Surgical Specialty

Dr. Carlos Cohen is a board-certified dermatologist in South Florida. He is originally from Venezuela. his areas of expertise include in medical, surgical, and pediatric dermatology.

Andrew J. Shapiro, MD, FACS is Board Certified by the American Board of Surgery and has been in private practice in South Florida since 2006. He treats the full range of general surgical problems using a variety of techniques. In addition to excellence in laparoscopic and traditional open surgery, Dr. Shapiro employs the latest techniques for minimally invasive surgery (MIS)

Kyle S. Eldredge, DO is Board Certified by the American Board of Surgery. A native Floridian, Dr. Eldredge was born in Naples, Florida, lived in Boca Raton, Florida, and subsequently moved to Minnesota with his family.

Carlos J. Lavernia., MD, FAAOS, orthopedic surgeon and biomedical engineer, has held academic appointments in 5 universities. He has been involved in educating medical students, orthopedic residents, orthopedic fellows, and graduate and undergraduate engineering students for the last 30 years. He currently holds an academic appointment as adjunct clinical professor of Biomedical Engineering at the University of Miami. Dr. Lavernia graduated from Tulane University in New Orleans with a BS in Mathematics and an MS in Biomedical Engineering. He received his medical degree from the University of Puerto Rico Medical School.

Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon Dr. Matthew Goodwin possesses an artist’s eye and a surgeon’s precise hand, producing impressive, natural-looking results. Dr. Goodwin is trained to provide the full spectrum of care in cosmetic surgery. In addition, he is a dedicated reconstruction specialist, with areas of expertise that include breast reconstruction, skin cancer and Mohs reconstruction, face and hand trauma and wound management. He is committed to educating his patients and providing the highest quality of care. He and his team are there for each patient, helping them through the process from beginning to end.

Dr. Manuel R. Padron is a board certified physician with the American Board of Urology. Graduated from the University of Florida in 1987 and also completed his residency at UF. He has been in private practice since 1992. His vision is to provide compassionate and personal care and believes in empowering his patients with the knowledge and tools to make the most informed medical decisions.

Dr. Joseph L. Esposito is an American Board of Urology certified physician who has been in practice since 1995. He received his medical degree from The University of Miami and completed his internship at Jackson Memorial Hospital.

Dr. Jorge E. Echenique is board certified by the American Board of Urology. He received his medical degree from Emory University in 1982 and also did his residency at Emory from 1982 to 1988. Dr. Echenique has been in private practice in Miami for over 30 years. As a physician, he deeply values the importance of building long term, personal relationships with his patients and strives to be their partner in everyday health care.

Dr. Lee Epstein, MD is a specialist in female pelvic medicine & reconstructive surgery in Jacksonville Beach, FL and has been practicing for 12 years. He graduated from Wayne State University School Of Medicine in 2001 and specializes in female pelvic medicine & reconstructive surgery, urogynecology & reconstructive pelvic surgery, and more.

Has been practicing general surgery in South Florida for over 25 years. Is Board Certified in general surgery. Specializes in gallbladder surgery. Performed over 5000 gallbladder surgeries. Is residency-trained in laparoscopic cholecystectomy -- Removal of the gallbladder.

Dr. Jaime Sepulveda is a fellowship-trained, board-certified specialty urogynecologist. His expertise is in female pelvic reconstructive surgery. He also has a background in medical pharmacology. Dr. Sepulveda is involved with the American Urogynecologic Society Research Foundation, and he passionate about his work. Dr. Sepulveda has been living in Miami for 25+ years, and is the proud father of two wonderful young adults. He enjoys swimming and general fitness.

Dr. Mark Gordon is a board-certified surgeon and longtime Miamian. He specializes in colorectal surgery (CRS), rectal problems, hernias, endoscopy, and wound care. Dr. Gordon is the Director of a large community social service charity, bringing a physician perspective. He also enjoys Enjoy teaching students, interns and residents at NSU and FIU.

Dr. Mark Gordon is a board-certified surgeon and longtime Miamian. He specializes in colorectal surgery (CRS), rectal problems, hernias, endoscopy, and wound care. Dr. Gordon is the Director of a large community social service charity, bringing a physician perspective. He also enjoys Enjoy teaching students, interns and residents at NSU and FIU.

