Primary Care Providers on Hilton Head Island
Local physicians and primary care professionals.
Routine care from remarkable people. Primary care is often the starting point of your healthcare experience for help with your everyday medical needs. Symbios Health professionals are board-certified in respective fields of primary care such as family practice, women’s healthcare, and internal medicine.
We are also experts in primary care relationships and the delivery of primary preventive healthcare services. We offer fully-integrative primary care services, including annual preventive health evaluations, nutritional consultations, functional movement evaluations, physical rehabilitation, on-site laboratory, prescriptions when needed, and management of chronic disease.
OUR STAFF
Stephen S. Luther, MD
Board Certified Internal Medicine
Symbios, Founder & CEO
Stephen S. Luther, MD
Dr. Stephen Luther is a distinguished board-certified internal medicine specialist focusing on primary care. He earned his medical degree from Indiana University Medical School and completed his residency in internal medicine at Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis. He practiced internal medicine and was director of perioperative medicine at the well-regarded Kendrick Memorial Hospital/St. Francis Hospital in Mooresville, Indiana.
After relocating to Hilton Head Island in 2007, Dr. Luther’s longstanding medical career flourished with esteemed roles such as serving as the medical director of the Cardiac Rehab Program at Beaufort Memorial Hospital. He is also a distinguished member of the American College of Physicians.
Dr. Luther has garnered accolades, earning the title of “Hilton Head’s Favorite Family Doctor” and being named “Best Internal Medicine Physician” in Bluffton and Sun City. As owner and founder of Symbios Health, Dr. Luther’s most satisfying accomplishment is his ability to offer comprehensive care that rejuvenates patients with wellness and improves their quality of life.
Deborah J. Luther, MSN, FNP-BC
Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner
Deborah J. Luther, MSN, FNP-BC
Deborah J. Luther, MSN, FNP-BC, is a board-certified nurse practitioner specializing in general primary care, women’s healthcare, and medical aesthetics. With over 30 years of nursing and healthcare experience, Deborah’s tender-heartedness, compassion, and attention to detail make her one of Hilton Head Island’s finest board-certified family nurse practitioners.
Christopher Madison, MD
Board Certified Family Practice
Christopher Madison, MD
Dr. Madison has been practicing Primary Care and Family Medicine for 30+ years. He obtained his BS Pharmacy from University of North Carolina and MD from East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, and served residency at Spartanburg Regional Medical Center. Dr. Madison joins us from previous Primary Care practices in Okatie, SC and Shelby, NC. He is Board Certified by The American Board of Family Medicine and a Member of the American Academy of Family Physicians.
Kelly Ruckno, APRN
Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner
Kelly Ruckno, APRN
Kelly is a Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner and has lived in the Lowcountry for the past 19 years and has practiced nursing for 25 years. Kelly graduated from University of Pittsburgh with a Bachelor’s Degree before earning her Master’s Degree from University of North Carolina at Charlotte. As an FNP, Kelly provides a wide range of family-focused healthcare services to patients of all ages. She works closely with Dr. Luther and primary care patients.
Celeste Welsh, FNP
Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner
Celeste Welsh, FNP
Celeste Welsh, FNP, began her career with graduation from Miami University of Ohio. Her compassionate personality led her to further education to earn her board certification as a family nurse practitioner to enrich her community. Celeste is known for her wisdom and keen understanding, which she has built on for more than 11 years of hands-on experience in healthcare and hospital settings. Her approachable communication style and delightful sense of humor offer a natural connection with patients and their families.
The fresh outdoors fills most of Celeste’s off-time, where she enjoys the beach, golfing, and walking her dog, Niko. Celeste also cherishes time spent with her husband and two children. Celeste is thrilled to have the opportunity to fulfill her desire to wholeheartedly serve others in the Lowcountry, her home since 2014.
Greg Wright, PA-C
Board-Certified Physician Assistant
Greg Wright, PA-C
Greg Wright is an NCCPA board-certified physician assistant who has practiced in the areas of primary care, sports medicine, and urgent care/emergency medicine. He received his bachelor’s degree from Houghton College and his master’s of health science in physician assistant studies from Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania. Prior to moving to the Lowcountry in 2018, he practiced at a busy primary care/sports medicine clinic in southern Pennsylvania.
