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AP Tops Out State of the Art Southwest Transplant Alliance Organ Recovery Center


STA Project Team

STA Project Team

From the very beginning, the construction and design teams have been aligned towards a common goal of providing a state-of-the-art facility while understanding the importance of improving efficiencies when it comes to saving more lives through organ and tissue recovery for transplants.

A Topping Out event was hosted today at the construction site of the Southwest Transplant Alliance (STA) new headquarters facility by general contractors Adolfson & Peterson Construction. The event celebrated reaching the final height of the structure set to open in the Fall of 2020 at 8190 Midtown Road in Dallas. The first of its kind in Texas, STA’s facility will be home to an organ recovery center including a training center of excellence, surgical suites, an organ perfusion center and laboratory.

“The Southwest Transplant Alliance recovery center will be the hub of our operation as we continue to save lives through organ and tissue donation and transplantation,” said Southwest Transplant Alliance President and Chief Executive Officer Patti Niles. “Southwest Transplant Alliance is the intersection between organ donor families who have experienced unspeakable grief, the medical community racing against the clock, and organ transplant recipients awaiting a lifesaving miracle. It’s our hope that the recovery center will serve as a healing space for organ donor families while also leading our industry with innovative medical practices to improve organ transplant outcomes.”

“The commitment of the entire project team is the foundation for success on this project,” said Corbett Nichter, Regional President, AP. “From the very beginning, the construction and design teams have been aligned towards a common goal of providing a state-of-the-art facility while understanding the importance of improving efficiencies when it comes to saving more lives through organ and tissue recovery for transplants.”

Designed by Corgan and managed by Cushman & Wakefield, this project consists of a 77,000-sf state-of-the-art medical office building and parking garage. At its completion, the recovery center will include surgical suites and be home to the laboratory and medical equipment necessary to provide state-of-the-art care to donors and their families. The space will also include a memorial garden to honor donors and their families. STA headquarters will include executive offices, a work café, a multi-purpose training room and fitness center.

“This project has truly been one of the best projects in my career,” said Kyle Bramlett, Senior Project Manager with Cushman & Wakefield. “From day one, the entire project team has been focused on the greater good of organ recovery. This facility will be a trailblazer in Texas for the organ recovery industry. It will not only allow STA to best serve people and families that need a lifesaving procedure, the facility will encourage training within the medical community in order to best serve those in need and console families that have experienced loss.”

“I cannot recall a time when my personal life and my professional life have intersected in such a way,” said Matt McDonald, Principal at Corgan. “My own family has been so positively impacted by the great work done by the organ recovery community and it is such a pleasure to be part of this amazing new facility. The extreme emotions that will occur within this space is sobering and thrilling. We are honored that STA has trusted us with the design of their new home!”

The event included a beam signing ceremony for all STA board members, key donors, staff and members of the project team.

About Adolfson & Peterson Construction

Adolfson & Peterson Construction (AP) is a family-owned company that is consistently ranked among the top construction managers and general contractors in the nation. Headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, the company delivers innovative and collaborative building solutions for clients across the country from its regional offices in Dallas, Denver, Minneapolis and Phoenix. Founded in 1946, AP serves clients in the Aquatics and Recreation, Healthcare, Higher Education, Hospitality, Industrial, K-12 Education, Multi-Family, Municipal, Office and Senior Living market sectors. For more information, visit http://www.a-p.com or follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter.

About Southwest Transplant Alliance

Southwest Transplant Alliance is a nonprofit organization that serves as the bridge between those who make the decision to donate their organs and tissues to those awaiting a lifesaving transplant. Founded in 1974, STA has facilitated more than 30,000 organs for recovery and enhanced the lives of tens of thousands of people through tissue recovery.

STA is among the largest of 58 federally designated, nonprofit organ procurement organizations (OPOs) in the United States, is a member of the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) and is accredited by the Association of Organ Procurement Organizations (AOPO). The organization serves communities in North Texas, Beaumont, Bryan/College Station, Corpus Christi, El Paso, Galveston, Midland/Odessa, Temple, Tyler and Wichita Falls. For more information, go to http://www.organ.org.

