Rashard Perry, Violence Prevention Educator at Aid to Victims of Domestic Abuse (AVDA), graduated from University of South Florida with a bachelor’s degree in criminology and a minor in Psychology. His career in violence prevention work began during his undergraduate at USF as a peer educator for the Center for Victim Advocacy and Violence Prevention. During that time, he gained years of experience providing education and facilitating trainings to students, faculty, and staff on topics such as the dynamics of domestic and dating violence. In 2019, Rashard began working with AVDA as a victim advocate in the shelter setting providing the necessary services of advocacy, education, and safety planning to survivors of domestic abuse and their children within the community. As he continued to work on the frontlines of intervention, behind the mission to help end the perpetration of violence within relationships, Rashard realized the value and importance of accessibility to resources for all survivors. After over a year of experience, he transitioned to the Outreach Services department as a Violence Prevention Educator. Uniting his knowledge and experience as an advocate and educator, Rashard’s passion increases daily for engaging young men and women as leaders in their own communities to bring awareness to understanding the dynamics of abuse and the cycle of violence in order to be a stakeholder in creating the social change to end intimate partner violence.
Anna Hayden, DO, FACOFP is a graduate of The University of Health Sciences in Kansas City, Missouri. She completed her rotating internship at Humana Hospital of The Palm Beaches and a rotating family practice residency at Southeastern University of the Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine. She is board certified by The American Osteopathic Board of Family Physicians. She is credentialed by AAHIV as an HIV specialist. Dr. Hayden is a Past-President of The Florida Osteopathic Medical Association. She continues to serve as a delegate to the American Osteopathic Association. She served as the first female President of the Broward County Osteopathic Medical Association and remains active on their Board of Governors. Service to the State of Florida includes chairing the Medicaid’s (AHCA) Drug Utilization Review Panel as well as twice chairing of The Florida Board of Osteopathic Medicine and continues to serve on its probable cause panel. She has served on the Board of Directors of The Federation of State Medical Boards and on its various committees. She also served as President of The American Association of Osteopathic Examiners, which is the group that represents osteopathic fellows serving on state medical licensing boards. Dr. Anna Hayden has been caring for the community of downtown Fort Lauderdale Broward Health-Specialty Care Center, 1111 W. Broward Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Currently she also serves as clinical professor at Nova Southeastern University Dr Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine. Specialty Care Center has been a clinical training center for third- and fourth-year medical students, physician assistant students, pharmacy students, medical assistants, and family medicine residents. She is past chief of The Department of Family Medicine at Broward Health Medical Center and continues to serve on various hospital committees.
Kenneth Johnson, Jr, DO, FACOOG, FACOG received his osteopathic medical degree at Nova Southeastern University College of Osteopathic Medicine in Ft. Lauderdale Florida. Dr. Johnson is currently Executive Associate Dean and Professor of OB/GYN and Public Health at the KPCOM Tampa Bay Regional Campus. Dr. Johnson completed his residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Columbus Medical Center a teaching affiliate of Northwestern University Medical School in Chicago. Dr. Johnson is board certified and a fellow of the American College of Osteopathic Ob/Gyn and the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology. He is a former Captain in the United States Air Force and has served on the Governor’s task force on maternal death and Diabetes in Florida. Dr. Johnson has been principal investigator on numerous clinical research trials in women’s health including studies on Hormone Replacement therapy, contraception, female sexual dysfunction, osteoporosis, and urinary incontinence. He was Co-investigator on Project Choices and Project Healthy Choices, two studies funded by the Centers for Disease Control to reduce Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. Dr. Johnson and the CHOICES Team were awarded the Charles C. Shepard award from the centers for disease and control for their research on the epidemiology of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. In 2021, Dr. Johnson was recognized as the NSU college of osteopathic medicine Professor of the Year. Dr. Johnson and his family reside in Tampa Florida. Dr. Johnson can be reached by email at kjohnson@nova.edu.
Eileen Conaway, DO, is board-certified in Family Medicine, Neuromusculoskeletal Medicine, and Breastfeeding and Lactation Medicine. Dr. Conaway completed her Integrated Family Medicine and Neuromusculoskeletal Medicine residency at Florida Hospital (now AdventHealth) East Orlando, where she was Chief Resident and later faculty, Associate Program Director, and Director of Osteopathic Education. Dr. Conaway previously served as a Trustee from FOMA District Society 3 on the FOMA Board of Trustees and is currently a Trustee for the South Carolina Osteopathic Medical Society. Dr. Conaway is an Adjunct Associate Professor of OMM at Campbell University School of Osteopathic Medicine and is in private practice in Durham, NC.
Julia Jenkins, MD, FAAFP, DipABLM Dr. Julia Jenkins is an Associate Program Director for the USF-Morton Plant Mease Family Medicine Residency program in Clearwater and serves as an Associate Professor at the USF-Morsani College of Medicine. She is affiliated with the BayCare Health System.
Dr. Jenkins earned her medical degree from the University of South Florida and completed her residency in Family Medicine at Bayfront Medical Center. She is board certified by the American Board of Family Medicine and holds Diplomate status with the American Board of Lifestyle Medicine. Additionally, Dr. Jenkins was honored with the Degree of Fellow from the American Academy of Family Physicians and completed a Faculty Development Fellowship at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Her clinical interests encompass lifestyle and obesity medicine, lipidology and cardiovascular disease, telemedicine, leadership development, advocacy, and ophthalmology. Dr. Jenkins is deeply committed to physician education and regularly presents at local, regional, and national conferences on these subjects. She is grateful for the opportunity to impact patient lives on a broader scale through her work in academics.
