DERMATOLOGY
Vlada Groysman, M.D. | Cahaba Dermatology & Spa
205-214-7546 | cahabaderm.com
Dr. Vlada Groysman is the founder and Medical Director of Cahaba Dermatology & Spa, a comprehensive skin health center serving the Birmingham community. She is a board-certified dermatologist specializing in medical, surgical, cosmetic, and advanced laser dermatology, with a particular passion for women’s health, including vulvar dermatology. She also serves as a national trainer and master injector for Galderma and Allergan Aesthetics, focusing on refined, natural injectable outcomes and facial balancing.
In addition to her clinical practice, she leads the clinical research division, where they have participated in numerous trials across a wide range of dermatologic conditions, helping bring innovative therapies to patients.
At Cahaba Dermatology & Spa, they emphasize a results-driven aesthetic approach, offering cutting-edge laser technology and combination treatments designed to improve skin quality, restore more refreshed and youthful appearance, and achieve elegant, natural-looking results.
Current Trends: One of the biggest shifts in dermatology right now is moving away from “overdone” treatments toward subtle, regenerative approaches. Patients are no longer chasing quick fixes—they want long-term skin health. Collagen-stimulating injectables, advanced lasers, and combination treatments are allowing us to improve skin quality from within. There’s also a growing emphasis on personalization—treatments tailored not just to the face, but to lifestyle, hormones, and overall wellness. It’s a much more thoughtful, holistic approach to aging.
Most Rewarding Aspect of Practice: What I find most rewarding is the trust my patients place in me. Skin is deeply personal, and being able to improve not just how someone looks, but how they feel about themselves, is incredibly meaningful. I also love the balance dermatology offers—combining science, precision, and artistry. Beyond patient care, mentoring other providers and participating in clinical research allows me to contribute to the future of our field, which keeps the work both dynamic and fulfilling.
Motivation: My family is at the center of everything I do. I have two children, and they constantly remind me why balance matters. We have a simple philosophy: work hard, but fully enjoy the time you have together. Whether it’s traveling or just being present at home, those moments keep me grounded. They also motivate me to keep growing—both as a physician and as a person—so I can lead by example in both my career and my life.
ORTHOPEDIC SURGERY
Gregory B. Gullung, M.D. | OrthoAlabama Spine & Sports
(205) 228-7600 | orthoalabama.com
Dr. Gullang graduated from medical school at Louisiana State University of New Orleans in 2005, and came to Birmingham to do his residency at the University of Alabama. It is a five-year residency for orthopedics, and then he did an extra year that focused solely on spine training in Jackson, Mississippi at the university there. He is certified with the American board of orthopedic surgery. He has been practicing at the same group for almost 15 years. His focus is on cervical (neck) and lumbar (back) degeneration and disc pathology. But he treats many different types of issues. One thing that is important for him is to always strive to improve, and to provide the best care for patients regardless of the problems they’re having. What he’s found is the number one thing you can do is listen to what patients are saying when they come into the clinic because if you pay attention, they will be able to tell you what’s going on before you even look at any x-rays or MRIs. Plus, it allows you to see what is really important to them based on the activities they perform and about the activities they wish they could do.
Current Trends: Minimally invasive surgery has been trending. And while there are certainly benefits to small incisions and less local tissue disruption, it’s important for the surgeons to realize the work on the inside has to be there or there will be a very suboptimal outcome. I think it is important for surgeons and patients to be aware that there could be a steep learning curve for some of these procedures and you want to make sure your surgeon is experienced with multiple treatment options since there is not one size fits all. Another thing on the horizon is the development and refinement of robotic and computer navigated surgeries. What these aim to do is assist the surgeon in placement of certain components and provides back up as well as double checking in real time in the environment. These technologies are always advancing, and while it is not a substitute for training, care and experience, it does provide valuable assistance during surgery.
