Orlando Health Choose Health - Summer Edition (2021)

SUMMER 2021

Keeping P5 YuealsrseAftSerurvivor
Kids Active
Jump-Start Stories
Your Brain

Common Chores
That Can Hurt You
Pregnant? You May
Need This Pill
Energy-Boosting Foods
New Lung Cancer
Screening Guidelines

OrlandoHealth.com/ChooseHealth

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AUGRMEEANLITTEYD
CHOOSE HEALTH CONTRIBUTORS CONTENT
Download the Orlando Health Experience
Jeanne Adam app to enjoy augmented reality content.
Tim Barker STEP 1: Download the
Dave Brummert, Exercise Specialist Orlando Health Experience
Felicia Cavuoto app. (Android and iOS)
Tracey Choroco STEP 2: Use this app to
Lisa Cianci scan page 15.
Ryan Coleman, Strength and Conditioning
Specialist OrlandoHealth.com/ChooseHealth
Kim Couch
Karan Desai, MD
Christopher L. Dixon, MD
Kathy Halley
Kevin Hayden
Joseph Ibrahim, MD
Lindsay Gigler-Huff
Rod James
Matthew Johnston, MD
Bridget Keefe
Richard Klein, MD
Daniel Landau, MD
Brett Lewellyn, MD
Amanda Maldonado
Kim Marcum
Akash Nanda, MD
Lisa Nickchen
Rico Pasamba III
Lauren Popeck, Registered Dietitian
Chadwick Smith, MD
Fred Soliman, DO
Chelsea Stevens
Dan Tracy
Julie Vargo

Proud recipient
of the APEX 2020
Award of Excellence,
recognizing excellence

in publishing

©2021 Orlando Health, Inc.

WORELLACNODMOE THOEALTH

Robert Aisenstat, MD Maria Bello, MD, MPH Tanya I. Diaz, MD, Larry D. Foster, MD,
FAAFP FAAFP, CAQG
FAMILY MEDICINE FAMILY MEDICINE
LEESBURG FAMILY MEDICINE FAMILY MEDICINE
LADY LAKE
(352) 326-6011 LEESBURG LADY LAKE
(352) 753-0606
(352) 323-9521 (352) 753-0606

Ronald Garcia, MD Robert B. Gibson, MD Michael Glick, MD William L. Harvey, MD

INTERVENTIONAL CARDIOLOGY INTERNAL MEDICINE FAMILY MEDICINE
CARDIOLOGY THE VILLAGES (URGENT CARE)
LEESBURG LEESBURG
LEESBURG (352) 728-6808 (352) 753-5222
(352) 326-6001
(352) 728-6808

John R. Hurt, MD David C. Lew, MD, Marwan
FACC, FSCAI Mihyu, MD, FACC
INTERVENTIONAL
CARDIOLOGY INTERVENTIONAL CARDIOLOGY
THE VILLAGES CARDIOLOGY THE VILLAGES
LEESBURG
(352) 750-5000 (352) 750-5000
(352) 728-6808

Justin Morgan, DO Kenneth Obiaja, MD, Jeffrey Robinson, MD, Jose R. Rosado, MD,
MPH, FAAFP FAAFP, CAQG FACC
FAMILY MEDICINE
LEESBURG FAMILY MEDICINE FAMILY MEDICINE CARDIOLOGY
THE VILLAGES LEESBURG LEESBURG
(352) 326-6005
(352) 323-9545 (352) 787-1324 (352) 728-6808

Joseph G. Sahab, MD, David L. Sustarsic, Robert Swietarski, Patrick Kevin
FACC MD, FACS MD, FACP Williams, MD, FACC

CARDIOLOGY VASCULAR SURGERY INTERNAL MEDICINE INTERVENTIONAL
LEESBURG LEESBURG THE VILLAGES CARDIOLOGY
THE VILLAGES
(352) 728-6808 (352) 728-6904 (352) 326-7850
(352) 750-5000

WELCOME

Welcome to the summer
edition of Orlando Health
Choose Health magazine.
This issue offers tools to
help you build muscle after
age 50, boost your energy
throughout the day by
eating the right foods, kick-
start your exercise routine
and more.

Plus, our special section on the five-
year anniversary of the Pulse shootings
features inspiring stories from four of
the survivors.

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

10 Creative Ways Pulse Anniversary
To Keep Kids Active Special Section

7 15 – 23

Household Chores Pose Get Moving to
Everyday Injury Risks Jump-Start Your Brain

8–9 26 – 27

Over 50? Here’s Welcome New Physicians
How To Build Muscle
28 - 33
10

Energy-Boosting Foods Upcoming Classes
To Keep You Going & Programs

12 – 13 36

6ChooseHealth OrlandoHealth.com/ChooseHealth

CHI LDR EN ’S HEA LTH

10
Creative Ways
To Keep Kids Active

By Lisa Cianci, Editorial Contributor

Prying your children away from smartphones and gaming consoles

to get some exercise can be a challenge. But regular physical activity

is important – and easier when you make it a family affair, says

Dr. Stuart Janousky, a board-certified pediatrician with Orlando

Health Physician Associates.

Exercise has many benefits – from helping kids Try These Activities
relax to improving their sleep quality. Besides
boosting their mood and reducing stress, it 1 Go for a family walk, bike ride or roller skate.
strengthens muscles and bones, cuts the risk
of chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart 2 Play in the yard, doing sprints or climbing trees.
disease, and increases overall energy levels. It
also can improve brain function and protect 3 Put up a basketball hoop in the driveway.
memory and thinking skills.
4 Use stationary bikes and treadmills when the
weather isn’t good.

How Much Exercise Do Kids Need? 5 Tackle a home improvement project together:
Paint a bedroom wall or plant a garden.
Children between the ages of 6 and 17 should
do 60 minutes or more of moderate to vigorous 6 Join a community swimming pool.
physical activity every day, according to the
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 7 Set up a scavenger hunt in the yard or
(CDC). And for more health benefits, there enjoy a nature scavenger hunt on a park trail,
should be variety in their activities.
spotting and gathering leaves, stones and wildflowers.

If children aren’t getting enough movement, 8 Set up an obstacle course in the yard or on the
chances are that parents and other family sidewalk using common household items.
members aren’t either, says Dr. Janousky. So,
try to achieve fitness goals together by doing 9 Play classic sidewalk games, such as skipping
something physical at least three to four times a rope or hopscotch.
week for at least a half-hour.
10 Kick a soccer ball, play catch or toss a football.

For more ways to keep your family healthy, visit ArnoldPalmerHospital.com/ContentHub.

7ChooseHealth OrlandoHealth.com/ChooseHealth

SPOTLIGHT

Household Chores

By Tim Barker, Editorial Contributor

The simplest home chores – from cooking to painting to
yardwork – can be dangerous. Your house and garage are full of
gadgets, tools and devices that can injure you.

“Tackling household tasks can cause new injuries or aggravate
older ones,” says Dr. Karan Desai, hand surgeon with Orlando
Health Jewett Orthopedic Institute. “Many of the activities
involve repetitive motions that can lead to nerve or tendon pain.”

Watch Out

Some of these common things you do around the house involve injury risk.

Cooking: Yardwork: The same risk applies to raking
Knife cuts, burns leaves, clipping hedges, weeding and cutting
from hot liquids or tree branches. You can strain neck, arm,
fractured fingers from shoulder and back muscles. You also can
slamming kitchen irritate tendons and ligaments. Infections
drawers are among can result from being pricked by thorns or
the more common scratched by branches.
injuries.
Home projects:
Power tools: These time-saving tools can Repetitive tasks like
cause anything from severe cuts to severed painting can aggravate
fingers. rotator cuff issues.
Using a hammer or
Cleaning: screwdriver forces you
Vacuuming, mopping to repeatedly extend,
and cleaning ceiling flex and twist your wrists, which can irritate
fans force you to “golfer’s elbow” or “tennis elbow.”
repeat the same
movements over Step stools and ladders: These can be
and over, creating dangerous if you lose your balance and fall
the potential for on an outstretched hand, causing wrist or
repetitive-motion forearm fractures.
injuries.