Dr. Rashid specializes in surgical oncology and robotic surgery in South FL where he was born and raised. He earned a BS in Biochemistry & Latin/Classical studies at Dartmouth College and an MD-JD at Duke University Schools of Medicine and Law, focusing on health policy to better prepare for the challenges cancer patients face. He completed General Surgery residency at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, VA, and Complex General Surgical Oncology Fellowship at H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, FL. Dr. Rashid completed a legislative fellowship in the VA General Assembly for the House of Delegates Appropriations Committee, focusing on Budget and health policy, including appointments under Governor Tim Kaine (Democrat) and also by Governor Bob McDonnell (Republican). He is a member of the Commonwealth of Virginia Bar and he collaborated on health policy advocacy at the State and Federal levels. He returned to South FFL where his family still lives because of his dream to return home to serve the community where he grew up. Dr. Rashid has continued his clinical work in cancer and advanced surgery, research, administrative leadership, health policy and legislative advocacy. His clinical practice includes general surgical oncology and complex general surgery, including robotics and multimodality therapy, and clinical trials, including National Cancer Institute designated research. Dr. Rashid has affiliations with Massachusetts General Hospital, University of Miami School of Medicine, Nova Southeastern University School of Medicine, and Holy Cross Hospital. His research team has initiatives related to cancer care, surgical care, health policy, value based care, cancer prevention and survivorship, with multiple research presentations and awards, over 80 publications (h-index of 20 and i10-index of 34), and grant funding. Dr. Rashid has been recognized internationally, with multiple presentations and collaborations with physicians and medical societies in the Caribbean, Central America, South America, and Europe, including his collaboration with the National Comprehensive Cancer Network to develop Caribbean region specific recommendations for cancer care. His spoken languages include Spanish, Italian, Latin and Arabic. Dr. Rashid is an active member of the American Cancer Society Broward County and the South East FL Area volunteer leadership boards and he has a passion for improving outcomes in cancer care.

Born and raised in Miami/Fort Lauderdale, Dr. Bridges completed his undergraduate studies at Morehouse College in Atlanta, GA under a full academic scholarship, graduating Summa Cum Laude and with Phi Beta Kappa honors. Dr. Bridges then went on to Baylor College of Medicine and Rice University in Houston, TX, earning a joint M.D./M.B.A degree under the auspices of Baylor College of Medicine's Presidential Scholarship and the Baylor/Rice M.D./M.B.A. Merit Scholarship. While in medical school, Dr. Bridges had the opportunity to spend a month in Quito, Ecuador in order to learn medical Spanish while rotating through medical clinics.

Dr. Thomas earned her medical degree at Nova Southeastern University and completed her internship at Palmetto General Hospital in Miami, FL. Dr. Thomas went on to residency in General Surgery and Dermatology at Palms West Hospital and Columbia Hospital, respectively, in West Palm Beach, FL. Following her residency training, she attended the ACGME and American College of Mohs Surgery Certified Fellowship for training in Mohs Surgery at The Skin Institute in Fort Lauderdale, FL.

Harold Jaimes, MD specializes exclusively in Venous and Lymphatic Medicine, offering comprehensive diagnosis, treatment and management for all aspects of venous disease including spider veins, varicose veins, venous insufficiency, and venous ulcers.

Dr. Todd Minars is a board-certified dermatologist. He received his medical degree from the NYU School of Medicine and served as Chief Resident at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine.

Dr. Norman Minars has been a South Florida Dermatologist for more than 40 years, but he was born and raised in New York. He specializes in laser treatments, facial fillers, Botox, and tattoo removal.

Catherine Harrison Balestra, MD is a Miami native who earned her undergraduate degree from Princeton University. She completed medical school at the University of Miami and received multiple accolades including the Alpha Omega Alpha (medical honor society) honors and the “Best Student in Dermatology” award.

Born in Austin, Texas but Venezuelan through parents, Dr. Vivas received her MD from Central University of Venezuela, where she graduated with honors in the top 5% of her class.

Dr. Nolan is a board-certified dermatologist and cutaneous surgeon with a clinical focus in hair loss, skin cancer and cosmetic dermatology. She graduated Summa Cum Laude from Cornell University and completed medical school with distinction in research at Mount Sinai in NYC. During this time After medical school, Dr. Nolan returned home to complete her dermatology residency at the prestigious University of Miami program where she was co-Investigator on multiple clinical studies on skin cancer and sun safety. She also completed an American Society for Dermatologic Surgery Preceptorship for advanced techniques in surgical dermatology. After completing dermatology residency at UMiami, Dr. Nolan worked in Orange County, CA where she received advanced training in laser and aesthetic dermatology and worked with top cosmetic injectors in the country. She then worked as Director of Cosmetic Dermatology at Case Western Reserve University/MetroHeath in Ohio. Dr. Nolan has published dozens of book chapters and peer-reviewed articles in leading medical journals. She has been a speaker at national conferences including the American Academy of Dermatology, the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, and as the keynote speaker on hair loss for the Lupus Foundation of America. She has worked as an editor for the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery. Her society memberships include the American Academy of Dermatology, the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, the Women’s Dermatology Society, and the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery.

