Updated 1/27/2010 - FSACOFP



2019 Annual FSACOFP Convention Speaker Biographies - Updated 7/19/2019

Angel Alsina, MD, FACS is director of liver transplantation at Tampa General Hospital and an original member of the liver transplantation team established by the LifeLink Healthcare Institute in 1996. In 1999, Dr. Alsina received the highest award from the LifeLink Foundation, the Chairman of the Board Award, for his dedication and efforts with the liver transplantation program. He holds affiliate academic appointments as associate professor with the Department of Surgery, USF Health Morsani College of Medicine, and with the Department of Medicine, University of Puerto Rico. Dr. Alsina is principal and co-investigator in clinical research trials in liver transplant immunosuppression, hepatology and hepatocellular carcinoma. His research interests and currently approved projects include: outcomes in liver transplantation and in hepatocellular carcinoma, epidemiology of liver cancer, socioeconomic disparities and outcomes in liver transplants, and psychosocial barriers to liver transplantation. Dr. Alsina is an active member of St. John The Baptist Greek Orthodox Church, supporter of youth programs and church volunteer.

Kayvan Amini, DO, FACC has been a leader involved in the private sector, research, hospital, and academic arenas of healthcare extensively. His passion for making a difference in Healthcare has led to numerous achievements and recognitions. Dr. Amini is the President and CEO of South Florida Cardiology Consultants, along with Heart Management Inc. He has also served as managing partner and founder of Elite Cardiology LLC multi practice organization. Dr. Kayvan Amini has trained at prestigious institutions including Mount Sinai School of Medicine, University of Southern California, and Mount Sinai Medical Center while possessing board certifications in Cardiovascular Disease. Dr. Amini has also served as teaching faculty at University of California Keck School of Medicine and Nova Southeastern KP College of Osteopathic Medicine as he continues to educate and lecture in the medical arena. Along with the many other accolades, Dr. Amini has been involved in medical research as primary investigator and served as Clinical Trial Manager for significant national clinical research studies by the National Institutes of Health.  He has received prestigious appointments including Fellow of American College of Cardiology, Memorial Health System Executive Committee while serving on multiple committees.  He has advanced training and licensure in non- invasive cardiac diagnostic testing including echocardiography, vascular medicine, cardiac nuclear medicine, critical care, preventative medicine, and heart failure. His passion for making a difference in healthcare has led to numerous achievements and recognitions including Top Doctor, Best Cardiologist in Pembroke Pines, patient awards, MHS awards, and third party consumer recognition awards.

Wendy Bazilian, DrPH, MA, RD, ACSM, HFI, serves as a Member of Editorial Board at Healthyroads, Inc.

Dr. Bazilian is a Consultant at American Specialty Health and Healthyroads. In this role, she serves as a Consultant on professional committees and other ASH projects, and as a nutrition writer and editor for Healthyroads. She joined the American Specialty Health consultation team in 2000. She is also the Nutrition Advisor to the renowned Golden Door spa and fitness resort in Escondido, California. She is a respected writer, researcher, educator and practitioner with extensive experience in nutrition science and counseling. She has over 10 years of professional writing and health education experience. As a leader in the fields of dietetics and fitness, she is involved in a variety of writing and research endeavors focusing on sports nutrition, women's health, and exercise. As a consultant, Dr. Bazilian has written and translated a variety of health-related and multidisciplinary publications and conference presentations in English, Spanish, and Portuguese. She is a Doctor of Public Health, Registered Dietitian, and certified Health and Fitness Instructor. As doctor of public health, registered dietitian and an American College of Sports Medicine certified Health and Fitness Specialist, she is noted for her skill in integrating nutrition, fitness and wellness practices to help clients and readers who are motivated to reach their health and wellness goals. An avid food enthusiast, she has written for and her advice has been featured in numerous magazines including Martha Stewart Living, O-The Oprah Magazine, Town & Country, SELF, FIRST for Women, Allure among others. She holds a bachelor's degree in Spanish language and literature/Latin American studies from Tufts University as well as a master's degree in Latin American studies from the University of California, San Diego. Dr. Bazilian received her doctorate in public health and nutrition from Loma Linda University, earning the university's prestigious Chancellor's Award for academic excellence in the process.

Eileen Conaway, DO, is a board-certified family medicine and neuromusculoskeletal medicine physician who helps train other physicians in her field of specialty as part of the AdventHealth Medical Group academic practices. After completing her undergraduate studies at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, she earned her medical degree from Edward Via Virginia College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM) in Blacksburg, VA. Dr. Conaway undertook her residency training in integrated family medicine and neuromusculoskeletal medicine at Florida Hospital (now AdventHealth) East Orlando, where she earned the title of Chief Resident. Her clinical specialties include preventive medicine, osteopathic manipulative treatment and injection therapy for chronic conditions such as back and joint pain.

