Heidi Harrington, M.D.
Beaufort Memorial Plastic Surgery & Aesthetics, Beaufort Memorial Okatie Medical Pavilion, Suite 220, 122 Okatie Center Blvd. North, Okatie, (843) 707-8020, BeaufortMemorial.org/HeidiHarringtonMD
What is your specialty? I am a plastic and reconstructive surgeon, which means I perform a broad range of reconstructive and cosmetic surgeries with the goal of restoring form and function – whether it be after trauma, cancer, aging, childbirth, weight loss, etc.
What is one aspect of the job that you find particularly rewarding? The most rewarding part of my job is the relationships I form with my patients. I get to walk them through a transformation, whether it be a cosmetic transformation or reconstructive. Getting to an end result where my patient feels better about herself or himself and knowing I’ve helped them get back to where they once were, or to where they always wanted to be so they can reclaim who they are, makes my heart happy.
What drew you to medicine? I was always a helper and a fixer, and I was always drawn to biology because I always loved learning about how animals worked. I grew up on a horse farm and was in awe of our vet who would always come to the rescue during the scariest times. Fast forward to high school, when a sports injury put me in the hands of an amazing orthopedic surgeon, and I thought, “That’s what I want to do” – help people that have something bad happen to them, and get them back to what they love doing.
What are your hobbies and interests outside of medicine? I love the pursuit of wellness and fitness. I’ve been a competitive athlete my whole life: showing horses at the national level, field hockey, basketball, collegiate rugby, amateur Muay Thai kickboxing, CrossFit, Olympic lifting, trail running, you name it. In recent years, I’ve gotten very involved in competitive cornhole and compete all over the country.
“If I wasn’t a doctor, I would be …”I’d be a professional athlete, of course! But since that ship has sailed, I would actually love to be a professional event and holiday decorator. I am very detail oriented, and I love making moments and events beautiful, fantastical, and memorable. I love the process of imagining something amazing that no one else can see and then bringing it to life with my own hands and seeing the smiles it brings. Come trick or treating at my house next year, you’ll know what I mean!
What are you watching on Netflix these days? I’m a big documentary person – I love learning. People are fascinating; I like to learn about the beautiful things they’ve done and the terrible things they’ve done and why. A recent documentary I watched on Netflix was “Martha.” It was great!
What skill or craft would you like to master outside of your profession? I really want to learn how to use a sewing machine; that has been on my to-do list for 30 years. And with all this beautiful water here, I want to become a boat person. So, I’m in the market for a mentor with a boat … who also knows how to thread a Singer!
Dr. Heather Hinshelwood
Fraum Health, 1403 Main Street Village, Hilton Head Island, SC 29926, (843) 258-4317, Fraum.com
What is your medical specialty, and how would you describe your approach to patient care? I specialize in restorative and integrative medicine, with a strong focus on non-surgical solutions for chronic pain and inflammation. At Fraum Health, we take a whole-person approach to healing, looking beyond symptoms to address the underlying dysfunction. Whether it’s joint pain, fatigue, or neuropathy, our goal is to restore mobility, reduce pain, and help patients get back to living fully. I believe medicine works best when it empowers people, not when it limits them to medications or surgery.
Why did you and your partner choose to acquire Fraum Health in 2023? We saw a clear opportunity to serve the Hilton Head community differently. After years of working in traditional medicine, we were ready to create a space that treats the person, not just the diagnosis. Fraum Health already had an outstanding foundation in chiropractic and cellular therapies, and we knew we could expand that with a medical program focused on prevention, regeneration, and long-term vitality. It’s incredibly rewarding to help patients avoid surgery and find relief through innovative therapies.
What makes Fraum Health unique compared to other healthcare providers? We offer an integrated, patient-centered, personalized approach leveraging the best of modern medical science with advanced non-surgical treatments. From spinal decompression and laser therapy to cellular technologies, including stem cells, we provide solutions that support the body’s healing process. Many of our patients are “active agers” who want to keep golfing, playing pickleball, or chasing after grandkids, and we help make that possible without downtime or drugs that just mask the pain. Our focus is addressing the specific concerns and needs of our patients individually.
