Orlando Health Choose Health (Winter 2020)

WINTER 2020

Inspiring Stories

AUGMENTED REALITY ISSUE

See page 5 for
instructions on how to watch
the magazine pages come to life!

IN N OVATIO N

Orlando Health Launches Partnership,
Hospital with Jewett Orthopaedic Clinic

By Kim Marcum, Editorial Contributor

Two longtime leaders in caring for Central Florida are uniting to benefit
today’s healthcare consumers. Jewett Orthopaedic Clinic has joined
Orlando Health, bringing together the most respected orthopedic and
sports medicine practices in the region. This next-generation partnership
creates a premier team of orthopedic providers you won’t find anywhere
else in Central Florida — or the southeastern United States.

Uniting these two great teams enables us to pursue projects “This partnership unites two organizations that have the vision
that can improve the health of our region for decades to come, to elevate care, training and innovation in orthopedics,” says
says David Strong, president and CEO of Orlando Health. One Mike Jablonski, MD, president of Jewett Orthopaedic Clinic. “We
such project is creating a destination orthopedic facility on are excited to join an active, integrated, high-quality healthcare
Orlando Health’s downtown campus. The Orlando Health Jewett system like Orlando Health and help usher in the next generation
Orthopedic Hospital will be dedicated to outstanding customer of orthopedic care.”
service and exceptional patient outcomes.
The newly formed orthopedic group will lead the
The Jewett and Orlando Health partnership brings together development of the Orlando Health Jewett Orthopedic
three key elements that set the program apart from others Hospital, a 195,000-square-foot inpatient facility
across the nation: exclusively for orthopedic patients. Orlando Health plans
to break ground on the $250 million hospital this spring.
1 A robust outpatient practice with recognized leaders
in private orthopedic and sports medicine “With all of the pieces in place — physician training, top-quality
providers and the busiest trauma program in the state — we
2 An internationally known trauma program expect that the Orlando Health Jewett Orthopedic Hospital will
care for more patients upon opening than any other orthopedic
3 One of the nation’s top training programs for facility in the Southeast,” says Strong.
orthopedic physicians

2ChooseHealth OrlandoHealth.com/ChooseHealth

Pictured front row left to right: Steven C. Choung, MD Colleen M. Zittel, MD

Craig M. Mintzer, MD, MBA DOWNTOWN ORLANDO, UNIVERSITY LAKE MARY, WINTER PARK

MAITLAND, WINTER PARK Michael P. Silverstein, MD Patrick F. Emerson, MD

Janet M. Robison, MD WINTER PARK, SAND LAKE/DR. PHILLIPS SAND LAKE/DR. PHILLIPS,
WINTER PARK, WINDERMERE
SAND LAKE/DR. PHILLIPS, Reginald L. Tall, MD
WINTER PARK, WINDERMERE Sean M. McFadden, DO
WINTER PARK
Joseph B. Billings, DO EAST ORLANDO
John R. Chase, MD
WINTER PARK, UNIVERSITY
LAKE MARY
Pratik P. Desai, MD, MS
Luis A. Gandara, MD
LAKE MARY, WINTER PARK
LAKE MARY, WINDERMERE

Pictured back row left to right: Michael V. Jablonski, MD Mark A. Beckner, MD

Adam S. Fenichel, MD DOWNTOWN ORLANDO, MAITLAND, WINTER PARK
LAKE MARY, UNIVERSITY
LAKE MARY, WINTER PARK John A. Papa, MD
Matthew D. Hurbanis, MD
Vivek Kumar, DO WINTER PARK
DOWNTOWN ORLANDO,
WINTER PARK, DOWNTOWN ORLANDO, WINTER PARK, WINDERMERE Randall T. Rust, MD
WINDERMERE
Joseph C. Tutorino, MD WINTER PARK, WINDERMERE,
Kurt A. Gasner, MD SAND LAKE/DR. PHILLIPS
LAKE MARY, WINTER PARK
DOWNTOWN ORLANDO Richard M. Konsens, MD
Jeffrey A. Deren, MD
Brian K. Barnard, MD UNIVERSITY, WINTER PARK
UNIVERSITY
WINTER PARK

To schedule an appointment, call (407) 629-2444.

WINTER 2020 AINUTRHISGIESSUEMAneLwEINTYTED
CONTENT
Inspiring Stories Download the Orlando Health Experience app
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AUGMENTED REALITY ISSUE editions of Choose Health magazine.
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CHOOSE HEALTH CONTRIBUTORS extra content.
Jeanne Adam
Wendy Bacigalupi-Bednarz Augmented Reality can
Tracey Choroco be found on these pages:
Ryan Coleman, Strength and Cover, page 7, 9, 13,
Conditioning Specialist 15, 19 and 20.
Felicia Cavuoto
Lisa Cooper, Registered Dietitian
Andrew Davidiuk, MD
Lindsay Gigler-Huff
Kathy Halley
Kevin Hayden
Jonathan Higgins, MD
Rod James
Diana Lomont
Amanda Maldonado
Kim Marcum
Virgilio Matheus, MD
Keri Nagib, OTRL, IBCLC
Lisa Nickchen
Naren Ramakrishna, MD
Regan Rostorfer, MD
Veronica Schimp, DO
Cristina Settanni, BSN, RN
Chelsea Stevens
Cherisse Stover
Danielle Trumbull
Julie Vargo
Mark A. Vollenweider, MD

Proud recipient OrlandoHealth.com/ChooseHealth
of the APEX 2019
Award of Excellence,

recognizing
excellence in

publishing

WELCOME

In our “Inspiring Stories” section, we introduce
you to patients and care givers who have faced
disease, mental illness and natural disaster.
How they personally overcame these challenges
– or helped others survive them – makes for
compelling reading (see pages 14-23). Find more
stories, including how Bill keeps the rhythm in
his heart, at ChooseOrlandoHealth.com/Stories.

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

HPV Welcome Inspiring
Myth Busters New Doctors Stories

7 24 – 31 14 – 23

Helping Diseased Community Testing
Lungs Breathe Easier Good Your Testes

8 36 33

Could My Picky Eater
Have a Feeding Disorder

9

Exercise:
A Balancing Act

10 – 11

WOMEN’S HEALTH

HPV MYTH Busters

By Julie Vargo, Editorial Contributor

Most folks infected with HPV never know. Until it’s too late. MYTH: Only women can
The human papillomavirus (HPV) is a group of more than 100 get HPV. Men are
viruses spread through intimate contact. The most common
sexually transmitted infection worldwide, HPV causes nearly 35,000 three times more likely to contract
cases of cancer annually in American men and women, according to
the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). HPV than women, putting them

“HPV can cause genital warts, but some strains also cause cancers,” says Dr. Veronica Schimp, at risk for penile, anal and throat
a gynecologic oncologist at Orlando Heath UF Health Cancer Center. “The majority of cervical
cancers, for example, result from a previous HPV infection without symptoms.” cancers.

A vaccine available to preteens can thwart HPV’s potential problems. However, misconceptions MYTH: HPV vaccines are
about the disease can muddy the message of prevention. To separate HPV fact from fallacy, dangerous. The
Dr. Schimp debunks some myths surrounding the virus and vaccine.
vaccine is safe and approved

by the Federal Drug Administration

(FDA) for girls and boys at age 11

or 12. Mild side effects like fever,

headache and pain or redness at the

injection site may occur.

MYTH: You know if you’re MYTH: HPV infections are rare. MYTH: The HPV vaccine
infected with HPV. HPV infections are incredibly means no more

Pap tests. While

Actually, you won’t know. HPV common. Eighty million people the vaccine covers the most high-

is a silent infection with no symptoms, are infected with HPV. Another 14 million will risk strains of HPV, it doesn’t

diagnosed only through medical testing. be diagnosed this year. cover all types. A Pap test remains

necessary to detect any cervical cell

abnormalities before they can turn

into cancer.

AUGMENTED REALITY For more information, visit
OrlandoHealth.com/PrimaryCare.
See page 5 for instructions

7ChooseHealth OrlandoHealth.com/ChooseHealth

TECHNOLOGY

Helping
DBirseeaatsheedELausniegrs

By Julie Vargo, Editorial Contributor

Unless we have a cold, most of us don’t think about breathing — we just do it.
But simply taking a breath can be a painful challenge for the millions of Americans
with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or emphysema, COPD’s more
severe, progressive form.