Linda Delo, DO, FACOFP, earned her DO from Nova Southeastern University College of Osteopathic Medicine (NSU-COM). She completed her internship and post doctorate training at Humana Hospital Palm Beaches. Dr. Delo is with Delo Medical Associates, a multi-disciplinary osteopathic family practice offering: osteopathic treatments, physical therapy, laboratory, ultrasound, audiometry, bone density testing, allergy testing and treatment, smoking cessation programs, and healthy diet and weight loss programs. The practice recently achieved National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) Level 3 Patient-Centered Medical Home Accreditation (PCMA). She currently serves as the President of the Florida Society of the American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians (FSACOFP) and is a Past President of the FOMA.

Jordan Ditchek, MD, earned his medical degree from Cornell University Medical College in 1995. He completed his internship at Beth Israel Medical Center in New York in 1996, and completed his residency – serving as chief resident – at Cornell Medical Center. He completed his fellowship in body imaging at New York University School of Medicine in 2001. Dr. Ditchek is Board-certified in radiology. A native of South Florida, he returned to the area to join Radiology Associates of Hollywood in 2001 after completing a fellowship in abdominal imaging (CT, MRI and ultrasound) at NYU Medical Center.  Dr. Ditchek has been the Chief of Radiology at Memorial Hospital Miramar since it opened in 2005.

Investigator Maurice T. Edwards has been employed with the Seminole County Sheriff's Office in Seminole County, Florida since 2006. He is assigned to the Youth Intervention Services Unit. His responsibilities include the investigation of missing juveniles and human trafficking cases. Investigator Edwards is also a Task Force Officer with the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI), assigned to the Innocent Images Task Force for human trafficking cases. Investigator Edwards works with local, state and federal agencies in pursuit of the most comprehensive response and investigation to the crime of human trafficking. Investigator Edwards was the lead investigator in the first human trafficking case investigated, tried and successfully prosecuted in Seminole County. This case was a major success in Seminole County, both for law enforcement and for the prosecutor’s office.

Investigator Edwards is currently the Chairman for the Seminole County Human Trafficking Task Force. He leads the task force in connecting law enforcement, prosecutors and various agencies and organizations in working together to recognize human trafficking and respond effectively. The task force also provides a wide range of services to victims of human trafficking. Investigator Edwards has received the 2018 Polaris Star Award for Law Enforcement Investigation in human trafficking, the 2018 Florida Intelligence Law Enforcement Officer of the Year for human trafficking, and the 2018 Certificate of Excellence awarded by Governor Rick Scott for combatting human trafficking. Investigator Edwards routinely travels throughout the state of Florida to educate and provide resources to law enforcement and civilians in order to combat human trafficking.

Marc Kaprow, DO, FACOI, 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 2008 he was appointed Medical Director of Memorial Home Health Care, and in 2010 Dr. Kaprow transitioned his practice from patient care to administration as the Associate Medical Director for VITAS Hospice in Broward County. In 2012, Dr. Kaprow joined UnitedHealthcare 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. Dr. Kaprow 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, FOMA First Vice President and has been a FOMA Trustee since 2009.  He has served several FOMA committees, including Membership and Men’s Health, and has served as a delegate to the American Osteopathic Association.  Dr. Kaprow also has served on the American College of Osteopathic Internists Practice Management and Professional Development Committee.  In 2015, he became an AOA National Health Policy Fellow.  Dr. Kaprow has authored several professional publications and has lectured nationally on Palliative Medicine topics and Practice Management.  He is married with three daughters.

Joshua Lenchus, DO, RPh, FACP, SFHM, holds a pharmacy degree from the University of Florida, and graduated from Nova Southeastern University College of Osteopathic Medicine. He completed his internal medicine residency at Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami. Subsequently, he worked as a hospitalist for the University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, where he held the rank of Associate Professor of medicine, anesthesiology, and radiology. From 2007-16, he also served as an associate program director for the internal medicine residency. Currently, he is the Regional Chief Medical Officer for Broward Health Medical Center in Ft. Lauderdale. Outside the hospital, Dr. Lenchus is incredibly involved, serving as a leader in organized medicine at multiple levels, including as Immediate Past President of the Florida Osteopathic Medical Association, Speaker of the House for the Florida Medical Association, past Regent and current Fellow of the American College of Physicians, and Senior Fellow of the Society of Hospital Medicine. He has a passion for health policy, serves on public policy committees, and has presented this topic in a variety of venues, from student groups to corporations.