About Cushman & Wakefield

Cushman & Wakefield is a world-wide commercial real estate company with approximately 400 offices in 70 countries employing 51,000 people. The company’s value and success is centered around one purpose, which is to put their clients and people at the center of what’s next in the world of real estate. Cushman & Wakefield delivers insights and expertise to their clients through several services that include: agency leasing, asset services, capital markets, facilities services, global occupier services, valuation and advisory, investment and asset management, project and development services and tenant representation.

About Corgan

Corgan is a leading architecture and design firm with a human-centered approach, a deep technical experience and a reputation for great service to their clients, their people and communities. For nearly eight decades, Corgan has developed special expertise in aviation, commercial, critical facilities, education, healthcare and interior design projects.

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Psychologist Sara A. Michelson, Psy.D. announces that she is now accepting new patients.


I’m so excited to announce my new location and two brand new services: immigration assessments and transgender care

According to a recent study presented by the National Alliance on Mental Illness, “1 in 5 U.S. adults experience mental illness each year.” Source: https://www.nami.org/learn-more/mental-health-by-the-numbers. Many people are reluctant to seek help for mental health issues, but there is a lot of help available. If you are experiencing some type of struggle with your mood, relationship, coping skills, or anything else, there are some great opportunities now to get the help you need.

“The good news is that mental health treatment is becoming much less stigmatized in our society,” Dr. Michelson states. “With increased awareness, people are no longer suffering in silence, and that’s a good thing,” she adds. “I use evidence based and highly effective strategies to help the people I work with overcome their struggles as quickly as possible. I look for underlying causes of suffering and specifically target those during treatment. This creates a wonderful opportunity for healing and helps people get back to what matters most in life. I’m happy to offer my services now in my new location.”

Sara Michelson is a psychologist in Chapel Hill, NC with expertise in evidence-based treatments. She provides individual and couples therapy. Dr. Michelson currently specializes in a number of areas including psychological assessment, trauma and PTSD, stress, anxiety, depression, parenting, relationship/marriage issues, sleep or insomnia and women’s issues such as pregnancy, prenatal and postpartum struggles. She is also excited to announce 2 brand new services: immigration assessments and transgender care.

“I’m excited to expand my services to include two extremely underrepresented populations: the transgender community and immigration services. If you need counseling or therapy or psychological assessment in the Chapel Hill, NC area I encourage you to reach out and set up an appointment,” continued Dr. Michelson https://drsaramichelson.com/contact/. “I try to provide my patients with the most convenient services available, with an office in a centrally located area and a number of major insurance plans accepted. I want people to know that there is a safe, warm, inviting, friendly and non-judgmental place that they can come to get the care they need. I work by listening and asking questions that will help to broaden our understanding of the underlying issues. My goal is to help empower people through positive change.”

Additional information about Dr. Michelson’s new services and location can be found by visiting her website at https://drsaramichelson.com or calling 919-937-1047 for more information.

ABOUT SARA A. MICHELSON, PSY.D.

Dr. Sara Michelson has earned a Psy.D. degree in the areas of psychology and psychotherapy. Thanks to this educational background, she provides a wide array of individual and couples therapy and counseling services. Currently, Dr. Michelson is licensed to practice in North Carolina. She is dedicated to the health and overall well-being of the people she works with and will take the time and has the ability to provide the mental health services her patients need and deserve.

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Chelcee McGowan of Amerisure Promoted to Vice President, Corporate Controller


“Chelcee has made tremendous contributions to the efficiency and functionality of the financial services department in her tenure with Amerisure,” said Rob Bateman, Amerisure’s chief financial officer and treasurer.

Amerisure Mutual Insurance Company is pleased to announce that Chelcee McGowan has been promoted to vice president and corporate controller. In this role, McGowan will oversee the company’s accounting and financial reporting, tax finance project management and payroll processes.

“Chelcee has made tremendous contributions to the efficiency and functionality of the financial services department in her tenure with Amerisure,” said Rob Bateman, Amerisure’s chief financial officer and treasurer. “I am confident she will continue to expand upon these ideals and further enhance the financial team in her new role.”

McGowan joined Amerisure in 2015 as the manager of accounting and financial services. Prior to joining Amerisure, she managed the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) reporting for a Fortune 500 company and worked as an auditor with EY — specializing in the insurance industry.

