Our Doctors
Dr. Stuart M. Hilliard
Dr. Hilliard is a north Texas native. Having grown up in the Dallas area and graduating from Lake Highlands High School in 1992 . He attended Baylor University in Waco, Texas, earning a degree in Biology before attending medical school in Lubbock, Texas at Texas Tech School of Medicine. After graduating with honors in 2001, he began his general surgery internship and residency at Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas, Texas. In 2006, Dr. Hilliard traveled to Portland, Oregon for his fellowship in hand surgery at Oregon Health and Science University. Following his fellowship, he returned to north Texas and began his practice in the Denton area.
Dr. Hilliard holds the firm belief that each patient should be treated as if they were a member of his own family, and he will make no exceptions when it comes to the quality of their care. He believes that all his patients deserve to be adequately educated about their condition as well as completely informed of all the surgical and nonsurgical options to better involve them in their own care. If surgery is found to be necessary, he utilizes the most up to date and minimally invasive treatments possible to treat his patients.
Dr. Hilliard and his lovely wife, Amy, live in Carrollton with their 3 children, Collin, Payton and Harrison. They enjoy spending time as a family and being involved in their community.
Dr. Tatiana Boyko
Dr. Boyko is a board certified surgeon who specializes in hand surgery including arthritis injections and surgery, tendonitis treatment, treatment and surgery of fractures of the hand, wrist and forearm. She diagnoses and treats carpal tunnel and cubital tunnel compression neuropathies. Other common hand conditions that she treats include trigger finger, Dupuytren’s disease, ganglion cysts of the wrist, mucous cysts in the fingers and DeQuervain’s tendonitis, commonly known as “mommy wrist”, among many others.
Dr. Boyko received her bachelor’s degree in Physiological Sciences with a minor in Biomedical Research at UCLA, and graduated medical school with Honors from Ross University School of Medicine. Dr. Boyko then completed her surgical residency at the University at Buffalo. During her training, Dr. Boyko also completed two post-doctoral research fellowships. She studied tissue engineering at Weill Cornell Medical College and investigated skeletal stem cells, bone fracture healing and wound healing at Stanford University. Dr. Boyko then went on to receive an EMBA and is involved in surgical innovation projects.
Dr. Boyko is a hand surgeon who likes to think of herself as a hand doctor who wants to help you with anything that is ailing your hand. Dr. Boyko believes in aligning herself with her patient’s care goals and in providing her patients with education about their condition and available treatments including conservative and surgical options.”
Dr. Timothy Larson
After graduating from the University of Utah with a Bachelor of Arts degree in French, Dr. Larson left the Rocky Mountains for the Midwest and the Ohio State University for medical school. He graduated Magna Cum Laude honors and received the Academic Excellence Scholarship for the top performance in his class, and was elected as a junior medical student to join the prestigious Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society.
Dr. Larson performed his internship and residency training in Charlotte, NC at the Carolinas Medical Center, a nationally recognized training program with strong clinical, surgical, and research training. It was there that he discovered his love for hand anatomy and hand surgery, and upon graduating he returned to Ohio for 1 year of specialized training at the Mary S. Stern Hand & Upper Extremity Fellowship in Cincinnati.
Dr. Larson began practice in Denton in 2013, , bringing his surgical knowledge and skill as Denton’s only full-time orthopedic hand surgeon with specialized training in complex disorders of the hand, wrist, and elbow, including advanced training in endoscopic carpal tunnel release, wrist and elbow arthroscopy, surgical, percutaneous and collagenase treatment (Xiaflex) for Dupuytren’s disease, and specialized care for fractures and trauma to the hand and upper extremity. This complements his advanced training in finger, thumb, wrist, and elbow arthritis treatment, including joint replacement, thumb basilar joint arthroplasty, and minimally invasive treatment of tendon disorders of the upper extremity.
Aside from enjoying a busy and rewarding orthopedic practice, Dr. Larson enjoys spending time with his wife and children, running and participating in Ironman triathlons, playing tennis and pickleball, serving as a youth basketball and volleyball coach, and traveling.
Dr. Nilpesh Patel
Dr. Patel is a board-certified orthopaedic surgeon specializing in hand, wrist, and elbow surgery. He has a special interest in hand, wrist, and elbow surgery including sports-related injuries, fracture treatment of the upper extremity, Dupuytren’s contracture, traumatic conditions including tendon repairs and reconstruction as well as nerve-related conditions.
