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Bryan Hicks, MD, is a Fellow of the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, and a second-generation dermatologist with more than three decades of medical experience. At his practice, Marion Dermatology, in Ocala and The Villages, Florida, he treats the full range of dermatologic problems, with a special interest in cosmetic dermatology and skin cancer surgery. 

Dr. Hicks grew up in South Miami and Coral Gables, Florida, where he was the oldest of four children. His father, John, was also a dermatologist who thrived in his chosen profession and influenced his son. His mother taught Dr. Hicks equanimity and a resilient spirit, qualities that continue to help him as he works with patients who need support through difficult dermatologic conditions.

Dr. Hicks graduated from the University of Florida in Gainesville, with a Bachelor of Science in zoology. He received his medical education from the University of Miami, Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, a highly regarded and long-standing medical school. He completed an internship in internal medicine and dermatology residency at Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami. 

The residency program in Miami is one of the largest in the country and very progressive in teaching skin cancer and cosmetic surgery. Dr. Hicks learned from pioneers in the field, Drs. Henry Menn, Harvey Blank, and Leonard Lewis. During his time at Jackson Memorial Hospital, Dr. Hicks also helped Neil Penneys, MD, write the first photographic atlas on skin manifestations of AIDS. 

Dr. Hicks began his private practice in Miami, was diverted for a few years to Jackson, Wyoming, then ultimately returned to his home state, building roots in Ocala, Florida. He has thrived in a solo practice there since 1993.

Dr. Hicks is married to Melodee, a former Miami attorney, who’s now a thoroughbred breeder. In his free time, he relaxes with his wife and three children.

Bryan Hicks, MD, is a Fellow of the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, and a second-generation dermatologist with more than three decades of medical experience. At his practice, Marion Dermatology, in Ocala and The Villages, Florida, he treats the full range of dermatologic problems, with a special interest in cosmetic dermatology and skin cancer surgery. 

Dr. Hicks grew up in South Miami and Coral Gables, Florida, where he was the oldest of four children. His father, John, was also a dermatologist who thrived in his chosen profession and influenced his son. His mother taught Dr. Hicks equanimity and a resilient spirit, qualities that continue to help him as he works with patients who need support through difficult dermatologic conditions.

Dr. Hicks graduated from the University of Florida in Gainesville, with a Bachelor of Science in zoology. He received his medical education from the University of Miami, Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, a highly regarded and long-standing medical school. He completed an internship in internal medicine and dermatology residency at Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami. 

The residency program in Miami is one of the largest in the country and very progressive in teaching skin cancer and cosmetic surgery. Dr. Hicks learned from pioneers in the field, Drs. Henry Menn, Harvey Blank, and Leonard Lewis. During his time at Jackson Memorial Hospital, Dr. Hicks also helped Neil Penneys, MD, write the first photographic atlas on skin manifestations of AIDS. 

Dr. Hicks began his private practice in Miami, was diverted for a few years to Jackson, Wyoming, then ultimately returned to his home state, building roots in Ocala, Florida. He has thrived in a solo practice there since 1993.

Dr. Hicks is married to Melodee, a former Miami attorney, who’s now a thoroughbred breeder. In his free time, he relaxes with his wife and three children.

Dr. Utpal Patel, MD, PhD, is an American College of Mohs Surgery (ACMS) fellowship-trained skin cancer and reconstructive surgeon at Lotus Dermatology. He is double board-certified in dermatology and Mohs surgery. He sees adult and pediatric patients for medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology.

Dr. Utpal Patel has practiced in the Tampa Bay area since 2013 and earned his medical degree at Temple University in Philadelphia. He completed his internship at Abington Memorial Hospital in Abington, Pennsylvania, and his dermatology residency at New York University in New York — the latter of which was ranked the number one dermatology residency program in the country by U.S. News & World Report.

As a trained Mohs surgeon, Dr. Utpal Patel holds the distinguished honor of practicing the Mohs method, which is a specialized form of skin cancer removal that has the highest success rate of all current methods.

He is an active member of the American Academy of Dermatology and American Society for Dermatologic Surgery and has been an avid presenter and committee member on behalf of the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery.

