Amy Pijl
St. Josephs Medical Center
Market Development Representative
By Lindsey Rodrian
The San Joaquin area is a small community offering big city-like health care. Amy Pijl, Market Development Representative for St. Josephs Medical Center, works to connect our community, the hospitals, and physicians, allowing for this top-notch care. “When everyone is connected, we can all work together to bring the best services and treatment options to people in the area,” Amy says. “I try to introduce physicians to specialists in the community so that our residents don’t need to travel to the Bay Area for specialty treatments – they can get the care they need right here at home.” For Amy, choosing the healthcare field seemed like a no-brainer after having a firsthand patient experience at St. Joseph’s during the birth of her first child. “It really opened my eyes to the healthcare industry,” she explains. Amy, who was also born at St. Joseph’s, has loved every one of her six years at the Medical Center. “The people here are amazing,” she beams. “My boss has worked here longer than I’ve been alive! And that really says something.” With a Master’s in Business from University of the Pacific, and a people-person- driven character, Pijl enjoys her day-to-day responsibilities. Her role within St. Josephs gives her the opportunity to utilize her strengths. “Everyday I get to go into different doctor’s offices to meet with the physicians and their staff,” Amy says. “I love building relationships and connecting people.”
And it goes beyond those in the healthcare field, as Amy explains, “I love that my job gets me out in the community and has allowed me to collaborate with organizations like the American Heart Association, the Breastfeeding Coalition of SJC, the Stockton Thunder, Ports, and the University of the Pacific to name a few. I have learned so much since I started working at St. Joseph’s!” Amy felt the positive influence of those connections during her second pregnancy. “I had so much support from the doctors, staff and my co-workers. It was so comforting to have my second child here at St. Josephs. I couldn’t have asked for a better experience!” Amy hopes to share that same comforting experience with residents of the area. “To provide healthcare for people in need is a really good feeling. I can lead people to the right doctors, and the best care… these are sometimes life-changing connections, and to me that is extremely rewarding.”
Lastly, she reminds us of the capabilities in our area, saying, “Stockton is first-class when it comes to healthcare offerings. So many people believe that in order to get cutting-edge care they need to travel, when in actuality, they can be treated here. Undergoing a major medical procedure is hard enough, why add long drives, hotel stays and unfamiliar cities to the equation? I hope people do their homework when they need something done medically – we invite prospective patients to take tours of our facility to get a feel for the experience. People should take advantage of that!”
Where would we find you Friday night?
On Food Truck Fridays, we hunt down our favorite, The Mamas and the Tapas! Or I might meet up with friends for a bite to eat at one of the latest popular local restaurants. I also love going to baseball games at the Stockton ballpark – especially when they have fireworks!
If you had $500 to spend where would you go shopping?
I’d go visit the girls at Zuester’s, KCM Boutique, or Bellissima Boutique! I love to shop!
What do you do IN your free time?
Clear my head at Vinyasa Flow yoga studio, stroll with the kids to the park or one of Stockton’s awesome farmers markets, go play at the Children’s Museum, or sample wines at one of the many local wineries in the area.
What do you consider a “hidden gem” of the area?
The back patio at the student center at UOP. They have these great big rocking chairs and picnic tables where you can bring your lunch and look out at the water and just enjoy the peace and quiet.
Cosmetic Surgeon
Dr. Hugh L. Vu, Stockton
1617 St Marks Plaza
Stockton, (209) 476-7074
vuplasticsurgery.com
No wonder Dr. Vu is this year’s best cosmetic surgeon – he is established in his field, boasting various certifications and affiliations, with over 15 years of experience under his belt. His Stockton office provides plastic and cosmetic surgery on the face and body, using the most advanced techniques in the field. Procedures include liposuction, tummy tucks, saline or silicone breast augmentations, rhinoplasty, eyelid surgery, facelifts and more. In addition, Dr. Vu supports the community as an active volunteer, providing his expertise to change the lives of young children suffering from burn trauma and other complications. Through the RotoPlast Mission, an organization that focuses on treatment of cleft lips and palates, Dr. Vu also travels to other parts of the world performing life-changing surgeries for those in need.
Cosmetic Dentist
Dr. Todd Franklin
1208 W. Tokay St.
Lodi, (209) 334-4370
toddfranklindds.com
Dr. Todd Franklin returned to Lodi after finishing dental school because he simply loves the area, and San Joaquin loves him right back! Today, Dr. Franklin is established in his field, giving thousands of people a reason to smile. Specializing in porcelain veneers, bridges and crowns, laser gum lifts, lumineers, and more, his many years of experience shine through his patients’ pearly whites. If you’ve ever resorted to a close-mouthed smirk while you dream of white, straight teeth, Dr. Franklin’s “Smile Makeover” – a customized program that fuses two or more cosmetic treatments – can make that dream a reality. During the initial consultation, Franklin builds a plan to achieve your customized desire. You’ll surely leave smiling.
Juice for Health
Mike’s Coffee, Raw Juicing,
Yogurt and Spirits
1120 N. Main Street
Manteca, (209) 823-8765
Open since March 2013, Mike’s is already a local gem and family favorite. Each creation is prepared by hand, and contains only raw fruits and vegetables, making it the most delightfully healthy drink in the Valley. The fresh ingredients make for unmatched flavor so good that one won’t be enough. For sweet succulence, try the Tropical Turbine, complete with bananas, mangos, strawberries, apples and orange juice. For a drink with more of a kick, try the fresh-squeezed grapefruit juice with organic vodka or a Mai Tai. While the menu offers everything from breakfast to lunch plates, Mike’s is a must if fresh-squeezed juices make you happy!