Charlene LePane, DO, MSPH, FACG, FACOI, FASGE, is a fellowship-trained, advanced endoscopic gastroenterologist. An honors graduate of Auburn University, she earned a Master of Science in Public Health with a major in epidemiology at the University of Alabama, where she also graduated with high honors, and went on to earn her DO degree at Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences. Dr. LePane completed her residency in internal medicine at Mount Sinai Medical Center/Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami, where she received the prestigious Howard Cane Resident of the Year award and served as Chief Resident, then completed a fellowship in advanced gastroenterology and served as Chief Fellow. Her many honors include her nomination for Orlando's Best 2015, and receipt of Orlando's Best & Top Doctors of 2016 recognition. She is a Fellow of the American College of Gastroenterology, the American College of Osteopathic Internists, and American Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy

Arnold Mackles, MD, MBA, LHRM, practiced hospital based neonatal medicine in Florida for over twenty two years after completing a Pediatric Residency at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City, and a Fellowship in Neonatology at The Cornell University Medical Center. In addition to receiving an MBA from Nova Southeastern University, Dr. Mackles also obtained his license as a Healthcare Risk Manager through his studies at the University of South Florida. Dr. Mackles was elected to the Board of Directors of The Florida Society for Healthcare Risk Management and Patient Safety for a two year term from 2006-2008, and again for a one year term from 2014-2015. Dr. Mackles has served as an instructor with the University of Florida Distance Education Risk Management and Patient Safety Program, and currently is on the faculty of the University of South Florida Risk Management Licensure Program. Dr. Mackles is also the author of multiple on-line continuing education courses on patient safety topics for The Sullivan Group. Dr. Mackles now devotes full time to risk management and patient safety issues

Richard Margaitis, DO, is an award-winning, fellowship-trained physician who specializes in sports medicine at AdventHealth Medical Group’s academic family medicine practice. He is board certified in both family medicine and neuromusculoskeletal medicine and has advanced skills in the use of musculoskeletal ultrasound as well as platelet-rich plasma therapy and prolotherapy to treat a wide variety of sports injuries. Dr. Margaitis also has advanced training in the use of craniosacral therapy to address migraines, temporomandibular joint problems and other issues. His credentials include his Doctor of Osteopathy degree from the New York College of Osteopathic Medicine, internship and residency at Florida Hospital (now AdventHealth) East Orlando, and dual fellowships in neuromuscular medicine and sports medicine at AdventHealth and East Carolina University, respectively.

Yesenia Medina, DO, is a 2007 graduate of NSU-KPCOM. Since 2015, Dr. Medina has worked for Jackson Medical Group in Miami, Florida.

Kurtis Mohr, MD, 2007 graduate of the University of South Florida, College of Medicine. Dr. Mohr completed his Family Practice Residency at Grant Medical Center (GMC), in Columbus, Ohio in 2010. Dr. Mohr currently practices at Disney World’s On-site Employee Health Center, “The Center for Living Well”. Dr. Mohr specializes in Acute and Chronic Care Management, minor procedures & joint injections, Well Child/Adult exams, HIV management, pre- & post-exposure HIV care.

Anthony N. Ottaviani, DO, MPH, MACOI, FCCP, is a graduate of the Kansas City College of Osteopathic Medicine. He served a Rotating Internship, one year of an Anesthesiology Residency and completed a residency in Internal Medicine at Detroit Osteopathic Hospital. He has served on the Board of Directors of Nova Southeastern Health Profession Division and has been involved in academic medicine since 1974. He currently is Chief Academic Officer for Largo Medical Center overseeing 130 residents and fellows and 14 programs. Dr. Ottaviani is the Region Dean for Nova Southeastern University West Coast Academic Center and is a Clinical Professor of Medicine Nova Southeastern University College of Osteopathic Medicine. He is active in medical education at the University of South Florida where he has been appointed a Clinical Associate Professor of Medicine, Division, Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine. He is a Fellow in the American College of Chest Physicians. He has been the Medical Director of the St. Petersburg College Respiratory Care Program from 1993 to present. Dr. Ottaviani is a Master Fellow of the American College of Osteopathic Internists (ACOI) and was elected President of the ACOI in 1999. He has served on the ACOI Council of Education and Evaluation, AOA Council on Continuing Medical Education, the Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation (COCA) and immediate past President of the American Osteopathic Foundation. Dr. Ottaviani has served on the Board of Trustees for the Florida Osteopathic Medical Association and was elected President in 2008. He has been

Chairman of the FOMA PEER review committee since 1995. He was in Private practice with Sun Coast Internal Medicine Consultants, a multispecialty group in Largo FL for 35 years prior to his current position.

