician and surgeon is to educate each patient so that they can make the best decision for their particular illness. | Why I entered medicine | I chose this profession to help people and to be stimulated intellectually. I was also inspired by my family to become a physician and surgeon. My father and brother are dentists, and my mother was an operating room nurse. | Personal interests | I enjoy playing golf, cooking, cycling, reading and spending time with my wife and children. Dr. Welkie is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Peptic Ulcer. His top areas of expertise are Carotid Artery Disease, Arterial Embolism, Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA), Peripheral Artery Disease, and Carotid Artery Surgery.

Georgia Fliakos is a primary care provider, practicing in Family Medicine in Allentown, Pennsylvania. Dr. Fliakos is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Peptic Ulcer. Her top areas of expertise are Cellulitis, Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye), Peptic Ulcer, and Necrosis.

Philosophy of care | I love the one-to-one connection with the patient. It’s everything in family medicine, as far as I’m concerned. It goes with being an osteopathic doctor, the approach of the human body healing itself and healing the whole body. I'm hard-working, easy to communicate with, and here to help -- whether it be about medicine, the Phillies lineup or just day-to-day life. | Why I entered medicine | I wanted to be a doctor ever since I was young. I even used to dress up as a doctor on Halloween. I developed my interest from my pediatrician. There was a real comfort level in his office. I was pretty much interested in everything medical ever since. I can still remember looking at dissections of a frog in my encyclopedia over and over again. | Community involvement | I participated in the Valley Preferred Tour de Hershey, a bike ride to raise money for childhood cancer. I also contribute to the local dog park in Allentown. | Personal interests | In my spare time, I enjoy hanging out with my Rhodesian Ridgeback, Scarlett; enjoying the company of my wife, family and friends; making wine; playing sports; reading books; hiking and eating! I'm also a fan of Philadelphia sports teams. Dr. Sperrazza is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Peptic Ulcer. His top areas of expertise are Cellulitis, Peptic Ulcer, Necrosis, and Bloom Syndrome.

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

Philosophy of care | My job is to save the lives of patients with aortic aneurysms, to prevent strokes in patients with carotid artery disease and to avert amputation in patients with impaired blood flow to their extremities. However, what I treasure in my job is the relationship with patients and their families, developed sometimes over years and sometimes quickly during a challenging time in their lives. I always remember that patients like you who seek out my expertise are people – with jobs, lives, hobbies, families and compelling personal stories. I enjoy hearing those stories and playing a role in caring for those individuals. | Why I entered medicine | Honestly, I wasn't very good at physics. After studying physics and engineering as an undergraduate at Haverford College and as a graduate student at the University of Virginia, I figured out somewhat serendipitously that I was good at surgery and enjoyed caring for patients. Vascular surgery is intellectually engrossing and technically challenging. | Community involvement | My wife Oksana and I support the YMCA, and three generations of Jacksons have attended a YMCA summer camp in Rhode Island. Because Oksana is of Ukrainian heritage, we support a number of humanitarian causes in that country. | Personal interests | My family and I enjoy hiking and camping (Indian Garden Campground at the Grand Canyon is my favorite campsite). My kids play a lot of soccer, and some baseball and softball, so I've become a student of those games. We're pretty dedicated Philadelphia Union fans. Dr. Jackson is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Peptic Ulcer. His top areas of expertise are Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA), Carotid Artery Disease, Aneurysm Repair, and Carotid Artery Surgery.

