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

Dr Abisoye (Abi) Somorin is accepting new patients for tele-psych visits. He is a dual certified Family practice and Psychiatric mental health provider with wide ranging healthcare experience taking care of patients with PTSD, OCD, anxiety, depression and mood disorders, both inpatient and outpatient. Dr 'Abi' has more than a decade experience in psychiatry mental health. He badged his doctorate from the Florida State University and also a certificate in psychiatry from the same University.

At Kalon Primary Care and Wellness, we believe in personalized, compassionate care that treats the whole person, not just the diagnosis. Led by Dr. Nargiza Ayupova, DNP, our practice offers a modern approach to primary care, combining evidence-based medicine with wellness-focused services. We specialize in chronic disease management, preventive health, women's wellness, weight loss, and mental health support, IV infusions and more. We see patients 18 years and older. Whether seen in-person and virtually, every patient receives attentive, respectful care tailored to their unique goals and lifestyle. We value long-term relationships, open communication, and shared decision-making. With flexible scheduling, bilingual support (English/Russian/Uzbek), and a welcoming environment, we are proud to serve our local community with integrity and heart.

With over 12 years working in a patient care setting, Punwattie Ramnaraine, FNP-BC, is a dedicated and compassionate family nurse practitioner. At Marion Physician Associates, P.A. in Downtown Ocala and Ocala West, Florida, Punwattie is known for caring for patients just as she would for her own family.

Punwattie earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the Long Island University Brooklyn in New York. She went on to earn her Master of Science in family nurse practitioner from Lehman College of The City University of New York in the Bronx. Punwattie is currently board-certified as a family nurse practitioner through the American Nurses Credentialing Center.

Punwattie, the mother of three wonderful daughters who are all successful physicians, takes pride in providing personalized care. She’s committed to integrative treatments and comprehensive follow-up care. Punwattie truly wants to understand her patients’ concerns, answer their questions, and engage them in a customized plan of care.

Emily Hawkins, APRN, NP - C, is a nurse practitioner practicing at Marion Heart Center & Marion Physician Associates, which is located in Downtown Ocala and Ocala West, Florida. She joined our practice in March 2022 and believes in unique healthcare based on individual needs. She specializes in family care and internal medicine, providing complete and comprehensive treatment for all your loved ones. 

Mrs. Hawkins is a 2017 honors graduate of South University (Master of Science in Nursing) and Rasmussen College (Bachelor of Science in Nursing). She has served in the Ocala community as a health care provider for 20 years and believes in personalized care, empowering patients to make informed decisions about their health, whether it's cardiac intervention, diabetic management, hypertension treatments, vein disease, or some other procedure. 

To schedule an appointment with Mrs. Hawkins and the team at Marion Heart Center & Marion Physician Associates, call the nearest office or request an appointment online today. 

Ahad Jiva is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner who earned his Master of Science in Nursing from South University in 2025. He began his career in healthcare working at West Marion Hospital in orthopedic surgery before transitioning into family practice. His clinical interests include health promotion, weight-loss management, chronic disease management, and preventative health.

Outside of medicine, he enjoys playing tennis, traveling, and spending time with his family.

He speaks fluent Spanish

Richard Lam, FNP, is a dedicated family nurse practitioner serving the Longwood, Florida, community at One World Pediatrics. With a strong foundation in nursing and a commitment to promoting health and wellness, Richard brings a wealth of experience and compassion to his practice.

Having earned his master's degree from ECPI University in Virginia Beach, Richard's journey in healthcare began as a registered nurse in the major hospitals of Central Florida. Over ten years, he garnered invaluable experience in acute care settings, specializing in the treatment of burns, trauma, and emergency care for patients of all ages, including pediatrics.

Richard's passion for preventive medicine and promoting healthy lifestyles led him to pursue further education as a family nurse practitioner. Equipped with his advanced training and expertise, he is dedicated to empowering patients and families to take proactive steps toward optimal health.

With a particular interest in child development, Richard is deeply committed to providing comprehensive care to pediatric patients, ensuring that each child receives the attention and support they need to thrive.

Outside of his professional pursuits, Richard cherishes the time spent creating lasting memories with his family and friends. His warm and caring nature, coupled with his dedication to preventive healthcare, makes him a valued member of the Longwood Pediatrics team.

