Speaker

Olivia Campa, MD is a General Internist at the University of California Davis Medical Center where she is a Primary Care doctor, the Director of the Postbaccalaureate Program, the Assistant Director of Clinical Operations for the Division of General Internal Medicine and a Core Faculty Member for the Internal Medicine Residency Program. She is a California native who is the first person in her family to graduate from college. She has distinguished herself as a...

Dr. Lewis Chen was born and raised in New York. He completed his Doctorate of Dental Surgery (DDS) from Columbia University College of Dental Medicine and graduated top of his class with highest honors and distinction. Due to his outstanding clinical performance, leadership, and selfless contributions to Columbia, he was one of few to be nominated and inducted into the only renowned, national dental honor society, Omicron Kappa Upsilon (OKU). After graduation, he completed his...

Prerna Poojary, Ph.D., OTR/L, CLWT is a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Occupational Therapy with the College of Public Health and Health Professions. Prerna joined the University of Florida in February 2018. Prerna graduated in 2010 from L.T. Medical College, India with a degree in Occupational therapy and pursued a Master's in Rehabilitation Sciences with a concentration in Occupational therapy from the University of Pittsburgh, graduating in 2011. She completed her Ph.D. in...

Francine E. Garrett-Bakelman, MD, PhD, is an assistant professor of medicine and of biochemistry and molecular genetics. She received her BS in biochemistry from California State University-Fullerton, and an MD and PhD from the Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University. She then completed clinical training in internal medicine and hematology/medical oncology as well as post-doctoral training at Weill Cornell Medicine. She joined the UVA faculty in 2017 as a physician scientist who cares...

​Luis Godoy was born in Michoacan, Mexico. He immigrated to this country with his family as a young boy and grew up working on the farms of Northern California picking and cutting fruit. By the age of seven, he would come home from school and work with his parents. There was no time or energy for homework and barely enough time to learn English. He worked hard and did his best but always felt like...

Hina Mazharuddin, PA-C is the Vice President for PAs in Virtual Medicine and Telemedicine. She graduated from Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, TX in 2009. She has worked in multiple areas of medicine that include Family Practice, Retail Health, Occupational Medicine/ Outpatient Orthopedics, Pain Management, Aesthetic Medicine, Obesity Medicine, and now Telemedicine. She served on the senior management team for a retail health-telemedicine clinic and with that experience was able to implement telemedicine visits...

During this presentation the experiences of mentoring while in medical school, will be shared. Dr. Mendez is an associate professor, emeritus and director of the Community Engagement Office at Wayne State University. Brigid Jacob is graduating in June, Daniel VanZweden is rotating at area hospitals, and Kia Sweeney just started year 2.

Rita Guevara, MD, is an assistant professor of pediatrics and assistant dean of diversity, equity and inclusion at Drexel University College of Medicine. As assistant dean, she collaborates on all efforts of the Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, including recruitment, enrollment, community-building and stakeholder events. In her position, Dr. Guevara will also focus on specific projects involving the pipeline mentorship program, educational grant preparation and quality improvement of programming. In addition, she represents and...

Dr. Kimmy Nguyen is an assistant professor of pharmacy practice at Wilkes University, Nesbitt School of Pharmacy with a clinical practice site at Volunteers in Medicine, a free clinic that serves an uninsured population. She earned her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy and completed two years of post-graduate residency at the Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center in Philadelphia, PA, and the VA Hudson Valley Health Care System in...

Dr. Lee Jones received his B.A. from Dartmouth College and M.D. from Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons. After completing a psychiatry residency and chief residency at University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) Neuropsychiatric Institute, he entered a consultation - liaison fellowship at Cornell Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center followed by a research fellowship at the University of California at San Diego (UCSD). Dr. Jones has worked across the spectrum of health care, from academic medical...

Dr. Kimberly Trotter is an Assistant Professor of Medicine in the Section of Rheumatology at The University of Chicago. She completed her medical degree at The University of Maryland School of Medicine and her Internal Medicine residency and Rheumatology fellowship at The University of Chicago. After fellowship, she continued her career at The University of Chicago as a clinical Rheumatologist with a special focus in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. She serves as the co-director for The...

Sam Shen is Clinical Professor and Vice Chair of Clinical Operations and Quality in the Department of Emergency Medicine at Stanford University. At Stanford Health Care, he serves in the role of Patient Safety Officer. He also directs the Administration Fellowship in the Department of Emergency Medicine. Previously he held positions as Chief of Emergency Medicine at community hospitals in Massachusetts. Dr. Shen received his B.S. from Stanford University and his MD and MBA at...

Francisco Alberto Tomei Torres currently works at the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Francisco does research in Environmental Engineering. His most recent publication is 'Case Study: Microbial Ecology and Forensics of Chinese Drywall-Elemental Sulfur Disproportionation as Primary Generator of Hydrogen Sulfide.'