McGowan received her Bachelor of Business Administration and Master of Accountancy from Michigan State University. She is also a certified public accountant in the state of Michigan.

About Amerisure

Amerisure Mutual Insurance Company is an insurance organization charged with creating exceptional value for its Partners For Success® agencies and policyholders. As an “A” rated (Excellent) property and casualty insurance company licensed in 50 states, Amerisure provides a comprehensive line of insurance products to protect businesses focused in construction, manufacturing and healthcare through strategically located Core Service Centers. For more information, visit amerisure.com.

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ForUsAll Names New CEO, Expands Leadership Team


ForUsAll, a 401(k) platform for small and mid-sized businesses, has named former Head of Product, Jeff Schulte, as CEO. Jeff is an experienced internet and software executive with a strong record of leading and managing product management teams to discover, develop, and deliver products that drive business results. Prior to joining ForUsAll as Head of Product in 2015, Jeff spent years at Financial Engines where he focused on launching and optimizing products that increased sales and customer satisfaction while also reducing churn.

Joining Jeff on the new leadership team will be:

Tzipora Henig, Head of Participant Advisory & Operations – Tzipora is an experienced Support Manager with a demonstrated history of working in the FinTech industry. She is skilled in Financial Markets & Derivatives, Quantitative Finance, and soft skills such as networking and building cooperative relationships.

Jason LaMacchia, Head of Relationship Management – Jason is a financial services veteran who has spent nearly two decades managing client service & partner relationships, people and teams, and initiatives related to investment product development and management, investment operations and technology. He spent 15 years at Blackrock and Barclays Global Investors where he helped build and scale the iShares ETF business. He also spent time at Goldman Sachs managing customer sales trading accounts. Jason is driven by his passion for helping others build stronger financial futures.

Neeraj Mathur, Vice President, Product Management – Neeraj is an experienced entrepreneurial product leader with over two decades of industry experience spanning across multiple entrepreneurial ventures (Skyhigh Networks, Authentic8, Bluebox Security) and Fortune 500 (Cisco Systems, Sun Microsystems, etc.) companies. An ardent maker, Neeraj has successfully launched numerous global products, driving them to successful adoption. Neeraj has a strong bias towards delivering simple, intuitive, and delightful experiences to users.

Ben Werdmuller, Head of Engineering – Ben is a serial startup founder and former venture capital investor. Products he has founded and created have been used by national governments, international non-profits, and Fortune 500 companies. In addition, Ben has trained dozens of startups, as well as teams from organizations such as KQED, Associated Press, and The New York Times, in innovation and venture design thinking. His overriding mission is to work on technology products that make the world more inclusive and empathetic.

For more information on ForUsAll, please visit http://www.forusall.com.

About ForUsAll

ForUsAll was founded in 2015 with the goal of helping to solve the retirement gap crisis but making Fortune 500-level retirement plans accessible to small and mid-sized businesses. The company is based in San Francisco, CA, and is backed by Ribbit Capital and Foundation Capital. To learn more, please go to http://www.forusall.com.

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Year-Over-Year Increases in Organ Donors Are Helping Turn Tragedy Into Hope


https://www.prweb.com/

OPOs are committed to continual improvement and are incredibly proud of the year-over-year increases in donors and transplants that have been achieved through education, partnership and process improvements.

Based on data for the first eight months of the year, 2019 is on track to see a 9 percent increase in deceased organ donors over 2018. Through August 31, 7,786 deceased donors have provided 23,797 organs for transplant according to the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN) national database. At this pace, the Association of Organ Procurement Organizations (AOPO) projects 2019 could see an additional 1,000 donors and 3,000 organs transplanted over last year.

“OPOs work every day to save more lives through organ donation and transplantation and to help families honor their loved ones in this most significant way,” said Kelly Ranum, AOPO president and CEO of Louisiana Organ Procurement Agency. “OPOs are committed to continual improvement and are incredibly proud of the year-over-year increases in donors and transplants that have been achieved through education, partnership and process improvements.”

According to organdonor.gov, less than 1 percent of people die in a way that allows for organ donation. The 10,721 deceased donors who provided organs for transplantation in 2018 represented a 4 percent increase over 2017 and a 32 percent increase since 2012.

