Find a Top Family Doctor Near Me in Pembroke Pines, FL – Book an Appointment Instantly

Nelson Calvo, APRN is originally from Havana City, Cuba. Growing up he always had a passion for medicine and in 1990 started medical School and graduated in 1996 as a general practitioner in a well-recognized institution, Hospital Calixto Garcia. Nelson then completed his residency program as a Family Physician, ending as a specialist in Urology in 2002. Shortly after, he was sent by the Cuban government to Venezuela as a primary care provider to serve as a doctor in underserved communities.

Working without resources in a community, living below the poverty standard, isolated from health facilities, without economic resources, and with an extremely low level of education, created a new challenge for Mr. Clavo. He then set a goal to reduce comorbidities and mortality associated with parasitism, and chronic/acute disease.

In 2007 he moved to America in hopes of better possibilities for his family and himself. In 2018, after many years of hard work and dedication, Nelson graduated as an Advanced Nurse Practitioner and returned to the Primary Care setting again. Now with more experience, he utilized the tools he learned in medical school, residency, and life to improve and promote health in my community. As a practitioner, his goal is to continue using his extensive experience when treating patients and learning in this fast-evolving world of medicine.

Nelson Calvo, APRN is proud to be happily married with two sons, one of which has already graduated as a Medical Doctor and the other on his way to becoming a physician as well. In his free time, he likes practicing sports, dancing, and listening to music.

Elisabeth Cohn-Gelwasser, MD, is a skilled and practiced Doctor of Medicine specializing in Primary Care and Internal Medicine. Dr. Cohn-Gelwasse sees patients at the multi-specialty medical group’s office in Davie, Florida. She takes time with each individual and consistently delivers high-quality, personalized care.

Dr. Cohn-Gelwasser has vast experience practicing as an internist and primary care physician. She has served the community practicing for nearly 30 years under Total Healthcare of South Florida, Inc. in Pembroke Pines.

She is certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) and works in association with Memorial Hospital Pembroke, Memorial Hospital West, and Memorial Regional Hospital.

Dr. Cohn-Gelwasser is renowned for providing thorough medical care for treating many conditions, including, but not limited to, high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, bronchitis, sinusitis, asthma, fever, and allergies.

She earned her medical degree from the University of Miami School of Medicine and subsequently completed her residency in internal medicine at the University of Maryland School of Medicine. 

Dr. Cohn-Gelwasser is an active member of the American Society of Bariatric Physicians and the American College of Physicians. She spends time as an adjunct professor at Nova College of Osteopathic Medicine, teaching medicine to future doctors.

Dr. Cohn-Gelwasser is an excellent communicator, which makes her skilled in building and strengthening relationships with diverse populations. 

She strives to make each patient’s visit a pleasant and pain-free experience. She clearly communicates with her patients and ensures they have all the information they need to make the right treatment choices. She is also flexible in working with the changing trends in medicine and the healthcare market.

Dr. Cohn-Gelwasser is an excellent communicator, which makes her skilled in building and strengthening relationships with diverse populations.

Gaetjens Joseph, DNP, is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner at AssociatesMD in Plantation, Florida. Certified by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) since 2016, Gaetjens recently acquired her doctorate in nursing from the University of South Florida in Tampa. 

Gaetjens began her nursing career in 1997 and has years of experience in almost every area of patient care. Her skills boast unmatched expertise in geriatrics, medical surgery, telemetry, home health, managed care, and more.

Since joining AssociatesMD, Gaetjens has built a reputation for her vast knowledge of primary care and her kind and nurturing interaction with patients. 

She believes in a holistic approach to healthcare and works to establish a close relationship with her patients. This rapport allows her to see her patients as the robust individuals they are. Only then can she understand their health needs and goals.

Gaetjens looks forward to meeting new patients in the Plantation location and giving them the best quality care possible.

Laura Peralta, DO, is a board-certified doctor of osteopathic medicine with more than 30 years of experience. As a family medicine provider, Dr. Peralta provides outstanding patient-focused care for children and adults at AssociatesMD in Weston, Florida. 

Dr. Peralta grew up in South Florida and graduated from McArthur High School in Hollywood, Florida. She earned her nursing degree at Texas Christian University in Fort Worth, Texas, and then returned to her home state of Florida to work as an emergency room nurse before starting medical school. 

Dr. Peralta earned her medical degree at Nova Southeastern University (NSU) College of Osteopathic Medicine in Davie, Florida. She’s an active member of the American Osteopathic Association (AOA) and the Florida Osteopathic Medical Association (FOMA). 

Dr. Peralta is bilingual and converses with patients in English or Spanish, whichever makes them the most comfortable. She is currently treating patients in the Weston, Florida, office at AssociatesMD, and welcomes patients to make telemedicine appointments. 

