Lower Salford Office History

This is a brief overview of the office, both as a facility and regarding its provider staff. Those of you who have been in the area for some time may recognize some familiar names from the past. Note: details regarding current TriValley providers are provided on their web pages.

R. Lawrence Derstine, M.D. began a new practice in Harleysville in 1967 following two years service with the US Air Force in Syracuse, New York. His practice was located at Main Street and Maple Avenue.

In January 1977, the practice moved into a new building at 484 Harleysville Pike, Lower Salford Township, Harleysville.

In 1979, Richard Pierotti, MD joined Dr. Derstine at the completion of his residency program.

In 1980, the practice was named Lower Salford Medical Associates.

Joseph Ulasewicz, MD joined the practice in 1988 upon completing his residency program.

In 1991, Susan Underwood, MD joined them upon completing her residency program.

Also in 1991, the building was expanded to include a new wing, adding additional exam rooms and related space.

In June 1995, Drs. Derstine, Pierotti, Ulasewicz, and Underwood joined several other local physicians in forming TriValley Primary Care. The doctors continued working from their Harleysville office, which became the Lower Salford office of TriValley Primary Care.

In 1996, the front office and reception area were reconfigured to better serve the patient volume.

Karen Pavlick, MSN, CRNP joined the office in June 1997 having completed her nurse practitioner master’s degree program.

In 1999, Curt Carlier, MD joined the office upon completing his residency program.

In September 2004, David Buckwalter, MD, a medical school classmate of Dr. Carlier’s, joined the office from a practice in Lebanon County.

Dr. Derstine retired in December 2004.

In the spring of 2006, Eileen Zitzer, MSN, CRNP joined TriValley from a practice in Jenkintown. While based in the Lower Salford office, CRNP Zitzer is a key provider for TriValley’s continuing care and nursing home population.