Dr. Patel graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 2000 with a degree in Political Science and Chemistry. He continued his education at the University of North Carolina receiving his medical degree in 2004. He moved to Atlanta, Georgia, and completed a five-year residency in orthopaedic surgery at Emory University.
With an interest in hand and upper extremity surgery, he moved across the country for specialized training at the University of Washington in Seattle, Washington. He completed the prestigious fellowship in hand and microvascular surgery. Dr. Patel enjoys outdoor activities, traveling with his wife, and watching his 3 children play sports.
Megan M. Wood, MD
Dr. Wood is a board-certified, fellowship trained orthopedic surgeon specializing in surgery of the hand, wrist, elbow and upper extremity. She is a Dallas native who studied at The University of California, Berkeley and returned home to attend medical school at The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, also the home of her orthopedic surgery residency. After her residency, she completed a fellowship in hand and microvascular surgery under the tutelage of Dr. David Green at The Hand Center of San Antonio and UTHSCSA. She also received additional training in pediatric and congenital hand conditions at Texas Scottish Rite Hospital.
Dr. Wood has published scientific articles and book chapters on various orthopedic and hand-related topics, and she has served as a Clinical Assistant Professor at UT Southwestern Medical School for the Department of Orthopedic Surgery. She is an active and engaged member of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons and the American Society for Surgery of the Hand.
Thomas C. DiLiberti, MD
Dr. DiLiberti is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the hand, wrist, and elbow in adults and children. His areas of focus include fractures, sports injuries, tendinitis, arthritis, and nerve compression syndromes such as carpal tunnel syndrome. He provides both non-surgical and surgical treatment options. After completing his undergraduate studies at Stanford University, Dr. DiLiberti graduated from medical school in Houston, TX. He then completed his orthopedic residency at Baylor College of Medicine. In 1997, he completed his hand and microvascular surgery fellowship at the University of California in San Diego.
Dr. DiLiberti also holds a Certificate of Added Qualification in hand surgery and is a member of both the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons and the American Society for Surgery of the Hand. He is honored by his peers as a “D Best Doctor” in D magazine. He acts as the hand surgery consultant for the Texas Rangers and the Dallas Stars. He also acts as the hand surgery consultant for SMU athletics. Dr. DiLiberti has published scientific articles as well as lectured at national meetings.
Barnard Barragan, MD
Dr. Barragan, Board-Certified Hand Surgeon, grew up in Los Angeles and completed his undergraduate degree in philosophy at the University of California, Riverside. He knew this was an unusual degree for medicine, but chose it because medicine is more than biology and chemistry. To ignore the person while focusing on the medical problem is not taking care of the patient, but only acting like a mechanic.
In 2000, he earned his medical degree from Howard University College of Medicine, in Washington. D.C. From there, he did two internships: one in Family Medicine and another in General Surgery as he explored his specialty options. He enjoyed the touching art of surgery and using his hands to help restore health to patients and so entered into General Surgery training. During his training, he discovered Hand Surgery. He loved the intricacy and hand surgery and found a passion for seeing patients return back to living life and using their hands after an injury or disease process. He then completed his Hand Surgery Fellowship at Loma Linda University in 2007.
Since then, Dr. Barragan has been in private practice in Lubbock, Texas. He and his family missed the “big city” and were excited when the prospect of joining Lone Star Orthopaedics in Burleson. This allowed the opportunity for big city life without the headaches of Los Angeles. Dr. Barragan is excited to join Lone Star and continue his passion for the relationships he develops with his patients and restoring life back to their hands.
Hand & Wrist Surgery
Lone Star Orthopaedics and Spine Specialists offers hand and wrist surgery which is a branch of orthopaedics that deals with an injury or condition in these specific areas. Since the hand and wrist are comprised of multiple small bones and intricate nerves, these two areas are prone to overuse and injury. While many conditions or injuries can be treated without surgery, it is best to consult with a hand surgeon if you are experiencing any pain in your fingers, hand, or wrist.
Dr. Barnard Barragan is fellowship trained in the surgery of the hand. This means that he has had extensive extremity education and training that enables him to treat the most complex hand and wrist disorders, especially those involving the nerves and tendons.
Common Hand & Wrist Injuries:
- Arthritis of the hand
- DeQuervain’s tendonitis
- Dupuytren’s contracture
- Hand pain and fractures
- Hand nerve injury
- Hand wounds
- Nerve Problems
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Cubital Tunnel Syndrome
- Sports injuries of the hand and wrist
- Tendon injuries
- Trigger finger
- Wrist and finger instability
- Wrist pain and fractures
Dr. Brad Bellard is a non-surgical sports medicine physician. He helps athletes and active individuals with joint pain, return to their sport and lifestyle activities, by using cutting-edge treatment options that promote fast recovery while avoiding the burden of surgery.