Markos Fleury, Violence Prevention Educator, at Aid to Victims of Domestic Abuse (AVDA), Inc. is dedicated to educating youth in Palm Beach County to implement social change by offering alternative choices to end violence and domestic abuse. Since 2010, he has worked with youth to enhance their education and provide positive mentoring to create future leaders in our community. His supporting role has encouraged our youth to participate in social change by taking positive initiatives in their communities. Markos provides workshops for youth, parents, and professionals on the dynamics of domestic violence to understand the root causes of violence and how to respond to survivors of domestic abuse. Through his role, he is engaging youth to challenge the toxic masculinity messaging and supporting youth to establish and maintain healthy relationships.
Diane Brzezinski, DO, FACOI is originally from the Detroit area. She relocated to Naples, FL in 1999 where she began private practice as a board-certified internist. Prevention and wellness have always been the highlight of her career. She practices general internal medicine along with Bioidentical Hormone Replacement, anti-aging medicine with peptide therapy and laser treatments for women with vaginal issues.
Joseph Kaczmarczyk, DO, MPH, MBA, Since Dr. Joseph M. Kaczmarczyk retired as the Vice Dean of the Osteopathic Medicine program on the Philadelphia campus of the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM) in July 2022, he has received two lifetime achievement awards. Dr. Kaczmarczyk was the very first osteopathic physician ever to receive the Association of Professors of Gynecology and Obstetrics (APGO) Lifetime Achievement Award to honor APGO leaders who have demonstrated consistency of work in furthering the goals of ob-gyn academic medicine, commitment to an academic career, and the importance of the awardee’s work to ob-gyn medical education. Additionally, Dr. Kaczmarczyk was awarded the Angela R. Kyte Outstanding Alumnus Award, given in honor of a lifetime of service to humanity and whose life exemplifies those qualities encouraged and fostered at Lycoming College. Culminating his academic career, he received Professor Emeritus from PCOM on May 23, 2024.
Charlene LePane DO, MSPH, FACG, FACOI graduated with a Diploma of Nursing in 1994, completed undergraduate studies from Auburn University 1998 and received a Master of Science in Public Health from UAB in 1999. She graduated from KCUMB in 2004 and completed her Internal Medicine training at Mt. Sinai Medical Center in Miami Beach, where she served as Chief Resident. She then served as Chief Fellow and completed her training in gastroenterology at St. John Oakland-Macomb Hospital in Michigan. She is dual board certified. Dr. LePane has published multiple case reports and original research in journals such as American Journal of Gastroenterology, Digestive Disease and Sciences, Gastroenterology and CRSLS. She has been active with FOMA since 2000, has recently served as District 3 president and continues to serve as a trustee. She is a fellow of the American College of Osteopathic Internists and the American College of Gastroenterology. She has served as the section chair and section education chair for the ACOI and continues her commitment to several other committees. Dr. LePane is an Assistant Professor of Clinical Medicine for UCF College of Medicine, LECOM, NSUKPCOM and KCUMB and actively participates in training and education. Currently, she works for AdventHealth in Orlando, Florida as a gastroenterologist and advanced endoscopist.
Andrew Cuddihy, MPH, MCHES, CTTS, is the Senior Tobacco Education Specialist for the Area Health Education Center (AHEC) Program of the Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine at Nova Southeastern University. Mr. Cuddihy has trained numerous health professionals and health professions students on the treatment of tobacco dependence and how to work with patients who use tobacco. Andrew also works with health care facilities and health providers throughout Broward County in the implementation of strategies to address tobacco use with every patient and refer patients for tobacco cessation services. In his role as a Tobacco Treatment Specialist, Andrew facilitates the AHEC Group Tobacco Cessation Program, assisting tobacco users to create personalized quit plans that accommodate their specific smoking triggers and barriers to quitting.
Mr. Cuddihy began his career in Public Health working for the American Lung Association where he specialized in tobacco prevention, cessation, and legislative advocacy in addition to asthma management and environmental health. Through his various roles at the American Lung Association and leadership positions in community coalitions, Andrew advocated for passage of Florida’s Medicaid Third-Party Liability Act, Florida’s smoke-free workplace amendment and various other laws that protect the public health from secondhand smoke and provide tobacco users with resources for quitting.
Andrew holds his master’s degree in public health from Florida International University, is a Master Certified Health Education Specialist and a Certified Tobacco Treatment Specialist. He has spoken extensively throughout Florida on tobacco prevention, cessation policy, asthma management and environmental health issues.
Julia Marian, MD, FAAP is the Dean of Clinical Education and an Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at LECOM Bradenton. She completed her Pediatric residency at Flushing Hospital Medical Center and an additional year of Developmental Behavioral Pediatric fellowship training at the University of Arizona. Dr. Marian is board certified in general pediatrics with a special interest in neurodevelopmental disabilities and developmental pediatrics. She completed the Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and other related Disabilities (AzLEND) training program at the University of Arizona.
Dr. Marian started her teaching career at the University of Central Florida, where she taught at the College of Medicine as well as the College of Health Professions for over six years. She joined LECOM Bradenton in 2022, teaching medical students in all four years of the education, across all LECOM campuses. Dr. Marian is a fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics and a faculty member of the National Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners in the pediatric department. She has also been an educational speaker on the topics of neurodevelopmental disabilities and developmental pediatrics for the American Academy of Pediatrics and Florida Osteopathic Medical Association. During her free time, Dr. Marian enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, and having fun outdoors – especially the beach!
