Author Archives: the local dish

Sea View Pharmacy

Sea View Pharmacy

DRS. EUGENE AND JENNIFER MEDLEY

Sea View Pharmacy

An often overlooked but important healthcare connection to establish is a personal relationship with your neighborhood pharmacist. Experienced, independent pharmacists are an invaluable resource for parents, seniors, athletes, and anyone else who needs trusted medical information and consultations. Family-owned and operated for 44 years, and now in its second generation, Sea View Pharmacy in San Clemente has served the community through decades of sweeping changes in healthcare and will support the current generation of local families through the next. 

Jerry Medley assumed ownership of Sea View in 1988 and can still be spotted behind the counter assisting patients. His son Eugene now owns and runs the day-to-day operations, along with Eugene’s wife Jennifer (when she’s not chasing after three busy kids!). Eugene grew up hanging around the pharmacy, but he explored stints as an ocean lifeguard, working in animal husbandry with Siegfried and Roy, and teaching veterinary anatomy before obtaining a doctorate degree in pharmacy and joining his father. As a professional, Medley finds gratification in knowing his business caters to a particular niche in the marketplace. “We can devote more time to customer service than corporate-run stores,” he says, “As a compounding pharmacy, we can provide customized therapies that aren’t available commercially.” 

“Pharmaceutical companies formulate medications and determine dosages based on a 180-pound Caucasian male,” Medley explains, “We work with physicians to customize treatments for people who don’t fit into that mold.” Babies with digestive issues, hormone replacement for both women and men, veterinary patients, and people with special dietary requirements—just to name a few—all benefit from a partnership between the doctor and pharmacist to determine the most effective treatment with the most appropriate dosage. 

As San Clemente’s only independent pharmacy, Sea View is also the go-to source for all medical equipment and supplies—even hard to find products—from bandages and braces to compression garments and wheelchairs. The website provides a wealth of information as well, including drug profiles, healthy recipes, articles, and referrals. Check out SeaViewPharmacy.com and take a peek, or better yet, stop by and introduce yourself! 

Sea View Pharmacy
665 Camino de los Mares, #101
San Clemente
949.496.0123
SeaViewPharmacy.com

Sea View Pharmacy

San Clemente Smiles

San Clemente Smiles

BRANDON CURFEW, DMD

San Clemente SmilesOFFICE VIBES
Dr. Curfew and his staff place their highest priority on the experience of every patient they treat. Patients enjoy the light, airy feel that the natural light in the office provides through floor-to-ceiling windows. Overhead smart TVs and wireless headphones are also available for patients who enjoy entertainment during their dental appointment.

ABOUT DR. CURFEW
Dr. Curfew lives in San Clemente with his wife of 16 years, Brittany, their two boys, Drake (10) and Beau (8), and their dogs Dennis & Oscar. He is grateful to be able to serve the community in which he lives. He earned his dental degree from The University of Louisville School of Dentistry, and then continued on to complete a General Practice residency at the VA Hospital in Denver, Colorado. While there, Dr. Curfew gained extensive experience with the placement and management of implants, wisdom teeth removal, and many other advanced dental procedures. 

PERSONALIZED TREATMENT AND PATIENT COMFORT
Dr. Curfew participates in ongoing training in many areas of dentistry to provide his patients with the most personalized treatment and the best outcomes. He is active in local study clubs and also continues his education through intensive training with the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry and other professional organizations. The office utilizes cutting-edge technology such as intraoral scanners, cameras and lasers to ensure that every patient is well-informed and receives optimal results with maximum comfort.

THE HIGHEST STANDARD
When you are in the care of a team member at San Clemente Smiles, you will always receive the highest quality treatment and be shown with the utmost respect. Whether you need assistance with scheduling an appointment, you’re visiting for a routine dental cleaning, or you are completing a life-changing smile makeover, you will receive the undivided attention and professional treatment that you deserve from the team at San Clemente Smiles. Every team member is highly skilled in their chosen area of expertise, and take great pride in the experience that they offer and the relationships they build. 