8ChooseHealth OrlandoHealth.com/ChooseHealth

Pose Everyday Injury Risks

Repeated Motions Rest and Recover

While broken bones and cuts are the more obvious injuries, repetitive-motion chores can cause If you cut yourself, wash the wound with
problems, too, says Dr. Desai. Often, they can lead to long-term health issues, such as: soap and water, and hold pressure to stop
the bleeding. If bleeding doesn’t stop within
Tendinitis (pain and soreness around a joint) 15 minutes, or if you have any numbness,
tingling or inability to move your fingers, go
Rotator cuff pain (inflammation around the shoulder joint) to the ER immediately.

Trigger finger (one of your fingers gets stuck in a bent position) You should see a doctor for possible carpal
tunnel syndrome if you’re experiencing
Carpal tunnel syndrome (nerve issue causing pain and numbness in the hand and arm) severe numbness or tingling. This might
be fixed with injections, splints or surgery.
Tennis elbow (inflammation around the outside of the elbow and forearm) The same goes for trigger finger — if your
fingers are popping or locking, schedule an
Golfer’s elbow (inflammation on the inner side of the arm and elbow) appointment with your doctor.

Taking Precautions For minor aches and pains, such as inflamed
tendons, rest for two or three days and use
Injuries are a part of life, but many of them can be prevented by taking simple precautions. the RICE technique (rest, ice, compression,
Here are some ways you can reduce injury risks: elevation). If you still have pain after a week,
it’s time to see your doctor.
Practice safe cutting techniques. Keep knife blades sharp. Dull blades can cause sudden
movements that lead to injury. When using a knife, protect your other hand by curling your Visit OrlandoHealth.com/Ortho to find
fingers when you hold vegetables or fruit and only exposing your knuckles to the knife. an orthopedic physician.

Keep everyday items within reach. Store frequently used items on lower shelves to reduce
the times you need a step stool.

Wear gloves. This will keep your hands, fingers and wrists safe from cuts when doing yardwork.

Unplug power tools and appliances before working on them. If your lawnmower jams
or weed whacker gets tangled, disable the power source before fixing it.

Limit alcohol and certain medications. Relax with a cold beverage after the work is done.

Use strong lighting. A well-lit workspace reduces accidents.

Have a safety buddy. This is especially important when using a step stool or ladder.

Take breaks and rotate between activities. When doing any repetitive motion that causes
soreness, do it for five to 10 minutes at a time. Take a break, then come back to it.

9ChooseHealth OrlandoHealth.com/ChooseHealth

HEA LTHY AGI N G

Here’s How To
Build MuscleBy Lisa Cianci, Editorial Contributor

As we age, our bodies lose muscle mass, which can affect
our mobility. The good news is that muscle loss can be
slowed — and even reversed — by diet and exercise.

Maintaining strong muscle mass builds strength, preserves bone density and can keep you
physically independent as you grow older. It also may cut your osteoporosis risk, improve
sleep and reduce depression, says Ryan Coleman, a certified strength and conditioning
specialist with the Orlando Health National Training Center.

Exercise Helps Rebuild Muscle

The goal of strength training is to set your body’s natural muscle-building response
in motion. Each time you stress a muscle to the point of working it, your muscle
adapts to the damage and builds itself up.

Work out three to four times a week, giving your muscles time in between to
repair themselves, Coleman says. Focusing on different muscle groups and
getting plenty of rest helps, too. Start by using lower weights and doing
eight to 12 repetitions in two to three sets. As the workout becomes easier,
increase the resistance — by using heavier weights, for example.

Tools To Get You Started

Free weights — Suspension
Kettlebells, barbells. equipment —
Straps, rings or ropes.
Resistance bands —
Large rubber bands Body weight —
(looped or straight) Use your own body
with handles at the end. weight to provide
resistance (planks, pushups).
Diet Makes a Difference, Too

Experts recommend eating a variety of low-fat, unprocessed proteins once you
start muscle resistance training so your body won’t slip into negative muscle
protein synthesis, which can lower muscle functionality and lead to atrophy.

Ready to get started? Talk to your trainer, who will consider your health
history when designing a workout and nutrition plan. And always get a doctor’s

approval before beginning an exercise routine.

To learn more about exercise and healthy habits,
visit OrlandoHealth.com/ContentHub.

ChooseHealth 10 OrlandoHealth.com/ChooseHealth

WOMEN ’S HEA LTH

High-Risk Pregnancy?
Low-Dose Aspirin Can Help

By Tim Barker, Editorial Contributor

Weight gain, nausea and Preeclampsia is not curable and can Follow-up testing showed no increase
swollen feet are typical escalate quickly, so monitoring and taking in infant loss, growth issues or cognitive
discomforts when you’re preventive measures is crucial, says harm to the baby. There also was no
pregnant. But for up to 8 Dr. Christopher L. Dixon, maternal fetal added risk of miscarriage or early delivery.
percent of pregnant women, care physician with the Orlando Health
those seemingly harmless Winnie Palmer Hospital Center for The typical daily aspirin prescription is
symptoms can signal the Maternal Fetal Medicine. 81mg, but there is evidence that higher
onset of preeclampsia. This doses – up to 150mg – may be even more
serious condition is linked Any pregnant woman can develop beneficial. The Maternal Fetal Medicine
to an increase in maternal the condition, which is diagnosed by group at Orlando Health Winnie Palmer
and infant mortality, and persistent high blood pressure. But for Hospital for Women & Babies prescribes
affects up to 15 percent of those at higher risk, low doses of aspirin doses of 100mg and 150mg to high-risk
preterm births in the U.S. are increasingly being prescribed as a patients.
protective measure.
Always talk to your doctor before taking
A Daily Dose any medications.

For women in a high-risk category, Am I At-Risk?
doctors may recommend taking a low
dose of aspirin daily. If started during Several factors can increase your risk of
weeks 12 to 28 of pregnancy, it can developing preeclampsia, including:
decrease preeclampsia complications • Being a first-time mom
by as much as 24 percent, according to • Being younger than 20 or older than 35
a recent study by the U.S. Preventive • Carrying multiple babies
Services Task Force and supported by the • Being of African-American descent
American College of Obstetricians and • Obesity, with a BMI of 30 or greater
Gynecologists.

To learn more, visit
WinniePalmerHospital.com/MFM.

11ChooseHealth OrlandoHealth.com/ChooseHealth

NUTRITION

By Tim Barker, Editorial Contributor

If you find yourself dragging during the day, the culprit
may be more than just a lack of sleep. Poor nutrition
can sap your performance in sports and your energy
for daily living.

A well-honed diet can improve your conditioning and help you recover faster from
exercise and fatigue. Several foods have proven themselves to be powerhouses in
that arena. But it’s not just what you eat that affects your energy level. It also matters
when you eat it. Consider that when you exercise, you use energy supplied largely by
carbohydrates and lipids.

“If you want to improve endurance, it’s important to regulate the metabolism of these
two elements,” says Lauren Popeck, a registered dietitian at Orlando Health. “Eating a high-
quality carbohydrate immediately before or during exercise can help you stay strong longer.”

12ChooseHealth OrlandoHealth.com/ChooseHealth

WHAT TO EAT

Apples: This fruit contains quercetin, Beets: This root vegetable is one Nuts: The protein in nuts slows
a plant pigment that boosts of the best high-energy foods. down the digestion of carbs,
endurance. Its anti-inflammatory Researchers believe beetroot juice which improves the process of fuel
properties also can speed recovery. may work to boost stamina by conversion. A particular advantage
Apples are portable and easy to affecting how the body processes is that they are concentrated, so you
store, making them an ideal snack to nitrate into nitric oxide, reducing the don’t have to eat large quantities to
eat during a bike ride or after a run. amount of oxygen burned by the gain that boost.
body during a workout.
Tomatoes: Lycopene, found in Quinoa: This flowering plant is not
tomatoes, is an antioxidant that limits Eggs: It’s no wonder eggs are the only rich in nutrients, but it’s also
damage caused by free radicals perfect choice for a refreshing gluten-free. It provides you with
during intense exercise. Try to avoid morning breakfast. They’re rich in B many amino acids, which can quickly
canned varieties of tomatoes that vitamins, crucial to converting food repair muscle fibers. After a long
contain bisphenol A, or BPA, an to energy. The proteins in the whites day or a tough workout, quinoa will
endocrine-disrupting chemical tied are ideal for muscle recovery and regenerate you. Another benefit is
to numerous health complications. muscle strength. the large quantity of carbs, which
break down slowly – making this
Ginseng: This plant can act as a Soybeans: perfect for midday intake. Adding
stimulant similar to caffeine, but These are them to your diet then will give you
without adding stress to the body. unique when energy in even waves for the rest of
it comes to the day.
Raisins: Researchers believe that energizing the body.
because raisins have carbohydrates, Soybeans contain B-complex Pumpkin Seeds: These
they help keep sugar levels steady vitamins that play a major role edible seeds are packed
during a workout. In a study at the in converting carbohydrates into with energy. Along
University of California, researchers energy. The more you eat soybeans, with carbs, they
found that runners who ate raisins or the more fuel your body receives. provide protein
energy chews ran faster than those One variety to consider is edamame and healthy fats.
who refueled on water alone. – green soybeans. They are high in Manganese, zinc
phosphorus and copper, creating and phosphorus
an ideal combination for converting round out this little
carbohydrates into energy. seed’s dynamite
combination.