While working at a rural clinic, Greg managed a variety of complex medical conditions and has a particular interest in how exercise and diet affect chronic medical conditions. He also gained experience in a variety of medical procedures. Greg earned additional training from Duke University in musculoskeletal ultrasound and performs a variety of orthopedic injections (including corticosteroid and platelet-rich-plasma) to help relieve pain and improve function. He was the team medical provider for local high schools and colleges and provided on-site medical coverage for various sporting events. He also has experience in complex laceration repair and skin cancer excision.
Lisa Mazeika, PA-C
Board-Certified Physician Assistant
Lisa Mazeika, PA-C
Lisa Mazeika, PA-C, brings a broad range of healthcare expertise from more than three decades as a board-certified physician assistant. After graduating from King’s College, she spent years focusing on open heart surgery, followed by an inspiring decade of gynecological care. For the past 18 years, Lisa has been a cornerstone of family medicine, with exceptional proficiency in pediatrics, women’s health, hypertension, and cardiac care.
Outside the doctor’s office, her husband and two young adult children add zest to her life. As a resident of Hilton Head, she plans to delve into island living by reconnecting with the world of golf and mastering pickleball. Her warm personality and passion for wellness will undoubtedly enhance our community.
Sarah Malone, MSN, WHNP-BC
Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner
Sarah Malone, MSN, WHNP-BC
Sarah is a Board-Certified Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner and has lived in the coastal Georgia area for 3 years and brings over 12 years of clinical nursing experience to Symbios. She previously served as a Nurse in the United States Army. Sarah graduated from Bellarmine University with a Bachelor’s Degree before earning her Master’s Degree from Austin Peay State University and her Post-Graduate Certificate as a Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner from Duke University.
Jean Magarelli, RN, NN
Nutrition Practitioner
Jean Magarelli, RN, NN
Jean Magarelli, RN, is a trained Nutrition Network Practitioner who educates our local community about the dangers of excessive sugar and carbohydrate consumption. She teaches how to make better food choices through dietary education, meal and budget planning, and general nutritional awareness. Jean is one of very few fully trained Nutrition Network Practitioners in North America.
Wade Welsh, DPT, FAAOMPT, OCS, LSVT
Director of Symbios Physical Therapy
Wade Welsh, DPT, FAAOMPT, OCS, LSVT
Wade has lived in the Lowcountry for the past 10 years helping patients achieve results through effective physical therapy in Hilton Head Island. Wade is a Fellow of American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Therapists and a Board-Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist. Symbios Physical Therapy offers one-on-one personalized treatment for acute injuries, pre and post-surgical rehabilitation, and management of chronic diseases.
Sara Mintz, MSPT, CLT
Physical Therapist and Certified Lymphedema Therapist
Sara Mintz, MSPT, CLT
Sara has amassed a wealth of experience as a physical therapist for over 25 years. In January 2022, Sara bolstered her repertoire of skills and knowledge when she became a Certified Lymphedema Therapist, CLT. Sara’s career empowers patients with confidence, optimism, and faith, especially as they face a life-changing disease or cancer diagnosis. She strives to make a meaningful and positive impact on her patients, ensuring they receive comfort and care during their therapeutic journey.
Outside of work, she and her husband have raised two successful children, embarked on renovating their Hilton Head Island home, and have the joyful companionship of two fun-loving English bulldogs.
Rachel Mullen, PT
Physical Therapist
Rachel Mullen, PT
Rachel Mullen, PT, skillfully provides engaging care to empower her patients to flourish in their physical independence and quality of life. With two decades of experience, backed by a master’s degree in physical therapy from Old Dominion University and a pre-physical therapy bachelor’s degree from Covenant College, Rachel’s depth of knowledge brings healing to a myriad of orthopedic and neurological concerns. She is dedicated to innovative and specialized techniques to better serve her post-stroke, cardiac, and Parkinson’s patients, demonstrated by her certification with PWR Up, a Parkinson’s Wellness Recovery program.
Among her diverse range of rehabilitation approaches, Rachel likes to integrate the transformative power of manual therapy. Her dedication to holistic wellness further exemplifies her incorporation of the Sara Meeks Walk Tall Osteoporosis program. This underscores her commitment to comprehensive health that extends beyond her patients’ immediate concerns.
Rachel lives in Bluffton, SC, and fills most of her personal time writing and meeting her unwavering commitment to helping others with nutrition and wellness coaching.