Most Rewarding Aspect of Practice: One of the best things about this job is being able to help people to get their lives back. With surgeries involving the spine, it is very common that there is some severe pain component or neurologic deficit that is preventing someone from living a life they want. It is a huge reward for me when someone comes back or you see them out around town and they tell you that you saved their life. Of course there’s a little exaggeration there, but to them they had no quality of life or a life that wasn’t even worth living. And being able to give that back is amazing.
PLASTIC SURGERY
l to r: Dr. Joshua Halka (Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon), Dr. Beau Vandiver (Facial Plastic Surgeon), Dr. William Hedden (Board-Certified Plastic Surgon), Dr. J. Stephen Gunn (Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon) | Hedden Gunn and Halka Plastic Surgery
(205) 980-1744 | heddenmd.com
Their team includes board-certified plastic surgeons and a facial plastic surgeon dedicated to providing comprehensive aesthetic care. Their practice features four QUAD A–accredited (AAASF) on-site operating rooms, reflecting their commitment to safety and the highest surgical standards. As one of the highest-volume plastic surgery practices in the country, they bring extensive experience across a wide range of procedures while maintaining a personalized approach focused on achieving natural, confident results for each patient.
Current Trends: One exciting innovation is Motiva Preservé, an advanced, minimally invasive breast augmentation technique designed to preserve internal breast support structures, allowing for a more natural look, feel, and recovery experience. Another major shift in our field is the rise of GLP-1 medications. Historically, significant weight loss was most often achieved through surgery. Now, with more patients losing weight medically, we’re seeing increased demand for skin-removal procedures to address loose skin after successful transformation.
Most Rewarding Aspect of Practice: The most rewarding aspect of our practice is seeing the meaningful increase in confidence patients experience after surgery. While the physical transformation is important, the emotional impact is often even greater. Watching patients feel more comfortable in their own skin, participate more fully in daily life, and carry themselves with renewed assurance is incredibly fulfilling. It’s a privilege to be part of a process that supports both aesthetic goals and overall well-being.
Motivation: We are motivated by a constant commitment to growth—continuously learning new techniques while refining the trusted methods that produce safe, consistent results. Plastic surgery is always evolving, and staying at the forefront of innovation allows us to offer patients the most thoughtful, effective care possible. At the same time, perfecting foundational techniques ensures reliability and precision, which ultimately supports the highest standard of outcomes for our patients.
COSMETIC DERMATOLOGY
Dr. Sarah Sawyer and Dr. Marilyn Zabielinski | Dermatology & Laser of Alabama
(205) 870-3303 | birminghamskin.com
Dr. Sarah Sawyer is a board certified dermatologist and founder of Dermatology & Laser of Alabama with advanced training in cosmetic dermatology, including a laser fellowship. She specializes in injectables, laser treatments, and comprehensive aesthetic care with an emphasis on natural, long-lasting results. She’s also certified in functional medicine, which informs her holistic approach to skin health. Her focus is on thoughtful, customized treatment plans that prioritize aesthetic longevity, balance, and helping patients look refreshed and like themselves, but better!
Dr. Marilyn Zabielinski is a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist specializing in advanced aesthetic injectables, including neuromodulators and biostimulatory and hyaluronic acid fillers. After years of practice in Miami, she brought her expertise to Dermatology & Laser of Alabama. Her approach is tailored and detail-oriented, creating an effortlessly elevated, balanced, and harmonious look.
Current Trends: (Dr. Sawyer)– I’m glad to see a stronger focus on longevity—building and maintaining results over time guided by how the skin truly ages, rather than relying on one-off treatments. I’ve always been drawn to regenerative medicine & integrative aesthetics, incorporating IV therapy, PRP, and collagen stimulators. We’ve also long embraced a membership model to support consistent skincare, making it easier for our patients to achieve long-term results. (Dr.Z) – We’re seeing a move away from chasing trends and toward more individualized, thoughtful treatment—because faces aren’t trendy. It’s about doing what’s appropriate for each patient. There’s also increasing focus on the science of aging, with treatments that support collagen and improve skin quality over time.
