Dedicated Senior Medical Center

Naimah Wajd, DO

When Dr. Naimah Wajd was eight years old, she accompanied her mother, a nurse, on clinical visits to family and friends in need. “My mother would encourage me to learn about diseases by studying her Lippincott nursing manual,” says Dr. Wajd. “These experiences instilled in me a deep sensitivity towards people and a persistent interest in medicine.”

Education: Florida State University Nova Southeastern University

Certifications: American Osteopathic Association American Academy of Family Physicians

Services: Primary Care

Clement Ayuen, AP

Clement Ayuen is an acupuncture physician specializing in pain management, weight management and chemotherapy-induced nerve damage. He helps promote balance and restore and maintain health by using Oriental medicine theories to diagnose and treat symptoms. “Many seniors don’t know about acupuncture and how it can help treat their medical issues,” said Dr. Ayuen. “They are usually the ones who need and can benefit from acupuncture the most.”

Education: Southern California University

Services: Acupuncture

Ana Velez, ARNP

Ana Velez is an advanced registered nurse practitioner. She earned her bachelor’s degree, magna cum laude, from the University of Puerto Rico and her associate’s degree in nursing from Polk State College in Winter Haven, Florida. She earned her master’s in nursing, summa cum laude, and an adult advanced registered nurse practitioner degree from Florida Southern College in Lakeland, Florida. Ana is a member of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners and the Polk County Advanced Practice Nurses Association. “Patients are human beings with problems and concerns,” said Ana. “I treat my patients the way I would like my parents, a senior family member or a friend to be treated by their healthcare provider.”

Education: Polk State College , University of Puerto Rico , Florida Southern College

Certifications: American Association of Nurse Practitioners , Polk County Advanced Practice Nurses Association

Services: Primary Care

Natalia Ferrer Bravo

Since Dr. Natalia Ferrer Bravo was a little girl, she’s wanted to help her community and improve healthcare. This desire led her to become a board-certified internal medicine physician who focuses on addressing health concerns, emphasizing preventive care, and building strong relationships. “I love to make a difference by providing the compassionate, high-quality care that seniors need,” Dr. Ferrer Bravo says. “There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing their quality of life improve.” To stay up to date with medical research, Dr. Ferrer Bravo frequently reads journal articles. She also enjoys running, walking, spending quality time with her husband and son, and the idea of visiting Australia one day.

Education: Xavier University School of Medicine , Dr. Ramón Ruiz Arnau University Hospital , University of Puerto Rico - Rio Piedras

Certifications: American College of Physicians , Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society

Services: Primary Care

Ramon Gutierrez

Dr. Ramon Gutierrez is passionate about preventative medicine and promoting a healthy lifestyle. His favorite part of his profession is “educating patients and helping them understand that health is not just the absence of disease but maintaining harmony and balance of mind, body, and spirit.” He strives to empower his patients and wants them to know that he will be there with them every step of the way. “I will take this journey with my patients,” he says. He loved caring for his grandmother and explains that her passing motivated him “to continue helping seniors.” In his free time, Dr. Gutierrez loves spending time with family, engaging with the church, and traveling. He also enjoys cooking Filipino breakfasts.

Education: University of the East Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Medical Center College of Medicine , Santa Barbara College of Oriental Medicine , University of Santo Tomas Hospital

Certifications: Florida State Oriental Medical Association

Services: Acupuncture

Isabel Victoria Hidalgo Acosta

Dr. Isabel Victoria Hidalgo Acosta knew as a teenager that she wanted to work in healthcare. “I always like to help people,” she says. Her favorite part of being a physician is interacting with patients. She likes educating them about prevention and “seeing how they improve their chronic medical conditions.” She especially loves the opportunity to help improve the quality of life of her senior patients. She explains that she is “dedicated” to listening to her patients’ concerns “during every encounter.” She adds, “I am friendly, with open heart and ears available.” When Dr. Hidalgo Acosta is not caring for patients, she can be found reading, exercising, or traveling. She also enjoys gardening and taking photos.

Education: University of Medical Sciences of Havana , Calixto Garcia University Hospital

Certifications: American Medical Association , Puerto Rico College of Physicians and Surgeons , Cuban Pediatrics Society , American Registry of Medical Assistants

Services: Primary Care

Chad Hines

In medical school, Dr. Chad Hines saw that older patients often received care that was an extrapolation of adult medicine; this frequently led to poor outcomes. He has since realized seniors need specialized, holistic care comprised of love and dignity. “I am convinced that most illnesses are preventable and that physicians can be human, respectful, caring and empathetic while still providing excellent care,” says Dr. Hines. “It is a privilege to walk side by side with patients and their families as they try to have more healthy days.” Dr. Hines and his wife have a daughter. He likes to spend time with his family and friends. He also enjoys jogging, swimming and playing basketball.

Education: University of the West Indies , Howard University Hospital , Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai , Mercy Health - St. Vincent’s Medical Center

Certifications: American Geriatrics Society , American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Care Medicine , American College of Physicians

Services: Palliative Medicine

Belkis Perez

Mrs. Belkis Perez is committed to providing comprehensive, holistic care that treats “the whole person, rather than just addressing symptoms.” She prioritizes preventive care, explaining, “I want to proactively identify and mange conditions before they lead to hospitalizations or emergency situations.” Mrs. Perez wants patients to know that she genuinely cares about them and that they can always count on her. “By providing comprehensive, coordinated care, I can help seniors maintain their independence and actively participate in the activities they love,” she explains. Mrs. Perez loves spending her free time with family and friends. She also enjoys drinking tea by the pool, reading, and traveling.

Education: South University , Universidad del Sagrado Corazón

Certifications: American Nurses Association , Florida Nurses Association , Sigma Theta Tau

Services: Primary Care

Mikhail Stephen Carlow

Dr. Mikhail Stephen Carlow’s interest in medicine began early in life. He explains that he was influenced both by his “mother, who is very active in the Trinidad and Tobago Red Cross Society,” and his grandfather, who experienced various health struggles. He strives to care for patients “as a whole,” and help them navigate the healthcare system. “Trust and empathy” are key in his practice. “When patients feel heard and respected, it creates a partnership where we can work together towards their health goals,” he explains. In his down time, Dr. Carlow is committed to keeping himself healthy mentally, physically, and emotionally. He enjoys working out, trying new restaurants, and spending quality time with his family.

Education: University of the West Indies , Overlook Medical Center

Certifications: American College of Physicians , American Medical Society for Sports Medicine

Services: Internal Medicine