For your next meal – whether you want to recover or increase your energy
– add some of these powerhouse foods to your plate. And don’t forget the
importance of staying hydrated. Water plays a critical role in circulation,
chemical reactions, metabolism and elimination of waste products – all
processes that improve health and increase energy.

For more nutritional advice, go to OrlandoHealth.com/ContentHub.

13ChooseHealth OrlandoHealth.com/ChooseHealth

SPOTLIGHT

New ScLruenegniCnagnGceuridSeulirnveivsaCl aOndIdnscrease

By Tim Barker, Editorial Contributor

PWachkaYt’esaar? Hoping to spur earlier detection of lung cancer, the U.S. Preventive
Services Task Force recently announced new screening guidelines,
To calculate your pack-year significantly expanding the pool of those who should be tested.
history, multiply the number
The move opens the window for more Americans to be eligible for free or discounted screenings via
of packs of cigarettes the Health Insurance Marketplace, private insurance and Medicare. Lung cancer is the deadliest
smoked a day by the number cancer in the U.S., with only 19 percent of patients living longer than five years.

of years you have smoked. “The importance of this change can’t be overstated,” says Dr. Matthew Johnston, a thoracic surgeon
with Orlando Health Cancer Institute. “The hope is that earlier detection will boost survival rates.”
____ x ____ = ______
YOUR Who’s Eligible Now?
PACK
YEAR The modified guidelines open screening to those who:
TOTAL
PACKS PER DAY • Are 50 to 80 years old
NUMBER OF YEARS
• Have a 20 pack-year smoking history

• Currently smoke or quit within the past 15 years

Previously, recommended screening started at age 55, and the pack-year threshold was 30. The changes
will increase the number of screening-eligible Americans by an estimated 6.4 million, which includes
many more women and African Americans — two groups who tend to develop lung cancer younger and
from lower tobacco usage rates.

Screening Process

Several testing methods are available, but the recommended option is a low-dose CT scan, which
uses X-rays to create a detailed, three-dimensional image of your lungs. It’s a fast and painless
way for doctors to detect lung nodules as small as a grain of rice. If warranted, doctors can
retrieve cells for additional testing by sampling tissue, fluid or mucus in and around the lungs or
through a surgical biopsy.

To schedule your lung cancer screening, visit OrlandoHealth.com/LungScreening.

14ChooseHealth OrlandoHealth.com/ChooseHealth

SPECIAL SECTION

PA5ufYtleesear rs

For Johnathan Amaya, Paula Blanco, Amanda
Grau and Tony Marrero, the anniversary of the
June 12, 2016, Pulse shooting isn’t simply an event
they will pause to remember.

They live it every day.

But their stories aren’t just about survival.
They are about resilience. Perseverance. Hope.
And never giving up.

Three of the survivors faced weeks of hospitalization, multiple surgeries
and months of physical therapy. A fourth escaped the shooting but had to
confront a life-threatening diagnosis less than a year later.

Five years after the shooting at the Orlando nightclub, they all are thriving
and remain grateful for the care they received from the doctors, nurses
and physical therapists at Orlando Health. As part of its commitment
to the community, Orlando Health provided nearly $12 million of free
care for those injured at Pulse.

Scan this page with your Orlando Health
Experience App to watch a Pulse
remembrance video.
See page 5 for more instructions.

15ChooseHealth OrlandoHealth.com/ChooseHealth

PULSE | 5 YEARS AFTER

‘You Have To Keep Runn

By Julie Vargo, Editorial Contributor

“It’s hard to believe it’s been five years,” says Paula Blanco.
“So much has changed.”

Back then, Blanco was the running back with the Orlando Anarchy, an
all-woman, semi-pro football team. Early on the morning of June 12,
she was at Pulse, celebrating the end of her rookie season with her
boyfriend, Cory Connell, and teammates.

As she was about to leave the Their Faces ‘Just Dropped’
nightclub, the gunman opened fire.
After Blanco’s surgery, Dr. Lewellyn went to
Blanco was shot in her wrist; her the waiting room expecting to see her family.
boyfriend was fatally shot in the Instead, he was met by 10 young women –
chest. Forty-nine people were killed Blanco’s football teammates. “That was the first
and 53 wounded. At the time, it was I knew she was an athlete,” he says. “We all were
the deadliest mass shooting in U.S. working so fast, none of us really had the back
history. story on any of our patients. When I explained
she had a devastating injury, their collective faces
Dr. Brett Lewellyn was on call that just dropped.”
morning at Orlando Health Orlando
Regional Medical Center (ORMC). That’s when Blanco’s teammates shared she
At 3:30 his pager went off. By 4:00 am, also was a pre-med student at the University
he was at the hospital. of Central Florida with dreams of becoming a
surgeon herself. With this in mind, Dr. Lewellyn
“It was mayhem,” recalls Dr. Lewellyn, performed six surgeries over several months
a board-certified orthopedic surgeon to reconstruct Blanco’s right wrist, including a
specializing in injuries to the arm. “Paula had tendon transplant, tendon grafts, nerve grafts,
devastating injuries to her upper extremity, and skin grafts and bone grafts. Four of those
I don’t use the word ‘devastating’ lightly. The procedures were done during the 16 days Blanco
bullet hit her forearm, fractured the bone and cut was in Orlando Health ORMC immediately after
through the most important nerve and tendons the shooting.
in the arm.”
“Dr. Lewellyn and the compassion he showed
To learn more about the onePULSE Foundation, me as a patient were just phenomenal,” says
go to onepulsefoundation.org. Blanco. “When he knew how important my
hands were to me, he did everything to ensure
the best functionality.”

ChooseHealth 16 OrlandoHealth.com/ChooseHealth

nning Toward the Goal’

‘What the Patient Puts into It’

Thanks to her determination and dedication to her therapies, Blanco’s rehabilitation has exceeded her
doctor’s expectations. “My job is easy, putting things back together,” Dr. Lewellyn says. “But success
depends on what the patient puts into it. I would have been surprised if she had gotten to 50 percent
normal function given her injuries. But today, Paula has about 80 percent – which is amazing.”

Blanco credits her faith, family and friends for her focus and the medical experts at Orlando Health for
her motivation. “Being a football player teaches you to set and achieve goals,” she says. “You have to
keep running toward the goal no matter how many obstacles are in your way, no matter how
many times you get knocked down.”

The tragic events of five years ago have not deterred her dreams. If anything, she is more driven.
“My faith is very important to me,” says Blanco. “I was on the floor of the club that night,
maybe 5 or 6 feet from the shooter, who kept shooting at me. But the bullets went around
me. It was weird, like I was being shielded, protected by angels. I believe I am to use
this experience to help other people.”

‘Looking at the Positives’

Retired from football, she is now working as a medical scribe and
concentrating full time on her dream of helping others as a doctor. Her
applications for medical school are complete. Dr. Lewellyn wrote her a
letter of recommendation and asked for her help on a case study.

“I believe in looking at the positives,” says Blanco. “Sure, my hand
still hurts a lot. I had PTSD [post-traumatic stress disorder]. I lost my
boyfriend. But dwelling on the negative doesn’t allow you to move
forward.”

Believing her boyfriend is in a better place, she is living her life to make
him proud. “I am more compassionate,” says Blanco, now 27. “I feel I am
able to connect and sympathize with people at a deeper level. I have faith I
will be a good doctor.”