Dr. Thomas H. Champney earned his Ph.D. in Biomedical Research at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio in 1984. His research investigated the role of the pineal gland and its hormone melatonin on integrative physiology. He completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Delaware investigating reproductive physiology and then accepted a faculty position at Texas A&M University’s College of Medicine. He spent 18 years at Texas A&M University teaching anatomy,...

Allan Platt, graduated with a BS in Health Systems Engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology in 1977, a BS in Medical Science from the Emory University School of Medicine, Physician Assistant program in 1979, and a Masters of Medical Science in Career Physician Assistant from Emory in 2006. From 1984 until 2004 he was Program Coordinator, and Physician Assistant at the Georgia Comprehensive Sickle Cell Center at Grady Health System. This is the world's...

Dr. Pernar obtained her MD from Harvard Medical School. After general surgery residency and an advanced minimally invasive and bariatric surgery fellowship at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, she joined the division of minimally invasive and weight loss surgery at Boston Medical Center where she also serves as general surgery residency associate program director. She is associate professor of surgery at the Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine. Clinically, she devotes the majority of...

PA Sandra Guzman Fineman has been in clinical practice since 1999 in the primary care specialties of pediatrics, women's health, and family medicine and has been with MBKU's School of PA Studies since its inception in 2014. PA Fineman graduated from Stanford University's Physician Assistant program. She obtained her Master of PA Studies and a post-baccalaureate certificate in Health Profession Teaching and Technology from the University of Nebraska, Omaha. PA Fineman received National Certification for...

Dr. Val Malika Reagon is an influential force in public health, bringing over 25 years of experience across healthcare management, global public health, and health systems strengthening. A passionate advocate for global health equity, Dr. Reagon’s work has impacted communities globally, leading to improved programmatic and health outcomes and stronger health systems. She holds a Doctorate in Public Health and has built a distinguished career, driving innovative solutions for complex public health challenges. Dr. Reagon...

Dr. Rouillard was born in Euclid, Ohio and is a graduate of Stanford University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology, with honors. She obtained her Doctor of Medicine from Stanford University, where she taught Human Anatomy and performed research in Immunology. She completed her internship and residency at University of Texas, Southwestern, Parkland Memorial Hospital and then her fellowship in Gastroenterology at the University of California, San Francisco, with an interest in liver...

Board certified in Internal Medicine, Geriatrics, and Palliative Care, she is part of the clinical care team providing physical, emotional, and spiritual care for patients with cancer at any point in their disease process, and assisting patients with complex decision making. Dr. Curseen has been named one of the Palliative Medicine Inspirational Leaders under 40 by the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine for 2014-2015. She has been consistently listed in Atlanta Magazine's annual "Top...

Ezra Cohen, MD, is a medical oncologist and an internationally recognized cancer researcher. He cares for patients with all types of head and neck cancers, including esophageal, thyroid and salivary gland cancers. As a physician-scientist, Dr. Cohen also leads a laboratory that studies novel cancer treatments, including immunotherapy, and has made major contributions in understanding how targeted cancer therapies work. Much of his work has focused on squamous cell carcinomas and cancers of the thyroid,...

Xuejing Chen, MD, MS is an Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology at the Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine. She specializes in the medical and surgical management of vitreoretinal diseases including retinal vascular diseases, diabetic retinopathy, epiretinal membranes, macular holes, retinal detachments, macular degeneration, ocular trauma, secondary intraocular lens, posterior uveitis and retinal dystrophies. Dr Chen’s primary goal is to provide her patients with compassionate care using the most advanced treatments available and to provide management...

Dr. William J. Schwartz is a distinguished neurologist with a passion for both clinical practice and neuroscience education. He has dedicated his career to mentoring trainees in basic and clinical neuroscience while practicing general neurology. For nearly four decades, Dr. Schwartz has led groundbreaking NIH-funded research on biological clocks, with a particular focus on the master brain clock in the hypothalamus. His contributions to the field have earned him leadership roles, including Chair of the...

Dr. Dhasarathy received her Ph.D. in the laboratory of Dr. Michael Kladde at Texas A&M University, TX. She did postdoctoral work with Dr. Paul Wade at the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) in the Research Triangle Park, NC. Her interests are chromatin structure and transcriptional regulation, as it applies to the epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT). She is program coordinator of the NIH funded Center of Biomedical Research Excellence (CoBRE) in Epigenetics at...

Honored by several professional associations, Dr. Barton Goldsmith is a multi-award-winning psychotherapist and humanitarian, an author of 8 books, a syndicated columnist, a blogger for Psychology Today, and former NPR radio host, as well as a recognized keynote speaker.