Dr. Richard A. Petersen is an obstetrician-gynecologist in South Miami, Florida. He received his medical degree from Rutgers New Jersey Medical School and has been in practice for more than 20 years.

Dr. Robert Sherman is a urologist in Pembroke Pines, Florida. he performs most of his outpatient surgical procedures at Broward Specialty Surgical Center in Pembroke Pines. He received his medical degree from Temple University School of Medicine in Philadelphia, Pa. and his Urological training at the University of California in Sacramento, Ca. He has been in practice for more than 30 years.

Dr. Enrique Whittwell is a board-certified surgeon who specializes in laparoscopic surgery, bariatric surgery, cancer & colorectal surgery, breast surgery, hernia repair, and gallbladder surgery. He is a clinical preceptor for physician assistant programs at Nova Southeastern University and Miami Dade College.

Board certified in Obstetrics and Gynecology and Gynecologic Oncology, Dr. Jacob Tangir specializes in comprehensive gynecologic cancer care. He performs minimally invasive cancer and pelvic surgery (laparoscopic and robotic), radical cancer surgery, fertility-preserving cancer surgery, and advanced pelvic surgery

Dr. Emery Salom is a board-certified OB/GYN with specialities in robotic surgery, urogynecology, fistula repairs, and endometriosis. Dr. Salom is committed to fulfilling all of a woman's health care needs in a comprehensive and compassionate environment, involving the patient in all aspects of her medical care.

Dr. Jonathan Black, MD, MPH offers women care at the Center for Gynecologic Oncology in Miramar, Plantation, Hollywood, and Hialea, Florida. He brings extensive training in gynecologic oncology, minimally invasive and advanced pelvic surgery, personalized medicine, Sexuality, Intimacy, and Menopausal Symptoms (SIMS), and cancer genetics.

Dr. John Siemon is a Board-Eligible Gynecologic Oncologist. He earned his medical degree from Drexel University College of Medicine. He also completed his residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology and his fellowship in Gynecologic Oncology at The University of Miami, Jackson Memorial Hospital, and Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center.

Board certified in Obstetrics and Gynecology and Gynecologic Oncology, Dr. Jacob Tangir specializes in comprehensive gynecologic cancer care. He performs minimally invasive cancer and pelvic surgery (laparoscopic and robotic), radical cancer surgery, fertility-preserving cancer surgery, and advanced pelvic surgery

Dr. Emery Salom is a board-certified OB/GYN with specialities in robotic surgery, urogynecology, fistula repairs, and endometriosis. Dr. Salom is committed to fulfilling all of a woman's health care needs in a comprehensive and compassionate environment, involving the patient in all aspects of her medical care.

Dr. Jonathan Black, MD, MPH offers women care at the Center for Gynecologic Oncology in Miramar, Plantation, Hollywood, and Hialea, Florida. He brings extensive training in gynecologic oncology, minimally invasive and advanced pelvic surgery, personalized medicine, Sexuality, Intimacy, and Menopausal Symptoms (SIMS), and cancer genetics.

Dr. John Siemon is a Board-Eligible Gynecologic Oncologist. He earned his medical degree from Drexel University College of Medicine. He also completed his residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology and his fellowship in Gynecologic Oncology at The University of Miami, Jackson Memorial Hospital, and Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center.

Board certified in Obstetrics and Gynecology and Gynecologic Oncology, Dr. Jacob Tangir specializes in comprehensive gynecologic cancer care. He performs minimally invasive cancer and pelvic surgery (laparoscopic and robotic), radical cancer surgery, fertility-preserving cancer surgery, and advanced pelvic surgery

Dr. Emery Salom is a board-certified OB/GYN with specialities in robotic surgery, urogynecology, fistula repairs, and endometriosis. Dr. Salom is committed to fulfilling all of a woman's health care needs in a comprehensive and compassionate environment, involving the patient in all aspects of her medical care.

Dr. Jonathan Black, MD, MPH offers women care at the Center for Gynecologic Oncology in Miramar, Plantation, Hollywood, and Hialea, Florida. He brings extensive training in gynecologic oncology, minimally invasive and advanced pelvic surgery, personalized medicine, Sexuality, Intimacy, and Menopausal Symptoms (SIMS), and cancer genetics.

Dr. John Siemon is a Board-Eligible Gynecologic Oncologist. He earned his medical degree from Drexel University College of Medicine. He also completed his residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology and his fellowship in Gynecologic Oncology at The University of Miami, Jackson Memorial Hospital, and Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center.

Board certified in Obstetrics and Gynecology and Gynecologic Oncology, Dr. Jacob Tangir specializes in comprehensive gynecologic cancer care. He performs minimally invasive cancer and pelvic surgery (laparoscopic and robotic), radical cancer surgery, fertility-preserving cancer surgery, and advanced pelvic surgery

Dr. Emery Salom is a board-certified OB/GYN with specialities in robotic surgery, urogynecology, fistula repairs, and endometriosis. Dr. Salom is committed to fulfilling all of a woman's health care needs in a comprehensive and compassionate environment, involving the patient in all aspects of her medical care.