Dr. Utpal Patel has published in leading peer-reviewed medical journals and presented at national meetings. He has also received grants, scholarships, and awards, including the Benjamin & Mary Siddons Measey Foundation M.D. Ph.D. Fellowship, Health Research Formula Grant Fellowship from the Pennsylvania Department of Health, and Freshman Chemistry Student of the Year.

Vidhi Shah, MD, FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist who has been practicing general dermatology with Lotus Dermatology since 2022. She has lived in the Tampa Bay area her entire life and enjoys the opportunity to give back to her community.

Dr. Shah graduated from the International Baccalaureate Program at Hillsborough High School in Tampa, Florida. She then received her undergraduate and medical degree in the accelerated 6 Year Combined B.A./M.D. Program at the University of Missouri-Kansas City in Kansas City, Missouri. She also completed a one-year clinical research fellowship in medical dermatology with the Dr. Phillip Frost Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery at the University of Miami in Miami, Florida. 

Dr. Shah completed her dermatology residency at the Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery at the University of South Florida in Tampa, Florida. She was elected Chief Resident during her final year and routinely managed complex medical dermatology patients at Tampa General Hospital, Moffitt Cancer Center, and the James A. Haley Veterans Hospital.  

Throughout her medical career, Dr. Shah has authored numerous publications, book chapters, and presentations. She has been awarded grants and scholarships from the Florida Society of Dermatological Surgeons, the North American Hair Society, the Women’s Dermatology Society, and the American Society of Dermatologic Surgery.  

Dr. Shah is an active member of the American Academy of Dermatology, Women’s Dermatologic Society, and a board member of the Florida Society of Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery.

Dr. Utpal Patel, MD, PhD, is an American College of Mohs Surgery (ACMS) fellowship-trained skin cancer and reconstructive surgeon at Lotus Dermatology. He is double board-certified in dermatology and Mohs surgery. He sees adult and pediatric patients for medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology.

Dr. Utpal Patel has practiced in the Tampa Bay area since 2013 and earned his medical degree at Temple University in Philadelphia. He completed his internship at Abington Memorial Hospital in Abington, Pennsylvania, and his dermatology residency at New York University in New York — the latter of which was ranked the number one dermatology residency program in the country by U.S. News & World Report.

As a trained Mohs surgeon, Dr. Utpal Patel holds the distinguished honor of practicing the Mohs method, which is a specialized form of skin cancer removal that has the highest success rate of all current methods.

He is an active member of the American Academy of Dermatology and American Society for Dermatologic Surgery and has been an avid presenter and committee member on behalf of the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery.

Dr. Utpal Patel has published in leading peer-reviewed medical journals and presented at national meetings. He has also received grants, scholarships, and awards, including the Benjamin & Mary Siddons Measey Foundation M.D. Ph.D. Fellowship, Health Research Formula Grant Fellowship from the Pennsylvania Department of Health, and Freshman Chemistry Student of the Year.

James Mauch, MD, PhD, FAAD, is a board certified dermatologist at Lotus Dermatology who practices general dermatology. Dr. Mauch has been in private practice in Florida for nearly 25 years after finishing his training in dermatology.

Dr. Mauch grew up in Cincinnati, Ohio and went to Southern Adventist University in Collegedale, Tennessee.  He completed his MD and his PhD in Biochemistry at Loma Linda University in California, followed by a medical internship also at Loma Linda University.  Dr. Mauch completed his dermatology residency and fellowship training in dermatopathology at Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York City.  Dr. Mauch was a chief resident during his last year of residency. 

In addition to patient care, Dr. Mauch’s passion resides in the education of medical concepts with the use of visual imagery. Dr. Mauch believes that when patients, and even medical support staff, have a basic understanding of medical principles, they are more engaged in their healthcare, leading to better outcomes.

Manuel Colon Mendez, MD, MBA, is a board-certified physician specializing in emergency medicine and providing over four decades of expertise to patients at the Regenerative Sport, Spine and Spa in Orlando, Florida.

Dr. Mendez obtained his medical degree from Benemerita Universidad Autonoma De Puebla Escuela De Medicina in Puebla, Mexico. Dr. Mendez’s time in a foreign country helped him experience various healthcare systems while developing a better understanding of how geography changes the accessibility and diagnosis landscapes.