San Clemente Smiles
905 Calle Amanecer, Suite 220
San Clemente
949.498.1320
SanClementeSmiles.com

San Clemente Smiles

San Clemente Oral & Facial Surgery

San Clemente Oral & Facial Surgery

BRADY NIELSEN, DDS 

San Clemente Oral & Facial SurgeryCommitment To You
Oral and facial surgery can cause many patients to feel apprehensive and nervous about their treatment, especially if this is the first surgery they will undergo. San Clemente Oral & Facial Surgery, board-certified oral surgeon, Dr. Brady Nielsen, and his experienced team are aware of the stress surgery can cause. They make it a top priority to provide expert, comfortable surgery in a pain-free and relaxed setting. That is the commitment to you—and one upheld every day. 

Excellence With Compassion
Dr. Nielsen achieved board certification through the American Board of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery and has years of experience in the full scope of oral and facial surgery, including placing thousands of dental implants. He has lectured at both local and national meetings and has several publications in the oral surgery literature focusing on implant dentistry. Dr. Nielsen is also on staff at Mission Hospital in Mission Viejo where he is able to perform jaw reconstruction and trauma surgeries. He and his team are dedicated to surgical excellence and take a compassionate and gentle approach to your care. With custom anesthesia services and a calming office atmosphere, you’ll experience the best surgical care available. 

High-Tech, Innovative Care
The surgical facility is equipped with the newest CBCT imaging and digital technologies to virtually plan surgical procedures. The practice also leverages advanced healing techniques to expedite patient recovery after surgery. The surgical suites are at the highest standard of safety and sanitization, along with full office-based anesthesia capabilities, including general anesthesia. All technology used is to ensure delivery of the most innovative surgical solutions and the most efficient, comfortable, and predictable care for you. 

A Heart For The Community
Community involvement is a central part of the mission to serve the San Clemente area. San Clemente Oral & Facial Surgery offers CPR classes and other health-related courses to increase public knowledge and overall wellness. Dr. Nielsen and his team are also actively involved with local schools and support small businesses. They truly have a heart for the community and love giving back. 

Put your care in the hands of the expert and contact Dr. Nielsen in San Clemente for a personalized consultation today. 

San Clemente Oral & Facial Surgery
675 Camino De Los Mares, Ste. 303
San Clemente
949.403.6602
SanClementeSurgery.com 

San Clemente Oral & Facial Surgery

Riviera Laser Studios

Riviera Laser Studios

JEANNINE KOFFORD, MD

Riviera Laser Studios

Dr. Jeannine Kofford is excited and honored to be chosen as one of this year’s Top Docs. Dr. Kofford is the founder and owner of Riviera Laser Studios in Dana Point. She has been in practice in Dana Point for 22 years, specializing in nonsurgical facial aesthetics. Dr. Kofford’s office is located on the southwest corner of Pacific Coast Highway and Golden Lantern. It is a beautiful new office with modern, spacious, and airy treatment rooms which are private and socially distanced. Patients are treated to complimentary beverages or coffee and a personalized consultation utilizing imaging with office manager Cher and Dr. Kofford. 

Patients are put at ease with Dr. Kofford’s easygoing manner and high experience level. She is a three time winner of the prestigious Aesthetic Awards from The Aesthetic Show held annually in Las Vegas. In 2013, she was awarded Best Nonsurgical, in 2014, Best Fill, and in 2019, Best Nonsurgical Patient Enhancement. She also holds many industry awards such as the Bellafill Diamond and Galderma Presidential Champion Awards for being a high volume provider. 

Dr. Kofford has shared her expertise with many other providers over the years, helping other doctors and nurses to learn and master the art and science of nonsurgical aesthetics. She has served as a national trainer and speaker since 2008. She has hosted countless training seminars for products Bellafill,® Sculptra,® Restylane® line, Dysport® and Revanesse Versa.Other providers have felt comfortable referring her some patients who have had complications. Dr. Kofford does her best to help patients to overcome and look their best. 

