Our Providers
Experienced, compassionate care from a team that puts you first.
At Southern Comfort Pain & Wellness, you're cared for by experienced professionals who are passionate about helping you live without pain. Our team combines decades of clinical expertise with a genuinely personal approach to your care.
Dr. Michael Kissel, MD
Pain Medicine | Anesthesiology
Dr. Michael Kissel was born and raised in the Lawrenceville area and knew at a young age he wanted to be a physician. After graduating from Berkmar High School, he attended the University of Georgia where he received a bachelor's degree in biology. While attending medical school at Saba University, he also completed a master's degree in Hyperbaric Medicine.
After completing his residency in Anesthesiology at Saint Louis University, where he served as Chief Resident, he returned to the Atlanta area and began his career at Eastside Medical Center in Snellville, Georgia — just miles from his childhood home. During this time, he sought additional training in Pain Management and began seeing patients in the pain clinic while continuing to provide anesthesia services in the operating room. He became Chairman of the Department of Anesthesiology and went on to serve as President of the Medical Staff at Eastside.
Over the years, his passion for providing relief to patients suffering from pain grew. In 2017, he was named Physician Specialist of the Year by the Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce for his work in fighting the opioid epidemic while still effectively providing pain management to his patients.
In 2022, Dr. Kissel opened Southern Comfort Pain & Wellness in Loganville, Georgia. His goal is to improve the quality of life and health of every patient he encounters. At the office, you will find a gentler, elegant, and refined approach to your care. Explore our pain management services or read about non-opioid pain relief options in Gwinnett County.
When not in the office, Dr. Kissel enjoys traveling with his wife and three daughters, reading, and playing with his French bulldog Evie June.
Education & Training
- — University of Georgia — B.S. in Biology
- — Saba University School of Medicine — M.D.
- — Master's Degree in Hyperbaric Medicine
- — Saint Louis University — Residency in Anesthesiology (Chief Resident)
- — Additional Fellowship Training in Pain Management
Highlights
- 20+ years of clinical experience
- Former Chairman, Dept. of Anesthesiology — Piedmont Eastside Medical Center
- Former President of Medical Staff — Piedmont Eastside Medical Center
- 2017 Physician Specialist of the Year — Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce
Tiaya Welsh, FNP-BC
Family Nurse Practitioner | Pain Management & Wellness
Tiaya Welsh is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner joining Southern Comfort Pain & Wellness with over 23 years of community healthcare experience. She specializes in pain management and wellness, bringing eight years of orthopedic expertise and seven years as an Emergency Room registered nurse to her approach — one rooted in understanding root causes, functional improvement, and long-term wellness.
A proud mother of four and married for nearly 19 years, Tiaya has spent her career serving this community with compassion and dedication. Read our announcement welcoming Tiaya.
"Caring for people has been both my profession and my calling. I partner with patients to develop individualized treatment plans that support pain relief, mobility, and overall quality of life. It has been a true honor to care for individuals and families throughout the years, and I remain committed to providing compassionate, patient-centered care."
— Tiaya Welsh, FNP-BC
Education & Credentials
- — Brenau University — Bachelor's Degree in Nursing
- — Kennesaw State University — Master of Science in Nursing: Family Nurse Practitioner
- — Member, American Association of Nurse Practitioners
Experience
- 23+ years in community healthcare
- 8+ years of orthopedic experience
- 7 years as an Emergency Room registered nurse
- Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP-BC)
A Team Approach to Your Care
Dr. Kissel and Tiaya Welsh work together to provide comprehensive care that addresses the full spectrum of pain and wellness. Whether you're here for pain management, weight loss, skin treatments, or energy optimization, your treatment plan is developed collaboratively and overseen by experienced medical professionals.
This isn't a franchise clinic. It's not a revolving door of providers you'll never see twice. At Southern Comfort, you'll know your team — and they'll know you.
Ready to meet your care team?
Schedule your first appointment today.