What’s something patients might not realize when they first come to see you? Pain can sneak in slowly and become your “new normal” without you realizing how much it’s stealing from your daily life. I’ve had patients say, “I didn’t know how bad it had gotten until I felt better.” Sometimes we accept stiffness or fatigue as a part of aging, but it doesn’t have to be. We take the time to uncover what’s really going on, so patients leave with more than a diagnosis, they leave with hope and a plan.
What’s the most fulfilling part of your work? There’s nothing better than seeing someone get their life back without going under the knife. One of my favorite moments is when a patient says, “I can finally sleep through the night,” or “I’m playing tennis again.” These aren’t small wins, they’re life changing. Helping someone return to what they love is what drives me. Every patient who walks through our doors is treated with compassion, respect, and a relentless commitment to better outcomes.
How do you recharge outside of the office? I’m happiest near water. I love going out on the boat with my fiancé and our children. Nature keeps me grounded, and those quiet moments help me show up for patients with energy, clarity, and heart. When I want an outlet, I love to go to CrossFit and get a good sweat.
Cory Messerschmidt, MD, FAAOS
Beaufort Memorial Orthopaedic Specialists, 122 Okatie Center Blvd. North, Okatie and 1680 Ribaut Road, Port Royal. (843) 524-3015, BeaufortMemorial.org/CoryMesserschmidtMD
What is your specialty? I am an orthopedic surgeon, which means I diagnose and treat conditions of the musculoskeletal system. This includes bones, joints, muscles, ligaments, and tendons. This involves both surgical and non-surgical methods to treat injuries, correct deformities, and improve mobility and function. Common procedures include joint replacements, fracture repairs, and arthroscopic surgery.
Why did you become a physician? I became a physician because I’m drawn to solving complex problems. Medicine is the ultimate intersection of critical thinking, human connection, and real-world impact. Each patient presents a unique challenge – piecing together symptoms, test results, and clinical judgment to find the best path forward. The ability to solve problems that directly improve someone’s quality of life is both intellectually fulfilling and deeply meaningful. It’s that combination that made medicine the right path for me.
What is one aspect of the job that you find particularly rewarding? I’ve always been drawn to the mechanics of the human body and enjoyed working with my hands—building, repairing, understanding how things fit and move. Orthopedic surgery was a natural fit. It allows me to apply that mindset to medicine, helping people by physically reconstructing and restoring function. There’s something incredibly satisfying about seeing tangible improvement.
What is exciting about your field right now? Robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) are changing the way we practice orthopedics. With these evolving technologies, we can diagnose and treat patients more accurately. From diagnosis to surgery to rehabilitation, AI enables more personalized, data-driven care, enhancing both patient outcomes and surgeon performance.
What are your hobbies and interests outside medicine? Staying active outside with my family. I enjoy golf, tennis, and basketball. I have taken a recent interest in pickleball. It’s a fun activity, a good workout, and a great way to meet people. I am also a professional soccer fanatic. I follow the English Premier League closely and I’m an avid supporter of Chelsea Football Club. I even attended a match at Stamford Bridge in London a few years ago. Go Blues!
“If I wasn’t a doctor, I’d be …” A disc jockey. Music has always played an important role in my life, and my musical tastes are pretty diverse. I love how music sets the mood and brings people together. In the operating room, it helps create a rhythm, and I enjoy curating a vibe that keeps everyone relaxed yet focused. I even have my own DJ equipment and have been known to play the occasional birthday party.
What skill or craft would you like to master outside of your profession? I’d love to become a master Lego builder. Lego was a quintessential part of my childhood that I have recently re-discovered as an adult. There’s something incredibly creative and satisfying about starting with a pile of small, ordinary pieces and building something complex, imaginative, and detailed. I think there’s a quiet genius in being able to visualize something intricate and then build it, brick by brick.