Eric Papierniak, DO, received his DO degree from Nova Southeastern University College of Osteopathic Medicine in 2006. He completed both his residency in Internal Medicine and his fellowship in Pulmonary/Critical Care Medicine at University of Florida/Shands Hospital. Dr. Papierniak is Board Certified in Internal Medicine, Pulmonary Diseases, and Critical Care Medicine. Currently, he is a staff physician for the US Department of Veterans Affairs at the Malcom Randall VA Medical Center in Gainesville, Florida. Dr. Papierniak is also an Assistant Professor of Pulmonary and Critical Care at the University of Florida.

Robert Pepper, DO, FAAFP, completed his undergraduate studies at the University of South Florida (USF), with a Bachelor of Science in Biology. He obtained his DO, at Nova Southeastern University College of Osteopathic Medicine (NSU-COM). He completed his family medicine residency training at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. There, he was awarded the Society of Teachers of Family Medicine Resident Teacher award. He has been in practice for more than two decades, with roles including: a faculty appointment at University Alabama-Birmingham, attending physician in multiple emergency rooms and running a successful private practice in Clearwater. At Family Care at Bardmoor, he is assisting in the education of Family Medicine and osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) residents. In his personal time, he’s an avid long-distance runner and has competed in more than twenty marathons and several ultra-marathons. He finds particular enjoyment in helping to nurture those new to the sport.

L. Michael Waters, DO, received his osteopathic degree from the Nova Southeastern University College of Osteopathic Medicine in 2007. He completed his Residency at St. Vincent’s Family Medicine Program in 2010. He currently serves as the Medical Director at the UF Health Plantation Oaks Family Medicine Center, as well as an Assistant Clinical Professor at the University of Florida College of Medicine.

Michelle Weiner, DO, MPH, is an Interventional Pain Management Physician board certified in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. She completed her residency and fellowship training at the University of Miami. Dr. Weiner is also certified by the American Academy of Aesthetic Medicine. Her specialty is focused on prevention, treatment, reversal of health deterioration, increasing function and managing pain. Dr. Weiner focuses on diagnosing and treating spine and musculoskeletal pain as well as chronic migraines. She believes in a holistic approach emphasizing wellness. She is an advocate for medical marijuana. She is passionate about educating other medical professionals about the evidence supporting its benefits for a multitude of different medical conditions through monthly webinars and seminars. Dr. Weiner individualizes medical cannabis treatments based on patient specific factors with the goal of maximizing quality of life. She believes medical cannabis is an excellent option for seniors to help decrease overall pharmaceutical use, minimize medication side effects. Dr. Weiner focuses on decreasing opioid consumption in the elderly population and manages pain with alternative methods. Cannabis is an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anxiolytic, analgesic and has neuroprotective qualities. Dr. Weiner believes the use of medical cannabis in her elderly patients with improve mood, sleep, pain allowing them to enjoy life with less oral medications.

Maureen Whelihan, MD is a board-certified OB/GYN who has practiced in Palm Beach County, FL since 1997. She graduated Alpha Omega Alpha from the University of South Florida College of Medicine and completed her residency at the University of Florida – Shands Jacksonville. She practices gynecology in West Palm Beach and is a founding partner in the Center for Sexual Health and Education which is based in West Palm Beach. Most recently she opened the Center for Modern Medicine in Boynton Beach where she certifies patients for Medical Cannabis. She is a Past President of the Palm Beach County Medical Society, and the Past President of the Florida OBGYN Society. She has done a series on XM RADIO 160 “Sexual Medicine and Health” and made regular monthly appearances for five years on NBC’s Charlotte Today Show and Blog Talk Radio. . In 2012 she received the Women in Leadership Award from the Executive Women of the Palm Beaches. In 2003, she was honored by The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and Palm Beach Illustrated as “Woman of the Year” and in 2009 nominated by the Lupus Foundation as one of the Best and Brightest Women in Palm Beach County. She published her first book “Kiss and Tell: Secrets of Sexual Desire from women 15-97” in February 2013.

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. Mr. Winn was admitted to the Florida Bar in September 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. In 2006, he opened his own practice, where he is managing partner and continues to focus on criminal, administrative, governmental, civil, family law, wills and trusts. Mr. Winn currently serves as general counsel for the Florida Osteopathic Medical Association (FOMA). He also currently serves as executive director and general counsel for the Florida Society of Hearing Healthcare Professionals (FSHHP). He is a member of the Florida Bar, Tallahassee Bar, Legal Services of North Florida, a lifetime member of the state Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, and a member of the Tallahassee FACDL chapter.

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