Dr. Alyssa M. Degnan

Dr. Degnan's attention to detail regarding my health issues is superior to any other physician I have previously seen. She and her staff are proactive and her explanations of my conditions are easy to understand. Her bedside manner makes me feel very comfortable in her office. Dr.Degnan is the best physician I've ever been associated with. Most grateful that she is my doctor.

I was fortunate to be a patient of Dr. Alyssa Degnan's over 20 years ago when I first relocated to this area. After receiving a diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes, Dr. Degnan and her staff were extremely supportive as I navigated my way through the learning curve of living with and controlling this disease. Eight years ago I moved out of state, but went with the assurance that she was still available to me if needed. Fast forward eight years and I am once again under her care and delighted with the practice and outstanding office staff. She is a compassionate, skillful and thorough physician whose concern for her patients is obvious with each visit. I am so comforted in once again calling her 'my' doctor.

In 2015 I retired from my position of 35 years as a Professor of Biology. That same year my best friend Chuck from graduate school moved to Aiken so that we could share our retirement years together. One of the first things he asked of me was the name of my personal physician. He was shocked when I responded that I had none! He then asked when I had last had a complete physical exam. When I responded that the closest thing I had ever had to a physical exam was the one that was performed when I was drafted into the army in 1972, he shamed me! What can I say? I have always been a bit stubborn and contrary to ordinary, not hesitant to push boundaries. When I inquired from my former students and friends in the health care fields who they would recommend as a personal physician, the overwhelming recommendation was Dr. Alyssa Degnan. Even after our first visits with her, both Chuck and I were impressed that she was so personable and empathetic while also instilling confidence in her expertise, thoroughness, and professionalism. I also found her nursing and support staff to be equally friendly and competent. When I informed Dr. Degnan that I had never had a personal physician and that it had been over 40 years since I had ever had a physical exam, she responded, "Well, it looks like we have a lot of work to do!" And so, the journey began. The results of my first exam showed that my PSA levels were off the charts (50+). I could see the concern in her eyes, and she immediately referred me to a relatively new urologist in Aiken. He was exceptional (as every physician to whom I have been referred by Dr. Degnan has been). Unsurprisingly, when he biopsied my prostate every sample contained cancer cells, and a scheduled cryotherapy followed. I have had routine follow-ups since that time, and my PSAs have stabilized at an acceptable level. What followed was a series of referrals for tests (eg. pelvic MRI, abdominal aorta ultrasound, abdominal/pelvic CT, liver/hepatic ultrasound, etc.). Following a bout with peptic ulcers, I received an endoscopy and colonoscopy. After these, she continued to manage my physical health with appropriate medications. She was committed to seeing that I had the care I had missed for so many years. In 2019 we lost Chuck to esophageal cancer. I had transported him to all of his appointments including his chemotherapy treatments and extended trips to the Mayo clinic in Florida, and I was there in his last moments to help him die. It left me emotionally fragile. In 2020 I learned that my youngest son had been diagnosed with Burkitt's lymphoma, an aggressive blood cancer, and ten days later that my oldest son had committed suicide. I was a "basket case," but I was blessed to have Alyssa there to provide a shoulder to cry on, a loving presence for advice on how to face my issues, and to prescribe medication for depression when I chose to continue to see her rather that being referred elsewhere for counseling. Today I am able to laugh again and face each morning with a good outlook. I love Alyssa Degnan, and I know that she loves me. I know that she has saved my life and given me hope for that life to continue. She is no longer just my personal physician but also a dear friend.

Dr. Degnan is a wonderful doctor. She is so smart. I feel so lucky to have her as my doctor. She is very responsive to my needs. She has a great staff who are very helpful. She took excellent care of me during a heart issue had had last year. I would highly recommend Dr. Degnan to be your doctor.

My husband and I have been patients of Dr. Degnan since 2008. She is knowledgeable, caring and spends time explaining details like no other doctor we have ever been to. If we have a problem that needs a specialist, she sends us to the best in the area. We love her and the staff like family. We will be with her to the end!