Juliana Vera Ortiz, M.D. is a board-certified Pediatric Endocrinologist. She is an active member of the Pediatric Endocrine Society, the American Academy of Pediatrics. Dr. Vera Ortiz has extensive experience in the diagnosis, treatment, and long-term management of pediatric endocrine conditions, including diabetes mellitus, growth disorders and thyroid dysfunction. She is deeply committed to providing high-quality, compassionate care to children facing a wide range of endocrine and metabolic disorders.
In his spare time, Dr. Vera Ortiz enjoys traveling with her family.
Dr. Vera Ortiz is accepting new patients and welcomes most major insurance plans.
Charlie Farmer, MD, earned his medical degree from Mercer University School of Medicine, completing his residency at Wellstar Kennestone Regional Medical Center and fellowship at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. He received his undergraduate degree in biology from the University of Georgia and is board certified in Internal Medicine and Endocrinology. Dr. Farmer has been practicing medicine for 8 years. Prior to joining Piedmont, Dr. Farmer practiced in Marietta, GA, followed by Birmingham, AL. Dr. Farmer specializes in Diabetes and Thyroid disorders. Dr. Farmer has a special interest in Type 1 Diabetes.
In his spare time, Dr. Farmer enjoys spending time with family. He enjoys Georgia football and playing basketball and tennis.
Dr. Farmer is accepting new patients and welcomes most major insurance plans.
Vanessa Ruiz, M.D. earned her medical degree from Saba School of Medicine and completed her residency at State University of New York Upstate Medical University. She received her undergraduate degree in Health Science and Kinesiology from York University, Toronto, Canada and is board certified in American Board of Internal Medicine.
Prior to joining, she was a Medical Director of the Diabetes Program at Bassett Medical Center in Cooperstown, New York. She specializes in Endocrinology Diabetes and Metabolism and Internal Medicine.
Karen Secor, PA-C, is a licensed Physician Assistant at Piedmont Physicians Endocrinology with over 25 years of professional experience. She obtained her Master’s Degree in Physician Assistant Studies from the University of Nebraska. Karen earned a Bachelor of Medical Science and Biology from St. Louis University and Wake Forest University, respectively. She is certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants.
Karen is married with three boys. She is active in her church.
Jeffrey Shirley, APRN, is a Board-Certified Adult Health Clinical Nurse Specialist. He is Board Certified in Advanced Diabetes Management and is a Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist. He has been an Endocrine Specialist for over 16 years. Prior to joining Piedmont, Jeffrey was practicing in his hometown of Austin, TX. He has extensive experience in many aspects of Endocrine care, however, has a special interest in men’s sexual health, pituitary and testosterone management.
Jeffrey is an accomplished musician and enjoys performing during his free time. He also loves camping, cycling and going to art museums with his family.