Emphysema weakens and ruptures tiny air sacs in the lungs, “Breathing improves quickly post-treatment, allowing patients
creating larger air spaces. “When this occurs, old air becomes to experience increased lung function and quality of life,”
trapped in these damaged regions, making it hard to take says Dr. Vollenweider. “Prior to the Zephyr valve, emphysema
deep breaths,” says Dr. Mark A. Vollenweider, interventional management included medication, oxygen therapy, major surgery
pulmonologist at Orlando Health Orlando Regional Medical or lung transplant.”
Center (ORMC). “Patients have difficulty performing normal
daily activities like bathing, getting dressed, walking or even How It Helps
eating without feeling breathless and tired.”
Zephyr was granted Breakthrough Device designation by the FDA
Opening the Lungs’ Airways based on positive data from clinical trials, including those at
Orlando Health ORMC.
For these patients, a new pulmonary valve treatment recently
approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) may One year after receiving Zephyr valve implants, patients in the
provide relief. Called the Zephyr®, this tiny endobronchial valve trials were able to:
opens up the lung’s airways in a minimally invasive procedure
that doesn’t require surgical cutting or incisions. During a short • Breathe easier due to improved lung function
procedure that uses a small, flexible tube with a camera, Zephyr’s
one-way valves are implanted to prevent airflow into the lungs’ • Increase exercise and energy levels
diseased areas while allowing trapped air and fluids to escape.
• Experience less shortness of breath

• Enjoy a better quality of life

To learn more about the Zephyr valve procedure, go to OrlandoHealth.com/Zephyr.

8ChooseHealth OrlandoHealth.com/ChooseHealth

CHILDREN’S HEALTH

Could My AUGMENTED REALITY
Picky Eater Have a
See page 5 for instructions
Feeding Disorder?
What Are the Causes?
By Lisa Nickchen, Editorial Contributor
“Eating difficulties could be due to
If you have a picky eater, you’ve probably experienced some physical, oral-motor or behavioral
stressful mealtimes. Trying to accommodate or change your issues. Your pediatrician may refer
child’s eating habits can be both frustrating and exhausting. your child for further evaluation
But how can you tell if what you’re dealing with is just a finicky to determine if there are any
eater, a temperamental phase, or a feeding disorder related to underlying problems,” says Nagib.
a medical or developmental issue?
Some of those root causes
Observing your child in various eating situations is a good place to start, include food allergies, physical
says Keri Nagib, clinical specialist at the Feeding Difficulties Center at abnormalities, autism and genetic,
Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children. And, if your child is gastrointestinal or neurological
able, follow that up by talking with them about the foods they like and disorders. If left untreated, feeding
don’t like. disorders can progress to increased
developmental delays, behavioral
Picky vs. Problem disorders and poor growth.

Common characteristics of a picky eater include: Visit ArnoldPalmerHospital.com/
FeedingDifficulties to learn more
• Eating a self-limited number of foods, but a variety of textures and about the multidisciplinary team
food groups of pediatric specialists at the
Feeding Difficulties Center at
• Refusing to eat a previously accepted food, only to re-accept it later Orlando Health Arnold Palmer
Hospital for Children.
• Trying new or less-preferred foods with prompting

• Accepting preferred foods despite brand or how the food looks

But if your child will eat only a very limited number of foods, refuses
different food brands, shapes or colors, or is not progressing past certain
food types and textures, Nagib suggests talking with your pediatrician.

9ChooseHealth OrlandoHealth.com/ChooseHealth

EXERCISE

By Lisa Nickchen, Editorial Contributor

When we think of exercise, we tend to think
of sweating on the treadmill or doing that third
set of bicep curls.

While aerobic, strength and flexibility exercises
are important components of a healthy workout
routine, balance exercise also is key to staying
healthy and fit, says Ryan Coleman, a certified
strength and conditioning specialist with the
Orlando Health National Training Center on the
campus of Orlando Health South Lake Hospital.

“Adding in balance movements will help
align your muscular system, which is great for
stability and can help prevent future injuries,”
says Coleman.
The Benefits of Balance

Having a strong sense of balance contributes to your overall health and
fitness in several ways:

• Good balance helps maintain good posture. Especially as we grow
older, poor posture can lead to many negative effects, including
headaches, neck and back pain, and hip and knee problems.

• Balance movements help strengthen certain areas of the body,
including abdominal and leg muscles.

• Regularly performing balance exercises also increases coordination
and can greatly reduce the risk of falls, according to the American
Heart Association.

• Better balance can help improve reaction times, enhance athletic
performance and even increase cognitive function.

ChooseHealth 10 OrlandoHealth.com/ChooseHealth

What Leads to Poor Balance? Ways to Improve Your Balance

You might not realize you have weak balance until trying balance Depending on your fitness level, you can try standing on one leg
exercises, says Coleman. for an allotted number of seconds or minutes before switching to
the other leg. Increase the time as you advance, remembering to
Many factors can cause poor balance. Issues with the inner ear, keep the exercise equal on both sides.
vision impairment and problems with proprioception (the sense
of self-movement and body position sometimes called the “sixth If you find it challenging to balance on one leg, try holding the
sense”) can all contribute to poor balance. position for 10 seconds. If this feels too easy, push yourself to
30 seconds.
Other factors may include decreased physical activity, poor core
strength, failure to incorporate full range of motion and, in more For added stability, you also can hold on to a wall or a sturdy chair
serious cases, some neurological disorders. to support yourself. Start with both hands on the wall or chair and
then progress to just one hand, to one finger and then no support
Testing Your Balance as your balance improves.

Before beginning a new exercise routine, assess how good your Coleman also recommends these balance exercises:
balance currently is. This provides a starting place to compare
progress to later and also prevents situations that could cause • Walk heel to toe, both forward and backward,
injury. across an open room.

A simple balance test is relatively easy to perform, but if you feel • Perform bodyweight exercises on an unstable surface
wobbly on your feet, then be sure to perform these exercises in a using a foam balance pad.
safe, padded area and in the company of others. After taking any
necessary precautions, try standing on one foot while keeping your • Assume the “Tree Pose” position – stand on one leg and
eyes closed. This will quickly shed light on how good (or bad) your bring the sole of your other foot onto your calf or inner thigh.
balance really is. If this test feels too difficult for you, try it with
your eyes open instead. • Practice movement training, like yoga or tai chi.

Integrating balance exercises into your fitness routine is important,
no matter your age or fitness level. Whether you need to work on
going up and down the stairs or want to improve your balance for
that next mountain climb, there’s no better time to start than now.

To learn more about the benefits of balance, visit USANTC.com.

11ChooseHealth OrlandoHealth.com/ChooseHealth

NUTRITION

Alkaline Water:
Is the Hype True?

By Diana Lomont, Editorial Contributor

These days, consumers have more choices than ever when it comes to water
— spring, filtered, flavored, carbonated, mineralized and more. Proponents of
“alkalized” water say it offers possible health benefits ranging from cancer resistance
and diabetes prevention to helping with weight loss, lowering cholesterol and improving
energy. But before you spend your hard-earned cash on water, Orlando Health registered
dietitian Lisa Cooper says it’s important to know the facts.

On the pH scale of 1 to 14, alkalized water has a pH level of If you’re interested in gaining the benefits of a more alkaline diet,
8 or 9, while normal drinking water has a neutral pH of 7.0. Cooper recommends eating more alkaline foods, which include
However, not all alkalized water is the same. Most alkaline water fruits and vegetables.
sold in bottles is made by supplementing water with minerals such
as calcium, magnesium and potassium. The type of alkaline water “Only one in 10 Americans consumes the recommended amount
that some health studies have looked at is called “electrolyzed of fruits and vegetables to reduce the risk of chronic diseases,
reduced water,” made through a water ionization process. including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, some cancers and
obesity,” says Cooper.
“A few laboratory and animal studies have indicated that
electrolyzed reduced water can neutralize free radicals The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
that may contribute to the development of inflammatory recommends at least 1 ½ to 2 cups of fruit per day and 2 to 3 cups
of vegetables per day to maintain a healthy body. By eating more
diseases,” says Cooper. fruits and vegetables, you’ll benefit from vitamins, minerals and
“However, further studies protective micronutrients found in these foods.
need to be done on humans to
For more health and wellness insights from Orlando Health
substantiate this.” experts, visit OrlandoHealth.com/ContentHub.

12ChooseHealth OrlandoHealth.com/ChooseHealth

SPOTLIGHT

Virtual Tour Reveals
Anne Frank’s Hiding Place

By Wendy Bacigalupi-Bednarz, Editorial Contributor

Strapping on the oversized goggles and noise-
canceling headphones of the “Behind the Bookcase”
experience transports you from Maitland to
Amsterdam. From 2020 to 1942. From the
contemporary spaces of the Holocaust Memorial
Resource and Education Center of Florida to the

cramped quarters of Anne Frank’s Secret Annex.

