PHOTOS BY SAIL OFF PHOTOGRAPHY
Firmly rooted in the Winston-Salem community, you may hear the providers of Novant Health Vein Specialists warmly referred to as the epitome of “southern hospitality.” It’s no secret their reputation is one of loyalty, reliability and remarkable care, best reflected by long-term patients and the longevity of its team members.
Improving the health of our community, one person at a time, is what makes this clinic work. It’s a mix of collaboration and innovation, along with state-of-the-art treatments, that can give you the life you deserve.
Life-Changing Care When You Need It
Are you trying to hide those unsightly veins on your legs? Or, maybe you’re concerned about a more serious underlying health condition? Today, patients are seeking smaller, family style clinics where standards are high and care is personal.
That’s why Novant Health Vein Specialists should be your choice for care. As the only vein clinic in the Triad staffed entirely by vascular surgeons, our team of 30 providers, technicians and support staff are the life-changing experts you want by your side when the need arises.
In addition to their clinical expertise, you will find this is a team that values relationships, both with each other, and with you. They are committed to delivering human-centered care, treating you as a whole person, not just a patient. They take into account your needs, your goals and your lifestyle in order to develop a care plan that takes you on a journey to better health.
Your Team for Life
Some members of the team have been here from the beginning, including Bradley Thomason, MD, RVT, who founded the clinic and Beth Doub, RN – known by most as “Aunt B.” Beth, whom Dr. Thomason describes as the one who sets the tone and standard for the entire clinic, is the clinical lead nurse. She will tell you firsthand that there are no egos here, only teamwork. “No matter what the initials are behind your name, we work together and all have input in our patients’ care,” she shared. “Every area of the clinic touches a patient while he or she is here and finding new hires who are as eager to become fully involved as we all are, is key.”
Keith Bond, PA-C, has been with Vein Specialists for eight years. Even as he was interviewing for the position, it was obvious that his fellow providers were committed to human-centered care. “That’s a clear message that resonates within the team from day one,” Bond said. “We’re here to provide life-saving care, which comes naturally to each of us,” he said.
Fellow PA, Kristen Wright, echoes Bond’s thought on care. “Seeing the joy return to my patients’ lives when they are able to do simple things again like go for a walk, means everything,” she added.
Dr. Thomason is the catalyst who brought these amazing professionals together. “It’s all about the team,” he said. “I’ve been blessed to have Beth as my right arm for all these years. And then, in 2004, we added Ray Workman, MD, to the team. He brought both vein and vascular experience to the clinic, which allowed us to expand.” Together, Dr. Thomason and Dr. Workman have built a team that now includes other surgeons, including Shawn Fleming, MD, Phil Moore, MD and Joel Deonanan, MD.
Ashley Rickey, MD, is the first female partner added to the clinic. She met many of the Novant Health partners while doing her vascular fellowship in Winston-Salem, and describes them as “older brothers.” She, too, values teamwork among her colleagues. “Every day is a learning day,” shared Dr. Rickey, “but knowing you have the full support of your co-workers contributes to the success of our clinic.” As the mother of a daughter, age nine, and a son, age four, Rickey balances the role of working mom with grace, and sage advice not to strive for perfection in every instance. “Find what works best for your family!”
On the day-to-day front, lead technician Mark Keller, oversees seven other technicians at the three clinic locations. Technicians are selected via a rigorous hiring process. First, a manager screens for overall potential to provide remarkable care, which is what Novant Health is known for. In addition, Mark looks for traits that show a potential new hire is eager to be trained and willing to embrace the open workflow where everyone shares information. “Our techs receive the same standard training, so they are equally capable – and precise – with every detail relating to a patient’s images,” says Keller. “Patients appreciate positive movement and consistent results, with a positive outcome for their care.”
Amy Alderman, RN has been with the clinic for nearly 10 years. Today, she is the friendly front-office face, but she met many of the Vein Specialist providers while working as an operating room nurse in 2013. “The surgeons’ work is so intricate, and the end result is truly life-changing,” said Alderman. “We improve the quality of life for our patients. They come back and tell us that they are proud to wear shorts again, or they can sit on the floor and play with their grandchildren. These are the stories that motivate us to do what we do every day.”
Cindy Mueller, a team member since 2007, works as the clinic’s referral coordinator. Cindy experienced cardiac issues a few years ago and knows how important it is to help create a smooth path into the clinic. Whether she’s handling referrals from within the Novant Health system, or from an independent provider, she always works to make the check-in and check-out processes as seamless as possible. “Patients are nervous when they first come to us. Knowing that they have a team of experts who can answer questions and guide them through the process helps develop a sense of trust,” said Mueller.
Teamwork is the Key to Success
When asked, Dr. Thomason says teamwork is the key to their success, and teamwork takes many different forms within the clinic. One unique aspect of their clinic is the Friday meeting. Every Friday, the team comes together to plan for the weekend. They review all patient cases from the week to ensure the providers who are covering are prepared to provide answers and care should the need arise. “We rely on each other, especially in complicated cases,” said Thomason. “We are all about our relationship with our partners and our patients.”
Dr. Thomason also believes this teamwork extends outside the walls of the clinic. “We make ourselves available by cell phone to other doctors and clinics. Our goal is to build a community network where others are comfortable, referring patients in need of vein treatment because patient care is why we exist.”
Care Close to Home
Novant Health Vein Specialists has locations across the Triad in Winston-Salem, High Point and Kernersville. This means you have access to care closer to home, whether you choose to see one of our 10 providers in-person or you schedule a video visit from the comfort of your home. Aren’t sure if you need care? No problem. Novant Health Vein Specialists offers a free monthly screening in the Winston-Salem location for anyone who is interested. The dates for 2023 include:
February 9
March 9
April 13
May 11
June 8
July 13
August 10
September 14
October 12
November 9
December 7
To schedule your free vein screening appointment, or to learn more, visit SalemVeins.com, or call us at 336.776.3160.