After completing his medical degree, Dr. Mendez attended a residency program at the Puerto Rico Medical Center in Puerto Rico, an affiliate of the University of Puerto Rico. He recognized a passion for emergency medicine during his enrollment and completed his residency, focusing on spine and joint injections.

Dr. Mendez continued on the path of emergency medicine, obtaining over four decades of experience with a personal interest in regenerative medicine and hormone replacement therapy. He received additional training and education in stem cell therapy, advanced cosmetics, and age management medicine to be more well-rounded in these domains.

Dr. Mendez believes that a positive outlook, paired with a healthy diet and lifestyle, helps prevent unwanted illness, and regenerative medicine further aids a healing body. 

When not spending time with patients, Dr. Mendez’s biggest priority is his family. He also enjoys playing the guitar, cooking, and traveling. His biggest motto in life is “never stop learning,” and he encourages his patients to do the same.

Dana Kleinman, DO, is an experienced doctor of osteopathic medicine at the Regenerative Sport, Spine and Spa in Orlando, Florida. Originally hailing from Israel, Dr. Kleinman enjoys helping patients with any concern, no matter how challenging.

Dr. Kleinman obtained a bachelor’s degree in microbiology from Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton, Florida. Here, she obtained essential knowledge that set the foundation for her continuing education. 

Afterward, she attended Nova Southeastern University in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, where she obtained a master’s degree in biomedical science. Dr. Kleinman continued to pursue higher education and obtained her medical degree also from Nova Southeastern University.

After completing her residency at Palmetto General Hospital in Hialeah, Florida, Dr. Kleinman worked for several hospital systems as an attending physician in emergency medicine, providing excellent care to her patients. Some of these hospitals include the HCA Florida Oak Hill Hospital in Brooksville, Florida, and the Baycare Winter Haven Hospital in Winter Haven, Florida.

Dr. Kleinman takes a particular interest in hormone replacement therapy and educating patients on the benefits of hormonal balances. She has goals to grow the Regenerative Sport, Spine and Spa by encompassing more community and emphasizing the importance of regenerative medicine, hormones, and aesthetics.

Outside the clinic, Dr. Kleinman enjoys biking, hiking, and traveling, where she and Dr. Santiago often go together. She also likes fitness and particularly enjoys obstacle course runs like mud runs and spartans.

Dilan Ipek ARNP, is an advanced registered nurse practitioner at Orlando Dermatology center in Casselberry, Florida.

Dilan graduated from University of Central Florida with a Bachelor of Health Science and minor in Health Service Administration. She graduated trom ECPI University College earning her Bachelor of Science in Nursing. She continued her education earning her Master of Science in Nursing at ECPI University College

During her time as a registered nurse she worked at a level one trauma center hospital on the trauma/elective orthopedic unit, triage, and in the operating room. She always had an interest and passion for Dermatology.  

Her focus is on the early detection and treatment of skin cancer with a passion to provide quality care in medical dermatology. Her approach combines clinical expertise and commitment to patient-centered care. She continues to stay current on the latest dermatologic treatments by attending conferences and staying up to date. 

Stella Terenteva, ARNP, is an advanced registered nurse practitioner at Orlando Dermatology Center in Oviedo, Lake Mary, and Orlando, Florida. 

Stella graduated from Lake Superior State University in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, earning her Bachelor of Science in Nursing. She continued her education in Alabama, earning her Master of Science in Nursing at the University of South Alabama in Mobile. 

Board certified as a family nurse practitioner, Stella has over three years of experience in Family and Internal Medicine, and over 10 years of operative room nursing experience. She is trained to treat all aspects of skin, hair, and nail disorders. She provides complete skin exams, diagnoses and treats many common dermatologic conditions, and specializes in medical aesthetics. 

Stella sees patients of all ages, from toddlers to mature adults, for their dermatologic needs. 

Tim Nyckowski, DO, is a board-certified dermatologist at Orlando Dermatology Center in Oviedo, Lake Mary, and Orlando, Florida. He prides himself on forming good relationships with patients and helping them feel comfortable in their skin. 

A Midwest native, Dr. Nyckowski grew up near Chicago, Illinois. He graduated from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and later attended medical school at Des Moines University in Iowa, where he graduated with honors. Shortly after graduation, Dr. Nyckowski worked as a hospital physician for his internship at the Medical College of Wisconsin’s Affiliate Hospitals in Milwaukee. 