Dr. Bellard specifically focuses on helping 2 distinct types of injury that prevent athletes & active individuals from performing at their best:
- Tendinitis (i.e. rotator cuff, tennis & golfer’s elbow, Hip, knee, foot/ankle tendinitis, and plantar fasciitis) Dr. Bellard helps to resolve chronic tendon pain and return his patients to their optimal physical activity through minimally invasive procedures (percutaneous tenotomy, platelet-rich plasma (PRP), and bone marrow concentrate (BMAC stem cells) that provides surgical results with a fraction of the recovery time and burden of surgery.
- Arthritis (i.e. degenerative cartilage wear and tear of a joint). Coupled with physical therapy and recovery treatment options, Dr. Bellard helps to resolve the pain and limiting physical function from arthritis by using biologic treatments (i.e. platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and Bone Marrow Aspirate concentrate (BMAC) stem cells) and avoid the of risk of steroid injections and/or surgery.
Dr. Bellard has a history of taking care of elite athletes. He has served as team physician for multiple professional teams, including his prior role as assistant team physician for the Dallas Mavericks. He also serves as a consultant for multiple agents and professional athletes for second opinions regarding their medical care.
Dr. Bellard’s goal is to see athletes and active individuals perform at their best. He has a passion to help his patients optimize their performance because he too is very active and understands what it’s like to suffer from injury that slows you down. Therefore, he has a vested interest to see you improve, because he feels as though he’s treating himself. Whether you are an elite professional, recreational athlete, weekend warrior, or individual looking to maintain an active lifestyle…Dr. Bellard is here to help you go from pain to peak performance!
- Board Certified Non-Surgical Sports Medicine Fellowship Trained Physician, Texas Sports Medicine
- Diplomate, American Board of Emergency Medicine
- Regenerative Medicine (Platelet-Rich Plasma & Stem Cell) Specialist
- Tenex percutaneous tenotomy physician
Meet Dr. Sai (Dr. Naga Sai Venkata Madhavapeddi)
I moved to the US from India as a 21 year old to pursue a graduate degree in Computer Science from Clemson University. I then moved to the DFW area in 2004 and have been here since! I initially worked as a software engineer and about 3 years into my career, I got injured while playing Cricket (a game I love) and underwent surgery and rehabilitation. That was when I realized a career in medicine and the ability to help others would give me the personal satisfaction that I was seeking in my professional life. After 4 years of juggling a full time job and pre-med class work, I was beyond ecstatic when I got into the hometown medical school at UT Southwestern.
While taking care of active individuals was always at the back of my mind, specializing in family medicine and having a chance to take care of almost any problem that walks into the office piqued my interest. I matched into residency in family medicine at JPS in Fort Worth and stayed there for additional fellowship training in Sports Medicine. My training and work experience have allowed me to understand the latest advances in the management of common and rare musculoskeletal conditions. It has also given me the ability to quickly identify which issues can be treated conservatively using non-operative techniques and those that will need surgical interventions.
My goal is to listen to you and provide you with all options for your musculoskeletal needs. Not every person is a candidate for surgery, and I see plenty of patients who do not prefer surgery even if they are a good candidate. You can be assured that I will always have an honest conversation and provide you with the best options to getting back to a healthy and active lifestyle.
Cricket has played a big part in my life and is also a reason why I am in Medicine. I have continued to stay connected with the game and work with cricketers in the area. In addition to my work as a sports medicine physician, I also volunteer my time about twice a month at Julia’s Center. It is a clinic in Plano that provides free primary care for the indigent and uninsured population of Collin County. Working at Julia’s Center allows me to give back to the community and provide medical services to people in need of healthcare. When not working, I enjoy spending time at home with my wife and cat “Queso” in the beautiful Woodlake Estates neighborhood in Flower Mound.
My work in a private orthopedic surgery practice in the Dallas – Fort Worth area helped to hone my skills as a physician, learning the latest advances in the management of common and rare musculoskeletal conditions. Aquiring invaluable knowledge about issues that can be treated conservatively using non-operative techniques and those that will need surgical referrals.