Jesse Lopez, Jr., DO, FACOS, obtained his undergraduate degree in chemistry at William Jewell College in Liberty Missouri, and then attended medical school at the Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences (formerly UHS-COM), where he obtained his doctorate in Osteopathic medicine. He then pursued his general and trauma surgery training in Chicago through the Chicago Osteopathic Health Care Systems.
Dr. Lopez is a traditionally trained physician who believes in a holistic approach to healthcare and healing. Combining the best of both worlds, Dr. Lopez has practiced surgery and medicine over the past 32 years with the philosophy that one must consider all aspects of an individual’s physical, emotional and spiritual needs in order to facilitate healing. His expertise in integrated surgical and medical care allows the patient to utilize multiple modalities to facilitate their healing. This cutting-edge concept led to the formation of his clinics, Inspiration Health and Wellness and Heartland Surgical Care.
Dr. Lopez is a board certified general surgeon. His areas of expertise include: bariatric and general surgery, endoscopy, medical weight loss, bio-identical hormone and replacement therapy and metabolic medicine, regenerative cellular therapies, cannabinoids, and aesthetics.
Dr. Lopez’s professional memberships include: the American Osteopathic Association, the American College of Osteopathic Surgeons (Fellow), the Kansas Association of Osteopathic Medicine, the American Society of Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery, the American Academy of Anti-aging Medicine, the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery, and American Association of Physicians and Surgeons.
Darren McAuley, DO, MMEL, received his undergraduate degree in biology from Vassar College in 1997 and graduated from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey – School of Osteopathic Medicine in 2002. After completing his residency in osteopathic manual medicine and neuromusculoskeletal medicine at Plainview Hospital in Plainview New York, he completed a sports medicine fellowship at St. Joseph’s Medical Center in Reading Pennsylvania in 2007. Dr. McAuley sat for and passed the pain medicine boards in 2013. In addition to the three active board certifications, Dr. McAuley received a master’s degree in medical education and leadership and a fellowship through the American Osteopathic Academy of Sports Medicine. His professional passions include the utilization of imaging to achieve objective confirmation of anatomical changes after osteopathic manual medicine and performing a wide array of ultrasound guided procedures. Dr. McAuley has been in the Air National Guard for 25 years. He currently functions as the Florida State Air Surgeon and principal medical advisor to the Adjuvant General-Air. He is an avid bodybuilder and enjoys spending time with family and friends.
Steven Licata, DO, graduated from Nova Southeastern University College of Osteopathic Medicine in 1997. He completed a residency in Family Practice and Osteopathic Medicine at Broward General Medical Center, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, and was board-certified in 2000. Dr. Licata completed requirements and became board-certified in neuromusculoskeletal medicine in December 2005. He has been the associate director at the Institute For Non-Surgical Orthopedics since 1996. He is a currently an active member of AOA, AAO, ACOFP, FOMA, FAO, and the Cranial Academy. Dr. Licata is also certified in Musculoskeletal Ultrasound.
Dr. Licata is involved with teaching at NSUKPCOM and LECOM Bradenton. He serves as a Clinical Assistant Professor, being involved in teaching residents and students general medicine, sports medicine, manipulation, and injection techniques. Dr. Licata has been active in lecturing to physicians at FAO and FOMA conferences on various subjects in osteopathic manipulation, neuromusculoskeletal medical management, and sports medicine.
Joel Stein, DO, FAAO, FAOASM, FACOFP, graduated from KCOM, now known as A. T. Still University, in 1983. He was an undergraduate fellow in the departments of Anatomy and Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine at KCOM. After finishing Family Practice training at Humana Hospital South Broward, he became full time faculty at what is now Nova-Southeastern Kiran Patel University College of Osteopathic Medicine. In private practice since 1987, he is the Medical Director of an eight doctor multispecialty group called the “Institute for Non-Surgical Orthopedics” in Ft. Lauderdale, Hollywood, Delray Beach, Hialeah and South Miami, Florida. He has Hospital Affiliations with Holy Cross, Broward Health, Larkin Community, Larkin Palm Springs and serves on the Board and as Chair of the NMM Department at Larkin Community Hospital and Larkin Palm Springs.
Dr. Stein is Board Certified in Family Practice, Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine, Sports Medicine, and Pain Medicine. Dr. Stein is also a Fellow of the American Academy of Osteopathy (FAAO), a Fellow of the American Osteopathic Academy of Sports Medicine (FAOASM), and a Fellow of the American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians (FACOFP). He serves academically as a Clinical Associate Professor at NSU-KPCOM, LECOM Bradenton, PCOM Georgia, Western University COM, NYIT-COM and is Professor Emeritus at University of Miami, School of Medicine, Dept. of Ortho/Rehab. He is the Past Residency Director for FP/NMM, NMM+1, Sports Medicine Fellowship, and Primary Care Pain Medicine Fellowship Programs at Larkin Hospital, South Miami. He served as Program Director of the ACGME Accredited Sports Medicine Fellowship Program and was Program Director and Assistant Director of the Osteopathic Neuromusculoskeletal (ONMM 2 & ONMM 3) Residency Programs at Larkin Palm Springs Hospital, Hialeah, Florida. He previously has served as Visiting Clinician for the American Academy of Osteopathy and on the AAO Bureau of Experts. Dr. Stein is Past Secretary of the Board, and past board examiner for the American Osteopathic Board of Neuromusculoskeletal Medicine (AOBNMM). He has served as an examiner for the Committee on Fellowship of the American Academy of Osteopathy (CFAAO). He also served on, and is now Past Chair for the American Osteopathic Conjoint Sports Medicine Examination Committee (AOCSMEC). He is active at the Local, State and National levels serving on the BCOMA and FOMA Board of Trustees, and as a Florida representative to the AOA House of Delegates. Dr. Stein also served on the Board of the Florida Society, ACOFP.
