Issue link: http://viewer.e-digitaledition.com/i/62321
A Family Medicine Physician She Could Rely On After undergoing gastric bypass surgery in 2004 and being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) one year later, 28-year- old Marissa Manfredi of Freehold Township faced years of medical complications. "Following my gastric bypass surgery, I became extremely weak and lost a lot of weight," Marissa says. "While losing weight was the ultimate goal, I also began experiencing many troublesome symptoms." Marissa immediately scheduled an appointment with Keshav Prasad, MD, board-certified family medicine physician on staff at CentraState Medical Center. Having been Dr. Prasad's patient for more than a decade, Marissa valued his medical expertise. "Since Dr. Prasad knew my medical history, it was apparent to him that something was terribly wrong, Marissa says. "He found that the symptoms were completely unrelated to the surgery and sent me to specialists, who ultimately diagnosed my MS. " A LIFE-ALTERING DIAGNOSIS Being diagnosed with MS completely changed Marissa's life and presented numerous roadblocks along the way. Dr. Prasad helped guide Marissa through several medical issues and continually monitors her health and MS symptoms. "I am so thankful I walked through the doors of Dr. Prasad's office years ago," Marissa says. "Regardless of how serious or minor my medical conditions have been, he is always a phone call away." A TRUE FAMILY PHYSICIAN After 30 years of practicing family medicine, Dr. Prasad has maintained his human touch and proves that quality care and genuine concern remain key to patient retention. "Through sickness and grave illness, Dr. Prasad has provided me with the appropriate care," Marissa says. "Whether he personally treated me or referred me to specialists, he has guided me through a difficult medical journey. Collaborating with my MS team at CentraState, Dr. Prasad is truly committed to enhancing my quality of life." CentraState has more than 75 primary care physicians on staff. For more information about primary care or to find a primary care physician, call (866) CENTRA7 (866-236-8727) or visit www.centrastate.com/primarycare. For more information about CentraState's Linda E. Cardinale MS Center, visit www.centrastate.com/MS. [PHOTO] Marissa Manfredi relied on the steady care of Keshav Prasad, MD, to help her navigate bariatric surgery and a multiple sclerosis diagnosis.