Dr. Dowis received his medical degree from the University Health Sciences, followed by an internship at the Medical College of Georgia and a residency at the Mayo Clinic. He also earned a Doctor of Chiropractic Degree from Life University in Marietta, GA.  Dr. Dowis is a Major in the US Air Force Reserve and serves as the Chief Medical Officer to Mountain Lakes Medical Center.

There were other notable positions held by the good doctor including: Emergency Physician at Stephens County Hospital and Director of Mayo Clinic Primary Care in Waycross, GA.  Growing up in Habersham County, Dr. Dowis understands the importance of ensuring quality medical care to our local community and we are proud to have him as our Medical Director.  On his spare time he enjoys lake activities, golf, flying, wine making, working around the farm, as well as spending time with friends and family.  He also enjoys classic boat restoration.

Ellen Rull, DPT  joined Atlanta Spine Center in 2018 after graduating from West Coast University in Los Angeles, California where she received her Doctorate of Physical Therapy degree. Ellen completed her Capstone project in graduate school on chronic pain and central sensitization. Ellen attended the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign where she received her undergraduate degree in Kinesiology. She assisted in an exercise psychophysiological research laboratory at Illinois, which focused on how the emotional and cognitive health affects physiological changes during physical activity.

She has volunteered with Special Olympic athletes at the World Games. Also, she has helped with the homeless and geriatric populations to bring preventative care to under-served populations. She believes in using educational based practice with an individualized approach so each patient can reach his or her maximum potential.

Countiss Williams is a board certified Nurse Practitioner at Atlanta Complete Care. She is an experienced practitioner providing orthopedic examinations and various therapeutic injections. Certified by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners since 2013, she has worked closely with neurosurgeons and orthopedic spine surgeons to provide quality care to the community.

Countiss earned her Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) at the University of Tampa in Tampa, FL with focus on health care for the adult population. As a nurse practitioner she directs patient care, including examinations, necessary imaging, and initiating referrals. She has extensive experience in the operating room as well as caring for postoperative patients.  She is an active member of American Association of Nurse Practitioners and North American Spine Society. Countiss is also certified by the American Academy of Procedural Medicine to perform cosmetic injections, such as Botox and dermal fillers.

Dr. Roberto A. Vargas was born in New York City and is a bilingual second generation chiropractor. Dr. Vargas graduated from John Adams High School in 1995 and was certified as a Medical Laboratory Assistant by the State of New York. He received his B.S. in biology from Bloomfield College in New Jersey. Later he moved to Marietta, GA where he graduated from Life University with his doctorate in Chiropractic. While at Life University he studied Functional Neurology through the Carrick Institute based in Cape Canaveral, FL. He has completed over 200 hrs earning credits towards his Diplomate in Chiropractic Neurology and Masters in Neuroscience.  Dr. Vargas specializes in Spinal Trauma, Repetitive Stress Injuries, Peripheral Nerve Entrapments, Functional /Neurological Diagnosis and Treatment of Whiplash, Postural Disorders and Disc Injuries.  His current passion lies in ergonomics which led to the creation of the Human Momentum Project with his business partner Dr. Vicky Yarns in 2014.   Ergonomic certifications include Ergonomics Assessment, Ergonomics – Practical Applications and Healthcare Ergonomics by The Back School in Atlanta, GA.

Nutrition was another area of interest for the doctor as he attended many postgraduate seminars in clinical nutrition. Dr. Vargas received his certification in physiotherapy in 2002, which broadened his range of treatment options for those patients looking for rehabilitation in Atlanta. His approach incorporates Thompson, Diversified, SOT, Cox-Flexion/Distraction, Nimmo, and Rehabilitative techniques. Dr. Vargas joined the Atlanta Spine Center in 2006 and is now partner in the leading neuromusculoskeletal center in Atlanta. Besides being active in patient care Dr. Vargas has expanded into injury prevention by offering consulting services to corporations in the area of ergonomics and risk management.

Our very own Dr. Vargas was recently featured on Dynamic Chiropractic’s website which is the leading source for chiropractic news, articles, research & information.  In this exclusive interview Dr. Vargas speaks about how The Atlanta Spine Center functions within the patient-centered medical home (PCMH), and how doctors of chiropractic can follow in Atlanta Spine Center’s footsteps in collaborating with like-minded health care providers to benefit patient care.  You can view the entire interview here.

The Human Momentum Project (HMP) was founded in order to provide ergonomic solutions aimed at increasing employee and employer satisfaction as well as productivity while improving health and morale in modern-day workplace settings. The January 2014 issue of the ATLANTAN magazines Best of the City featured Dr. Vargas as one of Atlanta’s top health experts. Another publication featuring Dr. Vargas was Dynamic Chiropractic (July 15, 2014, Vol. 32, Issue 14) which is the leading source for chiropractic news, articles, research & information. The interview focuses on his role in a Patient Centered Medical Home and integrating chiropractic care for improved patient outcomes. He currently resides in Avondale Estates, GA with his family.

Dr. Kayhla Williams is a native of Little Rock, AR. She is a 2009 graduate of Philander Smith College where she received a Bachelors of Science in Biology.  Following graduation she then attended the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences’ Public Health program. Upon completing one year of this program she continued her educational pursuit at Logan University in St. Louis, Missouri where she graduated with a Doctor of Chiropractic in 2014. She has respectively interned at the Veterans Hospital in St. Louis, West End Chiropractic, and St. Louis Acupuncture Clinic. In 2016, Dr. Williams earned her Master of Science Degree in Nutrition.

Prior to joining Atlanta Spine Center, Dr. Williams started practice in her hometown where she was voted the 2015 Little Rock Winner for Fans’ Choice Awards in Chiropractic Care. Dr. Williams understands that everyone’s situation is different and as a health care provider, she is dedicated to helping patients achieve their individual health goals. She is experienced in conservative pain management, injury care, nutritional therapy and natural approaches to health care. The health of the community she serves is truly her passion.

Dr. Williams is Nationally Board Certified and currently holds a Chiropractic license in both Arkansas and Georgia. She is a member of the American Black Chiropractic Association and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

Dr. Vicky L. Yarns founded the Atlanta Spine Center (ASC) in 1996.  Since that time, she has expanded the ASC into one of the leading centers of chiropractors in Atlanta.  With over 15 years of experience and a diverse patient base ranging from infants to senior citizens, Dr. Yarns specializes in low back disorders including sciatica, headaches, work related symptoms (prolonged sitting, stress, posture), as well as infant development and pediatric care.

Dr. Yarns also has extensive experience in treating acute trauma patients ranging from automobile accidents to sports injuries. Among her hundreds of patients, she is well known for her thorough and gentle approach to musculoskeletal disorders. Each care and rehabilitation plan specifically customized to each patient’s particular needs.  Her hard work and dedication has made the Atlanta Spine Center the preferred choice for pain clinics in Atlanta.

In her spare time, Dr. Yarns plays racquetball, golf and is distance runner.  She is also an active community volunteer, particularly with non-profits and charities devoted to children and education.  Dr. Yarns lives in the Atlanta area with her husband Shane Touhy, an award winning Chef, and their dog Tigger.

Education:

• Life Chiropractic College (Doctor of Chiropractic, 1995)
• Florida State University (B.S., 1991)

Associations: Georgia Chiropractic Association

Special Certifications: Low Back Management, Physiological Therapeutics; former instructor of physio therapeutics, rehabilitation of the spine and trigger point therapy