Anderson, SC

Approach:

Dr. Tolan often finds that for chronic pain patients, balancing movement with medication can be the most effective course of treatment. “My job is to find the right medication combination that offers relief without affecting other conditions,” she says. “It’s not one-size-fits-all; creativity is sometimes required.”

Dr. Tolan conducts a thorough assessment to determine the underlying diagnosis, including a review of current medications. “I like to start simply, usually with physical therapy if possible,” she says. “Instead of jumping to chronic pain medications, I explore interventional treatments, like injections, that support the diagnosis.”

A few years ago, Dr. Tolan experienced a serious car accident that left her with chronic neck pain. She regularly receives trigger point and occipital injections along with daily anti-inflammatory medications. “I can personally relate to some of the treatments I discuss with patients,” she says. Dr. Tolan stays updated on the latest interventions and finds acupuncture, massage therapy, and yoga effective personally: “How I treat my pain is another way I can help my patients.”

Professional Highlights:

Dr. Tolan earned her undergraduate degree in biology and chemistry from Converse College in South Carolina. She received her doctorate in medicine and performed her residency in anesthesiology at the Medical University of South Carolina, later working there as a staff anesthesiologist and a clinical instructor/assistant professor. Dr. Tolan also worked as a pain management specialist in various parts of South Carolina before joining Synovation in 2024.

Personal Notes:

Dr. Tolan enjoys yoga, cooking, and reading. She also loves spending time with her three daughters, one grandson, and her furry roommates, a dog and a cat.

Approach:

For Dr. Patel, the most logical goal is to get to the root of the problem if at all possible. “There might be other diagnoses which have not been fully treated,” he says. “Often, patients come to pain management to treat the symptom of pain. I do that, but I also want to treat the underlying problem.”

Dr. Patel finds the typical interventions most successful, including epidurals, nerve blocks, radiofrequency ablations, and spinal cord stimulators.

Professional Highlights:

Dr. Patel completed medical school in Mumbai, India and completed his internship in Internal Medicine at the University of Minnesota. After a Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation residency at the University of Virginia, Dr. Patel also completed a fellowship in Pain management at the Spine, Musculoskeletal, and Rehabilitation Therapy Clinic in Sandy, Utah. He has been practicing in Upstate South Carolina since 2006. He has been with Synovation Medical Group in Anderson, South Carolina since 2019.

Personal Notes:

In the past, Dr. Patel has offered free medical counseling and pain management advice at medical camps. When he’s not watching NFL games or cricket matches, Dr. Patel enjoys playing tennis and traveling with his wife and twin daughters.

Approach:

For Nurse Practitioner Brown, low and slow is the best approach. “We talk to the patient and look at the relevant history and the treatments previously used,” he says. “While some patients might expect the same treatments as they’ve had elsewhere, we prefer treating each patient individually and determining a treatment path from there.” Treating everyone with respect is his practice as Brown believes that “Patients know when they haven’t had your full attention.” One important part of the approach is having up-to-date diagnostic information in hand. “Recent imaging is important, such as an MRI within the last two years,” Brown says.

Professional Highlights:

Brown earned his undergraduate degree as a registered nurse at Greenville Technical College in 2010. He graduated cum laude in the Master of Science in nursing (MSN) program as a family nurse practitioner from Clemson University in 2013. After graduating with his nursing degrees, Brown worked in family practice until moving to pain management.

Personal Notes:

Gerald enjoys reading and bowling. When he’s not engaged in play with his seven grandkids, he’s taking a well-deserved rest.