PINEHURST — As a new provider serving patients with chronic pain at FirstHealth Back & Neck Pain, anesthesiologist Lauren Sylvester, M.D., is on a mission. “My patients and I will work together to explore every available option to help them be their most functional selves and best equipped to face the challenges of daily life,” she said.
Sylvester earned a bachelor’s degree in biology from Mississippi College and her medical degree from Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center. She completed an anesthesiology residency at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences and concluded an interventional pain fellowship at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in June.
While initially interested in pediatrics, Dr. Sylvester was drawn to patients with chronic pain as she witnessed how a well-trained pain care team can dramatically change a patient’s life.
“We are gratified that Dr. Sylvester chose to join our practice at FirstHealth,” said Brian Thwaites, M.D., founder of FirstHealth Back & Neck Pain in 1996. “She brings a thoughtful, holistic perspective to treatment and long-term management of chronic pain. Her future patients will receive exceptional care.”
Sylvester was drawn to FirstHealth of the Carolinas for its well-known medical excellence across multiple fields. “During my fellowship training at the University of North Carolina, I had access to many resources and experiences at multiple hospitals across the state. However, none came as highly recommended as FirstHealth,” she reported.
Dr. Sylvester will join Dr. Thwaites and a host of other physicians, physician assistants and a nurse practitioner focused on providing pain sufferers with a single source for a thorough evaluation of their problems and access to today’s complete range of pain relief options, including the newest and most advanced treatments. FirstHealth Back & Neck Pain offices are conveniently located in Pinehurst, Sanford, Raeford, Troy and Asheboro.
“Dr. Sylvester is an excellent addition to FirstHealth Back & Neck Pain and will advance the practice’s reputation as the region’s leader in eliminating or reducing chronic pain,” said John Krahnert, Jr. M.D., FirstHealth chief medical officer.
A native of Louisiana, Dr. Sylvester arrives in the Sandhills with her golden doodle companion and a spirit of adventure, as she enjoys hiking, traveling, cooking and gardening. “In my new community, I am looking forward to learning and growing both personally and professionally,” she said. “The Sandhills area offers all of the professional, social and educational opportunities I desire in a welcoming, small-town setting. I hope to become an active member of the Sandhills area both socially and through community service.”
Dr. Sylvester looks forward to her future, saying “In 30 years I would like to look back at my career and say that I truly helped make a difference in improving the lives of people in my community.”
More information about FirstHealth Back & Neck Pain is available by calling (910) 715-1794 or visiting www.firsthealth.org/pain.