Most Rewarding Aspect of Practice: (Dr. Sawyer)– The relationships we’ve built over many years. I started this practice in 2007 as a young mother, and it’s been incredibly meaningful to grow alongside so many of our patients for the past (almost 20!) years. Many patients and staff members have been with us for years, which creates a real sense of trust and loyalty. Being a trusted part of patients’ skincare journeys—boosting confidence between weddings, milestones, and life changes—is truly special.
Motivation: (Dr. Sawyer)– Spending time with my boys as they transform into young men is a focus right now. And I genuinely love what I do, so continuing learning keeps me focused, curious, and committed to excellence in my practice. (Dr. Z)– My family is a huge part of what keeps me grounded and motivated. My three boys remind me of the importance of balance and being fully present. That carries into my work, where I strive to be fully intentional with every patient.
METABOLIC AND HORMONE HEALTH / MEDICAL WEIGHT MANAGEMENT
Scott Appell M.D., Ashley Whitsett, CRNP, Robert Sorrell, M.D. | Appell & Sorrell Wellness
(205) 593-4371 | appellsorrell.com
Scott Appell, MD, is an orthopedic surgeon. He earned his medical degree from the University of Florida College of Medicine and completed his orthopedic residency at UAB. He has extensive experience in medical weight management to improve surgical outcomes and overall quality of life. Ashley Whitsett, FNP-C, earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Auburn University and her Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB). Ashley is a board-certified family nurse practitioner through the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners and specializes in aesthetics, hormone optimization, and peptide therapy. Robert Sorrell, MD, a Birmingham native, has practiced orthopedic surgery in Birmingham since 1992. He earned his medical degree and completed his orthopedic residency at UAB. Dr. Sorrell is passionate about preventive healthcare, with a focus on helping patients return to active, functional lifestyles. They began using weight loss medications in their orthopedic practice to help patients lose weight to minimize surgical complications and improve outcomes.
They saw firsthand how truly life-changing these treatments can be especially when paired with hormone optimization and a more holistic approach to health. Their clinic specializes in aesthetics, hormone optimization, gut health, and metabolic health, focusing on prevention and longevity. At the heart of what they do is a simple goal: helping their patients feel better, look better, and live longer so they can fully enjoy their lives.
Current Trends: We found that combining weight loss medications with hormone optimization leads to improved outcomes. GLP-1 medications can be associated with a loss of lean muscle mass; however, when used alongside hormone optimization, patients are better able to preserve muscle mass while reducing stubborn abdominal fat. With the right combination of peptide therapies and hormone optimization, we’re seeing positive changes in how patients feel and look, with a focus on supporting long-term vitality.
Most Rewarding Aspect of Practice: Watching patients regain energy, improve their mental health, rekindle the spark in their relationships, and finally feel like themselves again is the most fulfilling part of what we do. We recently had a patient share that she “finally felt like a girl again,” and that she didn’t realize how poorly she had been feeling until after treatment, having gradually become accustomed to feeling unwell over the years. At her follow-up, the joy on her face made all the years of training, education, and work to build this clinic feel deeply worthwhile.
Motivation: (Scott Appell) Guided by my passion for active living, meaningful connection, and family, I am dedicated to empowering patients to achieve sustainable wellness. (Ashley Whitsett) The joy my children bring into my life is the light I carry into every patient room. My 3-year-old son’s zest for life, along with my one-year-old daughter’s pure joy reminds me to slow down, listen deeply, and care with intention. (Robert Sorrell I’ve always been very active, and at 66, staying healthy enough to keep up with my two children and be present in their lives matters most to me.
