Carol D. Luzzi, MD - Beacon Medical Group Pediatric Multi-Speciality

Dr. David Isaacson is the only person in his family to enter the medical field. In fact, inspired by his father, he initially majored in Electrical Engineering. "I was also passionate about the craft of model making," he explains. "My father and I would spend hours creating replicas of ships and airplanes." During his freshman year at Virginia Tech, however, all that changed. He had the opportunity to shadow a local physician on a few overnight shifts in the emergency room. "I realized that the human body presented some of the most complex problems that could be solved through physical intervention. This is what drew me to the craft of surgery and a career in medicine." In particular, it was the challenges and diversity presented by the face and neck that drew him to specialize in otolaryngology. "In addition to being the primary means of how we are perceived by others," he says, "the face is the means through which we see, hear, smell and breathe. Even a smile can be lost because of trauma, cancer, or a congenital defect in the face." As an otolaryngologist, he is often called upon to restore form and function to this critical and complex area of the body. From the newborn to the elderly, Dr. Isaacson believes in treating each patient with the same care and concern as he would his own family member. "When they are in my care, patients have my full attention and commitment to their health and well-being. They motivate me to continuously improve and to deliver the best care possible." In his own words… Who is or was the most influential person/role model in your life? My residency director, Dr. Scott Stringer. Dr. Stringer emphasized the importance of an in-depth knowledge of the human anatomy and how this is a prerequisite for optimal patient care. What was your first job growing up? What do you remember about it? I was a violin instructor and played as a professional violinist through college. I enjoyed meeting other musicians and having the opportunity to partake in performances like operas and ballets. In addition to medicine, what are you passionate about? I am passionate about being the best father I can be to my three children. Teaching medical students at IU School of Medicine has been another passion of mine since moving to the South Bend area 21 years ago. In my spare time I enjoy traveling, cycling and cooking with my kids. What is something most people don’t know about you? While I was on faculty at the University of Florida, I served as a physician to space shuttle astronauts. Also, I provide pro bono care for many of the animals at the Potawatomi Zoo. My most famous patient at the zoo is a chimpanzee called Babyface.

About Maggie Speech-Language Pathology was a career change for Maggie, who became fascinated by the process of reading development while working as a Montessori early childhood educator. “My interest in early literacy skills and language disorders led me back to school to become a speech-language pathologist,” she explains. She was also strongly inspired by her mother, who has been a physical therapist for 45 years.“ I grew up knowing my mother deeply enjoyed her work in rehabilitation.” As a speech-language pathologist, Maggie evaluates and treats voice and swallowing disorders.“ I have the privilege of providing care for adults with swallowing and communication disorders secondary to head and neck cancer, including disorders of articulation, voice and resonance.” Maggie also provides evaluation and treatment of voice disorders in adults and adolescents, and particularly enjoys helping patients overcome symptoms of irritable larynx syndrome, including chronic cough, chronic throat clearing, vocal cord dysfunction, laryngospasm and painful swallowing. Maggie chose to practice at Beacon because she is driven to work with a top multidisciplinary team to improve speech pathology treatment protocols and advance patients’ functional outcomes following head and neck cancer treatment.“ I am thrilled to partner with Beacon’s exceptional ENT & Audiology care team in providing outstanding patient care.” Maggie’s philosophy of patient care is rooted in sensitivity to her patients’ unique personal and social factors.“ Each of us navigates aspects of our lives that can help or hinder our ability to achieve our goals,” she says.“ I strive to deliver personalized care that leverages patient strengths and support systems to help patients achieve their therapeutic goals.” In her own words… What was your first job growing up? What do you remember most about it? I was a lifeguard and swim instructor at my hometown’s community pool. I remember the feeling of delight when a child would pop up through the water’s surface after jumping off the diving board for the first time. It was incredible to share in a child’s pure excitement and pride in those moments. What is your favorite food? I have never had a dish with noodles and cheese that I didn’t enjoy. What are your hobbies, interests? I relish time spent outdoors with my family. I enjoy digging in the dirt and nurturing growth in our vegetable and perennial flower gardens. I particularly enjoy bringing blooms and branches in from the yard or the South Bend Farmer’s Market. Flower arranging is a favorite creative outlet of mine. Do you have pets? I am a frequent flier on the local animal shelter websites — I’ll be ready for our next family dog by the time my children begin making a case for a four-legged friend.

About Dr. Torres Sports require teamwork. The same is true when Dr. LeeAnne F. Torres practices orthopedic sports medicine. “I believe in a team-based, patient-centered approach to care, with open communication of expectations and goals. Patients should be cared for in the way one would want their own family member treated.” In her role, Dr. Torres treats a variety of musculoskeletal issues in people of all ages, using a minimally invasive approach to restore and preserve joints, including the knee, shoulder and hip. “I enjoy working with patients motivated to return to activities so they can meet their goals.” Dr. Torres decided on a sports medicine career in high school. “Once I was introduced to the student athletic training program as a high school freshman, I began considering a career within sports medicine,” she explains. “After shadowing our team physician and other orthopedic surgeons throughout high school, I was driven to become an orthopedic surgeon.” Dr. Torres received her bachelor’s degree from the University Notre Dame and her medical degree from Texas A&M College of Medicine, where she was elected to the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society (AOA). Dr. Torres is a faculty member on the South Bend-Notre Dame Sports Medicine Fellowship. But some of the most impactful education has come from her patients. “Patients have taught me that the way you make them feel while caring for them is of utmost importance,” says Dr. Torres. Dr. Torres is the lead team orthopedic surgeon for Indiana University South Bend, Holy Cross College, and 7 area high schools. “From working with Division One athletes to aid in their return to sport, to providing someone the ability to raise their arm overhead again or walk pain free, maintaining honesty and instilling confidence in my patients is crucial to our success,” says Dr. Torres. “I hope my patients have learned that I am dedicated to working with them to provide the highest level of care necessary to achieve their goals and enhance their quality of life. The ability to care for patients is a privilege that I am grateful to have earned.” In her own words… Who are or were the most influential people/role models in your life? My parents have been the most influential individuals in my life; they have served as role models through superior work ethic and dedication to our family. What was your first job growing up? What do you remember about it? My first job was working in the nursery of my church from the time I was in middle school through high school. I remember the range of personalities and responsibilities working with newborns through school-aged children. If you could sit down to dinner with anyone (alive or deceased) who would it be and why? If I could sit down to dinner with anyone, it would be Father Theodore Hesburgh. His devotion to humanitarian and diversity efforts is inspiring, and he made a significant impact on our world. In addition to medicine, what are you passionate about? What are your hobbies, interests? In addition to medicine, I am passionate about community service and all sports, both collegiate and professional. I enjoy cooking and baking with my toddler, and experiencing other cultures through travel. What is something most people don’t know about you? Most people do not know that I learned to box while training alongside local firefighters in high school while I was earning my EMT certification.