Active Faculty
Although we are not a true university and so we have no true "faculty," these excellent professionals have been selected for their expertise, experience and abilities to communicate those accomplishments and many have been with us for many years.
Christa Hopp, DMD
Dr. Christa Hopp is a graduate of Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine where she also completed a one year Advanced Education in General Dentistry Program. From there she entered a local private practice and began as an SIU SDM part-time instructor shortly there after. In 2006 she moved to a full time position in the operative section with promotion and tenure in 2015. Her teaching focus has been foundational and evolving operative dentistry curriculum and practice. In 2023, she advanced to the administrative role of Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, and now has responsibility supporting and developing the overall SIU SDM curriculum. Dr. Hopp continues to direct or assist in all pre-clinical operative dentistry courses and oversee student patient care in the dental clinic. While focusing on educating future dental professionals, she continues to stay current as a general dentist, practicing one day a week for the past 20 years.
Robert Blackwell, DDS
Dr. Blackwell received his dental degree from the University of Illinois College of Dentistry and completed a General Practice Residency at Michael Reese Hospital and Medical Center in Chicago, Illinois. He is a member of the American Dental Association, Academy of General Dentistry, American Dental Education Association, International Team for Implantology (ITI) and the Academy of Osseointegration. He is a Fellow of both the Academy of General Dentistry and the International College of Dentists. Dr. Blackwell is a Clinical Professor and the Chair of the Department of Surgical Sciences and Community Care at the Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine. He has lectured both nationally and internationally for over 30 years.
Karen E. Adams, MD, NCMP, IF
Karen Adams MD, FACOG, DipACLM, NCMP, IF is Clinical Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Stanford University. She is the Director of The Stanford Program in Menopause and Healthy Aging, a program that connects specialists in many fields to provide world-class care for women in the second half of life. Dr. Adams is double-board certified in Obstetrics and Gynecology and Lifestyle Medicine, a Menopause Society Certified Menopause Practitioner, and a fellow of the International Society for the Study of Women's Sexual Health. She is the course director for the Oregon ECHO Program in Menopause, a state-wide program to educate primary care and women’s health providers in menopause care.
Dr. Adams is an award-winning educator and has lectured to medical audiences locally, nationally, and internationally, including a January 2020 TEDx talk entitled 'Sleep, Sex, and Menopausal Zest" with over 150,000 views on YouTube.
Stephan Alkins, MD, FCCP, FACP, FAASM
Dr. Alkins received his BA degree from Dickinson College in 1989 and his medical degree from the State University of New York Health Science Center at Syracuse in 1993. He completed his internship and residency in lntenal Medicine at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington D.C. in 1996. He completed his fellowship in Pulmonary and Critical Care at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in 1999.
Dr. Alkins served as an active-duty U.S. Army physician until 2004 with duty stations at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Landstuhl Germany and at the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda Maryland.
Dr. Alkins is in clinical practice specializing in pulmonary and sleep medicine and is the Medical Director of Internal Medicine for Crouse Medical Practice. He is board certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine in Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine and is a Fellow in the American College of Physicians, American College of Chest Physicians, and the American Academy of Sleep Medicine.
Thomas G. Allison, PhD, MPH
Dr. Thomas G. Allison is a consultant in the Department of Cardiovascular Diseases and Cardiovascular Surgery and Professor of Medicine in the Mayo School of Medical and Science. His clinical responsibilities include stress testing, primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease, cardiac rehabilitation, and sports cardiology. He is Director of the Cardiopulmonary Exercise Laboratories and Director of the Sports Cardiology Clinic, and Course Co-Director of the external CME course Focus on Prevention. The Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing Laboratory at Mayo Clinic performs the highest volume and complexity of cardiopulmonary tests in the world.
He has been practicing in the fields of stress testing, cardiac rehabilitation, preventive cardiology, and sports and exercise cardiology for 41 years, including 31 years at the Mayo Clinic. He is a fellow in the American College of Cardiology, American College of Sports Medicine, and National Lipid Association.
Dr. Allison’s research interests parallel his clinical interests. He is currently principal or co-investigator on a number of studies in the field of exercise testing. He hosts students from all over the world who come to learn exercise testing and cardiovascular exercise physiology.
A native of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA, Dr. Allison did his undergraduate work at Princeton University and completed a PhD in exercise physiology and an MPH in cardiovascular epidemiology at the University of Pittsburgh. An active participant in regional, national, and international cardiovascular conferences, he has given over 250 invited presentations in more than 25 countries around the world -- on all 6 inhabited continents.
Dr. Allison was for many years a successful long-distance runner with 26 marathons to his credit. He qualified for the US Olympic Trial in the marathon in 1980.
Professor Howard Amital, MD MHA
Howard Amital is a professor of Medicine at the Sackler Faculty of Medicine of the Tel-Aviv University. He is the head of Department of Medicine 'B' at the Sheba Medical Center at the Sheba Medical Center, in Tel-Hashomer. For the past two years he is also the chair of Internal Medicine at the Sackler faculty of Medicine at the Tel-Aviv University. He completed his residency in Internal Medicine at the Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, and his fellowship at the Hadassah Medical Center in Jerusalem.
Prof. Amital conducts clinical and basic research and speaks at international Rheumatology conferences such as the EULAR (European League against Rheumatism) and the ACR (American College of Rheumatology). He has authored over 270 scientific peer-reviewed journal articles, book chapters and reviews. His papers mainly focus on autoimmunity research primarily in new avenues for the development of therapeutic peptides in RA, roles of vitamin D, use of biological therapy, pain and comorbidities of fibromyalgia and epidemiological studies based on Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) databases.
Dennis Andrade, MD
Dr. Dennis Andrade serves as the Associate Program Director for the Family Medicine Residency Program at Kaiser Permanente San Diego. With over 20 years of experience teaching and mentoring medical students and resident physicians, he manages clinical rotations across various specialties, including surgery, emergency medicine, office procedures, and ultrasound. Dr. Andrade also founded the Southern California Regional Global Health Program for Kaiser Permanente resident physicians, leading numerous international medical trips to Peru, Thailand, Jamaica, Fiji, Kenya, and Mexico.
In addition to his leadership role, Dr. Andrade maintains an active clinical practice at Kaiser Permanente, where he supervises the Minor Surgery Clinic. He is an Associate Clinical Professor in the Department of Family Medicine and Preventive Medicine at the University of California, San Diego where he precepts medical students. Dr. Andrade has also presented at national medical conferences on a variety of topics, including medical volunteerism abroad, travel medicine, and the use of ultrasound in primary care. His expertise also includes advanced training in trauma management and wilderness medicine.
Outside of his professional commitments, Dr. Andrade is passionate about travel, exploring diverse cultures, and enjoys running half-marathons, hiking, and photography.
Sandra L. Argenio, MD
Dr. Sandra Argenio served as a Consultant in the Department of Family Medicine at Mayo Clinic Florida and Assistant Professor of Family Medicine at Mayo Medical School. She joined Mayo Clinic in 1992 and continues as an Emeritus member of the Family Medicine Department.
Dr. Argenio has nurtured new generations of doctors, was instrumental in the development of the Family Medicine Residency at Mayo Clinic Florida and served as the program’s first residency director. She has trained and mentored over 150 family medicine residents.
Dr. Argenio served as the President of the Florida Academy of Family Physicians in 2005 and has been active on many committees of the FAFP and the American Academy of Family Physicians.
She has been active in CME program planning at Mayo Clinic and the Florida Academy of Family Physicians, conducting Maintenance of Certification Workshop sessions on multiple topics for over 1,100 participants at FAFP meetings.
Dr. Argenio had a leading role in establishing communication training at Mayo Clinic starting in 2005. She was Chair of the Mayo Clinic Florida Communication Faculty.
She developed coursework for faculty and trainees at Mayo Clinic, including Longitudinal Research in Academic Medicine, Family Medicine Residency, Scottsdale, Arizona; and Team Communication, Strengthening the Cornerstone of Teamwork at Mayo Clinic’s three campuses. She also served on the Florida Governor’s Physician Workforce Advisory Board.
Dr. Argenio was awarded the Exemplary Teacher Award by FAFP in 2000. She also received the Outstanding Florida Family Medicine Education Award by FAFP in 2000, and the Mayo Distinguished Educator Award in 2003. She was listed as one of Jacksonville’s Best Doctors by Jacksonville Magazine from 2000 to 2014. She has published on the topics of presence, reflective listening and communicating effectively with female patients.
In her current work, she has collaborated in designing curricula and delivering programs at multiple hospitals, hospice organizations, and veterans administration and military healthcare organizations.
Dr. Argenio is a graduate of Wilkes College in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. She graduated from Hahnemann Medical University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She completed her Family Medicine Residency at Geisinger Medical Center in Pennsylvania in 1982. She resides in Ormond Beach, Florida, with her husband Tom Sperrazza and daughter Jessie.
Kevin Astle, PharmD, BCPS, BCACP, AAHIVP, CDCES
Kevin Astle, PharmD, BCPS, BCACP, AAHIVP, CDCES is an assistant professor with the University of Taneja College of Pharmacy in the department of Pharmacotherapeutics and Clinical Research. He joined USF in July 2022 from his previous institution, Auburn University Harrison College of Pharmacy in Mobile AL. Dr. Astle graduated from pharmacy school at the University of Florida in 2016 and completed a PGY-1 ambulatory care pharmacy residency with Auburn University Clinical Health Services in 2017.
Dr. Astle’s clinical practice and research interests are in the treatment and prevention of HIV, addressing health disparities in the LGBTQIA+ community, and prevention of cardiovascular disease in people living with HIV. Dr. Astle is passionate about advocacy and policy change regarding healthcare access for sexual and gender minorities and expanding access to healthcare for transgender patients. He is a Board-Certified Pharmacotherapy Specialist, Ambulatory Care Pharmacist, HIV Pharmacist, and Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist. In 2021, Dr. Astle was a founding member of RxSHARE, an international collaborative of pharmacists with the mission of improving health care access and education regarding sexual and gender minorities.
Sarah Bachofner, PharmD
Dr. Sarah Bachofner grew up in a small town in Montana. She earned her doctor of pharmacy from the University of Montana. Her passion for functional medicine began at the University during undergrad where she took every nutrition course offered to non-nutrition majors, including nutrition for sport and nutrition for chronic disease. Her passion grew throughout pharmacy school, especially during her medicinal plants and Ayurvedic medicine courses. She has always believed in a holistic approach to health care and that preventing illness and promoting wellness are crucial to improving health. With each patient, she provides education and establishes a partnership with the common goal of recovery and wellness. She provides a positive, joyful and talented approach to patient care. She has completed training from the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine and is a certified Integrative Pharmacy Specialist and certified Restorative Wellness Practitioner.
Steven R. Bailey, M.D
Dr. Steven Bailey is the Chairman of Internal Medicine at LSU Health Shreveport and the Malcolm Feist Chair of Interventional Cardiology. He is a Tenured and Emeritus Professor of Medicine and Radiology and previous Chief of the Janey and Dolph Briscoe Jr. Division of Cardiology at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio, Texas. Dr. Bailey received his medical degree from the University of Oregon Health Science Center at Portland and did his medicine residency and cardiology fellowship at Fitzsimmons Army Medical Center in Aurora, Colorado. He is board certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine with subspecialty board certification in both Cardiovascular Disease and Interventional Cardiology. Dr. Bailey's clinical focus is in Adult Congenital/Structural and Valvular heart disease in addition to Coronary Atherosclerotic Disease. His research laboratory is involved in investigating the effects of NOX subtypes in promoting cardiovascular disease and Pulmonary Endothelial cell prothrombic response to Covid 19 viral infection. He has translational research in the field of nanotechnologies and nanosensors and holds several patents in these fields. He was the Program Director for Interventional Cardiology at UTHSCSA from 1999 to 2019. Dr. Bailey chaired the UTHSCSA Promotion and Tenure committee. Dr. Bailey is a Past President of the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions (SCAI) and is currently the Editor in Chief of Catheterization and Cardiovascular Interventions. He is a Master Fellow of SCAI, a Master Fellow of ACP, a Fellow of the American College of Cardiology, and a Fellow of the American Heart Association. He is a member of the Association of the Professors of Medicine, Association of University Cardiologists, the Association of Cardiology Professors, as well as the International Andreas Greuntizig Society.
Miklosh Bala, MD
Dr. Bala Miklosh is a Director of Trauma and Acute care Surgery Unit and senior surgeon of Department of General Surgery of Hadassah Medical Center in Jerusalem, Israel. Residency in General Surgery in Hadassah Medical Center. Fellowship in Trauma and Surgical Critical Care in Baltimore, MD. Active member of EAST, AAST and ESTES. Currently work as a leading surgeon in Acute Care Surgery and Trauma and chief consultant for surgery in ICU. Member of trauma committee of Israeli Trauma Association.
Dr. Bala's clinical and research experience in trauma care started in 2001 while he was a second year surgical resident at the Hadassah Medical Center and was first exposed to trauma surgery. Since then trauma surgery has become a major topic of his investigations and a main subspecialty.
During his period of residency in general surgery at Hadassah Medical Center, he took care of and was involved in the management of hundreds of casualties that arrived at our Trauma Center following terrorist attacks. On the basis of his experiences, he helped to first introduce the civilian protocol for the management of mass casualty incidents MCIs and showed his team's high success rate in saving life by fully utilizing the limited resources available in civilian hospitals. He was able to summarize this experience in a number of recently published papers relating to different aspects of MCI management, for the first time assessed in terms of ICU need and blood use during the MCI (Published in Injury and European Journals). He summarized his data from hundreds of victims suffering from post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) related to terrorist attacks in an article published in the Journal of Trauma.
Collection of this data is an ongoing project, for which he works in close collaboration with a psychological group in his hospital. The importance of these studies has been demonstrated in real-time and he have been invited as an expert speaker and guest lecturer to a number of teaching courses and conferences around the world.
Lastly, he is active in National Homeland Security committee for disaster preparedness, where he works on preparedness for earthquake and chemical disaster on hospital and national levels.
Other topics of special interest:
- Trauma surgery and surgical critical care
- Education in surgery and trauma
Shelley Ball, BA (HONS), JD, CERT. HUMAN RIGHTS
Shelley Ball BA (Hons), JD
Shelley is a lawyer and the principal of Shelsu Pacific Consulting Inc., in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, which provides sexual misconduct and bullying and harassment investigation services, as well as training and advising to public and private organizations, including unions.
She has served as senior legal counsel in health regulation and as the Director of Investigations at one of the largest universities in Canada. She was previously a litigation lawyer and the senior investigator for British Columbia's Independent Officer of the Legislature which oversaw deaths and injuries of children in the child welfare system. She is also experienced with investigating unidentified human remains and cases of presumed death for the provincial coroner.
She is an appointed member of the Patient Care Quality Review Board of British Columbia, and member of the Canadian Network for Agencies of Regulation's Education Planning Advisory Committee. For several years, she has been a pro-bono advisor for Forensic Guardians International, which provides dignified management of human remains during conflicts and emergencies. She was previously a mentor to law students with the Canadian Bar Association.
She is a subject matter professional in sexual misconduct and investigations, and often speaks internationally on those topics as well as trauma-informed and compassionate practice, risk and prevention. In 2023, she was nominated as one of Canada's 25 Most Influential Lawyers for her work in creating fair, impartial and trauma-informed institutional investigation systems.
Shelley holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminology with First Class Honours, a Juris Doctor, and a Certificate in Human Rights Law for Education Professionals. She is also a certified and experienced restorative justice facilitator.
Melinda Barbour-Word, LPC, LSATP, LCMHC
Melinda Barbour-Word is the CEO and President of My Brother’s Keeper of North Carolina, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides sober living transitional housing. She is also the owner of Word Counseling and Consulting, where she offers expert therapeutic services, and a Treatment Practitioner at Prince William County Community Services Board, providing comprehensive mental health support. Melinda is a retired U.S. Air Force Major with 22 years of service. She is actively involved in her community as a Board Member at Resurrection Church, where she also leads the Children’s Ministry. She holds an MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Marymount University, an MBA in Human Resources Management from Trident University, and a BS in Management Studies from the University of Maryland Global Campus. Residing in Northern Virginia with her husband and her service dog, Jennifer. Melinda cherishes her family, including four adult children and a son-in-law. She continues to empower individuals through advocacy, counseling, and leadership.
Allison Batchelor, MD, CMD, FAMWA
Allison J. Batchelor, MD, CMD, FAMWA is a fellowship-trained geriatrician with more than 30 years of clinical experience in the primary care of older people. Presently, she works as an attending physician at Marietta Memorial Hospital Athens Department of Primary Care in Athens, Ohio providing geriatric primary care. In addition, she serves as an Associate Professor of Geriatric Medicine at Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine teaching medical students and residents for over 21 years in addition to prior academic appointments.
She is trained as a Certified Medical Director through the Society for Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Medicine and is a Fellow of the American Medical Women's Association
Joseph Beltempo, PhD Psychologist
Dr. Joseph Beltempo, Ph.D. Psychologist
Since 1984 he was Lecturer in the Psychology Department of Concordia University (in Montreal) teaching in a wide spectrum of clinical and research areas. His clinical training was in Cognitive and Gestalt psychology at the University of Montreal. His approach takes into account the holistic (systemic) ways reflecting Native cultural perspectives together with contemporary clinical psychology. From 1982 to 2012, Dr. Beltempo, senior clinical psychologist, worked for Kahnawake Shakotiia'takenhas Community Services, a Mohawk Community. For two years he was the Coordinator for the Kahnawake Outreach Project, which was established to deal with the after-effects of the 1990 Mohawk Crisis. His clinical work has largely focused on addiction, mental health, dual diagnosis, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders and various methods of clinical intervention. He is highly trained in assessments and interventions of FASD and has received extensive training in diagnostics. He is Clinical Site Supervisor for Doctoral Interns in Psychology at Concordia University and McGill University. He is an Expert Witness and Consultant for Youth Courts of Quebec involving First Nations peoples.
He is the father of three young adults and married since 1980. Dr. Beltempo received his B.A. in Psychology from McGill University. He earned his Master's (MA, 1979; Ph.D. 1986 and Post-Doctorate, 1990) in Research & Clinical Psychology from Université de Montréal. He is a member of the Order of Psychologists of Quebec since 1979 (Lic. 2675-80).
Esther Benedetti, MD
Dr. Benedetti is a Venezuelan anesthesiologist who received her degree in Pain Medicine from Fletcher Allen Heath Care at the University of Vermont. She went on to become faculty at the University of Iowa where she worked as an attending physician in the Department of Anesthesia’s Pain Clinic and later received an Associate Clinical Professor degree. After nearly a decade, she moved to the wonderful State of Florida where she became part of the Miami VA family where she became the Chronic Pain Section Chief and was later named the the VISN 8 Chief Pain Consultant.
Jonathan Betlinski, MD
Jonathan Betlinski, M.D., is a Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at Oregon Health & Science University, where he also gets to be the Public Psychiatry Director. Among other projects, he serves as Medical Director for the Oregon Psychiatric Access Line about Adults, as Clinical Advisor to the Oregon ECHO Network, as Program Committee Chair for the Oregon Psychiatric Physicians Association, and as Principal Investigator for the HEAL-OR study. Dr. Betlinski believes in the power of family, community, relationship, diverse perspectives, multi-disciplinary approaches, theater, being outdoors, a good night's sleep, and leaving the world better for having spent time in it.
Shagun Bindlish, MD, FACP
Dr. Shagun Bindlish is a board-certified Internal Medicine Physician with advanced fellowship training in diabetes and metabolic disorders. She is board-certified obesity medicine and lifestyle medicine specialist. She is a Chair of the thought leadership committee and board member of the American Diabetes Association. Dr. Bindlish is adjunct faculty at Touro university's diabetes fellowship program. She is a USA ambassador representing DiaBeters non-profit organization in Kenya, Africa. Dr. Bindlish presently working with international organizations conducting educational webinars about diabetes and obesity management. With a passion for community work, she has recently started her youTube channel with a vision to bring awareness among health care professionals and patients. Dr. Bindlish has earned her medical degree from Yerevan State Medical University in Armenia and completed her residency at Lutheran Medical Center in New York.
Dr. Bindlish is practicing currently in Bay Area. She is an author and writes blogs for magazines in Kenya, the USA, and India. Shagun has been actively involved in the California chapter as a fellow of the American College of Physicians and serves as a judge and mentor for multiple educational activities and conferences throughout the year.
Shagun's philosophy of care centers around prevention and education. She is an advocate for her patients and strives to build trusting, friendly relationships with them. She believes in a holistic understanding of all the factors that impact a patient's overall health. Thus, serving the patient as a wellness coach.
Dr. Bindlish is also a writer and contributes her work to journals. She is also an editor of renowned journals like the British Medical Journal, American College of Family Medicine ( ACOFP), American Diabetes Association. To stay healthy and happy, Shagun does yoga and Pilates. She loves to travel and cook international cuisines.
Angelo B. Biviano, MD, MPH
Dr. Biviano is Professor of Medicine and Director of Cardiac Electrophysiology at CUMC, specializing in arrhythmia management, including ablation procedures and pacemaker/defibrillator implantation. His research interests include outcomes in patients with atrial fibrillation and congenital heart disease-related arrhythmias.
Christopher M. Bland, Pharm.D., FCCP, FIDSA, BCPS
Clinical Associate Professor, University of Georgia College of Pharmacy Clinical and Administrative Pharmacy; Clinical Pharmacy Specialist, St. Joseph's/Candler Health System, Savannah, Georgia. Dr. Bland has an affiliation with Merck Pharmaceuticals, Biomerieux Diagnostics, and La Jolla Pharmaceuticals.
Paul D. Blaylock, MD, JD, FCLM
Dr. Blaylock is a past ACLM Board Member, lecturer and winner of the Jefferson Cup and President's Award. Past Board Certified in Emergency Medicine and Legal Medicine, Dr. Blaylock has worked in Emergency Medicine Level I/II Trauma Center for 31 years in Portland, Oregon. He has also worked as a Defense Trial Attorney for 25 years.
Nominated Outstanding Alumnus of the University of Tennessee Medical School (2007, 2008), Dr. Blaylock has also served on the Alumni Board of Governors for the University of Tennessee Medical School. Dr. Blaylock has worked on emergency medicine Disaster Teams in Mexico City, Guatemala, Ground Zero in New York City, and Hurricane Katrina disaster sites.
Dr. Blaylock has served as Adjunct Professor of Law at the Northwestern School of Law at Lewis & Clark as well as Clinical Instructor of Emergency Medicine at OHSU in Portland, Oregon. Dr. Blaylock worked with Providence Medical Group as Medical Director, Tanasbourne Immediate Care (2005 - 2009).
Glen Bradley, MA, LGPC, NCC
Glen Bradley, MA, LGPC (DC), NCC, (they) is a mental health therapist in Washington, DC. Their background includes advocacy and activism for queer people, beginning during their undergraduate studies at Santa Clara University, where they worked at the LGBTQ+ student resource center. Glen was invited to the 2016 National Jesuit Student Leadership Conference, where they spoke on LGBTQ+ cultural competency issues at Catholic universities. Glen has over 10 years of experience facilitating LGBTQ+ cultural competency training seminars across a diverse field, from the DC office for the Federal Maritime Commission to the DC Mental Health Counseling Association. Glen has presented six separate continuing education courses on queer topics. Glen uses a variety of theoretical lenses to inform their understanding of their clients: Gestalt, somatic, queer liberation, trauma-focused, body-process, Adlerian, mindfulness-based, and ecopsychotherapy.
Darren M. Brenner, MD, AGAF, FACG, RFF
Darren Brenner, MD is a Professor of Medicine and Surgery in the Division of Gastroenterology at Northwestern University and serves as Director of the Neurogastromotility and Interdisciplinary Bowel Dysfunction programs. Dr. Brenner focuses his clinical and research pursuits on a wide range of motility topics including IBS, constipation, opioid related constipation, fecal incontinence, gastroparesis and scleroderma. He has published more than 175 articles, abstracts, and online materials on these subjects, and has lectured both nationally and internationally in these areas. He acts as a reviewer and editor for multiple GI peer-reviewed journals and is a former associate editor of the American Journal of Gastroenterology. He serves as a member of the board of directors for the International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders, on the Rome Foundation committee on clinical trial design, and serves or has served on multiple AGA and ACG committees including research, education, and digital publications and communications. He is also the acting governor representative to the American College of Gastroenterology from the state of Illinois. Dr. Brenner is a fellow of the American College of Gastroenterology, American Gastroenterological Association, and Rome Foundation. He has been appointed to the peer perspective board of Helio Gastroenterology and has been named to the Helio 200 top innovators in gastroenterology and hepatology and Best Doctors in America lists. In his free time, Dr. Brenner is an avid practitioner of Shotokan karate, holds a 3rd degree black belt in this art, and served as head coach of the US Junior National Karate Team at the World Maccabiah Games in Israel in 2022 where his daughter was the only American karate athlete to win a gold medal and the first female to win one in 30+ years.
Robert T. Brodell, MD, FAAD, FRCP(Edin)
Robert T. Brodell, MD is tenured Professor and Chair of the Department of Pathology, Past Founding Chair of the Department of Dermatology, and Billy S Guyton MD Distinguished Professor at the University of Mississippi Medical Center. A graduate of Washington and Jefferson College ('75) and the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry ('79), he completed dermatology and dermatopathology training at Barnes Hospital (Washington University in St Louis). He was in solo private practice for 27 years in Warren, Ohio. Dr Bob has performed 1,895 lectures, directed 49 symposia, and has 420 publications, 42 book chapters, 43 poster presentations, and has written three books: The Diagnosis and Treatment of Warts: An Evidence Based Approach (2003); Tips and Tricks in Procedural Dermatology (2019); and, Dermatology in Rural Settings -- Organizational, Clinical, and Socioeconomic Perspectives.
Marni Brooks, BSc, MSW, MD, CCFP, FCFP
Dr. Marni Brooks began her education at McGill university where she completed her Bachelor of Science degree, majoring in psychology and focused her thesis in the area of pediatric pain. She was then sponsored by a physician in Sydney, Australia to assist in his pediatric pain research.
Upon her return to Canada, she completed a Master of Social Work degree where she spent years of training studying women's health and addiction as field placements. Her interest in addiction continued after she completed her medical degree and family medicine residency at the University of Toronto.
She is now a Fellow in Family Medicine and, until now, has explored working in the areas of family medicine, sleep medicine, addiction medicine and cannabinoid medicine. Dr. Brooks also sat on the OMA Executive of the Section on Addiction Medicine for nearly a decade where she assisted with negotiations with the Ministry of Health on behalf of the members in her section. Most recently, she founded and is the Chair of the OMA Medical Interest Group in Cannabinoid Medicine, the first such group in the country.
Dr. Brooks currently focuses her work in Cannabinoid Medicine, her two main interests. She hopes to help educate her peers, the community and patients, as well as advocate for them, on the benefits of cannabis for a variety of health conditions, either as sole therapy or in conjunction with other treatments. Other experiences in Cannabinoid Medicine include speaking on the Northwinds panel for insurance providers and acting as an expert witness on the safety and medical uses of cannabis in a sentencing hearing.
Monica Broome, MD, FACP, FAACH, FAMWA
Dr. Monica Broome is the Director of the new Communication Skills Program for University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. Her interest is in the neuroscience of communication specifically physician patient communication. The scope of this program includes the undergraduate, graduate, and faculty development levels.
Dr. Broome completed a three year fellowship under the Director of Education Development in the Department of Medical Education, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. During her fellowship she completed programs in the Macy Institute for Health Communication Curriculum Development and is certified as a master trainer of the Institute for Healthcare Communication. Her scholarly work includes presentations and workshops nationally for the Association of American Medical Colleges, Society of General Internal Medicine, and Southern Group on Educational Affairs, and internationally for the European Association for Communication in Health Care, the International Conference on Communication in Healthcare, and the International Association of Law and Mental Health with the focus on communication skills training concerning conflict and bullying. She serves on the American College of Physicians Legislative Action Program for Health Care Reform and participated as a Florida delegate for Leadership Day in Washington DC. She servers on the Editorial Board of Medical Encounter, and Chaired the Committee on Communication and Technology for the 2006 American Academy on Communication in Healthcare Annual Research and Teaching Forum. Dr. Broome co-chaired the International Conference on Communication in Healthcare held in the USA in Miami, October 2009.
Dr. Broome, formerly Dr. Harris, is an alumnus of the University Of Miami School Of Medicine. Her specialty is Internal Medicine for which she has received recognition and accolades from colleagues and patients, including a service award from the State of Virginia Department of Disabled American Veterans. She was the Founder and former Medical Director of the Women’s Veterans Comprehensive Health Program, in Hampton Virginia. Dr. Broome was selected as one of the representatives from the state of Florida to participate in a National Summit on Women’s Veterans Health Issues at the White House which resulted in a position paper for Congress.
To continue her interest in promoting women’s health, Dr. Broome served on the Institutes for Women’s Health Education/Academic Training Subcommittee and currently serves on the Women in Academic Medicine at the University Of Miami Miller School Of Medicine. She is a Diplomat of the American Board of Internal Medicine, a Fellow in the American College of Physicians, and a Fellow of the American Academy of Communication in Healthcare.
Dr. Broome was recently appointed to serve for two years on the Introduction to Clinical Diagnosis Test Committee of the National Board of Medical Examiners, and concurrently for the United States Medical Licensing Examination. USMLE is the sole licensing examination for allopathic physicians in the United States.
Internationally, she was recently awarded Elsevier Journal Reviewer Recognition Outstanding Reviewer Status for their Journal Patient Education and Counseling. Dr. Broome has been appointed to serve as Deputy National Representative of the European Association on Communication in Healthcare. There are only two representatives for each member country. This nomination and appointment has special significance on a personal level as representatives are nominated by the votes of colleagues.
Dr. Broome is the Course Director of the new Bridge Course for the University Of Miami Miller School Of Medicine. This new program facilitates the integration of incoming medical students from International Medical University Malaysia.
Current projects include serving as Educational Director of Candid Conversations, training and e-learning program of the sexual health concerns of women patients; and developing wisdom in medicine by enhancing personal awareness in the aftermath of adverse outcomes. Dr. Broome teaches communication skills updates as faculty of the University at Sea.
New for 2020, Dr. Broome is named the National Co-Chair East Coast for the American Medical Women’s Association Physicians Against the Trafficking of Humans program.
Lisa Brown DNP, MSN, APRN, CNM
Lisa Brown DNP, APRN, CNM is a full scope certified nurse-midwife for Mankato Clinic with a perinatal mood disorders specialization and trained by the FEMM Research Institute for Restorative Reproductive Medicine. She works with women of all ages and stages of life via telehealth and face to face visits. Dr. Brown has over 25 years of nursing experience, mostly in obstetrics, and graduated with a master's degree in midwifery in 2018 and a doctorate degree in 2022.
Dr. Brown has spent many years as a registered nurse and midwife working with fertility awareness methods, infertility issues, recurrent loss, and restoring reproductive wellness. She is a trained FEMM medical consultant and has working knowledge of the Creighton, SymtoThermal, and Marquette methods of fertility awareness. Dr. Brown has helped many women avoid and achieve pregnancy and addresses fertility issues like PCOS, anovulatory cycles, irregular cycles, recurrent loss, and hormonal imbalance from adolescence through menopause.
In recent years, Dr. Brown has developed a special interest in perinatal mood disorders after seeing this issue daily with limited resources to address it. She recently graduated with a doctorate in nursing practice (DNP) from Bethel University in St. Paul MN. Her focus was on perinatal mood disorders, symptom management, and non-pharmacological interventions to improve mental health in the perinatal population. Dr. Brown sees patients at her practice at Mankato Clinic, Mankato and via telehealth through the Reply Fertility in Cary, North Carolina.
Peter S. Buch, MD, FACG, AGAF, FACP
Dr. Peter Buch is a highly regarded medical educator and double board-certified clinical gastroenterologist with over 35 years of experience. His passion is teaching, and his style is famously case-based, practical, and interactive.
He is a Clinical Professor at the University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine and an Associate Professor at both the University of Connecticut School of Medicine and the Frank H. Netter, MD School of Medicine. Demonstrating his leadership in medical education, he is the host of the GI Insights podcast on ReachMD and serves on the American College of Gastroenterology’s Education Affairs Committee.
Dr. Buch has been honored to present at dozens of national and international conferences. He always learns from his audience and looks forward to learning with you.
Ronald R. Butendieck, Jr., MD, FACP
Dr. Ronald R. Butendieck, Jr., earned his undergraduate degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from Rollins College and his Doctor of Medicine from the University of Florida College of Medicine. He completed his residency in Internal Medicine and fellowship in Rheumatology at Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida.
Dr. Butendieck is an Assistant Professor of Medicine and serves as a Practice Leader and Consultant in the Division of Rheumatology at Mayo Clinic. A dedicated educator, he is a core faculty member of the Mayo Clinic Internal Medicine Residency Program, where he has been honored with the Top Teacher in Rheumatology Award on more than 10 occasions. He developed and leads an annual Rheumatology didactic lecture series for residents and delivers presentations for the Mayo Clinic Internal Medicine Board Review course.
He has a special interest in Behçet’s disease and has presented internationally on Neuro-Behçet’s. Dr. Butendieck is the contributing author on Behçet’s for the National Organization for Rare Disorders. In recognition of his contributions, he was elected as a Fellow of the American College of Physicians (FACP) in 2017. He is actively involved in several institutional committees, including the Mayo Clinic Pharmaceutical Formulary Subcommittee and the Internal Medicine Residency Program's Clinical Competency Committee.