Dr. Jarrod Little
Revive Palmetto Aesthetics & Plastic Surgery, 206 Bluffton Road, Suite 20, Bluffton, (843) 480-0060, revivepalmetto.com
What is one aspect of the job that you find particularly rewarding? I have the greatest job in the world. I have the opportunity to care for the young and the aged. I am able to treat patients when they are battling trauma or cancer, then again for cosmetic procedures. Our field has a rich academic history and borne out of the necessity to solve complex problems with innovative solutions. My background in academic surgery allowed for teaching and scientific research directed at developing novel therapies.
Are there any challenges in the profession? What are they and how do you overcome them? The field of aesthetic plastic surgery has been invaded by those without the training and expertise to ensure safety and outstanding results. Now, more than ever, it is critical ensure that plastic surgery procedures are being performed by surgeons who are certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.
What drew you to medicine? More than any other specialty, plastic surgery allows for the most creativity and diversity of treatments, from common injectable procedures to incredibly complex, life-changing cosmetic transformations.
What is exciting about your field right now? The understanding of the aging process is constantly evolving, as are the available technologies to address the processes. This allows for constant innovation and opportunities to restore and rejuvenate. However, it is critical that those treatments have scientific backing and are safe. When evaluating a new technique or technology, I always have to ask, “Would I offer this to someone in my family?” If I would not do it to one of my loved ones, I won’t offer it to my patients. Ultimately, our goal is to treat our patients as we would our family.
Dr. Phillip Crace
Sculpt Cosmetic Surgery, 25 Minetta Lane, Suite 106, Bluffton, (843) 505-5355, sculpt-cosmeticcurgery.com
Dr. Phillip Crace grew up in rural southeast Kentucky. He attended Georgetown College on both an academic and athletic (football) scholarship and earned his bachelor’s degree in biology. He was then awarded a master’s degree in biomedical sciences from Barry University in Miami, Florida, and then an MBA from Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge.
After graduate school, Dr. Crace felt that medicine was his true calling. He applied and was accepted into the University of Kentucky College of Medicine. He was awarded his Doctorate in Medicine in 2003. Dr. Crace was then chosen amongst numerous applicants for a competitive five-year general surgery residency position in Cincinnati, Ohio.
From 2008 through the spring of 2023 Dr. Crace practiced general surgery. While Dr. Crace has and always will remain passionate about general surgery, the desire for a better quality of life and appeal to aesthetics lead him to a career change.
Thus, after numerous discussions with his family and much prayer, Dr. Crace decided to pursue study in the art of cosmetic surgery. He has spent the past two years training and then working at one of the most prestigious cosmetic surgery centers in Louisiana.
He now lives here in the Lowcountry with his wife of 22 years, Amy, and their three children, Charles, Abigale, and Jackson.
Dr. Crace has partnered with the practitioners of The Beautique medical aesthetics as their medical director. He is proud to offer the Lowcountry a wide range of cosmetic body procedures. He is passionate about restoring his patients’ self-esteem by erasing the scars of time, motherhood, and busy lifestyles. As he says, “All of my patients are beautiful, but sometimes we need to show them that again.”
Dr. Crace looks forward to meeting new clients and is eagerly awaiting the opportunity to serve as their guide on this journey.
H. Kevin Jones, MD; Robert Schaefer, MD; Edward Blocker, MD
Addison Wilson, MD
Novant Health Orthopedics & Sports Medicine, 75 Baylor Dr, Suite 155 – Bluffton, 8 Hospital Center Blvd, Suite 110 – Hilton Head, 97 Sea Island Pkwy, Suite 203 – Beaufort, 843) 682-7480, Novanthealth.org
The arrival of Novant Health in the Lowcountry has been truly transformative in many ways, especially within the realm of orthopedic care. Novant Health Orthopedics and Sports Medicine (formerly Hilton Head Orthopedics) has grown dramatically adding 8 new providers this year taking the practice from 12 providers to 20. The addition of new providers has also allowed for expansion of services across Beaufort County. In addition to the Bluffton area, Novant Health is now offering full-time orthopedic care in Beaufort and Hilton Head. The increase in orthopedic care has also fostered a more robust orthopedic surgical program at Novant Health Coastal Carolina Medical Center with the implementation of the Mako Robotic Surgical System for knee replacements.