Dr. Jonathan Black, MD, MPH offers women care at the Center for Gynecologic Oncology in Miramar, Plantation, Hollywood, and Hialea, Florida. He brings extensive training in gynecologic oncology, minimally invasive and advanced pelvic surgery, personalized medicine, Sexuality, Intimacy, and Menopausal Symptoms (SIMS), and cancer genetics.

Dr. John Siemon is a Board-Eligible Gynecologic Oncologist. He earned his medical degree from Drexel University College of Medicine. He also completed his residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology and his fellowship in Gynecologic Oncology at The University of Miami, Jackson Memorial Hospital, and Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center.

Dr. Michael Hellinger has been a resident of Miami for over 30 years. Born in Boston, Mass, he moved to Miami at age 11. He completed his undergraduate education in 1983 at Tufts University, where he graduated Cum Laude. The following year was spent performing research in surgical oncology at the University Of Miami School Of Medicine. Dr. Hellinger went on to attend the University Of Miami School Of Medicine. He was awarded his medical degree with honors in 1988 and began a general surgical residency at Jackson Memorial Hospital. During his final year of training, he was the recipient of the outstanding chief resident teacher award. Following completion, he received his colon and rectal surgical subspecialty training at the Orlando Regional Medical Center in Orlando, Florida.

Dr. Cohen was born and raised in Montreal, Canada and received his MD from McGill University School of Medicine. He completed his internship in General Surgery, followed by his residency training in Urology, at McGill University Health Center. Dr. Cohen was awarded a prestigious postgraduate fellowship in Urologic Oncology at the world renowned M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas. Diplomate of the American Board of Urology Fellowship- trained in Urologic Oncology Assistant Professor UCF College of Medicine Society of Urologic Oncology

Dr. Kaiser grew up in the Orlando area. She attended Lake Brantley High School, and then left the Orlando area to pursue her education. She returned to Orlando in 1995 and started practicing Colon and Rectal Surgery in 1996. She initially joined Dr Nelson Brouillette in Winter Park, Florida After his retirement, she continued as a solo practitioner in Winter Park and is entering her 23rd year of practice.

Dr. Michael C Muresan is an Obstetrics / Gynecology Specialist in Miami, Florida. He graduated with honors in 2008 and has more than 12 years of diverse experiences, especially in Obstetrics/Gynecology.

Dr. Jose I. Iparraguirre was born in Cuba and has been living in Florida for 50 years and counting. He went to Puerto Rico for medical school and returned to Miami for his residency and to join the Women's Personal Physicians OB/GYN practice, where he sees patients today. Dr. Iparraguirre is married and has three children. He speaks English and Spanish.

Dr. Larry S. Spiegelman is board certified in obstetrics and gynecology. He was born and raised in Miami, FL, where he also attended medical school. However, he attended Dartmouth College in New Hampshire for his undergraduate studies and Harvard Medical School for his residency. Dr. Spiegelman is married and has two children. When he isn't seeing patients, you might find him enjoying a game of tennis. He speaks English and Spanish.

Dr. Elizabeth Updike is board certified in obstetrics and gynecology. She was born and raised in Miami, Florida and attended the University of Georgia and Michigan State University for her undergraduate and medical degrees, respectively. She completed her residency at the University of Miami/Jackson Memorial Hospital. Outside of her medical practice, Dr. Updike enjoys ballet and dance, and she's a UM football fan. She speaks English and Spanish.

Dr. Monzon works for Women's Personal Physicians, LLC. He attended the University Of Miami School Of Medicine and specializes in Obstetrics & Gynecology.

Dr. Sanchez-Rauder, MD is a practicing OBGYN (Obstetrician & Gynecologist) in Miami, FL. He completed a residency at Jackson Health System. In addition to English, Dr. Sanchez-Rauder's practice supports these languages: Spanish, Italian, and Portuguese.

Obstetrician and Gynecologist, Dr. Daniel Bolet, was trained at the University of Miami/Jackson Memorial Hospital. He is married and has one son.

Outside of medicine, Dr. Yavagal is a loving wife and caring mother of two kids. She balances her home and work life well, keeping time to cook, read, and do activities with her family and friends. She also loves to travel and learn about different places throughout the world. In her local community, she spreads awareness to women about urinary incontinence and pelvic floor disorders. She has always loved education, and one of her passions is to educate others. While Dr. Yavagal is a hard-working physician, she makes sure that she has time to care for her family and friends alongside doing the other things she enjoys.