Cindy Katanick, DO, is a board-certified osteopathic family medicine provider at AssociatesMD in Plantation, Florida. Born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, Dr. Katanick watched the “Marcus Welby, MD” television series as a kid and knew then that she wanted to become a doctor.

Dr. Katanick began her career by attending Michigan State University for her undergraduate studies. Following that, she attended medical school at the University of Osteopathic Medicine and Health Sciences in Des Moines, Iowa. Relocating to Madison Heights, Michigan, Dr. Katanick completed her internship at the Oakland General Hospital. It was her Family Practice residency at Southeastern Medical Center in Miami that finally brought her to the sunshine state of Florida.

Dr. Katanick has been practicing in Plantation, Florida, with AssociatesMD for several years. She now has a concierge medicine practice, and her patients love the dedicated spirit and encouragement she provides them to live healthy lives. Call the office to book your appointment with Dr. Katanick today.

Luce Solari-Suprena, APRN, has been a board-certified family nurse practitioner from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) since 2013. She provides compassionate care to patients at AssociatesMD in Margate, Florida. 

Luce received her bachelor’s degree in nursing from Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton and a master's degree in nursing from Florida International University in Miami, graduating with honors. 

Luce began her nursing career in 2007. As a nurse practitioner, she has worked in various inpatient and outpatient settings, as well as emergency medicine, internal medicine, family medicine, transplant ICU, telemedicine, HIV management, home health, long-term care, mental health, med-surg, and urgent care.

Luce is honored to be a part of AssociatesMD, where her main focus is to provide comprehensive care for every patient in a timely manner while focusing on disease prevention, management, and health promotion. She is passionate about teaching her patients ways to improve their health. Strong communication skills and a kind soul have been Luce’s assets in her long career dedicated to service.

She is fluent in Creole, French, and English. In her spare time, Luce enjoys spending time with her family, reading, doing beach activities, dancing, and traveling.

Andrea J. Ramsay, MD, is a skilled primary care physician serving patients from the Plantation, Florida, office of AssociatesMD. 

Dr. Ramsay always had a dream and desire to become a special kind of doctor. Growing up in Miami, Florida, she attended the University of Florida and St. George’s University School of Medicine to begin a lifelong journey and dedication to the medical profession.

As Dr. Ramsay decided on her specialty, she pursued training in Surgery, Emergency Medicine, Trauma, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Plastic Surgery, and then Family Medicine – Family Medicine became her true calling because she could do a little bit of everything.

After spending a year in Buffalo, New York, for a Family Medicine Internship, she returned home to complete her residency at the University of Miami. The Jackson Memorial Hospital experience allowed her to speak medical Spanish fluently. 

Since 2015, Dr. Ramsay has been with AssociatesMD. She has long-term patients who have followed her from the Pembroke Pines office because they feel she has saved and improved their lives in a significant manner and is compassionate in her care. Her patients feel safe and comfortable and appreciate her experience in knowing what works best and shifting when a new approach is necessary. It is a partnership where both parties are involved in caring/healing because neither can happen independently.

Dr. Andrea J. Ramsay is board certified in Family Medicine and has over 25 years of experience. She continues training in Integrative Medicine, including Ayurvedic Medicine, supplements, and herbal medicine, and supports healing in mental health/cognitive behavioral therapy.

Dr. Ramsay’s 3 Basic Principles:

#1.: Golden Rule. “Treat the patient like you want to be treated and treat them like they are family.”
#2. Live a Healthy and Spiritual Life. Don’t just talk the talk but walk the walk.
#3. Keep it simple. “Medicine and Insurance companies can get very complicated. It is my job to be a wise filter. I am here to understand, help diagnose, and treat and provide the best quality care for each and every patient.”

Jeff Spindler, APRN, is a Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner and a member of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners. Jeff sees patients from the AssociatesMD office in Plantation, Florida. 

Jeff studied at Florida State University, where he received a Bachelor of Science in Political Science and Communications. Upon graduation, he attended Florida Atlantic University graduating Magna Cum Laude in the BSN program. 

Jeff worked over six years in a Trauma 1 hospital located in Fort Lauderdale, providing acute care to hundreds of patients. One aspect he disliked about nursing was that once the patient was discharged from the hospital, the nurse no longer participated in the plan of care. 

So Jeff elected to advance his formal education and pursue a Master’s degree in the Family Nurse Practitioner program at South University, where he graduated with High Honors. Becoming a Family Nurse Practitioner provided him the opportunity to have a more primary role in the care of his patients. 

As a primary care provider, he has been able to deliver quality healthcare to families throughout their life span and health continuum. His plan of care objectives for his patients are based on health promotion and disease prevention.