A long-term dream of Blanco’s is to someday be one of Dr. Lewellyn’s residents,
learning alongside her mentor. “Wouldn’t that be cool?” she says. “To go from being a
Pulse victim to one day working at the same hospital that treated me? That is my goal.”

17ChooseHealth OrlandoHealth.com/ChooseHealth

PULSE | 5 YEARS AFTER

‘I’m Here and
I’m Alive’

By Lisa Cianci, Editorial Contributor

Tony Marrero raises his left arm, revealing a
jagged line of scars. He says it’s a miracle that he
can move it at all.

“The doctors didn’t think they could save it,” says Marrero, one of
the survivors of the Pulse nightclub shooting in June 2016. “But with
physical therapy, I have full movement.”

Five years later, Marrero is in a good place.

“People ask me all the time, ‘How do you do it?’ You just gotta keep
going,” he says. “I’m here and I’m alive.”

That night, which seems so long ago now, started with Marrero and his
friend Luis Vielma hanging out at the club south of downtown Orlando.
It ended with Vielma shot and killed, and Marrero “playing dead” with
the hope he would be spared.

He wasn’t.

A Long Recovery
Marrero, who was shot four times in the
lower back, was rushed by ambulance to
Orlando Health Orlando Regional Medical
Center. “So many people were taking care
of us at that moment,” he says. “They did
everything that night to save my life.”

One of those people was Dr. Joseph Ibrahim.

He had spent the night before the Pulse shooting trying to save
singer Christina Grimmie, who had been shot at The Plaza Live
by an obsessed fan. She didn’t make it.

ChooseHealth 18 OrlandoHealth.com/ChooseHealth

© Logan Powaski @loganpowaski

“That was heavy on my mind all Moving Forward with Help Marrero spent two years studying film
day Saturday,” says Dr. Ibrahim, at Full Sail University in Orlando but
a board-certified trauma surgeon “Immediately after everything happened, eventually went back to Universal Studios,
with Orlando Health Medical and I opened my eyes and knew that I was where he is now a performer playing
Group Surgery. He finally got to alive, I said, ‘My story needs to be shared,’ ” characters such as Squidward and Patrick
sleep, but then the call came: He Marrero says. “I don’t want anyone to have to from SpongeBob SquarePants.
needed to head back to the trauma go through this.”
center. “To be able to perform now on a daily basis
His grief didn’t fully hit until the year is a true testament to perseverance and
Dr. Ibrahim inserted a tube into after Pulse, when his friend Luis’ birthday resilience and never giving up,” he says.
Marrero’s chest to re-expand his collapsed approached.
right lung, operated on his back and worked He still fondly remembers the “amazing”
on his arm, where the ricocheting bullets “Even though I was alive, I still had to nurses who took care of him at Orlando
damaged soft tissue. work through everything that happened,” Health ORMC.
says Marrero, who worked with Vielma at
He remembers telling a resident, “ ‘He may Universal Studios’ The Wizarding World of One nurse – her name was Marta -- became
lose his arm, but he’s going to live.’ You do Harry Potter. his second mom. “She would yell at me
your best to take care of that patient while when I didn’t want to do anything because
thinking of the bigger picture.” Moving forward with his life hasn’t been easy, it was very hard to get up from the bed.
but counseling helped, Marrero says. Dr. She’d say, ‘Tony, get up!’
Marrero would end up Ibrahim, who had seen Marrero a few times
hospitalized for more than for follow-up visits after that night in the “That kind of bonding
two weeks as he began his trauma center, is glad to hear he prioritized saved my life,” Marrero
recovery, which included his mental health. says.
a skin graft of his entire
left arm and months of Dr. Ibrahim also sought counseling after
physical therapy. Pulse. “We have to speak out and be
examples so the next generation understands
For a while, Marrero was one of the “faces” that it’s OK to seek help,” he says.
of Pulse. He went on The Ellen DeGeneres
Show, where he told DeGeneres that he
coped through his recovery by repeatedly
listening to Katy Perry’s song “Rise.” The
singer then surprised him on the show
and offered to pay for his first year of film
school, a promise she made good on,
Marrero says.

He also was featured in the MTV
documentary “True Life: We Are Orlando,”
which aired just two months after the
shooting that left 49 people dead.

ChooseHealth 19 OrlandoHealth.com/ChooseHealth

PULSE | 5 YEARS AFTER

‘A Lot of Times at Night
I Broke Down’

By Dan Tracy, Editorial Contributor

Amanda
Grau still has
nightmares.

They usually flare up
around the anniversary of
the Pulse attack or when other
shootings are reported around the
nation.

“To this day, I wonder why,” Grau says.

She had come from her Tampa home on that night in June 2016
to dance with friends at the gay club, only to be terrorized by a
gunman in the early-morning hours.

The emergency room of Orlando Health Orlando Regional Medical
Center (ORMC) — just a half-mile from Pulse — quickly became
inundated with victims. Dr. Chadwick Smith, a board-certified trauma
surgeon, was among those on call.

ChooseHealth 20 OrlandoHealth.com/ChooseHealth

After the June 12 shooting, 44 men and women
arrived at the Level One Trauma Center. Of the
35 who arrived alive, all survived.

“You just kind of put your head down and keep going,” Dr. Smith recalls of that time.

One of his patients was Grau, who had four gunshot wounds. The most serious was a
bullet that slammed into her back and exited underneath her right arm, deflating her
right lung and missing an artery by 2 inches. She also was shot in her right leg and ankle.

Dr. Smith removed the bullet and bone fragments from her back, reinflated the
lung, staunched the bleeding and sutured the wound, saving her life.

Afraid To Be Alone Counseling Helped Deal with Trauma

Grau, now 38, spent two weeks at Orlando Health, her Grau underwent physical therapy for a year, relearning how to use
family often by her side. When they couldn’t be there, her right arm and walk. She also had counseling to help deal with
nurses would take up the vigil. Grau, tormented by the the mental trauma.
horrors she experienced, was afraid to be alone.
One highlight of her recovery occurred September 15, 2016, when
“They were all so wonderful and compassionate,” she said. she appeared on The Dr. Oz Show, broadcast from New York City.
“There were a lot of times at night I broke down.” Dr. Oz was discussing the Pulse tragedy with Dr. Smith and four
other Orlando Health doctors when he invited Grau onstage to talk
Her care didn’t end once she left Orlando Health ORMC after two about the care she received.
weeks. She spent another two weeks at a Tampa hospital near her
home and then returned to Orlando for additional plastic surgeries By that time, Grau was able to walk with the aid of a cane. “It was
performed by Dr. Richard Klein, chief of the Orlando Health Aesthetic such a good feeling,” she says, “to show them that I had come so far.
and Reconstructive Surgery Institute.
“I owe all those doctors my life.”
In multiple procedures, Dr. Klein used skin grafts to cover the wound
and scarring caused by the gunshot to her back. He cared for Grau Now an EMT, Grau was awarded one of 49 scholarships from the
again two years ago, when the graft underneath her arm became so onePULSE Foundation and plans to enroll this fall in an Orlando
uncomfortable that she had trouble sleeping. school to become a paramedic.

Grau says Dr. Klein was especially kind to her. “He always greeted me She has successfully rebuilt her life, going back to work full time in
with a smile,” she says, “asked me how I was doing.” February 2017 and marrying Jazmin Espada less than a year later.

Dr. Klein, who performed reconstructive surgery on seven Pulse The Pulse shooting and the care she received at Orlando Health,
survivors, says he took the attack at the nightclub personally. Grau says, reconfirmed her commitment to serving others. She
Like many of the patrons at Pulse, he is a member of the LGBTQ works two jobs, as a nurse tech and EMT, sometimes putting in
community. nearly 60 hours a week.

“I could commiserate with them,” he says. “We are a small “I love what I do,” she says. “I love to help out.”
community, and there is a feeling of family toward each other.”

21ChooseHealth OrlandoHealth.com/ChooseHealth

PULSE | 5 YEARS AFTER

‘It Just Made

By Tim Barker, Editorial Contributor

Nothing good comes from a
tragedy like Pulse. Yet, in some
ways, the horrors of that night,
when Johnathan Amaya escaped
the shooting, helped prepare him
for another challenge.

A couple months before the first anniversary of Pulse, sharp
chest pains sent Amaya to urgent care. A week later, he was
hit with the diagnosis: acute T-cell lymphoblastic lymphoma,
a form of leukemia that typically affects young men.