Dr. Stein lives in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida with his wife Rosa and their son, Jakob who attends NSU Graduate School and is continuing a Pre-Medicine curriculum. He is proud to be the Team Physician for St. Thomas Aquinas’ Mens Lacrosse, ‘Back to Back’ State Champions 2016-2017 and in 2022!
Pamela Tronetti, DO, AGSF, is a fellowship trained geriatrician who moved from her hometown of Erie, Pennsylvania to Titusville, Florida in 2006 to design and develop a geriatric assessment program for Parrish Medical Center. The team and the practice have won numerous accolades including Clinician of the Year from the American Geriatrics Society. She has been published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, the Journal of the American Osteopathic Association, Geriatric Clinics, and a Family Medicine textbook. They also have a series of videos called “Alzheimer’s SOS” as well as a podcast on SeniorLivingGuide.com. She has spoken coast-to-coast at medical schools, senior conferences, professional organizations, and many a church supper. She has helped train innumerable medical students, nurse practitioner students, and others in the healing professions. She is proud and grateful for her osteopathic training and philosophy, and the opportunity to speak to you today.
Albert A. Lopez, DO, FACP, FASPC is a graduate of George Washington University and Southeastern College of Osteopathic Medicine (now Nova Southeastern University). He completed his internship at University of New England’s St. Michael’s Medical Center and his residency at University of Pennsylvania’s The Graduate Hospital in 1995.
Dr. Lopez joined Glasgow Medical Associates after residency, developing their hospitalist group at Christiana Medical Center in Wilmington, Delaware. He later relocated to Jacksonville, Florida, joining Baptist-St. Vincent’s Medical System to develop Jacksonville’s first viable hospitalist program, serving as its initial medical director. He also led a seven-physician Internal Medicine office before establishing Lopez Internal Medicine Associates in 2002.
Dr. Lopez served as Chief of Medicine at St. Vincent’s Medical Center and contributed to multiple hospital committees. He also served on BCBS's pharmaceutical and therapeutics committee for over a decade.
He has been active in his community, serving on the Boy Scouts of North Florida council and Jacksonville Mayor’s Hispanic American advisory board. He was the medical director for the Federal Reserve, Jacksonville branch, and served as a team physician for several sports teams, including University of North Florida basketball and Jacksonville's Tomcats arena football team.
Currently, Dr. Lopez is the lead physician at Millennium Physician Group’s Roosevelt office. He has served on various advisory boards, including Health Impact and the Wellness Council of North Florida. He has been a national speaker on cardiovascular, liver, kidney diseases, diabetes, and lipids.
Dr. Lopez has been a Principal Investigator for multiple cardiovascular outcome studies, including trials for Lp(a) and cardiovascular risk reduction. He is a member of the National Lipid Association, American Society for Preventive Cardiology, American College of Physicians, AOA, and FOMA. He is adjunct clinical faculty for Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine and LMU DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine.
Dr. Lopez has a passion for lipids, cardio-metabolic prevention, sports performance/medicine, hand-tool woodworking, painting, and orchids.
Hal Pineless, DO, FACN, FAAN received his Doctorate in Osteopathic Medicine from the Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine in 1981. He performed a rotating medical internship at the Chicago Osteopathic Hospital and the Olympia Fields Osteopathic Medical Center, from 1981 to 1982. He then completed his neurology residency at the VA Hines Hospital, Hines, IL, and at Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood, IL, from 1982 to 1985. Dr. Pineless served on the faculty of the Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine as an Assistant Professor of Medicine in the Section of Neurology from 1985 to 1986. He is listed in Who's Who in Medicine and Healthcare, and Who's Who in America. Dr. Pineless has been in practice in the Orlando area since 1986.
Dr. Pineless was the president of the Florida Osteopathic Medical Association (FOMA) from 2012–2013. Dr. Pineless also serves as Clinical Assistant Professor of Neurology at Florida State University (FSU) College of Medicine. Dr. Pineless is certified by the American Osteopathic Board of Neurology and Psychiatry, and the American Society of Neurorehabilitation. He is an active member of numerous professional medical societies, including the American Osteopathic Association, the American Academy of Neurology, the American College of Neuropsychiatrists, the National Headache Foundation, and the Seminole County Medical Society.
Dr. Pineless has been helping to advance the field of neurology through publishing and presenting professional articles on a variety of topics in neurology at numerous professional assemblies. He is on the active staff of ORHS South Seminole Hospital in Longwood. Dr. Pineless is a former Chief of Staff of Florida Hospital East Orlando, a past member of the Board of Trustees of Florida Hospital and has been named Physician of the Year by Florida Hospital East Orlando on several occasions.