Aaron Buzzard, MD, FACEP
Dr. Buzzard is a decorated veteran and served numerous deployments to Iraq as a flight surgeon and emergency physician. He was an EMT and combat medic before becoming a physician in the US Army.
Clinical Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine at Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine, Bryan-College Station Campus, Bryan, TX
Regional EMS Medical Director for numerous EMS agencies and aircraft.
Dr. Buzzard, who is Board Certified in both Emergency Medicine and EMS Medical Direction, is an emergency physician at the CHI St. Joseph emergency trauma center in Bryan, Texas. The facility is a level II trauma center, and the largest hospital in the region.
His areas of interest and expertise are in trauma, critical care medicine, and emergency medical service
Kathy L. Cerminara, JD, LLM, JSD
Professor Kathy Cerminara bridges the medical and legal professions with her work on patients' rights in the end-of-life decision-making arena. She co-authors the nationally known treatise, The Right to Die: The Law of End-of-Life Decision making, and is a reviewer for several medical and medical-legal journals. Her scholarship most recently has focused on the intersection between end-of-life care, palliative care, and health care coverage policy. At the Nova Southeastern University Shepard Broad College of Law, she is a full professor. She is also an affiliate faculty member at NSU's Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Allopathic Medicine.
Professor Cerminara teaches Health Policy & Bioethics, Bioethics and Law and Medicine seminars, Mental Health Law, and other health-law-related courses, in addition to Torts, Civil Procedure, and Administrative Law. She also created and was the initial director of the online Master of Science in Health Law program for non-lawyers.
Professor Cerminara has enjoyed nation and international recognition for her scholarship and service. Most recently, she was awarded the 2023 Distinguished Health Law Service Award from the Association of American Law Schools' Law, Medicine & Health Care Section. In 2017, she received a Scholars Award for innovative interprofessional work with the Broward County Mental Health Court. In 2013, she earned an American Health Lawyers Association 2012 Pro Bono Champion award for co-organizational work on Wounds of War: Meeting the Needs of Active-Duty Military & Veterans With Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, a symposium taking place at NSU law school on February 1, 2013.
Additionally, since 2012, she frequently has been a member of the International Scientific Committee for the International Academy of Law & Mental Health, based in Montreal, Canada. In that position, she has co-organized the stream of therapeutic jurisprudence presentations for four of the Academy's bi-annual Congresses: one in Amsterdam in 2013, one in Vienna in 2015, one in Prague in 2017, and one in Rome in 2019. In recognition of that work, in 2017, the International Society of Therapeutic Jurisprudence awarded her and her co-organizer the first-ever Wexler/Winick Distinguished Service Award in Prague.
Prior to joining the College of Law faculty, Professor Cerminara taught at the University of Miami School of Law and St. Thomas University School of Law, clerked in the Western District of Pennsylvania and the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit, and practiced law with Reed Smith Shaw & McClay in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Professor Cerminara received her J.D. magna cum laude from the University of Pittsburgh and her LL.M. and J.S.D. from Columbia University. She is an affiliate member of the Health Law and Tort Trial and Insurance sections of The Florida Bar, a retired member of the Pennsylvania Bar, and a member of organizations such as the American Bar Association, and the American Society of Law, Medicine & Ethics.
Ashish Chandra, MBA, PhD
Professor Ashish Chandra is a Professor of Healthcare Administration, College of Business at the University of Houston-Clear Lake (UHCL), Houston, Texas, USA where he also served as the Department Chair for over four years at UHCL. All together Dr. Chandra has over 20 years of university level teaching experience in the U.S. He is a well-recognized healthcare administration academician internationally and serves on the academic advisory board of several educational institutions in Turkey and India. He has also provided over a dozen Management Development Program, Faculty Development Programs, and professional consulting services to several healthcare and business organizations in the United States, India, Turkey, and aboard cruise ships. He actively served on the board of directors of several professional and community organizations in the United States. Over the past four years he has served as the Course Director and Speaker of five Continuing Education Programs for health professionals.
Dr. Chandra is a prolific researcher and has 75 publications in refereed journals, two edited books, ten book chapters, and over 250 publications in conference proceedings. He is an Executive Editor of the journal Hospital Topics (the oldest journal in healthcare administration field - almost 95 years in existence). He has served as the President of FOUR major international academic organizations - the Business and Health Administration Association; the Association of Collegiate Marketing Educators; the MBAA International; and the Federation of Business Disciplines. He has also served as the Program Chair of over a dozen major international conferences, held in U.S., India, Turkey, and U.K. as well as aboard cruise ships in the Caribbean, Alaska, Baltics, and Mediterranean.
Professor Chandra has received numerous awards and recognition related to teaching, research, and service throughout his career, including the 2017 Excellence in Teaching Award by the National Society for Leadership Success; 2015 Outstanding Professor Award given by the University of Houston - Clear Lake Alumni Association; 2012 American College of Healthcare Executives Service Award; 2011 Outstanding Educator Award from the Association of Collegiate Marketing Educators; to name a few. He also has the distinct honor of being the Commencement Speaker at the December 2018 graduation ceremony of the University of Houston – Clear Lake. The URL link to Dr. Chandra’s commencement speech is below. Please cue to minute 32 of the video link in case you just want to see Dr. Chandra’s speech.
URL to speech https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HpwOooexSYA&t=2984s
Vikram Surya Chiruvolu, MA, LPC, BSCS
Vikram Surya Chiruvolu, MA, LPC, BSCS, is a community-oriented psychotherapist and computer scientist. He is a Licensed Professional Counselor in the District of Columbia. As the Founder and CEO of Technotherapy Public Benefit Corporation and as a person with lived experience of long-term recovery from mental health challenges, he brings a unique skill set and perspective to patient care and clinician training. Vikram holds a Master of Arts in Rehabilitation Counseling from the University of the District of Columbia (2018) and a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from Rutgers University (2004,). His Master's project focused on clinician training on mobile and web technology and was published in a revised version in 2022 in the Journal of Counseling Research and Practice. He has resided in the Adams Morgan neighborhood of Washington, DC, for 20 years and is a passionate public artist and advocate for racial and social justice on a neighborhood level. His community work has been covered by WNBC4 and WAMU, and his writing has appeared in the Washington Post.
Frances M. Christian, PhD, LCSW
Frances M. Christian, Ph.D., LCSW, provides psychotherapy services to individuals, couples, and families as a private practitioner. She is a former full-time Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center Department of Psychiatry faculty member who served as Director of Clinical Social Work and Co-Director of the Anxiety Disorders Specialty Clinic. She remains affiliated with the Department of Psychiatry as an external Clinical Professor supervising VCU psychiatry residents in providing psychotherapy services. She is a seasoned cognitive-behavioral therapist specializing in working with trauma survivors. She is past Chairman of the Commonwealth of Virginia Department of Health Professions Board of Social Work and an active member of several professional organizations, including the Association of Cognitive and Behavioral Therapies (ABCT), The National Association of Social Workers (NASW,) and the National Association of Black Social Workers (NABSW), International OCD Foundation and the International Society for the Study of Trauma & Dissociation (ISSTD), In 2013 she received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Association of Social Workers, Virginia Chapter recognizing her as "someone who has been recognized beyond the social work profession”.
Nicole H. Cirino, MD, IF, CST, PMH-C
Dr. Nicole H. Cirino is a nationally recognized Reproductive Psychiatrist, clinical scientist, and international educator. She is a Professor in both the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and the Menninger Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Baylor College of Medicine. She also serves as the Division Director for Reproductive Psychiatry and holds the Maureen Hackett Foundation Endowed Chair of Reproductive Psychiatry at Texas Children’s Hospital Pavilion for Women.
A pioneer in her field, Dr. Cirino has founded and directed women's mental health programs at several leading academic institutions, including Oregon Health & Science University and Loyola University, before joining Baylor in 2022. Her clinical expertise focuses on treating women across the reproductive lifecycle, including during the perinatal period, the menopausal transition, and for issues related to female sexual health. She completed her psychiatry residency and a fellowship in Reproductive Psychiatry at Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine.
In addition to her clinical practice, Dr. Cirino is a specialist in Female Sexual Medicine. She is a Certified Sex Therapist (CST) through the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists (AASECT) and an International Fellow (IF) with the International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health (ISSWSH), making her one of the few physicians in the country with both distinctions.
Dr. Cirino is a prominent national leader in women’s mental health. She serves as the Chairman of the Executive Board for Postpartum Support International (PSI) and holds leadership positions in the American Psychiatric Association (APA) and other scientific organizations. An acclaimed educator, she teaches over 800 clinicians annually, develops curricula for medical students and residents, and is a sought-after speaker at national and international conferences. She is also a trusted media expert, having been featured on NPR, CNN, and Today.com.
Steven W. Clay, DO
Dr. Steven W. Clay graduated from the Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine in 1985 and completed a Family Medicine residency at Youngstown Osteopathic Hospital. Initially he was in private practice for eight years in rural Wisconsin. With his certifications in Geriatric Medicine and Addiction Medicine he came to the Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine in 1995. After joining the faculty at there he has designed effective clinical programs in conjunction with other Ohio University departments to treat opioid disorders, completed the Primary Care Faculty Development Fellowship through Michigan State University, and developed academic medical curricula in both geriatric and addiction medicine. He has since worked at OUHCOM as an Associate Professor in the Departments of Geriatric Medicine and Primary Care.
Stephen R. Clum, MD, PhD
Stephen Clum, MD PhD
Dr. Clum earned his PhD in biochemistry at the University of Kansas. His PhD studies involve characterization of the dengue virus type II serine protease. After completing his PhD, he then pursued his medical degree at the University of Kansas. Following completion of his medical school training, he completed a combined residency in Internal Medicine and Pediatrics at University of South Florida. He remained at University of South Florida for fellowship training in Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine.
After completing his fellowship training, he moved to Springfield Missouri where he joined a multispecialty group. His practice encompassed Pulmonary, Critical Care, Sleep Medicine including an active pediatric sleep practice. In 2014, he returned to the University South Florida to join the faculty in the Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine where he served as the associated division director. In this role he was actively involved in expansion of inpatient and outpatient services at Tampa General Hospital and USF. Following the retirement of his mentor, he served as the interim division director until the fall of 2020 when he joined the Bay Pines VA Healthcare System as the Chief of Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine. In his current role as Chief of Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine, he has helped developed a robust pulmonary nodule program, COPD program, and ILD program. At both the University of South Florida and Bay Pines VA, Dr. Clum has been a core faculty involved in the education of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine fellows.
Allan L. Cohn, CPHQ
Allan has a proven track record of developing and implementing processes designed to improve performance, increase efficiency, ensure regulatory compliance, reduce cost, and increase customer satisfaction in a wide range of industries and functional areas including: Healthcare, Call Center Operations, Information Technology, Research & Development, Purchasing, Manufacturing and Government Affairs.
At Cleveland Clinic Children's, Allan worked closely with Dr. Hupertz to establish overall governance for quality, patient experience, and safety efforts for all Cleveland Clinic pediatric locations.
During his time at Cleveland Clinic Children’s, employee reporting of safety risks increased by 60% with a corresponding 90% decrease in serious safety events, including over ten years without a serious harm medication safety event. They achieved a 40% reduction in central line associated blood stream infections, a 20% reduction in all cause readmissions and a 10-percentage point improvement in physician communication top box performance.
Allan established a Family Engagement team that ensured the voice of the parent and patient was involved in all Cleveland Clinic Children’s strategic initiatives including new facility design, partnering families with newly diagnosed conditions with other families, and creation of Speak Up for Safety – empowering parents and caregivers to “stop the line” any time they have a concern.
Allan received his B.S. in Chemistry from the University of Illinois in 1979. He is a Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ) and a Certified Six Sigma Black Belt & Champion,
Richard Colgan, MD
Dr. Colgan’s career has been marked by a number of significant leadership initiatives and awards for teaching excellence, many coinciding with his 20-year tenure at the University of Maryland School of Medicine. As a professor of family and community medicine at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, he also serves as executive vice chairman. Dr. Colgan has served as lead investigator on many research projects, including the Medical Student Experience with Primary Care Physicians, the Patient Centered Medical Home, and Care for the Underserved in Maryland, funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Health Resources and Services Administration. He has authored more than eighty publications.
Dr. Colgan has been listed in Best Doctors in America, was chosen by the School of Medicine’s student body as its nominee for the Association of American Medical Colleges’ annual humanism award, and was inducted into the school’s Humanism Honor Society as well as Alpha Omega Alpha. In 2008, he was awarded the American Medical Student Association’s Golden Apple clinical faculty teaching award by the University of Maryland School of Medicine class of 2008.
Dr. Colgan is a colonel in the Maryland Defense Force, serving the state of Maryland as a volunteer physician in the 10th Medical Regiment. He is the author of two books: Advice to the Young Physician: On the Art of Medicine and Advice to the Healer: On the Art of Caring, both published by Springer. He was recently selected to direct the Maryland Area Health Education Center, the School of Medicine’s “Mini-Med School” and “Mini-Med School for Kids” programs, providing medical information to members of the local community. He also is the Director of the School of Medicine’s Executive Health Program.
Joseph A. Congeni, MD
Joseph A. Congeni, M.D. is the Medical Director of the Sports Medicine Center at Akron Children's Hospital as well an Professor of Pediatrics at Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED), and Clinical Professor of Pediatrics and Sports Medicine at Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine. He developed the Primary Care Pediatrics Sports Medicine Fellowship at Akron Children's Hospital, the first of its kind at a pediatric hospital in the U.S. in (1990). He is a (1980) graduate of the University of Notre Dame; and received his medical degree from NEOMED in (1984). Dr. Congeni is currently a team physician for the University of Akron and Archbishop Hoban High School since (1988).
He has won many awards including: the OHSAA Respect the Game Award (2004-2005), the Ohio Athletic Trainer's Association’s Team Physician of the Year Award (2008), and Ohio Outstanding Team Physician by the Ohio State Medical Association (2008), Best Doctors in Northeast Ohio (2009-2022), the Dr. Carl Krill Award for humanism and excellence in the field of medicine from the Knights of Columbus (2013),Sports & Exercise Medicine Godfather, Cleveland Clinic (aka Warthog Society) (2017), the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Thomas Shaffer National Award for significant contributions to the field of sports medicine (2018), was inducted to the Diocese of Cleveland CYO Hall of Fame in (2019), NEOMED Distinguished Alumni Award (2024).
He is also a lead author on the American Academy of Pediatrics’ Baseball/Softball Policy Statement issued March 2012. Dr. Congeni’s media events vary from appearing on NBC’s TODAY Show in 2009 to his appearance on a PBS documentary entitled “The Smartest Team” in 2012 and a Sports Illustrated segment in 2014. He also has been appearing on a weekly radio sports medicine segment since 1995. In addition, he does about 10-15 media appearances and 25-35 speaking engagements, locally, regionally, and nationally per year. Joe and his wife Karen have six children.
Blaise L Congeni, MD
Joseph A. Congeni, M.D. is the emeritus Medical Director of the Sports Medicine Center at Akron Children's Hospital as well as Professor of Pediatrics at Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED), and Clinical Professor of Pediatrics and Sports Medicine at Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine. He developed the Primary Care Pediatrics Sports Medicine Fellowship at Akron Children's Hospital, the first of its kind at a pediatric hospital in the U.S. in (1990). He is a (1980) graduate of the University of Notre Dame; and received his medical degree from NEOMED in (1984). Dr. Congeni is currently a team physician for Archbishop Hoban High School since (1988).
He has won many awards including: the OHSAA Respect the Game Award (2004-2005), the Ohio Athletic Trainer's Association’s Team Physician of the Year Award (2008), and Ohio Outstanding Team Physician by the Ohio State Medical Association (2008), Best Doctors in Northeast Ohio (2009-2024), the Dr. Carl Krill Award for humanism and excellence in the field of medicine from the Knights of Columbus (2013), Sports & Exercise Medicine Godfather, Cleveland Clinic (aka Warthog Society) (2017), the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Thomas Shaffer National Award for significant contributions to the field of sports medicine (2018) and was inducted to the Diocese of Cleveland CYO Hall of Fame in (2019). Dr. Congeni was awarded an endowed chair in Sports Medicine by the Scala family through the hospital foundation in 2023. In 2024, he was awarded the distinguished alumni award from the Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED).
He is also a lead author on the American Academy of Pediatrics’ Baseball/Softball Policy Statement issued March 2012. Dr. Congeni’s media events vary from appearing on NBC’s TODAY Show in 2009 to his appearance on a PBS documentary entitled “The Smartest Team” in 2012 and a Sports Illustrated segment in 2014. He also has been appearing on a weekly radio sports medicine segment since 1995. In addition, he has done about 10-15 media appearances and multiple speaking engagements, locally, regionally, and nationally per year. In January of 2024, his publication entitled “Reduced Concussion Symptom Burden in Early Adolescent Athletes Using a Head – Neck Cooling Device,” was published in the Clinical Journal of Sports Medicine. It was a multicenter study with five centers directed out of the Research Institute at Akron Children’s Hospital and he was the principle investigator. Dr. Congeni has involvement in 34 publications through Google Scholar and an H-index of 17. Joe and his wife Karen have six children and ten grandchildren and counting.
Shawn K. Conner, MD
Dr. Shawn K. Conner is a private practice Family Physician in the northern suburbs of Detroit, Michigan. He completed medical school at Wayne State University in Detroit and attended residency at Genesys Regional Medical Center near Flint, Michigan. He started a solo Family Medicine practice from scratch in the area where he grew up, and has been in practice there for almost 20 years.
Dr. Conner places a strong emphasis on the personal relationships he establishes with his patients, and in 2013 he was voted as "Best of the Best" Primary Care Doctor in Oakland County, Michigan. His office has been recognized as a Patient Centered Medical Home since the program inception. Dr. Conner greatly values education, and teaches medical students from both Wayne State University in Detroit as well as Michigan State University in East Lansing. He also serves as faculty for the American Academy of Family Physicians where he teaches other primary care providers at medical conferences across the country.
Dr. Conner has practice interests in Dermatology, Upper Respiratory, and Preventive Health. He is actively involved in his community, serving on the local Corridor Improvement Authority, and he serves as an assistant coach on an adult soccer team.
Daniel Cox, PhD
Dr. Cox has spent much of his professional career as a National Institutes of Health investigator studying how behavior effects blood glucose among adults with type 1 diabetes and how extreme blood glucose effects behavior. He has published over 250 scientific articles and secured over $25 million of research funding.
In 2010, he experienced unexpected weight loss, blurring of his vision, excessive thirst and frequent urination. One night while returning to bed after a trip to the bathroom, it struck him that he had type 2 diabetes. The next morning this was confirmed when going to his office and measuring his blood glucose. Realizing he would prefer not take medication and he was not optimistic about loosing 6% of his body weight, he personally investigated the benefits of controlling his blood glucose by reducing certain carbohydrates and increasing his physical activity, and confirming the impact of these behavior changes with blood glucose monitoring. After 9 months he lowered his A1c from 10.3 to 5.6. He has been able to keep his A1c below 6.0 for the last 12 years on no medication and with the significant support of his wife, Debbie. Following his initial success, he investigated whether this approach would be similarly effective for others. After 10 years of subsequent research and over $10 million of research grants, he can confidently state that Glucose Everyday Matters (GEM) is a powerful and effective tool for those inclined to follow his approach. He now hopes to step outside of the laboratory and share his findings with others also dealing with type 2 diabetes.
Jessica Crandall-Snyder, RDN, CDE
Jessica Crandall Snyder earned her Bachelor's degree at Colorado State University and completed her postgraduate work in Oneonta, New York, with rotations at Rose Medical Center. She is accredited by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
Jessica is the owner and founder of VitalRD. She caters to the diverse nutritional needs of the community. Jessica has a virtual practice, contracts with numerous doctors' offices (providing them with nutritional services), and develops and manages hospital-based outpatient programs for nutritional counseling services. She is passionate about helping consumers navigate the nutritional maze towards a healthier life in an atmosphere that is comfortable for them and conductive to learning – no matter what the setting or challenges.
As a Registered Dietitian (RDN), Jessica's passion lies in nutritional counseling in weight management, sports nutrition, bariatric education, diabetes prevention and management, cardiac diet modification, oncology nutrition and family nutrition dynamics. She also works with children with special nutritional needs and feeding disorders. Jessica is also a Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE), NASM Personal Trainer, and AAFA certified Group Fitness Instructor.
Jessica's accolades include being named 2009 Colorado Dietitian of the Year, served as Colorado Dietetic President-Elect in 2009, and President of Colorado Dietetics Association in 2010. She is a strong supporter of public policy for dietitians and their professional development. She also had the honor to be a National Media Spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics from 2010-2019. She regularly speaks for a variety of media outlets and has been quoted in numerous media outlets including WebMD, Prevention, Shape, Weight Watchers, Men's Fitness, Readers Digest, Martha Stewart Whole Living Magazines, and is frequently engaged as an expert resource regarding nutrition and health for many media outlets.
Mark Cucuzzella, MD FAAFP MHP
Dr. Mark Cucuzzella, Air Force Reserve Lieutenant Colonel (ret), practices at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Martinsburg, West Virginia. As a Professor as West Virginia University School of Medicine , Mark developed and adopted an inpatient protocol for using a low-carb diet for patients with obesity, prediabetes, and type 2 diabetes. Practicing what they preach, the hospital eliminated all sugar-sweetened beverages from the hospital. Mark was instrumental in bringing MEDCHEFS to the WVU School of Medicine in 2014 with a focus on understanding insulin resistance. An advocate for evidence based policy and education, Mark is a founding member of The Nutrition Coalition, and The Hypoglycemia Foundation and is a scientific advisor for Diet Doctor.
Mark's current research interests are diabetes remission, the use of continuous glucose monitors, and carbohydrate reduction for severe pediatric obesity. He also leads a clinical group "International Multidisciplinary Diabetes Remission Working Group" who just completed a textbook chapter on medication reduction in Type 2 diabetes adapted from the article Adapting Medication for Type 2 Diabetes to a Low Carbohydrate Diet.
Along with his colleague Dr. Cox , Mark also experienced a health challenge and transformation when he was diagnosed with maturity onset diabetes of youth in 2012 and became an early adopter of continuous glucose monitors and dietary modification for disease remission. He lives in Shepherdstown, West Virginia where he also owns a small community running store and directs running races and camps for youth and adults. His book “Run For Your Life” summarizes the science and the soul of running, nutrition, and physical activity to help you maintain a vigorous life. Visit Mark's site at www.DrMarksdesk.com.
J. David Cunningham, Jr., MD, FACS
David Cunningham MD completed his medical training at Thomas Jefferson University as well as an Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery residency in 1984. He was in private practice in suburban Philadelphia and was an academic instructor in Otolaryngology with both the University of Pennsylvania and Thomas Jefferson until moving to North Carolina in 2001. He is presently practicing at UNC Ear Nose and Throat, associated with University of North Carolina since March of 2018 and is an associate Professor of Otolaryngology with Campbell University Medical College since 2014. He is board certified in Otolaryngology in 1984 and with subspecialty Sleep Medicine in 2008.
Tara Dall, MD, FNLA
In 2008, Dr. Dall formed the Early Detection Center for heart disease and diabetes near Madison, Wisconsin and served as a clinical associate professor for the Medical College of Wisconsin. Two years later, she brought her fight against heart disease to the web, co-founding Lecturepad.org and FHITtv.org, web platforms that advance clinical understanding and application of advanced lipid and biomarker testing.
For 3 years Dr. Dall served as Chief Medical Officer of Health Diagnostic Laboratory. As an author and educator on biomarker research focused on the role that insulin resistance plays in diabetes prevention she has expanded the education of physicians to prevent chronic disease. She has a special interest in insulin resistance's role in cardiovascular disease, women's heart disease, Autoimmune disease, polycystic ovarian syndrome, and obesity. She also serves as chief of cardiometabolic education at the non-profit Foundation for Health Improvement and Technology (FHIT).
Known for her passionate delivery of complex medical topics in patient-friendly terms, Dr. Dall is a sought after speaker, traveling the world to present research on advanced biomarkers. She is a also a regular go-to for reporters, appearing on Bloomberg News, CBS Sports, CNN Radio, Reach MD Satellite Radio, and RadioHealth Journal. She was also a regular guest on KTXD-TV's The Broadcast in Dallas, as well as programs on wabcradio.com (Optimal wellness and Forever Young). She continues to practice medicine as a physician founder of AvanceMD Concierge in Richmond, VA which incorporates cutting edge web based technology to the human touch of medicine, providing services to local as well as national and international clients.
Lindsey Dalton, PharmD
Lindsey Dalton is a pharmacist who specializes in functional medicine, with a passion for empowering individuals to reduce and manage stress, optimize gut health, and address eczema through holistic approaches. With over 11 years of experience in community pharmacy, Lindsey felt a deep yearning to shift her focus toward uncovering the root causes of health issues and promoting wellness through lifestyle interventions.
Driven by a commitment to comprehensive care, Lindsey advocates for a personalized, patient-centered approach that emphasizes the interconnectedness of lifestyle choices and overall health. Her mission is to educate and empower individuals to take charge of their well-being by understanding and addressing the underlying factors contributing to their health challenges.
Lindsey holds a PharmD and continues to stay at the forefront of functional medicine practices, blending her expertise in pharmacology with a holistic perspective. Through her practice, Lindsey strives to make a meaningful difference in the lives of her clients, guiding them toward sustainable health and vitality.
Elliot Davidson, MD, FAAFP
Dr. Elliot Davidson is the Medical Director of the Center for Family Medicine (CFM) at Cleveland Clinic Akron General in Akron, Ohio.
He is Professor of Family and Community Medicine at Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED) and Clinical Professor of Family Medicine at Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine (OUHCOM). He serves on many committees and is Co-Chair of the Ethics Committee. He is past Chairman of the Board of Partners Physician Group, the Private Practice of Akron General Health System.
Dr. Davidson is passionate about the prevention of heart disease and has published in and has been a reviewer for the Journal of Clinical Lipidology. He is a leader in test taking preparation and has presented on this topic at many local and national meetings and worked individually with many learners. For the 11 years he was a Family Medicine Program Director from 2008 to 2019 his graduates had a 100% pass rate on their first attempt on the American Board of Family Medicine Certifying Examination. He is actively engaged in teaching many medical and pharmacy students, and family medicine residents. In 2022, he received the Outstanding Family Medicine Faculty Award from OUHCOM and Cleveland Clinic. In 2023, he was presented with the Medical Education Leadership Award from Cleveland Clinic Akron General.
Dr. Davidson graduated from both Kent State University (Summa cum Laude) and NEOMED in 1982 and did his Family Medicine Residency at Akron General Medical Center.
He is married, has four children and one granddaughter (so far).
Dereck DeLeon, MD
Dr. Dereck DeLeon has been a Family Physician with Kaiser Permanente in San Diego, California for the past 22 years and was the Program Director for the Kaiser Permanente Family Medicine Residency Program in San Diego as well as the Southern California Regional Chair for Diversity in Graduate Medical Education Committee.
He was also the Co-Chair of the San Diego Graduate Medical Education Committee and the Chair of the San Diego, Innovation in Quality Education and Transformation Committee at Kaiser Permanente San Diego.
His leadership background also includes being on the Association of Family Medicine Residency Director Education and Program Director Development Committee as well past Chair of the Kaiser Permanente San Diego Continuing Medical Education Committee .He also has completed numerous Fellowships in Leadership, Faculty Development and Curriculum Design and Assessment.
Dr. DeLeon also maintains a busy clinical practice with Kaiser Permanente. He holds the appointment of Associate Clinical Professor in the Department of Family Medicine and Preventative Medicine at the University of California, San Diego.
One of Dr DeLeon's passions is in developing community programs that seek to expose those from underrepresented backgrounds to the health care profession as well as to educate other healthcare providers around the issues of health inequities in our communities. Dr DeLeon help pioneer the Kaiser Permanente/ San Ysidro High School Summer Urban Fellowship which has helped provide the education/mentoring and role modeling for local high school, college and medical students from underrepresented groups ,who seek careers in medicine .
Dr. DeLeon has been an invited speaker at numerous venues and has presented numerous scholarly work at, the AAFP Annual Scientific Assembly , the AAFP Program Directors Workshop , the University of California San Diego School of Medicine , and the AAMC Minority Student Workshop among others.
Tammie Lee Demler, PharmD, BS Pharm, MBA, RPh, BCGP, BCPP
Tammie Lee Demler received her Doctor of Pharmacy, Master of Business Administration, and Bachelor of Science degrees at the State University of New York (SUNY) at Buffalo.
Dr Demler is a dually Board-Certified Specialist in both Psychiatric and Geriatric Pharmacy and is currently the Director of Pharmacy Services and Pharmacy residency training at the New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH) at the Buffalo Psychiatric Center.
She holds numerous academic appointments, including Clinical Associate Professor for SUNY Buffalo School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Clinical Assistant Professor at SUNY School of Medicine Department of Psychiatry, D'Youville College School of Pharmacy, University of Florida School of Pharmacy, and Clinical Instructor for the Erie County Community College Pharmacy Technician Certification Program.
She collaborates with both the National Association of the Boards of Pharmacy (NABP) and the Board of Pharmaceutical Specialties (BPS) to develop board examinations that establish the minimum competencies expected for new practitioners for practice in an ever changing clinical environment. Prior to embarking on her academic and institutional career, Dr. Demler's clinical practice focused on ambulatory care in community pharmacy.
Dr. Demler has authored and co-authored numerous original research articles and expert reviews for print media. She is a regular contributor to U.S. Pharmacist and reviewer for Pharmacist's Letter.
Prior to launching Pharmacotherapeutics for Advanced Nursing Practice, Dr. Demler authored a chapter on insomnia in the American College of Clinical Pharmacy's (ACCP's) Ambulatory Care Self-Assessment. She also has provided expert pharmacotherapeutic consultation for other books such as the Side Effects of Drugs: Annual Volume 36 and Clinical Consult to Psychiatric Nursing for Advanced Practice . She has presented medication continuing education programs internationally and nationally, and is an Academic Educator for the New York State Medicaid Prescriber Education program sponsored by the New York Department of Health.
Dr. Demler served as President of both the Pharmacists Society of the State of New York and the Pharmacists Association of Western New York. Dr. Demler is also a local media personality, hosting her own weekly TV talk show as well as a weekly community affairs radio segment. She has won a number of prestigious national, state, and local awards acknowledging both her professional and community-based contributions.
Nihar R. Desai, MD, MPH
Nihar R. Desai, MD, MPH is an Associate Professor of Medicine and Associate Chief of the Section of Cardiovascular Medicine at Yale University School of Medicine, an Investigator at the Center for Outcomes Research and Evaluation, and Medical Director for Value Innovation at the Yale New Haven Health System Heart and Vascular Center. His interests focus on cardiovascular health services and comparative effectiveness research, examining patterns of care, identifying opportunities to improve clinical outcomes, and evaluating the impact of novel care delivery systems on cost and quality. In addition, he serves as a clinical consultant on the CMS acute myocardial infarction, heart failure, and coronary artery bypass graft surgery readmission and mortality measures. He graduated with highest honors from Lehigh University before completing an internship in the Clinton White House. He then attended the University of Connecticut School of Medicine where he received his Doctorate in Medicine and the Harvard School of Public Health where he received his Master’s in Public Health. Dr. Desai completed his residency training in Internal Medicine as well as his clinical fellowship in Cardiovascular Medicine at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School. He then completed a research fellowship at the TIMI Study Group with Dr. Eugene Braunwald. His scholarly work has been published in New England Journal of Medicine, Journal of the American Medical Association, Circulation, and the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.
Kristen Bell DeTienne, MA, PhD
Dr. Kristen DeTienne is a tenured Professor at Brigham Young University. She earned her doctorate from the University of Southern California. Professor DeTienne has published over 100 articles and books in management and business. In 2020 she was named the Outstanding Professor and in 2017 she received the teaching excellence award at her school. Kristen has been a Visiting Professor in Germany and in Poland.
Dr. DeTienne's research has received international recognition. Her research was selected for Best of the American Bar Association, outstanding article of the year by the Association for Business Communication, Best of Conference at the Organizational Behavior Teaching Conference, and Best Paper from the Southwest Academy of Management. She received the Outstanding Paper Award for her article in Competitiveness Review. Professor DeTienne was named a Beckham Scholar at BYU.
Professor DeTienne's research on the health impacts of stress has been published in the Journal of Health and Human Services Administration and in the Journal of Business Ethics and has been cited hundreds of times. Dr. DeTienne's recent research examines mental health in organizations. In 2020 and 2022 her work on managing employees with depression was published by Harvard Business Review. Her work on negotiating with those suffering from mental health problems was published in Harvard's Negotiation Journal. Professor DeTienne enjoys translating best practices in management into practical, hands-on lessons for medical professionals and other practitioners. Dr. DeTienne has consulted to numerous organizations, including Partners Personnel, Cisco, eBay, Discover Card, PricewaterhouseCoopers, Entrada and Zions Bancorp.
Joseph Dituri, PhD, CDR, USN (ret)
Dr. Dituri aka Dr. Deep Sea is a retired US Naval officer, and University of South Florida educator who holds a doctorate in biomedical engineering. His research focuses on life support systems, hyperbaric & hypobaric medicine, high CO₂ environments, and traumatic brain injury. He serves as Director of the International Board of Undersea Medicine (IBUM), CEO of the Association for Marine Exploration, and Chairman of the Florida Explorer’s Club, combining his passion for exploration, discovery, and impactful scientific contributions.