This first-of-its-kind virtual reality is so realistic that it prompted one
tour of Anne Frank’s hiding place visitor to call it “the next best thing
— just as it looked and sounded to actually going to Amsterdam.”
in World War II — invites museum
visitors to step into the Jewish The Holocaust center is one of only AUGMENTED REALITY
teen’s world as she described it three places in the U.S. that has
in her bestselling autobiography, the virtual reality experience, adds See page 5 for instructions
“The Diary of Anne Frank.” Lisa Bachman, assistant director
of the center. Presented in seven
Filmed at the Anne Frank House in languages, “Behind the Bookcase”
Amsterdam, the 25-minute virtual is for visitors ages 13 and up, and
reality tour explores each of the is part of the Maitland center’s
annex’s hidden rooms as it tells permanent collection.
the diarist’s story. The immersive
experience enables visitors to The virtual reality experience contributes to the museum’s goal of helping
“walk in someone else’s shoes,” to “build an inclusive community free of all forms of racism and bigotry,”
says Serena Ahmed, program says Ahmed. With its dramatic visuals, the virtual tour complements the
coordinator for the center. The tour Maitland center’s extensive permanent collection of Holocaust artifacts,
which include photographs, artwork and handwritten letters.

For more information about “Behind the Bookcase,” go to holocaustedu.org/event.

13ChooseHealth OrlandoHealth.com/ChooseHealth

INSPIRING STORIES

EOdngethoef Crisis

By Wendy Bacigalupi-Bednarz, Editorial Contributor

It seemed like an ordinary workday morning.
Except that Cristina Settanni was running late.
The registered nurse at Orlando Health
UF Health Cancer Center needed a faster route
to work so she took a toll road she typically
avoids. As she crossed an overpass toward her
exit, something caught her eye.

“There was a man sitting on the ledge with his legs hanging
over the side,” she recalls. Like everyone else, she kept driving.
Someone was sure to call 9-1-1, right? Watching the man’s image
fade in her rearview mirror, Settanni knew something was very
wrong. So she pulled over. It was a lifesaving decision.

Settanni walked along the highway toward the man perched on
the ledge. He was crying. Risking her own life, she climbed over
the safety barrier and calmly sat next to him. She urged him to get
off the ledge with her, but he refused. So she stayed by his side.

“I asked if I could help, if he needed anything and if I could call
somebody for him,” she says.

As a nurse, Settanni sees people during their best and worst
moments every day. That morning, her experience and empathy
kicked into high gear.

“I know what it’s like to stand on the ledge and think that’s your
only option,” she says. He needed someone who cared enough to
stop “and tell him he didn’t need to do that today.” She was the
person to do it.

14ChooseHealth OrlandoHealth.com/ChooseHealth

to sIhwoawshthimerethat Recognizing a
one person cares. Person in Crisis

CRISTINA SETTANNI If you know the warning signs for suicide,
you may be able to help save a life, says
Saving a Life with a Song Lisa Parani, a licensed clinical social
worker with Orlando Health. In fact, there
It seemed like we were up there for a long time, Settanni says. There were moments are multiple steps you can take to help a
when he would move closer to the edge. But she wouldn’t give up on him. As she tried to person in an emotional crisis.
comfort the man, she recited lyrics from one of her favorite music groups, Linkin Park.
The song, “One More Light,” asks the question, “Who cares if one more light goes out? In Ask the person if they are thinking
a sky of a million stars … Well, I do.”
about ending their life. According to
“I was there to show him that one person cares,” says Settanni. She stayed with him until studies, asking this tough question does
an Orange County Sheriff’s deputy arrived and pulled him to safety. not boost suicides or suicidal thoughts.

Medal of Merit Try to determine if the person has

Settanni’s story of heroism could have ended on that February morning, but it didn’t. created a plan to end their life. If they
In May, the Orange County Sheriff ’s Department produced and released a video about have, seek immediate professional
what happened that day. The video includes footage from the responding deputies’ body support from a psychiatrist or therapist.
cameras and interviews with Settanni and the officers. In August, the sheriff ’s department
presented her with the Medal of Merit, an award reserved for deputies and civilians who Keep the person safe and limit their
have helped save lives.
access to potentially lethal items and
Opening a Global Conversation objects.

The video of what happened that morning went viral on the internet. So did the song Ask what the person is feeling and
lyrics Settanni chose to help comfort a man in crisis. Linkin Park thanked her through
social media and since then, thousands of people from around the world have reached why, says Parani. Let them know “you
out to her with gratitude. Others share their own stories of “standing on the ledge.” care and are concerned.”

“Nobody wants to talk about suicide — reaching out if you need somebody,” Help them connect with suicide
says Settanni. “There is still a stigma attached.”
prevention resources such as the
We need to get and keep the AUGMENTED REALITY National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at
conversation going, she says. 1 (800) 273-TALK (8255).
And be that one person who cares. See page 5 for instructions
“Go one step beyond and ask them to
verbalize that they agree not to hurt
themselves,” adds Parani. “This is like a
binding contract that truly could save
a life.”

15ChooseHealth OrlandoHealth.com/ChooseHealth

INSPIRING STORIES

Dr. Higgins Goes Home

By Julie Vargo, Editorial Contributor

Growing up in the Bahamas, Jonathan Higgins saw his share of strong
hurricanes — from Andrew in 1992 to Charley, Frances and Jeanne in 2004.
But those storms didn’t compare in ferocity to Hurricane Dorian, a Category 5
storm, as it ripped through the northern Bahamas in early September, leaving
70,000 people without food or shelter and reducing buildings to rubble.

Soon after Dorian departed the Bahamas, Flying in, Dr. Higgins could see hundreds of people
Dr. Higgins, a vascular surgeon at Orlando Health waiting amid the wreckage of the airport to get on
Heart Institute, arrived. Orlando Health has sent to one of the planes trying to land. Armed security
the Bahamas more than $100,000 in medicine and guards coordinated the crowds. Relief workers
medical supplies, as well as monetary contributions unloaded supplies and hauled debris.
from team members, the organization and
community donors. A Desperate Situation

“I have never seen such destruction as I saw flying “Everything, the whole landscape, was brown and
into Treasure Cay in Abaco Islands,” says burnt out,” he says. “Palm trees were uprooted,
Dr. Higgins, who grew up in Nassau, the island their trunks snapped in half. Buildings were
nation’s capital. Although he moved to the United completely blown out, walls and roofs gone.”
States in 2006, the surgeon still has family living in
the Bahamas and regularly volunteers there. But in the true spirit of the Bahamas, people were
still smiling. “Bahamians are perpetual optimists
and very resilient — even when the situation seems
desperate,” says Dr. Higgins. “I saw people smiling,
despite having lost everything.”

ChooseHealth 16 OrlandoHealth.com/ChooseHealth

To conserve gas as they left the airport, the team drove with the air It’s important
conditioning off and car windows down. “A half-mile down the road, to be grateful in the
the smell hit us,” says Dr. Higgins. “It was putrid. The sewage system moment and treasure
was overflowing, and we knew people were still missing. It was the people, mindful of those we
smell of death.” work with, those we love.
You can always buy more
During his 30-hour visit, Dr. Higgins saw patients and distributed things or rebuild a house.
medical supplies. “We brought antibiotics, bandages, cleansing wipes,
medications for high blood pressure and diabetes — anything that JONATHAN
didn’t require refrigeration,” says the surgeon, who also treated dozens HIGGINS, MD
of wounds and bruises suffered from flying debris.
it’s easy to
Stories of Survival forget there are still
needs — and will be for quite a while,” he says.
Dr. Higgins was inspired by the spirit of his countrymen and their tales of
survival. The team’s translator was standing in his house when the roof Dr. Higgins remains active in Dorian relief efforts, and plans to
blew off during the middle of the storm. take additional donations of medical supplies and medicine from
Orlando Health to the islands in February. He also returned to the
“He told me he had an overwhelming urge to move quickly to another Bahamas in late December to assist. “Relief workers are usually on
house across the way,” says Dr. Higgins. “He ran through that hurricane to the ground for 90 days and then they leave,” says Dr. Higgins. “We
reach the other house. When he got there and turned around, he watched were going back in at just the right time to help again.”
as his own house collapsed onto where he had been standing only
moments before.” To Help Dorian Survivors

Another man was a sailor who could read the wind. Calculating the Since its founding in 1992, Heart to Heart International has been
hurricane wind’s direction, he weathered the storm in his truck by a first responder to natural disasters all over the world, and
sandwiching the vehicle between two storage units. The wind blew currently has a medical team and mobile medical unit in the
over him. He knew the wind would shift directions when the eye of the Bahamas. With its focus on medical relief, Heart to Heart is a
hurricane passed, so he moved his car to the other side of the units … and good fit with Orlando Health’s mission and is listed on Charity
survived. Navigator as a high-scoring organization (97.72/100).
To make a donation, go to HeartToHeart.org.
“Seeing the destruction and hearing the stories put things into
perspective,” says Dr. Higgins. “It’s important to be grateful in the
moment and treasure people, mindful of those we work with, those we
love. You can always buy more things or rebuild a house.”

Return Trip

What can people do in the wake of Dorian to help the country rebuild?
“Go on vacation to the Bahamas,” says Dr. Higgins. “It is still a tourist
destination, and Atlantis, Bimini and other tourist spots are open for
business. Supporting the local economy will help the Bahamas rebuild.”