Optometrist
Brookside Optometric Group
3133 W March Ln #2020
Stockton, (209) 951-0820
brooksideoptometric.com
The 13 doctors at Brookside Optometric Group keep our community’s sight in the forefront of their minds. With a variety of specialties, the group covers everything from eye exams to Lasik surgery. Advanced technology like The Optomap and Atlas Topographer assist Brookside in providing optimal care. Born from the fusion of three of Stockton’s largest optometric practices, Brookside has excelled in optometry care in San Joaquin for the last 16 years. Take advantage of top-notch care, extended hours, an in-house lab, and access to a variety of contact lenses and frames, including brands like Dolce and Gabbana, Burberry and Versace.
Hair Removal Services
Kym with a Y Organic Spa Studio
307-b Lincoln Center
Stockton, (209) 952-2299
kymwithayorganicspastudio.com
Kym Thompson’s organic spa studio makes waxing sessions a breeze with her top-of-the-line Azulene (Chamomile) Wax and Hard Blue Wax. The hard wax only sticks to hair, not skin, making it perfect for a painless Brazilian. With 14 years of aesthetic experience, Kym and the salon provide our community with excellent products and services. Covering everything from brows to Brazilians, Kym with a Y Organic Spa Studio will leave you silky smooth and feeling good. Book your appointment today, with availability on weekdays from 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Skin Care
Gerald N. Bock, MD of California Skin and Laser
1617 St. Marks Plaza Suite C
Stockton, (209) 956-4260
californiaskinlaser.com
Since 1975, Dr. Bock has found joy in boosting confidence levels. Throughout his years of experience, he never stopped educating himself and exploring the newest advances in his field. His passion leaves clients feeling comfortable at consultations and ecstatic at the end result. California Skin and Laser offers everything for beautiful skin, from head to toe. This includes top-of-the-line procedures and technology to treat acnes scars, varicose veins, and even tattoo removal.
Homemade Suds
French @ Heart
22 S. School Street
Lodi, (209) 333-3800
There is no comparison to indulging yourself with high quality soap that lasts for weeks. But that doesn’t mean you need to break the bank for a magically therapeutic feeling. The artisan soaps by Juniper Tree, only $7.50 at French @ Heart in Lodi, are made with pure botanicals and dipped in flowers. The collection of 12 scents, ranging from Patchouli Amber Peach to Pink Sugar Pear, is non-toxic and made from a veggie base. The subtle woody and sweet blends are calming, and smell and look good enough to eat!
Hair Salon
The B Hive, Stockton
302 Lincoln Center
Stockton, (209) 478-8600
The B Hive’s killer team of creative stylists keeps San Joaquin on the cutting edge of hair trends. Originating in 2013, the salon was born from the fusing of two of the areas top stylists – Brady Davis and Dino Dallin. The salon’s 25 stylists keep things fresh with current styles like the Balayage, similar to Ombre but possessing a higher starting point and achieved using plastic wrap instead of foil. In addition to every cut and color need under the sun, The B Hive houses an aesthetician offering full body waxing, eyelash extensions, permanent makeup, facials and more.
Pack in the Protein
Thrive Health and Wellness
1420 Kettleman Lane, Suite A
Lodi, (209) 625-8010
thrivelodi.com
For the tastiest balance of sweet and healthy that is blended to perfection, stop by Thrive for your daily doe of protein shake. Whether you are coming in after a workout or looking for a low-calorie hydration source, the variety of Herbalife24 formulas help to rebuild muscles over a period of several hours. The blend of whey and protein will help cure your body’s craving for nutrients with flavors like Apple Pie, Blueberry Cheesecake and Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup, to name just a few.
Tend to Your Toes
Detox Cottage
470 Krider Court Tracy
(408) 680-1739
detoxcottage.com
Sit back, relax, and enjoy a foot spa while also ridding your body of impurities. Detox Cottage in Tracy offers therapeutic experiences that do wonders for your health. The Ionic Foot soak (or body bath) will naturally re-balance and detox your body in just 30 minutes, a difference you will be able to feel in just five minutes. The bath cleanses your pores of toxins caused by stress and the environment. You are guaranteed to leave feeling like a new person.
Health & Beauty Winners
Best Cosmetic Surgeon
Dr. Hugh L. Vu
Dr. Burlin
Dr. Gerald Bok (TIE)
Dr. McNemar (Tie)
Best Cosmetic Dentist
Todd Franklin
Lester Low
Edward Graham
Best Orthodontist
Lyndon Low
Wheeler Orthodontics
Gary Baughmann
Best Optometry/ Optemetrist
Brookside Optometric Group
Zeiter Eye Medical Group
Midtown Optometry
Best Kids Dentist
Kid’s Care Dental Group
Lynn Parker
Saghi S Razi
Best Skin Care/ Dermatologist
Gerald Bock
Kym with a Y
Central Valley Dermatology
Best Medi-Spa
Total Body Medi Spa
Kym with a Y
CA Skin & Laser Center
Best Day Spa
Wine & Roses
Kym with a Y
The Spa at Southern Exposure
Best Waxing/Hair Removal
Kym with a Y
The B Hive
Browtique & Body Lounge
Best Hair
Salon Company
The B Hive
Salon Avanti
Hair Discovery
Best Tanning Salon
HavAtan Solarium and Spa
Planet Beach Automated Spas
La Stella
Best Health Club
In-Shape Health Club
Pure Form Fitness Training
Ben Mackie Fitness
Best Personal Training Facility
Ben Mackie Fitness
Combine Fitness
Pure Form PFT
Best Yoga Studio
Vinyasa Flow Yoga Studio
Bikram Central Valley
Now and Zen
Best Martial Arts Studio
Tibons Goju-Ryu Fighting Arts
Moore’s Martial Arts
Shou Shou
Tony Nunez MMA & Kickboxing Academy