Relocating to Orlando, Florida, Dr. Nyckowski completed his dermatology residency with Kansas City University’s prestigious program in Florida. Here, he served as both chief resident and resident cosmetic trainer. 

Specializing in medical, surgical, pediatric, and cosmetic dermatology, Dr. Nyckowski has a dedicated interest in the early detection and treatment of skin cancer. He is the author of over 20 peer-reviewed dermatology publications and is a guest editor for several journals. He believes in the progress of medicine and the importance of continuous study. 

Outside work, Dr. Nyckowski enjoys exercise, comedy, travel, sports, and spending time with his wife and their dog, Daisy.

Vitaly Blatnoy, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and founder of the Orlando Dermatology Center in Oviedo, Lake Mary, Casselberry, and Orlando, Florida.

Dr. Blatnoy studied medicine internationally and brings this unique experience to patients at Orlando Dermatology Center. He graduated from the National Medical University of Kyiv in Ukraine at the top of his class. Relocating to the United States, he completed an intensive residency in dermatology at the University of Cincinnati’s College of Medicine in Ohio.

Board-certified by the American Board of Dermatology and the American Society of Mohs Surgery, Dr. Blatnoy is also a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology. 

Dr. Blatnoy is highly experienced and specializes in Mohs Micrographic Surgery. This surgery is an advanced skin cancer removal technique that requires years of rigorous training to perfect. 

Recognized for his outstanding patient care, Dr. Blatnoy is a four-time recipient of the Patients’ Choice Award. Look no further than Dr. Blatnoy at Orlando Dermatology Center for specialized, individualized, and expert care.  

Rebekka Evans, PA-C, is a certified physician assistant specializing in dermatology at Knight Dermatology Institute: A Forefront Dermatology Practice, which serves the communities of Orlando, Lake Mary, Winter Park, and Melbourne, Florida. Rebekka currently sees Knight Dermatology Institute: A Forefront Dermatology Practice patients in Orlando, Florida.

Rebekka, a Pennsylvania native, moved from her small hometown to Orlando, Florida, where she pursued her passion for healthcare at AdventHealth University. There, she earned her Associate of Science degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography, igniting a career dedicated to patient well-being.

For over seven years, Rebekka served as a cardiovascular sonographer, honing her expertise before transitioning to her next endeavor: becoming a physician assistant. This decision led her to the University of West Florida, where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in health sciences and graduated cum laude.

Returning to AdventHealth University, Rebekka attained her Master of Science in Physician Assistant studies. Dedicated to enhancing skin health and delivering compassionate, high-quality care, Rebekka continually strives to make a positive impact on her patients' lives.

Beyond her professional pursuits, Rebekka finds joy in cherished moments with her family, friends, and beloved dogs. She enjoys outdoor activities and exploring her culinary skills trying new recipes.

Rebekka is board-certified by the National Commission for Certification of Physician Assistants and holds licensure from the State of Florida Board of Medicine. She is an active member of the Society of Dermatology Physician Assistants and the American Academy of Physician Assistants, embodying her commitment to ongoing professional development and excellence in healthcare.

Alexander Daoud, MD, is a Board-Certified, Fellowship-Trained Dermatologist and Mohs Micrographic Surgeon with additional Fellowship Training in Cosmetic, Laser, and Vein Surgery. He sees patients at the Lake Mary and Winter Park, Florida, locations of Knight Dermatology Institute: A Forefront Dermatology Practice.

Dr. Daoud’s philosophy of patient care is that he and his patients are a team on the journey to optimal health. Through open communication, friendliness, and a persistent drive to advocate for his patient’s interests, he takes a conversational yet professional approach to patient encounters that leaves patients feeling empowered in their own care.

Education and training

Dr. Daoud attended Emory University for his undergraduate studies and then attended the Florida International University College of Medicine as the recipient of a full-tuition, merit-based academic scholarship. He was inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society as a Junior Medical Student and graduated as Valedictorian of his medical school class in 2016.

After medical school, Dr. Daoud completed an Internship in Internal Medicine at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City. He then moved to Long Island, NY, to complete a residency in Dermatology at Stony Brook University Hospital, where he served as Chief Resident of the Northport Veteran Affairs Medical Center. As a resident, Dr. Daoud also trained at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Skin Cancer Center, focusing on the detection and management of cutaneous malignancies such as melanoma.