Nicole Myers, PTA, CLT
Physical Therapist Assistant and Certified Lymphedema Therapist
Nicole Myers, PTA, CLT
Nicole Myers is an experienced Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) and Certified Lymphedema Therapist (CLT) who has lived in Hilton Head Island since 2006. While studying at the Technical College of the Lowcountry, she discovered her passion for lymphedema and oncology rehabilitation during her clinical rotation at a specialized clinic. With her Lymphedema Certification from The Academy of Lymphatic Studies and training in the Vodder Method, an advanced massage technique that aids in manual lymph drainage, Nicole is well-equipped to provide exceptional care to her patients at Symbios.
Beyond her professional work, she enjoys training for her first half-ironman with her husband, Josh, and graciously caring for her revolving door of foster kittens.
Stephanie Driscoll, PTA
Physical Therapy Assistant
Stephanie Driscoll, PTA
Stephanie Driscoll enjoys working in our outpatient orthopedic setting and pelvic floor physical therapy. Stephanie has been in the health and wellness field since 2014 working as a licensed physical therapist assistant and as a yoga instructor. She graduated from Greenville Technical College in South Carolina.
Michele Micka Hernandez
Symbios Medical Spa Manager
Michele Micka Hernandez
Michele is dedicated to delivering exceptional service and going above and beyond to exceed patients’ expectations in Symbios Medical Spa. Drawing from more than two decades of customer-orientated experience, she manages with efficiency and enthusiasm. Michele loves staying active with CrossFit, biking, and cooking. She is also a skilled communicator and is fluent in multiple languages.
Maddalena Fox, LMA
Licensed Medical Aesthetician
Maddalena Fox, LMA
As a dually licensed medical aesthetician, Maddy brings extensive knowledge and expertise to our spa, including advanced training with Alma lasers. She graduated with an esthetics license and an advanced medical aesthetic certificate from Southeastern Esthetics Institute in Columbia.
Born and raised in Bluffton, Maddy has a true passion for helping clients feel comfortable in their own skin. When she’s not at the spa, she enjoys crafting, being out on the water, and spending time with her family.
Steven Keister
Director of Fitness at SymbiosFIT, CrossFit Level 1 Trainer
Steven Keister
Steve has proudly called the Lowcountry home since 1990, immersing himself in the realm of physical fitness for over one-third of a century. Steve is equipped with a Level One Cross-Fit Certification plus an impressive array of Cross-Fit courses, including Spot-the-Flaw, Dumbbells, Scaling, Running, and Coaching the Aging Athlete. His expertise extends further, encompassing a personal training certification sanctioned by the esteemed International Sports Sciences Association and specialized instruction from the Nutrition Network.
The core of Steve’s coaching stems from vitality and wellness and branches to his valued clients through his passion, dedication, commitment, and sincere care. His motto, “You have one life: be fit for it!” embraces Steve’s philosophy that we are bestowed with a singular life, and it is our prerogative to equip ourselves to thrive in all life has to offer.
Elizabeth White, B.Sc, MA, CPT
SymbiosFIT Personal Trainer, WNBF PRO
Elizabeth White, B.Sc, MA, CPT
Elizabeth brings a strong bundle of knowledge, experience, and enthusiasm to SymbiosFit. As a Certified Personal Trainer and professional coach, she listens, evaluates, and works with each member to shape them into their best.
Her outstanding qualifications include a bachelor’s degree in public health from USCB, a master’s degree in professional counseling from Liberty University, a trainer certification from the National Academy of Sports Medicine, professional status with the World Natural Body Building Federation, and a local promoter for the International Natural Body Building Federation.
Exercise, fitness, and nutrition are not a hobby for Elizabeth but a way of life, and she enjoys sharing her expertise with others to help them reach their individual fitness goals. Elizabeth’s desire to help is authentic, and her energy is contagious; experience fitness for life with her at SymbiosFit.
Brandon Duffner, BA
USAW National Coach, Youth Professional Coach, Personal Trainer
Brandon Duffner, BA
Brandon Duffner, an Ohio State University graduate, is a fitness powerhouse. His array of certifications speaks volumes about his knowledge: USAW national coach, Brand X Method Youth Professional Coach, Cross Fit level One expert, and Safe Sport certified professional. Brandon is leading Greenlight Weightlifting Club, where athletes can follow their strongest path toward Olympic Weightlifting, strength training, or increasing their skills in other sports. With over eight years of coaching experience, Brandon’s passion for empowering others to reach their full potential in weightlifting and beyond makes him an ideal personal trainer and coach.