Michael J. Drescher, MD, FACEP
Dr Drescher graduated from the University of Michigan in 1982 with a BA in economics after writing his senior thesis on “Jewish and Arab Economies in Mandatory Palestine.” Upon graduating from the U of M he moved to Israel where after performing his military service as an infantry rifleman he began his medical school studies at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem Hadassah Medical School where he graduated in 1992. After marrying his wife Yosefa, Michael returned to the US and completed a residency at the University of Connecticut School of Medicine Emergency Medicine Residency, staying on as faculty and in charge of research for the residency as well as an attending physician at Hartford Hospital Emergency Department.
In 2000 Dr Drescher and his family moved back to Israel where he worked as an attending physician in the ED at the Sheba Medical Center in Tel Hashomer, Israel where he was interim head of the Trauma service and of the ED until 2005. Those were years of unrest in Israel with terrorist attacks happening with relative frequency affecting both work in the ED and life outside.
From 2005 -2010 moved back to Connecticut where he was the Associate Chief of Emergency Medicine at Hartford Hospital and after another move from 2015-2022 was the Chief of EM at Beilinson Hospital, Rabin Medical Center, in Petah Tikvah, Israel.
Dr Drescher has published over 40 peer reviewed articles, with a research interest in emergency radiology, pain control, clinical decision making among other topics.
From 2018-2022 he was the Chairman of the Israel Association for Emergency Medicine and worked on the advancement of the specialty in Israel. He is Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine at UCONN school of medicine and visiting Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine at the Tel Aviv University School of Medicine.
Glenn E. DuPont, DDS
He is a meticulous restorative dentist who excels in functional esthetics, so his contributions are much appreciated."
Doctor Peter E. Dawson, Functional Occlusion From TMJ to Smile Design, Mosby, 2007.
Madison Dyck, Marketing Strategist
Madison Dyck is a marketing strategist, creative lead, and business development professional with a foundation in neuroscience and human biology. She has worked at the intersection of science, longevity, and innovation, helping pioneering companies translate cutting-edge research into market-ready solutions. With an extensive background in marketing, digital media, and brand strategy, Madison not only drives business growth but also leads creative direction—producing interviews, speaking engagements, and high-impact content that builds thought leadership and amplifies influence. Her expertise spans brand storytelling, digital growth strategy, and business development within the biotech, wellness, and health-tech industries.
David S. Edwards, MD
From self-publishing a 100 page Emergency Medicine book during residency to pioneering novel simulation strategies using gaming engines and telemedicine, Dr. Edwards has made his career around medical education. The recipient of multiple teaching awards, he continues to look for ways to make learning medicine fun and efficient. After working a decade at a top teaching hospital in Miami where he directed resident education as the Associate Program director, directed med student education as the Clerkship Director, and started and ran the simulation program for the entire hospital as Medical Simulation Director, he now brings his enthusiasm to the Florida Athletic Commission where - when he is not competing himself - you can find him ringside taking care of the professional fighters and training new doctors in this niche field.
Duane C. Eichler, PhD
Duane C. Eichler, Ph.D. is currently a Distinguished University Professor Emeritus in the Department of Molecular Medicine, Morsani College of Medicine at the University of SouthFlorida. When he retired in June, 2012, Dr. Eichler was Professor and Vice Chair of Molecular Medicine, he held two joint appointments; one as Professor in the Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes, and the other as Professor in the School of Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation Sciences. He was also the Basic Science Director of the Signature Interdisciplinary Program in Cardiovascular Research at USF Health.
He received his undergraduate training at San Jose State University in Chemistry with a concentration in Biochemistry, and graduated with Great Distinction. He received his Ph.D. from UCLA in Biological Chemistry followed by postdoctoral training at Stanford University, School of Medicine. In June, 1977, he joined the Department of Biochemistry (renamed Molecular Medicine), in the College of Medicine at the University of South Florida.
Dr. Eichler is still active providing invited talks and consultations, and currently chair’s The Villages Community Advisory Council with oversight of cooperative university related clinical research activities.
Mark Eisenberg, MD, MPH, FACC, FAHA
Dr. Eisenberg is a James McGill Professor of Medicine at McGill University and a Staff Cardiologist at the Jewish General Hospital. He is an Associate Member of the McGill Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics, and Occupational Health. In addition to his clinical responsibilities, Dr. Eisenberg is Director of the McGill MD-PhD Program, as well as Director of the Cardiovascular Health Services Research Group of the Jewish General Hospital and a Senior Investigator at the Centre for Clinical Epidemiology and Community Studies.
Dr. Eisenberg was born in Rochester, New York. He completed a BA in Chemistry in 1980 at Cornell University, followed by an MD at the University of Rochester. After completing his MD, Dr. Eisenberg did a residency in internal medicine at McGill University, a Master’s of Public Health at Harvard University, a research fellowship in echocardiography and epidemiology and a cardiology fellowship at the University of California in San Francisco. In 1995, Dr. Eisenberg completed an interventional cardiology fellowship at the Cleveland Clinic.
In 2008-2009, Dr. Eisenberg spent a year in Israel as a visiting professor in the Department of Human Metabolism and Nutrition at the Joseph H. and Belle R. Braun Hebrew University, Hadassah School of Public Health and Community Medicine. During this sabbatical, he also completed an International Master’s of Health Leadership at McGill University.
Over the course of his career, Dr. Eisenberg has published over 300 articles in peer-reviewed journals and participated in multiple collaborative works. In addition, Dr. Eisenberg has authored four books.
Osman El-Labban, MD
Dr. Osman’s interest in medicine started early in his life and developed with days till his graduation as family physician from American University of Beirut (A.U. B.) in 1985, which allowed him to reflect this interest through outmost caring & commitments to his patients.
His patients can feel how easily he can gain rapport with them, allowing them comfortably to approach him for any health problem, and on how much he cares for their safety. In addition, he has the talent of explaining health problems in a very simple way that helped him to be a popular public speaker and writer of medical articles aiming to educate general public.
He started his career by working in the staff clinic of A.U.B., untili he moved to primary healthcare department of Dubai Health Authority(DHA) to be the first family physician in Dubai in 1986.
In DHA, he could prove himself and attain different posts as doctor in charge for different health centers, member of executive committee of the department and up to co-director of the family medicine residency program In DHA. During these years, he succeeded in different endeavors, which varied from managerial, clinical, to academic, all of which helped him in building his reputation, fame and identity as one of the pioneer family physicians in UAE.
The opportunity came few years ago to move to the private sector, when he joined Al Zahra hospital Dubai where he could achieve further success by establishing the family medicine department in the hospital, allowing him to serve as a role model of the family physician with various potentials in the hospital settings.
He has been chosen among the top 25 family physicians in Dubai & has achieved the first rank leader of the team of the year 2017 at Al Zahra Hospital Dubai.
The future still promises for more challenges …. By employing his accumulated expertise over 30 years, he is still seeking an opportunity to broaden his responsibilities in both clinical & managerial fields of healthcare, where he will be then steer a bigger team of physicians who can provide a higher standard of healthcare and excellence.
Uriel Elchalal MD
Born - July 8, 1956 in Israel. Doctor of Medicine, Ben-Gurion University, Israel, 1984. Resident in obstetrics and gynecology Kaplan University Hospital, Rehovot, Israel. 1985-1991. Chief physician Ob/Gyn Hadassah University Hospital, Jerusalem, since 1993. Research Fellowship in reproductive sciences - Barns Jewish Hospital, St. Louis Miss. USA 2003-2004.
Associate Prof. Ob/Gyn Hebrew University, Hadassah School Medicine, Jerusalem since 2009. Head of high risk pregnancy outpatient clinic, Hadassah Ein Kerem medical center.
Head of high risk pregnancy outpatient clinic, Hadassah Ein Kerem medical center. Head of Maccabi women outpatient health center in Jerusalem. Vice Dean&dasg; Student affairs Faculty of Medicine Hadassah Hebrew University. Contributor of over 100 articles to professional journals and author of 3 books in Obstetrics Gynecology and Reproduction (Hebrew).
Pamela Ellsworth, MD
Dr. Pamela Ellsworth is a Professor of Pediatric Urology at the University of Central Florida College of Medicine and the former Chief of Pediatric Urology at Nemours Children's Hospital in Orlando.
Dr. Ellsworth graduated Summa Cum Laude from Boston College and received her medical degree from the University of Massachusetts Medical School. She completed her urology residency at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center and her pediatric urology fellowship at the University of Florida/Nemours Jacksonville.
An accomplished educator, Dr. Ellsworth was awarded an Honorary AOA for her teaching skills while at Dartmouth-Hitchcock. She became the first female full-time surgeon to achieve the rank of full professor at Brown University, where she also received a resident teaching award.
She is the author of over 100 peer-reviewed publications, over 24 book chapters, and several books for the layperson, including the 100 Questions and Answers about Prostate Cancer series. Dr. Ellsworth is actively involved in the education of medical students, residents, and advanced practice providers and has presented her work regionally, nationally, and internationally.
Carol Lynn Esposito, Ed.D., JD, MS, RN-BC, NPD
Dr. Esposito is a Malpractice Attorney with over 25 years of experience in medical and nursing malpractice, Healthcare law specialist, and Registered Professional Nurse whose nursing areas of concentration included cardiac and medical/surgical clinical specialties.
Dr. Esposito is a doctorly prepared educator and has directed the design, development, implementation and evaluation of the New York State Nurses Association’s nursing practice, labor and employment law, and occupational health and safety continuing education programs for more than 20 years.
Marshall D. Fagin, DDS Prosthodontist
Dr. Marshall Fagin is a Prosthodontist and as an international lecturer and educator for over 35 years, he frequently updates his colleagues on the most recent advances in his specialty, including cosmetic and implant dentistry and on complex major crown and bridge cases.
In 2013 he received the highest honor given by his local Dental Society, the coveted Frank Stone Award, for his many years of contributions to dentistry, dental education and to organized dentistry. While in private practice, he is also a part-time Associate Professor at SUNY’s Dental School in the Post-Grad Prosthodontic Residency Program and was instrumental in starting implant dentistry education there in the late 1980’s.
He has conducted several “Hands-On” courses for dentists on “Anterior Esthetic Makeovers” at the school’s Esthetic Dentistry Education Center and for the University of Florida School of Dentistry’s Mastership Program in Fixed Prosthetics as well as Esthethics and Implant courses for AGD chapters.
Dr. Fagin served as Prosthodontist adviser and presentor for several Implant Study Clubs over the past 26 years. He presents for Dental Laboratories around the country to help dentists get back to the basics so labs can provide them with better outcomes. He was voted by his colleagues to “Best Dentists in America” 2004/2005 and 2013, “Global Who’s Who Man of the Year” in Dental Health 2008, “Top Dentists” 2008/2014/2015/2017/2018 and was elected to faculty membership in the Honorary Dental Society Omicron Kappa Upsilon.
He was awarded Diplomat status in the International Congress of Oral Implantologists in 1994 and is a Fellowship recipient of the International College of Dentists for his contributions to Dentistry. Dr. Fagin also served on faculty for the Misch Implant Institute 1991-1993 (Detroit, Michigan) and 2005-2006 (Rochester, NY).
David B. Feller, MD
Dr. Feller received all of his medical training (medical school and residency) in Gainesville at the University of Florida, College of Medicine. He did clinical practice for 5 years and then joined the faculty of the Family Medicine Residency Program. He is currently the Vice Chair for Clinical Operations and director of behavioral medicine.
He has received several awards for his teaching including Clinical Science Teacher of the year by medical students, Exemplary Teaching Award from the College of Medicine, Teacher of the year by Family Medicine Residents, and Exemplary Teaching Award by the FAFP. His academic interests include integrative medicine and behavioral medicine.
Lisa Ferentz, MSW, LCSW-C, DAPA
Lisa Ferentz is a recognized expert in the strengths-based, de-pathologized treatment of trauma and has been in private practice for over 41 years. She presents workshops and keynote addresses to medical and mental health providers nationally and internationally and is a clinical consultant to practitioners and mental health agencies in the United States, Canada, the UK, Italy, Ireland, Spain, Israel, Australia, and South Korea.
She has been an Adjunct Faculty member at several universities and is the Founder of "The Ferentz Institute," now in its nineteenth year of providing continuing education to mental health professionals and graduating thousands of clinicians from her two Certificate Programs in Advanced Trauma Treatment. In 2009, she was voted the "Social Worker of Year" by the Maryland Society for Clinical Social Work.
Lisa is the author of "Treating Self-Destructive Behaviors in Traumatized Clients: A Clinician's Guide," now in its second edition, "Letting Go of Self-Destructive Behaviors: A Workbook of Hope and Healing," and "Finding Your Ruby Slippers: Transformative Life Lessons From the Therapist's Couch." She also hosted a weekly radio talk show, writes blogs and articles for websites on trauma, attachment, self-destructive behaviors, and self-care, teaches on many webinars, and is a contributor to Psychologytoday.com. You can follow Lisa's work on her website, theferentzinstitute.com, YouTube, LinkedIn, and Twitter.
Kevin Scott Ferentz, MD
In 2012 Dr. Ferentz retired as an Associate Professor in the Department of Family Medicine at the University of Maryland School of Medicine after 25 years on the faculty. During those years he served as the Director of Student and Employee Health, the Director of Clinical Operations for the department, and as Residency Director for 12 years. He went on to serve as the Chief Medical Officer for Baltimore Medical System, Inc. – the largest group of Federally Qualified Health Centers in Maryland, responsible for approximately 60 clinicians serving in six medical centers and eight school based health centers, caring for 45,000 patients and providing 155,000 visits per year. He then worked as the Medical Director of the Randallstown office of Chase Brexton Health Care. He is currently the Chairman of the Department of Family Medicine at the Greater Baltimore Medical Center (GBMC) and the Lead Physician for the GBMC Health Partners Primary Care offices at Owings Mills. Dr. Ferentz is a Clinical Associate Professor in the Department of Family Medicine at the University of Maryland and continues to educate medical students on a regular basis. Dr. Ferentz has authored more than three dozen articles and book chapters concerning issues in Family Medicine. His academic work centered on Smoking Cessation, and the recognition and treatment of Depression in primary care. He received more than two dozen teaching awards, including two national awards: the Exemplary Teaching Award from the American Academy of Family Physicians and the Outstanding Program Director Award from the Association of Family Practice Residency Directors. He was named one of the Best Family Physicians by Baltimore Magazine in 1997, 2000, 2002, 2007, 2010, 2017, 2018, and 2020. The Ladies Home Journal named him one of the best Family Physicians in America in 2002. He was named to Best Doctors in America in 1998, 2002, 2006, 2009, 2011 and 2013. He appears in Who's Who in America in 2004, 2005, 2006, and 2011. Dr. Ferentz provides continuing medical education lectures for several national CME providers. Dr. Ferentz is a past-President of the Maryland Academy of Family Physicians and served on several committees and commissions for the American Academy of Family Physicians. He has done hundreds of media spots on TV and for eight years he was the regular host of Sunday Rounds, the largest medical call-in show on public radio, heard nationwide, and around the world on the Armed Forces Radio Network and the Internet.
Thomas M File Jr., MD, MSc, MACP, FIDSA, FCCP
Thomas M. File Jr., MD, MSc, is the Distinguished Physician of the Infectious Disease Division at Summa Health in Akron, Ohio, and Professor Emeritus of Internal Medicine and Master Teacher at Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED). After graduating from the University of Michigan School of Medicine, he received his Master of Science in medical microbiology and completed his fellowship in infectious diseases at Ohio State University.
Dr. File is a past President of the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) and a past President of the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID). He is a Master of the American College of Physicians, a Fellow of the American College of Chest Physicians, and was a founding member of the Northeastern Ohio Task Force on AIDS.
His primary research interests include respiratory tract infections, particularly community-acquired pneumonia, antimicrobial stewardship, and adult immunizations. A frequent national and international lecturer, he has published more than 250 articles and textbook chapters and serves as Editor-in-Chief of Infectious Diseases in Clinical Practice.
In recognition of his contributions, he received the IDSA's Watanakunakorn Clinician Award in 2013, the NFID's John P. Utz Leadership Award in 2017, and the Distinguished Physician Award from Summa Health in 2023.
Gregory Firestone, PhD
Gregory Firestone served on standing alternative dispute resolution committees of the Florida Supreme Court for more than two decades (including seven years as Vice Chair of the Court's Alternative Dispute Resolution Rules and Policy Committee) and as Official Observer (on behalf of the Association for Conflict Resolution and the Academy of Family Mediators) to the National Conference of Commissioners on Uniform State Laws Uniform Mediation Act Drafting Committee.
Dr. Firestone is a psychologist, mediator, mediation trainer and dispute resolution system consultant and has maintained a private mediation practice since 1984. Gregory Firestone is a practicing 1) Florida Supreme Court certified Appellate, Circuit Court, Dependency, and Family Mediator, 2) Association for Conflict Resolution (ACR) Advanced Practitioner, and 3) Diplomate Member of the Florida Academy of Professional Mediator.
Dr. Firestone has lectured and published widely in the field of mediation including a recent article he co-authored on mandatory pre-suit medical malpractice mediation and is co-author of Mediation Works: Make it Work for You, a mediation orientation video produced by the Florida Supreme Court Dispute Resolution Center.
April S. Fitzgerald, MD, M.Ed, MBA, FACP
Dr. April Fitzerald is a board-certified internal medicine physician specializing in outpatient primary care. She graduated from the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine and completed residency at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston. She has a Master's of Education in the Health Professions from Johns Hopkins University and a Master's of Business from the University of Virginia.
Robert Fogerty, MD, MPH, SFHM
After receiving his Bachelor’s degree in Economics from Boston College, Robert L. Fogerty received his MD and MPH degrees from Northwestern University and completed training in Internal Medicine at Yale New Haven Hospital. In 2011, he joined the Yale faculty as a founding member of the Academic Hospitalist Program. His academic interests include safety and quality of care in the inpatient setting and cost-effective care. Publications include the Journal of Hospital Medicine, JAMA Internal Medicine, and The New England Journal of Medicine.
He is the Co-Founder and Past-President of the Society of Hospital Medicine Connecticut Chapter. He also served as the Co-Director of the Future Leaders and VITAL training programs for the High Value Practice Academic Alliance (HVPAA) and is the Co-Founder and a Steering Committee Member of the Hospital Capacity Management Consortium, for which he previously served as Steering Committee Chair.
In his current role as Senior Medical Director, Clinical Leadership, Dr. Fogerty reports to the Chief Medical Officer and works to support medical directors across multiple clinical disciplines in clinical operations, professional development, and corporate compliance.
Elisabeth Fowlie Mock, MD, MPH, FAAFP
Elisabeth Fowlie Mock, MD, MPH, FAAFP, attended Colby College, Emory University, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine and UNC Chapel Hill School of Public Health. She is Board Certified in Family Medicine and Addiction Medicine and works primarily as a consultant and clinical educator with per diem hospitalist shifts where she continues to teach residents and students. She serves on the board of directors of the American Academy of Family Physicians. Her passions are travel, women’s basketball and public speaking with Toastmasters. She lives in Bangor, Maine, and enjoys spending time with her three (doodle) dogs.
Dr. Mock spent several years as a family medicine residency faculty member and has been delivering CME lectures and workshops since 2011. She is trained in an educational technique known as Academic Detailing. She has worked in a variety of clinical settings including at a low barrier opioid treatment clinic at a Federally Qualified Health Center and as an adult hospitalist at a community referral hospital. Her QI work with chronic pain, controlled substance prescribing and addiction dates back to 2014. She strives to develop interactive workshops that are practical and actionable for practicing physicians and providers and has focused on being an engaging and enthusiastic presenter for 2 decades. Her work with opioid continuing education has reached several thousand providers in her home state. She considers herself a community-based academic.
Will Frye, PhD, BCB, ABPP
Will Frye, PhD, BCB, ABPP is a Pediatric Psychologist at Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital (JHACH) who specializes in evidence-based treatment of youth with chronic pain and complex medical conditions. He has an Assistant Professor, part time, faculty appointment at Johns Hopkins University. Dr. Frye earned his doctoral degree in clinical psychology from Auburn University. He completed a pre-doctoral internship in pediatric psychology at Children’s Mercy Hospital and a postdoctoral fellowship in chronic pain at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. Dr. Frye’s research interests include the experience of patients living with chronic illness, parental impact on pain response, pain catastrophizing, and improving access to care
Dr. Frye provides clinical care to patients at JHACH through the interdisciplinary chronic pain clinic, inpatient consultation, outpatient psychology services, and the intensive inpatient Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Rehab Program. He also leads Camp Wellness at JHACH, which is an outpatient half-day pain management program. Dr. Frye has additional areas of clinical specialty including program development and biofeedback.
Rebecca Levy-Gantt, DO
Dr. Rebecca Levy-Gantt is a Board Certified ObGyn and a certified menopause practitioner who has been practicing for the last 10 years in Napa, California. She is originally from New York City, where she grew up and went to medical school at the NY College of Osteopathic Medicine, graduating in 1992.
She practiced on Long Island for 11 years before moving to Napa. Her special interests are menopause management, including hormones and alternative management strategies, as well as vaginal and vulvar pain syndromes.
She owns a solo private practice which has been growing for the past 5 years, teaches medical students from Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine, and spends her free time teaching, traveling, running and writing.
Boris Garber, DO
After completing an Emergency Medicine Residency in Stony Brook Medical center in Stony Brook NY, he worked in community Emergency medicine in central Illinois for three years, then was hired to Metrohealth Medical center in 2005.
He is an attending physician in MetroHealth Medical center, faculty in the EMS fellowship, Fellow of American College of Emergency Physicians, Assistant Professor in Case western Reserve School of medicine, and Medical Director for Cuyahoga County College paramedic program.
Robert Gauer, MD
Dr. Robert Gauer earned his medical degree from Wake Forest University School of Medicine and completed his residency training in Family Medicine at DeWitt Army Medical Center, Fort Belvoir, Virginia. He is board certified by the American Board of Family Medicine, completed a Faculty Development Fellowship at the University of North Carolina, and holds a Designation of Focused Practice in Hospital Medicine. Dr. Gauer has held leadership roles in graduate medical education, including service as Associate Director of Residency Training for the Army’s largest Family Medicine program. He currently serves as hospitalist faculty with the Internal Medicine Residency Program at Womack Army Medical Center, Fort Bragg, North Carolina. In addition to his academic responsibilities, he remains clinically active in emergency medicine at Level III and IV trauma centers, ensuring a continued integration of evidence-based practice into both teaching and patient care.
Dr. Gauer’s professional focus is graduate medical education, where he is dedicated to the training and mentorship of residents, medical students, pharmacy students, and advanced practice provider trainees. His clinical expertise encompasses the management of complex inpatient medical conditions, with particular interests in cardiology, critical care, emergency medicine, environmental medicine, diabetes, and hematology. He has authored more than 60 peer-reviewed manuscripts contributing to evidence-based clinical practice and serves as a peer reviewer for several leading journals, including The Journal of Family Practice, American Family Physician, BMJ, and JAMA. Beyond his academic and clinical roles, he enjoys international travel, cultural exploration, and European sports cars.
Felice L. Gersh, MD
Felice Gersh, M.D. is a multi-award winning physician with dual board certifications in OB-GYN and Integrative Medicine. She is the founder and director of the Integrative Medical Group of Irvine, which provides comprehensive health care for women by combining the best evidence-based therapies from conventional, naturopathic, and holistic medicine.
An active part of the PCOS community, Dr. Gersh works with the PCOS Awareness Association and is a member of the PCOS Challenge’s Medical/Scientific Advisory Board. She speaks at the annual conferences of both non-profit organizations. She is a member of the AE-PCOS Society, and has spoken multiple times at their prestigious academic meetings.
She taught obstetrics and gynecology at Keck USC School of Medicine for 12 years as an Assistant Clinical Professor, where she received the highly coveted Outstanding Volunteer Clinical Faculty Award. She now serves as an Affiliate Faculty Member at the Fellowship in Integrative Medicine, through the University of Arizona School of Medicine, where she lectures and regularly grades the case presentations written by the Fellowship students for their final exams. She has had many scientific articles published in prestigious medical journals, and most recently had an article chosen to be featured in Mayo Clinic Proceedings. Additionally, she is a sought after medical forensic expert and has worked on numerous high profile legal cases.
Felice Gersh, M.D. is the bestselling author of PCOS SOS and the PCOS SOS Fertility Fast Track and her newest book, Menopause: 50 Things You Need to Know, is now available on Amazon. She is a prolific lecturer, nationally and internationally, and has been featured in several films and documentary series, including The Real Skinny on Fat with Montel Williams and Fasting with Valter Longo, Ph.D. Dr. Gersh is regularly featured on podcasts and health summits, and has a popular health show on Instagram Live.
Hayley B. Gershengorn, MD, FCCM, ATSF
Dr. Gershengorn is a Professor in the Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine at the University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine.
She received her medical degree from Harvard Medical School and completed a residency in Internal Medicine at New York Presbyterian Hospital-Cornell and a fellowship in Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine at New York Presbyterian Hospital-Columbia.
She is Editor in Chief for CHEST Critical Care, serves on the planning committee for Critical Care for the American Thoracic Society, and is Past-Chair of the Internal Medicine Section for the Society of Critical Care Medicine.
Jonathan Glauser, MD, FACEP, MBA
Dr. Jonathan Glauser is currently Professor of Emergency Medicine at Case Western Reserve University. He is board certified in both Emergency Medicine and Pediatric Emergency Medicine.
He has been active in the education of medical students and resident training for over three decades, and is currently on the full-time faculty of the residency program in Emergency Medicine at MetroHealth Medical Center/ Cleveland Clinic.
He serves on the editorial advisory board of three publications in the field of emergency care, and is section editor in Infectious Disease for the journal Current Emergency and Hospital Medicine Reports. He lives with his wife in the greater Cleveland area.
Nicole Grams, PharmD, IFMCP
Dr. Nicole Grams, PharmD, IFMCP candidate, is a Functional Medicine pharmacist seeing patients in Wisconsin. She knows that long-lasting lifestyle changes require a great deal of inner work alongside the outer, so she combines Functional Medicine with holistic life and health coaching, creating the opportunity for patients to tap into their full potential to restore their health.
Dr. Grams graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Pharmacy (2011), founded Offbeat Health in 2019 and joined the PharmToTable team in 2020. She is currently pursuing practitioner certification through The Institute for Functional Medicine.
Jennifer Green, MD
Dr. Jennifer Green is a professor of medicine in the division of endocrinology, metabolism, and nutrition at Duke University and a faculty member of the Duke Clinical Research Institute. Dr. Green’s research has focused primarily upon strategies to treat diabetes mellitus and reduce the risk of cardiovascular and other diabetes-related complications. She is very clinically active caring for patients with a wide array of endocrine conditions, including diabetes, thyroid disease, and metabolic bone disease. She is currently a member of the American Diabetes Association’s Professional Practice Committee, which publishes the organization’s annual Standards of Care in Diabetes.
Marna Rayl Greenberg, DO, MPH, FACEP
Marna Rayl Greenberg, DO, MPH, is the Immediate Past Vice-Chair of Research for the Department of Emergency and Hospital Medicine at Lehigh Valley Health Network and a Professor at the USF Morsani College of Medicine. She is the SELECT IV Course Director and serves as a USF SELECT general and EM specialty career advisor.
Dr. Greenberg completed her medical training at Oklahoma State University, followed by an internship and residency in Emergency Medicine. She maintains board certification in both Emergency Medicine and Family Medicine. She later earned her Master of Public Health from Johns Hopkins and was certified in medical management.
She has extensive research experience related to gender differences in acute care, has received funding for projects designed to improve patient care, and has over 100 peer-reviewed publications. She serves as a journal editor for JACEP Open, for which she has received "Top Reviewer” and “Outstanding Editorial Service” awards.
Dr. Greenberg is the recipient of numerous awards, including the SELECT EM MS Teacher of the Year award (Class of 2025), the SELECT Career Advisor Award (2023, 2024), the outstanding SELECT Faculty award (2022), and the Leonard Tao Humanism Award (2021). An internationally recognized expert on sex and gender in acute care, she is the first woman and osteopathic physician to have chaired the national ACEP research committee's annual forum.
Elizabeth Grill, PsyD
Dr. Elizabeth Grill is the Director of Psychological Services at the Ronald O. Perelman and Claudia Cohen Center for Reproductive Medicine and an Associate Professor of Clinical Psychology in the Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Reproductive Medicine, and Psychiatry at Weill Cornell Medicine. She also serves as an Associate Attending Psychologist at New York-Presbyterian Hospital.
A nationally recognized expert in reproductive mental health, she holds significant leadership roles, including serving as the current Board Chair for RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association, Past Chair of the Mental Health Professional Group of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM), and Immediate Past President of the Society for Sex Therapy and Research (SSTAR). She is also the co-creator of FertiCalm and FertiStrong, pioneering digital apps designed to reduce distress for individuals experiencing infertility.
Her clinical and research focus covers the emotional aspects of infertility, IVF, third-party reproduction, oncofertility, fertility preservation, and sexual dysfunction. She earned her PsyD from the Illinois School of Professional Psychology and completed postdoctoral fellowships at Weill Cornell and New York-Presbyterian Hospital.
Dr. Grill is the author of numerous articles and book chapters, serves as an editorial reviewer for top peer-reviewed journals in the field, and is a sought-after lecturer who has presented to medical and patient audiences worldwide.
Tom Guilliams, PhD
Thomas G. Guilliams Ph.D. (Tom) earned his doctorate in molecular immunology from the Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee.
For the past two decades, he has spent his time investigating the mechanisms and actions of lifestyle and nutrient-based therapies, and is an expert in the therapeutic uses of dietary supplements. Tom serves as an adjunct assistant professor at the University of Wisconsin- School of Pharmacy. Since 2014 he has been writing a series of teaching manuals (Road maps) that outline and evaluate the evidence for the principles and protocols that are fundamental to the functional and integrative medical community.
He is the founder and director of the Point Institute, an independent research and publishing organization that facilitates the distribution of his many publications. A frequent guest-speaker, Dr. Guilliams provides training to a variety of health care disciplines in the use of lifestyle and natural medicines. He lives in the woods outside of Stevens Point, Wisconsin with his wife and children.
Bev Hampson, C-Suite Partnerships Executive
Bev Hampson is a media strategist with over a decade of experience in podcasting, social media, YouTube, and email marketing. She specializes in monetization and strategic growth, helping content creators transform their passions into sustainable businesses. In 2022, she founded Category3 Media Group, dedicated to supporting female health experts in advancing wellness for women aged 40–60. Through strategic partnerships, affiliate management, and media sales, Bev has helped clients achieve seven-figure results while maintaining credibility and integrity.
Dr. Katherine Hanser, DMD
Dr. Katherine Hanser, received her Doctor of Dental Medicine from SIU School of Dental Medicine. She continued her education through a one-year Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD) program and completed a two-year Implant Fellowship. Dr. Hanser currently serves as a full-time professor in the graduate department at SIU-SDM where she also holds the position of Program Director for the AEGD program. At SDM, she has incorporated digital workflows into the resident curriculum and promotes the continuous integration of digital technologies and techniques. In addition to her academic pursuits, Dr. Hanser also practices in Glen Carbon, IL, specializing in comprehensive dental and implant care for fully edentulous patients.
Amy B. Harris, MSN, RN, OCNS-C
Amy B. Harris, MSN, APN, OCNS-C, spent 30 years working in a variety of orthopaedic settings to include level one trauma hospital in-patient units, ambulatory care settings, a rehabilitation hospital, operating rooms, and in out-patient pediatric orthopaedics and rheumatology. Amy's roles within these settings have included those of staff nurse, nurse manager, and clinical nurse specialist. She has demonstrated her expertise holding certification as an Orthopaedic Clinical Nurse Specialist. Her commitment to the National Association of Orthopaedic Nurses (NAON) is evident through her participation as a national congress speaker. She is on the test committee for the Orthopaedic Nursing Certification Board (ONCB) and has served as an item-writer for the ONCB's certification exams. Amy served on NAON's education committee, and she was co-chair of NAON's first full day APN conference.
As a Rheumatology Nurse Coordinator for the past 9 years, Amy expanded her expertise in the field of rheumatology. She is an active member of the Rheumatology Nurses Society (RNS).
Amy has earned distinction as a sought-after presenter on a variety of topics related to the care of patients with orthopaedic and rheumatologic conditions. She has shared her insights nationally at conferences co-sponsored by NAON and the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. She has also presented orthopaedic certification exam review courses around the country. Amy is well known for her energized teaching style and ability to provide practical information and interesting case studies to health care providers from varied disciplines.
George D. Harris, MD, MS
Dr. Harris received his Doctorate of Medicine from the University Of Mississippi School Of Medicine in 1982 and completed a three-year residency in the Department of Family Medicine through the University of Florida and Jacksonville Health Education Program in 1985. He was in solo medical practice for 12 years prior to entering academic medicine from 1997-2019. From 2020 -2022, he returned to general medical practice in Gastonia, North Carolina prior to transitioning to volunteer medical services at Shelter Health Services in Charlotte, NC for victims of domestic violence, children and the homeless.
Dr. Harris has lectured at national, state, and local meetings since 1997 on various topics in sports medicine, exercise testing, diabetes, women's health topics and cardiovascular disease.
He was active at the state and national level for the specialty of family medicine. He served on multiple committees for the Florida Academy of Family Physicians (FAFP), before serving two terms on their Board of Directors and the officer level, becoming President of FAFP in 2000. He was the first recipient of the FAFP Young Leader Award. He also served on the Missouri Board of Family Physicians during his time in Missouri.
He was awarded an honorary member of the Mortar Board National Honor Society in 2012. He was named to "Kansas City Super Doctors" for 2007- 2013. He was listed in the Consumers' Research Council of America "Guide to America's Top Family Doctors" for 2006.