Neurofibromatosis Program Coordinator and Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and Related Neuroimmune Disorders Clinic Coordinator for UT Health Austin Pediatric Neurosciences at Dell Children’s, a clinical partnership between Dell Children’s Medical Center and UT Health Austin. As a physician-scientist, she specializes in clinical medicine, human genetics, pharmacogenomics, translational medicine, neuropathology, and medical research. Dr. Robles Lopez earned her master’s degree in molecular medicine from University of Sheffield in England, her doctorate in neuroscience from University of Sheffield...

Dr. Amy Hinkelman is associate professor of microbiology and immunology at Campbell University Jerry M. Wallace School of Osteopathic Medicine and teaches both medical and graduate students. She completed her bachelor’s degree in biology from Baylor University, doctoral degree in microbiology at the University of Kansas, and postdoctoral training in immunology at the University of Virginia School of Medicine studying host immune responses to influenza virus infection. Over the past few years, Dr. Hinkelman has...

Dr. Firn, a certified healthcare ethics consultant, is Clinical Associate Professor in the Department of Learning Health Sciences (DLHS), and Clinical Ethicist and Ethics Education Chief with the Center for Bioethics and Social Sciences (CBSSM) in Medicine at the University of Michigan Medical School Dr. Firn’s research focuses on interprofessional education, collaboration, and decision making, and applied ethics. Her expertise includes ethics education and clinical ethics with a focus on ethical issues in the ICU,...

Winnie T. Whitaker, MD, FAAP is the division director for pediatric emergency medicine (PEM) at Dell Children’s Medical Center of Central Texas in Austin, TX as well as Associate Professor of Pediatrics for the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Texas at Austin Dell Medical School in Austin, TX. She also serves as the medical director for Camp Longhorn, a residential summer camp located in Burnet, TX. Dr. Whitaker is actively involved in numerous...

Dr. Jonathan J. Wisco is Associate Professor at Boston University Aram V. Chobanian & Edward Avedisian School of Medicine, Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology. He is co-Director for the preclinical curriculum, Principles Integrating Science, Clinical Medicine and Equity (PISCEs); and Director of the Laboratory for Translational Anatomy of Degenerative Diseases and Developmental Disorders (TAD4). Dr. Wisco is also interested in best practices of teaching and learning, notably on the topics of curriculum design, faculty development,...

Dr. Christine Khandelwal graduated from Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed a residency in Family Medicine at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Dr. Khandelwal realized her passion for caring for the complex, geriatric, and seriously ill population, which led her to pursue a Geriatrics Fellowship, concentrating in Hospice and Palliative Medicine, at UNC Chapel Hill. Dr. Khandelwal has been practicing as a clinician educator, developing programs for the past ten years, including...

Aliza Ben-Zacharia, PhD, DNP, ANP-BC, FAAN Dr. Ben-Zacharia is a full-time faculty and an assistant professor on a tenure track at Hunter College and is the Co-Director of the Research/EBP fellowship at the Mount Sinai Phillips School of Nursing (PSON). At Mount Sinai PSON, she oversees the Phillips Fellowship Program, a formal interdisciplinary program comprising mentorship, collaborative research projects, and enhanced clinical rotations at The Mount Sinai Hospital. She is a board certified ANP with...

Dr. Rachel Sieke is an accomplished psychiatrist located in Cleveland, Ohio, renowned for her dedication to enhancing mental health care through a holistic and patient-centered approach. Dr. Sieke sees her primary role as guiding individuals on their journey of self-exploration and empowerment, fostering an environment where patients are encouraged to actively participate in their healing. Driven by the belief that mental health treatment must consider the whole person, she skillfully integrates psychotherapy, lifestyle modifications, community...

Isabella is a 3rd year biology major at Cairn University, works as both a CNA and medical assistant (MA), and serves as the President of the Health Sciences Club at her school. She has experience in blood cancer research, having a first-author publication in the works. Isabella has also shadowed many physicians and providers in several specialties of medicine. She is passionate about sharing her story and helping other premed students succeed in their journey!

Dr. Holloway is Associate Professor of Pediatrics and Program Director for the Global Health Pediatric Critical Care Fellowship in the Division of Pediatric Critical Care. He is boarded in Pediatrics and Pediatric Critical Care. Dr. Holloway attended the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, VA where he received a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry, followed by Doctor of Medicine conferred by the Medical College of Virginia in Richmond, VA. He completed his internship and residency in...

Christopher Ziebell, MD, FACEP, is the Emergency Department Medical Director at Houston Methodist Hospital and Chair of USACS' Workplace Safety Committee. He took on this role after serving as the emergency department medical director at Dell Seton Medical Center at the University of Texas at Austin. He led the ED at Central Texas’ only Level I adult trauma center (formerly known as University Medical Center Brackenridge) from 2007-2021. He has served as director of behavioral...