Rebuilding will take time, and Dr. Higgins is afraid people will forget
about his homeland’s needs. “With our 24-hour news cycle mentality,

17ChooseHealth OrlandoHealth.com/ChooseHealth

INSPIRING STORIES

They not only By Diana Lomont, Editorial Contributor
treated me and told me
this is what you need, Rachel Robbins was attending nursing school in
they taught me about it. Alabama when some strange things started
happening to her. First, the 27-year-old avid
RACHEL runner began seeing “stars” and developing
ROBBINS migraines. Then, her vision got worse —
people’s faces were fuzzy and letters on the
left side of signs were missing.

Accustomed to pushing through her pain and too busy with
school to take a break, Robbins kept going for months until one
night she awoke with such a painful migraine that she finally
decided she needed help.

The next day, she saw her family doctor who referred her to an
ophthalmologist. An MRI scan revealed that Robbins had a brain
tumor the size of a lime. Surgery followed at the nearest hospital, an
hour away from her small town. Pathology results showed it was a
glioblastoma tumor, among the most aggressive types of brain tumors
because it can grow very quickly and spread to other parts of the body.
Standard treatment for glioblastoma is surgery followed by radiation and
prolonged chemotherapy to try to kill any remaining cancer cells.

Robbins’ next step was guided by a friend back in Orlando who told
her about proton therapy at Orlando Health UF Health Cancer Center.
Compared to traditional radiation, proton therapy provides more precise
radiation treatment with minimal damage to healthy cells surrounding
the target area.

“That definitely was something I wanted to be a part of,” says Robbins,
“because I wanted to get the best care I could.”

Her treatment at the cancer center was led by neuro-oncologist
Dr. Nick Avgeropoulos and radiation oncologist Dr. Naren Ramakrishna,
who leads the Marjorie and Leonard Williams Center for Proton
Therapy.

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“Dr. Ramakrishna really has been a huge “I think that we came through for her with Next-
advocate for me,” says Robbins. “Because a terrific treatment,” says Dr. Ramakrishna. Generation
I had recently gone off my parents’ “Rachel really represents what our mission Proton Therapy
insurance, I had an unconventional type of is about. We’re trying to provide advanced,
insurance that was more difficult to work state-of-the-art treatment that delivers the Having treated its 500th patient since
with. Dr. Ramakrishna played a key role in best outcomes, preserves quality of life and opening the proton therapy center in
enabling me to get the proton therapy. The offers hope to patients like her.” April 2016, Orlando Health UF Health
Orlando Health Foundation also helped.” Cancer Center has plans to expand
Today, Rachel is doing well and returns to its proton therapy program with
In March, Robbins began six weeks of Orlando Health UF Health Cancer Center new technology that advances its
proton therapy, five days a week. “Honestly, every other month for checkups. She’s capabilities even further.
going for that was my favorite part of the looking forward to returning to nursing
day,” she says. “Each session was about 15 school and running in the New York City “We’re looking at a technology called
minutes, and the proton beam would hit Marathon next November on the 2020 intensity modulated proton therapy,
me at three different angles.” National Brain Tumor Society team. also known as pencil beam scanning
proton therapy,” explains Dr. Naren
“I’ve had a great experience,” Robbins says Ramakrishna of Orlando Health
of her treatment at Orlando Health. “Dr. UF Health Cancer Center. “That,
Ramakrishna and Dr. Avgeropoulos are together with next-generation imaging
wonderful. They not only treated me and technology, will allow us to treat more
told me this is what you need, they taught tumors, in different parts of the body,
me about it. and to treat them with even better
precision and sparing of healthy cells.”
“When you know about your situation and
you know what’s going on,” she says, “you Dr. Ramakrishna, who leads the
feel like you’re a little bit more in control of Marjorie and Leonard Williams Center
things.” for Proton Therapy, is working with
the Orlando Health Foundation to
To learn more, visit garner funding for the new technology.
OrlandoHealth.com/Proton. To learn how you can support the
Foundation and its mission, visit
OrlandoHealthFoundation.com.

ChooseHealth 19 OrlandoHealth.com/ChooseHealth

INSPIRING STORIES

For more than 40 years, By Julie Vargo, Editorial Contributor
Jim Mathis has made his
living walking the stage That started to change in recent years. After hours spent on his feet making a presentation or roaming
and working the room. a conference, it became the norm for the 63-year-old Floridian’s legs to tingle and become numb. “It
reached a point where after 10 to 15 minutes standing or walking, I literally had no feeling in my upper
“I never use a podium,” legs,” he recalls. “I could beat on my thighs and feel absolutely nothing.”
says the professional
public speaker and Mathis was forced to start hiding a chair behind his speaking podium and adopted an awkward,
bestselling author, straight-legged gait he called his “Frankenstein walk” to adapt to the problem. When numbness
who has presented to became unbearable, occurring within minutes of standing and affecting his mobility, Mathis and his
corporate clients around wife grew concerned. What was once a mild annoyance transformed into something more frightening
the world. “I always talk — loss of control and fear of falling.
while wandering around
the room.” Dropping ‘Like a Puppet’

In addition to his job strolling the stage as a roving conversationalist, Mathis enjoys attending model
railroad events in his spare time. At one of those conventions, he lost feeling in his legs and total
control of his knees, falling hard onto the concrete floor.

“I dropped like a puppet that had its strings snipped,” he says.
“I fell to the ground, but with no feeling. The numbness was
so intense, I didn’t realize it at the time, but I had broken
my leg and foot in two places — clean breaks.”

Worse yet, he didn’t discover he had broken any
bones until a routine trip to the orthopedic
specialist two weeks later.

AUGMENTED REALITY

ChooseHealth 20 OrlandoHealth.com/ChooseHealth

Looking for Answers Dart.rMueatghoedussenwda.s

Determined to find the answers necessary to get his life back on JIM MATHIS
track, Mathis connected with Dr. Virgilio Matheus, a board-certified
neurosurgeon at Orlando Health Neuroscience and Rehabilitation Doing His Part
Institute Neurosurgery Group.
“When Dr. Matheus came into the room after the surgery, he told
“Dr. Matheus was a true godsend,” says Mathis, a former ordained me he had done his part — and now it was up to me to do mine,”
Baptist minister. “He sent me to get an MRI, which showed I had spinal says Mathis. He immediately began physical and occupational
degeneration — lumbar scoliosis and spinal stenosis. After asking me a few therapy at the hospital and continued it after going home.
questions, he told me he could fix the situation with a minor surgery.”
Following his surgery and completion of an aggressive
Within weeks, Dr. Matheus performed a neuro-spine surgery on Mathis rehabilitation program, Mathis was feeling better. Within just a
using the ExcelsiusGPS™ Robotic Navigation system. The system features few months, he was leading conferences with confidence, hanging
around with other model train enthusiasts and spending quality
image-guided navigation like a car’s GPS, time on the move with his family.
combined with a robotic arm,
for precise planning and “I have no pain, no tingling and no numbness,” he says. “In fact, I
placement of surgical stood at the 68th Annual Model Train Show and Sale for four hours
implants in minimally with absolutely no issue.”
invasive surgeries like
Mathis’ or conventional A man of faith, Mathis credits God and Orlando Health for
open-spine surgery. his rapid return to his action-packed life. “I can’t say enough
For patients, the result
is improved safety, less nice things about Dr. Matheus, the nurses and physical
time in the operating room therapists at Orlando Health,” he says. “The whole
and less time under general team, everybody there, they helped put me back
anesthesia. Recovery also on my feet again.”
is much quicker. To learn more about Orlando
Health’s neuroscience care, visit
OrlandoHealth.com/Neuro.

21ChooseHealth OrlandoHealth.com/ChooseHealth

INSPIRING STORIES

Everything Was Normal –

She was busy with work and her By Lisa Nickchen, Editorial Contributor
family, and now the imaging
center was calling just as she But the imaging center kept calling. After she returned from her trip, several more
was heading to Savannah for missed calls were waiting for her. When she called their office, Stapleton learned they
a well-earned vacation. So had seen something suspicious on her mammogram and wanted her to have additional
Angie Stapleton did what most imaging. She was sure it was nothing, and her initial response was, “I really don’t have
overbooked, working mothers the time for this.” But they insisted.
do. She waited to call back.
As she waited on the phone, worrying about how she would fit an appointment into her
busy schedule, she thought about her good friend who had passed away from cancer a
few years earlier. “I don’t know if she came down from heaven and popped me on the
head or what,” recalls Stapleton, “but I decided ‘Just get it over with so these people
will stop calling you.’ ”

ChooseHealth 22 OrlandoHealth.com/ChooseHealth

All throughout,
I’ve had an amazing
team of doctors, all working
together through the cancer center
to provide me with the best possible
Her Diagnosis care, with great collaboration and
compassion. I love that.
Additional mammography and an ultrasound revealed Stapleton,
who was 41 at the time, had a mass in her breast. She was in ANGIE STAPLETON
disbelief, but a biopsy the next week confirmed she had breast
cancer.