Dr. Harris was appointed to the Society of Teachers for Family Medicine (STFM) National Clerkship Curriculum Editorial Board and served for four years. He is a member of the National Board of Medical Examiners Family Medicine Task Force and is an AMSSM Fellowship In-training Item Exam Writer.
He was a member of The Advisory Committee on Training in Primary Care Medicine and Dentistry (ACTPCMD) of the Health Resources and Services Administration; appointed by Kathleen Sebelius, Secretary of Health and Human Services. Dr. Harris was appointed by previous Florida governor, Jeb Bush to the State of Florida Medicaid Pharmacy and Therapeutics Commission.
Dr. Harris holds the position of Fellow, in both the American Academy of Family Physicians and the American Medical Society for Sports Medicine. He is a member of the South Carolina Academy of Family Physicians.
Melody L. Hartzler, PharmD, BCACP, BC-ADM, ABAAHP
Dr. Hartzler has developed a passion for treating the underlying causes of disease. Her focus areas are gastrointestinal disorders, nutritional deficiencies, metabolic conditions, and autoimmune conditions. She is also a nationally recognized speaker on diabetes and lifestyle medicine. She is currently Board Certified Ambulatory Care Pharmacy Specialist (BCACP), a Board Certified in Advanced Diabetes Management (BC-ADM), and is Board Certified through American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine (ABAAHP). She is the founder of PharmToTable, LLC, where she develops continuing education for pharmacists at FxMedCE.com and leads a team of pharmacists consultants at PharmToTable.Life. She is also the Director of Clinical Services for Profero Team, LLC, and Integrative Metabolic Center, LLC. She is a graduate of Ohio Northern University College of Pharmacy and completed her residency training at Chalmers P. Wylie VA Ambulatory Care Center.
Stephen E. Helms, MD, FAAD
Dr. Helms arrived at the University of Mississippi in 2013 with 35 years of private practice experience in Warren, Ohio. He graduated from The Ohio State University College of Medicine and completed his dermatology residency at the University of Pittsburgh.
In addition to teaching medical students and dermatology residents at Northeastern Ohio Medical University and Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, he frequently taught at regional and national venues. His dermatology subspecialty interest is in occupational dermatology and contact dermatitis.
Dr. Helms has 62 scientific publications and is a reviewer for several journals. He is on the editorial board of the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology and Cutis. He has participated as an investigator or sub-investigator in scores of clinical trials.
Steve enjoys fishing, reading, watching classic movies, and especially, traveling with his wife, two children and their families.
Tarek Helmy, MD, FACC, MSCAI
Dr. Helmy is a 1991 graduate of Cairo University, Egypt. In June 2000, he completed his Cardiology Fellowship at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, Texas. He completed his Interventional Cardiology Fellowship at New England Medical Center, Tufts University, Boston, Massachusetts. He has served as an Assistant Professor of Medicine at Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, Professor of Medicine, Director of Interventional Cardiology Fellowship program and Director of the Cardiac Catheterization Lab at the University of Cincinnati, Ohio, and then Professor of Cardiology and Director of the J. Gerard Mudd Cardiac Catheterization Lab at Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri.
George L. Higgins III, MD, FACEP
George L. Higgins III, MD graduated from Tufts University School of Medicine, is board certified in both Emergency Medicine and Internal Medicine, is a Fellow in the American College of Emergency Physicians, and currently holds the rank of Professor Emeritus in Emergency Medicine at Maine Medical Center, an academic medical center located in Portland, Maine. For many years, he chaired MMC’s Department of Emergency Medicine, where he was privileged to advance the academic mission of the department and to be involved with the establishment of a successful resident training program in Emergency Medicine. His career path also provided him with attractive administrative opportunities, initially as the Associate Vice President of Performance Improvement and then as the Chief Medical Officer and Vice President for Medical Affairs for the institution. Eventually he returned to his true passion of caring for patients; teaching residents, APPs and medical students about the exciting field of Emergency Medicine; and overseeing scholarly productivity as Director of Research. More recently he provided clinical services to small, rural, Critical Access hospitals, an experience he found challenging, meaningful and professionally rewarding. As a result, he now serves as Director of Rural Education for BlueWater Health and has developed an elective in Rural/Remote Acute Care and Emergency Medicine at three clinical sites in New England for medical students, residents, and APPs.
Jeffrey Hindin, DDS
Dr.Hindin practices general dentistry with an emphasis on the treatment of craniofacial pain, TMD and sleep disorders incorporates biofeedback modalities into patient care. He is conducting clinical research into the relationship between performance, splint therapy, physiological function and heart rate variability. Dr. Hindin is a co-author of the Proof of Concept Study of an Oral Orthotic to Reduce Tic severity in Chronic Tic Disorder and Tourette Syndrome recently published. Dr. Hindin has published articles on the use of heart rate variability in dentistry and use of biofeedback modalities. Dr. Hindin has lectured internationally on TMD, sleep, restorative dentistry, airway and the use of Heart rate variability.
He is a founding board member of the American Academy of Physiological Medicine and Dentistry and the Foundation of Airway Health. Dr. Hindin has served on the Faculty, New York University College of Dentistry, Linhart Continuing Dental Education Program, Dental Sleep Medicine Continuum.
Jeffrey Hindin, DDS has developed an FDA cleared system of instrumentation to monitor Heart Rate Variability and Autonomic Nervous System balance and add a new level of understanding and care for patients with airway disorders in the medical or dental office. The HindexRV® system produces objective data on the physiological effects of altered jaw position, tooth positioning and other dental procedures.
Katherine A. Hochman, MD, FHM
Katherine A. Hochman is currently the Associate Chair for Quality and the Assistant Chief of Medicine at NYU Langone Medical Center in New York City as well as a practicing hospitalist. She is the founder and former Director of the NYU Hospital Medicine program, which grew from 1 to 35 hospitalists under her leadership.
Katherine serves on national and local committees on quality and patient safety. Her most recent research has focused on maximizing hospital operational efficiency. Katherine's interests include creating a culture of safety, enhancing teamwork and leadership.
Vera Hupertz, MD
Dr. Hupertz was a graduate of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, NY (1974-1978) and received her BS in Biology. She attended the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY and graduated in 1982 with MD. Internship and residency was completed at Rainbow Babies & Children's (RB&C) Hospital, Cleveland, OH by 1985 and Pediatric Gi and Hepatology fellowship by 1988. She maintains 3 board certifications which include: Pediatrics, Pediatric Gastroenterology, and Pediatric Transplant Hepatology.
Vera stayed on as Staff Physician at Rainbow Babies and Hospital and achieved the level of Associate Professor of Medicine at Case Western Reserve University. She was made Medical Director of the Pediatric Liver Transplant Team, and was co-director of the Residency Training Program at RB&C. In addition to the above, I developed a residency curriculum for Chronic Care to be used at Health Hill Hospital (now Cleveland Clinic Children's Hospital for Rehabilitation).
She became a staff physician at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation in July of 2000 and currently has a joint appointment with the Department of Transplant Surgery. She is Medical Director of Pediatric Liver Transplantation. She is Vice Chair of Quality Improvement for the Children's Hospital and Pediatric Institute at Cleveland Clinic. Current interests are liver disease (especially neonatal disease) and liver transplantation, as well as inflammatory bowel diseases
Kim Hutchinson, EdD, MS, MSN, BSN, PMHCNS-BC
Dr. Kim Hutchinson is an advance practice psychiatric mental health clinical nurse specialist. She is a former faculty consultant with the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC)/Nursing Knowledge Center. Clinical work involved assuring that healthcare systems interfaced and integrated an understanding of behavioral health treatment through standard evidence-based practices.
Dr. Hutchinson collaborated in writing the 5th edition Review and Resource Manual for Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurses. In this work, success in attaining board certification (BC) in psychiatric mental health nursing is the intended outcome. Knowledge is derived from role delineation studies for the purpose to develop case study materials, question, answer and rationale test banks, workbooks, media-based learning modules. Dr. Hutchinson is a member of the American Psychiatric Nurses Association (APNA). Dr. Hutchinson began nursing practice in 1976 and has functioned as clinician, university faculty, researcher, expert, author, test item writer (NCLEX-RN, ANCC, Addictions nursing exam), consultant, and lecturer/speaker.
Mark H. Hyman, MD, FACP, FIAIME, FACOEM
Dr. Hyman is an internist with more than 30 years of experience and head of HymanHealth, which is located on the Westside of Los Angeles, California. A nationally recognized disability expert, Dr. Hyman provides medical-legal evaluations spanning the continuum of internal medicine for a wide variety of legal and insurance organizations. He has evaluated hundreds of workers’ compensation patients around the country, from NFL players to everyday workers, providing credible and thorough diagnoses, depositions and documentation, often using the state-of-science technology found in his office.
Dr. Hyman had served for 30 years as an Associate Professor on the clinical faculty at the University of California - Los Angeles (UCLA). He pursued medical school, internship, residency and fellowship at UCLA. Dr. Hyman is a highly sought-after lecturer, including being the keynote speaker for annual State level meetings. He has authored various medical-legal and internal medicine topics. He has served as editor for the Internal Medicine section of the Medical Disability Advisor, Fifth and Seventh Editions. Much of his work can be found in prestigious peer-reviewed journals including the Annals of Internal Medicine, the Journal of the American Medical Association, the Archives of Neurology, the American Family Physician, and the Journal of Occupational Environmental Medicine. Dr. Hyman is a chapter author and editor for numerous American Medical Association (AMA) books including: A Physician’s Guide to Return to Work, Guides to Disease and Injury Causation, Guides to Functional Capacity Evaluations, Guides Transition Book, Guides to Navigating Disability Benefit Systems, Guides 6th edition and accompanying Internal Medicine Workbook
Over the years, Dr. Hyman has been a member of the AMA, American College of Physicians and the American College of Environmental and Occupational Medicine. His FACP designation acknowledges that he is a fellow of the American College of Physicians and has served on the organization’s Governor’s Advisory Council. His FAIME designation recognizes that he is a Fellow of the International Academy of Independent Medical Examiners. He is past chair of the National Board of Directors for IAIME. Dr. Hyman has testified before the United States Congress as a national expert on disability issues.
Dr. Hyman has received acclaim for his contributions to the medical world. In 2009, WebMD selected Dr. Hyman for its annual "Health Heroes" award. In addition, the City of Los Angeles recognized his involvement with the LA Police Department related to developing police arrest procedures.
Khelda Jabbar, MD, MPH, CPE, CCD
Dr. Jabbar joined Charles River Community Health in July 2020 as the Chief Medical Officer/ Certified Physician Executive where she oversees several of the clinical departments including primary care, nursing, behavioral health, women’s health and eye care.
Prior to joining Charles River, Dr. Jabbar was the Chief of the Internal Medicine Department at South Shore Medical Center/ South Shore Health System. In addition to that role she led the development of the bone health program and the accreditation of the program with the International Society of Clinical Densitometry.
She was an assistant clinical professor at Boston University for 6 years and developed primary care tracks for women’s health within Boston Medical Center and served as the interim medical director for the Women’s Health Group.
Professionally she has formal training in preventive medicine and family medicine, a women’s health fellowship and a master’s in public health and is a certified clinical bone densitometrist.
In addition to her leadership roles she remains a practicing physician with a focus on improving access to patients while delivering quality care.
Outside of work, she spends her time in antique stores and in horseback riding barns.
Jeremy Jackson, MD
Originally from Meridian, MS, Dr. Jackson attended Mississippi State University where he was a four-year letterman in baseball with the Bulldogs and lead MSU to back-to-back College World Series in 1997 and 1998.
He was named Academic All-American in 1997 and 1998 and was the Southeastern Conference male scholar-athlete of the year award in 1998. Drafted by the Kansas City Royals in 1998, he was later traded to the New York Mets where he finished his minor league career. He moved back to Mississippi and enrolled at University of Mississippi School of Medicine in 2002
After completing an Internal Medicine Residency, he served an additional year as Chief Resident of Internal medicine before completing a dermatology residency at the University of Alabama in Birmingham.
Dr. Jackson has served on the faculty since 2013. His subspecialty interests are hospitalist dermatology, complex medical dermatology, and cutaneous lymphoma. He serves a Director of Clinics in the Department of Dermatology.
Philicia Jefferson, PhD, LPC
Dr. Jefferson holds a doctorate degree in counselor education from George Mason University. She is also a doctorate candidate at Logos University of Florida where she is completing the requirements for the Doctor of Ministry in Theological Studies. As a licensed clinical mental health counselor, she specializes in the effects of trauma on healthy development and relationships. She is also a Board Certified Forensic Mental Health Evaluator and holds the rank of Associate Professor at the Pentecostal Theological Seminary where she provides instruction in the preparation of Christian counselors. She is also the Founder of the National Christian Counselor Institute in Virginia where she welcomes individuals to engage in intensive weekends of training and collaboration.
Dr. Jefferson’s daughter, Charnita Allen, is a systems engineer and her late son Richard, was a career marine. She is married to Mr. Nathaniel Jones, a retired Federal Government Data Analyst.
Maria Jefferson, LPC
Maria Jefferson, a CT Licensed Professional Counselor and founder of Purpose Path Counseling Services, LLC, and The Purpose Project, is a beacon of hope and empowerment for BIPOC communities. She stands out as a Speaker, Consultant, Workshop Facilitator, and a Workplace Wellness Coach, specializing in the treatment and advocacy of trauma and mental health. Maria's dedication to addressing the needs of underserved communities stems from her rich educational background, holding a Bachelor’s in Business Management, Human Resources Management Certificate, and a Master of Science in Human Services with a focus on Forensic Mental Health Counseling. Her expertise is broad, encompassing EMDR, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Gottman Method Couples Therapy, and Career and Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling, with a special focus on treating adults with PTSD from complex traumatic experiences. Maria's work extends to military/veterans and their spouses, drawing from her personal journey as the wife of an Army Combat Theatre Veteran to provide unparalleled support and empathy.
Beyond her therapeutic endeavors, Maria has made significant contributions for over 20 years as a trained Spanish interpreter/translator, enhancing accessibility for Limited English Proficient individuals. Her roots as the first American-born daughter of Chilean political refugees have imbued her with resilience and a deep commitment to community empowerment.
Through The Purpose Project, Maria leverages her personal and professional experiences to inspire self-exploration and overcome barriers to healthy relationships in both personal and professional realms. Her story is one of overcoming adversity, professional excellence, and unwavering dedication to uplifting others.
Julia Jenkins, MD, FAAFP, DipABLM
Dr. Julia Jenkins is an accomplished family physician and educator. After obtaining her medical degree from the University of South Florida, Dr. Jenkins completed her residency at Bayfront Medical Center and is board certified by the American Board of Family Medicine. She was awarded the Degree of Fellow from the American Academy of Family Physicians and completed a Faculty Development Fellowship at the University of North Carolina.
Dr. Jenkins’ clinical interests include lifestyle and obesity medicine, lipidology and cardiovascular disease, advocacy, and ophthalmology. She currently serves as Associate Program Director for the USF-MPM Family Medicine Residency Program in Clearwater, Florida, and chairs the Continuing Professional Development Committee for the Florida Academy of Family Physicians.
She routinely lectures regionally and nationally and is widely recognized for delivering engaging, relevant, and practice-changing presentations that empower clinicians to improve patient outcomes.
Jerry G. Ninia, MD, RVT
Dr. Ninia is the Chairman of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at St. Charles Hospital in Port Jefferson, NY and a Clinical Associate Professor of OB/GYN at Stony Brook University School of Medicine.
He received his medical degree from Wayne State University School of Medicine and continued his post graduate training at Nassau County Medical Center. For over 30 years, he has maintained two separate private practices in both OB/GYN and Phlebology. He has lectured internationally on the topic of women's health and venous disease and has authored 3 text book chapters and over 25 articles in peer reviewed journals. He is the clerkship director for NYITCOM medical students rotating through St. Charles hospital department of OBGYN with administrative, didactic and clinical teaching responsibilities.
A Fellow of the American College of OB/GYN's, Surgeons and Phlebologists, he is board certified in OB/GYN as well as Phlebology and was instrumental in the creation of the nationally administered Phlebology board certification exam. He is certified by the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography as a Registered Vascular Technologist. He has served as a member of the American College of Phlebology Board of Directors and the Phlebology Foundation Board. He has served on the Catholic Health Services of Long Island Board of Trustees and helped create initiatives to improve patient safety in Labor and Delivery. His efforts resulted in St. Charles hospital earning the Healthcare Association of New York State Pinnacle Award for quality and patient safety along with his earning the prestigious Theodore Roosevelt award given to those individuals who provide outstanding voluntary contributions and leadership at Long Island hospitals.
Warren Jesek, DDS, MAGD, FAES
Combining a tried-and-true, common-sense outlook with an infectious passion for optimum dentistry, Dr. Jesek will excite, motivate and inspire—as well as challenge—dentists and staff members to a higher level of excellence. Dr. Jesek’s core message revolves around comprehensive care for the entire family and a systematic method to deliver excellence with consistency.
Dr. Jesek graduated with his dental degree from Loyola University Dental School. He continued his dental training at The Pankey Institute for Advanced Education and has been a teaching assistant in their TMJ dissection course. Additionally, Dr. Jesek earned his mastership with the Academy of General Dentistry and Fellowship of the American Equilibration Society.
His articles have been published in Dentistry Today, Dental Economics, the Pankeygram, and the American Equilibration Society’s Contact. He has presented at national meetings for the Academy of General Dentistry, the American Equilibration Society, the American Dental Association, the American Academy of Pain Management and Chicago Dental Society Midwinter Meeting.
Seminar attendees appreciate his passionate, easy to understand approach and his teaching style, which enables deep learning and provides tools they can use when they get back to the office Monday morning.
Daniel J. Johnson, DO, FACEP
Dr. Daniel J. Johnson is an Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine at the Penn State College of Medicine, where he serves as the Program Director for the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Fellowship. He is also an EMS Physician with Life Lion, Penn State Health's critical care transport service.
Dr. Johnson earned his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree from the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine. He completed his Emergency Medicine residency at Morristown Medical Center, where he served as Chief Resident, followed by an EMS Fellowship at Penn State. His current research and scholarly interests include EMS education, curriculum development, and clinical decision-making among prehospital clinicians.
Jeffrey M. Kagan, MD
Dr. Kagan earned two Bachelors' Degrees: Biology, and Health Sciences, a Masters' Degree in Physiology, and his M.D. degree. Prior to medical school he was a Certified Physician Assistant. He completed his residency in Primary Care Internal Medicine. He is board certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine and previously held a second board certification in Hospice and Palliative Care Medicine. He is also a Certified Medical Director (CMD) for Long Term Care by The Society for Post-Acute and Long-Term Care (PALTC formerly known as AMDA). Dr. Kagan is an Assistant Professor of Clinical Medicine at the University of Connecticut School of Medicine and an Associate Clinical Professor of Medicine at the Frank H. Netter School of Medicine at Quinnipiac University. He currently teaches medical, physician assistant, nurse practitioner students and internal medicine residents. Dr. Kagan is frequently called upon by his peers regarding the Business Aspects and Practice Management of Medicine, and is a member of the Editorial Board of Medical Economics. He has done consulting for attorneys, insurance companies, as well as pharmaceutical and wealth management companies. In addition to his busy private primary care practice, Dr. Kagan is currently the medical director of a skilled nursing facility, some group homes, and previously a home health agency and a hospice agency. He was previously a Professional Director with HAVEN, an agency that advocates and monitors impaired health professionals. He has served as an Expert Witness for both plaintiff and defendant sides of malpractice cases. His special interests include: Diving Medicine, Business Aspects of Practice, Medical Legal Cases, Risk Management, Medical Trivia and Impaired Health Professionals. His hobbies include: Bicycling, Boating, Scuba diving, Golf and Skiing.
Michael Alan Kahn, DDS
Michael A. Kahn, DDS, is an emeritus professor and former chairman of the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, Oral Medicine, and Craniofacial Pain at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, Professor at Tufts School of Medicine, and laboratory director of Tufts Oral Pathology Services.
He maintained a university-based consultative oral medicine/oral pathology clinical practice and conducted intramural and extramural funded basic and clinical research. He is past-president and emeritus fellow of the American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology as well as past-president and emeritus diplomate of the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology.
Colin G. Kaide, MD, FACEP, FAAEM, UHM
Colin Kaide is professor of Emergency Medicine at the Wexner Medical Center at The Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio. As a native of Chicago, Illinois, he completed Undergraduate Studies and Medical School at the University of Illinois, Urbana/Champaign. He completed a residency in Emergency Medicine at the Ohio State University (1993-1996). After residency, he served as the assistant director of the emergency department in Lima, Ohio for 3 years while serving as part-time faculty at OSU. In 2000 he joined the department at OSU as a full-time faculty member. He is board-certified in Emergency Medicine and Hyperbaric Medicine. In addition to emergency medicine and hyperbarics, he completed advanced training in wound care and is certified by the Council for Medical Education and Testing. He does wound care at the Ohio State Comprehensive Wound Center.
His academic interests include: Medical education, Rapid-Sequence Intubation and the Advanced Management of the Difficult Airway, Hematological and Oncological Disorders, Anticoagulation and its Reversal, Procedural Sedation, Hyperbaric Medicine and Chronic Wound Care. He was honored as "Teacher of the Year" for the Department of Emergency Medicine (2008) and has received both the OSU College of Medicine Excellence in Teaching Award (2004) and Outstanding Teaching Award (2008). He is core faculty in the Emergency Medicine residency program at OSU.
One of his outside interests is martial arts. He has participated in the combative arts since 1978 and holds a 3rd-degree black belt in Goshin Jitsu. He has been a teacher of self-defense since high school and has developed a specialized course for EMS providers and healthcare professionals. He has also been a principal developer and Chief Medical Editor for a medical software company that produces a computer-based electronic medical record product that creates computerized ED and inpatient discharge instructions, prescriptions, and work excuses with over 800 hospitals using the software and instructions.
John R. Kalmar, DMD, PhD
Dr. Kalmar received his DMD from Southern Illinois University. Following residencies in hospital dentistry (UNC-Chapel Hill) and oral pathology (Emory), he received a PhD in Experimental Pathology (Emory). From 1992-9, Dr. Kalmar served on the faculty of the Department of Pathology, University of Rochester and the Eastman Dental Center in Rochester, NY. In 1999, he joined the faculty at Ohio State and has served the Buckeyes in multiple roles since that time, including Associate Dean for Academic Affairs.
Dr. Kalmar is a Diplomate of the American Board of Oral & Maxillofacial Pathology (ABOMP) and a member of the Editorial Board of
Eileen L. Kalmar, Ph.D.
Dr. Kalmar earned her doctorate in Neurobiology and Anatomy from the University of Rochester, NY in 1993. With that training, Dr. Kalmar has taught anatomy, histology, embryology and neuroanatomy at the undergraduate, graduate, and post-graduate levels. Currently, she is involved with both dental and medical student education and curricula, advanced head and neck anatomy for dental residents, graduate anatomy student education and continuing education programs. In addition, Dr. Kalmar has designed and led several innovative Head and Neck Anatomy continuing education courses for dental and medical professionals.
Dr. Kalmar has served as the Director for Anatomy Dental Education at Ohio State as well as Director of the University’s Body Donation Program. Over the years, her excellence in teaching has led to numerous awards, including the Distinguished Educator Award in the College of Medicine for 2022-2023.
Gilaad Kaplan, MD MPH FRCPC CAGF AGAF FCAHS
Dr. Kaplan is a Professor in the Cumming School of Medicine at the University of Calgary. Dr. Kaplan is a gastroenterologist who is internationally renowned for studying the global epidemiology of digestive diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease. As the senior author, he has published in prestigious journals such as Nature, The Lancet and JAMA. He is an Associate Editor of Gastroenterology and an Academic Editor of PLOS Med. Clarivate, Web of Science named Dr. Kaplan a Highly Cited Researcher (2020-2024) in recognition of being in the top one percent of cited researchers. Dr. Kaplan was inducted into the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences. His research has been widely cited in the news media including Time Magazine, BBC, The New York Times, and Scientific American.
Joel M. Kaufman, MD, FAAN
Dr. Joel M. Kaufman is Clinical Professor of Neurology at the Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University and a member of the Department of Neurology at Rhode Island Hospital, where he is the Medical Director of the Neurology Resident Teaching Clinic.
Dr. Kaufman graduated from Boston University, majoring in mathematics, and from Boston University School of Medicine. He completed his medical internship at Presbyterian Hospital at Pacific Medical Center in San Francisco (now California Pacific Medical Center) and his Neurology residency at Boston City Hospital (now Boston Medical Center). He then joined Fallon Clinic (now Reliant Medical Group) in Worcester, Massachusetts. From 1988 through 1996 he was Medical Director of Fallon Community Health Plan. From 1997 to early 2014 he was Executive Director of the Lifespan/Physicians Professional Services Organization.
Dr. Kaufman is a Fellow of the American Academy of Neurology and active with the Academy, currently chairing the Payment Alternatives Team. He is also serving or has served on many other professional boards and committees.
Dr. Kaufman's interests include physician advocacy, quality improvement in medical practice, provide-payer interaction, and clinical teaching.
Shannon Kenitz, BS, ADC
Shannon Kenitz is Executive Director of the International Hyperbarics Association (IHA) and a passionate advocate for the hyperbaric industry. Her mission began after hyperbarics helped save her younger daughter’s life, inspiring her to expand safe access worldwide. With a B.Sc. in Psychology and certification in Alcohol & Drug Counseling, Shannon works with regulators, drives legislative change, and educates medical professionals internationally. She has presented at major conferences and been featured in national media, including The Montel Williams Show. Shannon continues to lead global initiatives, ensuring hyperbarics is recognized and integrated as a vital part of modern healthcare.
Daniel B. Kessler, MD, FAAP
Dr. Kessler is a board certified Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrician with over 35 years of clinical experience. For 21 years he was the Director of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics at the Children's Health Center of St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center.
Prior to his recent retirement from clinical practice he was the Medical Director of the Children's Developmental Center at Southwest Human Development where he established a transdisciplinary evaluation program for young children with complex developmental and behavioral problems.
He also ran his private practice in Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, Daniel B. Kessler MD and Associates. Danny received his MD degree at New York University School of Medicine and completed his Internship and Residency Training both at NYU-Bellevue in New York and at Children's Hospital Boston where he did both an Ambulatory Pediatric Residency and completed fellowship training in Family Violence and then in Child Development with noted "baby doctor" T. Berry Brazelton MD.
From 1983 to 1990 Danny was the Director of the Division of Child Development and Behavior and the Carl C. Icahn Program for the Prevention of Child Abuse at The New York Hospital-Cornell Medical Center in NYC. In addition to his abiding interest in babies and the earliest relationships, Danny applied his expertise and experience in the evaluation of children with autistic spectrum disorders, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and related co-morbidities, problems of learning and emotional adjustment, feeding and self-regulation.
In 1999 Danny coedited with his colleague Peter Dawson MD the book Failure to Thrive and Pediatric Undernutrition: A Transdisciplinary Approach with the expressed purpose of ending the use of the pejorative “Failure to Thrive” label. Recently Danny has been working with a distinguished multidisciplinary group through the organization “Feeding Matters” to revise our understanding of Pediatric Feeding Disorders.
In 2013 Danny was honored by the Phoenix Business Journal as it’s Health Care Hero in the Physician category. He has also been selected on numerous occasions as a Best Doc by Phoenix Magazine and Best Doctors of America. In 2018 he became a consultant to the Autism Center of Excellence at Touchstone Behavioral Services in Phoenix, Arizona and he continues to provide consultation in developmental and behavioral pediatrics in legal and educational settings when asked to do so.
Daniel H. Kett, MD
Daniel H. Kett, MD, is the Associate Chief Medical Officer for Critical Care at University of Miami Hospital and a Professor of Clinical Medicine at the Miller School of Medicine at the University of Miami in Miami, Florida. He earned his undergraduate degree at the University of Florida and his medical degree at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine.
Dr. Kett completed his internship and residency in Internal Medicine followed by a fellowship in Critical Care Medicine at Jackson Memorial Hospital. He is the recipient of the Excellence in Teaching Award by the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine/Jackson Memorial Hospital Internal Medicine Residency Program.
Dr. Kett has strong clinical and research interests in severe ICU related infections, including invasive candidiasis and healthcare associated pneumonia,and infection control practices in the ICU.
Dr. Kett is an investigator for the Mycoses Study Group, a large multidisciplinary group of researchers with a primary focus on studying serious infections, and is active in several projects related to fungal infections in critically ill patients.
Results of his research have been published in the New England Journal of Medicine, JAMA, Annals of Internal Medicine, Lancet Infectious Diseases, Critical Care Medicine, Chest, and the Journal of Intensive Care Medicine. Additionally, Dr. Kett has presented at numerous scientific meetings and has been an invited lecturer at national and international conferences.
Dana E. King, MD, MS
Dr. King is a board certified family physician who has served as Chair of the Department of Family Medicine at West Virginia University since 2012. Prior to that he was Vice Chair of Family Medicine and Director of Research at Medical University of South Carolina, and previously, was on the faculty of the East Carolina University Brody School of Medicine.
Throughout his career he has been a clinical researcher and educator with several areas of emphasis including lung disease, cardiovascular risk reduction, and clinical epidemiology. He was co-founder of the WV Practice-Based Research Network and is a senior leader in the WV Clinical Translational Science Institute. He has been a leader of the North American Primary Care Research Group (NAPCRG) since early in his career and currently is an officer on the Executive Board. He has been a national speaker for the American Academy of Family Physicians on lung disease and other topics.
Dr. King has published over 100 peer-reviewed research publications and his work has been recognized with a Distinguished Paper at NAPCRG and has been a finalist for paper of the year at the Society of Teachers of Family Medicine. He enjoys time with family and is an avid road bike cyclist. Dr. King is an experienced lecturer and maintains an active clinical practice.
Sreenivas Koka, DDS, MS, PhD, MBA
Dr. Sreenivas Koka received DDS and MS (prosthodontics) degrees from The University of Michigan. He joined the University of Nebraska faculty in 1992, became a Diplomate of the American Board of Prosthodontics in 1995, and received his PhD in Oral Biology from the University of Nebraska in 1999. While at the University of Nebraska, Dr. Koka received the Outstanding Teacher Award on numerous occasions and was the inaugural Merritt C. Pedersen Professor of Dentistry. He joined the Staff of Mayo Clinic in 2004 and is former Consultant, former Professor of Dentistry and former Chairman of the Department of Dental Specialties in Rochester, Minnesota. Dr. Koka received an MBA from MIT's Sloan School of Management in 2013 and moved to Zurich, Switzerland to be Executive Director of the Foundation for Oral Rehabilitation. Dr. Koka moved back to the US in 2014 to focus on patient care and student education and open Koka Dental Clinic, a private practice focused on implant and removable prosthodontics in San Diego.
Dr. Koka is a Fellow and Past-President of the Academy of Prosthodontics, a Fellow of the American College of Dentists, a member of the American Dental Association, co-President of the International College of Prosthodontists, and is Chair of MIT's Sloan School of Management Alumni Board. Dr. Koka has published over 100 journal articles and book chapters and lectures extensively nationally and internationally; he has presented before audiences at a variety of best-in-class organizations including Mayo Clinic, MIT and Apple Inc. Dr. Koka has been a reviewer for NIH grants and been a principal investigator on grants funded by NIH and industry sources. In addition, Dr. Koka is the co-founder of the Future Leaders in Prosthodontics (FLIP) and Shaping the Future of Implant Dentistry (SHIFT) leadership workshop series.
David S. Kountz, MD, MBA, MACP
Dr. David S. Kountz is a Professor of Medicine for the Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine and Co-Chief Academic Officer for Hackensack Meridian Health. He earned his AB at Princeton, MD at SUNY/Buffalo School of Medicine, and MBA at Georgian Court University in Lakewood, NJ. He completed training in Internal Medicine at Hahnemann University Hospital in Philadelphia.
A board-certified internist, Dr. Kountz has had progressive responsibilities in academic medicine as Associate Professor of Medicine at Temple University School of Medicine and Professor of Medicine at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School.
Dr. Kountz's research interests include hypertension treatment and guidelines in underserved populations, health literacy, pipeline programs and leadership development. He has authored more than 100 peer-reviewed publications, book chapters, editorials and abstracts, and is a frequent speaker within and outside of his health network on a variety of topics in primary care.
Richard J. Kramer, MD
Dr. Richard J. Kramer is a retired Clinical Associate Professor of Medicine at Stanford University and former Associate Chief of Gastroenterology at Santa Clara Valley Medical Center (SCVMC), a major teaching hospital for Stanford.
After earning his M.D. from the University of California, Irvine, School of Medicine in 1972, Dr. Kramer completed his residency in Internal Medicine at SCVMC and a fellowship in Gastroenterology at Stanford University Medical Center. He is board certified in both Internal Medicine (1976) and Gastroenterology (1979).
Dr. Kramer has 25 years of experience in the private practice of Gastroenterology in San Jose, CA. During his time in practice, he gained extensive experience in procedures including Upper & Lower Endoscopy, Liver Biopsy, Esophageal Dilatation, and Variceal Injection Therapy and Banding. Despite a full career in private practice, Dr. Kramer joined the voluntary teaching staff at SCVMC and Stanford in 1978 to help educate house staff. In 2003, he left private practice to work full-time as the Associate Chief of Gastroenterology at SCVMC, a position he held until his retirement on May 8, 2015.
