Anderson, SC

This notice informs you that Dr. Robert Westrol is discontinuing his service with Synovation Medical Group/ Superior Pain Management effective November 10, 2024.

You have the right to choose your health care provider and Synovation Medical Group remains committed to fully supporting your decision. Synovation Medical Group and the staff will continue to provide a wide range of pain management options as we did with Dr. Robert Westrol. Should you wish to continue your current treatment plan and schedule an appointment with another Synovation Medical Group physician, or if you have any questions about your current or future appointment needs, please call (864) 225-5597.

Patients who wish to be seen by another pain management clinic may have a copy of their medical records transferred by requesting a release of information form or by having your physician’s office fax a signed request for records to (864) 516-8984. If you would like assistance locating another physician, contact the South Carolina Board of Medical Examiners at Medboard@llr.sc.gov or (803) 896-4500.

Approach:

Witnessing a close family member struggle with chronic back pain, Dr. Westrol developed a deep empathy for those suffering from chronic pain. He saw firsthand the lim- itations of traditional treatments and the impact of pain on everyday life. He brings this passion for pain management to Synovation Medical Group’s pain management clinic in Anderson.

He tailors his approach to each patient’s unique history, but his philosophy starts with a focus on building back better. “Our first line of defense is always non-invasive, conservative care.”

Professional Highlights:

Dr. Westrol earned his undergraduate degree in Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering at Princeton University and his medical degree from Drexel University College of Medicine. He completed his residency in Rehabilitation Medicine at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital and a pain management fellowship at Virginia Commonwealth University. He is board-certified in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation with subspecialty certification in Pain Medicine and is a Diplomate of the American Board of Venous and Lymphatic Medicine.

Personal Notes:

Dr. Westrol walks the talk when it comes to back pain management. He understands the power of staying ac- tive, even with small steps like an evening stroll through the neighborhood. “One thing we know helps for back pain in particular is a simple 30-minute walk every day,” he says. “It’s a gift to your mind, body, and spirit.”

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.