Stapleton was diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer, which
typically is treated with a combination of surgery, radiation and
chemotherapy. The order and duration of the treatments are based on
the tumor size and stage.

“Triple-negative is an aggressive cancer,” says Dr. Regan Rostorfer, a A Worrier Finds Support
breast cancer specialist with Orlando Health UF Health Cancer Center
and Stapleton’s oncologist. “So, I like to fight it aggressively.” Stapleton describes herself as a worrier. But she remembers
that what always stood out throughout her journey was how the
Together, Dr. Rostorfer and surgeon Dr. Marc Demers determined that doctors and nurses said “we,” not “you,” when they talked with
Stapleton would be best treated with chemotherapy first, followed by a her. So instead of feeling alone, she always felt supported by a
lumpectomy. Within three weeks of being diagnosed, Stapleton began team fighting alongside her.
her chemotherapy. While she was undergoing treatment, Dr. Rostorfer
recommended genetic testing. She also worried about taking care of her two teens. As it turned
out, they chose an active role in Stapleton’s journey, and ended
What Genetic Testing Revealed up taking good care of her, too.

“She was only 41,” says Dr. Rostorfer. “I needed to know why Angie had Now, she’s preparing for the next step of breast reconstruction,
such an aggressive cancer at such a young age.” grateful for all the care and support she has received, and looking
forward to the future with her family.
Stapleton tested positive for the BRCA1 gene mutation. That, together
with her cancer being triple negative, changed Dr. Rostorfer’s For more patient stories, go to OrlandoHealth.com/Stories.
recommendation to a double mastectomy rather than a lumpectomy as
Stapleton’s best option. She had her last chemo treatment on November
29, 2018, and a few weeks later, underwent a double mastectomy.

Because her lymph nodes were clear, plastic surgeon Dr. Richard Klein
came in right after Dr. Demers to begin the breast reconstruction
process, putting in the expanders and drains.

ChooseHealth 23 OrlandoHealth.com/ChooseHealth

OUR DOCTORS

Meet the Newest Doctors
on the Orlando Health Team*

Eman Daniel Anscher, MD Justin Adam Christina Bolton, MD Robert B.
Albaddawi, MD de Boer, MD Boswell, MD
HEMATOLOGY AND FAMILY MEDICINE
PULMONARY AND ONCOLOGY PEDIATRIC INTERVENTIONAL
CRITICAL CARE GASTROENTEROLOGY DR. PHILLIPS AREA CARDIOLOGY
MEDICINE DOWNTOWN ORLANDO
CAMPUS DOWNTOWN ORLANDO (407) 381-7366 NORTH ORLANDO
DOWNTOWN ORLANDO CAMPUS
CAMPUS (321) 843-7440 Board certified in family (407) 896-0054
(321) 841-3338 medicine, Dr. Bolton
(321) 841-7856 In September, joined Orlando Health Board certified in
Dr. Anscher joined A pediatric Physician Associates in cardiovascular medicine,
Dr. Albaddawi joined Orlando Health gastroenterologist, September. Dr. Boswell joined
Orlando Health Medical UF Health Cancer Dr. de Boer in August Orlando Health Heart
Group Pulmonary and Center. His areas of joined Orlando Health She earned her medical Institute Cardiology
Sleep Medicine in August. interest include stem cell Arnold Palmer Hospital degree at St. George’s Group in August.
transplants and cellular for Children Center for University School of
She earned her medical therapy. Digestive Health and Medicine (Grenada) and He earned his medical
degree from Jordan Nutrition. completed her family degree at Vanderbilt
University of Science and Dr. Anscher earned his medicine residency at University School of
Technology (Ramtha, medical degree at Fluent in English and University of Connecticut Medicine (Nashville)
Jordan) and completed St. George’s University Spanish, he earned (Hartford). where he also completed
her internal medicine School of Medicine his medical degree his residency and
residency at Mercy (Grenada). He completed from the Universidad Dr. Bolton’s professional fellowship.
Hospital and Medical his internal medicine Central del Caribe memberships include the
Center (Chicago). She residency at Orlando School of Medicine American Academy of Dr. Boswell’s professional
completed fellowships in Health and performed his (Puerto Rico). He Family Physicians. memberships include
pulmonary medicine and fellowship in hematology completed his residency the American College
critical care medicine at and oncology at in pediatrics at the of Cardiology and
Orlando Health Orlando Health UF Eastern Virginia Medical the American Heart
Orlando Regional Health Cancer Center. School (Norfolk) and his Association.
Medical Center (ORMC). fellowship in pediatric
gastroenterology at
Areas of interest include Orlando Health Arnold
cystic fibrosis, pulmonary Palmer.
hypertension, asthma and
COPD.

ChooseHealth 24 OrlandoHealth.com/ChooseHealth

OUR DOCTORS

Meet the Newest Doctors
on the Orlando Health Team*

Parimalkumar Kristin Tarek Maria S. Ahmad Rawhi
Chaudhari, MD Clemons, MD Dammad, MD Echavez-Arroyo, MD El-Far, MD

PULMONARY AND PHYSICAL MEDICINE PULMONARY AND INTERNAL MEDICINE HEMATOLOGY AND
CRITICAL CARE AND REHABILITATION CRITICAL CARE ONCOLOGY
MEDICINE MEDICINE DOWNTOWN
DOWNTOWN ORLANDO CAMPUS DOWNTOWN
LONGWOOD AND ORLANDO CAMPUS DOWNTOWN ORLANDO CAMPUS
DOWNTOWN ORLANDO CAMPUS (321) 841-6600
(407) 649-6151 (321) 841-1893
ORLANDO CAMPUS (321) 841-7856 Board certified in internal
Board certified in medicine, Dr. Echavez- Dr. El-Far joined
(407) 265-7775 physical medicine A board-certified Arroyo joined Orlando Orlando Health
and rehabilitation for pulmonologist and Health Medical Group UF Health Cancer Center
Board certified in critical adults and pediatrics, critical care specialist, Internal and Family in August.
care and pulmonary Dr. Clemons joined Dr. Dammad joined Medicine in July.
diseases, Dr. Chaudhari Orlando Health Orlando Orlando Health Medical He earned his medical
joined Orlando Health Regional Medical Center Group Pulmonary She earned her medical degree from Jordan
Medical Group Institute for Advanced and Sleep Medicine in degree at the Ponce University of Science and
Pulmonary and Sleep Rehabilitation in August. September. School of Medicine Technology (Ramtha,
Medicine in July. She develops advanced (Puerto Rico) and Jordon) and completed
physical, occupational, Dr. Dammad earned his completed her internal his internal medicine
He earned his medical hand and speech therapy medical degree at the medicine residency at the residency at Albert
degree from M.S. programs that target University of Aleppo San Juan VA Caribbean Einstein Medical Center
University of Baroda a patient’s individual (Syria) and performed Healthcare System (Philadelphia). His
(India). He completed needs. his internal medicine Medicine Service fellowship in hematology
his internal medicine residency at St. Louis (Puerto Rico). and oncology was
residency at Lincoln Dr. Clemons earned University School of completed at Orlando
Medical and Mental her medical degree at Medicine (Missouri). Areas of interest include Health UF Health Cancer.
Health Center (Bronx, American University He then completed a women’s health, pain
New York) and a of the Caribbean fellowship in pulmonary management, palliative Dr. El-Far’s professional
fellowship in pulmonary (Montserrat). Her and critical care at the care and heart failure. She memberships include
and critical care medicine physical medicine and University of Louisville is fluent in English and the American Society of
at Westchester Medical rehabilitation residency School of Medicine Spanish. Medical Oncology and
Center (Valhalla, was completed at Rush- (Kentucky). the American Society of
New York). Presbyterian-St. Luke’s Hematology.
Hospital (Chicago).

