Readers Choice Best Of Health 2013

Best General Medical Practitioner: Donald Brandon, MD
Like Dr. Marcus Welby, the kindly family doctor from the ’70s TV show, Donald Brandon, MD believes in personalized medical care. At his practice in Rancho Santa Fe, he limits the number of patients in order to provide optimal care, and is not tied to insurance contracts. Brandon believes doctors, not insurance companies, should decide what is best for patients. Board certified in internal medicine, and a graduate of USC’s Keck School of Medicine, Brandon has been practicing for more than 20 years. (858.756.4749, www.altormedicus.com)

 

Best Local Hospital: Scripps Health
Founded by philanthropist Ellen Browning Scripps in 1924, this $2.3 billion nonprofit health care system now treats nearly a half million people annually on its five campuses. Rated one of the Top 10 health care systems by Reuters, Scripps is also on Fortune’s list of America’s 100 Best Companies to Work For. (800.SCRIPPS, www.scripps.org)

 

 

Best OB/GYN: Kirstin A. Lee, MD
Board certified in obstetrics and gynecology, this UCLA medical school grad served her internship and residency in reproductive medicine at UCSD Medical Center. She is affiliated with North County OB/GYN on the campus of Scripps Memorial Hospital. (858.554.7700, www.scripps.org)

 

Best Alternative Health Practitioner: Kim Schuette, CN
In private practice in the field of nutrition since 1999, Schuette founded Biodynamic Wellness in Solana Beach to improve health through sound, balanced nutrition. She offers education and guidance in the areas of nutrition, lifestyle modifications, and biotherapeutic drainage to help rid the body of toxins. (858.259.6000, www.biodynamicwellness.com)

 

Best Dermatologist: Melanie Palm, MD
This board-certified dermatologist and cosmetic surgeon is making waves in Solana Beach where she opened her own practice, Art of Skin MD, in the Beachwalk Center. This sleek, cutting-edge clinic offers full-spectrum care, using the latest advances in research and technology to tailor treatment plans, whether patients’ concerns are medical or cosmetic. Palm, an assistant clinical professor at UCSD and staff physician at Scripps Encinitas, earned a joint degree, in medicine and business, at the University of Chicago. She has written widely and speaks nationally on dermatology-related issues. (858.792.7546, www.artofskinmd.com)

 

Best General Dentist: Curtis Chan, DDS
Curtis Chan, DDS has been dazzling dental patients since 1986. Whether your mouth needs a complete makeover or a minor tweak, Chan will craft your smile with thorough care and expert technique. (858.481.9090, www.curtischandds.com)

 

 

Best Gym: Frog’s
Whether you’re a weekend warrior, soccer mom, or pro-athlete, Frog’s fitness clubs help you balance your busy life with a commitment to well-being. Frog’s philosophy is that fitness is a “lifelong pursuit — a marathon instead of a sprint.” Pump iron, workout with a personal trainer, or take classes from yoga to Zumba. Or try “kranking,” cardio training for your upper body. (858.792.4008, www.frogsfit.com)

 

 

Best Personal Trainer: Alex Spratt
Owner of Greenasium Fitness Studio in Encinitas, Alex Spratt and staff offer personalized training, goal consultations, fitness evaluations, and drop-in classes from “camp cardio” to therapeutic stretch. No monthly fees or initiation contracts. (760.944.1235, www.greenasiumfitness.com)

 

Best Yoga Studio: CorePower
CorePower believes in the physical, mental and spiritual benefits of yoga. Its studios are designed to increase awareness and adoption of yoga by making classes accessible. The CorePower motto: “You’ve only got three choices in life: Give up, give in, or give it all you’ve got.” (866.441.YOGA, www.corepoweryoga.com)

 

 

Best Pilates Studio: BodyROK
Rock your body with this fresh approach to fitness, combining effective core-focused strength training and cardio in a fast-paced, high-energy environment. BodyROK Sculpt classes upgrade Pilates into an intense 40-minute full body workout. (760.436.4765, www.carlsbad.bodyrokstudios.com)   ANDREA NAVERSEN

 

 

 

For more of San Diego’s Best Of 2013:
Arts & Culture
Beauty
Dining
Family
Fashion
Home & Garden
Leisure
Personalities
Pets
Travel
•••
Best Restaurants 2013
Editors’ Picks – Best Restaurants 2013