Zahra Alasadi, now 15, is one of the people whose life has been saved this year through donation and transplantation. The Michigan resident received a heart transplant on Valentine’s Day. “This transplant was a blessing,” said Zahra’s mother, Hana, who now volunteers with her local OPO to promote donation. “We pray for the soul of Zahra’s donor every day.”

AOPO also looked at the impact the opioid crisis has had on organ donation and determined that while drug overdose deaths have contributed some to recent increases, they are not the primary factor affecting growth. All overdose deaths, which includes opioid and all others, have accounted for only about one-third of the growth in organ donors nationally since 2012. More significantly, the increased use of organs from donors who have died from overdose illustrates both that OPOs are successful in their responsibilities of actualizing potential donors, and an important shift in perceptions among transplant professionals and the public about the acceptability of such organs. Drug addiction and overdose do not rule out a person’s opportunity for organ donation.

In 2018, drug overdose deaths of all types accounted for 13 percent of deceased organ donors nationwide, up from 5 percent in 2012. Nationally, stroke and cardiovascular conditions account for larger shares of deceased donors, 26 percent and 18 percent respectively in 2018. This trend continues in 2019, with drug overdose deaths accounting for approximately 12 percent of donors so far this year. An AOPO fact sheet on opioid deaths and organ donation is available here.

“The mission of every OPO is to heal more lives through organ donation and transplantation while honoring the donor and their family. This data shows that donors who have died of an overdose, along with everyone who proactively registers their donation decision, are having a significant impact on the number of lives saved,” Ranum said. AOPO encourages everyone to register their donation decision through their local DMV or at http://www.registerme.org.

The Association of Organ Procurement Organizations represents the nation’s 58 federally-designated organ procurement organizations. Learn more at http://www.aopo.org.

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Win a Car in World’s First-Ever Digital Thumb War


https://www.prweb.com/

Gamified shopping app Down to Shop (DTS) and on-demand car subscription platform Fair have partnered to create the world’s first-ever digital Thumb War. The last thumb standing within the 8-hour gameplay window will win the exclusive use of a Jeep Wrangler for a year! Every hour the on-screen “Finger Follow” instructions will get harder and faster, requiring players to focus and cease all other activities. The only way to play is to download the Down to Shop app on iOS or Android. The main event will take place on Sunday, October 20th, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m PST and contestants are encouraged to download ASAP to participate in training games leading up to the big day.

The Thumb War challenge will coincide with an 8-hour Livestream featuring DTS talent and special guests and live performances. The Livestream will also offer competitors welcomed stretch breaks, comedic interludes, updates on the leaderboard, and some big surprises designed to entertain for the full 8-hours. Complete rules and regulations found here: https://downtoshop.com/legal/thumbwarrules/

“The future of advertising won’t be interruptive to your experience, it will be the experience. At Down to Shop, we create one of a kind branded experiences that are fun and rewarding. The collaboration with Fair is exciting to us because we have the ability to give away the ultimate prize – a car – in a fun and crazy way!” – Cyrus Summerlin – co-founder of Down to Shop.

“The keep-your-hand-on-the-car radio contest is a truly great American art form, and when we saw the opportunity to bring it to full blossom in the digital age with DTS, well, we went for it. While one lucky winner will score a Jeep for a year via this thumb-based battle of wills, I’d suggest Fair as a far simpler and less physically demanding alternative to get the car you want right on your own phone.” – Ed Brojerdi – Global Head of Brand at Fair.

Down to Shop and Fair are two companies that are dedicated to shaking things up. DTS has attracted a deeply engaged audience of Gen-Z users by making shopping a fun and gamified experience. The app offers a unique Retailtainment platform for brands and a new way for users to discover those brands. Fair has reimagined the process of getting the car you want.

Their new approach is simple to use, fully mobile, void of long-term commitment, complete with optional insurance bundle plans, and competitively priced. Fair gives anyone the freedom and ability to get a car on their own terms.