ChooseHealth 25 OrlandoHealth.com/ChooseHealth

OUR DOCTORS

Meet the Newest Doctors
on the Orlando Health Team*

Larry G. Paul M. Sarah E. Muhammad S. Eleanor
Ferachi, MD Foreman, MD Gennette, MD Ghumman, MD Graham, MD

INVASIVE NEUROSURGERY OB-GYN INTERVENTIONAL PEDIATRICS
CARDIOLOGY CARDIOLOGY
DOWNTOWN WINTER GARDEN HUNTER’S CREEK
WEST ORANGE ORLANDO CAMPUS LONGWOOD
COUNTY (407) 635-3303 (407) 304-1790
(321) 841-7550 (321) 841-6444
(321) 841-6444 Dr. Gennette joined In July, Dr. Graham
A fellowship-trained Orlando Health Physician Board-certified in joined Orlando Health
In September, Dr. Ferachi neurosurgeon, Associates in September. echocardiography, Physician Associates as a
became a member of Dr. Foreman joined cardiovascular disease pediatrician.
Orlando Health Heart Orlando Health She earned her medical and interventional
Institute Cardiology Neuroscience and degree at Florida Atlantic cardiology, Dr. Ghumman She earned her medical
Group as an invasive Rehabilitation Institute University Charles E. became a member of degree at the University
cardiologist. As a member Neurosurgery Group in Schmidt College of Orlando Health Heart of Miami Miller School of
of this specialized team, September. Medicine (Boca Raton). Institute Cardiology Medicine (Florida) and
he diagnoses cardiac Dr. Gennette completed Group in September. His completed her residency
diseases and conditions, He earned his medical her residency in areas of interest include in pediatrics at Orlando
and recommends degree from University obstetrics and gynecology coronary artery disease, Health Arnold Palmer
treatment options. of Oklahoma (Oklahoma at Orlando Health acute intervention and Hospital for Children.
City) and completed Winnie Palmer Hospital lower extremity arterial
He earned his medical his neurological surgery for Women & Babies. intervention. Dr. Graham’s professional
degree from American residency at University memberships include
University of the of Alabama Medical Her professional He earned his medical the American Academy
Caribbean School of Center (Birmingham). memberships include degree from New York of Pediatrics and the
Medicine (Sint Maarten) Dr. Foreman performed the American College University (New York American College of
and completed his a cerebrovascular of Obstetrics and City). Dr. Ghumman Physicians.
residency and fellowship fellowship at Beth Israel Gynecology and the completed his residency
in cardiology at Deaconess Medical American Medical at New York University
University of Mississippi Center (Boston) and Association. Langone Medical
Medical Center a cerebrovascular Center (New York
(Jackson). fellowship at Geisinger City), where he also
Medical Center (Danville, performed fellowships in
Pennsylvania). cardiovascular diseases
and interventional
cardiology.

ChooseHealth 26 OrlandoHealth.com/ChooseHealth

OUR DOCTORS

Meet the Newest Doctors
on the Orlando Health Team*

Stephanie J. Michael Hanna, MD Brian Harris, MD Michelle Christine E.
Ha-Chen, MD Hidalgo, MD Jablonski, MD
CARDIOTHORACIC PEDIATRIC
PEDIATRIC SURGERY BEHAVIORAL HEALTH PEDIATRIC BONE HEALTH AND
PALLIATIVE CARE AND DEVELOPMENT PALLIATIVE CARE OSTEOPOROSIS CARE
DOWNTOWN
DOWNTOWN ORLANDO CAMPUS DOWNTOWN DOWNTOWN DOWNTOWN
ORLANDO CAMPUS ORLANDO CAMPUS ORLANDO CAMPUS ORLANDO CAMPUS
(321) 841-7700
(321) 841-2245 (321) 841-9340 (321) 841-2245 (321) 843-7527
Board-certified
Board certified in surgeon, Dr. Hanna Board certified in Board certified in general A board certified
pediatrics, Dr. Ha-Chen joined Orlando Health pediatrics, Dr. Harris pediatrics, Dr. Hidalgo internist, Dr. Jablonski
joined Orlando Health Cardiovascular and joined Orlando Health joined Orlando Health joined the Orlando
Arnold Palmer Hospital Thoracic Surgery in Arnold Palmer Hospital Arnold Palmer Hospital Health Bone Health
for Children Palliative August. for Children in August for Children Palliative and Osteoporosis Care
Care in September. as a developmental- Care in September. program in September.
He earned his medical behavioral physician.
She earned her degree from St. George’s She earned her medical She earned her medical
medical degree from University School of He earned his medical degree at University degree from University
Northwestern University Medicine (Grenada), degree at George of Florida College of of Florida (Gainesville),
(Evanston, Illinois). She then completed Washington University Medicine (Gainesville). where she also
completed her pediatric his general surgery (Washington, D.C.) and Her pediatric residency completed her residency.
residency at Harbor residency at Texas Tech completed his pediatric and her hospice and
UCLA Medical Center University (Lubbock) residency at Children’s palliative medicine She cares for patients
(Torrance, California) and his thoracic surgery National Health System fellowship were who have osteoporosis
and her pediatric residency at Allegheny (Washington, D.C.). performed at Johns or an increased risk of
palliative care fellowship General Hospital His clinical fellowship Hopkins All Children’s developing the condition.
at Akron Children’s (Pittsburgh). in developmental and Hospital (St. Petersburg,
Hospital (Ohio). behavioral pediatrics Florida).
Dr. Hanna is a recipient was performed at Boston
of the AATS Foundation Children’s Hospital She is fluent in English
Graham fellowship (Massachusetts). and Spanish.
grant in robotic thoracic
surgery.

ChooseHealth 27 OrlandoHealth.com/ChooseHealth

OUR DOCTORS

Meet the Newest Doctors
on the Orlando Health Team*

Jennifer K. Catherine E. Joseph K. Yahaira Ortiz- Mathew A.
Logan, MD Mercado, MD Meunier, DO Gonzalez, MD Peralta, MD

RADIATION ONCOLOGY RADIATION ONCOLOGY GYNECOLOGIC CARDIOVASCULAR PEDIATRICS
ONCOLOGY DISEASE AND
DOWNTOWN DOWNTOWN NONINVASIVE HUNTER’S CREEK
ORLANDO CAMPUS ORLANDO CAMPUS DOWNTOWN CARDIOLOGY
ORLANDO CAMPUS (407) 304-1790
(321) 841-8650 (321) 841-8650 KISSIMMEE,
(321) 841-8393 CELEBRATION AND A board-certified
Dr. Logan joined Orlando Dr. Mercado joined DR. PHILLIPS AREA pediatrician, Dr. Peralta
Health UF Health Cancer Orlando Health Board certified in joined Orlando Health
Center in August. UF Health Cancer Center obstetrics and gynecology, (321) 841-6444 Physician Associates
in August. and gynecologic oncology, in July.
She earned her medical Dr. Meunier joined Board certified in
degree from Tufts She earned her medical Orlando Health echocardiography and He earned his medical
University School of degree at Georgetown UF Health Cancer Center nuclear cardiology, degree at the University
Medicine (Boston). She University School of in August. He has clinical Dr. Ortiz-Gonzalez of Miami Miller School of
completed her residency Medicine (Washington, interest and training in became a member of Medicine (Florida) and
at University of Texas D.C.) and completed robotic surgery. Orlando Health Orlando completed his residency
MD Anderson Cancer her residency at the Health Heart Institute in pediatrics at Baylor
Center (Houston). University of Florida Dr. Meunier earned his Cardiology Group in College of Medicine
Shands Hospital/ doctorate in osteopathy August. (Houston).
Dr. Logan specializes UF Health Proton at Midwestern University
in gastrointestinal and Therapy Institute. – Chicago College of Fluent in English and Dr. Peralta is a member
gynecologic oncology, Osteopathic Medicine, Spanish, she earned of the American Board of
and is skilled in advanced Dr. Mercado specializes where he also completed her medical degree Pediatrics. He is fluent in
radiation techniques such in pediatric, CNS, and his residency in obstetrics from Ponce School English and Spanish.
as stereotactic ablative head and neck cancers. and gynecology. His of Medicine (Puerto
radiotherapy, intracranial She performs advanced fellowship in gynecologic Rico). Her internal
radiosurgery, proton procedures such as oncology was performed medicine residency was
therapy, gynecologic proton therapy, intensity- at Pennsylvania completed at Orlando
high-dose rate and pulse- modulated radiotherapy, Hospital – University Health Orlando Regional
dose rate brachytherapy. stereotactic radiosurgery of Pennsylvania Health Medical Center (ORMC)
and image-guided System (Philadelphia). and an advanced heart
radiotherapy. She is failure and transplant
fluent in English and fellowship was
Spanish. performed at Mayo Clinic
(Jacksonville, Florida).