Following residency, Dr. Daoud completed two fellowships: first, a Cosmetic Dermatologic Surgery fellowship at the Johns Hopkins-affiliated Maryland, Laser, Skin, and Vein Institute. Here, he received advanced training in laser medicine and surgery, minimally invasive facial augmentation, and minimally invasive vein surgery. Thereafter, Dr. Daoud completed a second fellowship in Mohs Micrographic Surgery and Dermatologic Oncology at the University of Florida College of Medicine, training extensively in the surgical management and reconstructive surgery associated with cosmetically and functionally concerning skin cancers. During Fellowship, Dr. Daoud precepted the Resident Cosmetic Clinic, teaching advanced cosmetic procedures to both Dermatology and Plastic Surgery residents.

Research

Dr. Daoud’s research work has been published in peer-reviewed journal publications and textbooks, and he has conducted and served as co-investigator for clinical studies in cosmetic, surgical dermatology, and complex medical dermatology. He has presented on laser medicine, vein surgery, surgical dermatology, and aesthetic advancements at dermatology conferences worldwide, and he teaches the next generation of physicians as an Associate Professor of both Dermatology and Surgery at the Florida International University College of Medicine in Miami, FL.

Personal Life

When not in surgical scrubs, Dr. Daoud can be found weightlifting, practicing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, playing guitar, and wearing a genuinely astounding amount of sunscreen.

Board-certified dermatologist Francis Iacobellis, MD, brings a wealth of experience to the team at Knight Dermatology Institute: A Forefront Dermatology Practice. He sees patients from the practice's offices in Orlando, Lake Mary, and Melbourne, Florida.

Dr. Iacobellis, intimately referred to as “Dr. I” by his patients, is an Ivy League-trained dermatologist who — for almost 40 years — ran a successful private practice in the Upper East Side of Manhattan. He treated patients from all walks of life and from many different countries, often with a wide variety of esoteric diseases. 

While running his private practice, Dr. Iacobellis held the position of Assistant Clinical Professor of Dermatology at Cornell University Medical Center, where he helped train elite residents. His teaching career was recognized by a Presidential Citation from the American Academy of Dermatology for excellence in resident education earlier this year. 

Dr. Iacobellis has given over 500 academic lectures locally, nationally, and internationally at numerous medical meetings, hospitals, office presentations, and local dinner meetings on medications for psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, skin cancer, and aging. He has also played a role in AAD Advocacy by holding posts as president of a number of prestigious medical and political societies, most recently as a committee member in the AAD Committee of Professionalism and Ethics.

 Having been born in Harlem, New York City, Dr. Iacobellis has treated patients with every possible ethnic background. He still enjoys the diversity that sparks the practice of dermatology.

Dr. Iacobellis is accepting new patients at Knight Dermatology Institute: A Forefront Dermatology Practice in Orlando, Lake Mary, and Melbourne, Florida.

Arianna Salmon PA-C (formerly known as Arianna Piza Cueva, PA-C) is a certified Physician Assistant specializing in Dermatology at Knight Dermatology Institute: A Forefront Dermatology Practice. Arianna Salmon PA-C (formerly known as Arianna Piza Cueva PA-C) serves Knight Dermatology Institute: A Forefront Dermatology Practice patients in the Lake Mary and Orlando, Florida, communities. She is currently seeing new patients. 

Arianna Salmon PA-C (formerly known as Arianna Piza Cueva, PA-C) was born in Lima, Peru, and immigrated to the United States when she was six years old. She is fluent in both English and Spanish, which allows her to provide high-quality care to patients from diverse backgrounds. 

After earning her Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from Florida State University in Tallahassee, Arianna went on to complete her Master's of Medical Science in Physician Assistant Studies at Nova Southeastern University in Fort Myers. She takes a detail-oriented and patient-first approach to medicine to make sure that her patients get the care that they need. 

Arianna joined the Knight Dermatology Institute: A Forefront Dermatology Practice team in January 2021 and completed a year-long training with Dr. Knight. She is board-certified by the National Commission for Certification of Physician Assistants and licensed by the State of Florida Board of Medicine.