Honoring a Beloved Physician and Clinic Partner

Wednesday, August 23, 2023

A cherished member of the Watson Clinic team – psychiatrist Dr. Karen Teston - has passed away.

Dr. Teston started at the Clinic in 2004 and made an indelible impact on the lives of her adult and pediatric patients. She was revered for being a strong patient advocate and for working to destigmatize mental health struggles.

"Dr. Teston was a kind soul that truly loved her patients," wrote Managing Partner Dr. William Roth. "May she find eternal peace, and may we continue to honor her legacy by providing care to our patients as she did - with kindness, compassion, and competence."

Dr. Teston’s beloved patients will certainly experience her loss from their lives, but their care will remain consistent thanks to two additional Psychiatry specialists we have on our team: Dr. Kyra Munzenmaier and Dr. Yahia Homsi.

Dr.. Munzenmaier had been working directly with Dr. Teston since her arrival in early August. Her office is located at our Highlands facility at 2300 E. County Road 540A. Appointments with Dr. Munzenmaier may be scheduled by calling 863-607-7522.

Dr. Yahia Homsi will begin seeing patients in September from our Main campus at 1600 Lakeland Hills Blvd. in Lakeland. We are in the process of reviewing Dr. Teston’s schedule and accommodating her patients to these two physicians.

During this difficult time, patients in need of support should call 863-607-3689.

8/23/2023

Comments:

Response to: Honoring a Beloved Physician and Clinic Partner
Friday, August 25, 2023
Phyllis Wright says:

I have been a WC patient for 55 year and I never knew or saw Dr. Teston but sounds like she possessed that quality that so many patients crave nowadays, being a "STRONG PATIENT ADVOCATE". My deepest sympathies to her family and co=workers; may she RIP.

Response to: Honoring a Beloved Physician and Clinic Partner
Thursday, September 7, 2023
Kathy Smoot says:

I went to school with Karen ( Dr Teston). She was always a bright light personally and professionally. She was an asset to Watson Clinic. Prayers to all who loved her and knew her.

Response to: Honoring a Beloved Physician and Clinic Partner
Thursday, September 7, 2023
Dale Bennett says:

I knew Karen not as a patient but as a neighbor in Knights Community north of Plant City. Both Karen and her late husband, Freddie Teston were no stranger to sorrow. They lost their beloved son in an accidental drowning many years ago. Still she never lost her passion for helping people. They were the salt of the earth. We should celebrate her life and be grateful for having known her.

Response to: Honoring a Beloved Physician and Clinic Partner
Thursday, September 7, 2023
Kimberly Bucklin says:

I started seeing Dr. Teston many years ago after my sons' ADHD diagnoses led to my own diagnosis. She indeed was kind, loving and a strong patient advocate. I found that out during a particularly tough time in my life when I was diagnosed with a life-threatening illness; it was her encouragement to seek a second opinion instead of accepting that my symptoms were psychiatric that saved my life; and my sanity! She will truly be missed by my family.

Response to: Honoring a Beloved Physician and Clinic Partner
Thursday, September 7, 2023
Melissa Troiano says:

Dr Teston was an amazing women! She helped my daughter in so many ways and was an inspiration to teens. We will truly be missed. Ladybug fly high??

Response to: Honoring a Beloved Physician and Clinic Partner
Thursday, September 7, 2023
Rica Walker says:

I have known Dr. Teston for the 19 years that she has worked for WC and she has been a strong tower and a advocate for both of my children. My life has been changed in a positive way because i knew her, loved her and respected her. She was very instrumental in me starting my private practice and encouraged me along with solid medical advice. Thank you Dr. Teston for just being "YOU"

Response to: Honoring a Beloved Physician and Clinic Partner
Saturday, September 9, 2023
John Lisk patient (Shaun Lisk) says:

It is with great sorrow to hear about Dr. Teston. Shaun has seen her since he was 5 years old and is now 31. She will be missed, but mostly we will miss her kindness, understanding, and consideration for Shaun’s needs. I hope we can find someone who can care for Shaun as she did. Our sympathy goes to her loved ones for their great loss.