Two New Physicians Bring Specialized Care To The Area

Two new physicians are looking forward to being a part of the local community and bring specialized care to the area. Dr. Jenni Nix has joined Centennial Surgery and Dr. Alex Willoughby has joined Centennial Umpqua Valley Eye Associates. Dr. Jenni Nix practices a broad range of general surgery, with special interests in hernia repairs, surgical management of thyroid and parathyroid disease, and the care of patients with breast cancer. “My favorite part of the area is being outside, hiking and the forest,” Dr. Nix said. “I love being close to family again. I’m excited about being part of and building a community.” She believes in a whole person approach to health, with additional interests in patient education and nutrition. “Surgery is a life altering procedure,” Dr. Nix said. “It’s really important that people understand what’s wrong and why they’re having surgery. I’ll explain to them how their body works and how that relates to why we’re doing what we are doing.” Dr. Bret Hansen, a fellow surgeon at Centennial Surgery, highlighted that it will be helpful to have a female physician in general and in particular for women in the community. “Dr. Nix is very well trained and a skilled General Surgeon,” Dr. Hansen said. “She is also a great listener and committed to patient education. It will be a great asset to our community to have a female surgeon, bringing a fresh insight into women’s health, particularly with breast cancer treatment.” Dr. Alex Willoughby specializes in small-incision cataract surgery and offers premium astigmatic and multi-focal lenses to lessen the dependence on glasses. He also performs minimally invasive glaucoma surgery as well as eyelid malposition surgery. This will allow local residents to stay home for very specialized care and follow up appointments. Medically, he cares for a wide variety of eye conditions including glaucoma, diabetes, age related macular degeneration, as well as routine eye care. He completed his Medical Degree from Duke University and his Ophthalmology Residency at UC Davis in Sacramento. When he’s not treating patients, Dr. Willoughby enjoys all things outdoors including fly fishing, elk hunting, rafting, skiing and mountain biking with his wife, Sally, and dog Boone. “I’ve explored the North Umpqua and Steamboat,” Dr. Willoughby said. “So far, those are my favorites. My wife visited the coast and loved it. I’m excited to put down roots and build long term relationships, start a family.” “It’s important that they know what I’m thinking in terms of their disease,” Dr. Willoughby said. “I’ll spend the time to go through the options that allow patients to make the best decision.” Dr. Brad Seely, who also works at Centennial Umpqua Valley Eye Associates, believes that Dr. Willoughby will be a great resource to the community. “Dr. Willoughby expands our services by offering new techniques for cataracts and glaucoma.” Dr. Seely added, “He is an excellent surgeon, but even more, he is kind and committed to his patients. Physicians have a saying about Duke Graduates, ‘They are Duke nice and Alex certainly follows in that tradition.”