To experience the LIVE Thumb War game and Livestream download Down to Shop on iOS or Android and turn on notifications for the latest updates. In order to win the Jeep Wrangler for a year, players are encouraged to visit Fair.com and sign up for the platform. Eligible winners must qualify through the Fair app, be 18 years or older, have a valid driver’s license, and live in a state where Fair operates. The grand prize winner will win one year of use of a Fair Jeep Wrangler* payment-free and one-year insurance at no cost. Winners outside of Fair’s areas of operation will receive many of the high-value consolation prizes. Complete list of prizes, rules and regulations found HERE.

Down to Shop is a gamified shopping app where users can watch, shop and win every single day. The app features some of the most sought after and yet to be discovered products that can be purchased via Clout (the app’s own currency) or real-world $$. “Buy Now” with a click of a button while watching DTS’ original content featuring characters in both scripted and LIVE improv situations. With two unique browsing modes, users can choose their own adventure: viewer, shopper or both. The gamified experience is found throughout the app with LIVE entry-based giveaways, daily LIVE games, trivia, challenges and more.

Fair is an app that offers a new way to get a car for modern consumers who want freedom and transparency. Fair gives users the flexibility to drive the car of their choice for as long as they want and lets them walk away any time, eliminating the long-term commitment, debt, and negotiation of traditional financing or leasing. Fair allows you to select your car and view your payments—all in a mobile and paperless end-to-end experience that’s simple, transparent and affordable. Fair is headquartered in Santa Monica, Calif.

Press Inquiries:

DTS@thedooronline.com

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New Easy Tool-ID System from Balluff Optimizes Tool Usage


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The Easy Tool-ID 2.0 from Balluff supports machine operators by quickly providing tool data to the machine tool. The new system drastically reduces setup times and incorrect entries.

Updates can also be made manually, allowing tool wear to be consistently documented so tool life remains up to date on the RFID chip. This optimizes tool usage.

Integration of the Easy Tool-ID 2.0 is simple via USB, and configuration from the web browser is equally effortless.

Key features include:

  • Reduction of setup times and incorrect entries
  • All data shown in plain text
  • Manual updating of tool data using the touch display
  • Retrofitting with little effort

Learn more at: http://www.balluff.com

About Balluff Inc.

Balluff Inc. is the U.S. subsidiary of Balluff GmbH, Neuhausen, Germany. Balluff is a leading supplier of networked IO-Link control system architectures that unlock the potential of the IIoT and Industry 4.0. Balluff offers a wide range of intelligent IO-Link and industrial Ethernet sensors in a variety of technologies including inductive, photoelectric, capacitive, and magnetic as well as magnetostrictive linear position sensors, magnetic tape linear encoders, industrial RFID systems, and industrial vision systems. Balluff provides cost-saving, process-enhancing solutions to machine builders and manufacturers to control, regulate, automate, assemble, position, and monitor manufacturing, assembly, and packaging sequences. Industries served include: automotive, packaging, food processing, beverages, tire, primary metals, conventional and alternative energy, semiconductor, plastics, and fluid power.

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Ecela Spanish Announces New Partner Schools in Chile


Official: Ecela Spanish announces a cooperation with new partner schools in Chile.

As of Monday, October 14th, 2019 classes will be held at the following locations:

Viña del Mar, 4 Poniente 499

Santiago, calle del Arzobispo 605, Providencia.

Students will receive all services as booked in the new locations. Student accommodations will not be affected.

Due to solvency issues ECELA SPANISH ceased operations with the provider located at:

Viña del Mar, Alvarez 1720

Santiago, Antonio Varas 514

New bookings will continue at the two new locations.

Students due to begin classes within the next few weeks will receive new arrival instructions by email and/or telephone.

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Award Winning Publicist Creates Do It Yourself PR and Marketing Webinar for Authors


I have added everything I would want and need myself as an author. I have a section on how to write a press release that goes viral. I have not held back on delivering my PR secrets, tips and strategies

Diane Dennis, founder and President of Inspired Media Communications LLC, an award winning PR agency, answered hundreds of requests for authors needing PR and marketing for their nonfiction books by creating an affordable DIY PR and Marketing Webinar for Authors. The webinar has 5 modules, broken down into relevant areas of PR and marketing, specific to author needs.

“In the webinar I answer the most frequently asked questions authors come to me with. For example, authors want to know how to pick a publisher. Many people are writing nonfiction books as a way to create a platform to establish themselves as an expert in their field for speaking engagements, workshops and media interviews, so I also address establishing a platform,” Dennis explains.