Dr. Kofford’s passion is in long lasting biostimulants Bellafill® and Sculptra,® as well as ablative laser for facial wrinkle and scar revision. Biostimulants differ from traditional fillers in that they stimulated your own Type I collagen. As patients age, they lose 1% of their dermal collagen per year. Biostimulatory fillers also require a higher level of expertise to inject properly because they last much longer than traditional fillers. Rewards are also high because your beautiful look is maintained long term. In this arena, experience level definitely matters. 

Riviera Laser Studios
34189 Pacific Coast Highway, Ste. 201
Dana Point
Text or Call: 949.370.3177
RivieraLaserStudio.net
Instagram

Riviera Laser Studios

Platinum Dental Group

Platinum Dental Group

BEN OMRANI, DDS

Platinum DentalSTATE-OF-THE-ART SERVICE IN A COMFORTABLE ATMOSPHERE
Welcome to Platinum Dental Group, what patients are repeatedly calling the most relaxing office environment and painless dental visit they have ever experienced. Dr. Omrani and his staff truly strive to offer their patients an exceptional personalized experience at every moment of every visit. The immaculate office is on the top floor of a serene courtyard building facing Ortega Highway and is easily accessible off the 5 freeway with ample parking. You will be warmly and personally welcomed into an expansive, bright and modern dental suite by their excellent staff. They offer an extensive range of dental care with top-of-the-line technologies, materials and methods. 

EVERYTHING YOUR SMILE NEEDS
The commitment to comprehensive dental care is evident by the array of services offered in-house. Dr. Omrani has spent two decades in the field with experience in treating all types of smile concerns. From preventive and restorative care to cosmetic dentistry and dental implants, he can transform a patient’s smile painlessly and with optimal precision. His calm disposition, patience and meticulousness are unparalleled and immediately puts to ease even the most anxious of patients. When choosing us to take care of your oral health, you can trust that you’re in good hands. 

PUTTING PATIENT COMFORT FIRST
Platinum Dental Group takes pride in providing pain-free dentistry. Dental anxiety can be a real problem for many children and adults, often leading to oral healthcare neglect. Offering sedation dentistry (i.e., nitrous oxide and oral conscious sedation) and advanced dental technology to make procedures comfortable and more efficient, you can be assured that your safety and well-being are top priorities. 

CONVENIENT FINANCIAL OPTIONS
Platinum Dental provides patients with several financial options that make dental care easy and affordable. Apart from serving as an in-network provider for many PPO dental insurance plans, there is also an in-house membership club for uninsured individuals as well as flexible financing through CareCredit. 

The team at Platinum Dental Group is looking forward to welcoming you as a new patient. Please visit their website or call their friendly staff if you have questions. 

Platinum Dental Group
27184 Ortega Highway, Suite #208
San Juan Capistrano
949.661.2052
PtDentalGroup.com

Platinum Dental

Pediatric Dentistry

Pediatric Dentistry
NHU Q. TRAN, DDS, APC

Pediatric Dentistry

Dr. Nhu Q. Tran has been taking care of infants, children, and young adults in her San Clemente pediatric dental practice for over 17 years. Dr. Tran enjoys establishing lifelong relationships with her patients and their families. Her patients come from nearby neighborhoods and cities, and some come back to her practice even after they have moved away, like from Tustin and Temecula, or even states like Hawaii and Texas. Moreover, Dr. Tran is now excited to be seeing a second generation of patients in her practice, her patients’ children! 