ORTHODONTICS
top row: Katelyn Feinberg, DMD, Andre Ferreira, DMD, MS, Erika Hartman, DDS (featured) bottom row: Kelly Page, DMD, Nada Souccar, DDS, DMD, CareyBeth Rivers, DMD | Birmingham Orthodonics
(205) 564-6776 | bhamorthodontics.com
Dr. Erika Hartman’s orthodontic training, including graduating from UA Birmingham and Meharry School of Dentistry, followed by a Certificate in Orthodontics from Howard University, informs her commitment to creating confident, healthy smiles. After residency, she joined Birmingham Orthodontics in 2023. She is proud to be one of six orthodontists serving five local clinics. Being part of the Birmingham community is vital. They focus on fostering trust and long-term relationships with local families. This shared commitment is the strength of their practice.
Current Trends: Orthodontics is evolving rapidly, driven by digital technology. Innovations like 3D scanning and custom-made clear aligners are making treatments more precise and comfortable. We utilize the latest advancements to offer tailored treatment paths that minimize treatment time and enhance results for our patients. Our team regularly completes advanced training to stay at the forefront of these specialized techniques, ensuring we deliver world-class care.
Most Rewarding Aspect of Practice: The most rewarding aspect is witnessing the transformative impact a confident, healthy smile has on a child’s life. As a team of six orthodontists, all parents, we understand the privilege of caring for children. Our mission has remained unchanged since opening our doors – to provide affordable orthodontic treatment while never sacrificing quality. We believe that anyone who comes in (patients and parents) should leave with a smile. I have a goal to positively impact at least one person everyday.
Motivation: My children always motivate me to be a better person since I know I am setting an example for them. I come from five generations of farmers who set the example to work hard and put God first in all that I do. I want to continue that legacy of excellence. That deeply personal commitment defines our entire team, including our newest orthodontist, Dr. Andre Ferreira. Dr. Ferreira shares our dedication, further strengthening our commitment to the Birmingham community.
FACIAL PLASTIC & RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY
Blake S. Raggio. M.D., FACS | Raggio MD Facial Plastic Surgery
(659) 272-0092 | raggiomd.com
Dr. Blake Raggio is a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon focused exclusively on the face and neck. He co-founded Raggio MD with his wife, Kristin, and together they’ve built a boutique, highly personalized practice centered on trust and attention to detail. He made a deliberate decision to focus entirely on facial surgery, particularly advanced facelift and rhinoplasty, because he believes true mastery comes from repetition, refinement, and an unwavering commitment to one area of expertise.
Current Trends: Facial Plastic Surgery is evolving toward preservationbased techniques that restore rather than alter. I developed the PreservaLift™, my approach to advanced facial rejuvenation, centered on structural support, natural movement, and long-term results, addressing multiple areas simultaneously to create a more harmonious result. At the same time, patients are becoming more discerning, often traveling to seek surgeons who focus exclusively on the face and consistently perform facelifts and rhinoplasties at a high level, recognizing that natural results come from experience, precision, and specialization.
Most Rewarding Aspect of Practice: The most rewarding part of my work is helping patients feel like themselves again. Refreshed, confident, and aligned with how they feel internally. These decisions are deeply personal, and being trusted with that process is something I take seriously. My goal is always to create results that feel natural and undetectable, where patients simply look like a more rested, vibrant version of themselves. Seeing that quiet confidence return is what makes this work meaningful.
Motivation: My family is at the center of everything I do. I grew up in New Orleans, where hospitality and attention to experience were part of everyday life, and that perspective continues to shape how we care for patients. Working alongside my wife, Kristin, and raising a young family, we’ve built both a life and a practice grounded in shared values—discipline, integrity, and genuine care. That foundation influences every decision we make and every patient we serve.
ANESTHESIOLOGY & PAIN MEDICINE
Dr. John Harrison Irons | Southern Ketamine and Wellness
(205) 557-2253 | southernketamine.com
Dr. Irons is a board-certified anesthesiologist and pain medicine physician, trained at the University of Alabama at Birmingham with fellowship training in pain management at the University of North Carolina. He is the medical director of Southern Ketamine and Wellness, where he specializes in ketamine therapy for treatment-resistant depression, PTSD, and chronic pain conditions. His background allows him to integrate interventional pain expertise with innovative mental health treatments.