The webinar covers topics from finding a niche, determining the ideal reader and target market, strategies on specific messaging to a book’s demographic, branding, writing press releases, to getting booked on television. There is also a section addressing the most frequently asked questions about getting high visibility through social media and determining Amazon categories for optimum rankings.

“I have added everything I would want and need myself as an author. I have a section on how to write a press release that goes viral. I have not held back on delivering my PR secrets, tips and strategies,” Dennis says.

This is the first in a series of webinars produced by Inspired Media Communications that will be targeted specifically to certain industries. On the list are DIY PR and Marketing Webinars for holistic practitioners, entrepreneurs, spiritual practitioners, and small business owners. These categories target individuals or small companies with modest budgets, are just starting out, and do not know where to turn. Dennis has learned that small business owners can spend thousands of dollars on marketing their first year in business with minimal results to show for it.

About Diane Dennis

Diane is a multi-media expert. She founded Inspired Media Communications over twelve years ago to uplift the narrative in media. Inspired Media has worked with such luminaries in their fields as international bestselling author Harville Hendrix, Imago Relationship Therapy International, award winning author Douglas Noll, award winning financial advisor Judith McGee, integrative medical clinics, scientists, authors and small businesses. Inspired Media offers branding, media placement, article and blog writing PR consulting, media coaching, PR coaching, and editing. Diane was a columnist for the Portland Tribune, broadcast radio producer and host for KPAM, KUIK, and KPDQ. She was a popular and frequent guest on ABC affiliate KATU’s AM Northwest. For media inquiries contact Tara at info@inspiredmc.com

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Torrance Oral Surgery and Dental Implant Center in Torrance, CA, Announces Office Renovation Completion


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We are excited for everyone to check out our new state-of-the-art office. It is now a place that feels more like home. We hope patients enjoy the new space, as it was built to make things more fluid and functional, says Dr. Benjamin Yagoubian of Torrance Oral Surgery and Dental Implant Center.

Dr. Benjamin Yagoubian is dually trained in oral and maxillofacial surgery, offering his skills and expertise to patients who require specialized and complex oral care. He leads the practice at Torrance Oral Surgery and Dental Implant Center, located at 23451 Madison Street #120 in Torrance, California. Dr. Yagoubian and his team are looking forward to serving patients in updated and improved areas after undergoing a complete office renovation. The reception space and treatment rooms have become more open, accessible and functional. The up-to-date office style, cutting-edge dental equipment and specialized skills of Dr. Yagoubian make Torrance Oral Surgery and Dental Implant Center stand out from the rest.

The renovation supports Dr. Yagoubian’s mission to provide high-quality dental care in a patient-friendly environment that feels like home. This update is another step in meeting the goal of offering a better, more fulfilling dental experience that exceeds patients’ expectations, setting the stage for a welcoming and stress-free dental visit. Dr. Yagoubian’s freshly-designed practice uses advanced dental technology and emphasizes a caring, patient-centered approach. He is highly regarded for his ability to provide complete implant dentistry and treat simple and complex issues involving the oral cavity, jaw and facial bones. Some of the advanced oral surgical procedures offered at Torrance Oral Surgery and Dental Implant Center include wisdom teeth, bone grafting, facial/jaw reconstructions, tooth extractions and treating jaw lesions. In addition, patients can receive Botox for TMJ pain or a fresh rejuvenated look.

“We are excited for everyone to check out our new state-of-the-art office. It is now a place that feels more like home to us. We hope patients enjoy the new space, as it was built to make things more fluid and functional for everyone,” says Dr. Benjamin Yagoubian of Torrance Oral Surgery and Dental Implant Center.

Dr. Yagoubian attended UC Berkeley for his undergraduate studies, majoring in molecular cell biology. He continued his education at Columbia University, where he obtained his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree. Dr. Yagoubian furthered his training in oral and maxillofacial surgery at Columbia University, where he received his medical degree and completed his training in oral and maxillofacial surgery at Columbia University/New York Presbyterian Hospital.

For more information on the services offered by Dr. Benjamin Yagoubian, visit http://www.torranceoralsurgerycenter.com or contact his office directly at (310) 373-0667.

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