Dr. Ashton C. Brinson, MD is a committed family medicine physician who uses his expertise, training, and education to help patients every day. His own drive for health and wellness drives his passion to help others achieve their health and wellness goals. Dr. Brinson graduated from Edgewater High School in 1986 after growing up in Orlando, Florida, and later attended Hampton University in Hampton, Virginia. He graduated from Meharry Medical College in Nashville, Tennessee and completed his internship at Warren Hospital in Phillipsburg, New Jersey. He then went on to complete his Family Practice residency training at Lutheran Medical Center in Brooklyn, New York, obtaining the necessary training to practice in the field and ensure his patients receive the care and consultation they need. Allow me to help you look your best, feel your best, and be your best.

Dr. Ronoel Penalver is a board-certified Internal Medicine physician serving patients at FSCDR’s Hollywood, Florida location. He provides comprehensive care focused on prevention, chronic disease management, and improving long-term health outcomes for individuals living with sickle cell disease.

In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Penalver contributes to clinical research efforts that support the advancement of treatment options and patient care. He is committed to delivering compassionate, evidence-based care while helping expand access to innovative therapies and medical resources for the communities FSCDR serves.

Dr. Kennessa Hugger is a physician serving patients across FSCDR’s North Florida locations, including Tallahassee, Jacksonville, Pensacola, and Panama City. She is dedicated to providing compassionate, patient-centered care to individuals living with sickle cell disease, with a focus on improving health outcomes through education, prevention, and comprehensive treatment support. Dr. Hugger is committed to ensuring patients throughout North Florida have access to quality care and resources close to home.

About Us

The Foundation for Sickle Cell Disease Research (FSCDR) is a renowned organization solely focused on medical care and clinical research opportunities for those living with Sickle Cell Disease. FSCDR has locations across the State of Florida. Its Flagship is in Hollywood, Florida.

As the only organization in the United States with standalone sickle cell Centers of Excellence, The Foundation for Sickle Cell Disease Research welcomes patients from all over the world. The team of physicians, specialists, care coordinators, case managers, and social work professionals combine to provide all-inclusive care for children and adults with sickle cell disease.

Their stated mission is to tirelessly research, inform, hear, respect, treat, and support all individuals with sickle cell disease, and to make the disease a livable, non-threatening condition. In addition, they do innovative diagnostic testing, such as transcranial Doppler ultrasounds, X-rays, and medical treatments, including infusion services.

The team at The Foundation for Sickle Cell Disease Research works with other medical and education professionals to ensure that their patients of all ages receive the care and support they need to thrive, ranging from vaccinations to medication management and social work services.

Along with school individualized educational plan (IEP) support, disability application assistance, and case management, they help patients work through the social determinants of health to ensure patients receive the proper support they need.

To schedule an appointment with The Foundation for Sickle Cell Disease Research, call or book online today.

Gershwin Blyden, MD, PhD, FCP, FACP, is a board-certified hematologist-oncologist and medical director of The Foundation for Sickle Cell Disease Research, with locations in Homestead, Orlando, Lakeland, Jacksonville, Belle Glade, Tallahassee, and Hollywood, Florida. With more than 40 years of diverse experience, Dr. Blyden is an esteemed physician in his field.

After receiving his bachelor’s degree in plant science from the Tuskegee Institute (now Tuskegee University) in Tuskegee, Alabama, in 1967, Dr. Blyden earned a PhD in pharmacology from prestigious Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut, in 1976. Just three years later, he also earned his medical doctorate cum laude from Yale University.

In 1985, Dr. Blyden completed an internal medicine internship at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts. That same year, he also finished his hematology/oncology and clinical pharmacology fellowship at Tufts Medical Center in Boston, Massachusetts. 

After graduating and completing his training, Dr. Blyden worked as an adjunct professor for the Barry University School of Podiatric Medicine in Miami Shores, Florida, an associate clinical professor of hematology and oncology at the University of Miami School of Medicine in Miami, Florida, and as an associate professor of clinical pharmacy and director of the Clinical Pharmacology Research Unit at Florida A&M University’s Miami location.

Today, Dr. Blyden is a leader in the field of sickle cell treatment, case management, and research. He provides comprehensive care for chronic diseases, with a special emphasis on sickle cell anemia. 

Dr. Blyden offers a variety of infusion services, school individualized education program (IEP) support, transcranial Doppler ultrasounds, and more.