“I already went through something that was life-changing
and traumatic,” he says. “It just made me a stronger person.”

The condition is easy to miss, with symptoms often
blamed on excessive exercise or some other common
illness, says Dr. Daniel Landau, a board-certified
medical oncologist with the Orlando Health Cancer
Institute.

“You might think of bronchitis or pneumonia,”
Dr. Landau says. “This cancer is not what comes
to mind.”

ChooseHealth 22 OrlandoHealth.com/ChooseHealth

Me a Stronger Person’

A Fateful Decision An Unexpected Diagnosis The Fight Ahead

For Amaya, 29, it was a major stumbling Amaya was in counseling to cope with the “Right now, he’s in full remission. But even in
block as he sought to get his life back on aftermath of Pulse when he got the cancer the best situation, the relapse rate can be as
track after the Pulse tragedy. He suffered no diagnosis. high as 50 percent,” Dr. Landau says. “Fingers
physical injuries in the shooting, but he lost crossed, hopefully he’s going to be cured.”
close friends and coworkers. The long-term outlook for patients with A year after completing his final
his type of cancer is generally promising, maintenance session, Amaya is halfway
Today, the Orlando man looks back on that with a remission rate of 90 percent. But out of the most dangerous period – with
June night and thinks of how easily he could hammering the disease into remission is no most relapses occurring within two years of
have been among the 49 killed. easy task. finishing treatment.
He just wants to get back to normal – or as
He was working that night as a barback, Dr. Landau has vivid recollections of the close to normal as you can get in the COVID
serving in a support role for the bartenders. positivity Amaya brought with him to his pandemic. He’s slowly getting back into
Usually there were two barbacks, but on appointments and treatment sessions. shape at the gym. And he wants to start a
that night there were three. So, he was doing Such an attitude can mean the difference more professional job – hopefully in human
light work – keeping the place clean – with between success and failure. resources or as a personal assistant – after
plans to get off early and hang out with his graduation last year from Valencia
friends. “Even in the worst of situations, he would College.
come in with a smile on his face and a But even if he passes that two-year point,
He decided to pop onto the lot of energy,” Dr. Landau says. “To have the threat will always be lurking.
patio to pick up glasses somebody who was so dynamic and so sure “It’s a serious condition that has to be
when he heard gunfire that he was going to do well – he was going followed for a lifetime,” Dr. Landau says.
erupt from the dance room. to beat this and live a normal life – it makes
a huge difference.” To read more
“If not for that split decision, I would patient stories, visit
have been in the line of fire in the most Amaya’s journey included 45 days in the OrlandoHealth.com/Stories.
dangerous part of Pulse,” Amaya says. hospital, multiple lumbar punctures and
an intense six-month chemotherapy
Instead, he slipped through an open gate treatment, followed by several
in the patio fence and later helped pull rounds of maintenance
a wounded coworker to safety. He kept therapy. There were
thinking about how he’d have to come back complications along the
to work the next day and clean up all the way, including infections
broken glass. and damage to his hip
bone – from exposure
“It took a while to process what had to steroids and the
happened that night,” he says. chemo – that
required surgery.

ChooseHealth 23 OrlandoHealth.com/ChooseHealth

MyChart

Now Available

MEN ’S HEA LTH

ProstateRCadainacteiornPrSeid-TerEeafftemctesnt Eases

By Lisa Cianci, Editorial Contributor

Preventing side effects is an important element of any cancer treatment
plan. That’s especially true within the pelvis, where the prostate resides.

Treating prostate cancer frequently involves targeted radiation Patients may be able to resume normal activities immediately.
therapy, which also may damage the nearby rectum, making it Over time, the gel gradually absorbs into the body after radiation
an organ at risk (OAR). To buffer potential side effects such as treatment has been completed.
diarrhea, pain and bleeding, a new pre-treatment can be inserted
before radiation therapy begins. Improved Results

Called SpaceOAR™ Hydrogel, this soft, nontoxic gel creates “For the patients who’ve had this procedure, we’ve been able
a temporary barrier that protects the rectum from radiation, to significantly reduce the radiation dose to the rectum,”
explains Dr. Akash Nanda, director of urologic and hematologic Dr. Nanda says.
radiation oncology at the Orlando Health Cancer Institute.
Nearly 250,000 men are diagnosed annually with prostate
The Latest Technology cancer in the United States, the American Cancer Society
estimates. SpaceOAR Hydrogel was approved by the Food
During the outpatient surgical procedure, doctors use ultrasound and Drug Administration in 2015, and more than 50,000
imaging to precisely place the gel, which is 90 percent water. A patients worldwide have been treated with it.
small needle is guided to insert the barrier between the prostate
and the rectum. “SpaceOAR works well, and it’s simple and easy,” says Dr. Nanda.

“The patient is getting the latest technology in prostate cancer Prostate concerns? Visit OrlandoHealthCancer.com
treatment and is very comfortable for the 10- to 15-minute for more information.
procedure,” says Dr. Nanda, noting that it is performed under
general anesthesia.

ChooseHealth 25 OrlandoHealth.com/ChooseHealth

EXERCISE

YTGooeutJruMmBrpao-ivSnitanrtg

By Lisa Cianci, Editorial Contributor

Exercise is good for your heart, but did you
know it’s good for your brain, too? And even
better: You don’t have to do a specific type of
exercise to boost your brain power. The key is
to just get moving!

The cerebral benefits of exercise are almost too good to be true. It helps your
attention span, memory and comprehension, essentially improving your ability to
learn. Even one session of physical activity can improve kids’ cognition and lessen
anxiety for adults.

When you exercise, your cerebral blood flow increases and helps protect against
age-related loss of gray matter, says Dave Brummert, an exercise specialist with the
Orlando Health National Training Center. And because physical activity also lowers
resting cortisol levels over time, you’re better able to manage stress and prevent
cognitive decline — possibly lowering the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.

Although any movement brings brain benefits, studies have found that compound
movements — such as squats and deadlifts involving larger muscle groups —
result in bigger increases in hormone release afterward. And using larger muscle
groups will tax the cardiovascular system more as well, increasing your heart rate,
respiration and cerebral blood flow. Some studies show that high-intensity interval
training (HIIT) can improve cerebral blood flow more than lower-intensity steady
state cardio.

26 OrlandoHealth.com/ChooseHealth

Reducing Depression and Anxiety Kick-Start Your
Exercise Routine
Exercise also is one of the best antidotes to anxiety and depression, research shows. It
increases the production of endorphins and leads to an increase in other feel-good chemicals, Dr. Fred Soliman, a sports medicine
such as serotonin and dopamine. Another theory suggests that an increase in the temperature physician with Orlando Health Jewett
of the brain stem from exercise leads to relaxation and less anxiety. And from a psychological Orthopedic Institute, offers these tips to
standpoint, feeling confident that exercise helps also can ease depression. kick-start an exercise routine that will help
your body and your brain.
Another mechanism that helps the body handle stress is the production of heat shock
proteins, says Brummert. These proteins, produced in response to heat stress and exercise, Start slowly and create an exercise
confer a robust stress-resiliency to cells, leading to the body’s improved ability to handle schedule.
physiological stress.
Be consistent to turn working out
Exercise Helps the Gut, Too into a habit.

The gut is often referred to as the “second brain” and plays a major role in stress, Sneak in exercise early in the
inflammation, depression and anxiety. morning, late in the evening or while
your children are at school.
By combining your fitness routine with appropriate fiber intake, you can improve your gut
health. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recommends 25 grams of fiber daily for a Find workouts you enjoy, such as
2,000-calorie diet. And the American Heart Association suggests you get most of your fiber weight training, yoga or on-demand
from whole grains, such as brown rice, oatmeal and popcorn. fitness programs.

Regular exercise also can help improve the diversity and health of the bacteria in the Set goals and reward yourself once
intestines. This group of bacteria, known as the gut microbiome, plays a big role in our they’re achieved.
overall health and well-being, along with our brain health, says Brummert. Our intestines
produce more than 90 percent of the serotonin in our bodies, so if we have an imbalanced or Work out with a friend.
homogenous microbiome, our physical and mental health can suffer.
Try brisk walking for 30 minutes.
Because the gut has its own nervous system, separate from the central nervous system, we’ve
come to recognize the gut as our “second brain.” It’s important that we learn how to properly Do chores around the house or mow
take care of both of our brains so they can better take care of us. the lawn.