Since retiring, Dr. Kramer has continued his passion for education. He currently serves as the Medical Director & Supervisor of CapsoPro , teaches medical students at the University of Arizona, and mentors over 60 premed students at Arizona State University. He also teaches CME courses in Gastroenterology for Continuing Education, Inc./University at Sea.
Dr. Kramer is an elected Fellow of the American Gastroenterology Association and a member of the American College of Physicians. He was elected to the prestigious Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society in 1972. His work has been published in peer-reviewed journals, including
Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology and the Journal of Addictive Medicine, and he has presented his work internationally, including a lecture on Hepatitis B at the International Symposium of Gastroenterology in Beijing, China.
Sreenivas Koka, DDS, MS, PhD, MBA
Dr. Sreenivas Koka received DDS and MS (prosthodontics) degrees from The University of Michigan. He joined the University of Nebraska faculty in 1992, became a Diplomate of the American Board of Prosthodontics in 1995, and received his PhD in Oral Biology from the University of Nebraska in 1999. While at the University of Nebraska, Dr. Koka received the Outstanding Teacher Award on numerous occasions and was the inaugural Merritt C. Pedersen Professor of Dentistry. He joined the Staff of Mayo Clinic in 2004 and is former Consultant, former Professor of Dentistry and former Chairman of the Department of Dental Specialties in Rochester, Minnesota. Dr. Koka received an MBA from MIT's Sloan School of Management in 2013 and moved to Zurich, Switzerland to be Executive Director of the Foundation for Oral Rehabilitation. Dr. Koka moved back to the US in 2014 to focus on patient care and student education and open Koka Dental Clinic, a private practice focused on implant and removable prosthodontics in San Diego.
Dr. Koka is a Fellow and Past-President of the Academy of Prosthodontics, a Fellow of the American College of Dentists, a member of the American Dental Association, co-President of the International College of Prosthodontists, and is Chair of MIT's Sloan School of Management Alumni Board. Dr. Koka has published over 100 journal articles and book chapters and lectures extensively nationally and internationally; he has presented before audiences at a variety of best-in-class organizations including Mayo Clinic, MIT and Apple Inc. Dr. Koka has been a reviewer for NIH grants and been a principal investigator on grants funded by NIH and industry sources. In addition, Dr. Koka is the co-founder of the Future Leaders in Prosthodontics (FLIP) and Shaping the Future of Implant Dentistry (SHIFT) leadership workshop series.<br><br>
David S. Kountz, MD, MBA, MACP
Dr. David S. Kountz is a Professor of Medicine for the Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine and Co-Chief Academic Officer for Hackensack Meridian Health. He earned his AB at Princeton, MD at SUNY/Buffalo School of Medicine, and MBA at Georgian Court University in Lakewood, NJ. He completed training in Internal Medicine at Hahnemann University Hospital in Philadelphia. <br />
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A board-certified internist, Dr. Kountz has had progressive responsibilities in academic medicine as Associate Professor of Medicine at Temple University School of Medicine and Professor of Medicine at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School. <br />
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Dr. Kountz's research interests include hypertension treatment and guidelines in underserved populations, health literacy, pipeline programs and leadership development. He has authored more than 100 peer-reviewed publications, book chapters, editorials and abstracts, and is a frequent speaker within and outside of his health network on a variety of topics in primary care.
Richard J. Kramer, MD
Dr. Richard J. Kramer is a retired Clinical Associate Professor of Medicine at Stanford University and former Associate Chief of Gastroenterology at Santa Clara Valley Medical Center (SCVMC), a major teaching hospital for Stanford. <br>
<br> After earning his M.D. from the University of California, Irvine, School of Medicine in 1972, Dr. Kramer completed his residency in Internal Medicine at SCVMC and a fellowship in Gastroenterology at Stanford University Medical Center. He is board certified in both Internal Medicine (1976) and Gastroenterology (1979). <br>
<br> Dr. Kramer has 25 years of experience in the private practice of Gastroenterology in San Jose, CA. During his time in practice, he gained extensive experience in procedures including Upper & Lower Endoscopy, Liver Biopsy, Esophageal Dilatation, and Variceal Injection Therapy and Banding. Despite a full career in private practice, Dr. Kramer joined the voluntary teaching staff at SCVMC and Stanford in 1978 to help educate house staff. In 2003, he left private practice to work full-time as the Associate Chief of Gastroenterology at SCVMC, a position he held until his retirement on May 8, 2015. <br>
<br> Since retiring, Dr. Kramer has continued his passion for education. He currently serves as the Medical Director & Supervisor of CapsoPro , teaches medical students at the University of Arizona, and mentors over 60 premed students at Arizona State University. He also teaches CME courses in Gastroenterology for Continuing Education, Inc./University at Sea. <br>
<br> Dr. Kramer is an elected Fellow of the American Gastroenterology Association and a member of the American College of Physicians. He was elected to the prestigious Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society in 1972. His work has been published in peer-reviewed journals, including <br>
<br> Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology and the Journal of Addictive Medicine, and he has presented his work internationally, including a lecture on Hepatitis B at the International Symposium of Gastroenterology in Beijing, China.
Merrill A. Krolick, DO, FACC, FACP
Dr. Krolick has been in clinical practice since 1992. Initially he practiced at Fairfax Hospital in Fairfax, Va. Currently he is practicing at The Heart Institute at Largo. He is an attending cardiologist at HCA Largo Medical Center, Morton Plant Hospital and HCA Indian Rocks Hospital.<br />
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Dr. Krolick has been a previous chairperson and director of the Pinellas chapter of the American Heart Association. He currently serves as co-director of the cardiology fellowship program at HCA Largo Medical Center and is director of the interventional cardiology fellowship. He directs the cardiac cath lab at HCA Largo Medical Center.<br />
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Dr. Krolick is triple board certified in Internal medicine, cardiology and interventional cardiology. He has written numerous articles including being published in The New England Journal of Medicine, and writing recent chapters in cardiovascular textbooks. He is an associate professor in cardiology at the University of South Florida, and at Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, FL.<br />
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Dr. Krolick has served as clinical investigator on numerous drug and clinical device trials including drug coated balloons for treatment of peripheral vascular disease and the original drug coated stent trials for coronary artery disease He practices noninvasive cardiology and interventional cardiology. His special interest is in peripheral vascular disease. He is recognized as both a national and local leader in endovascular interventions. He is currently on advisory panels for Bard Peripheral Vascular, CSI, Access Closure and St. Jude Medical. He has spoken at major vascular meetings including AMP and The Veins.<br />
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His peripheral interests included endovascular aortic aneurysm treatment and treatment of CLI (critical limb ischemia), Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT), venous treatment, and treatment of symptomatic claudication.<br />
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He is a Fellow of the American College of Cardiology, American College of Physicians and Society of Cardiac Angiography and Interventionalists.</span></span>
Laura Kulik, MD
Laura Kulik, MD is a Professor of Medicine in the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology and is Certified in both Gastroenterology and Hepatology and in Transplant Hepatology. Her major clinical research focus is on the therapy and diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Her group at Northwestern University is very qualified for this particular study as their center is a major referral center for the management of HCC in all stages of disease. Dr. Kulik has worked in conjunction with Interventional Radiology and Transplant Surgery to develop a dedicated weekly clinic that is specifically tailored to allow for a timely evaluation and care of patients with HCC. Additionally, she has created a dedicated follow up clinic for patients with HCC that are not candidates for transplantation; this has allowed a seamless transition and plan of care in patients with more advanced HCC. At Northwestern, over the last 5 years, on average 110 OLT per year are performed. Among these, 1/3 has evidence of HCC.
Robert F. Kushner, MD, MS
Professor, Departments of Medicine and Medical Education Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine Director, Center of Lifestyle Medicine, Northwestern Medicine Chicago, IL Robert Kushner, MD is Professor of Medicine and Medical Education at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, and Director of the Center for Lifestyle Medicine in Chicago, IL, USA. After finishing a residency in Internal Medicine at Northwestern University, he went on to complete a postgraduate fellowship in Clinical Nutrition and earned a Masters degree in Clinical Nutrition and Nutritional Biology from the University of Chicago, IL, USA. Dr Kushner is past President of The Obesity Society, the American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition, and the American Board of Physician Nutrition Specialists (ABPNS), and a founder and first Chair of the American Board of Obesity Medicine (ABOM). Dr Kushner has authored over 250 original articles, reviews, books and book chapters covering medical nutrition, medical nutrition education and obesity, and is an internationally recognized expert on the care of patients with overweight or obesity issues. He is author/editor of multiple books; current books include Nutrition and Bariatric Surgery (CRC Press, 2015), Lifestyle Medicine: A Manual for Clinical Practice (Springer, 2016), Creating a Lifestyle Medicine Center (Springer, 2020), Six Factors to Fit – Weight Loss that Works for You! (Eat Right Press, 2020), and Primary Care: Evaluation and Management of Obesity (Wolters Kluwer, 2022).
Frank Lee, MD FACEP
Dr. Frank Lee is an emergency physician, educator, and healthcare innovator based in Buffalo, New York. A graduate of the Emergency Medicine residency program at SUNY Buffalo, Dr. Lee has spent his career at the intersection of clinical care, leadership, and education. <br>
<Br> As a founding member of the Exigence Group, he helped transform a local physician-led practice into a national, multidisciplinary organization. During his decade as Director of the St. Joseph Hospital Emergency Department, he led the launch of Western New York’s first full-scale emergency department EMR (outside of the VA), co-designed an award-winning new facility, and introduced systems that significantly improved care delivery and efficiency. <br>
<br> Dr. Lee went on to serve as Vice President of Medical Affairs for Exigence and later as Regional Medical Director for TeamHealth Northeast, where he expanded the group’s regional presence and advanced hospital design and patient flow models across multiple states. <br>
<br> Today, Dr. Lee serves on the Clinical Faculty at the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at the University at Buffalo and works as a Special Administrative Consultant for TeamHealth. His current focus is on education, mentorship, and exploring how healthcare professionals think, communicate, and see the world differently from the general public. <br>
<Br> Dr. Lee is also the creator of <em>ExtremeLEE Frank</em>, a social media series offering a candid, often humorous look at life through a physician’s lens. His content connects with audiences across platforms by highlighting the human side of medicine — the challenges, insights, and unexpected moments that shape the people behind the scrubs.
Paul G. Lee, MD, MPH
Dr. Lee graduated from Mount Sinai Medical School and trained at Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center for internship and residency. After serving as a Chief Medical Resident, he joined the Section of Hospital Medicine in the Department of Medicine at Columbia University. Since 2002, he has served as an Associate Program Director for the Internal Medicine Residency Program.<br />
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Since 2003, he has been the Medical Director of the Hospitalist Program. Since 2013, he has been the Medical Director for International Services at New York Presbyterian Hospital/CUMC. He has been the Head Team Internist for the New York Yankees since 2003 and for the new MLS soccer team, New York City Football Club, since 2015.
Eran Leshem, MD, MHA
Eran Leshem, MD, MHA, is the Director of the Electrophysiology and Pacemaker Unit at Hillel Yaffe Medical Center and an Associate Professor of Cardiology at the Technion - Israel Institute of Technology. He is a specialist in cardiac arrhythmias, focusing on innovative technologies for diagnosis and treatment. <br>
<br> Professor Leshem completed four years of advanced training at Harvard Medical School's Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston, including a post-doctoral research fellowship and a clinical fellowship in cardiac arrhythmias. During this time, he was deeply involved in the development and research of cutting-edge ablation technologies and electro-anatomical heart mapping, contributing to nearly 20 peer-reviewed manuscripts on these topics. <br>
<br> He earned his medical degree (MD) and a master's in health systems management (MHA) from Ben Gurion University in Israel. He completed his residency in internal medicine and his cardiology fellowship at Tel Aviv Medical Center, later serving as a senior physician at the Davidai Arrhythmia Center at Sheba Medical Center. <br>
<br> His clinical practice involves the full spectrum of arrhythmia management, from invasive electrophysiological testing to complex ablation procedures and the implantation of all types of pacemakers and defibrillators. His current research focuses on novel ablation technologies and clinical outcomes analysis using large databases. He is an active member of the Israel Heart Society and the European Society of Cardiology.
David A. LeVine, MD, CMD
Dr. David LeVine is board-certified in Family Medicine with Added Qualifications in Geriatric Medicine through the American Board of Family Medicine and the American Board of Internal Medicine. He is Chief Medical Officer of Menorah Life in St. Petersburg, Florida. He has been Medical Director at Menorah Life’s Marion and Joseph Samson 180 bed skilled nursing facility for the past 35 years. He has served as Medical Director at Arden Courts of Seminole (ALF specializing in memory care). He has served as Medical Director of the Geriatric Assessment Program (for early dementia detection) in St. Petersburg. <br>
<br> He was awarded nationally as Medical Director of the Year by AMDA- Society for Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Medicine 2016. On November 5, 2022, he received the Quality Champion Award from Florida Society for Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Medicine for dedication, leadership, engagement, and innovation. <br>
<br> He is currently in private practice with MDVIP. He is a nationally recognized “Five-Year Castle Connolly Top Doctor” and has been featured in Tampa Bay Metro Magazine. He received the 2014 Humanitarian Award from the Association of Jewish Aging Services. <br>
<br> Dr. LeVine has served as an Adjunct Clinical Associate Professor of Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM) and a Clinical Associate Professor of Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences College of Osteopathic Medicine. He has been the clinical preceptor of the geriatric rotation at three different residency programs in St. Petersburg, Florida for over 20 years. He continues to lecture locally and nationally and for University at Sea. <br>
<br> He currently lives in Seminole, Florida with his wife, Janice. He has four adult children.
Paul Lewis, MD, FAAFP, CPE, CPHIMSS, ABPM- CI
After medical school Dr. Lewis joined the U.S. Air Force, completed a transitional internship and spent the next four years at Offutt Air Force Base in Omaha, Nebraska, where he worked in Aviation Medicine as a Flight Surgeon. He had many positive experiences, ranging from medical care of the pilots and their families to traveling the globe in support of military operations to flying in F-16 fighters. <br />
He then returned to his native Florida as one of six members of the inaugural class of the USF-MPM Family Medicine Residency program in 1998, serving as Chief Resident from 2000-2001. Dr. Lewis joined the faculty after graduation and held the position of Medical Director from 2007 until 2012. During his tenure as Medical Director he led the Turley Family Health Center team in achieving NCQA certification as a Level 3 Patient Centered Medical Home. This recognition in 2011 was the 1st Residency Practice Site in the State of Florida to achieve certification. He was also one of the lead Physician Informaticists in the Baycare Health System during the implementation of its inpatient electronic medical record and chaired the Internal Medicine and Critical Care Committees. Additionally, he received the Certified Physician Executive designation in 2013 from the American College of Physician Executives <br />
He has a passion for clinical medicine and has for several years in a row been listed in the Best Doctors in America database as elected by his peers. His clinical interests include informatics, inpatient medicine, geriatrics and dermatology.<br />
In his spare time, he enjoys camping and spending time with his wife and two young daughters. He loves water sports, scuba diving and the local beaches. <br />
Simiao Li-Sauerwine, MD, MSCR
Dr. Simiao Li-Sauerwine is an Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine at The Ohio State University, where she serves as Lead for Physician Well-being, Associate Residency Program Director, and Medical Education Fellowship Director. <br>
<br> Dr. Li-Sauerwine is a nationally recognized medical education researcher with expertise in physician well-being, graduate medical education, and the advancement of physicians in academic medicine. Her national leadership includes serving as Chair of the Council of Residency Directors in Emergency Medicine (CORD) Well-being Committee and Education Research Track. At Ohio State, she directs the Sam Kiehl III Emergency Medicine Resident Well-being Endowment and is the founder and faculty lead of Residents And Faculty Focused on Thriving Together (RAFFT), a longitudinal leadership development and mentorship program to support women in academic emergency medicine. <br>
<br> Dr. Li-Sauerwine earned her undergraduate degree from Pomona College and completed her MD and Master of Science in Clinical Research at the University of Pittsburgh as a Doris Duke/National Institute of Mental Health Clinical Research Fellow. She trained in Emergency Medicine at Northwestern University, where she was honored with multiple Outstanding Teacher Awards and selected by her peers for the Best Resident Role Model award. <br>
<br> Dr. Li-Sauerwine has been recognized with numerous faculty awards, including the Diane L. Gorgas Award for National Leadership in Emergency Medicine, the Clotilde D. Bowen MD Women of Excellence Faculty Award, the Women in Medicine and Science Emerging Leader in Healthcare Award at Ohio State, and designation as a Distinguished Educator in Educational Research by the CORD Academy for Scholarship in Education. She lives in Columbus, Ohio with her husband and three children.
Gil Lichtshein, MD, FAPA
Dr. Gil Lichtshein is Board Certified in General and Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and is a Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association and American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry.
His clinical practice in Boca Raton, FL specializes in a variety of disorders including mood disorders, bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety disorders, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), Autism Spectrum Disorders and attention deficit disorders (ADD/ADHD). He also performs forensic evaluations which involves psychiatry and the law.<br><br>
He also is also a TMS and Esketamine practitioner. TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation) is a non-pharmacological, non-invasive form of neuromodulation which uses highly focused, MRI-strength alternating magnetic pulses to target the brain in those areas where under-activity or dysfunction is linked to depression or other neuropsychiatric disorders. Esketamine is the only FDA-approved nasal spray for treatment resistant depression and is an NMDA receptor antagonist that is believed to work differently by acting on a pathway in the brain that affects glutamate.<br><br>
He also in on faculty at the Florida Atlantic University Charles E Schmidt College of Medicine and teaches a Foundation of Medicine course to first and second year medical students which teaches students the skills in performing history and physical exam on patients.
Irene Lee Lines, LCSW, LIMHP, CCTP
Irene Lee Lines completed her master’s in clinical social work at the University of Nebraska. She currently provides tele-therapy for adolescents and adults at Envision Counseling Center. With over twenty-two years of experience providing clinical counseling in various settings and ten years working as a Military Family Life Counselor worldwide, she has developed several successful innovative programs for families and individuals dealing with severe emotional disturbances. As a certified clinical trauma professional, she passionately applies a variety of therapeutic interventions to help our clients achieve their mental health goals, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, strength-based solution-focused therapy, NLP neuro-linguistic programming, EFT emotional freedom tapping on meridians, writing narrative journals, visualization, and EMDR eye movement desensitization and reprocessing psychotherapies. Notably, in 2011 while working in a Residential Treatment Center for adolescents who experienced trauma, she created ICAR: Integrated Calm Assertive Response, an innovative protocol of various traditional and alternative therapies to calm anxiety in the body, rewire the brain to calm aggressive behaviors. In 2019, Ms. Lines presented I-CAR at the International Conference on Mental and Behavioral Health in Tokyo, Japan, and the International Conference in Clinical Counseling and Psychology. Irene’s dedication to improving mental health practices has been recognized both nationally and internationally, and her tireless efforts have made a positive impact on the lives of those she serves.
Tracey B. Long, PhD, APRN-BC, RN, MS, MSN, CDE, CNE, CHUC, COI, CCRN
As a registered nurse for 35 years, Dr. Long has worked in critical care, emergency medicine, IMC, primary care, and endocrinology. She earned her bachelor's degree in nursing science and Spanish from Brigham Young University, a master's degree in Public Health Education at California College of Health Sciences, a master's degree in Nursing as a Family Nurse Practitioner from Purdue University, and a PhD in Nursing Education and Leadership from UNLV and dissertation with Charisma University. <br /><br />
Dr. Long is a Professor of Nursing at Roseman University and Family Nurse Practitioner. She is the co-founder of LifeLongLearningeducation.com. She teaches webinars on Medical Spanish, the CCRN review course and the Diabetes Educator certification review course. One of her favorite activities is taking nurses and healthcare professionals each summer to offer free medical clinics to underserved communities around the world. <br /><br />
As an author she has written three children's health books, three books on family history and published articles on cultural competence training. She married her college sweetheart, and they have their own Long legacy of 6 children who teach her what's really important in life. <br /><br />
Deanne Long, MD, FACEP
Deanne Long, MD, has been practicing emergency medicine for 18 years. She spent 15 years working at the University of Utah School of Medicine Level 1 Trauma Center, teaching residents and medical students in addition to her clinical duties. She is board-certified in Emergency Medicine and Hyperbaric Medicine and will take the Obesity Medicine Board Exam in the Fall. She has worked in hyperbaric medicine at Salt Lake Regional Hospital’s Wound Care and Hyperbaric Medicine Clinic and Cache Valley Hospital’s Hyperbaric Medicine and Wound Care Clinic. Dr. Long is the owner and provider of Utah Body and Soul Hyperbarics and Wellness. A unique medical clinic in Salt Lake City, UT that uses integrative medicine to enhance patients' mental and physical well-being. She is very interested in international medicine and has traveled to Peru and China to participate in a cooperative teaching effort with local healthcare providers. Dr. Long is an avid golfer and roots for her Alma Mater, Brigham Young University, at every opportunity.
Frank LoVecchio, DO, MPH, FACEP
Dr. Frank LoVecchio currently works as the Medical Director of Clinical Research at the College of Health Solutions at ASU. He is a Professor and Research Scholar at the University of Arizona, Creighton and ASU College of Medicines in Emergency Medicine, Pharmacology, Medicine (Medical Toxicology and Addiction Medcine). <br>
<br> He also works as the Principal Investigator for the Infectious Disease Network (IDNet) studies, a group of Emergency Departments funded through the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) to conduct Infectious Disease trials and received > $18M in funding. <br>
<br> He is board-certified in Addiction Medicine, Medical Toxicology, Medical Forensics and Emergency Medicine and received a master’s in public health from Harvard Medical School and School of Public Health with a Masters in Outcomes Research <br>
<br> He has received greater than a dozen research and teaching awards. <br>
<br> Lovecchio is the author of more than 250 peer review articles and has given lectures in over 20 countries. <br>
<br> Dr. Lovecchio has organized and participated in multiple international medical missions and has been honored locally and nationally as a Health Care Hero.
Karen J. MacKinnon, BS, RPh
In her role at MCW, Professor MacKinnon is responsible for developing corporate partnerships, activities and services that support the creation of new pharmacy practice models. Professor MacKinnon has over 25 years of experience in teaching and has assisted in the establishment of three previous academic pharmacy programs, having served in the roles of Director of Experiential Education and Director of Professional Laboratories.<br />
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Professor MacKinnon has practiced in institutional and community pharmacy practice settings throughout her career. Professor MacKinnon is currently engaged with local and state immunization grants to support pharmacists’ role in optimizing and expanding immunization access in Wisconsin.
George E. MacKinnon III, PhD, MS, RPh, FASHP
Dr. George E. MacKinnon III began responsibilities as Founding Dean of the School of Pharmacy at the Medical College of Wisconsin October 1, 2015. His primary academic appointment is as Professor of Pharmacy Administration with secondary appointments within the School of Medicine in the Institute for Health and Equity (Division of Population Health Improvement), Department of Family and Community Medicine and the Genomic Sciences and Precision Medicine Center.<br />
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Dr. MacKinnon received both his BS (Pharmacy) and MS (Hospital Pharmacy) from University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Pharmacy. He completed two-years of post-graduate clinical pharmacy residency training at the University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics, earning his PhD in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from Loyola University Chicago.<br />
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Over the past 30 years he has held academic appointments in medicine and pharmacy engaging in clinical practice, research, teaching, and academic administration. His previous appointments include Founding Dean of Pharmacy & Vice Provost for Health Sciences at Roosevelt University Chicago, Vice President of Academic Affairs with the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy, and Director of Global Health Economics & Outcomes Research of Abbott Laboratories, in Chicago.<br />
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Dr. MacKinnon has engaged in significant curricular pharmacy innovation (e.g., accelerated graduation and non- traditional pathways, integrated curricula, and interprofessional education) and post-graduate training development. He taught one of the first required courses in health economics and outcomes assessment and is Editor of the textbook, <em> Understanding Health Outcomes and Pharmacoeconomic</em>. His research interests align in expanding pharmacist care models (e.g., primary care, pharmacogenomics, immunizations).
C. Scott Mahan, MD
Dr. Charles "Scott" Mahan is an infectious disease doctor certified in tropical medicine. He is active in teaching medical students, medical residents, and staff clinicians. He is a clinical Associate Professor of Medicine at both the University of North Carolina School of Medicine and the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine. He currently works in Asheville NC, previously having done clinical work and research in Ghana, Zambia, and Uganda. He continues to go on regular medical missions in the developing world. Dr. Mahan is co-author of the popular book Clinical Microbiology Made Ridiculously Simple and author of Are you Afraid of Snakes? A doctor's exploration of Alternative Medicine. Areas of interest include clinical tropical medicine, tuberculosis, and HIV. He is happily married and the father of three boys: Connor, David, and Thayer.
Frank B. Marsalisi, MD, FACOG
Dr. Frank Marsalisi is the Director of Gynecology at the Bayfront OB/Gyn Residency Program , Bayfront Health St. Petersburg -Orlando Health Inc.. Originally from New York, he preceded his medical degree from Michigan State University with two years of research with publication in Hypersensitivity Diseases at USV Pharmaceutical and the Upjohn Company. <br />
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After completing his Obstetrics and Gynecology residency as Chief resident at the University of South Florida, he went on to fulfill his four-year commitment with the National Health Service Corp as Director of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Ruskin Migrant and Community Health Center in Ruskin, Florida. While at Ruskin, he was made a Clinical Assistant Professor of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of South Florida and received the U.S. Public Health Service Regional Health Administrator's Award.<br />
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Throughout his residency training and postgraduate career, Dr. Marsalisi has been the recipient of many prestigious university and national teaching awards, including the University of South Florida's Distinguished Professor Award and the John Turlich Medical Student Teaching Award, the Council on Resident Education in Ob/Gyn National Faculty Award for Excellence in Teaching, and many Bayfront Health Teaching Faculty of the Year awards.<br />
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He has been honored as being one of the <em>"Top Obstetricians and Gynecologists in America" </em>by the Consumer Research Council of America, and in 2017 he was recognized by Castle Connolly Medical Ltd to be among the<em>"Leading Physicians of the World"</em>. <br />
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He is a medical community leader serving on the Board of his county medical association and is a delegate to the Florida Medical Association. He has been a speaker on women's health issues for the University at Sea since 2012.
Daniel R. Martin, MD, MBA, FACEP, FAAEM
Daniel R. Martin, MD, MBA, is a Professor in the Departments of Emergency Medicine and Internal Medicine at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. He is a distinguished educator who has served in numerous leadership roles, including as the former Vice Chair of Education for the Department of Emergency Medicine and as the longtime Program Director for both the Emergency Medicine-Internal Medicine and the Categorical Emergency Medicine residency programs. <br>
<br> Dr. Martin received his undergraduate and medical degrees from Indiana University and later earned an Executive MBA from The Ohio State University's Fisher College of Business. He completed his Internal Medicine residency at the University of Iowa and his Emergency Medicine residency at the Medical College of Wisconsin, where he served as Chief Resident. <br>
<br> His clinical and research interests include the treatment of infectious diseases in the emergency department, cognitive errors in medicine, leadership, and the patient experience. In recognition of his extensive contributions to the field, he has received numerous accolades, including the Ohio ACEP Bill Hall Award for Service (2019) and the Woody Hayes Leadership Award (2025). He remains an active leader in national organizations and has been an Ohio ACEP Counselor since 1995.
Dale A. Matthews, MD, FACP
Dale A. Matthews, MD, FACP has served on the faculties of Yale University, the University of Connecticut, and Georgetown University and has lectured at over 30 medical schools. He gives lectures on primary care general internal medicine, the doctor-patient relationship, and the psychological and spiritual dimensions of medicine, including the role of religion, faith, and prayer in clinical care. He is the author of The Faith Factor: Proof of the Healing Power of Prayer (Viking, 1998), a four-volume research work (The Faith Factor: An Annotated Bibliography of Clinical Research on Spiritual Subjects), three documentaries, and over 65 peer-reviewed scientific articles, book chapters, and other publications.
Dr. Matthews is a graduate of Princeton (AB, cum laude, Romance Languages, 1976) and Duke University School of Medicine (1980). His internship and residency in internal medicine took place at the University of Connecticut (1980-3) and he completed the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Clinical Scholar Program and Fellowship in Clinical Epidemiology at Yale (1983-5). In 1989, he was named the George Morris Piersol Teaching and Research Scholar of the American College of Physicians. He has received many awards for his compassionate patient care, including Washingtonian Magazine Top Doctor recognition. He has appeared on numerous television shows, including the Oprah Winfrey Show, Larry King Live, and Good Morning America.
He lives in McLean, Virginia with his wife, Demetra, a certified public accountant. He has two adult children and three grandchildren. He enjoys family and church activities, Bible study and teaching, golf, baseball, piano, singing, songwriting, ballroom dancing, travel, and photography.
Jeanne McCoy, MD, FAAP
For more than a decade, Dr. Jeanne McCoy has established a reputation as a pediatric hospitalist with a below average joke telling ability and a love of talking. As a result of this, Dr. McCoy finds joy in subjecting students, colleagues, and audiences to her sense of humor during her presentations and lectures, combining her passion for teaching with a captive audience. <br>
<Br> Since 2009, she has served in leadership positions in several peer review and quality improvement committees, including a term as Medical Staff President (and now serves as Immediate Past President), and as Chair of Pediatrics since 2012. In her clinical role as a pediatric hospitalist, she cares for newborns on the maternity service, pediatric patients on the inpatient and observation units, and pediatric patients in the emergency department. She is a board-certified pediatrician (FAAP) and also an instructor in both Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) and Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP). Her personal mission statement is to “Improve the experience of healthcare for patients, colleagues, and families.” In the post-pandemic era, she has been attempting to work on prevention of burnout and moral injury. <br>
<br> Jeanne enjoys running (slowly) and has completed two marathons. Her homestead is home to chickens, guinea fowl, goats, cats, and a variety of wildlife. She and her husband enjoy travel and camping.
Allen Meglin, MD
Dr. Allen Meglin is a board-certified physician in regenerative, obesity, diagnostic, and interventional radiology. He has taught at Johns Hopkins and Walter Reed, authored publications, and holds several medical patents. Dr. Meglin now focuses on regenerative medicine and hyperbaric therapy, helping athletes and high-performers optimize recovery and performance. He is a team physician for the Savannah Ghost Pirates and Jacksonville Icemen. He also works with the Gastonia Ghost Peppers, Charlotte Checkers, Lake Tahoe Knight Monsters, Allen Americans.
Raun David Melmed, MD, FAAP
Raun Melmed, MD, FAAP, a developmental and behavioral pediatrician, is director of the Melmed Center in Scottsdale, Arizona and co-founder and medical director of the Southwest Autism Research and Resource Center.<br />
Dr. Melmed is on faculty at Arizona State University in Phoenix, the University of Arizona in Tucson and Creighton Medical School. He earned his medical degree at the University of Cape Town, South Africa, and completed fellowship training at Children's Hospital Medical Center in Boston, where he was an Instructor at Harvard Medical School. He is a member of the Society for Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics and a fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics. He is board certified in both Pediatrics and Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics.<br />
He has set up nationally recognized physician training programs for the early identification of infants and toddlers with developmental and behavioral concerns and has authored programs geared toward screening for autism spectrum disorders. <br />
Dr. Melmed is an investigator of novel psychopharmacological agents and digital therapeutic devices for the treatment of ADHD, autism, Fragile X and related disorders. He studies include the identification of biomarkers in ASD as well as the development of diagnostic tools for developmental disorders. <br />
He is the author of the ST4 Mindfulness Series for Children including <i>Marvin's Monster Diary ‐ ADHD Attacks, Timmy's Monster Diary: Screen Time Attacks! (But I Rock it Big Time), Harriet's Monster Diary ‐ Awfully Anxious (But I Squish it Big Time), Marvin's Monster Diary 2 (+ Lyssa): ADHD Emotion Explosion (But I Triumph, Big Time), Marvin's Monster Diary 3: Trouble with Friends (But I Get By, Big Time!)</i> and <i>Marvin's Monster Diary 4: Neighborhood Bully (But We Stand Up, Big Time).</i> <br />
He is also the author of books for families including <i>Autism: Early Intervention; Autism and the Extended Family; and Autism Parent Handbook: Beginning with the End Goal in Mind.</i> <br />
Samuel Menahem, MB, BS, MD, MEd (Melb), MPM (Mon), FRACP, FACC, FCSANZ
Professor Samuel Menahem from Melbourne, Australia is a Consultant Paediatrician with extensive experience in General Paediatrics and Neonatology. In addition he has researched and published widely on the interface of Child Psychiatry and Paediatrics and has trained as a Child Psychotherapist. He has a subspecialty of Paediatric Cardiology extending from the foetus to the adult with congenital heart disease. <br /><br />
He has held Consultant appointments at the Royal Children's Hospital both as a Physician and Cardiologist, and at Monash Medical Centre as a Consultant Paediatrician and Paediatric Cardiologist. He has previously headed the General Paediatric Unit and the Paediatric Cardiology Unit and was Foundation Co-Director of the Foetal Cardiac Unit at the latter institution. He continues to hold consultant appointments as a Paediatrician and Cardiologist. <br /><br />
Professor Menahem has an illustrious academic career. He graduated as top of his year from the University of Melbourne and subsequently successfully completed 4 research degrees. He gained his specialist qualification to the Royal Australasian College of Physicians after completing his residency. His Membership was subsequently elevated to a Fellowship of that College. He also is a Fellow of the American College of Cardiology and the Cardiac Society of Australia and New Zealand. <br /><br />
He continues to teach and mentor students and graduates. He has also been a Visiting Professor and/or Examiner to institutions overseas and has presented and lectured at National and International Meetings. He continues to be active especially in clinical research and has an extensive publication list. <br /><br />
Professor Menahem now spends most of his time in private consultant practice and continues to conduct teaching clinics in rural Victoria. Many of his patients have stayed with him since infancy into adult life including a number of women with congenital heart disease who he has successfully cared for during their pregnancies. His utilizes a holistic approach in all his consultations.
