See our full range of
total body solutions
We provide a variety of solutions to address your total body beauty needs.
Staff
Our staff consists of many fine professionals who are eager to help. Below are short bios of each.
Dr. Branch
Dr. David Austin Branch grew up in Atlanta, Georgia, as part of a large family. While his parents grew up in single parent homes, and knew financial hardship, they were both blessed with a creative and entrepreneurial spirit. They instilled these values in their own children, along with a duty to live up to one's potential in a positive way. They afforded their son with opportunities they did not have, profoundly affecting his life. As a student, Dr. Branch spent a summer in Costa Rica building latrines and teaching English. For various reasons, his aspirations, while in Costa Rica, changed from architecture to medicine. A year later, he had the unfortunate - but enlightening - experience of being hospitalized for a broken hip. As a patient, he came to know what it is like to be stripped of all dignity and control, and to be in need of caring support and information. During his hospitalization, he rushed to fill out his medical school applications, with the intention of pursuing the field of surgery. He eventually realized that Plastic Surgery was the one field that satisfied his need for creative thinking, much like architecture, as Plastic Surgery encompasses all ages and all parts of the body.
Dr. Branch attended the University of Alabama School of Medicine, where he met his wife. They began a long, eight-year training venture, during which time they were blessed with three children. He then trained for five years in General Surgery, at the University of Virginia, and - subsequently - Maine Medical Center. He left Portland, Maine, for Cleveland, where he trained for two years in Plastic Surgery under the tutelage of many wonderful surgeons, including Dr. Bahman Guyuron, a truly gifted cosmetic surgeon who pioneered the new field of Migraine Surgery. Dr. Branch's last stop before Bangor was San Francisco, where he trained at the Buncke Clinic in Hand and Microsurgery.
Dr. Branch started his own surgical practice, Bangor Plastic & Hand Surgery, P.A., in 2000. For several years, he worked out of Eastern Maine Healthcare Mall on Union Street. In early 2009, he relocated his practice to a larger, newly renovated facility at 55 Broadway. At the same time, he opened Surface Medical Spa to provide skin care and rejuvenation services, in addition to the options for surgical cosmetic enhancement, reconstructive procedures, migraine treatment and hand and wound treatment within his surgical practice.
Chantal Clark, LA
Aesthetician
Chantal is trained and skilled in today's most effective treatments, including skin peels, Microdermabrasion, IPL, photorejuvenation, laser hair removal and Fraxel® laser treatments. She is committed to helping patients reach their goals, whether it's through services she offers or though a referral to Dr. Branch for cosmetic treatments and/or procedures. Chantal specializes in skin care analysis and the design of individualized skin care programs. She can also create a treatment plan that is unique to each individual's needs and goals.
Chantal is a graduate of the Aveda Institute in Minneapolis and has worked in the field of plastic surgery since 2001. She looks forward to being your partner on your journey toward healthier skin.
Lori Welch, CST
Surgical Supervisor/Migraine Patient Coordinator
Lori Welch, a Certified Surgical Technician, Certified Surgical First Assistant, grew up in Maine and attended the School of Operating Room Technology in Portland, Maine, and Meridian Institute of Surgical Assisting. Lori has worked for 30 years in the Operating Room assisting and training personnel primarily in Plastics and Orthopedics.
Lori joined Dr. Branch’s Office in 2008 as the Migraine Patient Coordinator and Surgical Supervisor. Lori is the initial contact and a great resource for migraine patients and referring doctors. Lori works closely with the Migraine patients to answer questions and discuss the treatment options. Lori is available throughout the consultation and treatment process, and assists with travel arrangements and accommodations, as well as scheduling any needed testing. She sees the patients at the Surgery Center on the day of the procedure and is available postoperatively to answer any questions or address any concerns. In addition, Lori can help with payment options, reimbursement and pre-certification with insurance.
Mary Kay Deighan, RN, BSN
Aesthetic Professional Nurse
Mary Kay has 30 years of nursing experience and is a graduate of Boston College. Mary Kay provides the treatments of sclerotherapy, Fraxel laser, IPL, laser hair removal and YAG laser. She works with Dr. Branch by seeing many patients for their pre-operative history and physical office visits just prior to their scheduled surgeries. Mary Kay also enjoys working with clients in the education and application of our Jane Iredale makeup line, “The Skin Care Makeup” as well as educating our clients regarding many of our outstanding skin-care products.
Mary Kay loves teaching and she is always available to our clients to answer their questions or to find an answer for them. She also works part time as an adjunct faculty member at one of the local nursing programs and has worked for Dr. Branch since 2009.