Dr. Tran enjoys treating a wide age range of patients who visit her pediatric dental practice. As a pediatric dental specialist, she sees patients for the first time at 1 year old. She has fun tickling the teeth of infants and toddlers who visit her for their first check up and cleaning. She also takes pride and care guiding a fearful child or teenager through a treatment and helping them overcome their dental fears. And because Dr. Tran is one of a very few pediatric dentists that has full time dental hygienists in her practice, she is able to continue providing optimal dental care to her older patients who want to continue seeing her into their late teens. So, whether a child is excited to have their teeth “counted and brushed” or they are nervous about seeing the “tickle toothbrush” or “Mr. Slurpy”, Dr. Tran and her team work to provide every patient with a fun and educational experience that they enjoy and look forward to each and every time. 

A native of Southern California, Dr. Tran went to UC Berkeley for her undergraduate education, then relocated to the Midwest and attended Case Western Reserve University School of Dentistry in Cleveland, Ohio. Having graduated among the top of her class, she became a recipient of the Pierre Fauchard Scholarship, and earned a membership into the National Dental Honor Society, Omicron Kappa Upsilon. Following dental school, Dr. Tran returned to Southern California to pursue two years of additional post-doctorate training in pediatric dentistry, at the University of Southern California. After receiving her Advanced Pediatric Dental Certificate from USC, Dr. Tran pursued further advancement in her specialty by achieving the status of Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. Aside from taking care of her private patients, Dr. Tran has given back to her Trojan roots by being a part of the USC Advanced Pediatric Dentistry Faculty since 2006. 

Whether you see Dr. Tran in the office or on the baseball field rooting on her boys, be sure to say hello! And whether your child is one or 16, excited or nervous, healthy or has special health care needs, Dr. Tran and her team are trained and ready to provide the best care for your children. 

Pediatric Dentistry
1171 Puerta del Sol, Suite A
San Clemente
949.481.5437 (KIDS)
SCKidsDentist.com

Pediatric Dentistry

Michelle Hure, MD, MS

Michelle Hure, MD, MS

ORANGE COUNTY SKINLAB

Michelle Hure, MD, MS

OC SkinLab has continued to garner top reviews and accolades in Orange County for patient satisfaction, and their unique approach to medical, surgical and aesthetic dermatology. Dr. Michelle Hure started OC SkinLab to provide dermatology and dermatopathology services in a warm and approachable environment. Her emphasis has always been on education, overall skin health, skin cancer prevention and individualized, conservative cosmetic enhancements. OC SkinLab’s spa oasis, BeautyLab, also reflects Dr. Hure’s and her aesthetician’s desire to filter out all the hype and damaging spa facial services out there to provide a menu of safe aesthetic treatments. 

Dr. Hure trained at Yale-New Haven Health System and the University of Massachusetts and is also board certified in dermatopathology, which gives her the unique tools to accurately diagnose and treat a wide range of dermatologic conditions in patients of all ages. She also takes the time to teach medical students from all over the world who routinely come to shadow in her clinic. Her dedication and skill have been recognized within the county by being voted the only “Physician of Excellence” in her field by the Orange County Medical Association, top cosmetic physician in “Best of Southland” by the LA Times, “Best Overall Healthcare Provider” in San Juan Capistrano by The Capistrano Dispatch’s Best of SJC for four years in a row and runner up three years in a row for “Best Spa” for BeautyLab and recently named “Business Leader of the Year” by the mayor of SJC. She’s also a regular contributing physician expert on live news shows and mainstream print and online media. 

Dr. Hure contributes OC SkinLab’s success to her sincere desire to spend more time with her patients, cultivate relationships and give unbiased education. Having been in a large practice prior, Dr. Hure dreamed of having the freedom to design an office that centered around optimal patient care and satisfaction. In addition to her robust medical and surgical practice, Dr. Hure ensures that all non-invasive cosmetic treatments, including hair restoration, microneedling, PRP injections, neurotoxin and filler injectables and chemical peels are delivered in a relaxed and supportive environment where the emphasis is always centered around natural-looking results and are exclusively performed by her. 