Francis R. Mencl, MD, MS, FACEP, FAAEM, FAEMS
Dr. Mencl has been practicing and teaching emergency medicine and prehospital care for almost 30 years. A graduate of Case Western Reserve (BA), Cleveland State (MS), and NEOMED (MD), He completed his residency in EM at Akron City Hospital (Summa Health System) where he stayed on as faculty, eventually becoming the system EMS Medical Director and a Professor of Emergency Medicine at NEOMED. In this leadership position, he assisted the hospital in acquiring and maintaining a variety of certifications and accreditations including level 1 trauma center, STEMI and chest pain, as well as stroke center. In his EMS capacity he served as medical director to the paramedic training program, started and ran an EMS fellowship and an EMS medical student rotation.<br />
Currently Dr. Mencl is working for Penn State in Hershey Pennsylvania where he is responsible for the hospital-based ambulance and critical care service (Life Lion) which includes 2 helicopters. He is the EMS fellowship Director and a teaching attending in the EM residency there.<br><br>
Dr. Mencl’s passions include teaching and research and he is a veteran of a number of University at Sea cruise conferences. He lectures nationally and internationally, and is on the editorial board of Prehospital Emergency Care. He has translated research into practice using some of his published work to develop best practices for his EMS agencies and helped Summa’s STEMI program achieve significant savings in time-to-intervention. From 2004-2006, Dr. Mencl took a sabbatical to serve as the program director of a new EM residency at the OLVG hospital in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, thus gaining additional insight into different health care systems. He also participates regularly in the Rally Rejviz an international EMS/Ambulance competition held in the Czech Republic that attracts participants from around the world.<br><br>
Gary F. Merrill, PhD
Investigator of the mammalian cardiovascular system, full professor, teacher, author (e.g. Our Intelligent Bodies, 2020; Our Aging Bodies, 2015; Our Marvelous Bodies, 2008; all published by Rutgers University Press).
Andrew D. Michaels, MD, MAS, FACC
Dr. Michaels completed his undergraduate degree in History & Science at Harvard University. He then completed his medical degree, internship, cardiology fellowship, and interventional cardiology fellowship at University of California-San Francisco (UCSF). He then worked 6 years as Co-Director of the UCSF Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory, followed by 4 years as the University of Utah Director of the Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory. After spending the next 12 years as a full-time interventional cardiologist in community practice, he has transitioned to part-time locums tenens as an interventional cardiologist based in Michigan.
Erin D. Michos, MD, MHS, FACC, FAHA, FASE, FASPC
Erin D. Michos, MD is an Associate Professor in the Division of Cardiology at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, with joint appointment in Epidemiology at the School of Public Health. She is the Director of Women’s Cardiovascular Health Research and the Associate Director of Preventive Cardiology at Johns Hopkins University.<br><br>
Dr. Michos is an internationally known expert in Preventive Cardiology and Women’s Health, having authored >650 publications and 11 book chapters. Her clinical and research is focused on (1) Women’s Cardiovascular Health; (2) Lipids and Lipid management; (3) Cardiometabolic diseases (4) Coronary artery calcium, inflammation, and other biomarkers of cardiovascular risk.<br><br>
She is the co-Editor-in-Chief for the American Journal of Preventive Cardiology and an Associate Editor for Circulation. She is Co-Director of the IMPACT Center (Improving Participation Among Diverse Populations in Cardiovascular Clinical Trials) at Johns Hopkins, funded by the American Heart Association (AHA). She is a co-investigator in several NIH-funded studies including the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis and Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities cohorts. She is the Training Director for four AHA Strategic Focused Research Networks. She has mentored over 60 individuals and the recipient of 2 mentoring awards. <br><br>
Dr. Michos completed medical school at Northwestern University, Internal Medicine residency and Cardiology fellowship at Johns Hopkins Hospital, and a Master of Health Science degree at Johns Hopkins School of Public Health.
Charles S. Mills, MD, FACP, FAAHPM, HMDBC
Dr Mills is a board certified internist and palliative care specialist with over 35 years of medical experience and practice. He practiced for many years both clinically and with administrative positions at the former Fallon Clinic/Fallon Community Health System. It was here that he built a strong interest in and knowledge of the impact of health care systems and economics on the delivery of care. In these various rolls, he became a strong advocate for physician education to assist the evolution of the care models necessary for success in the developing health care market.<br />
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Dr Mills's extensive work in geriatrics in his clinical practice led to his growth in palliative and hospice medicine. Taking on a medical directorship at a local hospice, he gained practical knowledge of this field and went on to complete additional study in this area leading to his successful completion of board certification in 2008. <br />
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He is a zealous proponent of interactive learning processes and enjoys leading/mentoring invigorated medical education forums. He has lectured and taught broadly at both a community/ lay level, medical school level , residency/fellow level and at attending level of audience
Jennifer Mitzman, MD, FACEP
Dr. Mitzman is a Professor of Emergency Medicine at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center in Columbus, Ohio. She is also involved in resident and student education serving as a core faculty member and the director of the 3rd year medical student selective. She has an interest in simulation and has developed a Pediatric Emergency Medicine resident simulation curriculum.<br />
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In addition, she has a faculty appointment in the Department of Pediatrics, Division of Emergency Medicine at Nationwide Children's Hospital in Columbus, Ohio. There she has an opportunity to work with residents from a variety of disciplines including Emergency Medicine, Pediatrics and Family Medicine as well as fellows in Pediatric Emergency Medicine.<br />
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Dr. Mitzman completed her medical education at Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio. She went on to complete residency in Emergency Medicine at Case Western University Hospitals in Cleveland. There she discovered passions for pediatric patients and education. After residency, she elected to complete a fellowship in Pediatric Emergency Medicine at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center - Brenner Children's Hospital. Following her training she returned to Ohio and joined The Ohio State University faculty.<br />
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She enjoys free time with her husband and young children.
Elizabeth Moberg-Wolff, MD, FAAPMR
Elizabeth Moberg-Wolff, MD, FAAPMR, is the Medical Director of Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine Associates in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin. She holds board certifications in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R), Brain Injury Medicine, and Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine. She also serves as an Adjunct Assistant Professor at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health. <br>
<br> A recognized leader in her field, Dr. Moberg-Wolff is a past Chair of the Pediatric and Developmental Disabilities Council for the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (AAPM&R). In recognition of her clinical excellence, she has been named one of the "Best Doctors" annually since 2005 and a "Milwaukee Top Doctor" since 2010. <br>
<br> Her medical practice includes both children and adults with diagnoses such as cerebral palsy, brain injury, stroke, spinal cord injury, and neuromuscular disorders. She is an expert in spasticity management, including the use of botulinum toxins and intrathecal baclofen. In her spare time, she enjoys travel, gardening, and cooking for her family.
Darryl Moch, MEd
Darryl Moch is the founder of Innergy, Incorporated, a nonprofit community empowerment and faith-based organization working to eradicate poverty on all levels to improve quality of life for individuals, families, and communities. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theatre, Dance, and Psychology (Clinical Counseling); a Master of Education degree in Counseling; and a Master of Fine Arts in Theater from Alfred University. Darryl! is completing his doctorate in Organizational Leadership with a concentration in Transformational Leadership. His passion and work is centered and rooted in social change, social justice, and equality for all people. Moch is a social entrepreneur, inspirational and motivational life coach, mental health specialist and master trainer. He currently provides consulting services and training in Mental Health in DC and MD and for nonprofits organizations providing DEI(B), Administrative, Leadership, Program, Community Engagement, and Development consulting. He has created and provides CARF accredited training and is a train-the-trainer on many DC Behavioral Health supported training.
Caroline M. Molins, MD MSMEd FACEP FAAEM
Dr. Molins is an Assistant Professor at the University of South Alabama (USA) and a fulltime physician at USA University Hospital & Children and Women’s Hospital since January 2023. Previously, she was the Assistant Program Director and Curriculum Director at AdventHealth Emergency Medicine Residency (2020-2022) and held roles at Loma Linda University, the University of Central Florida, and Florida State University. <br>
<br> Dr. Molins received a master’s in medical education from Lake Erie College of Medicine, completed an Emergency Medicine Residency at the University of Puerto Rico SOM, earned a Doctorate in Medicine from Universidad Central del Caribe School of Medicine, and a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Florida International University. <br>
<br> Dr. Molins has a significant presence in academic presentations and participation. They have presented at local, regional, national and international conferences such as FCEP Symposium by the Sea, SAEM SE Regional conference, CORDEM Academic Assembly and the Mediterranean Emergency Medicine Congress. She has also been involved as a judge in national emergency medicine competitions and contributed to numerous scholarly works, including peer-reviewed articles to medical journals AEM Education and Training, Cureus and Western Journal of Emergency Medicine. Dr. Molins is a member of several professional organizations, including CORD EM, AAEM, and ACEP, and has participated in professional development programs such as ALiEM, ACEP’s EDDA and EMBRS and MERC Scholars. <br>
<br> Dr. Molins holds active medical licenses in Alabama and Florida, with certifications in Advanced Trauma Life Support, Advanced Cardiac Life Support, Pediatric Advanced Life Support, and Basic Life Support. She has received multiple awards, including the Golden Apple Award from UCF COM and Preceptor of the Year from AdventHealth Emergency Medicine Residency. <br>
<br> Her volunteer work includes being a founding member of the Women’s Philanthropic Giving Circle of Central Florida, participating in the AdventHealth for Children’s Pet Therapy Program, sees the Hispanic underserved community at Clinica MiSalud and plays competitive tennis.
Daniel Montero, MD, FAAFP, CAQ Sports Medicine
Daniel Montero, MD, FAAFP, is a sports medicine specialist at Mayo Clinic Florida in Jacksonville. He serves as a Consultant in the Departments of Family Medicine and Orthopedics, an Assistant Professor of Orthopedics, and the Associate Director for the Program in Professionalism and Values, Communication in Healthcare. <br>
<br> Dr. Montero earned his medical degree from Eastern Virginia Medical School after graduating from the University of Virginia. He completed his Family Medicine residency at Mayo Clinic Florida, followed by a Sports Medicine Fellowship at The Ohio State University. He has extensive experience working with athletes of all ages and skill levels, including collegiate, Olympic, and professional. <br>
<br> An active leader at Mayo Clinic, Dr. Montero served as the President of Officers and Councilors in 2019. In recognition of his outstanding contributions to patient care, he was awarded the prestigious Mayo Clinic Distinguished Clinician Award in 2023.
Angele Moss-Baker, LPC, LMFT, MAC, SAP
Angele Moss-Baker, LPC, LMFT, MAC, SAP, is the founder of Comprehensive Addiction & Psychological Services LLC (CAPS). She is a licensed clinical mental health counselor with years of experience providing a broad spectrum of comprehensive, person-centered, integrated treatment to individuals with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders in various treatment settings. CAPS specializes in developing and facilitating behavioral health training and clinical consultation to improve service delivery. Her interactive workshops are practical and engaging, offering valuable insights for behavioral health practitioners.
P. Patrick Mularoni, MD, FAAP, FACEP, CAQ SM
Dr. Mularoni is a Pediatrician who splits his clinical time between Pediatric Emergency Medicine and Pediatric Sports Medicine. He is a graduate of the Lyman Briggs College at Michigan State University and the American University of the Caribbean.<br />
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Dr. Mularoni completed his Pediatric Residency at St. John Hospital and Medical Center in Detroit, Michigan. His first Fellowship was in Pediatric Emergency Medicine through Emory University in Atlanta. Dr. Mularoni has been practicing Pediatric Emergency Medicine at All Childrens Hospital Johns Hopkins Medicine since 2007. He completed his second fellowship in Primary Care Sports Medicine through Bayfront Health in 2014. <br />
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While at Emory University, Dr. Mularoni completed research on procedural pain reduction in the emergency setting and was awarded the American Academy of Pediatrics Willis Wingert award for best fellow research. He has continued conducting research at All Childrens looking at best practice for procedural sedation in reduction of Pediatric forearm fractures and his current research interests include concussion management, diagnosis and prognosis in patients with mild traumatic brain injuries and predictors of overuse injuries in youth athletics. He is the founder and medical director of the Primary Care Sports Medicine division at All Childrens Hospital Johns Hopkins Medicine. He also serves as the chairman of the Medical Emergency Committee at All Children's Hospital. He has worked with Sarasota, Hillsborough and Pinellas County school systems to create a uniform return to learning protocol following concussion. <br />
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Dr. Mularoni authored the article on pediatric athlete concussion diagnosis and management for Family Practice Essentials. He has also written articles geared towards Physicians and the families of athletes highlighting the risks associated with early specialization and the overuse injuries this practice creates. Dr. Mularoni lectures locally and internationally on Pediatric Emergency and Sports related topics and is a regular contributor to Fox television's Good Day show. <br />
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Dr. Mularoni lives in St. Petersburg, Florida with his wife Kim who is also a Pediatrician and their three young children. During free time he enjoys travel, watching Michigan State sports, skiing, and competing in triathlon, running and stand-up paddle board races.
Tim Munzing, MD, FAAFP
Dr. Timothy Munzing has been a family physician with Kaiser Permanente in Orange County, California for the past 33-1/2 years, over 30 years as the founding Program Director of the KP-OC Family Medicine Residency Program. Dr. Munzing serves on the national ACGME Family Medicine Review Committee, responsible for the accreditation of over 600 Family Medicine residency programs. He has had a clinical practice for over three decades and has taught hundreds of Family Medicine residents and thousands of medical students. Dr. Munzing was the recipient of the 2017 National Family Medicine Outstanding Residency Program Director of the Year Award and the 2017 California Academy of Family Physicians Hero of Family Medicine Award. He holds the appointment of full Clinical Professor at the University of California, Irvine College of Medicine and Professor at the developing Kaiser Permanente School of Medicine, opening Summer 2020.<br />
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Dr. Munzing is a leading national expert on appropriate (legal vs. illegal) Opioid and Controlled Substance Prescribing, recently receiving a major national Medical Director’s Award by the National Health Care Anti-Fraud Association. He has served as a medical expert reviewer for the DEA, FBI, and Medical Board of California for 15 years, having reviewed over 200 cases (100+ criminal) in over sixteen states across the United States.<br />
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Dr. Munzing published a peer reviewed article entitled “Guide to Appropriate Opioid Prescribing for Noncancer Pain" in May 2017 in the Permanente Journal, which is now being used nationally by physicians, law enforcement, and prosecutors. Dr. Munzing has lectured on the subject to thousands of physicians and healthcare providers, law enforcement (DEA, FBI, other state and federal law enforcement), and prosecutors across the United States.
Kim Murphy, MS, APRN-CNP, WHNP-BC, RNC-OB, RNC-MNN, C-EFM
Kim Murphy has over 36 years of nursing experience including 32 years in labor and delivery and 16 years as a women's health nurse practitioner.<br />
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She currently fills the role of staff nurse and charge nurse at The Ohio State University, a large Level 3 academic medical center along with being a women's health NP in private practice. She also is the lead provider in public health for prenatal care and sexual health services in a Title X agency.<br />
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She has been a leader in education while making multiple speaking presentations on a variety of topics related to obstetrics and women's health. She recently spoke at the national AWHONN conference in 2019. She is a designated instructor for fetal monitoring through AWHONN. She also participates in legal review of malpractice cases.
Clinton Allen Musil, Jr., MD
Allen Musil has been practicing child, adolescent, and adult psychiatry for over 20 years. His education includes an undergraduate degree from Vanderbilt University, a stint at Dallas Theological Seminary, and medical school at Quillen College of Medicine in Tennessee.<br />
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He completed a triple board residency and fellowship at the University of Kentucky and is board certified in general pediatrics, child-adolescent psychiatry, and adult psychiatry. He has worked as an emergency room pediatrician and medical director of both in and out patient child psychiatric services. He currently works as a child psychiatrist and medical director for Frontier Health in Johnson City, TN. <br />
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He is also a part time assistant clinical professor at East Tennessee State University and Lincoln Memorial University in both the departments of pediatrics and psychiatry. He has been appointed by TN Governor Haslam for participation on the Tennessee Board of Medical Examiners. His expertise is in ADHD issues, mood disorders, and autistic disorders.
Mohanram Narayanan, MD, FACP, FNKF, FASN, FRCP(C)
Professor of Medicine, Texas A&M HSC COM<br />
Director, Division of Nephrology & Hypertension<br />
Chief, Section of Clinical Transplantation <br />
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Dr. Narayanan received his medical degree at Christian Medical College, Ludhiana, India, and completed residencies in Internal Medicine at the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education & Research, India and at Cook County Hospital, Chicago, Illinois. He completed clinical fellowships in Nephrology at the University of Illinois College of Medicine at Chicago, Illinois, and at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Texas. He is board certified in Internal Medicine, Nephrology, and Geriatric Medicine and is a Certified Specialist in Hypertension by the American Society of Hypertension.<br />
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Dr. Narayanan is a Professor of Medicine at the Texas A&M Health Science Center-College of Medicine and Baylor Scott & White Healthcare in Temple, Texas, where he serves as Director, Division of Nephrology-Hypertension and Medical Director of the Abdominal Transplant Program.<br />
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A fellow of the National Kidney Foundation, the American Society of Nephrology, the American College of Physicians and the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, Dr. Narayanan&apos's clinical practice focuses on all aspects of Nephrology as well as kidney and pancreas transplantation. <br />
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A frequent lecturer, presenter, and author, Dr. Narayanan's work has been published in several peer reviewed journals including the <em>American Journal of Kidney Disease, American Journal of Transplantation, Annals of Emergency Medicine, Hemodialysis International, Investigative Radiology, and Journal of the American Society of Nephrology </em>, among many others. He is also the Principal Investigator for several industry sponsored clinical trials. Dr. Narayanan serves on the editorial board of the journal <em>Advances in Chronic Kidney Disease </em>and is a reviewer for the <em>American Journal of Transplantation </em>.
Barry Nathanson, BA, MD, MHCM, FRCPC, FACP
Dr. Nathanson graduated from the University of Toronto Faculty of Medicine where he also completed his internal medicine training. He began practising internal medicine and critical care medicine in 1995 at Southlake Regional Health Centre in Newmarket, Ontario. In 2010 he completed a Master of Science degree in Health Care Management at the Harvard Graduate School of Public Health. <br /><br />
Dr. Nathanson has served in a variety of administrative roles: Medical Director of the inpatient Palliative Care Unit; founding Director the Heart Function Program; President of the Medical Staff Association; Chair of the Clinical Quality and Resource Utilization Committee; and Medical Director of Acute Medicine Programs. Dr. Nathanson helped found the Clinical Resource Utilization Management Program and he founded the Southlake Hospitalist Program. <br /><br />
Dr. Nathanson has served on two Ontario provincial health policy task forces on hospital resource utilization. From Jan 2020 to mid-2022, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Nathanson served at Southlake as Medical Director of the Intensive Care Unit and he founded the physician-led Critical Care Outreach Program, he served as Chief of Staff at Stevenson Memorial Hospital in Alliston, Ontario, and he served on local, regional, and provincial pandemic policy advisory panels. <br /><br />
Dr. Nathanson’s many personal interests include travelling, especially on his 2022 Indian Springfield, together with his wife, Genny, all over Ontario, Canada, the US, and beyond! <br /><br />
Cassandra R. Nelson, MS, PhD
Dr. Cassie Nelson is an assistant teaching professor in the Division of Life Sciences and in the Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience at Rutgers University. Dr. Nelson received her undergraduate degree from Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin in physiological sciences. She went on to earn a master’s degree in Cellular and Integrative Physiology from the Indiana University School of Medicine and received her Ph.D. in Biology from Marquette University, where her dissertation explored the cellular mechanisms of skeletal muscle fatigue. <br />
Since graduating with her PhD in 2014, Nelson has worked at 3 universities and taught all kinds of courses, ranging from introductory biology to comparative vertebrate anatomy. At Rutgers, Nelson teaches Systems Physiology to over 800 students per academic year. In addition to teaching, Nelson mentors learning assistants, guides undergraduate students through their senior research theses, and serves on several committees. Nelson recently received financial support for an interdisciplinary research fellowship, where she will work with 3 undergraduate students to explore the relationship between microplastics and human cells and tissues. <br />
As a teaching professor, Nelson loves the Rutgers student body and feels truly privileged to spend her time as a faculty member focused on student education and growth. Outside of teaching and mentoring undergraduate students, Dr. Nelson is a wife and mom of 3 kids, and enjoys running, strength training, listening to podcasts, baking, and coaching her kids’ sports teams. Nelson is a former division 1 track and field and cross-country athlete and loves to talk about all things running related. <br />
James Neuenschwander, MD, FMAPS
Dr. James Neuenschwander (Dr. Neu) is founder of Bio Energy Medical Center in Ann Arbor, MI, providing integrative care for complex, chronic health conditions. Since 1988, he has focused on identifying root causes and promoting wellness through prevention. He is dual board-certified in Emergency and Integrative Medicine, a fellow of A4M, and president of the Medical Academy of Pediatric Special Needs (MAPS), where he shapes educational content for conferences. Dr. Neu also co-owns Creating Brighter Futures, an ABA center, and is a sought-after speaker on chronic disease management, integrative approaches to developmental disorders, and patient and practitioner rights.
Janet Osborne, MD
Dr. Janet Osborne is the Chief of Gynecologic Oncology at Carilion Clinic and an Associate Professor at Carilion Virginia Tech School of Medicine in Roanoke, VA. She received her medical degree from the Medical School of Wisconsin in Milwaukee and did her residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Minnesota and fellowship training in Gynecologic Oncology at the University of Michigan.<br />
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Prior to joining Carilion in 2011, Dr. Osborne was the Director of Gynecologic Oncology at the Medical College of Wisconsin for 11 years. She is also board certified in hospice and palliative care. In addition to patient care, Dr Osborne is very involved in training medical students and residents. She is the site principal investigator for many clinical trials and has multiple publications including several book chapters. She loves traveling, the Green Bay Packers, and relaxing at Smith Mountain Lake with her two dogs.
Gregory E. Oxford, DDS, PhD
Dr. Gregory E. Oxford is a board-certified periodontist, implant and dental surgeon who has a clinical as well as research background and has authored and delivered numerous reports on both clinical and scientific aspects of periodontics and implant therapy. A recognized expert and lecturer in the field of periodontology of national and international acclaim, he was the 1998 recipient of the prestigious American Association for Dental Research (AADR) Periodontal Research Award, a Bill Clark Research Fellowship, NIH Dental Scientist Award as well as a recipient of the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) Partners in Practice Periodontal Research Award. He is also a past Trustee for the AAP and Southern Academy of Periodontology, Past President of Florida Association of Periodontists and recipient of a Navy Clinical Excellence Award. Dr. Oxford acts a consultant for several companies as well as the University of Florida and an expert for the State of Florida Board of Dentistry. <br><br> Dr. Oxford was raised in North Carolina, attended Emory University School of Dentistry in Atlanta, completed his surgical residency in Maryland, an internship at the National Institutes of Health and received his PhD in Molecular Biology from the University of Florida College of Medicine. <br><br> As a Courtesy Clinical Professor of Periodontology at the University of Florida College of Dentistry, Dr. Oxford was previously a Co-Director of the Graduate Periodontology Program and a Clinical Research Investigator with the Periodontal Disease Research Center. He was an investigator on a NIDR grant to investigate the interrelationship of diabetes and periodontal diseases. Dr. Oxford’s research interests are associated with recombinant proteins and their role in regenerative periodontics and implant dentistry. <br><br> Dr. Oxford has maintained a private practice limited to periodontics, implant and surgical dentistry in St. Augustine, FL for over 25 years with his wife Dr. Isabell Oxford, a restoring dentist.
John E. Pandolfino, MD, MSCI (Conference Chairperson)
John E. Pandolfino, MD is the Hans Popper Professor of Medicine and Chief of Gastroenterology and Hepatology at the Feinberg School of Medicine at Northwestern University. He currently is funded by the NIH to study GERD and Dysphagia pathogenesis. He maintains a strong clinical practice and in the Esophageal Center at Northwestern which serves as the nation’s top referral center for complicated esophageal diseases. He is active in multiple professional organizations and has a strong commitment to the editorial process serving as a member of the editorial board of multiple high-level Gastroenterology and Hepatology journals.
Herdley O. Paolini, Ph.D., L.P
Herdley O. Paolini, Ph.D., L.P., gained national attention by creating the first-of-its-kind holistic physician integrative wellness program designed to counteract physician burnout and foster physician resiliency, well-being, and leadership development to support the patient-care mission of the Advent Health care organization. She subsequently left Advent Health after 12 years as director of Physician Support Services to share the program she created there with medical staffs and health systems across the nation. She is the Founder and President of The Institute for Physician Integration.<br />
She has been engaged by several health systems for consultations, including the Mayo Health System, Wisconsin; Centura Health, Colorado; Loma Linda Medical Center, California; St. Helena Health System, California; Tampa General Hospital, Florida; Baylor, Scott & White, Texas; Orlando Health, Florida; Wentworth-Douglas Hospital & Concord Hospital, New Hampshire; Nemours Pediatric Hospital, Florida & Delaware, Spectrum Lakeland, Michigan, Summa Health, Ohio, Akron Children's Hospital, Ohio. <br />
Dr. Paolini is a licensed psychologist, teacher, and author of Inside the Mind of a Physician, published in 2009 by the Florida Hospital Press. She also has authored numerous articles and academic papers and is lead author of Healers in Need of Healing cannot Heal, recently published by Medscape, a multi-specialty online journal serving physicians and other medical professionals.
She earned her doctorate from Western Michigan University, and she has 30 + years of experience influencing change through coaching, psychotherapy, CME curriculum, leadership development, and creative programing at both the individual and organizational levels. <br />
Deepak Patel, MD, FAAFP, FACSM
Dr. Patel practices family and sports medicine at Yorkville Primary Care and Sports Medicine in Yorkville, IL and is the Medical Director for Rush Copley Sports Medicine in Aurora, IL. He is also Director of Sports Medicine for Rush Copley Family Medicine Residency and Assistant Professor at Rush Medical College in Chicago. <br />
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He has authored, mentored, and served as section editor for several publications and textbooks on sports medicine topics. Dr. Patel has been honored with multiple teaching awards and speaking invitations. He has presented on sports medicine topics at the annual AAFP Scientific Assembly (now FMX) and numerous other CME events at national and regional levels. With his passion for teaching and his combination of family and sports medicine experience, he's uniquely able to deliver effective presentations to a primary care audience.
Melissa Ann Payne, BSN, MS, FNP-BC
Ms. Payne received her Master's in Nursing, Master of Family Nurse Practitioner degree from D'Youville College. <br />
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Ms. Payne has served as a Clinical Associate professor at D'Youville College, teaching a clinical skills lab to nursing students earning their BSN.<br />
Ms. Payne has served as a Clinical Associate Professor at University at Buffalo, school of Nursing teaching a clinical rotation in Labor and Delivery at Sisters Hospital, Buffalo New York. <br />
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Ms. Payne practiced as a Registered Nurse for 16 years in clinical areas at Children's Hospital, Buffalo New York working in Neonatal Intensive care unit for 4years. Then choosing to work at People Inc., Buffalo New York serving the physically and developmentally disabled as a RN Field Supervisor for the next 5 years. <br />
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Ms. Payne practiced as a Registered Nurse from 1999-2008 at Mt. St. Mary's Hospital, Lewiston New York as a staff nurse in Labor and Delivery and Newborn Nursery where she was a clinical preceptor to new RN's and a charge Nurse in the Newborn Nursery. <br />
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Ms. Payne after graduating from D'Youville with her Masters in Family Nurse Practitioner has worked in Underserved Clinical settings, Lifetime Health Medical Group working in Primary Care and Urgent Care and has helped implement a Health and Wellness Office in Elma, New York Moog location.<br />
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Ms. Payne holds certifications from American Nurses Credentialing Center, First and Second Degree Reiki, American Heart Association holding a Basic Life Support Provider (BLS) and American Cardiovascular Advanced Life Saving (ACLS) provider and Pediatric Advanced Life Saving provider (PALS).<br />
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Ms. Payne is active and holds membership at Nurse Practitioner Association- Western New York Chapter, Sigma, Theta Tau International, and American Academy of Nurse Practitioners.<br />
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Ms Payne collaborates with many advanced health care providers within the community in order to provide the best care possible to patients.
Brian Pearlman, MD, FACP, FAASLD, AAHIVS
Brian Pearlman, MD is the Medical Director for Wellstar Atlanta Medical Center's Center for Hepatitis C in Atlanta, Georgia, and is Professor of Medicine at the Medical College of Georgia and Professor of Medicine at Emory School of Medicine. He completed his medical degree at the University of Miami and post-graduate training at both the University of Texas, Southwestern and Baylor University Medical Center. <br /><br />
Dr. Pearlman is Fellow for the American College of Physicians, and Fellow for the American Association for the Study of Liver Disease as well as certified by the American Academy of HIV Medicine. He is also a member of the American Gastroenterological Association. He had sat on the Board of Directors for The American Liver Foundation, Southeast Chapter. <br /><br />
Dr. Pearlman is widely published in leading journals such as The Lancet, Gastroenterology, Hepatology, The Lancet Infectious Disease, Clinical Infectious Diseases and the American Journal of Medicine. He is active in both patient care and in teaching physicians. He has been the recipient of numerous teaching awards and is an active investigator in multiple liver-related clinical trials, some of which are in collaboration with the CDC's Division of Viral Hepatitis.
Miranda Y. Pearson, PhD, LCMHCS, NCC, BCC, CSOTP, MAC, BC-TMH
Dr. Miranda Y. Pearson is the owner and Clinical Director of Divine Appointment Counseling Services, PA, offering specialized mental health services to individuals, families, and youth. As a dedicated public servant, she leads transformative mental health initiatives across North Carolina through The PhD Trauma Institute, Inc., bringing trauma-informed care and wellness programs in collaboration with churches and community organizations. Dr Pearson is also a licensed clinical mental health counselor supervisor (LCMHCS) and supervises interns and clinicians. Her unwavering commitment to serving diverse populations underscores her mission to enhance the quality of mental health services through advocacy and education.
Wayne L. Peters, MD
Dr. Wayne L. Peters is a native of Rapid City, South Dakota. He received his BA from Saint Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota, his BS from the University of South Dakota, and his MD from the University of Colorado. He received his internal medicine training at the University of Florida, Jacksonville and was Chief of the General Internal Medicine Division at that institution from 1976 to 1982. From 1982 to 1984 he served as a Henry J. Kaiser Fellow in General Internal Medicine at the Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School. Following his fellowship, he remained at the Massachusetts General Hospital as Director of the Lipid Consultation Service. He also taught in the Department of Preventive Medicine at Harvard Medical School under the direction of Dr. Alexander Leaf, who was involved in marine-oil research for over 25 years. <br>
<br> In 1986, Dr. Peters returned to Colorado to assume positions as Medical Director/Partner of HealthMark LLC, a private preventative medicine clinic and as an Assistant Clinical Professor of Medicine at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. He transitioned to Senior Medical Physician at HealthMark/OnPoint Medical Group on January 1, 2018. He is currently a Senior Participating Provider with Executive Health Exams/Life Extension Institute.
Jack Piermatti, DMD, FACP
Dr. Jack Piermatti is an Associate Professor of Post-Graduate Prosthodontics and Director of the Dental Implant Maxicourse at Nova Southeastern University College of Dental Medicine. He is a Board-Certified Prosthodontist and a Diplomate of both the American Board of Prosthodontics and the American Board of Oral Implantology. <br>
<br> A past president and board examiner for the American Board of Oral Implantology, Dr. Piermatti is a nationally featured speaker on implant surgery and implant prosthodontics. He completed his post-graduate training in prosthodontics at UMDNJ-New Jersey Dental School (now Rutgers), implantology training at Brookdale Hospital and New York University College of Dentistry, and a general practice residency at St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center.
Louise Pilote, MD
Dr. Louise Pilote is a Professor of Medicine at McGill University and the Director of the Division of General Internal Medicine at McGill University. She holds a James McGill Chair and a research scholarship from the Fonds de Recherche en Santé du Quebec. She is a practicing Internist and epidemiologist at the Montreal General Hospital.<br />
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Dr. Pilote received her MDCM from McGill University. She then obtained an MPH from the Harvard School of Public Health and a PhD in Epidemiology at the University of California at Berkeley. Dr. Pilote's research focus includes cardiovascular epidemiology, outcomes research, and health services research. She is the principal investigator for the GENESIS: an intercapacity enhancement team on gender and sex determinants of cardiovascular diseases funded by the Canadian Institute of Health research and the Heart and Stroke Foundation as well other studies related to access to care for patients with heart disease, and pharmacoepidemiology studies of cardiac medications. She has published over 200 manuscripts.
Veronica Piziak, MD, PhD, FACP
Dr. Piziak received her undergraduate degrees and her PhD from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst and her medical degree from University Kentucky in Lexington. She completed her internal medicine residency at Akron general Medical Center in Akron Ohio and her fellowship training in endocrinology metabolism at the University of Cincinnati, Ohio. <br />
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Dr. Piziak is presently the Emeritus Chief of Endocrinology, Director of the Diabetes section and Director of the Endocrinology Fellowship program at Baylor Scott and White in Temple Texas. She is a Professor of Medicine at Texas A&M University and a fellow of the American College of physicians.