One of Novant Health’s newest orthopedic surgeons is Dr. Robert Schaefer. Dr. Schaefer comes to Hilton Head with 32 years of experience both treating patients and serving as team physician for area high school and collegiate teams in North Carolina, where he was previously practicing. While he may be new to practicing in this area, he is not new to the area.
“I’ve lived in Colleton River for the past 3 years while commuting to work in North Carolina,” said Dr. Schaefer. “Novant Health has really been growing the orthopedic program. It had a somewhat smaller footprint before, and they’ve essentially doubled it. I am thrilled to be practicing here in the Lowcountry with Novant Health.”
Dr. Edward Blocker is another new face with Novant Health Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, and he is no stranger to patients locally. He has been treating patients in Beaufort since 1998 and will split his time between the practice locations both north and south of the Broad River as he brings his talent and experience to Novant Health.
“The difference with Novant Health is that they’re really patient-oriented. They put patient care at the center of their philosophy. A lot of people say that, but it’s clear that it’s their goal,” Dr. Blocker said. “When we started doing surgery at Coastal Carolina, they were willing to buy us a $1 million dollar robot. They invest in technology and it’s just a good culture from the CEO on down. And now they’ve created this team that has 50+ years of experience between us.”
One member of that team comes to Novant Health from a decidedly different direction. Until recently, Dr. Addison Wilson saw patients as part of his service to the United States Navy. His move to the private sector lets him use the skills he learned serving our nation’s heroes.
“The Navy gave me amazing training. I’ve worked at 10 different hospitals over the years, I’m licensed in six states, and I’ve done a lot of work outside the Navy to build my skillset,” Dr. Wilson Said. “My real expertise is in sports medicine – and being in the military is one of the hardest sports there is.”
The last piece of this puzzle came in the form of Dr. H. Kevin Jones, a true local who grew up on Hilton Head Island and has practiced in the Beaufort area since 1989. Specializing in joint reconstruction, hip and knee surgeries, and arthroplasty, he has built a solid foundation of loyal patients, and he looks forward to adding his talents to the Novant Health Orthopedics and Sports Medicine team in the Beaufort and Bluffton locations.
“The group we’re working with is really focused on patient care. You couldn’t ask for better partners. We can network with Drs. Norcross and Mulieri, who are real experts in their fields and also with the physicians of Chatham Orthopaedics to now have a total comprehensive program,” Dr. Jones said. “People don’t have to leave the area to get truly comprehensive care now.”
Taras Nebeluk, DO
Novant Health Infectious Disease Care, 75 Baylor Dr Suite 205B, Bluffton, SC 29910, (843) 288-4577, novanthealth.org
For too long, patients who were battling an infectious disease were forced to do so on two fronts. First, there was the internal battle, with their own immune system working alongside their treatment to fend off and eliminate the infection. The second front was the battle against the hours-long commute to the nearest infectious disease expert.
With the arrival of Dr. Taras Nebeluk in the Lowcountry, both of those battles have become easier than ever to win. “It’s a great opportunity to come and treat infectious disease in a community that’s expanding and really doesn’t have the coverage,” he said.
Treating a wide range of infections, from orthopedic infections to airborne illness and blood diseases like HIV and hepatitis, Nebeluk brings a wealth of knowledge to bear on each patient. As part of Novant Health, he can provide them that care from beginning to end. “I have a clinic in Bluffton, and I also cover Hilton Head Hospital and Coastal Carolina so I can offer that continuum of care. I see patients as inpatients and outpatients, and work closely with so many surgeons, primary care providers, and specialists to best coordinate their care.”
Dr. Nebeluk being here gives patients a skilled infectious disease expert without having to leave town, and it has given him and his family the chance to live their coastal dream. “There’s so much to do here,” he said. “My wife, 3-year-old son and I go to the beach nearly every weekend.”