Having grown up in South Florida, Jeff continues to stay active in many community organizations. During his free time, he plays multiple sports and attends the gym daily. He is an avid sports fan of many Florida teams, including the Florida State Seminoles, the Miami Dolphins, and the Miami Heat.

Todd Glassman, DO, is a Board-Certified Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine specializing in Family Medicine, Primary Care, and Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment at AssociatesMD. Dr. Glassman sees patients at the multi-specialty medical group’s office in Plantation, Florida.

In 1996, Dr. Glassman graduated with a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree from Nova Southeastern University, Health Professions Division, College of Osteopathic Medicine (NSU) in Davie, Florida.

In the past, he has been a clinical assistant professor at Nova Southeastern University College of Osteopathic Medicine and was formerly the owner and Medical Director of Around The Clock Medical Center in North Miami Beach.

He is well-versed in health, wellness, and diet. He is also the author of The All New American Diet, a book he wrote and educated patients during his time in North Miami Beach.

Dr. Glassman has been practicing Family Medicine for over 25 years and is Board-Certified by the American Osteopathic Board of Family Physicians (AOA) in Family Medicine and Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment.

Kirenia Santiuste, DNP-PhD-C, is a board-certified family nurse practitioner serving patients at AssociatesMD in Davie, Florida. She holds an Autonomous Practice Endorsement in Florida due to her vast knowledge and expertise.

Kirenia was born and raised in Cuba, where she decided at the age of 5 to dedicate her life to the art of medicine and her patients (who were dolls at the time). Her parents were the engine that would push her to pursue her dreams. Kirenia attended medical school in her native city, bringing several years of competence, experience, evidence-based practice (EBP), and endless commitment to AssociatesMD and the community.

Kirenia has been practicing as a primary care provider since 2016 and holds a Master of Science in nursing and a Bachelor of Science in nursing from Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where she received The Dean’s Award for Academic Excellence due to her stellar performance as well as the Chancellor’s List Award for five consecutive years. 

Kirenia also practices as a women’s nurse practitioner, certified colposcopist, and mentor, which was granted due to more than 4,000 direct clinical hours in an OB/GYN private practice. Kirenia completed her Doctorate in Nursing Practice core components and combined it with a PhD-candidature at Walden University in Minneapolis, Minnesota. 

Kirenia has been extensively recognized by her colleagues, nursing organizations, and patients for her professionalism, charisma, leadership, patient care, excellence, and commitment to clinical practice, including the NCQA for preventing diabetes and data measurement. 

In her free time, Kirenia loves spending time with her beloved family. She enjoys reading, going to the movies, and caring for her orchids, her favorite flowers. She is also active in her son’s extracurricular activities, school PTA, and the community.

Dr. Nicole Nicophene is a board-certified family practitioner specializing in comprehensive health care for people of all ages. She attended University of Florida where she graduated from the College of Medicine and went on to complete her residency at Tallahassee Memorial Family Medicine. Dr. Nicophene has spend the last thirteen years of her career building her reputation as a diverse and knowledgeable doctor in preventative care, diabetes, and chronic care managment. 

As a strong advocate for preventitive care, Dr. Nicophene emphasizes health promotion and disease prevention. She works closely with patients to develop personalized wellness strategies, empowering them to take control of their health and make informed decisions about their care. 

Recently she has been awarded the Marquis award for "Who's Who Top Doctors" for the years 2021 and 2022. Dr. Nicophene prides herself on the instrumental and valuable role she has taken on as a healthcare advocate in the Haitian community and her commitment to servicing others through the volunteer hours she has given to the Diabetes Community Health Project. 

In her time away from practicing medicine, Dr. Nicophene likes running, exercising, playing piano, dancing and singing. She enjoys teaching as well as spending time with friends and family. She speaks Enghlish and Haitian Creole fluently. 

I am not your typical doctor. With a wealth of experience in regenerative medicine, I prioritize genuine connections with my patients. I bring my knowledge and passion to PRO Institute in Davie, Florida.

Before delving into medical concerns, I take the time to understand my patients, chatting about everything from sports to favorite restaurants. This personal touch breaks the stereotype of impersonal doctors.

With over half my life dedicated to medicine, I am deeply committed to transparent, patient-centered care. I avoid medical jargon, ensuring that my patients understand all their treatment options.

At PRO Institute, excellence goes beyond advanced imaging technology and top-quality supplies; we focus on treating the whole patient, not just symptoms.

Having experienced the benefits of regenerative therapies firsthand during my residency, I am passionate about optimizing patient health naturally. From injections to personalized supplement plans, I believe in the transformative power of regenerative medicine. Despite initial skepticism, I remain steadfast in my belief in this field, always putting my patients first.