For more advice on staying active, visit OrlandoHealth.com/ContentHub.

ChooseHealth 27 OrlandoHealth.com/ChooseHealth

OUR PHYSICIANS

Meet the Newest Physicians
on the Orlando Health Team*

Adheesh Laith A. Lucy Ortiz Farranaz Alvarez Cristina M.
Agnihotri, MD Al-Balbissi, MD Alvarado, MD Nunez, MD Amado, MD

CARDIAC VASCULAR SURGERY FAMILY MEDICINE PEDIATRIC INFECTIOUS DISEASE
HEMATOLOGY &
ELECTROPHYSIOLOGY DR. PHILLIPS AREA AVALON PARK DR. PHILLIPS AREA
ONCOLOGY
CLERMONT, OCOEE (407) 539-2100 (407) 635-3021 (407) 370-8720
DOWNTOWN ORLANDO
(321) 841-6444 A fellowship-trained A board-certified internal CAMPUS Dr. Amado is a board-
vascular surgeon, Dr. Al- medicine specialist, certified infectious
A board-certified cardiac Balbissi joined Orlando Dr. Alvarado provides (321) 841-8588 disease physician
electrophysiologist, Dr. Health Heart & Vascular preventive and wellness who joined Orlando
Agnihotri joined Orlando Institute in September. care to her patients. A fellowship-trained Health Medical Group
Health Heart & Vascular He is focused on open With more than 15 pediatric oncologist, Infectious Disease in
Institute in February. He and endovascular years of experience, she Dr. Alvarez joined February. She diagnoses
specializes in restoring interventions, and has joined Orlando Health the Haley Center for and treats inpatients
normal heart rhythms. special interest in aortic Physician Associates in Children’s Cancer and with conditions caused
disease, cerebrovascular March. Blood Disorders at by microbes such as
He earned his medical disease and limb salvage. Orlando Health Arnold bacteria, fungi, viruses
degree at Panjab Dr. Alvarado earned her Palmer Hospital for and protozoans.
University Government He completed his medical medical degree from Children in September.
Medical College (India). training at the University Iberoamerican University She earned her medical
Dr. Agnihotri completed of Jordan College of of Medicine (Dominican She completed her degree from the
his residency at the Medicine (Jordan) and his Republic) and completed medical training at University of Miami
University of Illinois, general surgery residency an internship in internal Pontificia Universidad Miller School of
Chicago College of at East Tennessee State medicine at San Juan City Catholica Madre Maestra Medicine. Her residency
Medicine - St. Francis University (Johnson Hospital (Puerto Rico). (Dominican Republic) and and fellowship in
Hospital (Evanston), City). He performed his her residency in pediatrics infectious diseases were
a fellowship in endovascular surgery at Lincoln Medical and completed at George
cardiovascular disease fellowship at the Jobst Mental Health Center Washington University
at Maine Medical Vascular Institute (Bronx, New York). She (Washington, D.C.).
Center (Portland) and (Toledo, Ohio). performed her hematology
a fellowship in clinical and oncology fellowship
cardiac electrophysiology at Arkansas Children’s
at Lahey Hospital and Hospital (Little Rock).
Medical Center She is fluent in English
(Burlington, and Spanish.
Massachusetts).

ChooseHealth 28 OrlandoHealth.com/ChooseHealth

The physicians at Orlando Health are part of a collaborative
network that works toward one common goal: your health.

Ji Young Carl R. Robert B. Aditi I. George
Bang, MD Barr, DO Constant, MD Dagli, MD Eldayrie, MD

ADVANCED ENDOSCOPY PEDIATRIC NEUROLOGY ENDOCRINOLOGY GENETICS SPORTS MEDICINE

DOWNTOWN ORLANDO METRO WEST ORLANDO DOWNTOWN ORLANDO WINTER GARDEN AREA
CAMPUS CAMPUS
(321) 842-6671 (407) 894-3241 (321) 843-4800
(321) 842-2431 (407) 648-7802
A board-certified Dr. Constant, who A board-certified primary
Dr. Bang, a pediatric neurologist, is board-certified in Dr. Dagli is a board- care sports medicine
board-certified Dr. Barr joined Orlando endocrinology and certified geneticist who physician, Dr. Eldayrie
gastroenterologist Health Arnold Palmer metabolism, joined joined Orlando Health joined Orlando Health
specializing in complex Hospital for Children in Orlando Health Medical Medical Group in Jewett Orthopedic
digestive disorders, March. He specializes Group Endocrinology in October. She specializes Institute in January.
joined the Orlando in treating children with February. in treating adults and He is trained in fracture
Health Center for congenital neurological children with inherited management, ultrasound
Advanced Endoscopy, disorders and those He earned his medical disorders or genetic guided joint and
Research & Education in who have developed a degree from the abnormalities, such musculoskeletal (MSK)
March. She also serves disorder as they have University of South as autism and Down injections, platelet-
as director of clinical grown. Florida College of syndrome. rich plasma, diagnostic
research at the Orlando Medicine (Tampa). His MSK ultrasound,
Health Digestive Health He completed his residency in internal She received her medical and sports-related
Institute. medical training at the medicine was completed training at Seth G.S. concussion diagnosis and
Philadelphia College of at Keesler Air Force Medical College (India). management.
Dr. Bang earned her Osteopathic Medicine. Base Medical Center She completed her
medical degree from He completed his (Biloxi, Mississippi) residency in pediatrics at He completed his
University College residency and fellowship and his fellowship in the University of Illinois medical training
London Medical School at the National Capital endocrinology and College of Medicine and family medicine
and completed her Consortium (Bethesda, metabolism at the (Chicago) and her residency at the
residency in internal Maryland). Dr. Barr National Institutes residency in medical University of Florida
medicine at the served in the U.S. Navy of Health (Bethesda, genetics at the University (Gainesville). His
University of Alabama for 29 years. Maryland). of Florida (Gainesville). primary care sports
(Birmingham). She medicine fellowship
performed a fellowship was performed at
in gastroenterology Wake Forest University
at Indiana University (Winston-Salem, North
School of Medicine Carolina).
(Indianapolis).

ChooseHealth 29 OrlandoHealth.com/ChooseHealth ** New physicians from
September 2020

through March 2021

OUR PHYSICIANS

Meet the Newest Physicians
on the Orlando Health Team*

Imran S. Gabriel A. Hurtado Gaines W. Robert H. Dustin R.
Farooq, MD Gomez, MD Hammond, MD Hawes, MD Hill, MD

INTERVENTIONAL INFECTIOUS DISEASE UROLOGY ADVANCED ENDOSCOPY CARDIOVASCULAR
CARDIOLOGY DOWNTOWN ORLANDO DISEASE
DOWNTOWN ORLANDO DOWNTOWN ORLANDO
ORLANDO - NORTH CAMPUS CAMPUS CAMPUS LAKE MARY

(321) 841-6444 (407) 423-1039 (877) 876-3627 (321) 842-2431 (321) 841-6444

A board-certified Dr. Gomez is a board- A board-certified Dr. Hawes, a A fellowship-trained
interventional cardiologist certified infectious urologist, Dr. Hammond board-certified cardiologist, Dr. Hill
and endovascular and disease specialist who joined Orlando Health gastroenterologist who joined Orlando Health
limb-salvage specialist, Dr. joined Orlando Health Medical Group Urology in specializes in advanced Heart & Vascular Institute
Farooq joined Orlando Medical Group Infectious September. He specializes endoscopy, joined the in September. He has
Health Heart & Vascular Disease in March. in comprehensive Orlando Health Digestive extensive training in
Institute in October. He inpatient urologic care for Health Institute Center cardiovascular disease
performs nonsurgical He earned his medical both men and women. for Advanced Endoscopy, and provides patients with
treatments for peripheral degree from the Research & Education the latest diagnostic and
artery disease, critical University of Caldas He completed his medical in January. He has therapeutic treatments.
limb ischemia, and deep Medical School training at the Medical particular interest in
and superficial venous (Colombia). His University of South pancreatobiliary diseases He earned his medical
interventions. residency in internal Carolina (Charleston). and gastrointestinal degree from the American
medicine was completed He performed his urology oncology. University of Integrative
He earned his medical at Morristown Medical residency at Indiana Sciences (Sint Maarten).
degree at Weill Cornell Center (New Jersey) and University School of He earned his medical He completed both a
Medical College (Qatar) a fellowship in infectious Medicine (Indianapolis) degree from the residency in internal
and completed his diseases at the University and his general surgery Indiana University medicine and fellowship
residency at Virginia of Miami, Jackson residency at Clarian School of Medicine in cardiovascular medicine
Commonwealth Memorial Hospital. He is Methodist Hospital of (Indianapolis), where at Orlando Health.
University (Richmond). fluent in both English Indianapolis. he also completed an
He performed a general and Spanish. internship and residency
cardiology fellowship at in internal medicine,
VCU and an endovascular and a fellowship in
fellowship at First Coast gastroenterology.
Cardiovascular Institute
(Jacksonville).