Dr. Pineless was elected by his peers as a Fellow by the following medical societies: American College of Neuropsychiatrists: 2007 and American Academy of Neurology: 2018
Robert Ball, DO, MS, AOBA, is a Fellowship Trained Interventional Pain Management Physician with special clinical interests in Neuromodulation including Spinal Cord stimulation and Dorsal Root Ganglion stimulation as well as minimally invasive spinal decompression techniques for patients suffering from low back and leg pain as a result of spinal stenosis. Special Interests include the emerging treatment of vertebrogenic back pain due to lumbar disc degeneration. He is a native of North Carolina and received his Bachelor of Arts in Biology with minors in Chemistry, Spanish, and Sustainable Development from Appalachian State University in Boone, North Carolina. During his undergraduate years, Dr. Ball was able to gain international experience volunteering in rural areas of Latin America. He then earned a Master of Science Degree in Biomedical Sciences at Barry University in Miami Shores, Florida. Having fell in love with the Florida weather and outdoor lifestyle, Dr. Ball remained in Florida and earned his Doctorate of Osteopathic Medicine at Nova Southeastern University in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. During his medical school years, Dr. Ball was selected to be an instructor in the anatomy department assisting in the training of physician assistant students. He then went on to complete a Traditional Rotating internship at NSUCOM/Tenet Health System – Palmetto General Hospital in Hialeah-Miami, Florida. Embarking upon a specialty residency in Anesthesiology, Dr. Ball attended the State University of New York, Upstate Medical University, in Syracuse, New York, where he served with distinction as evidenced by his selection by the faculty to be the Chief Resident of his residency class. He was also voted Resident of the Year by the Anesthesiology Faculty and awarded the Senior Presentation Award. During his residency, Dr. Ball completed Obstetric and Gynecologic Anesthesiology training in the Department of Anesthesiology at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts. After completion of residency in 2009, Dr. Ball was awarded a highly competitive Pain Management Fellowship position at the State University of New York, Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York. Currently, Dr. Ball continues his passion for innovation, compassionate care, as well as education. He serves as a consultant and physician instructor for leading companies involved in the field of Neuromodulation - teaching other physicians the latest in surgical techniques and patient care. He has presented at multiple national meetings and taught physicians from all over the country. Dr. Ball is a participating member of multiple professional organizations dedicated to the advancement of the field of Interventional Pain Management including the American Interventional Headache Society, American Society of Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine, American Society of Anesthesiologists, North American Neuromodulation Society, and the Spine Intervention Society. Dr. Ball is a diplomate of the American Osteopathic Board of Anesthesiology. Dr. Ball is a Medidata Certified Professional and a Principal Investigator for the PRESS 2 Study with Boston Scientific.
Tamelia Lakraj-Edwards, MD, MPH, ONMM, is a highly skilled physician specializing in Osteopathic Neuromusculoskeletal Medicine and community health. She began her medical education at Spartan Health Sciences University in St. Lucia, West Indies, and further developed her clinical skills during a Family Medicine residency at the Medical College of Georgia in Augusta, where she earned her intern certificate.
Motivated to make a broader impact, Dr. Lakraj-Edwards transitioned into Clinical Informatics and Population Health, earning her Master of Public Health (MPH) degree. During her MPH practicum, she collaborated with Dr. Joel Stein on alternative methods to opioid use in pain management.
Her commitment to treating the whole person, including their physical, mental, and emotional well-being, led her to complete an Osteopathic Neuromusculoskeletal Medicine (ONMM) residency at Larkin Community Hospital. While moonlighting at a Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF), she recognized a gap in care due to the absence of Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT) and has since become a strong advocate for its integration into patient care.
Currently, Dr. Lakraj-Edwards continues to serve her community by improving patient outcomes through compassionate, evidence-based care in skilled nursing facilities across the Treasure Coast. In addition to her clinical work, she recently joined the Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine in Melbourne, FL, as an adjunct faculty member, where she is dedicated to educating the next generation of osteopathic physicians and furthering the practice of whole-person care.
Robert Kim, DO graduated from Nova Southeastern University College of Osteopathic Medicine and received his medical degree, Doctor of Osteopathy (D.O.). Dr. Kim completed his residency in Family Medicine at Larkin Community Hospital as well as completing a fellowship in Osteopathic Neuromusculoskeletal Medicine (ONMM). Dr. Kim is serving as assistant faculty to the Larkin ONMM residency program and providing an osteopathic approach to pain management at various assisted living facilities in South Florida.
Asfa Akhtar, DO, FAOCD, FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist and a Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology with over 15 years of experience in the field of dermatology. She is a compassionate, dedicated and experienced dermatologist, renowned for her expertise in general and cosmetic dermatology. Her special interests in medicine include general and cosmetic dermatology, dermoscopy, hair loss, cutaneous surgery, skin of color, lasers, and facial rejuvenation.
Dr. Akhtar graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) with honors in biological research. While at UAB, she excelled in academics as well as research. She was named in “Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities & Colleges” in addition to being inducted into several honor societies including Phi Beta Kappa and Golden Key National Honor Society. She pursued her medical education at Nova Southeastern University College of Osteopathic Medicine, where she graduated with honors. After medical school, Dr. Akhtar completed a residency in family practice at Palmetto General Hospital and got board certified in Family Practice before pursuing a second residency in dermatology at the Broward General Medical Center, where she was awarded the Best Resident Award and the Intendis Mentoring Award.
After completing residency, Dr. Akhtar joined Cleveland Clinic Florida where she quickly established herself as a leader in the field and served as a staff dermatologist until her departure from academic dermatology in 2024. She has previously served in local leadership positions including past President of the Broward County Dermatologic Society. Dr. Akhtar is a member of several medical associations, including the American Academy of Dermatology, Women’s Dermatologic Society, American Osteopathic College of Dermatology, and Florida Academy of Dermatology. Dr. Akhtar has contributed to numerous publications in dermatology journals and is frequently invited to speak at conferences. She has received several accolades for her work.