ChooseHealth 28 OrlandoHealth.com/ChooseHealth

OUR DOCTORS

Meet the Newest Doctors
on the Orlando Health Team*

Brenton Carol Ramirez Kathleen M. Jonathan Christian A.
Priest, DO Rojas, MD Relihan, MD Rodriguez-Ortiz, MD Rosado, MD

FAMILY MEDICINE ENDOCRINOLOGY GENERAL SURGERY INVASIVE NEUROLOGY
CARDIOLOGY
WEST ORANGE KISSIMMEE AND DOWNTOWN DOWNTOWN
COUNTY DOWNTOWN ORLANDO ORLANDO CAMPUS DOWNTOWN ORLANDO CAMPUS
ORLANDO CAMPUS
(407) 635-3070 CAMPUS (407) 649-6884 (321) 841-3500
(321) 841-6444
Dr. Priest joined (321) 842-1180 Dr. Relihan joined Double board certified
Orlando Health Physician Orlando Health Medical Board certified in in adult neurology and
Associates in September. Board certified in adult Group Surgery in cardiovascular disease, vascular neurology,
endocrinology, diabetes September. Areas of Dr. Rodriguez-Ortiz Dr. Rosado has joined
He earned his doctorate and metabolism, interest include surgical became a member of Orlando Health
in osteopathy at Dr. Ramirez Rojas joined critical care. Orlando Health Heart Neuroscience and
Kansas City University Orlando Health Medical Institute Cardiology Rehabilitation Institute
of Medicine and Group in September. She earned her medical Group in July. Neurology Group. An
Biosciences (Missouri). degree at Florida State area of interest is stroke
He performed his family She earned her medical University College of He earned his medical diagnosis and care.
medicine residency degree from Universidad Medicine (Tallahassee). degree from University
at Oklahoma State del Rosario (Colombia) Her general surgery of Puerto Rico School of He earned his medical
University Health and completed her residency was completed Medicine (San Juan), degree from Indiana
Care Center (Tulsa, residency in internal at Orlando Health where he completed a University (Indianapolis).
Oklahoma). medicine at the Orlando Regional residency in internal Dr. Rosado performed
University of Texas Medical Center (ORMC), medicine and a fellowship his adult neurology
His professional Health Science Center where she also performed in cardiovascular disease. residency at UF Health
memberships include (San Antonio). Her a fellowship in surgical He also completed a & The Malcom Randall
the American Medical fellowship in adult critical care. fellowship in advanced VA Medical Center
Association, the endocrinology, diabetes cardiovascular (Gainesville), where
American College of and metabolism was multimodality imaging he also was chief
Osteopathic Family performed at Sutter at the University of resident. His vascular
Physicians and the Health – California California San Francisco. neurology fellowship was
American Osteopathic Pacific Medical Center completed at UF Health
Association. (San Francisco). (Gainesville).

She is fluent in English
and Spanish.

ChooseHealth 29 OrlandoHealth.com/ChooseHealth

OUR DOCTORS

Meet the Newest Doctors
on the Orlando Health Team*

Robert B. Rishi K. Raghav Yoreidy M. Vasquez Manas
Rothbard, MD Sehgal, MD Sharma, MD Tavarez, PhD Upadhyaya, MD

INTERVENTIONAL PULMONARY AND INTERVENTIONAL PEDIATRIC VASCULAR
CARDIOLOGY CRITICAL CARE CARDIOLOGY NEUROPSYCHOLOGY NEUROLOGY
MEDICINE
NORTH ORLANDO DOWNTOWN DOWNTOWN DOWNTOWN
DOWNTOWN ORLANDO CAMPUS ORLANDO CAMPUS ORLANDO CAMPUS
(407) 896-0054 ORLANDO CAMPUS
(321) 841-6444 (321) 841-5725 (321) 841-3500
Board certified in (321) 841-7856
cardiovascular disease, Board certified in In August, Yoreidy In September,
nuclear cardiology and A board-certified cardiology, Dr. Sharma Tavarez joined Orlando Dr. Upadhyaya joined
interventional cardiology, pulmonologist, became a member of Health Arnold Palmer Orlando Health
Dr. Rothbard joined Dr. Sehgal joined Orlando Orlando Health Heart Hospital for Children Neuroscience and
Orlando Health Heart Health Medical Group Institute Cardiology as a clinical pediatric Rehabilitation Institute
Institute Cardiology Pulmonary and Sleep Group in September. neuropsychologist. Neurology Group. His
Group in August. Medicine in August. areas of interest are
He earned his medical She earned her PhD stroke and its treatments.
He earned his medical He earned his medical degree from New in clinical psychology
degree at the University degree from St. George’s York Medical College at Albizu University He received his medical
of Rochester School University School of (Valhalla). Dr. Sharma (Puerto Rico). Her degree from American
of Medicine and Medicine (Grenada). completed his residency post-doctoral internship University of Integrative
Dentistry (New York). Dr. Sehgal completed in internal medicine as was completed at the Sciences St. Maarten
He completed his a pulmonary disease well as his fellowships Multicultural Wellness School of Medicine (Sint
residencies at The New fellowship at University in cardiology and Center (Worcester, Maarten). Dr. Upadhyaya
York Hospital – Cornell of Tennessee Medical interventional cardiology Massachusetts) and her completed his residency
University Medical Center (Knoxville), at Zucker School of post-doctoral residency in neurology at University
Center and his fellowship a sleep medicine Medicine at Hofstra at Keystone Behavioral of Illinois College of
at University of Rochester fellowship at Vanderbilt / Northwell Health Pediatrics (Jacksonville, Medicine (Peoria), where
Medical Center. University Medical (Hempstead, New York). Florida). he also performed his
Center (Nashville) and fellowship in vascular
a critical care medicine Her professional neurology.
fellowship at Orlando memberships include the
Health Orlando Regional American Psychological
Medical Center (ORMC). Association and
the Association for
Behavioral and Cognitive
Therapies.

ChooseHealth 30 OrlandoHealth.com/ChooseHealth

OUR DOCTORS

Meet the Newest Doctors
on the Orlando Health Team*

Egerton Arnaldo E. Anjali Vyas, MD Britney Warren, MD Emily Wolfe, MD
van den Berg, MD Velez, MD
INTERNAL MEDICINE GENERAL SURGERY PEDIATRICS
INTERVENTIONAL NEUROLOGY
CARDIOLOGY BALDWIN PARK DOWNTOWN WEKIVA
DOWNTOWN ORLANDO CAMPUS
NORTH ORLANDO ORLANDO CAMPUS (407) 895-4737 (407) 635-5514
(407) 649-6884
(407) 896-0054 (321) 841-3500 Board certified in internal In July, Dr. Wolfe
medicine, Dr. Vyas has Dr. Warren joined joined Orlando Health
Board certified in Double board certified joined Orlando Health Orlando Health Medical Physician Associates as a
cardiovascular disease, in adult neurology and Physician Associates. Group Surgery in pediatrician.
Dr. van den Berg became vascular neurology, September.
a member of Orlando Dr. Velez has joined She earned her medical She earned her medical
Health Heart Institute Orlando Health degree from Meharry She earned her medical degree at the University
Cardiology Group in Neuroscience and Medical College degree from Florida State of Arkansas for Medical
August. Rehabilitation Institute (Nashville) and University (Tallahassee). Sciences (Little Rock)
Neurology Group. completed her residency Her general surgery and performed her
He earned his medical in internal medicine residency was performed pediatrics residency
degree at Duke He earned his medical at Baylor College of at Orlando Health at Orlando Health
University Medical degree from the Medicine (Houston). and her fellowship in Arnold Palmer Hospital
School (Durham, North Universidad Central del surgical critical care for Children.
Carolina) where he also Caribe (Puerto Rico). His Her professional was completed at
completed his residency. neurology residency was memberships include University of Alabama Dr. Wolfe is a member of
His fellowship in completed at Rutgers the American Medical (Birmingham). the American Academy
interventional cardiology Robert Wood Johnson Association and the of Pediatrics.
was performed at Medical School (New American College of Dr. Warren’s professional
Virginia Commonwealth Brunswick, New Jersey), Physician Advisors. memberships include
University Health where he also was Society of Critical Care
(Richmond). chief resident. Dr. Velez In addition to practicing Medicine, American
performed a fellowship medicine, Dr. Vyas is College of Surgeons
Dr. van den Berg’s in vascular neurology president of Orlando and American Medical
professional at University of Florida Health Physician Women’s Association.
memberships include College of Medicine Associates.
the American Board of (Gainesville).
Internal Medicine.

31ChooseHealth OrlandoHealth.com/ChooseHealth

CHOOSING TO
UNITE FOR WEEKEND

WARRIORS.

When you live an active lifestyle, you
need a strong healthcare team. That’s why
Orlando Health and Jewett Orthopaedic
are joining forces for a next-generation
orthopedic partnership. Together, we’re
one step closer to creating a healthier
tomorrow for Central Florida.

Visit OrlandoHealth.com/Jewett

ChooseHealth 32 OrlandoHealth.com/ChooseHealth

M E N ’ S H E A LT H

Testing your Testes
By Wendy Bacigalupi-Bednarz, , Editorial Contributor

If you have testes, you’re at risk for The Test
testicular cancer, says Dr. Andrew Davidiuk,
a urologist with Orlando Health Medical Testing your testes only takes about a
Group Urology. And if you’re between the minute and can be done at home during
ages of 15 and 35, it is the most common or after a hot shower.
cancer that will affect you.
[ Step 1 ] Test each testicle one at a time.
That’s why examining your testes is among the most important
tests you can take to manage your risk for testicular cancer. [ Step 2 ] With both hands, hold the

The Odds testicle between your thumbs and fingers,
and gently roll it between your fingers.
Unlike prostate cancer, which usually affects men 65 and older,
testicular cancer is a young man’s disease. About half of men [ Step 3 ] Look and feel for hard lumps,
diagnosed are 20 to 34 years old. Caucasian men also are at
higher risk and are 4 to 5 times more likely to be diagnosed smooth or rounded bumps and changes in
with testicular cancer than African-American and Asian- size, shape or consistency.
American men.
[ Step 4 ] Repeat the process each month.