M. Anthony Pogrel, DDS, MD, and Professor
Tony Pogrel received his dental degree in 1967 from Liverpool University in England and his medical degree from Aberdeen University in Scotland in 1974. He then received further general surgery training and Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery training in Great Britain, Holland and Miami, Florida. In 1979, he was appointed consultant oral and maxillofacial surgeon in Peterborough and Cambridge in England and since 1983, has been on the full-time faculty of the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at the University of California, San Francisco. He is a former chairman of the department and is currently a professor and Associate Dean. Dr. Pogrel holds both medical and dental licenses in California and is board certified in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. <br />
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He is a fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons, the American College of Surgeons, American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, the British Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, the International Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, the International and American Associations of Dental Research and the American Society of Maxillofacial Surgeons. Dr. Pogrel has more than 200 publications in the literature on a variety of topics and is a frequent presenter at specialty meetings nationally and internationally.
Jay M. Portnoy, MD
Dr. Jay Portnoy is an allergist in the Division of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology and he is the Medical Director of Telemedicine at Children's Mercy-Kansas City and Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine. He received his medical degree at the University of Missouri-Columbia School of Medicine and he did his pediatric residency at the Children's Mercy Hospital in Kansas City and his Allergy fellowship at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. Following that he returned to Children's Mercy Hospital.<br><br>
Dr. Portnoy has published numerous articles in peer-reviewed journals involving asthma disease management, environmental control and mold allergy. More recently he has been involved in use of Telemedicine to deliver patient care and in evidence-based medicine. He founded the UMKC School of Medicine allergy program and directed it from 1997-2006.<br />
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Dr. Portnoy served as President of the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology in 2008 and he currently serves on numerous committees both of the American College and the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. He also is Chair of MOC for the American Board of Allergy and Immunology and he serves on the FDA advisory panel for allergenic extracts.<br><br>
Dr. Portnoy lives in Overland Park Kansas with his wife and 2 cats. Fortunately, neither are cat-allergic.<br><br>
Gregory L. Psaltis, DDS
Dr. Greg Psaltis has been a pediatric dentist for 43 years, most of which have been in private practice in Olympia, Washington. His varied career has included 23 years as a speaker, both nationally and internationally.<br />
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He is currently involved with two volunteer clinics in Mexico that he developed. Each provides comprehensive care for the indigent and medically compromised children of the Los Cabos and Zihuatanejo areas. He has published in several dental journals and was given the Gordon Christensen Speaker Award for excellence in professional presentations.
Mary Ellen Psaltis, Bachelor in Philosophy, BPh
Mary Ellen's professional writing about food and lifestyles has spanned over thirty years. Her interactions with chefs, farmers, and restaurateurs led to greater involvement in nutrition education and teaching. <br />
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Mary Ellen speaks nationally on creating optimal nutrition and making thoughtful life choices. Her local classes focus on supporting people along their healthful life journeys. She accompanies Greg on their Mexican mission trips as a dental assistant.
Jai Radhakrishnan, MD, MS
Dr. Radhakrishnan is Professor of Medicine at Columbia University Medical Center. He is the Director of Clinical Services of the Nephrology Division. His clinical and research interests are the in the therapy of chronic kidney disease (including glomerular diseases and lupus kidney disease) and intensive care nephrology.<br />
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He is a fellow of the American Society of Nephrology and National Kidney Foundation. His commitment to medical education and patient care is exemplified by his numerous teaching awards and his inclusion in the Who's Who among America's Teachers & Educators, America's Best Doctors and Castle Connolly's Top Doctor.
Cheryl Randolph, RN, MSN, CCRN, CEN, CPEN, TCRN, FNP-BC, FAEN
Cheryl has been practicing critical care nursing for the past 34 years in ED, PICU, ICU & PACU. She is a popular speaker with the wonderful ability to make complex subjects easy to understand. She is currently working as an ED RN in San Francisco and an independent legal nurse consultant.
Stephen Raskin, MD, FACC
Steve Raskin is a practicing clinical cardiologist and is currently is the Director of the Sutter Eastbay Medical Foundation Lipid Clinic in Oakland, California. He has practiced cardiology for nearly 40 years and in addition has served as a mentor at the University of California, Berkeley, and San Francisco Combined Medical School Program and as Clinical Professor of Medicine at UCSF.<br />
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He has participated in many important clinical trials and served as principal investigator of many pivotal cardiology trials including the Beta Blocker Heart Attack Trial, Cardiac Arrhythmia Suppression Trial (CAST) and many of the first acute myocardial infarction thrombolytic trials (GUSTO program).<br />
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He obtained his medical degree from the Medical College of Wisconsin followed by internship and medical residency at the Boston City Hospital. Cardiology fellowship was completed at Mt. Zion-University of California, San Francisco.<br />
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Dr. Raskin is a member of AOA and is board certified in cardiology, clinical lipidology and cardiovascular computed tomography. He is an avid photographer and ocean sailor completing two transpacific crossings and was cardiology consultant to the Swedish America’s Cup ARTEMIS Sailing Team.<br />
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He is the Chief Medical Officer of MedChefs, a company dedicated to improving health by providing a novel e-solution to foster a healthy lifestyle and nutrition pattern.
Zayd Ratansi, ND
Dr. Zayd Ratansi is a licensed Naturopathic Physician and hyperbaric expert specializing in neurological recovery, detox, and bio-oxidative therapies. Since 1998, he has treated thousands of patients and trained physicians worldwide in advanced hyperbaric protocols. Through his clinical practice and international lectures, Dr. Ratansi transforms lives by integrating cutting-edge naturopathic medicine with evidence-based therapies.
Shakaib "Shak" Rehman, MD, SCH, FACP, FAACH
Dr. Rehman is the Associate Chief of Staff for Education & Founding Director of Academic Primary Care Clinic at the Phoenix VA Healthcare Systems, where he is also the Chair of Continuing Professional Education (CPE), High Reliability Organization (HRO) and Schmitz Practitioner Awards Committees. He has founded the Biomedical Informatics Fellowship & currently serving as the Chair/Professor of Department of Biomedical Informatics (BMI), Professor of Internal Medicine & Professor of Humanism at the University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix (UACOM-P). He also Chairs the UACOM-P Graduate Medical Education Committee. <br>
<br> He has served as the President of the Society of General Internal Medicine (SGIM)-Mountain Region; Vice- President of the Academy on Communications in Healthcare (ACH); Conference Chair, International Conference on Communication in Healthcare (ICCH); Chair of Practice & Policy committee of European & International Association on Communication in Healthcare (EACH), Chair of American College of Physicians (ACP) Arizona Chapter’s Health and Public Policy committee (HPPC); founding member of ACP Council of Young Physicians (CYP); & Chair of ACP-SC Chapter CYP & HPPC and Chair of CME committee of Arizona Medical Association (ArMA). <br>
<br> Dr. Rehman is a national expert in “Healthcare Communication” and “Hypertension”. He has been invited to teach courses/workshops around the country as well as in many countries outside the USA. He was invited to give the Commencement Address on the Graduation Ceremony of Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) MD class of 2013. <br>
<br> He has been awarded the Master of the American College of Physicians (MACP) (highest award), Fellow of Academy on Communication in Healthcare (FACH), Fellow of International Association on Communication in Healthcare (FIACH), American Medical Informatics Association (FAMIA), award-winning member of the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society and the Gold Humanism Honor Society. American Society of Hypertension designated him a Clinical Specialist in Hypertension. He is a certified Mentor for the Department of Veterans Affairs. <br>
<br> He has received numerous awards including American Medical Women Association (AMWA) Exceptional Mentor Award, Medical University of South Carolina Best Mentor & Teacher Award, Best Doctors in America ® Award, David E. Rogers Teaching Award from Society of General Internal Medicine twice, Department of Veterans Affair Excellence in Medical Education Award, American College of Physicians (ACP) Young Physician Award, ACP James A. McFarland Award in Excellence in Teaching and Humanism, ACP Laureate Award, ACP Arizona Chapter Leader of the Year Award and Outstanding International Medical Graduate (IMG) award. He has been awarded the Best Faculty Award and inducted in the Alpha Omega Alpha (AOA) Medical Honor Society & Gold Humanism Honor Society. He has received the Phoenix VA Healthcare Systems Gerald Schmitz Award. <br>
<br> Dr. Rehman has participated in many landmark research trials as the VA Principal Investigator; examples include ACCORD, SPRINT, ACCOMPLISH, ONTARGET, PROMINENT etc. He has published hundreds of articles and book chapters. He is reviewer for many scientific journals such as Annals of Internal Medicine, Journal of General Internal Medicine, and American Journal of Hypertension etc. He is the Associate Editor of Medical Encounter and was the editor of Journal Scan.
Eugenia P. Roberts DDS
Dr Eugenia has been in the dental field for over 50 years. A graduate of the University of Detroit School of Dentistry, she practiced both in public health and general practice with her husband, Dr Brad Roberts for over 38 years in Cincinnati, Ohio. Dr Eugenia taught at the University of Cincinnati School of Dental Hygiene. She is an associate clinical professor and clinical care faculty at Midwestern University College of Dental Medicine, Arizona and had been course director in Oral Pathology. She has published extensively and lectures in pathology, oral medicine, and polypharmacy.
Bradley S. Roberts DDS
Dr Brad met Dr Eugenia when they both attended the University of Detroit Dental School. After 38 years as a renowned clinician in aesthetic and restorative dentistry, Dr Brad joined Midwestern University College of Dental Medicine in Glendale Arizona, where he is an associate clinical professor. Dr Brad has lectured and published in practice management and oral diseases. He has been course director in practice management and anesthesia. He lectures in oral medicine, nitrous oxide, practice management, and implantology.
George P. Rodgers, MD, MACC
Dr. Rodgers is an Associate Professor of Medicine and the Associate Chief of Cardiology for Education at The University of Texas at Austin Dell Medical School. He led the development of the cardiovascular curriculum for the new medical school. Dr. Rodgers teaches medical students, residents and cardiology fellows on a regular basis. Beyond medical education, he has a particular interest in prevention the early detection of heart disease, team-based care and innovative value based care for the safety net population.<br />
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Dr. Rodgers received his medical education at The University of Texas Southwestern Medical School in Dallas. He completed his fellowship training in cardiology at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston. He began his cardiology practice in Austin in 1989. Dr. Rodgers has been very active in the American College of Cardiology over the last 25 years. He has served as the Chair of the Board of Governors, the Board of Trustees and as Co-chair Leadership Council of the Cardiovascular Team.<br />
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He has also served on a number of other committees and writing groups within the College He received the Distinguished Fellow of the American College of Cardiology Award in 2017. This year he was awarded Master of the American College of Cardiology.
Carlos R. Rodriguez, MD, FAAFP, CAQSM
Dr. Carlos R.Rodriguez, MD, FAAFP
Dr. Rodriguez is the Director of Family and Internal Medicine at EVARA Health Systems in Clearwater, Florida and the Program Director of Evara Health Family Medicine Residency. He is the former Program Director of the Sports Medicine Fellowship and Assistant Director to the Family Residency Program at Bayfront Health Saint Petersburg. He served as Assistant Medical Director of the sports medicine program at Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital. <br /><br />
Dr. Rodriguez received his B.A. in Biology from Harvard University in 1989. He completed his medical degree at the Rosalind Franklin University of Health Sciences/The Chicago Medical School in North Chicago, IL in 1993. Following medical school Dr. Rodriguez completed a General Surgery Internship at Eastern Virginia Medical School in Norfolk, VA. He then joined the United States Navy where he served as General Medical Officer from 1994 to 1997. After completing his active duty commitment he remained in the United States Naval Reserve until 2002 when he was Honorably Discharged. <br /><br />
Dr. Rodriguez completed the Family Medicine Residency Program at The Medical Center of Central Georgia/Mercer University School of Medicine in 2001 where he served as Chief Resident during his final year and received the Resident Teacher Award. Subsequently, he completed a fellowship in Sports Medicine at Bayfront Medical Center. After finishing the fellowship program, Dr. Rodriguez remained in the Tampa Bay area in private practice and later joined Community Health Centers of Pinellas where he served as Director of the Family Medicine Department before becoming fellowship director. <br /><br />
Dr. Rodriguez has served as a team physician for many of our local sports. These activities include the Tampa Bay Rays, Eckerd College and University of South Florida sports, St. Anthony's Triathlon, St. Petersburg Parrots (Hockey), Seminole High School, Indian Rocks Christian School, St. Petersburg Pelicans (Rugby) and the Tampa Bay Storm. He provided medical care to the United States Women's Gymnastics team in 2018 and the Tachi Palace World Strongest Man competition in 2019. He is also a licensed professional ringside physician and provides medical coverage for professional boxing and mixed martial arts in Florida. <br />
Dr. Rodriguez has published sports medicine articles in FP Essentials, Florida Family Physician and ACSMs Health and Fitness Journals. He is a former editorial member of the AAFP's FP Essentials. He is faculty for University at Sea providing sports and family medicine CME courses. <br /><br />
Dr. Rodriguez is a diplomate of the American Board of Family Medicine and holds a Certificate of Added Qualifications in Sports Medicine. He is a fellow of the American Academy of Family Physicians, a member of the Florida Academy of Family Physicians, the American Medical Society of Sports Medicine, the Pinellas County Medical Association, and the Association of Ringside Physicians.
Domingo Rodriguez-Cue, MD
Dr. Domingo Rodriguez-Cue was born in Havana, Cuba. Inspired by his father, who was also a physician, he went to Medical School at San Pedro de Macoris in the Dominican Republic. He did general surgery at Morristown Memorial Hospital in NJ and subsequently transferred to East Carolina University in Greenville, NC. He completed a rural residency program and then a faculty development fellowship. Dr. Cue was featured in Peter Jennings's world news tonight American Agenda program on Telemedicine use in rural practice. He recently authored a chapter titled “Sleep Diagnosis: Polysomnography and Home Sleep Apnea Testing” in Dental Sleep Medicine A Clinical Guide, Springer, 2022 <br />
<br /> He trained students and residents with ECU for 4 years, and then went into private practice in Williamston, NC. He was chief of staff for 7 years and practiced holistic family medicine, including ICU, ER, OBGYN and newborn care. With a strong focus on diet and exercise, he felt he needed to focus on the third pillar of health, which is sleep. He underwent his sleep training at Atlanta Sleep School at Northside Hospital. He became board certified in Sleep Medicine in 2009. He is the medical director of SleepWorks in Raleigh North Carolina, and practices at 5 locations throughout the state. <br />
<br /> His sleep practice is 40 % pediatrics with a focus on movement disorders, sleep apnea, narcolepsy, circadian rhythm disorders and insomnia. <br />
<br /> He interprets Level I polysomnograms and also Level II-IV home based tests. Along with prescribing CPAP therapy, Dr. Cue also works closely with dentists who provide oral appliances for sleep apnea patients. He is a member of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, CHEST physicians, AAFP and the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine. He specializes in non-pharmacologic approaches to insomnia and movement disorders.
I. Leslie Rubin, MD
I Leslie Rubin MD is Associate Professor in the Department of Pediatrics at Morehouse School of Medicine, Adjunct Associate Professor in the Department of Pediatrics at Emory University School of Medicine, Co-director of the Southeast Pediatric Environmental Health Unit at Emory University, Medical Director of The Rubin Center for Autism and Developmental Pediatrics, and Founder of Break the Cycle of Health Disparities Inc. in Atlanta, Georgia. <br />
<br /> As a Developmental Pediatrician, he has provided care for children and adults with developmental disabilities for decades, and in 2016 published the 3rd edition of his text: “Health Care for People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Across the Lifespan, (Springer Switzerland)” <br>
<br> As an Environmental Pediatrician, he started a program in 2004 called: Break the Cycle of Children’s Environmental Health Disparities, to raise awareness of children’s environmental health disparities and cultivate future leaders. This program, now in its 15th year, has resulted in the publication of more than 100 student papers in 10 international journal supplements and 10 Books with Nova, publishers in their Public Health Series. <br />
<br /> He is actively involved in a number of local, national and international organization and has received a several awards for his work.
Dania Rumbak, MD
Dania Rumbak, M.D.<br>
Attending Physician, Halifax Medical Center<br>
Assistant Professor of Pediatrics<br>
Department of Pediatrics<br>
Florida State University School of Medicine<br>
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Dania Rumbak is a pediatrician, pediatric intensivist and healthcare entrepreneur. She received her BA from the University of Florida and her MD from the University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine and is Board-Certified in Pediatrics and Pediatric Critical Care.
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She is currently an Attending Physician in Pediatric Urgent Care at Halifax Medical Center in Daytona Beach, Florida and serves as Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at Florida State University School of Medicine. She has previously worked at Columbia University Medical Center, New York University Medical Center, and the Children's Hospital at Montefiore, where she received all her medical training (residency and fellowship.) She has published multiple works in medical journals. She was also co-founder and Chief Medical Officer of a healthcare startup called Baby Doctor. She lives in Ormond Beach, Florida with her husband and two children.
Donna H. Ryan, MD, FACP
Donna H. Ryan, MD, FACP is a Professor Emerita at Pennington Biomedical in Baton Rouge, LA, where she had a 25-year career in clinical research in obesity. She was an Investigator on POUNDS Lost, Look AHEAD, DPP, DASH and other studies of the health benefits of weight loss by diet, lifestyle intervention and medications. Most recently, she was the co-Chair of the SELECT Steering Committee, the first cardiovascular outcome trial to demonstrate reduction with semaglutide in heart attack, stroke, and death in persons with obesity without diabetes. She has been an active member and former President of The Obesity Society and World Obesity Federation. She serves on Safety Monitoring Committees for three GLP-1 RA- related agents. She has more than 300 publications, is a frequent speaker on obesity and diabetes treatments and remains an active consultant and advisor to companies developing drugs, devices, lifestyle programs and medical approaches to obesity management.
Camille Sabella, MD
Camille Sabella, MD, is the Director of the Center for Pediatric Infectious Diseases at Cleveland Clinic Children’s and an Associate Professor of Pediatrics at the Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine of Case Western Reserve University. He serves as the Vice Chair for Education for the Pediatric Institute at Cleveland Clinic Children’s.<br><br>
Dr. Sabella received his M.D. degree from the Northeast Ohio Medical University, served a pediatric residency at Akron Children’s Hospital in Akron, Ohio and completed a fellowship in Pediatric Infectious Diseases at Stanford University School of Medicine in Stanford, CA. Dr. Sabella is board-certified by the American Board of Pediatrics in Pediatrics and Pediatric Infectious Diseases.<br><br>
Dr. Sabella attends on the Pediatric Infectious Diseases consultation service at Cleveland Clinic Children’s where he sees pediatric patients with a wide variety of infections, including complicated community acquired infections, viral infections, infections in immunocompromised hosts, including those complicating malignancies and organ transplantation, infections following surgery, and infections in the neonatal and pediatric intensive care units. Dr. Sabella’s research interests include viral infections, antimicrobial therapy and stewardship, immune responses of transplant recipients, infections in immunocompromised patients, hospital-acquired infections, and the use of telemedine in the practice of pediatric infectious diseases.<br><br>
Dr. Sabella is the editor of the <em>Cleveland Clinic Intensive Review of Pediatrics</em> textbook, which is currently in its fifth edition, co-editor of <i>The Color Atlas of Pediatrics</i>, and associate editor of the <i>5-Minute Pediatric Consult </i>(7<sup>th</sup> and 8<sup>th</sup> editions). He also serves as the Editor-in-Chief of AccessPediatrics. He has authored numerous peer-reviewed articles dealing with diverse aspects of pediatric infectious diseases.<br><br>
Dr. Sabella has received numerous awards related to his educational commitment to fellows, residents and medical students. He directs the annual Pediatric Board Review Course at the Cleveland Clinic, which is currently in its 25<sup>th</sup> year. He is the past Chair of the Education Committee of the Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society.<br><br>
Dr. Sabella is a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics and Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society. He is also a member of the Infectious Diseases Society of America, American Society of Transplantation, American Society for Microbiology, and Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society.<br><br>
C. Joy Sachs, MD, MPH
Dr. Carolyn Joy Sachs graduated from the honors program in medical education at Northwestern University in 1990 and then went on to completed an emergency medicine residency and research fellowship at the UCLA Emergency Medicine Center where she has stayed on ever since and currently serves in the rank of Clinical Professor step III. Her career research interests have centered on violence against women and she has authored many peer reviewed publications and book chapters on sexual assault and intimate partner violence.<br />
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For the last 23 years she has served as a chairwoman of the UCLA Intimate Partner Violence Committee. She serves as the voluntary medical director for a comprehensive forensic sexual assault examination program which provides over 1200 emergent sexual assault examinations to adults and children living in Southern California each year. <br />
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Dr. Sachs also a full time practicing academic emergency physician in the UCLA Emergency Department with an interest in physician well-being. She serves on the UCLA physician Health and Wellness committee and as the faculty advisor for the UCLA/OV Emergency Residency Wellness Committee. She has lectured nationally and internationally about intimate partner violence, sexual assault, provider well-being and other emergency medicine topics.<br />
Frances M. Sahebzamani (Rankin), PhD, ARNP, FAANP
Dr. Sahebzamani is an Adult Nurse Practitioner, and joined H. Lee Moffitt's Team Member Medical Clinic in June of 2014 to develop, implement, and manage the Healthy Weight and Cardiovascular Risk Reduction program for patients with obesity and metabolic dysregulation. <br />
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Prior to joining the H. Lee Moffitt Team, Dr. Sahebzamani was an Assistant Professor in the University of South Florida College of Medicine's Family Medicine Division for 23 years and practiced in the College's Family Medicine Clinic. <br />
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In 2006, she was recruited to the USF College of Nursing to develop and direct the Advanced Nursing Practice Doctorate (DNP) Program in the College of Nursing. Dr. Sahebzamani is a Fellow of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners. Her practice expertise is in primary care, obesity and metabolic dysregulation and preventive cardiology. Her program of research includes the topics of obesity, metabolic dysregulation, and cardiovascular risk reduction in primary care settings.
Tracy G. Sanson MD, FACEP, CEO
Dr. Sanson is an Emergency Physician with more than 20 years of experience in emergency medicine education, emergency department management, and leadership. She is a consultant and educator on Leadership development and Medical education at TracySansonMD.<br />
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Dr. Sanson has served in several and varied leadership positions with the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine (SAEM), the Council of Residency Directors (CORD), and the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP). She is a member of the ACEP Speaker's Bureau and the 911 network. She has been a member of the ACEP faculty for many years, including the ACEP Teaching Fellowship and the Emergency Department Directors Academy. <br />
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Dr. Sanson completed her medical degree and residency training at the University of Illinois at Chicago. She has held director positions in the US Air Force, the University of South Florida and TeamHealth during the past 20 years. Dr. Sanson heads her own consulting firm, specializing in leadership training.
Konstantinos Sarantopoulos, MD, PhD
Dr. Sarantopoulos serves as Chief of the Division of Pain Management at the Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative Medicine and Pain Management of the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. He holds academic appointments as Professor of Clinical Anesthesiology and Professor of Ophthalmology at the University of Miami. He has practiced pain medicine for several years, with special emphasis on the evaluation and management of patients suffering from chronic pain in the eyes. His clinical research has focused on the prevention of transition from acute to chronic pain, and currently on management of chronic ocular pain. His basic research includes investigations of neuronal ion channels and signal transduction in peripheral neuropathic pain. He has published extensively in peer reviewed biomedical journals and written numerous book chapters pertinent to his specialties.
Jitender Sareen, MD, FRCPC
Dr. Sareen is Professor and Head of the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Manitoba, Provincial Specialty Lead for Mental Health and Addictions, Shared Health. He has published over 450 peer-reviewed publications in the areas of traumatic stress, anxiety disorders, indigenous suicide prevention, and military and veteran mental health.
Brooke Schaefer, MSN, MBA, FNP-C, CARN-AP, RN
Brooke Schaefer is a nurse practitioner and the Senior Vice President at Volunteers of America, Ohio & Indiana. Certified in addiction medicine and holding a Master of Business Administration, she has dedicated her career to improving patient outcomes and advancing integrated services. Brooke is also the founder of Renewal Library, a nonprofit dedicated to providing books to individuals in recovery programs.
She lives on a farm in central Indiana with her husband and four children, along with their two pet mini ponies and two pet mini sheep.
Joseph J. Shatzel, MD
My research focus is centered on the design of novel strategies to improve patients suffering from thrombotic disorders. My three areas of interest are in the utility of inhibitors of the contact activation pathway of blood coagulation to prevent medical device-related thrombosis, the prevention of blood clotting in patients with sepsis, and the resolution and prevention of post thrombotic syndrome.
Khalid H. Sheikh, MD, MBA, FACC, FNLA, FASE
Dr. Sheikh is a consulting cardiologist, practicing on the Space Coast of Florida. He serves as Director of the Health First Institute for Cardiovascular Wellness and Disease Prevention. He is engaged in clinical practice, as well as research and teaching. His academic appointments include Adjunct Assistant Professor of Medicine in the Duke University Global Health Institute, as well Assistant Professor of Medicine at the University of Central Florida.<br />
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His clinical interests include preventative cardiology, cardiac imaging, and global cardiac health and wellness. He was voted by the Consumer council of America as one of America’s top cardiologists. Dr. Sheikh speaks at national and international forums about a variety of topics related to his clinical research, cardiovascular diseases and cardiac wellness. He has served as the principal investigator in over 100 national and international clinical trials. He has authored over 150 scientific abstracts, peer-reviewed journal articles, book chapters and reviews. He is the author of the critically acclaimed heart wellness book, “Don’t Let Your Heart Attack.”
Karl Gregory Sieg, MD, FAPA, MRO
Dr. Sieg received his medical degree and completed his residencies at the University of Kansas School of Medicine in Kansas City, Kansas. He is currently board certified in Addiction Psychiatry, Adult Psychiatry, Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, Geriatric Psychiatry and Forensic Psychiatry.<br />
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He is also a board-certified Medical Review Officer. Serving as Medical Director of Behavioral Health, Dr. Sieg has over 35 years of experience in practice having worked in a variety of settings including outpatient, community mental health & managed care as well as private, public & state psychiatric hospitals and addiction treatment programs. He has authored numerous scientific articles and also had past involvement in clinical psychopharmacology research.<br />
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Dr. Sieg maintains memberships with the American Psychiatric Association, the Florida Psychiatric Association, the American Academy of Psychiatry & the Law, and the American Medical Association. He currently practices and resides in the Orlando, Florida metropolitan area.
Michael Snyder, MD, FACS, FASMBS
Dr. Snyder received his medical degree from the University of Miami School of Medicine and completed an internship and residency at Oregon Health Sciences University at Portland, Oregon. He is board certified in General Surgery by the American College of Surgeons. Dr. Snyder is an active member of the American Society for Metabolic & Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) and is Medical Director of the Denver Center for Weight Loss and Bariatric Surgery at Rose Medical Center in Denver. <br />
<br /> Dr. Snyder is an international leader in the field of bariatric surgery. As of September 2020, he has performed over 10,000 primary and revisional bariatric procedures. His program is the most comprehensive and highest volume program in the region. He regularly treats patients from all over the US and when appropriate, from other countries. He lectures regularly on obesity and bariatric surgery both for non-surgeon medical professionals and to his surgical peers at AMBS and SAGES. <br />
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Lucille Contreras Sollazzo, MSN, RN-BC, NPD
Lucille Contreras Sollazzo, MSN, RN-BC, NPD, is a healthcare law specialist and has been an educator since 2012, addressing a primary target audience of Registered Professional Nurses, Nurse Practitioners and licensed healthcare multidisciplinary teams. She holds a master's degree in nursing education and is Board Certified in Nursing Professional Development. <br> <br> Lucille has been a Registered Professional Nurse since 1986 and has worked in various nursing specialties including the telemetry, home care, medical-surgical and oncology areas of concentration, but most of her bedside nursing experience was in critical care nursing.  
Timothy Spruill, MA, EdD
Timothy Spruill earned his M.A. in Counseling Psychology (George Mason University, 1977). After 4 years teaching undergraduate psychology, he worked in a private psychiatric hospital while pursuing his Ed.D. In Counselor Education & Counseling Psychology (Western Michigan University, 1992). Following three years as a rehabilitation psychologist, he was appointed Associate Professor in Counseling Psychology at Andrews University. In 1998 he became the first Behavioral Medicine faculty member at AdventHealth"s Osteopathic Family Medicine residency. After joining the medical staff (Psychiatry Department) in 2001, he became a consultant to the E.D. which ultimately lead to the clinical examination of approximately 4000 suicidal patients over the following 15 years. His role was to assess their imminent risk of self-harm and recommend disposition. Drawing on this expertise, he began conducting day-long training seminars on the ethical assessment and treatment of suicidal patients for mental health professionals in 2010. Since that time, he has presented in 100 cities in 37 states. As a direct result of his extensive consultation in the E.D., In 2007 he was the first psychologist nationally to be invited to join the Emergency Medicine residency faculty. He currently has clinical appointments at three Florida Medical schools and ten scholarly publications. Motivated by his belief that the future of counseling involves integrating services into primary care, in August of 2014, he created an internship program embedded in the Primary Care residency clinic for University of Central Florida graduate students in the Mental Health Counseling Marriage, Couple and Family Therapy Master"s Degree Program. He has maintained his FL license as a Psychologist since 2002.
Adam C. Stein, MD
Adam C. Stein, MD specializes in the evaluation and treatment of gastrointestinal disorders that involve the small bowel, including Crohn's disease, intestinal failure (such as from short bowel syndrome), celiac disease, enteropathy, fat/protein malabsorption, cystic fibrosis, and obscure gastrointestinal bleeding. Additionally, he sees patients with ulcerative colitis. He performs both video capsule endoscopy as well as double balloon enteroscopy and is able to evaluate abnormal small bowel findings as well as small bowel bleeding. Dr. Stein also specializes in the evaluation and management of malnutrition, providing nutrition through the vein (parenteral nutrition, or "TPN") as well as tube feeding.
Kevin T. Stephan, MD, FACP
Dr. Stephan is a board-certified Infectious Disease physician with many years of clinical experience. He currently serves as Vice President, nodSpecialists, a telemedicine-based Infectious Disease practice headquartered in Phoenix, AZ where he sees patients live and via virtual video visits throughout the western United States.<br />
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Prior to this, he served as Chief of Medical Specialties and Chief of Infectious Disease for St. Mary’s Medical Center in Duluth, MN, where he was voted top doctor in Infectious Disease by Duluth Superior Magazine, and won top recognition for patient care ranking in the top 10% nationally with a 5-star rating of Infectious Disease physicians over multiple years as assessed by PRC research.<br />
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Dr. Stephan had a 23-year career in the United States military, serving in multiple roles as a physician, researcher, and educator, including running the HIV program for the United States Air Force in San Antonio, TX. He deployed after 9/11/2001 and also participated in humanitarian operations and relief in Africa and Central America.
Stephen P. Stone, MD, FAAD
Dr. Stephen P. Stone is professor and Director of Clinical Research in the Division of Dermatology at Southern Illinois University School of Medicine in Springfield, Illinois.<br />
Dr. Stone graduated from Tufts University, and received his medical training at New York University School of Medicine. After serving with the U.S. Navy, he completed a residency in dermatology at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. Dr. Stone then moved to Springfield, Illinois where he maintained a private practice for more than two decades before moving to his current university position. <br />
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He has received numerous honors and citations throughout his distinguished career including Honorary Membership in the AAD, selection for" Best Doctors in America", "Who's Who in Medicine and Health Care" and "Who's Who in America'. He is past Editor-in-Chief of Dialogues in Dermatology, the AAD's monthly audio journal and served as the 67th president of the Academy from March 2006 through February 2007. <br />
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His interests in dermatology include psoriasis and other inflammatory skin diseases, acne, occupational dermatology, and skin cancer. He has been involved as an investigator or subinvestigator in more than 40 clinical studies, more than half involving treatment of psoriasis.<br />
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Dr. Stone has given more than 220 lectures and Grand Rounds presentations outside of his university, including such international venues as Beijing, Shanghai, Xi'an and Guangzhou, China, the Icelandic Dermatology Association, in Reykjavik, Iceland, the Congresso da Sociedade Brasileira Dermatologia, Curitiba and Salvador, Brazil, the Philippine Dermatological Society Annual Meeting in Manila, Republic of the Philippines, the Canadian Dermatological Association, Dermatrends III in Chiang Mai, Thailand, Hong Kong, the International Congress of Dermatology, in Prague, Czech Republic, and the World Congress of Dermatology in Vancouver BC, Canada, Kalambakas, Greece, and Taupo, New Zealand.
William B. Stroube, PhD
Bill Stroube is Professor of Health Services Administration at the University of Evansville. Before joining the UE faculty in 1998, he spent twelve years in management positions in the pharmaceutical industry, and eight years at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in Washington, D.C.<br />
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Dr. Stroube maintains an active research program and has authored and co-authored over 60 publications in peer reviewed journals and conference proceedings. His research and teaching interests include international health care issues, medical ethics, and health care marketing and strategy. He is past president of the Division of Biology and Medicine of the American Nuclear Society, and past president of the international Business and Health Administration Association.<br />
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He has extensive international experience leading student groups through several health care systems. He has taught over twenty-five summer classes in various formats in England, Hungary, Slovakia, and China. Dr. Stroube has served as Adjunct Professor at IMS Union University in Dehradun, India, and is a Visiting Fellow at the University of Nottingham, UK.<br />
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He holds a B.S. in Chemistry from Murray State University, an MBA in finance from the University of Maryland, and a PhD in analytical and nuclear chemistry from the University of Kentucky.