Philosophy of care | Every patient is different and unique. I like to work with patients as a partner, sitting face to face and talking together. My role is to present various evidence-based treatment options, based on scientific studies. I always encourage patients to ask questions, and I’m there to make sure they understand everything. I’m even happy to write it all down so they can take the information home and think about it. I can’t decide the best treatment for patients by myself, but I can provide options and guidance to help them choose the best care. | Why I entered medicine | My father has diabetes. When I was 15 he started going into a diabetic coma several times a year. The first time it happened, I was at home with my parents where we lived in Taiwan. My mom was crying, so I quickly called my older sister, who is a family doctor in the United States, and asked her what to do. With her help I took his blood pressure, heart rate and checked his blood sugar. I found that I liked caring for my dad and started thinking I’d like to do that for other people someday. But I didn’t really plan to go to medical school until my dad asked one day if I wanted to try. I did, and the rest is history. I’m now helping patients get well and stay healthy, just like I once did for my dad. | Community involvement | I volunteer regularly at my father-in-law’s church in New Jersey. I participate in rummage sales and other fundraisers that support the church community. My other passion is helping animals. I’ve always loved them since I was a child, and my heart cries whenever I see an animal being mistreated. I even thought about becoming a veterinarian before I became a human doctor. I now have two cats that I adopted from a rescue shelter, and I also send regular donations to the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA). I help whenever I can. | Personal interests | I love spending time with my cats—they’re just like my son and daughter. My husband and I even have a small room in our house just for them, complete with a cat tree and toys. I also love traveling. When I was growing up, my mom took me abroad every vacation. I’ve been to Australia, New Zealand, Europe, Southeast Asia and many other places. I particularly like trying local foods and learning new languages. I speak fluent Chinese and English, plus I know a little Japanese, Korean and Tagalog (spoken in the Philippines). I love to learn new things, and I think seeing many different places and experiencing new cultures has made me a more open person and a better doctor. Dr. Chu is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Peptic Ulcer. Her top areas of expertise are Cellulitis, Empyema, Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye), and Necrosis.

Philosophy of care | I believe in treating patients as equals and friends. When a patient visits, I want to make them comfortable when they share what’s happening with their health. I don’t like to lecture people, but I believe it’s important to educate patients about preventative medicine. It’s important to catch small issues before they become big problems. It's very enjoyable and very rewarding, particularly when I see patients in the hospital – and in the office – to know that what I am doing has an impact. I also like to find out what's going on in their lives in addition to the medical aspects – with their grandchildren, where they are going on vacation – just meeting people every day and getting to know them. | Why I entered medicine | Growing up, I played football and basketball in school, and I was always interested in how the body works. But my mom says it goes back ever further than that. She says I talked about being a doctor from the time I was 4 years old. I can’t imagine doing anything else – it’s who I am. | Community involvement | I spend time at Muhlenberg teaching interns, residents and medical students. | Personal interests | I'm caring, passionate, loyal and intense - intense in a good way. I care a lot about everything I do and everything that goes on around me. I love my family, and I spend as much time with them as possible. My wife and I have three children. And of course, we have our dog. Shes a German shorthair pointer and she’s definitely an important member of our family, too. I also spend a lot of time following sports – the St. Louis Cardinals baseball team and the Eagles. Dr. Wertz is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Peptic Ulcer. His top areas of expertise are Familial Neurocardiogenic Syncope, Dementia, Glucocorticoid-Remediable Aldosteronism, and Familial Hypertension.

Wayne Mcwilliams is a primary care provider, practicing in Internal Medicine in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. Dr. Mcwilliams is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Peptic Ulcer. His top areas of expertise are Familial Hypertension, Glucocorticoid-Remediable Aldosteronism, Hypertension, and Type 2 Diabetes (T2D).

Why I entered medicine | I wanted to heal patients and relieve their suffering. | Personal interests | I enjoy Aikido, scuba diving and skiing. Dr. Twaddle is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Peptic Ulcer. His top areas of expertise are Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction (HFpEF), Maturity Onset Diabetes of the Young, Type 2 Diabetes (T2D), and Hemolytic Anemia.

"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 Peptic Ulcer. Her top areas of expertise are Vitamin D Deficiency, Sitosterolemia, High Cholesterol, and Hypertension.

Philosophy of care | I try to approach each patient interaction with an open mind and open ears. I listen to what patients are saying – and what they’re not saying – to get the complete story. My goal is to partner with patients and empower them to get involved in their care. | Why I entered medicine | Early on in school, I noticed I most enjoyed classes about health and the human body. As my medical training progressed, I discovered there’s so much more to being a physician than prescribing and diagnosing. It involves a unique mix of skills, including detective work and the ability to listen to and support patients. Practicing medicine is a very fulfilling career, ever-changing and always keeping me on my toes. I’m grateful for the opportunity to connect deeply with patients and help them live healthier lives. | Community involvement | I enjoy staying involved with medical education, including working with medical students and internal medicine residents. I also stay active as a volunteer at my children's school when time allows. | Personal interests | I have two awesome children who continue to keep me busy. I love time with my family and am naturally in my happy place at home, reading a book or cooking with my husband. Dr. Auer is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Peptic Ulcer. Her top areas of expertise are Familial Hypertension, Glucocorticoid-Remediable Aldosteronism, Hypertension, and Melorheostosis.