As a resident of San Juan Capistrano and Chamber of Commerce member, Dr. Hure is an involved member of the community, acting as a trusted source of COVID-19 information during the height of the pandemic and spending weekends volunteering to vaccinate the most vulnerable populations in the county, collecting medications and supplies from the community to send to Ukraine, routinely passing out sunscreen at the Swallow’s Day Parade or offering free skin cancer screenings for all active first responders (including firefighters, police, EMS and lifeguards) in town.  

ORANGE COUNTY SKINLAB
31899 Del Obispo St., Ste. 130
San Juan Capistrano
949.359.6400
OCSkinLab.com

Michelle Hure, MD, MS

Monarch Veterinary Hospital

Monarch Veterinary Hospital

GLENN CRAFT DVM, KELLY ALCALA DVM, AND ALICIA BONKE DVM

Monarch Veterinary Hospital

Monarch Veterinary Hospital is now celebrating 21 years at Clubhouse Plaza on Niguel Road, snuggled in the hills of South Laguna Niguel. This coastal community loves their pets, and offers great places to walk the dogs, too, whether the canyons or the Harbor or Salt Creek. We play a key role in keeping them healthy and strong. The team at MVH has earned a sweet reputation for exceptional pet healthcare as well as nurtured trusting relationships with clients and their pets, and has created a culture that it is peaceful, welcoming, efficient, and roomy enough that many pets truly enjoy visiting. 

A major remodel and expansion in 2019 has doubled its footprint, assuring its practice culture for the future. The hospital has four large exam rooms, a very spacious front lobby, as well as a well-equipped bathing suite. While the hospital doesn’t offer grooming, it does offer bathing services which is overseen by the technical staff. 

Dr. Glenn Craft and his wife, Lisa, envisioned MVH when they returned home to California in 2002. The couple had spent four years serving in Thailand with Christian Veterinary Mission, a community development NGO that operates in the poorest parts of the world — where livestock is the main key to the local economy. Once returning home, they established a veterinary practice that balances compassionate, personal touch with exceptional high-tech veterinary medicine. Their goal is to exceed a client’s expectations, each and every time. 

The hospital continues to offer the full range of veterinary professional services from wellness checks, immunizations, general surgery, dental care, therapeutic laser, bathing, and ultrasound, to digital radiography with STAT radiology consults available. The staff at MVH is experienced and provides a level of expertise you can trust. 

With the COVID pandemic mostly behind us, curbside service is still available for those not yet comfortable to be seen inside the hospital. Because the facility is so spacious and is implementing a variety of safety precautions, most clients are being accommodated inside. Multiple air purifiers, which are also anti-viral, are located throughout the hospital. 

Joining Dr. Craft on staff is Dr. Kelly Alcala, a part time Associate who brings an impressive reputation for highly competent and compassionate care. She worked part-time at the practice prior to becoming an Associate, earning the respect and appreciation of both clients and staff. Just this past summer, the hospital welcomed Dr. Alicia Bonke as a full time Associate. The doctors have established strong relationships with carefully chosen specialists at facilities in South Orange County, including mobile cardiologist Dr. Fred Brewer, who comes to the practice whenever he is needed, and mobile surgeon Dr. Zachary Smith, who teams with MVH staff for specialty surgical procedures as well as offering mobile CT-scanning services. 

MVH has enjoyed consistently positive reviews, which confirm its commitment to delivering the quality care it promises, and the staff takes pride in providing the best customer service possible. 

Monarch Veterinary Hospital
31271 Niguel Road, Suite E
Laguna Niguel
949.443.1466
MonarchVet.com

Monarch Veterinary Hospital

Hydration Room

Hydration Room

DR. BRETT FLORIE

Hydration Room

Looking to offer more South Orange County residents with a new method of preventive care, Dr. Brett Florie recently opened a new location for his wellness brand, Hydration Room®, in downtown San Clemente at 106 S. Ola Vista. 