Current Trends: One of the most exciting developments in medicine is the use of ketamine and related therapies for treatment-resistant depression and chronic pain. Many patients are unaware that rapid-acting treatments now exist for conditions that historically took weeks or months to improve. There is also growing integration between mental health and pain medicine, recognizing how closely these conditions overlap and how treating both simultaneously can significantly improve outcomes.
Most Rewarding Aspect of Practice: The most rewarding part of my practice is seeing meaningful, often rapid improvements in patients who have struggled for years without relief. Whether it’s a patient with severe depression finding hope again or someone regaining function after chronic pain, those transformations are incredibly impactful. Being able to offer treatments that truly change quality of life—and sometimes even save lives—is what makes this work so fulfilling.
Motivation: I have unfortunately lost several close friends to suicide, which has deeply shaped my perspective on mental health care. Those experiences drive my commitment to helping patients who feel like they’ve run out of options. I am highly motivated to provide effective, compassionate treatments that can intervene before it’s too late, and to ensure patients know there is always hope and help available.
FACIAL PLASTIC AND RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY
Dr. Daniel Rousso and Dr. Austin Adams | Rousso Adams Facial Plastic Surgery Clinic, P.C.
(205) 930-9595 | www.drrousso.com
Rousso Adams Facial Plastic Surgery Clinic, P.C. brings together over three decades of combined experience in facial plastic surgery. Dr. Daniel Rousso, a triple board-certified facial plastic surgeon, and Dr. Austin Adams, a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon, specialize in advanced facial rejuvenation, including the deep plane facelift, as well as rhinoplasty and hair restoration. Their work is defined by a commitment to natural, lasting results and thoughtful judgment, knowing when to proceed and when to guide a patient in a different direction.
Current Trends: Facial plastic surgery is moving toward highly individualized approaches that prioritize structure, longevity, and restraint. The deep plane facelift remains a cornerstone technique, allowing for natural repositioning of facial tissues without a pulled appearance when performed with precision. There is also increased focus on the neck and jawline, along with fat transfer to restore volume in a more lasting, biologic way, particularly as GLP-1 medications contribute to facial volume loss. At the same time, more men are seeking treatment, with an emphasis on refinement that preserves strength and character.
Most Rewarding Aspect of Practice: The most rewarding aspect is being part of the full experience, not just the procedure. Many patients travel from across the country, choosing to recover in Birmingham where the pace is slower and the environment allows for a more comfortable, private healing experience. Care does not begin and end with surgery. Patients remain closely supported throughout recovery, with thoughtful follow-up and therapies designed to promote healing, comfort, and confidence.
Motivation: A deep sense of responsibility to patients is what continues to drive the work. This is not just about surgery, but about walking with someone through a very personal decision and the time that follows it. Guided by an artistic eye, the goal is not to change how someone looks, but to restore a sense of alignment between how they feel and how they are seen. Patients are known, supported, and never left to navigate the process on their own.
DERMATOLOGY
Dr. James Libecco and Dr. Holly Gunn | Gunn Dermatology
(205) 415-7536 | gunndermatology.com
Dr. Holly Gunn is a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Gunn Dermatology, specializing in both medical and cosmetic dermatology. She is recognized for her refined, results-driven approach to cosmetic and laser treatments, while also providing comprehensive medical care for a wide range of skin conditions. She earned her medical degree from the University of South Alabama and completed her dermatology residency at Penn State Hershey Medical Center. With additional training in advanced aesthetic techniques and a Master’s in Public Health, she combines technical precision with an artistic eye to deliver natural, highly individualized results.