Sara Szkola, MD, FAAP
Dr. Sara Szkola is an Associate Clinical Professor of Pediatrics at Stanford University School of Medicine and a pediatric hospitalist at Stanford Health Care TriValley and California Pacific Medical Center. She is a national leader in wellness and interdisciplinary education, serving as Physician Wellness Champion for the Stanford Pediatric Hospital Medicine Division and Chair of the CPMC Health and Wellness Committee, where she advocates for the well-being of over 1600 clinicians. Dr. Szkola also co-chairs the American Academy of Pediatrics’ Community Pediatric Hospital Medicine Subcommittee, leading national initiatives that elevate the voices and needs of community-based pediatric hospitalists. She is a Co-Director of Stanford Pediatric Hospital Medicine Regional Simulation Programs, and her work in simulation, resuscitation training, and low-cost, high-impact education has been recognized across multiple institutions. Dr. Szkola is passionate about creating resilient systems that support high quality pediatric care and the teams that deliver it. <br>
<b>Education & Board Certifications</b>
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<b>Board Certification:</b> Pediatric Hospital Medicine, American Board of Pediatrics (2019)
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<b>Board Certification:</b> Pediatrics, American Board of Pediatrics (2011)
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<b>Residency:</b> University of Chicago Pediatric Residency (2011)
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<b>Medical Education:</b> MD, Loyola University Stritch School of Medicine (2008)
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Michael J. Tan, MD, MACP, FIDSA
Michael J. Tan, MD is Professor of Internal Medicine at Northeastern Ohio Medical University (NEOMED) in Rootstown, Ohio. At NEOMED, he is Section Chief of the Infectious Disease Section of the Drugs and Therapeutics course. Dr. Tan is Physician Lead for Summa Health Medical Group-Infectious Disease at Summa Health in Akron, Ohio where he is also Division Chief of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, Summa Health, and Medical Director for the Summa Health Clinical Research Center. Dr. Tan is board certified in infectious disease and internal medicine. He obtained his medical degree from the Northeastern Universities College of Medicine (now NEOMED) and completed his residency training at Summa Health System. He then completed a fellowship in Infectious Disease at the University of South Florida, Tampa, FL. He is a practicing infectious disease specialist and a frequent lecturer on various infectious disease topics. <br>
<br> Dr. Tan is a Master of the American College of Physicians (ACP) and Fellow of the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA). He is former Regent for the American College of Physicians and past-Governor for the Ohio Chapter of the ACP. He is currently Treasurer of the ACP, chair of the Financial Policy and Audit Committee, member of the Governance, Compensation, and Membership Insurance Trust Committees. He chaired the Mastership and Awards Committees and was a member of the IM2019 Scientific Program committee, member of the Credentials committee 2019-2021, member of the Chapters subcommittee 2015-2019, and Chair of the Chapters subcommittee 2017-2019. <br>
<br> Dr. Tan’s primary research interests include participation in multi-centered controlled trials of new and novel treatments for <em>Clostridium difficile</em> infection, skin and soft tissue infection, and pneumonia. He is co-editor of Tan JS, File TM Jr., Salata RA, Tan MJ (eds.) <em>Expert Guide to Infectious Diseases, 2nd edition</em> (2008, ACP Press) and Rosenthal KS and Tan MJ (eds.) Rapid Review Microbiology and Immunology 3rd edition (2010, Mosby). Dr. Tan is listed in Best Doctors in America (2010 to present).
Michelle Tarbox, MD
Dr. Tarbox earned her medical degree at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Medicine where she graduated at the top of her class and was recognized for her outstanding surgical skills with the Francis C. Jackson Award for Excellence in Surgery. Dr. Tarbox then completed her internship and dermatology residency at the prestigious Cleveland Clinic in Ohio where she was recognized for her patient care and dedication to teaching. <br />
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During her senior year in residency, Michelle successfully applied for a Women's Dermatologic Society Mentorship Grant and traveled to Sydney, Australia to study dermoscopy with Scott Menzies at the Sydney Melanoma Diagnostic Institute. She completed a dermatopathology fellowship at the Cleveland Clinic following successful completion of her residency.<br />
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She then served as an assistant professor of dermatology and dermatopathology for three years at St. Louis University in Missouri where she was recognized as the Teacher of the Year for her department in 2012. <br />
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In 2013, she returned to Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center where she currently serves as an Assistant Professor in the departments of Dermatology and Dermatopathology and as the Assistant Dean for Medical Student Affairs. She was awarded the Dean's Clinical Teaching Award in 2016 and has been recognized on the Healthgrades Honor Roll, as a Compassionate Doctor, On Time Physician, Patient's Choice, and as one of America's Top Honored Professionals, Top 5% by the American Registry. <br />
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Dr. Tarbox has lectured for the AAD, the Brazilian Dermatologic Society, The European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, and the American Society of Dermatopathologists on topics ranging from dermoscopy to cosmetic dermatology, to infectious diseases, maintenance of certification, patient satisfaction, and dermatopathology.
William O. Tatum IV, DO, FAAN, FACNS
Dr. William O. Tatum IV is professor in the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, and senior consultant in the Department of Neurology at Mayo Clinic Florida. He is a Fellow in the American Academy of Neurology, American Neurological Association and the American Clinical Neurophysiology Society. He is board-certified in Neurology, Clinical Neurophysiology, and Epilepsy and serves as the current director for the Comprehensive Epilepsy Center and Epilepsy Monitoring Unit at the Mayo Clinic in Florida.<br />
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He completed his medical education at the College of Osteopathic Medicine and Surgery in Des Moines, Iowa, neurology residency at Loyola University Medical Center in Chicago, Illinois, and a two-year epilepsy fellowship at Graduate Hospital affiliated with the University of Pennsylvania. After training, he relocated to Tampa, Florida pioneering Tampa General Hospital-University of South Florida Comprehensive Epilepsy Center before joining the Mayo Clinic in 2009 as a clinician-educator.<br />
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He is a past president of the board of the American Board of Clinical Neurophysiology and the American Clinical Neurophysiology Society, currently serving as the Chair for the clinical neurophysiology section of the American Academy of Neurology. He has served on the board of directors for the American Board of Registration of EEG Technologists and Evoked Potentials, and currently serves on the board of the Epilepsy Foundation of America. He has been principal investigator in pharmacologic and device clinical trials with research interests in drug-resistant epilepsy, seizure semiology and EEG/clinical neurophysiology.<br />
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He has authored 160 peer-reviewed manuscripts, 35 book chapters and edited/co-edited 8 books in the field of epilepsy and clinical neurophysiology. He serves on the current editorial board for the <em>Journal of Clinical Neurophysiology</em> as Associate Editor, and is the Editor-in-Chief for <em>Epilepsy and Behavior Reports</em>. He has presented lectures at national and international meetings as an invited lecturer.
Randolph Taylor II, MD, FAAFP
Dr. Randolph Taylor II earned his medical degree from Boston University School of Medicine. Dr. Taylor completed both his internship and residency in family medicine at Womack Army Medical Center in Ft. Bragg, North Carolina. He also received his primary care sports medicine fellowship from Bayfront Medical Center in St. Petersburg, Florida. He has served as the team physician for the University of South Florida volleyball team, Eckerd College athletics, and Houston Baptist University athletics. He serves as a ringside physician for professional and amateur boxing and MMA.<br />
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Dr. Taylor found his way into medicine through a combination of a strong interest in science and a love of sports. His diverse background includes providing inpatient, outpatient and battlefield medical care as a staff physician to soldiers, their families and veterans during his military service. While on active duty, Dr. Taylor completed a combat tour in Iraq supporting Operation New Dawn. He was also the medical director for the Warrior Transition Battalion at Ft. Campbell, KY. Dr. Taylor received an honorable discharge at the rank of Major from the United States Army in 2013.<br />
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Dr. Taylor was prior faculty for the Memorial Family Medicine Residency in Sugar Land, TX and clinical faculty at Texas A&M College of Medicine. He currently treats acute injuries and illness in Houston, TX. He is interested in concussion management and ultrasound guided therapy for treating musculoskeletal injuries, combative sports, and innovative nontraditional methods of advancing health care. In his spare time, Dr. Taylor enjoys spending time with family, flag football, softball, and bowling.
Davis Thomas, BDS, DDS, MSD, MSc Med, MSc
Dr. Davis Thomas is an Orofacial Pain specialist with numerous academic appointments, including Clinical Associate Professor and Program Director at Rutgers School of Dental Medicine, Associate Professor of Dentistry at Rochester Medical School, and Adjunct Associate Professor at the University of Western Australia. <br>
<br> After earning his Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) in India and his Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) from New York University, Dr. Thomas completed an extensive series of post-graduate degrees. He holds Master's degrees in Orofacial Pain (MSD) from Rutgers University, Clinical Pain Management (MSc) from the University of Edinburgh, and Sleep Medicine (MSc Med) from the University of Sydney. He is currently pursuing his PhD in Pharmacology and Pharmacogenomics. <br>
<br> A prolific author and educator, Dr. Thomas has published scores of peer-reviewed articles and multiple textbook chapters. He has also served as a Special Guest Editor for leading journals, including the Journal of the American Dental Association (JADA). He lectures extensively around the world and serves as a director for advanced courses in Orofacial Pain, TMD, and Sleep Medicine. <br>
<br> Dr. Thomas is a commissioned officer in the United States Army Reserves and maintains multiple faculty appointments at universities internationally. His work is focused exclusively on the research, teaching, and practice of Pain, Orofacial Pain, Sleep Medicine, and Pharmacology.
Gina Touch, Ph.D.
Dr. Touch is an Associate Professor in the Departments of Psychiatry and Family, Community, and Preventive Medicine at the University of Arizona College of Medicine Phoenix (UA COM-P). <br><br> She is the director of the Behavioral Sciences, Wellness, and Professional Identity Development curricula at UA COM-P and a clinical psychologist in Addiction Medicine in the Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology. <br><br> Dr. Touch graduated from the University of Houston with a doctorate in Counseling Psychology and completed a postdoctoral fellowship in Geropsychology at the Houston VA Medical Center. She has been a practicing clinical psychologist and core faculty member in graduate psychology and medical education programs for over 25 years.
John H. Tucker, DMD, DICOI, DABDSM
John H. Tucker has maintained a private practice in Erie, Pennsylvania since 1982. He is a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine. Dr. Tucker has a special interest in the treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea. As a <em>Diplomate</em> of The American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine (AADSM), he is exceptionally qualified to manage this serious problem with Oral Appliance Therapy. Dr. Tucker was named one of the Best Sleep Doctors in 2012 & 2013 by the Sleep Review Journals for Sleep Specialists. He has been actively treating patients in the Tri-State Erie area for the past ten years. Dr. Tucker works directly with sleep physicians and sleep centers to ensure that his patients receive the most positive treatment outcome possible. He founded Erie Dental Sleep Therapy, LLC in 2007. Erie Dental Sleep Therapy, LLC became the eighth AADSM Accredited facility in June of 2012. Erie Dental Sleep Therapy, LLC was also named one of the Best Sleep Facilities in 2012 by the Sleep Review Journals for Sleep Specialists. <br>
<br> Dr. Tucker is passionate about educating the dental profession in treatment of the CPAP intolerant Obstructive Sleep Apnea patient. He has presented approximately 1700 hours of continuing education on treating the CPAP intolerant patient with Oral Appliance Therapy nationally and internationally over the past six years. Dr. Tucker has also published numerous articles regarding Oral Appliance Therapy for OSA patients that are unable to tolerate PAP therapy.
Jeff Unger, MD, FAAFP, FACE, DACD
Dr. Unger directs the Unger Primary Care Concierge Medical Group in Rancho Cucamonga. He is an assistant professor of Family Medicine at UC Riverside School of Medicine. <br>
<br> Dr. Unger is double board certified in both family medicine and diabetology. He has published 3 medical textbooks on diabetes management in primary care as well as one on migraine headaches. He has also authored over 160 peer reviewed manuscripts and book chapters on diabetes, mental illness and pain. He co-authored the 2021 AACE guidelines on the use of technology in patients with diabetes and has participated in over 150 clinical trials. <br>
<br> Dr. Unger is a 3rd generation physician who serves as a hospice medical director. He is also experienced in managing patients with substance abuse disorders. He has spoken internationally on topics related to diabetes and migraine headaches. <br>
<br> Although Dr. Unger has absolutely no athletic ability he has served as a team physician for the LA Angels of Anaheim baseball club as well as the World Wrestling Federation. You may recall seeing Dr. Unger thrown through a wall by 2 female wrestlers during Wrestlemania VII!
Stacey Van Gelderen DNP, MS, RNC-MNN, PHN
Dr. Van Gelderen is a full professor at Minnesota State University, Mankato, MN, USA who has focused her career on supporting perinatal women, and neonates, and building family-focused caring practices. For over 24 years, she has supported clients in obstetrics, neonates, women's health, and those with family care needs. <br /><br />
Dr. Van Gelderen offers workshops and consultations for maternal-newborn care, nursing education, family practice, and simulation. In recent years, Dr. Van Gelderen has had special interest areas of supporting high-risk, low-occurrence obstetrical emergencies such as hypertension in pregnancy, post-partum hemorrhage, cardiac conditions during pregnancy, and infertility. <br /><br />
Dr. Van Gelderen is the primary author of the Van Gelderen Family Care Rubric (VGFCR) (2019, 2016) which is an evidence-based validated tool that helps healthcare professionals develop family assessment and communication skills. This tool is recognized by the renowned International Nursing Association for Clinical Simulation and Learning and awarded the 2018-2019 articles of influence by the Society for Simulation in Healthcare. This instrument is being utilized by healthcare staff and educators in twelve countries across the globe. <br /><br />
Valerie R. Vestal, MSN, PMHNP-BC
Valerie is a Board Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. Her nursing career has yielded a variety of experiences extending from Cardiac Critical Care, Nursing Informatics, and Adjunct Clinical Instructor. She has found her home in Psychiatry.<br />
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She received both her undergraduate and graduate degree in Nursing from Winston-Salem State University. She also holds a Post Master in Psychiatric Family Nurse Practitioner from the University of South Alabama School of Nursing. She is also a Lieutenant in the United States Navy Reserve and has deployed to both Kuwait and Germany.<br />
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She is passionate about uplifting patients who have a negative self-image and have defined themselves by their illness. She has most recently expressed this through her work as a contributing author in the book Goodness Abounds.
Cecilia Low Wang, MD, FACP, FACE
Cecilia Low Wang (pronounced “lowwong”), MD is an endocrinologist and Professor of Medicine at University of Colorado, Clinician-Scientist at CPC Clinical Research, and a Fellow of the American College of Physicians and the American Association of Clinical Endocrinology. She earned her medical degree at the University of Rochester and did her residency and chief residency in Internal Medicine at the University of Utah. She completed her fellowship in Endocrinology, Metabolism, and Diabetes at the University of Colorado (CU). Dr. Low Wang is Chairperson of the FDA Endocrinologic and Metabolic Drugs Advisory Committee. She is the principal investigator for continuous glucose monitoring trials in the inpatient setting, and remote continuous monitoring to facilitate a dietary intervention in rural Colorado. She is a member of the Academy of Medical Educators and founding Program Director for the primary care Diabetes Fellowship Program at CU. Dr. Low Wang also directs the Glucose Management Team at the University of Colorado Hospital. She has served on a number of committees for the Endocrine Society and currently chairs the Nominating Committee. She is past chair of the American Association of Clinical Endocrinology Disease State Network in Diabetes and was on the Task Force for the 2023 Update of the AACE Consensus Statement Comprehensive Type 2 Diabetes Management Algorithm. She serves on the Lifestyle Diabetes Committee of the Council on Lifestyle and Cardiometabolic Health for the American Heart Association. She co-founded and is on the Executive Board of the American College of Diabetology which developed the first board certification exam for Diabetology, to be held December 2023. She is passionate about medical education and diabetes care, and does bedside teaching, as well as workshops and lectures locally, regionally, and nationally to clinicians and trainees at all levels.
David Weiland, Jr., MD
Dr. David Weiland is Board Certified in Internal Medicine & currently works with Seasons Hospice & Palliative Care. He is also working as the Director of Palliative Care at Advent Hospital in North Pinellas County. He has significant administrative and quality experience as Chief Medical Officer at HCA/Largo Medical Center for 5 years. He also served as the VPMA of Bayfront Medical Center for four years.<br>
Dr. Weiland was Medical Director of Suncoast Hospice, where he oversaw quality, community outreach and developed inpatient hospice units and hospital-based palliative care teams. In addition, Dr. Weiland has served as Family Practice Faculty for the University of South Florida. He was board certified in Internal Medicine as well as Hospice and Palliative Medicine.<br>
Dr. Weiland has served on numerous community boards including current Chairman of the Pinellas EMS Advisory Committee and the Pinellas County Commission Pill Mill Task Force dealing with illicit pain medication prescribing. He was the past president of the Pinellas County Medical Association and continues to take an active role in PCMA and FMA activities.<br>
He lectures and presents clinical presentations nationally for the AAFP, including a diverse array of palliative and primary care topics including The Physiological Benefits of Humor, Medical Ethics, Depression, Alzheimer's Disease, Palliative Pain Management, Quality and Patient safety issues as well as conducts workshops on patient-centered communication to enhance the patient care experience.
David Glenn Weismiller, MD, ScM, FAAFP
Dr. Weismiller is a graduate of Jefferson Medical College of Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He completed his residency at the University of Virginia Health Sciences Center in Charlottesville and a fellowship in Maternal-Child Health and graduate degree in Epidemiology at Brown University School of Medicine, Providence.<br />
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A Professor of Family Medicine at the new medical school of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, he provides full-scope care that includes inpatient and maternity care. A proponent of "reflection in practice" and "learner-centered instruction," he is recognized nationally for his work in continuing medical education and faculty development.<br />
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Having taught board review programs for the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) for more than 20 years, he is the founding and current chair of the AAFP Family Medicine Board Review Express<i>™</i>, as well as the AAFP's annual Family Medicine Update course.<br />
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He is a frequent presenter at AAFP Family Medicine Experience (FMX) and teaches American Board of Family Medicine (ABFM) Knowledge Self-Assessments throughout the country. Dr. Weismiller is the author of numerous publications on issues related to women's and children's health, and he is an advocate for empowering individuals to make sound health care choices.<br />
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He is the father of three amazing daughters. He and his partner Brian make their home in Las Vegas.
Ariel Weissman, MD
Professor Ariel Weissman graduated from the Hadassah–Hebrew University Medical School in Jerusalem in 1988. He completed his residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Kaplan Medical Center, Rehovot, in 1994, and subsequently served for two years as a senior physician in the IVF Unit. Prof. Weissman then undertook a two-year clinical and research fellowship under Professor Bob Casper at the Division of Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Toronto, Canada. Upon returning to Israel in 1998, he joined the IVF Unit in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Wolfson Medical Center, affiliated with Tel Aviv University’s Faculty of Medicine, where he now holds the position of Full Professor. Since 2000, Prof. Weissman has co-authored the renowned <em>Textbook of Assisted Reproductive Techniques: Laboratory and Clinical Perspectives</em>. Now in its sixth edition, the textbook is regarded as one of the leading authoritative works in the field of ART.
Carol Cohen Weitzman, MD
Carol Weitzman, M.D. is a Developmental Behavioral Pediatrician and the Co-Director of the Autism Spectrum Center at Boston Children’s Hospital and Director of the CT Center for Developmental Pediatrics. She is an Associate Professor at Harvard Medical School and Professor Emeritus of Pediatrics at the Yale School of Medicine. While at Yale, Dr. Weitzman was the Director of Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics (DBP) and oversaw the fellowship training in DBP. Nationally, she is a past president of the Society for Developmental Behavioral Pediatrics (SDBP), and a past chair of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Section of Developmental Behavioral Pediatrics. Dr. Weitzman is the author of the AAP Clinical Report “Promoting Optimal Development: Screening for Behavioral and Emotional Problems,” and the Health Care for Youth With Neurodevelopmental Disabilities: A Consensus Statement. She is a member of the American Board of Pediatrics Sub-Board and the American Academy of Pediatrics Autism Committee.
Michael J. Wilsey, Jr., MD, FAAP
Dr. Wilsey is Clinical Professor of Pediatrics and former Associate Program Director of the Pediatric Residency Training Program at the University of South Florida (USF) Morsani College of Medicine Department of Pediatrics in Tampa, Florida. He graduated from the University of Miami School of Medicine and completed residency training in Pediatrics and fellowship training in Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition at Texas Children's Hospital and the Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas. He currently serves as the Vice Chief of the medical staff and the Vice-chairman of the Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology at Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital (JHACH) in St. Petersburg, Florida.<br />
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Dr. Wilsey is the Past-President of the Hillsborough County Pediatric Society as well as the former Florida Region V Representative of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). He has served on the Endoscopy and Procedures Committee and the Clinical Practice Committee for the North American Society of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (NASPGHAN), and is a member of the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE). Dr. Wilsey has been recognized and has won teaching awards for outstanding medical education, and is the clerkship coordinator and core faculty member for pediatric residents at both USF and JHACH residency programs. His current clinical and research interests include advanced therapeutic endoscopy (including ERCP), clinical and nutritional outcomes of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostostomy (PEG) placement in children, as well as hepatobiliary and eosinophilic disorders. He has published on a wide variety of pediatric gastroenterology and endoscopy topics.<br />
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Dr. Wilsey lives in Tampa, Florida with his beautiful wife and three teenage children. He enjoys reading, running, swimming, watching college and professional sports, and spending quality time with friends and family.
Howard N. Winfield, MD
Dr. Winfield is a graduate of McGill Medical School in Montreal, Canada. After graduating in 1978, he went on to complete a Rotating Internship in Toronto and urological surgery residency (1978-84) at McGill University Teaching Hospitals. He then pursued two years of Fellowship training focusing on newer aspects of Endourology between 1984 and 1986.
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Most of his professional academic career was at The University of Iowa where he moved through the ranks to Full Professor of Urology with tenure. While at University of Iowa he helped to pioneer laparoscopic and robotic surgery in the field of urology. Based on this work as well as numerous scientific publications, he became nationally and internationally recognized in this area of surgery. He performed the first laparoscopic partial nephrectomy in the world and continued to be a leading force in minimally invasive surgery through the 1990’s to 2015.
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Dr. Winfield was elected to the American Association of Genitourinary Surgeons in 2001, was president of the Northcentral Section of AUA in 2011, and has received numerous awards for cutting edge publications and contributions to urology. He has been a Reviewer for many peer-review journals.
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He has lectured and operated in medical centers throughout the world. In 2009, Dr. Winfield was recruited by DCH Health Authority in Tuscaloosa, Alabama to begin a robotic surgical program and to help improve the laparoscopic surgical options for patients with urologic disorders. This hospital-based urology practice has allowed pursuit of academic interests in the private practice setting. As such, Dr. Winfield continues his teaching interest as Adjunct Clinical Professor at University of Alabama.
J. Stuart Wolf, Jr., MD, FACS
After receiving his M.D. from Northwestern University, Dr. Wolf completed Urology residency at UCSF and then an Endourology / Laparoscopy Fellowship with Ralph Clayman. He joined the University of Michigan in 1996, and over the ensuing 20 years he served as the Director of the Division of Endourology, the Director of the Endourology / Laparoscopy Fellowship, and the Associate Urology Department Chair for Surgical Services. In 2016 he joined the Department of Surgery and Perioperative Care at Dell Medical School of the University of Texas at Austin, where he serves as the Associate Chair for Clinical Integration and Operations, Executive Associate Chair, and Chief of the Division of Surgical Specialties.<br /><br />
Dr. Wolf has served on the Boards of Directors of the Michigan Urologic Society, the Endourological Society, the Society of Academic Urologists and the Texas Urological Society. He chaired the American Urological Association (AUA) Practice Guidelines Committee and was the inaugural chair of the AUA Science & Quality Council. At the University of Michigan, Dr. Wolf received the Silver Cystoscope Award for Urology Residency Teaching Excellence three times (1999, 2002 and 2005). He was appointed the inaugural David A. Bloom Professor of Urology in 2006. The Department of Urology awarded him the Faculty Service Award in 2011 and the Outstanding Achievement Award in 2012. He was inducted into the League of Educational Excellence of the University of Michigan Medical School in 2015, and that year he also received the inaugural Program Director's Award from the Endourological Society and was the Malcolm Coptcoat Lecturer for The British Association of Urologic Surgeons. In 2010, Dr. Wolf was elected to the American Association of Genitourinary Surgeons. In 2018, he started a 6-year term as a Trustee of the American Board of Urology; in 2022 he assumed the role of President-Elect and will become President in 2023. Dr. Wolf received a Distinguished Service Award from the AUA in 2019. <br /><br />
An author of over 325 peer-reviewed articles and videos, and over 175 invited publications, Dr. Wolf has served on the editorial boards of 12 journals. His scholarly work has been recognized by awards and/or research grants from the American Foundation for Urologic Disease, the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Endourological Society, the American Society of Transplant Surgeons, and the AUA and 2 of its Sections. <br />
Jeannette Marie Wolfe, MD
Dr. Jeannette Wolfe is Professor of Emergency Medicine and the Joy McCann endowed Professor of Women at the University of Massachusetts Medical School, Baystate Campus. She has spent her entire attending career working and teaching in one of the busiest emergency departments in the Northeast.<br />
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Besides emergency medicine, her passion is understanding ways in which biological sex and gender influence wellness and disease as cutting-edge research definitively shows that men and women often have different responses to the same illness, trauma, toxins and therapies. <br />
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Dr Wolfe's personal mission is to increase awareness of this information and to use it to improve medical care of both men and women. She is a national lecturer and writer and has recently started a podcast called Sex and Why, exploring how biological sex and gender influence our brain, body and behavior.
Ameigh Worley, MD, MMS, FACOG
Dr. Worley is a Board Certified OB/GYN serving women of all ages. A highly skilled and compassionate physician, Dr. Worley has extensive training in high risk obstetrics, minimally invasive gynecologic surgery, and infertility.<br />
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Dr. Worley’s outstanding credentials include her medical degree from the University of South Florida College of Medicine in Tampa where she had a scholarly concentration in research. She then went on to complete an internship at Emory University School of Medicine in Atlanta and residency training at Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Prior to medical school, she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with Honors and completed a Post-Baccalaureate Pre-Medical Program at Rollins College in Winter Park, Florida. She then continued on to earn a Master’s of Medical Sciences degree at Boston University School of Medicine in Massachusetts.<br />
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Following her residency training in 2014, Dr. Worley joined Wake Forest University as an Assistant Professor for the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology. In 2016, she returned to her Central Florida roots where she currently works as an OB/GYN Hospitalist at Halifax Medical Center in Daytona Beach and in a small boutique-style private practice (Alliance Obstetrics & Gynecology) in Winter Park. In 2018, Dr. Worley received certification from the American Board of Obstetricians and Gynecologists as a Focused Practice Designation in Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology.<br />
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Dr. Worley’s commitment to helping women extends beyond the hospital and clinic. She has extensive experience in resident and medical student education, is involved in simulation training and quality improvement initiatives at various locations, and is a dedicated researcher. Additionally, as an experienced lecturer, Dr. Worley is frequently called to educate other medical professionals and the public. She is also an avid volunteer in her community, proving that her compassion and skills extend far beyond the exam room.<br />
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Dr. Worley is certified by the American Board of Obstetricians and Gynecologists as well as the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine. She is licensed to practice in Florida and North Carolina.
Wendy L. Wright, DNP, ANP-BC, FNP-BC, FAANP, FAAN, FNAP
Wendy received her Doctor of Nursing Practice in 2019 from the University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa. She is a 1992 graduate of the Adult Primary Care Nurse Practitioner program at Simmons College in Boston, Massachusetts and completed a family nurse practitioner post-master’s program in 1995. She is an adult and family nurse practitioner and the owner of two, nurse practitioner owned and operated clinics within New Hampshire. Her family practices have won numerous awards, including Top Providers in New Hampshire 2020, Top 20 Fastest Growing Family Business, and Top 20 Women-Owned Business in New Hampshire. In addition, she is the Owner of Partners in Healthcare Education, a medical education company. She is the Past President of NPACE and the Senior lecturer for Fitzgerald Health Education Associates. <br>
<br> She is the recipient of numerous awards and was chosen by the American Association of Nurse Practitioners as the 1999 recipient of the New Hampshire State Excellence Award. In addition, she received the 2009 NH Nurse Practitioner of the Year and the 2014 Top 5 Women in New Hampshire Business Award. In 2020, Dr. Wright won the Top Family Practice Doctor in Souhegan Valley and the 2021 State of NH Advocate of the Year Award. In 2005, she was inducted as a Fellow into the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners; in October 2014, a Fellow in the American Academy of Nursing, and in March 2017, a Fellow into the National Academies of Practice. <br>
<br> She is the founder of the NH Chamber of Entrepreneurial Nurse Practitioners, an organization designed to assist nurse practitioners with independent practice issues. In addition to full-time clinical practice, she presents nationally to different audiences and has been a speaker at over 1000 conferences in 47 states. She is the nurse practitioner representative to the State of NH Immunization Advisory Board. She has been a medical media spokesperson for numerous companies and has appeared on radio, television, and in print magazines. In October 2020, Dr. Wright was featured in the Wall Street Journal for her Nurse Practitioner Led Clinics and the care they provide. Wendy is frequently consulted by malpractice attorneys around the area of clinical practice and has worked on more than 100 malpractice cases involving nurses and nurse practitioners.
George Y. Wu, MD, PhD, FAGA, FAASLD
Dr. George Y. Wu is Emeritus Professor of Medicine, Chief of the Hepatology Section, and holds the Herman Lopata Chair in Hepatitis Research at the University of Connecticut Health Center. <br>
<br> He has been a pioneer of targeted delivery of biological substances, including genes and mitochondria, specifically to hepatocytes. He has received an American Gastroenterological Association/Industry Research Scholar Award, an American Liver Foundation Research Prize, and an AGA-Gastroenterology Research Group Young Scientist Award. <br>
<br> Dr. Wu was elected a Fellow of both the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) and the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD). He was also elected to the American Society for Clinical Investigation, the Association of American Physicians, and the National Academy of Inventors, and has undertaken three Fulbright Scholar/Specialist programs. He has published more than 235 articles, edited 15 books, and is the founding Comprehensive Editor-in-Chief of the <em>Journal of Clinical and Translational Hepatology.</em>
Erica B. Young, MD
Erica B. Young, MD, is a board-certified Family Medicine physician and the owner of Relief Direct Primary Care in Savannah, Georgia. In addition to her clinical practice, where she holds a Certificate in Integrative Medicine, Dr. Young serves as a Clinical Assistant Professor of Family Medicine and Clinical Preceptor for Mercer University School of Medicine. <br> <br> Dr. Young earned her medical degree from the University of Alabama School of Medicine at Birmingham and completed her family medicine residency at Memorial Health University Medical Center in Savannah. Her background includes over a decade as a high school history teacher before pursuing a career in medicine. <br> <br> Her dedication to medical education has been recognized with honors such as the Arnold P. Gold Humanism & Excellence in Teaching Award from Mercer's School of Medicine. She is a frequent lecturer and has been a featured speaker at national conferences and on medical podcasts. <br> <br> Dr. Young resides in Savannah, Georgia, with her husband of 25 years. Their two daughters are pursuing their education at the University of Georgia and the University of Arkansas. In her free time, Dr. Young enjoys thrift store shopping, kayaking, party planning, and relaxing with her cats, Milo, Sybil, and Magnolia.
Lara Zakaria, PharmD, CNS, IFMCP
Dr. Zakaria is an Integrative pharmacist, nutritionist, professor, and public health professional specializing in Functional Medicine. Integrative Medicine implies the blending of specialties to create a unique and effective approach to personalized healthcare. <br>
<br> Combining her background in pharmacy and training in Personalized Nutrition, Functional Medicine, and herbalism, Lara designs personalized protocols that incorporate whole food, herbs, nutrigenomics/pharmacogenomics, medication history, and lifestyle modification to help patients achieve their health goals. <br>
<br> Lara works with her patients to find practical and delicious options to help them thrive within the demands of their unique lifestyles. She’s experienced in working with complex cases addressing digestive problems, metabolic disease, kidney disease, autoimmune disease, and cognitive health layering in customized therapeutic dietary plans.
Laraine T. Zappert, PhD
Dr. Zappert is a Clinical Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the Stanford University School of Medicine. As a faculty member at the Center for Neuroscience in Women’s Health, Dr. Zappert was instrumental in developing and directing the first Clinical Psychology Ph.D. program in Women’s Health. Previously, Dr. Zappert had served as Director of Clinical Training at Vaden Student Health Services at Stanford. <br>
<br> Currently, she teaches a course on Sexual Violence and Recovery and supervises the clinical work of residents in the Department of Psychiatry. In addition to her clinical, teaching, and research responsibilities, Dr. Zappert served as the founding Director of Stanford University's SHARE/Title IX office (Sexual Harassment/Assault Prevention Education) from its inception in 1993, and now holds the title of Director Emerita. <br>
<br> In 2001, Dr. Zappert initiated the Allies for Women in Science and Engineering (WISE) Program for women graduate and post-doctoral students at Stanford, and more recently, extended that program to create the Allies for Women in Social Science and Humanities (WISSH) program. <br>
<br> Dr. Zappert's clinical work and research have focused on the areas of women's mental health, work, and wellness. Her book, <em>Getting It Right: How Working Mothers Successfully Take Up the Challenge of Life, Work and Family</em>, has been nationally recognized as an authoritative resource for professional women and their families. Most recently, Dr. Zappert was the senior author of an article on The Impact of a Support Group Intervention for Women in STEM. In 2017, she was awarded a Faculty Fellowship at the Clayman Institute for Gender Research.