It may take a couple of self-tests to learn
what your normal is, but you’ll soon be able
to detect even the slightest change.

However, when detected early, testicular cancer is among If you do notice something out of the
the most treatable and survivable types of cancer. About 99 ordinary, contact your doctor. Early
percent of men diagnosed survive with early detection and detection and treatment are key factors in
treatment, says Dr. Davidiuk. surviving this disease.

Find a urology specialist and location near you at OrlandoHealth.com/Urology.

ChooseHealth 33 OrlandoHealth.com/ChooseHealth

UPCOMING CLASSES & PROGRAMS

Childbirth Education

Here is a sampling of classes offered by Prenatal Breastfeeding
Orlando Health. Please call (321) 8HEALTH Introduces women to breastfeeding basics: the benefits, how
[(321) 843-2584] for more information on how to breast milk is made, how to know if your baby is getting enough
register. For classes available at Orlando Health milk, prevention and treatment of common breastfeeding
South Lake Hospital, call (352) 241-7109. problems, and pumping, collecting and storage of breast milk.
$40 per couple.
Car Seat Assistance
Three out of four car seats are used incorrectly. Is yours? Join in Mothers Matter
a free car seat checkpoint and learn how to properly install your An emotional support group for pregnant and postpartum women.
child restraint. The group offers peer-to-peer emotional support facilitated by a
licensed clinician specializing in perinatal mood disorders. No fee.
Preparation for Childbirth For information, call (321) 841-5615.
Access our eight-chapter,
interactive, web-based e-class Basic Infant Care
that uses videos, personal birth A lecture-style class where parents-to-be learn what they need
stories, animations, activities to know about caring for a newborn. Information about normal
and games to share essential behaviors and parenting included. $40 per couple.
information parents need
to know to prepare for their Mother-Baby Connection
baby’s birth. $100 per couple. Formerly known as Moms Meeting
Moms, the Mother-Baby Connection is
designed for mothers with babies from
birth to 9 months. Meet other moms and
receive interesting information from our
expert guest speakers. $10 fee.

ChooseHealth 34 OrlandoHealth.com/ChooseHealth

UPCOMING CLASSES & PROGRAMS

Cancer Support Community Upcoming
Events
To learn more about these and other cancer support groups and classes, call (321) 841-5056
or email [email protected]. Smoking Cessation
Classes
Most sessions are held at the Ambulatory Care Center, 22 W. Underwood St.,
2nd Floor, Orlando, FL 32806. Please call or email to register and confirm. Quit Smoking Now
and Tools to Quit
Family & Friends Social Connections Breast Cancer and Offered on select days at
Support Group and Activities Lymphedema Support Group various Orlando Health
Drop by to relax with fellow • Craft ‘n’ Scrap This group is open to patients
cancer caregivers. Learn • Jewelry 101 and caregivers at any stage locations.
ways to cope with stress, • Laughter Yoga along the cancer/lymphedema For specific dates and times of
while enjoying snacks and • Creative Writing Group journey. Areas of focus include
companionship. • And more nutrition, exercise, clothing these sessions, visit
options and many other topics. OrlandoHealth.com/QuitSmoking.
The Inspiration Choir Open Art Studio Participants are invited to
An informal singing group Cancer patients and caregivers share individual experiences
for cancer patients and join artist Angilyn Watson or ask questions with others
caregivers interested in having for creative art time. No art going through a similar
fun. No prior singing or choir experience necessary, just journey.
experience necessary. the desire to participate and
surprise yourself. Other Support Groups:

Women’s Cancer • Grupo de Apoyo
Support Group
Come for support and to • Victory Support Group
connect with other women
who have been diagnosed • Head & Neck Support Group
with cancer. This group covers
a wide range of topics and • Laryngectomy
occasionally features guest Support Group
speakers.
• Brain & Tumor
Support Group

• Return to Wellness

Support, Classes & Programs

To learn more about these and other support groups and classes, call (321) 8HEALTH [(321) 843-2584].
Please call to register and confirm.

Bariatric Weight Loss Support Group Pre-Operation Joint Replacement Stop the Bleed
Postoperative patients are strongly This patient education class provides Training Classes
encouraged to attend this group. We an overview of what you need to
also welcome preoperative patients know about having joint replacement Occurs once every three
who are interested in learning more surgery. The content will cover general months (quarterly).
about the lifestyle changes necessary information to prepare you for your
to be successful with weight loss. surgery, recovering in the hospital, Visit OrlandoHealth.com/
and planning for your safe discharge StoptheBleed for more
Bariatric Weight Loss and rehabilitation, including physical information.
Surgery Information Session therapy.
Learn more about bariatric surgical
options available, find out if you are a Stroke Support Group
candidate for surgery and speak with Offered to both stroke survivors and their caregivers. Join
one of our bariatric surgeons at this us for these open-forum gatherings, giving participants an
free information session. Register at opportunity to share stories and experiences. Meets on the
OrlandoHealth.com/WeightLoss. last Wednesday of each month. For more information, visit
OrlandoHealth.com/StrokeSupport.

ChooseHealth 35 OrlandoHealth.com/ChooseHealth

COMMUNITY GOOD

Orlando Health in the Community

By Cherisse Stover, Editorial Contributor

Volunteers Pack Healthy Meals Pink Parade for Breast
in Seminole County
Cancer Awareness
On Friday, July 26, Orlando Health South Seminole Orlando Health UF Health
Hospital team members took part in a special on-site Cancer Center kicked-off
volunteer activity. Partnering with Feeding Children Breast Cancer Awareness
Everywhere, more than 60 team members assembled month in October by
and packaged over 10,000 healthy meals for families hosting a parade of pink
in need in Seminole County. safety vehicles down
Orange Avenue. Orlando
Come Out With Pride Health partnered with law
Orlando Health sponsored and participated in the enforcement agencies and
Come Out with Pride Parade at Lake Eola Park fire departments to wrap the
in Downtown Orlando held on Saturday, Oct. 12. safety vehicles in pink. The
Hundreds of team members from across the system vehicles had special guest
walked in the parade and volunteered at the Orlando passengers including City of
Health booths at the festival to show support for the Orlando commissioner Patty
LGBTQ+ community. Sheehan, oncologist Dr. Nikita
Shah, and several breast
Team Members Build Wheelchair Ramp cancer survivors.
Over the past 10 years, Center for Independent Living
has built over 120 wheelchair-accessible ramps for
people of all ages living with disabilities. Fifteen
Orlando Health team members recently spent a
Saturday building a new wheelchair ramp for an
East Orlando resident in partnership with Center for
Independent Living.

West Orange Chamber of Commerce
Celebrating Extraordinary Women
Orlando Health – Health Central Hospital participated
in the West Orange Chamber Extraordinary Women’s
event on September 18. The event featured interactive
activities with exhibitors. Team members trained
attendees on CPR, taught yoga, and offered relaxing
chair massages.

Teaming Up for the Bahamas
To help our neighbors in the Bahamas, Orlando Health team members, physicians and community
members together donated a total of $75,000 to assist Heart to Heart International’s efforts to
provide medical care to residents in the Bahamas through its medical mobile unit. In addition,
Orlando Health team members also donated more than 3,000 personal care items.

ChooseHealth 36 OrlandoHealth.com/ChooseHealth

44
19

44 441 Mount Dora 46 415
429 Sanford
75 Florid rida Turnpi27 Apopka 46
301 a Turnpike 436 Lake Mary
33 75 SWpirnintegrs 417 Oviedo
426
Ocala 434

19 ASltpamrinognste
27

Flo Maitland 434
Winter Park
50 GWairndteenr
ke Ocoee 408
Orlando
50

Orlando Health Hospitals 33 435 Avalon Park 520
Emergency Rooms Clermont 429
Medical Pavilions W Gore St
CareSpot Urgent Care 441
Primary Care Practices S Hughey Ave S Orange Ave
Specialty Care Practices Dr. Phillips S Lucerne Terrace Delaney Ave
Outpatient Services* 528 Kuhl Ave 528
Heart Institute Sligh Blvd
Community Physicians
528 S Division Ave S Lucerne Terrace
*Includes Imaging, Rehab, Atlanta Ave
Laboratory and Cancer Centers. W Miller St E Miller St

417 417 Kaley St

192 Downtown Orlando
Celebration Kissimmee
95

17 192 192
Davenport St. Cloud
Melbourne

98

WHEN IT COMES TO MEDICAL CARE IN CENTRAL
FLORIDA, ORLANDO HEALTH HAS YOU COVERED.

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