Dr. James Libecco is a board-certified dermatologist with more than 20 years of experience, specializing in both medical and cosmetic dermatology. He is widely regarded as a trusted authority in complex medical dermatology, while also offering expert cosmetic care grounded in decades of clinical experience. He earned his medical degree from Northeastern Ohio Medical University and completed his dermatology residency at the Cleveland Clinic, where he served as chief resident. Known for his depth of knowledge and clinical judgment, he is often sought out for challenging cases and is highly respected within the dermatology community.
Current Trends: (Dr. Gunn)– Dermatology is evolving toward regenerative, subtle treatments that enhance rather than alter. Innovations in energybased devices, biostimulatory injectables, and combination therapies allow us to improve skin quality at a foundational level. Achieving these outcomes requires not only advanced training, but a disciplined, detail-oriented approach and a deep understanding of facial balance and long-term aesthetic planning. (Dr. Libecco)– Medical dermatology has advanced significantly with the development of highly targeted therapies for chronic inflammatory conditions and skin cancers. These treatments are transforming patient outcomes but require significant expertise to apply effectively.
Most Rewarding Aspect of Practice: The most rewarding aspect of our work is helping patients feel confident in a way that looks effortless and entirely their own. When cosmetic treatments are done well, the results are quiet, but powerful. What we find most rewarding is helping patients navigate complex dermatologic conditions and improving their quality of life in a meaningful way. Many of these cases require thoughtful problem-solving and long-term management.
Motivation: (Dr. Gunn)- Outside of medicine, my greatest joy is my family. Life is full, active, and deeply rewarding. That sense of balance, energy, and perspective carries into my practice and shapes the way I care for patients—with intention, attentiveness, and genuine connection. (Dr. Libecco)– Family plays an important role in grounding and motivating me. I have three children and value the time we spend together. Since marrying Dr. Gunn in October 2025, our shared commitment to family and adventure has only grown.
PLASTIC SURGERY
Ben Pearce, MD | Reveal Beauty Plastic Surgery
(205) 408-9787 | revealbeauty.net
Known for his compassionate bedside manner and modern approaches to aesthetic surgery, Dr. Ben Pearce is a double board certified surgeon, holding certifications in Plastic & Reconstructive surgery as well as Surgery. Dr. Pearce is the owner of Reveal Beauty Plastic Surgery, a clinic solely focused on aesthetics, both surgical and non-surgical.
Dr. Pearce completed his medical school training locally at University of Alabama at Birmingham, followed by a 5 year surgery residency at Louisiana State University. After obtaining board certification in surgery, he elected to complete a 3 year Plastic & Reconstructive fellowship at Vanderbilt University, in Nashville, TN. Dr. Pearce’s training encompasses aesthetics of the face, breast, and body – enabling him to help his patients achieve their goals through the utilization of modern, safe, and advanced techniques.
Current Trends: Today’s plastic surgery trends are all about creating a natural, effortless look. Unlike the plastic surgery of generations past, the goal is effortless beauty. The vast majority of our patients are no longer trying to mimic appearances seen on TV or social media; instead, they are looking for treatments that truly encompass their best attributes with subtle improvements. These ideas are echoed throughout our practice: facial rejuvenation patients seeking a “rested and renewed” appearance, our breast patients seeking a “youthful and lifted look,” and our body contouring patients seeking a “healthy lifestyle look” that helps rewind the years.
Most Rewarding Aspect of Practice: From the first meeting to the final follow-up, there are so many special moments that I get to experience with my patients. Seeing a renewed sense of confidence in our patients, is always humbling and rewarding. When a patient entrusts us with their care, it a truly gratifying experience that I cherish deeply.
Motivation: I am always motivated to be the best person I can be in all aspects of my life. I strive to be the best husband, father, medical provider, and colleague at all times. My alma mater (Spring Hill College) instilled in me that one should always strive for excellence in your talents and interests to best serve your community and mankind. This is something I live by every day.
