Podiatrists in Buffalo

“Dr. Halvorson was patient, knowledgeable and kind. I learned more in a 30-minute meeting with him than we have in numerous other dermatology appointments. He is great at what he does.“

“Dr. Frank Anderson and Lauren Ducklow, CNP, truly live up to the Stellis Health mission of compassionate care! When I came to Dr. Anderson for MAT, I had complex issues from chronic pain (of physical origin), to addiction and chronic illness. Often, other doctors didn’t seem to take my pain and illness seriously, because I could have been complaining to get pills. Having been through 5 treatment programs, I didn’t expect progress, but Dr. Anderson was able to keep me off the problematic (for me) full opioids and monitor me, to check and document my progress. After that, I had fewer physical cravings than struggles of the spirit: lost hope, despair and difficulty trusting the medical treatment process, rather than taking matters into my own hands (as when I self-treated my pain and became addicted). Dr. Anderson takes the time to listen to how a person is coping with treatment, as well as the side effects. He is open to spiritual questions and concerns, if you have them, which has been an essential component of my recovery, along with the medication. My psych therapy team has helped with trauma, mental illness and recovery strategies, but didn’t respond to my spiritual questions as much. I thought it would be bothering a doctor to talk about that, but when Dr. Anderson he asked how I was doing, I could tell he meant all-around. To those like me who are street-wary, you don’t have to worry about what you disclose to him…just be open and honest. He is only wants to know what you needs are. As long as you show up or tell him exactly what happened if you can’t, let him know if you have strong cravings, a lapse or relapse, he will work with you, as long as you are willing to try a new strategy when necessary, going forward. He’s not one of those Pass or Fail types…he wants to see you get healthy. I started seeing it that way, too. You don’t succeed or fail at managing asthma and get punished, or give up. You go to the doctor, adjust your meds and avoid triggers, as you become aware of them and learn from your flare-ups. I didn’t help to treat my asthma if I didn’t mention I had allergies or smoked. Dr. Anderson knows addiction is a chronic disorder. When I finally opened up about what I was doing and dealing with, he used it to create an individualized, effective treatment plan. For me, that included safe pain treatment (that doesn’t build to a dangerous level or create high tolerance), meds to block full opiates and stop cravings and including the spiritual domain in my recovery have helped me maintain it for 7 years, now! Before I opened up, it was much harder to define my specific needs, so I learned to let the doctor know all I could. Soon, I didn’t see my visits as a test, but just doing something good for my health. That’s a positive thing and I receive unconditional positive regard for showing up to do that, here! Learning that we all deserve compassionate care, regardless of our condition, has inspired me to pursue a career in addiction treatment and recovery services. One treatment counselor and Dr. Anderson, in helping me, have modeled an effective way to help others, which I highly recommend! When I got new insurance that made it possible, Dr. Anderson referred me to a new Stellis Health GP, Lauren Ducklow. She has been thorough and prompt in addressing my chronic and acute physical health issues. Both have been compassionate, honest and respectful. I just reviewed my full record and what they have said to me is what is in the chart. All of the important things I tell them have been recorded and are promptly followed up on. The ability to trust providers is so important to me. The Stellis health team has never reduced my problem to a single issue, mental, chemical, OR physical health. They treat my health holistically and understand how illness and pain affects mental well-being, which can affect substance use, which affects spiritual well-being and impacts physical health again. I have finally broken out of the vicious cycle!“