Dr. Faranak Vossoughi, MD, FACS
“From a young age, I set my sights on medicine to help others improve their health. I graduated from the prestigious Karolinska Institute medical school in Stockholm, Sweden; I completed a general surgery residency program in Columbia, South Carolina, and a hand surgery fellowship program at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas. I am board certified by the American Board of surgery and I also obtained certification in Microsurgery from both MITIE (Houston Methodist Institute of Technology and Education) and St. Joseph Hospital in Houston.
One of my special interests is trauma, and I am currently an active ATLS (Advanced trauma life) instructor for other physicians. In addition, I have been engaged in Harris county medical society (HCMS) and worked as a delegate to be a patient advocate. I also served as Treasurer and President of the Western branch of HCMS.
I opened my practice, Katy Hand & General Surgery, in Katy, Texas, in 2010. Our clinical team provides on-site X-rays and upper extremity nerve testing (known as EMG/NCV) which is required to evaluate nerve compression in both the upper and lower extremities. Our team strives to provide exceptional quality of care by utilizing state-of-the-art technology and the most recent surgical techniques. We aim to improve quality of life by paying attentive care to each patient. Each patient has unique daily life demands; therefore, we tailor treatment to each individual. In treatment decision-making, I involve my patients in making the best choice for their treatment to heal their hands in a time-effective and safe manner. I have many years of experience of working as a surgeon in European countries and the US. As the result, I am very familiar with different cultures and would be able to provide you with excellent care.”
Dr. Brent Jackson
Born and raised in Tyler, Texas, Dr. Russell Brent Jackson has called Texas home for many years, and is proud to be in San Antonio serving patients and their orthopaedic needs.
Prior to opening his practice, Dr. Jackson completed a hand and upper extremity fellowship at the Hand Center of San Antonio, and it was during that time that he and his wife and three children fell in love with the Alamo City.
Dr. Jackson had the opportunity to train with outstanding physicians in the field of hand and upper extremity surgery, and then completed an orthopaedic trauma fellowship in Brisbane, Australia. Dr. Jackson is board certified in Orthopedic Surgery by the AOBOS and has completed Subspecialty Certification in Hand Surgery.
Dr. Jackson has a strong interest and passion for dealing with injuries to the hand, wrist, elbow, and shoulder, and is on the forefront of new treatments and related research.
Relationships with patients are a top priority for Dr. Jackson and his staff, and he seeks to understand each patient’s priorities and goals concerning their health.
Outside of medicine, Dr. Jackson loves to spend time with his family. He enjoys Fightin’ Texas Aggie Football, camping, fishing, and running.
Dr. Todd Drury
Dr. Drury is a specialist in hand and upper extremity surgery and is a native of Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He attended Louisiana State University, where he received a B.S. in Physical Therapy. After practicing physical therapy for four years, he entered medical school at LSUMC in Shreveport, graduating from there first in his class. He then completed a residency in Orthopedic Surgery at Vanderbilt University Hospital in Nashville, Tennessee. After practicing in Louisiana for 15 years doing general orthopedic surgery, he then completed a specialty fellowship in hand and microvascular/upper extremity surgery in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma under the tutelage of Dr. Ghazi Rayan.
Dr. Drury is Texas licensed and board-certified by the American Board of Orthopedic Surgery, and he has completed the Sub-Specialty Board Certification in Hand Surgery. He is also a Candidate Member of the American Society for Surgery of the Hand and a diplomate of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons. Dr. Drury has been the team physician for high school, college, and professional athletic programs throughout his career. He specializes in hand, wrist, and elbow surgery, but has extensive experience in general orthopedic surgery, as well as all varieties of orthopedic fractures and trauma.
Dr. Paul A. Tavakolian
Board Certified, Fellowship-trained Orthopedic Surgeon Specializing in Hand, Wrist and Elbow
Fellowship-trained surgeon specializing in advanced arthroscopy of the hand, wrist, and elbow; treatments of complex fractures of the hand and upper extremity; microsurgical repair of nerves, soft tissues, and wounds; and wrist and elbow reconstruction.
Dr. Paul Tavakolian is a Hand and Upper Extremity specialist who joined Texas Orthopedic Specialists in 2020. Born and raised in North Dallas, he was active and played a variety of competitive sports including basketball and rowing. He later went on to The University of Texas at Austin where he competed on the Texas Crew team and graduated magna cum laude. His dedication for sports and charity ultimately led him to join the Nike-Livestrong Texas 4000 for Cancer cycling team. In the summer of 2010 he completed the longest annual charity bike ride in the world, a 4,000-mile journey from Austin, Texas to Anchorage, Alaska. Dr. Tavakolian attended medical school at The University of Texas Southwestern School in Dallas, Texas where he found his passion for orthopedic surgery and upon graduation was accepted into orthopedic surgery residency training at The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center/Parkland Memorial Hospital. There, he trained with giants of the field and found a niche in trauma and hand and upper extremity surgery.