Katelyn Mason, PA-C
Novant Health Neurology, 11 Arley Way, Ste 201 – Bluffton, SC 29910,,(843) 836-3667, novanthealth.org
A recent addition to Novant Health in Bluffton, Katelyn Mason, PA-C has a long history in medicine. Originally from Indiana, she and her husband moved south to Myrtle Beach as soon as she graduated, and she practiced there for five years. But her journey to being a passionate health care provider who focuses on neurology is even longer.
“I honestly have the most convoluted medicine story. I spent a lot of time in eye doctors’ offices when I was young, and actually went into pre-optometry, before switching to pre-med,” she said. It was at that point that medicine became personal. “I have migraines, and my neurologist, Dr. David Robertson, took me on as my mentor. I wanted to have that same kind of relationship with my patients.”
One of the few PAs who focus on neurology, she brings an extra level of care and dedication to her practice. “I like that I can have that, ‘I’ve been there. I get it’ moment. It makes a big difference with patients,” she said.
While her area of focus is on neurology, she also sees patients for a wide range of illnesses and issues. To her, it’s less about treating an issue and more about working with the patient to give them the best health.
“I want patients to be involved in their care. I’m not the kind of care provider who is going to dictate what they do,” she said. “I like to give them options and let them know it’s important to be part of your care.”
Dr. Rochelle Ringer
Novant Health Breast Health Center, 75 Baylor Drive, Suite 100, Bluffton, (843) 836-1600, novanthealth.org
What is your specialty? I am a breast surgeon. I take care of breast-related problems such as breast cancer, breast lumps and bumps, and family history of breast cancer.
Why did you become a physician? Unlike many of my colleagues, I don’t come from a family of practicing physicians. When I was in high school, I saw a video of a heart surgery during a health class, and I knew from that moment I wanted to be a physician.
What is one aspect of the job that you find particularly rewarding? In my line of work, I see a lot of cancer patients. Taking these patients on during one of the most vulnerable and difficult times in their life and watching them come through on the other side is one of the things that gives me the most joy.
Are there any challenges in the profession? How do you overcome them? In this day and age, time is everything. Wanting to be able to provide the time that each patient needs to manage their individual situation is tough to navigate within a health system that operates in a more fast-paced manner. I strive to give each patient as much time as I possibly can to ensure they feel they are fully taken care of.
What is exciting in your field right now? The medical field is ever-evolving. We are consistently seeing new technologies to aid with things such as better and earlier detection of cancer, better and shorter treatment times, decreasing side effects of treatment, etc.
What are your hobbies and interests outside of medicine? I love to travel. I love exploring different cultures and seeing how they experience life. I have also taken up learning Italian with the hopes of gaining Italian citizenship soon.
You have 30 minutes of free time. How do you pass the time? Reading a book or going on a walk with my family.
Dr. Ravina Balchandani
Heart Associate of Hilton Head, LLC, 35 Hospital Center Commons, Ste. 101 – Hilton Head Island, 14 Westbury Park, Ste. 103 – Bluffton, (843) 682-4673 (HOPE), heartassociateofhiltonhead.com
What is your specialty, and what inspires you to practice? I’m an interventional cardiologist, which means I treat heart disease using minimally invasive procedures – but I’m deeply committed to heart disease prevention with the use of advanced lipid profiles, genetic testing, and newer imaging modalities. My philosophy is to meet patients exactly where they are. For some, that means urgent intervention to save their life. For others, it’s about reducing risk factors, improving heart health, and even coming off medications over time. What inspires me is seeing patients get better – and stay better – through care that’s personalized, precise, and grounded in long-term well-being.
What is one aspect of the job you find rewarding? Helping patients return safely to the activities they love, whether that’s the tennis court, the golf course, or daily walks, after a medical event.
What are your hobbies and interests outside of medicine? After more than a decade practicing in Long Island, I’ve embraced life in the Lowcountry for more than 15 years. I love the water, sunsets, fishing, kayaking, oystering, beach walks, especially when shared with my lovely husband.
What is exciting about your field? Advancements in technology continue to expand what we can treat with minimally invasive techniques, helping more patients avoid open-heart surgery and recover with confidence.