ChooseHealth 30 OrlandoHealth.com/ChooseHealth

The physicians at Orlando Health are part of a collaborative
network that works toward one common goal: your health.

Tain-Yen Wendy C. Linda M. Mayuri Nathaniel
Hsia, MD Huhn, MD Jasperse, MD Joshi, MD Keller, MD

PEDIATRIC CARDIAC ENDOCRINOLOGY BEHAVIORAL HEALTH INTERNAL MEDICINE BEHAVIORAL HEALTH
SURGERY DOWNTOWN ORLANDO
ORLANDO LONGWOOD MAITLAND
DOWNTOWN ORLANDO CAMPUS
CAMPUS (407) 894-3241 (407) 262-2220 (407) 660-7100
(407) 262-2220
(407) 649-6907 Board-certified in Dr. Jasperse is a board- Dr. Joshi joined
endocrinology and certified psychiatrist Orlando Health A board-certified
A board-certified pediatric metabolism, who sees patients in Physician Associates in psychiatrist, Dr. Keller
cardiac surgeon, Dr. Hsia Dr. Huhn joined the hospital setting. September as an internal joined Orlando Health
joined The Heart Center Orlando Health Medical She joined Orlando medicine physician. Medical Group Behavioral
at Orlando Health Arnold Group Endocrinology Health Medical Group She specializes in the Health in October. He
Palmer Hospital for in February. Behavioral Health in prevention, diagnosis specializes in the diagnosis
Children in September. March. and treatment of adult and treatment of ADHD
She earned her medical diseases in patients ages and eating disorders.
He earned his medical degree from the She earned her medical 18 and older.
degree from Stanford University of South degree from St. George’s He completed his medical
University School of Florida College of University School of She attended medical training at the Sackler
Medicine (California) and Medicine (Tampa). Medicine (Grenada) school at Florida State School of Medicine
completed residencies Her residency in and completed her University College of (Israel) and his psychiatry
in general surgery and internal medicine residency at the Virginia Medicine (Tallahassee) residency at Western
cardiothoracic surgery and a fellowship in Commonwealth and completed her Psychiatric Institute and
at Johns Hopkins endocrinology and University Health internal medicine Clinic (Pittsburgh).
Hospital (Baltimore). metabolism were System (Richmond). residency at Orlando
He performed a research both completed at the Prior to medical school, Health Orlando Regional
fellowship in cardiac University of Virginia she participated in the Medical Center.
surgery at Great Ormond (Charlottesville). Houston Tuberculosis
Street Hospital for Initiative at Baylor
Children (London) and a College of Medicine.
congenital cardiac surgery
fellowship at Children’s
Hospital of Philadelphia.

31ChooseHealth OrlandoHealth.com/ChooseHealth ** New physicians from
September 2020

through March 2021

OUR PHYSICIANS

Meet the Newest Physicians
on the Orlando Health Team*

Yasser A. Murtuza K. David A. Justin A. Udayakumar
Khaled, MD Kothawala, MD Melendez, MD Mullner, MD Navaneethan, MD

BONE MARROW PEDIATRIC NEUROLOGY UROLOGY SPORTS MEDICINE ADVANCED ENDOSCOPY
TRANSPLANT
METRO WEST ST. CLOUD AREA DOWNTOWN ORLANDO DOWNTOWN ORLANDO
DOWNTOWN ORLANDO CAMPUS CAMPUS
CAMPUS (321) 842-6671 (407) 891-2951
(321) 843-4800 (321) 842-9000
(321) 841-1869 A board-certified Dr. Melendez is a
pediatric neurologist, fellowship-trained Board certified in Dr. Navaneethan,
A board-certified Dr. Kothawala joined urologist who joined primary-care sports a board-certified
hematologist, Dr. Khaled Orlando Health Arnold Orlando Health Medical medicine, Dr. Mullner gastroenterologist
joined Orlando Health Palmer Hospital for Group Urology in joined Orlando Health and leading expert on
Cancer Institute in Children in March. January. Jewett Orthopedic inflammatory bowel
November as the medical He specializes in Institute in January. disease (IBD), joined the
director of its Bone the treatment and He earned his Caring for adult and Orlando Health Digestive
Marrow Transplant and management of medical degree at the pediatric patients, Health Institute Center
Cellular Therapy program. neurological, behavioral Universidad Autonoma he advises athletes for Inflammatory Bowel
and developmental de Guadalajara (Mexico). and those with Disease in January.
He completed his disorders in children, He completed his active lifestyles
medical education at the including epilepsy, urology residency at St. about preventing He earned his medical
University of Cairo (Egypt) headaches and neuro Louis University School and recovering from degree from Madras
and his residency at autoimmune disorders. of Medicine. His clinical injuries, and improving Medical College (India),
Woodhull Medical Center fellowship in men’s performance. and completed his
(Brooklyn, New York). He He completed his health and urological internship and residency
performed fellowships medical training at the prosthetics was He earned his medical in internal medicine
in medical oncology at Government Medical performed at Montefiore degree and completed at the University of
Virginia Commonwealth College and Hospital Medical Center/Albert his family medicine Cincinnati Medical
University (Richmond), in (India) and his residency Einstein School of residency at the Center. He performed
hematology at New York in pediatrics at Cooper Medicine (New York). University of South fellowships in
Medical College (Valhalla) Hospital (Camden, New Carolina School of gastroenterology, IBD
and in blood and bone Jersey). He performed Medicine (Columbia). and advanced endoscopy
marrow transplantation his pediatric neurology Dr. Mullner performed at the Cleveland Clinic
at The University of Texas fellowship at Virginia a fellowship in sports (Ohio).
MD Anderson Cancer Commonwealth medicine at Atlantic
Center (Houston). University (Richmond). Health System
(Morristown,
New Jersey).

ChooseHealth 32 OrlandoHealth.com/ChooseHealth

The physicians at Orlando Health are part of a collaborative
network that works toward one common goal: your health.

April Louise Anamaria Frederick E. Siddharth K. Shyam S.
Oxford, MD Rodriguez, MD Soliman, DO Shah, MD Varadarajulu, MD

INTERNAL MEDICINE INFECTIOUS DISEASE SPORTS MEDICINE BEHAVIORAL HEALTH ADVANCED ENDOSCOPY

WINDERMERE DR. PHILLIPS AND UNIVERSITY - DOWNTOWN ORLANDO DOWNTOWN ORLANDO
DOWNTOWN ORLANDO EAST ORLANDO CAMPUS CAMPUS
(407) 635-3070
CAMPUS (407) 629-2444 (407) 262-2220 (321) 842-2431
A board-certified internal
medicine physician, (407) 370-8720 A fellowship-trained sports In January, Dr. Shah Dr. Varadarajulu,
Dr. Oxford joined medicine physician, Dr. joined the Orlando a board-certified
Orlando Health Physician Board certified in Soliman joined Orlando Health Medical Group gastroenterologist who
Associates in February. infectious diseases, Health Jewett Orthopedic Behavioral Health specializes in complex
Dr. Rodriguez joined Institute in November. He team. He specializes in digestive disorders, joined
She received her Orlando Health Medical specializes in platelet-rich working with patients the Orlando Health
medical degree from Group Infectious Disease plasma, ultrasound-guided experiencing mental Center for Advanced
American University of in November. injections and Tenex health issues and Endoscopy, Research &
the Caribbean School of procedures. He is imPACT significant life stressors. Education in January. He
Medicine (St. Martin) She completed her certified and provides serves as director of the
and completed her medical education concussion diagnosis, and Dr. Shah earned his Orlando Health Digestive
residency in internal at Universidad de la management and care for medical degree from Health Institute.
medicine at Memorial Sabana (Colombia) and musculoskeletal injuries. St. George’s University
Health University her internal medicine School of Medicine Dr. Varadarajulu earned
Medical Center residency at Mount He received his medical (Grenada) and his medical degree from
(Savannah, Georgia). Sinai School of Medicine education from Lake Erie completed a residency Madras Medical College
Dr. Oxford has (Jersey City, New Jersey). College of Osteopathy in general psychiatry at (India) and completed
volunteered with the She performed her (Pennsylvania). He the Morehouse School his residency in internal
American Cancer Society fellowship training in completed his residency of Medicine (Atlanta). medicine at St. Mary’s
and Orange County infectious diseases at in family medicine and He is fluent in both Hospital (Rochester,
Medical Clinic. the University of Miami/ a fellowship in primary English and Gujarati, and New York). He
Jackson Health System. care sports medicine at proficient in French and performed a fellowship
UPCM Saint Margaret Hindi. in gastroenterology at the
(Pittsburgh). University of Connecticut
(Farmington) and
another in advanced
endoscopy at the Medical
University of South
Carolina (Charleston).