Dr. Walaa Dabbas is an Assistant Professor of Clinical Medicine at University of Illinois Chicago and practices in the Division of Nephrology at UI Health. Dr. Dabbas is a Transplant Nephrologist, provides comprehensive, individualized care to all kidney transplant patients and patients with chronic kidney diseases. She has a special interest in living kidney donation, kidney transplantation for obese patients, and combined organ transplants. Dr. Dabbas graduated from Dubai Medical College, United Arab Emirates, completed...

Dr. Benjamin Littenberg is a Primary Care Internist with interests in epidemiology, health services delivery, quality improvement, public health, and technology assessment. He does clinical trials, decision models, meta-analysis, and secondary data analysis. He has authored over 185 peer-reviewed papers and served as Principal Investigator on 16 federal and foundation-supported grants. Dr. Littenberg earned the MD from Case Western Reserve University and trained in internal medicine at Hartford (Connecticut) Hospital. He was a Robert Wood...

Dr. Aariyana Britton is a dedicated healthcare professional, researcher, and advocate from Sussex County, Virginia. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences from Averett University (2020) and a Master of Science from Liberty University (2022), where she focused on public health and U.S. health policy. Most recently, she earned her Doctorate degree, further strengthening her expertise in understanding and addressing complex health challenges across diverse populations. Dr. Britton currently serves in the areas...

Ellen Jones, Pharm.D., BCACP is an Associate Professor at Harding University College of Pharmacy and a clinical pharmacist at OneLife Direct Primary Care Clinic in Searcy, Arkansas. She teaches drug information, immunization, and self-care pharmacotherapy and is passionate about helping students connect clinical knowledge with real-world impact. As the founder of RxDecks and Phluent, she combines her background in the performing arts with her love of pharmacy education to create innovative, interactive learning tools for...

Dr. Stephen Weber is Associate Vice Chairman for Faculty Development in the Department of Medicine at the University of Chicago. He most recently served as Executive Vice President and Chief Medical Officer for the University of Chicago Medicine Health System. In this capacity, he helped oversee multiple programs and priorities including physician quality and practice, population health, care coordination, digital health, informatics, simulation and innovation. A Professor of Medicine in the Section of Infectious Diseases...

Dr. Gregory L. Taylor II, MD, MBA is a physician with Keck Medicine of USC specializing in geriatric and internal medicine. He treats patients at Keck Hospital of USC, USC Norris Cancer Hospital, and USC Verdugo Hills Hospital, and serves as the Founding Medical Director of Keck Signature Care, USC Concierge Medicine, where he delivers highly personalized, prevention-focused care. Raised in Los Angeles’ Leimert Park, Dr. Taylor’s perspective has been shaped by both strong community...

Lisa A. Carey, MD, ScM is the Richardson and Marilyn Jacobs Preyer Distinguished Professor in Breast Cancer Research in the Department of Medicine at the University of North Carolina (UNC). She graduated from Wellesley College, then received her medical degree from the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine where she remained for her residency in Internal Medicine followed by a fellowship in Medical Oncology and an advanced degree in Clinical Investigations. Dr. Carey joined the...

Dr. John Peter Gruen, a highly esteemed Professor of Medicine at the University of Southern California (USC), stands at the forefront of neurosurgery with a particular focus on neurotrauma. He brings a remarkable blend of experience, skill, and dedication to his role, reflected in his substantial contributions to both clinical practice and academic medicine.Dr. Gruen’s academic journey is marked by an impressive educational background, holding degrees from Yale College (BA in History), Columbia University (MD...

Ann F. Mohrbacher, MD, is an Associate Professor of Clinical Medicine and a Keck Faculty Physician specializing in hematology and blood and marrow transplantation. A graduate of Harvard Medical School, Dr. Mohrbacher is an accomplished clinician, researcher, and educator with a strong focus on blood cancers, including lymphoma and multiple myeloma. Her research interests include stem cell transplantation and immunotherapy of B cell malignancies, and she has received substantial research funding for her work. Dr....

John Bradford is a Certified PA who served on the NCCPA Board of Directors from 2018 to 2025. He was the 2024 Board Chair and 2025 Immediate Past Chair. He has lived and worked in many remote and isolated areas across five continents. John was a Peace Corps Medical Officer in Malawi, Namibia and The Gambia. He also worked in Edinburgh Scotland, Kabul, Afghanistan and in the Pacific on Midway and Shemya Islands. John also...

Dr. Lina M. D’Orazio is a Neuropsychologist, Clinical Psychologist, and Clinical Associate Professor of Neurology at the Keck School of Medicine of USC. She is the Founding Director of the Cultural Neuropsychology Program and serves as USC’s Director of Cultural Neuropsychology, specializing in culturally informed neuropsychological assessment, clinical care, and research consultation across the Keck Medical Center. Dr. D’Orazio integrates evidence-based practice with an empathetic, humanistic approach to support cognitive, emotional, and behavioral health. She...