Hydration Room focuses on health and wellness at the cellular level with vitamin IV and injection therapy. Their 13 locations offer a menu of 25+ different vitamin IV and injection therapy blends, in addition to the cutting-edge longevity treatment NAD+ IV Therapy and regenerative medicine therapies. 

“I combine both Eastern and Western medicine at Hydration Room,” explains Dr. Florie, Hydration Room founder and a board-certified anesthesiologist whose expertise stems from his allopathic and osteopathic medical degrees. 

Patients work closely with Registered Nurses on staff in choosing an IV or injection that addresses their symptoms. The staff is in direct contact with Dr. Florie in discussing the patient’s chart to formulate a plan of action. 

“Whether a patient comes to Hydration Room for increased energy, an immune system boost, stress relief or treatments to help with a chronic illness, they expect and deserve the absolute best care,” said Dr. Florie. “Vitamin IV and injection therapy is a powerful way to achieve that while maintaining optimal health — from the inside out.” 

Dr. Florie’s expertise in vitamin IV therapy began when he researched remedies for his wife’s migraines, family members battling cancer, and a friend with an autoimmune disease. He saw how their quality of life changed through vitamin IV therapy. 

“Vitamins are very powerful and have properties that Western medicines have, so depending on the patient’s symptoms and goals, I integrate both in their therapy and plan of care,” he continued. 

Patients can enjoy their service in Hydration Room’s signature relaxing, open lounge concept Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. or Sunday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. 

HYDRATION ROOM 

San Clemente
106 S. Ola Vista
949.503.1399

Dana Point
34255 Pacific Coast Hwy, Ste. 116
949.218.4079 

Laguna Niguel
28251 Crown Valley Pkwy, Ste. C
949.446.9428 

Laguna Beach
31542 S. Coast Hwy, Ste. 4
949.715.5668 

Rancho Santa Margarita
22451 Antonio Pkwy, Ste. A-350
949.742.6799 

Hydration Room

Howard Optometry

Howard Optometry

MARSHA HOWARD, O.D.

Howard Optometry

In her 29 years of experience, practice owner Dr. Marsha Howard has crafted a passion for providing every patient with the utmost respect and best service possible under spectacular doctors with state-of-the-art medical equipment. 

At Howard Optometry, patients have access to advanced technology, including the latest solutions from Lumenis, Optos and Optovue. It just takes a few minutes to assess the vascularity and retinal structures of the eye, giving the doctors powerful data with which to determine a long-term plan for your ocular health. The practice also favors the use of retinal photography over traditional, and uncomfortable dilation. 

In addition to regular, comprehensive eye exams for glasses and contacts, the office also offers other services such as (but not limited to): 

— LASIK and cataract co-management with partners at Coastal Vision and NVision
— Dry eye treatments, including iLux procedure and Lumenis (an IPL Light Therapy Treatment)
— Oculus Technology
— Convenient, same-day scheduling
— Additional products available, including Latisse Lash Lengthener and Upneeq for low-lying lids

Howard Optometry is especially excited to have added Lumenis’ revolutionary Optilight technology to their practice. “It’s an amazing, gentle pulsating light treatment that has helped so many patients suffering from Dry Eye Disease,” explains Dr. Howard. “My patients with MGD (Melibomian Gland Dysfunction) have been thrilled with their treatments and results.” The new Optimal Pulse Technology avoids lasers and delivers results in as little as two or three visits. 

Dr. Marsha Howard grew up in a medical family, realizing her passion for eye care while studying as an undergraduate at UC Berkeley. In the years between finishing her residency in 1994 and opening her own practice in 1997, Dr. Howard taught at her alma mater, as well as worked in other small optometry practices. One of the first five independent Doctors of Optometry hired by Costco nationwide, Dr. Howard loves treating all types of patients, and was thrilled when offered a second office in Laguna Niguel. 

Howard Optometry
27220 Heather Ridge
Laguna Niguel
949.328.9303
HowardOptometry.com

Located inside of Costco, no membership required to see the doctor.

Howard Optometry