Philosophy of care | Every day, I try to make things better in the lives of others. I am a compassionate, caring human being. I see the person, not just the patient. | Why I entered medicine | I became a family medicine doctor because I wanted to help people. | Personal interests | I enjoy cooking and traveling. Dr. Gopal is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Peptic Ulcer. Her top areas of expertise are Glucocorticoid-Remediable Aldosteronism, Familial Hypertension, Hypertension, and Type 2 Diabetes (T2D).

Kaushik Kundu is a primary care provider, practicing in Internal Medicine in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. Dr. Kundu is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Peptic Ulcer. His top areas of expertise are Reactive Arthritis, Glucocorticoid-Remediable Aldosteronism, Hypertension, Endoscopy, and Pacemaker Implantation.

Philosophy of care | My philosophy is to treat the family as a whole, especially in trauma, where the event affects all individuals in the patient's life. | Why I entered medicine | I entered medicine because I am dedicated to helping people. | Personal interests | I spend time with family and friends, and care for my two loving dogs. Dr. Stirparo is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Peptic Ulcer. His top areas of expertise are Chronic Subdural Hematoma, Subdural Hematoma, Delirium, Gastrostomy, and Hernia Surgery.

Sanjay Mehta is a Thoracic Surgeon in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. Dr. Mehta is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Peptic Ulcer. His top areas of expertise are Pleurisy, Pleural Effusion, Aortic Valve Stenosis, Heart Valve Repair, and Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR).

Philosophy of care | I strive to care for each patient as I would like others to care for my own family. I hope to ease the stress of your trauma, treat your injuries, and work to help return you to your life or new normal. I understand that trauma affects not only you, the patient, but those close to you. I aim to ease your loved ones’ worry by keeping them informed and working to address their concerns. | Why I entered medicine | I had surgery as a young child and was in awe of the physicians and surgeons that cared for me. I was amazed that they were able to fix my ailment and I wanted to provide the same for other people in the future. Dr. Wheel is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Peptic Ulcer. Her top areas of expertise are Chronic Subdural Hematoma, Subdural Hematoma, Delirium, Hip Replacement, and Gastrostomy.

Philosophy of care | I believe patients receive the best care when they can trust that their providers have their best interests at heart. Together we will build that trusting bond. | Why I entered medicine | I got into the medical field to help relieve suffering and improve the quality of life for members of my community. | Community involvement | I support Feeding America and the Equal Justice Initiative. | Personal interests | When not working I enjoy spending time outdoors, with friends and family, and traveling. Dr. Ali is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Peptic Ulcer. Her top areas of expertise are Gallbladder Disease, Gallstones, Choledocholithiasis, Hernia Surgery, and Gastrostomy.

Thomas Diven is a General Surgeon in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. Dr. Diven is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Peptic Ulcer. His top areas of expertise are Hyperparathyroidism, Retroperitoneal Inflammation, Hernia, Gallbladder Removal, and Gastrostomy.

Philosophy of care | I feel that patients deserve the best care. A multi-disciplinary approach is imperative to this. Regardless of what field of medicine, from nursing staff to different types of physicians, we are all on the patients' sides, striving to get them better and providing the best care they deserve. | Why I entered medicine | Since I can remember, I was always interested in the sciences, excelling at them in school. In college, I took a course in physiology, which focused my passion for science towards life sciences. In short, surgery is a life science which encompasses physiology, pathology, and medicine. Together with the importance of good rapport and bedside manners, surgery allows treating the patient as a whole. Helping patients, with a focus on treating them as individuals, is my passion, and knowing this I ensure great care. | Personal interests | I enjoy photography, trying new restaurants and foods, cooking, going to the beach, traveling throughout the world as much as I can, and learning about new technologies involving medicine and health sciences. Dr. Nicolau is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Peptic Ulcer. His top areas of expertise are Hernia, Gallbladder Disease, Ogilvie Syndrome, Hernia Surgery, and Bladder Reconstruction.