Susan Grubb, RN
Aesthetic Nurse
Susan assists with the O.R. as recovery room nurse as well sees Medical Spa patients for Botox® and filler injections. She received her Associate degree in Nursing from Broward College in Florida and her Bachelors Degree at Pace University in New York. For many years Susan worked for a large Plastic Surgery practice in Boca Raton Florida before moving to the northeast. After moving to Maine she worked several years in the E.R. at Eastern Maine Medical Center. Susan has been with the practice since 2009.
Michelle Hoskins, LA
Aesthetician
Michelle provides skin peels, Microdermabrasion, IPL photorejuvenation, laser hair removal and Fraxel® laser treatments. Michelle creates customized treatment plans for each individual patient according to their needs and goals. Whether that is achieved through her own treatments or a referral to Dr. Branch, she looks forward to helping patients reach their goal of healthy skin.
Michelle is a graduate of Pierre’s School of Cosmetology as well as additional training through the Aveda Institute in Massachusetts. She has worked in the aesthetics field since 2004.
Stephanie Dow, CMA
Cosmetic Concierge/Team Leader
Stephanie Dow, CMA has over 20 years experience in the medical field. Stephanie, a Certified Medical Assistant, is a graduate of Beal College and has Associates Degrees in Medical Administrative Assisting and Medical Office Management. Stephanie joined the practice in early 2008. She assists cosmetic patients with surgery estimates, and helps give patients a better understanding of the services offered within the practice. Stephanie also works as the Team Leader to help the surgical practice operate as efficiently as possible.
Jill Wadlington, CMAIT
Patient Coordinator/Medical Assistant
Jillian has been working for Dr. Branch since 2002. A Medical Assistant in Training, she helps the office run efficiently by assisting with patient care, maintaining the office flow and taking care of the surgery schedule. She has been trained and certified as one of our office specialists for the Obagi Skin Care System. Jillian is more than happy to answer questions regarding procedures, post-op care, skincare and any scheduling questions. Feel free to call or e-mail her anytime.
Karen Byrne, CMA
Medical Assistant
Karen Byrne, CMA, grew up in Neptune, NJ before moving to Presque Isle, Maine with family. She attended UMPI for two years before moving back to New Jersey where she graduated at Star Technical Institute for Medical Assisting. Karen became certified through the National Allied Health test Registry and accredited through the National Association of Health Professionals. After school, she gained five years experience assisting Dermatological Surgeons primarily with Mohs Micrographic and Reconstructive Surgery, along with various other procedures including laser surgery.
Karen moved back to Maine to raise her own family. She has been with Bangor Plastic & Hand Surgery since 2008.
Emily Anderson, RN
O.R./Circulating Nurse
Emily is a registered Nurse who works Dr Branch both in the Surgical Suite at Bangor Plastic & Hand Surgery and also at Acadia Medical Arts. She graduated from Husson College in 2001 and has worked in the Operating Room for more than 10 years. Emily has experience in PACU, Endoscopy Procedures, Day Surgery, Scrubbing and Circulating. At Bangor Plastic & Hand Surgery Emily assists Dr. Branch with cosmetic outpatient surgeries performed in the office Operating Room, as well as assists with preparing patients preoperatively.
Peggy Wilson
Lead Administrative Specialist
Peggy Wilson is a friendly face at the front window providing sincere, caring service to patients and greeting them with a smile. She prepares charts, checks patients in and out as well as takes payments. Peggy does all the referrals from other offices and sees that patients get appointments in a timely matter. Peggy has been with the practice for 2 years and she has several years experience in customer service.
Judy Brookings Santos
Administrative Specialist
Judy will greet you at our Reception Desk. She schedules and checks-in/checks out patients, prepares charts and fields phone calls. Judy is a native of Bangor and has 15 years experience working in professional medical offices. She holds a degree in Dental Hygiene from Westbrook College. She has held positions as Dental Hygienist, Receptionist, Office Manager, Program/ Volunteer Director and 5 years in retail. Judy also is a choreographer.
Frances D'Errico
Patient Accounts/Insurance Specialist
Frances joined the practice in 2010, bringing with her extensive Patient Account management skills. Her background in the health care field has enabled her to become an effective liaison in dealing with our many patients. In addition to handling Accounts Receivable, she is the “go to” person for all patient insurance questions and/or issues.
Stephanie DeMartino
Billing Specialist
Stephanie brings to the practice 14 years of billing and coding experience, and is certified through the American Academy of Professional Coders. Stephanie also has an Associates Degree in Business Management. Stephanie oversees the patient billing process and is happy to help patients with their billing questions.
Jennifer Martin
Business Manager
Jennifer handles the administrative side of the practice, including accounting, human resources, and marketing, as well as assists with overall management of the practice. Jen brings to the practice several years experience in business administration and has a Masters degree in business from Husson College. She has been with the practice since 2007.
