At a time when most medical care feels rushed, segmented, and symptom-focused, Upstream Medical Care and Aesthetics is offering something refreshingly different: a return to whole-person care. Founded by James Portzer, D.O., Upstream blends traditional medicine with hormone optimization, metabolic health, regenerative therapies, and aesthetics, while always keeping the bigger picture in sight.

Many people are familiar with the idea of “upstream medicine”—a philosophy that focuses on identifying root causes early rather than treating problems only after they’ve progressed downstream. The name of the practice feels especially fitting for the kind of care offered here, where prevention, longevity, and deeper understanding are part of every patient conversation.

Instead of zooming in on one problem at a time, Dr. Portzer and his team look at how nutrition, movement, sleep, hormones, stress, inflammation, and even social connection work together to shape overall health. It’s comprehensive, thoughtful care designed to empower patients to understand their bodies and improve their long-term wellbeing.

A different kind of medical visit
 New-patient visits at Upstream don’t resemble the quick ten-minute appointments many of us are used to. Dr. Portzer takes the time to understand a patient’s full story—medical history, lifestyle habits, daily routines, sleep quality, stress, and long-term goals.

This conversation is paired with an in-depth lab panel that goes far beyond standard primary-care testing. Thyroid markers, A1C, cholesterol patterns, inflammation indicators, and hormone levels create a more complete picture. An advanced body-composition scan measures fat, muscle, water balance, and visceral fat so patients can track meaningful changes over time.

Notably, Dr. Portzer is also a Southbridge resident, giving him a personal connection to many of the families he serves. His approach reflects the kind of community-rooted care he would want for his own family, friends, and neighbors.

Hormones, peptides, and weight loss—with medical guidance
 Hormone health is a major focus at Upstream. Using BioTe bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, the team helps address fatigue, brain fog, mood changes, sleep struggles, decreased libido, and loss of muscle mass. These plant-based hormones are designed to mimic the body’s natural chemistry for balanced, predictable results.

Upstream is also deeply experienced in peptide therapy, one of the fastest-growing areas in regenerative medicine. Peptides—small chains of amino acids your body already produces—can support weight loss, tissue healing, longevity, and metabolic health when used under proper supervision.

To ensure safety and effectiveness, Upstream sources peptides exclusively from FDA-regulated 503B compounding pharmacies. Patients are monitored closely, with dosing adjusted based on labs, body composition, and overall wellness—not a one-size-fits-all protocol.

In weight-loss care especially, Dr. Portzer emphasizes muscle preservation, adequate protein intake, and realistic progress. The goal is healthy, sustainable fat loss—not rapid drops that leave patients depleted or metabolically weaker.

What’s ahead: Upstream’s future wellness center
 While Upstream already offers a full spectrum of regenerative, metabolic, and aesthetic care, the practice is planning a major expansion in the coming years. Medical team member Dr. Byron Mainor shared insights on what’s ahead.

• A medically guided gym staffed by a full-time physical therapist who will teach proper mechanics, prevent injuries, and help patients build confidence in movement.
 • Hyperbaric oxygen therapy and red light therapy to support recovery, inflammation reduction, and cellular health.
 • A dedicated IV therapy lounge designed for comfort and relaxation during hydration or vitamin infusions.
 • Procedure suites and hair-restoration rooms expanding their ability to offer hair-transplant services and accommodate visiting specialists.
 • A community-education space where Dr. Portzer will lead monthly discussions on hormone health, metabolic wellness, longevity, and Blue Zone-inspired living.

The aesthetic side of Upstream
 Confidence and wellness go hand in hand, and Upstream’s aesthetic team helps patients look as vibrant as they feel. Their specialists include:

Sarah Montgomery, BSN, RN – Certified injector and laser practitioner known for natural, subtle results.
 Jennifer Hogan – Licensed aesthetician and Georgia Certified Laser Practitioner with decades of surgical and laser experience.
 Dr. Tucker Laffitte – Board-certified emergency physician with training in hormone therapy and regenerative medicine.
 Dr. Byron Mainor – Certified in bioidentical HRT, metabolic health, regenerative medicine, and weight loss.

Services include injectables, laser resurfacing, hair restoration, skin tightening, tattoo removal, and medical-grade skincare.

Learn more
 Upstream Medical Care and Aesthetics is located at 212 Johnny Mercer Blvd, Suite B. To schedule a consultation or learn more, call 912-600-1161 or visit upstreammedicalcareandaesthetics.com.

Southbridge residents will also have the opportunity to hear directly from Dr. Portzer at our upcoming Southbridge Live Well Series event, where he will speak on hormone health, longevity, and everyday habits that support a healthier life. Scan the QR code to RSVP.