ChooseHealth 33 OrlandoHealth.com/ChooseHealth ** New physicians from
September 2020

through March 2021

F O U N DAT I O N

Trauma Center Enhancements:
Expanding Our Capacity To Care

More than an emergency department, a Increasing Surge Capacity Within the
trauma center is a state-accredited hospital Region’s Only Level One Trauma Center
facility capable of highly specialized, lifesaving
treatment for the most critical injuries, Orlando Health has evaluated the multiple lessons learned
including heart attack and stroke patients. from that tragic event to be even more prepared should another
Orlando Health is home to Central Florida’s mass casualty incident occur. It is clear we need greater ability
only Level One Trauma Center, providing total to “surge” for a rapid influx of patients within the trauma bay.
care for every aspect of injury with 24-hour The expanded trauma bay will provide significant surge space,
in-house coverage by general surgeons and allowing us to rapidly add 10 more treatment areas in a mass
prompt availability of care from specialists. casualty situation, whether a car accident on I-4, a fire-related
incident or other tragedy.
On June 12, 2016, the Level One Trauma Center at Orlando
Health Orlando Regional Medical Center (ORMC), just This space will also help manage the flow of patients and
blocks away from Pulse, was prepared and ready to handle resources in times of critical need while making it easier for
the unimaginable, and care for those in their most extreme members of our trauma team to move quickly between patients.
time of need. With the rapid influx of patients – the first 36 Space for additional medical supplies and essential diagnostic
in 36 minutes – the trauma bays and patient beds within the tools such as ultrasound machines will also be included.
Emergency Department quickly filled. As victims kept coming,
additional patients were triaged outside in the ambulance Orlando Health Foundation relies on generous donations to help
entrance and treated in the hallways. The incredible teamwork of make this vision a reality – and to ensure lifesaving care is always
our dedicated physicians, nurses and staff gave each victim their ready and waiting for those who need it most.
highest chance at survival and recovery – every victim who made
it to our operating rooms survived. To make a secure online donation to support our Level One Trauma
Center, visit Give.OrlandoHealth.com/ORMCTrauma.

To learn more about the project and how you can get involved,
contact us at OrlandoHealthFoundation.com/TraumaCare.

ChooseHealth 34 OrlandoHealth.com/ChooseHealth

Community
Good

Big Checks Food Heroes Exhibit Opens

As part of its ongoing Orlando Health is proud to be the presenting sponsor
commitment to Central for Orlando Science Center’s new Food Heroes
Florida, Orlando Health Exhibit. Food Heroes uses interactive exhibit pieces,
recently awarded checks videos and live demonstrations to create a more
to 2021 grant recipients. equitable, sustainable, healthy and community-based
The Orlando Health food system.
Community Grant program
offers competitive grants to assist local organizations Celebrate
and Orlando Health team members in their efforts to Good Times
improve health and wellness in the region.
The 3rd Annual Horizon
Top Chef West Fest took place on
March 6. Orlando Health
Orlando Health was presenting sponsor
partnered with the at this celebration, which
American Heart brings local residents,
Association for the 2021 business and organizations
Kids Cook with Heart together to showcase and
culinary program. Team members packed 100 bags of support all things Horizon West.
ingredients for participating middle school students
prior to their virtual cooking lesson. Under the Stars

Do the Shuffle Winter Garden Rotary and Orlando Health presented
Broadway & Beyond on the lawn of Newton Park
Orlando Health South Lake at Lake Apopka. This fundraiser goes toward
Hospital was a presenting scholarships for area students and also local charities.
sponsor at the annual
Lake Sumter State College Volunteers Pack Healthy Meals
Shamrock Shuffle
St. Patrick’s Day 5K/10K. This family-friendly race Orlando Health team members volunteered with The
supports the needs of the college and students. Sharing Center to sort, pack and distribute nutritious
and basic food items to 350 families. The Sharing
Center provides essential resources to those in need in
Seminole County.

ChooseHealth 35 OrlandoHealth.com/ChooseHealth

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Childbirth Education Support & Programs

Virtual Live Parent Chat Cancer Support Community
Hosted by the Maternal Education team and facilitated Many of our popular support services are available via
by a registered nurse lactation consultant, this live telephone and web-based programming, and several have
virtual chat is for parents with infants up to 12 weeks reopened with social distancing in place. We look forward to
of age. Interact with other parents as we discuss reopening additional classes soon. Please call (321) 841-5056
infant care, feeding, your baby’s growth and maternal or email [email protected]
postpartum adjustment throughout the fourth for the most up-to-date information.
trimester and beyond. Ask questions and hear from
other parents like you. Virtual Stroke Support Group
Dates: Mondays Time: 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm Stroke survivors and caregivers can find care, support and
Cost: Free connection at Orlando Health’s Stroke Support Group.
WinniePalmerHospital.com/ParentChat Participants will have the opportunity to share stories and
experiences with others who understand their journey, while
Virtual Prenatal Breastfeeding learning about helpful topics such as nutrition, available
Designed for expectant parents, this virtual lesson is resources and other ways to improve one’s lifestyle.
presented by a registered nurse lactation consultant. Date: Last Wednesday of every month
Learn what to expect while breastfeeding your baby Time: 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm
during the first few days after delivery and through OrlandoHealth.com/StrokeSupportGroup
the first few months. Infants welcome. Partners are
encouraged to participate. The class will also include Virtual Weight Loss Surgery Support Group
the opportunity to ask questions. This helpful support group is an opportunity for patients to
Dates: Wednesdays Time: 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm learn more about what to expect throughout the journey
Cost: $15.00 of bariatric surgery. Postoperative patients are strongly
WinniePalmerHospital.com/BreastfeedingClass encouraged to attend this group. We also welcome
preoperative patients who are interested in learning about the
Virtual Basic Newborn Care lifestyle changes necessary to be successful with weight loss.
Our Basic Newborn Care virtual class is presented by Date: Every third Wednesday of each month
a registered nurse lactation consultant and highlights Time: 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
key information about caring for your newborn baby. OrlandoHealth.com/WeightLossSupportGroup
When to Attend: Third trimester of pregnancy
Cost: $15.00 per couple Time: 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm Virtual Weight Loss Surgery Information Session
Date: First Wednesday of the month The team at the Orlando Health Weight Loss and Bariatric
WinniePalmerHospital.com/NewbornCare Surgery Institute can help you lose weight through minimally
invasive surgery and lifestyle changes. During the group session,
you will virtually meet our experienced weight loss surgeons.
They will discuss procedures offered and answer any questions
you may have.
Date: Tuesdays Time: 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
OrlandoHealth.com/WeightLoss

Orlando Health Joint Replacement Classes
This class will provide an overview of what you need to
know about preparing for your joint replacement surgery,
rehabilitation and successful recovery at home. For dates,
times and locations, please visit the Events page at
OrlandoHealth.com/JointReplacement.

ChooseHealth 36 OrlandoHealth.com/ChooseHealth



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CHOOSE TO HAVE ALL
YOUR FAMILY’S
HEALTH INFORMATION
IN ONE PLACE.

As a leader in healthcare, Orlando Health is
excited to be the first-in-market to offer a new
tool that makes taking care of your family’s
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provides a centralized, interactive online location
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