Dr Akhtar has served in faculty positions at Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, Florida Atlantic University, and Case Western Reserve University. She trains dermatology and internal medicine residents. Dr. Akhtar has been awarded the Mentor Award from the Women’s Physician Staff Association at Cleveland Clinic and Mentor of the Year Award from the Broward General Dermatology Residency Program. Outside of her professional endeavors, Dr. Akhtar enjoys spending time with her family and friends. She is fluent in other languages including Hindi and Urdu.
Donald L. Erb, DO, completed his fellowship training in pain management at the University of South Florida in 1996, and he holds a subspecialty certification in pain management from the American Board of Anesthesiology. In addition, Dr. Erb has been actively involved in pain research since 2008, helping to conduct nearly two dozen clinical trials for various pharmaceutical companies Dr. Donald Erb, a fellowship-trained pain management doctor, joined Kennedy-White Orthopaedic Center in 2013. He earned his medical degree from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed an internal medicine residency and anesthesiology residency at Geisinger Medical Center in Danville, PA.
Lindsey Newman-Dufresne, DO, is a highly experienced family medicine physician based in Merritt Island. She earned her medical degree from Nova Southeastern University - College of Osteopathic Medicine and has been practicing medicine for over 9 years. Dr. Newman-Dufresne specializes in providing comprehensive care for a wide range of conditions, including diabetes, mental health disorders disorder, hypertension, and more. With her deep knowledge and expertise, she is dedicated to offering compassionate, patient-centered care to individuals and families in her community. Her extensive experience and commitment to promoting health and wellness make Dr. Newman-Dufresne a trusted provider for those seeking preventive care, management of chronic conditions, and overall health support.
Joshua D. Lenchus, DO, RPh, FACP, SFHM, is a medical director for Aetna’s Florida market in the Southeast region and the American Osteopathic Association’s (AOA) Third Vice President and Trustee. He previously served as the senior vice president and chief medical officer for Broward Health, a four-hospital health care system. He also served as a hospitalist at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, where he achieved the rank of associate professor of medicine, anesthesiology and radiology, and was an associate program director for the internal medicine residency for nine years.
Dr. Lenchus is passionate about patient safety. In 2007, he developed an innovative curriculum focused on simulation-based invasive bedside procedural instruction. The program significantly improved the teaching and execution of medical procedures, reducing complications and enhancing patient safety. Recognized as a national expert in this area, Dr. Lenchus has shared his patient safety program with other institutions, including the University of Alabama at Birmingham and Virginia Commonwealth University.
He is a past president of the Florida Medical Association, where he was the first DO to hold this position, and a past president of the Florida Osteopathic Medical Association. He is also a past Regent and current fellow of the American College of Physicians, former Chair of the Public Policy Committee and current Senior Fellow of the Society of Hospital Medicine, and past vice chair for the AOA Bureau of Osteopathic Education.
Dr. Lenchus has received numerous awards throughout his career, including being inducted as a faculty member into the Alpha Omega Alpha National Honor Medical Society. He has also conducted numerous workshops at conferences, secured over $2 million in grant funding and published his team’s work in peer-reviewed journals. His contributions have earned him multiple teaching awards, including the prestigious 2016 BAYADA Award for Technological Innovation in Health Care Practice from Drexel University’s College of Nursing and Health Professions.
A highly sought-after public speaker at local, regional and national levels, Dr. Lenchus’ areas of expertise include opioids and controlled substances, leadership, point-of-care ultrasound, politics and medicine, professionalism, wellness and legislative advocacy. He earned his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree from Nova Southeastern University Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine and his pharmacy degree from the University of Florida. He completed his internal medicine residency at Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami.
Marc Kaprow, DO, MPH, MACOI, received his undergraduate degree from the University of South Florida in 1992, and his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree from Nova Southeastern University in 2001. During his time at Nova Southeastern, Dr. Kaprow completed pre-doctoral fellowships in both Anatomy and Osteopathic Practices and Principles. Dr. Kaprow completed his Internal Medicine residency at POH Medical Center, an affiliate training site of Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine, in 2004. During residency, Dr. Kaprow was honored as the Resident of the Year, 2002-2003 and served as Chief Resident during the 2003-2004 training year. Dr. Kaprow is certified in Internal Medicine, Hospice and Palliative Medicine by the American Osteopathic Board of Internal Medicine. He completed recertification for Internal Medicine in 2013. Dr. Kaprow practiced as a primary care physician in the Pembroke Pines / Hollywood area for several years. During that time, he served the South Broward Hospital District and Memorial Hospital West on multiple committees, including Utilization Review, Peer Review, Physician Credentialing, Ethics and the Medical Executive committee. In 2012, Dr. Kaprow joined United Healthcare of Florida as a Medical Director of the Florida Medicaid Long Term Care program, overseeing care for nearly 20,000 frail and elderly Floridians. In 2018 Dr. Kaprow relocated to the Orlando area as a Hospice and Palliative Medicine specialist working for Vitas Healthcare. He is a Clinical Associate Professor of Internal Medicine at Nova Southeastern University and an Associate Professor of Internal Medicine at the University of Central Florida College of Medicine. He has served as President of the Broward County Osteopathic Medical Association, has been a FOMA Trustee since 2009 and previously served as FOMA President. He has served several FOMA Statewide committees and as a delegate to the American Osteopathic Association. Dr. Kaprow served on the American College of Osteopathic Internists Practice Management and Professional Development Committee. In 2015, he became a Fellow of the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine’s Osteopathic Health Policy Fellowship Program. Dr. Kaprow has authored several professional publications and has lectured nationally on Palliative Medicine topics and Practice Management. Currently, he is a Medical Director with Anthem Healthcare in a work at home position. He is married with three daughters.
