Best Of 2009: Health & Beauty

Best Of 2009: Health & Beauty

Best General Medical Practioner: Lawrence Schlitt, MD

Lawrence Schlitt, MD founded Del Mar Family Practice in 1991. Board certified in family practice, he is a member of the teaching faculty at the University of California School of Medicine in San Diego, and gives back to the community by regularly volunteering at the UCSD free clinic providing free care to San Diego’s homeless. 858.793.2727, delmarfamilypractice.com

Best Pediatrician: El Camino Pediatrics

Founded in 1974, Encinitas’; El Camino Pediatrics offers 12 pediatricians, two physician’s assistants, and a lactation consultant. All physicians are board certified and fellows of the American Academy of Pediatrics. The practice prides itself in combining competence with caring and fun. 760.753.7143, elcaminopediatrics.com

Best OB/GYN: Robert Biter, MD

So enthusiastic are Robert Biter, MD’s patients, that one even called in to let us know that there is a Facebook fan page set up by his loyal clients. His obstetrics and gynecology services aside, perhaps equally noteworthy is the fact that just as he helps those enter the world, he helps others before they exit life’s journey. Biter founded Her Heart’s Wish, a national wish-granting organization for women. Mothers have taken their children to Disneyworld; others have met their idols. Some have experienced the first vacation of their lives, yet others have enjoyed a final special memory with a loved one. 760.642.0800

Best Alternative/Integrative Health Practitioner: Roya Kohani, MD

Roya Kohani, MD of La Jolla’s RevivaMed Integrative Medicine is a graduate of Harvard Medical School and specializes in integrative medicine, natural and bio-identical hormone therapy, menopause/andropause, cancer prevention, cardiovascular risk reduction, and more. She’s also an active faculty at the UCSD School of Medicine. 858.459.2040, revivamed.com

Best Dermatologist: Mary Dobry, MD

A readers’ favorite the second year in a row, Mary Dobry, MD has been seeing patients in her private practice in La Jolla for more than ten years, offering a wide range of cosmetic and medical dermatology services. She is also a clinical instructor at UCSD. 858.784.0590, lajolladermatology.com

Best Cosmetic Surgeon: Steven Cohen, MD, FACS

FacesPlus’ Steven Cohen, MD, FACS specializes in cosmetic and craniofacial surgery and brings a wealth of experience and a professional artistic eye to his work. He is involved in the Plastic Surgical Training program at UCSD, and helps direct the Rady Children’s Hospital and UCSD Fresh Start Craniofacial Fellowship. Cohen is also dedicated to taking care of children with facial deformities. 858.453.7224, facesplus.com

Best General Dentist: David Eshom, DDS

Utilizing lasers, digital x-rays, and computer imaging, David Eshom, DDS ensures that his patients have a pleasant experience each visit. Recognized by our readers four years in a row, he is always striving for perfection, and has taken more than 1,500 registered hours of continued education through the California Dental Association in endodontics, orthodontics, oral surgery, and cosmetic dentistry. 858.455.9151, eshomdds.com

Best Pediatric Dentist: William Rawlings, DDS, MSD

With offices in both Encinitas and Solana Beach, William Rawlings, DDS, MSD provides dental care for little ones in a positive environment. He is one of the few practitioners in the county to be certified in both pediatric dentistry and orthodontics. 858.755.5125, greatsmiles.org

Best Cosmetic Dentist: Martin Abelar, DDS

A repeat readers’ favorite for the fourth year in a row, Martin Abelar, DDS of Aesthetic Dentistry of La Jolla uses the most cutting-edge technology for optimum results. Abelar notes, “I guide my patients toward not just a youthful, healthy smile, but a natural one.” 858.866.8879, keepsmilingsandiego.com

Best Gym (Tie): The Training Club And Frog’s

The Training Club offers an elite group of personal trainers to match all styles and goals. Private and group sessions are filled with support and enthusiasm, and class offerings range from TeamSpin and Team Yoga to Urban Workout and Zumba. 858.793.0665, thetrainingclub.com

With locations in Encinitas, Carmel Mountain Ranch, Solana Beach, and Mission Valley, Frog’s Fitness centers are dedicated to delivering relevant, quality fitness and wellness programs that support long-lasting, meaningful change in people’s lives. 760.942.3000, frogsfit.com

Best Hair/Makeup: Do’s & Lipstick

Now located on Cedros Avenue in Solana Beach, Do’s & Lipstick is a readers’; favorite four years running for owner/makeup artist Mona Van Cleve’s brow work. The salon also sells luxury products by Kevyn Aucoin, Fresh, Shu Uemura, Stila, and more. 858.793.5477, dosandlipstick.com

EDITOR’S PICK: Best Medical Experience: Scripps Health

I first became a fan of Scripps several years ago when I switched to a physician at Scripps Clinic Encinitas. Most recently, my mother was taken to Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla after her arm was badly broken in a car accident (while en route to visit my dad after he had back surgery at Scripps Green Hospital). After seeing the outstanding care given by the Scripps nurses, doctors, surgeons, and physical therapists, Scripps Health is very near and dear to my heart. scripps.org

COLLETTE STEFANKO