He continued this pursuit at the University of Auckland in New Zealand and focused on Upper Extremity and Trauma surgery, treating patients at a busy level 1 trauma center. Dr. Tavakolian was accepted to subspecialty fellowship training in hand, upper extremity, and advanced microsurgery at the University of Arizona Medical Center in Phoenix. He trained with world leaders and innovators in the fields of complex hand and elbow reconstruction along with plastic surgery experts in nerve, soft tissue, and tissue transfer and reconstruction. He treated a variety of patients including children, athletes, trauma patients, cancer patients, and those with degenerative conditions. He was awarded a scholarship to travel to Buenos Aires, Argentina to work with and teach colleagues in hand surgery. Throughout this time, Dr. Tavakolian has published research and book chapters on various aspects of hand, wrist, and upper extremity surgery and is also certified in microsurgery from the Mayo Clinic.Dr. Tavakolian enjoys being involved in global health and charity initiatives and has spent time in Central America and Africa performing orthopedic surgery with various organizations.
Dr. Tavakolian is licensed in the state of Texas and is a member of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons and American Society for Surgery of the Hand.
At BetterWay Medical, we have a team of expert hand surgeons who specialize in providing exceptional care and treatment for various hand conditions, including ganglion cysts. If you’re seeking effective solutions and reliable expertise, you’ve come to the right place.
Our doctors, Dr. Stuart Hilliard, Dr. Tatiana Boyko, Dr. Timothy Larson, Dr. Nilpesh Patel, Dr. Megan M. Wood, Dr. Thomas C. DiLiberti, Dr. Bernard Barragan, Dr. Brad Bellard, Dr. Naga Sai Venkata Madhavapeddi, Dr. Faranak Vossoughiare, Dr. Brent Jackson, Dr, Todd Drury and Dr. Paul A. Tavakolian are highly skilled in hand, wrist, and elbow surgery or non surgical methods. They possess extensive experience in diagnosing and treating a wide range of hand conditions, ensuring that you receive the highest level of care tailored to your specific needs.
When it comes to ganglion cysts, our team understands the discomfort and inconvenience they can cause. Ganglion cysts are noncancerous lumps that usually form along the tendons or joints of the hand or wrist. They can vary in size and may cause pain, limited range of motion, or aesthetic concerns. Our hand surgeons specialize in ganglion cyst treatment, offering effective solutions to alleviate your symptoms and improve your hand’s functionality.
With our advanced techniques and state-of-the-art facilities, we provide comprehensive care for ganglion cysts. Our doctors will conduct a thorough evaluation of your condition, utilizing diagnostic tools and their expertise to determine the most suitable treatment approach. Whether it’s through conservative measures or surgical intervention, our goal is to relieve your pain and restore your hand’s optimal function.
In addition to ganglion cysts, our hand surgeons are well-versed in various other hand conditions. Dr. Tatiana Boyko specializes in hand surgery, including arthritis injections and surgery, tendonitis treatment, fracture treatment, carpal tunnel and cubital tunnel compression neuropathies, trigger finger, Dupuytren’s disease, and more. Dr. Timothy Larson brings his specialized training in complex hand disorders, including endoscopic carpal tunnel release, wrist and elbow arthroscopy, Dupuytren’s disease treatment, and comprehensive care for fractures and trauma to the hand and upper extremities. Dr. Nilpesh Patel has a special interest in sports-related injuries, fracture treatment, tendon repairs and reconstruction, and nerve-related conditions.
When you choose BetterWay Medical, you’re selecting a team of dedicated professionals who prioritize patient care and outcomes. Our doctors believe in aligning themselves with your care goals, providing education about your condition, and presenting you with both conservative and surgical treatment options. We understand the importance of personalized care and strive to empower you to make informed decisions regarding your hand health.
To schedule a consultation or learn more about our services, contact us today. Our friendly staff is ready to assist you and guide you through the process. Don’t let hand conditions limit your daily activities or cause unnecessary discomfort. Trust the expertise of our hand surgeons at BetterWay Medical for exceptional care and effective solutions.