Marie C Luc Jean-Louis, IMG. M.P.H. PA-C is board certified in family medicine with over 25 year of experience in treating patients. Marie is originally from Haiti where she received her medical degree from State University of Haiti in 1984. She went on to receive her masters from Tulane University and graduated from Nova University with a degree in Physician Assistant Studies in 2001.

Ms. Jean-Louis has been practicing in South Florida for many years, specializing in HIV counseling, wellness, preventive medicine, immigration, and chronic and acute conditions. She prides herself on her ongoing communication with patients and counseling them to maintain good overall heath. Marie is well known for her long-term relationships with her patients through education, positive reinforcement and promoting a well-rounded and realistic healthcare routine that fits each individual’s lifestyle

James Zelch, MD, is a primary care physician with over 29 years of experience. He serves patients at AssociatesMD out of the Davie, Florida office. 

Dr. Zelch is certified by the American Board of Family Medicine and most recently moved from Michigan to South Florida to continue practicing medicine in the Sunshine State. He completed his medical degree at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor and his family medicine residency at Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois. 

After graduating, Dr. Zelch practiced at clinics locally and most recently served as the owner and medical director of his medical clinics in Livonia, Center Line, and Clawson, Michigan. While in Michigan, he was an assistant professor at Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine in Ann Arbor. 

Dr. Zelch prides himself on patient care and provides thorough and detailed exams and procedures to each patient. He specializes in asthma, allergy conditions as well as diabetes, arthritis, and substance abuse. He is interested in helping patients with weight control, healthy lifestyle, and incorporating exercise and healthy eating habits into their lives. 

Dr. Zelch assimilates those same lifestyle ideals by maintaining his health with daily workouts with weights, cardio exercise, and healthy eating habits. He enjoys spending time with each patient to build a relationship for long-term patient care and is well known for his compassion and dedication to his patients.

Nelson Calvo, APRN is originally from Havana City, Cuba. Growing up he always had a passion for medicine and in 1990 started medical School and graduated in 1996 as a general practitioner in a well-recognized institution, Hospital Calixto Garcia. Nelson then completed his residency program as a Family Physician, ending as a specialist in Urology in 2002. Shortly after, he was sent by the Cuban government to Venezuela as a primary care provider to serve as a doctor in underserved communities.

Working without resources in a community, living below the poverty standard, isolated from health facilities, without economic resources, and with an extremely low level of education, created a new challenge for Mr. Clavo. He then set a goal to reduce comorbidities and mortality associated with parasitism, and chronic/acute disease.

In 2007 he moved to America in hopes of better possibilities for his family and himself. In 2018, after many years of hard work and dedication, Nelson graduated as an Advanced Nurse Practitioner and returned to the Primary Care setting again. Now with more experience, he utilized the tools he learned in medical school, residency, and life to improve and promote health in my community. As a practitioner, his goal is to continue using his extensive experience when treating patients and learning in this fast-evolving world of medicine.

Nelson Calvo, APRN is proud to be happily married with two sons, one of which has already graduated as a Medical Doctor and the other on his way to becoming a physician as well. In his free time, he likes practicing sports, dancing, and listening to music.

Kirenia Santiuste, DNP-PhD-C, is a board-certified family nurse practitioner serving patients at AssociatesMD in Davie, Florida. She holds an Autonomous Practice Endorsement in Florida due to her vast knowledge and expertise.

Kirenia was born and raised in Cuba, where she decided at the age of 5 to dedicate her life to the art of medicine and her patients (who were dolls at the time). Her parents were the engine that would push her to pursue her dreams. Kirenia attended medical school in her native city, bringing several years of competence, experience, evidence-based practice (EBP), and endless commitment to AssociatesMD and the community.

Kirenia has been practicing as a primary care provider since 2016 and holds a Master of Science in nursing and a Bachelor of Science in nursing from Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where she received The Dean’s Award for Academic Excellence due to her stellar performance as well as the Chancellor’s List Award for five consecutive years. 

Kirenia also practices as a women’s nurse practitioner, certified colposcopist, and mentor, which was granted due to more than 4,000 direct clinical hours in an OB/GYN private practice. Kirenia completed her Doctorate in Nursing Practice core components and combined it with a PhD-candidature at Walden University in Minneapolis, Minnesota. 

Kirenia has been extensively recognized by her colleagues, nursing organizations, and patients for her professionalism, charisma, leadership, patient care, excellence, and commitment to clinical practice, including the NCQA for preventing diabetes and data measurement. 

In her free time, Kirenia loves spending time with her beloved family. She enjoys reading, going to the movies, and caring for her orchids, her favorite flowers. She is also active in her son’s extracurricular activities, school PTA, and the community.