Jason D. Winn, Esquire, is a 1996 graduate of the University of Maryland and received his Juris Doctorate from Nova Southeastern University - Shepard Broad Law in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida in 2000. Mr. Winn was admitted to the Florida Bar in 2001. From 2001 until 2004, Mr. Winn worked for the Assistant Public Defender in the Fifth Judicial Circuit where he conducted over 15 jury trials, numerous non-jury trials, and many hearings including, violations of probation, restitution, and early termination motions for defendants in Juvenile, Misdemeanor and Felony Court. Mr. Winn was also an adjunct professor at Lake Sumter Community College teaching Business Law during this time. In 2003, Mr. Winn was appointed by Governor Bush to serve a one-year term on the Judicial Nominating Commission for Judicial Compensation Judges. From 2004-2006 Mr. Winn worked for the law office of Clyde M. Taylor, Jr. focusing on both state and federal criminal defense and parole violation hearings. Beginning in 2005, he opened his own practice, Winn Law, PA, where he was managing partner and focused on administrative, governmental, civil, and legislative consulting. Currently, Mr. Winn serves as a Senior Attorney with Lewis, Longman Walker in their Tallahassee Office. He serves as general counsel for the Florida Osteopathic Medical Association (FOMA), the Florida Podiatric Medical Association (FPMA), the Florida Prescription Drug Monitoring Program Foundation (PDMPF), the Florida Hearing Society (FHS), the Gadsden County Sheriff’s Office (GCSO), and the Wakulla County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO). Mr. Winn lectures throughout Florida on the Laws and Rules that affect health care practitioners, including Osteopathic, Allopathic, Podiatric, and various other licensed health care providers. He is a member of the Florida Bar, Tallahassee Bar, Legal Services of North Florida. As a member of the Tallahassee Bar, Mr. Winn volunteers his legal services to the Wakulla County Senior Citizens Center, and Legal Services of North Florida. Mr. Winn is a devoted husband, and father to three boys. During his downtime, he enjoys hunting, fishing, golfing, and the great outdoors.
Deborah Gracia, DO, currently serves as the Chief Medical Officer of Borinquen Health Care Center, and FQHC serving the Hispanic, African American and Haitian Community in Miami, FL. A provider and educator of internal medicine for over 20 years, she earned her B.S. in Nutritional Sciences and Doctorate in Osteopathic Medicine. As a CMO, she is responsible for the Clinical Deliveries of Services for the eleven Borinquen satellite sites. In addition to Administrative and Clinical experience, Dr. Gracia has experience in Academic medicine as the former Program Director for the Larkin Community Hospital Internal Medicine Residency Program as well as Lead Faculty in the Borinquen Family Medicine Residency Program. Dr. Gracia’s certifications include Board certification in internal medicine, Lifestyle Medicine, Obesity medicine as well as additional training in Integrative Medicine and Functional Medicine. Dr. Gracia’s goal is to develop innovative approaches to wellness, such as an Lifestyle and Wellness Program at her institution that provides a wholistic approach to care rather than focusing on independent disease states. She aims to implement the pillars of Lifestyle Medicine to improve mind and body connection, addressing biology, psychosocial as well as environmental factors to enhance the individuals’ ability to reach and remain in the body's natural state of wellness. The way medicine is practiced currently in this defensive manner, focusing on metrics, leaves the patient out of the equation in a Lifestyle approach, the patient is a partner and becomes part of the team. Dr. Gracia seeks to gain knowledge and experience through various collaborations, fellowship opportunities, and conferences to implement innovative programs both for patients and staff at her clinic, putting the patient at the center of the equation, and empowering providers, staff and patients to optimize their emotional, spiritual and physical health.
Merrill Krolick, DO, received his bacherlor's degree in biology from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, N.Y. He then attended the New York College of Osteopathic Medicine in Old Westbury, N.Y. receiving his doctor of osteopathic medicine degree in 1985. Dr. Krolick completed a rotating internship at Sun Coast Osteopathic Hospital in Largo, Fla. In Tampa, Fla. he completed his internal medicine and cardiology training at the University of South Florida, including training in interventional cardiology and cardiac transplantation.
Dr. Krolick has been in clinical practice since 1992. Initially he practiced at Fairfax Hospital in Fairfax, Va. Currently he is practicing at The Heart Institute at Largo. He is an attending cardiologist at HCA Largo Medical Center, Morton Plant Hospital and HCA Indian Rocks Hospital.
Dr. Krolick has been a previous chairperson and director of the Pinellas chapter of the American Heart Association. He currently serves as co-director of the cardiology fellowship program at HCA Florida Largo Hospital and is director of the interventional cardiology fellowship. He directs the cardiac cath lab at HCA Florida Largo Hospital.
Dr. Krolick is triple board certified in Internal medicine, cardiology and interventional cardiology. He has written numerous articles including being published in The New England Journal of Medicine, and writing recent chapters in cardiovascular textbooks. He is an associate professor in cardiology at the University of South Florida, and at Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, FL.
Dr. Krolick has served as clinical investigator on numerous drug and clinical device trials including drug coated balloons for treatment of peripheral vascular disease and the original drug coated stent trials for coronary artery disease He practices noninvasive cardiology and interventional cardiology. His special interest is in peripheral vascular disease. He is recognized as both a national and local leader in endovascular interventions. He is currently on advisory panels for Bard Peripheral Vascular, CSI, Access Closure and St. Jude Medical. He has spoken at major vascular meetings including AMP and The Veins.
His peripheral interests included endovascular aortic aneurysm treatment and treatment of CLI (critical limb ischemia), Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT), venous treatment, and treatment of symptomatic claudication.
He is a Fellow of the American College of Cardiology, American College of Physicians and Society of Cardiac Angiography and Interventionalists.
Rachel Pevsner Crum, DO is a 2005 graduate of Nova Southeastern University College of Osteopathic Medicine. After her radiology residency at Mount Sinai Medical Center in Miami Beach, she completed her Pediatric Radiology Fellowship at Nicholas Children’s Hospital in Miami, FL (formerly Miami Children’s). She stayed on as an attending pediatric radiologist and became specialized in pediatric interventional and musculoskeletal radiology and eventually became the Chief of Ultrasound and Nuclear Medicine sections. Currently, Dr. Pevsner works for Children’s Hospital of the Kings Daughters in Norfolk, Virginia. She is an ABR certified Diagnostic Radiologist as well as an ABR certified Subspecialty Pediatric Radiologist.
| Availability | Module Title | Speaker | Credits | Course Type | Duration | Course Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 28, 2025 @ 08:00 AM (EDT) |
2025 Day 1 - Morning Session
|
Diane Brzezinski, DO, FACOI
Joseph Kaczmarczyk, DO, MPH, MBA
Charlene LePane, DO, MSPH, FASGE, FACG, FACOI
Andrew Cuddihy, MPH, MCHES, CTTS
|
Total Credits: 4 AOA Category 1-A Credit(s) | Video Replay | 3 Hours 59 Minutes | More info » |
| Mar 28, 2025 @ 12:30 PM (EDT) |
2025 Day 1 - Afternoon Session
|
Julia Marian, MD, FAAP
Jesse Lopez, Jr., DO, FACOS
Darren McAuley, DO, MMEL
Steven Licata, DO
Joel Stein, DO, FAAO, FAOASM, FACOFP
|
Total Credits: 4 AOA Category 1-A Credit(s) | Video Replay | 3 Hours 46 Minutes | More info » |
| Mar 29, 2025 @ 08:00 AM (EDT) |
2025 Day 2 - Morning Session
|
Pamela Tronetti, DO, AGSF
Albert Lopez, DO, FACP, FASPC
Hal Pineless, DO, FACN, FAAN
Robert Ball, DO, MS, AOBA
|
Total Credits: 4 AOA Category 1-A Credit(s) | Video Replay | 3 Hours 49 Minutes | More info » |
| Mar 29, 2025 @ 12:30 PM (EDT) |
2025 Day 2 - Afternoon Session
|
Tamelia Lakraj-Edwards, MD, MPH, ONMM
Robert Kim, DO
Asfa Akhtar, DO, FAOCD, FAAD
Donald Erb, DO
Lindsey Newman-Dufresne, DO
|
Total Credits: 4 AOA Category 1-A Credit(s) | Video Replay | 3 Hours 51 Minutes | More info » |
| Mar 30, 2025 @ 08:00 AM (EDT) |
2025 Day 3 - Morning Session
|
Joshua Lenchus, DO, RPh, FACP, SFHM
Marc Kaprow, DO, MHA, MACOI
Jason Winn, Esquire
|
Total Credits: 5 AOA Category 1-A Credit(s) | Video Replay | 4 Hours 56 Minutes | More info » |
| Mar 30, 2025 @ 01:30 PM (EDT) |
2025 Day 3 - Afternoon Session
|
Deborah Gracia, DO
Merrill Krolick, DO
Rachel Pevsner Crum, DO
|
Total Credits: 3 AOA Category 1-A Credit(s) | Video Replay | 2 Hours 56 Minutes | More info » |
| Mar 28, 2025 @ 08:00 AM (EDT) |
Domestic Violence
|
Rashard Perry
Markos Fleury
|
Total Credits: 2 AOA Category 1-A Credit(s) | On Demand | 1 Hour 38 Minutes | More info » |
| Mar 28, 2025 @ 08:00 AM (EDT) |
HIV/Aids Update
|
Anna Hayden, DO, FACOFP
|
Total Credits: 1 AOA Category 1-A Credit(s) | On Demand | 1 Hour 08 Minutes | More info » |
| Mar 28, 2025 @ 08:00 AM (EDT) |
Missed & Undertreated: Maternal Hypertension
|
Kenneth Johnson Jr., DO, FACOOG, FACOG
|
Total Credits: 1 AOA Category 1-A Credit(s) | On Demand | 57 Minutes | More info » |
| Mar 28, 2025 @ 08:00 AM (EDT) |
OMT for HEENT Complaints
|
Eileen Conaway, DO
|
Total Credits: 1 AOA Category 1-A Credit(s) | On Demand | 49 Minutes | More info » |
| Mar 28, 2025 @ 08:00 AM (EDT) |
Hypertension in Primary Care
|
Julia Jenkins, MD, FAAFP, DipABLM
|
Total Credits: 1 AOA Category 1-A Credit(s) | On Demand | 52 Minutes | More info » |