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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.

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.

Dr. Dollie Green is a nephrologist and Network Director of Nephrology Services supporting patients served by FSCDR. She specializes in kidney health and the management of conditions that affect renal function, including complications associated with sickle cell disease.

Anthony Shydohub, MD, is a Neurologist specializing in neurophysiology/epilepsy.  He received his medical degree at the American University of the Caribbean.  Dr. Shydohub completed neurology residency at the University of South Alabama. 

 Following residency, Dr. Shydohub completed his Neurophysiology Fellowship at the University of University of New Mexico.  He is trained in electromyography (EMG) and specializes in treating patients with neuromuscular diseases.

 Dr. Shydohub is accepting both new and established patients at The Neurology Institute.  He looks forward to providing you with the highest level of care possible.

Slyllia Thompson is a Registered Nurse and Certified Nurse Practitioner with over 12 years of demonstrated nursing experience, spanning dynamic healthcare settings; in areas of Primary Care, Research, Assisted Living Facilities and Home Health. She graduated from Barry University in Miami with a BSN degree and went on to pursue her MSN degree at Florida A&M University in Tallahassee. She is a member of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners. She believes in patient centered care and optimizing the best healthcare outcomes for her patients. She enjoys spending time with her family, attending her kids sporting events, traveling, volunteering in her community and a home cooked meal.

Lorend Pinedo Suarez, born and raised in Venezuela, Lorend felt her calling from a young age and it was reinforced by her surroundings, as she grew up in a family of medical professionals in her home country.

Proudly graduating from La Universidad del Zulia, she earned her Doctor of Medicine degree in 2015.

Given the political and social circumstances in her country, she decided to embark on a new chapter in the United States. 

After years of hard work and dedication, Lorend achieved her qualifications as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN), Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP-C).

She has a strong background in patient-centered care, clinical management, and chronic disease management. With extensive expertise in case management, transitional care, and emergency medicine, Lorend is dedicated to improving patient outcomes through evidence-based practices and compassionate healthcare.

With fluency in both English and Spanish, Lorend is committed to providing culturally competent care to diverse patient populations. Her leadership, clinical expertise, and dedication to continuous improvement make her a valuable asset in any healthcare setting.

Languages Spoken: English, Spanish

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.

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.

Amanda Berg, MD, is a skilled, board-certified internist at AssociatesMD in Plantation, Florida.

Originally from Michigan, Dr. Berg completed medical school in Detroit at Wayne State University, then moved to New Orleans for her intern year at Tulane. After Hurricane Katrina, she returned to Detroit and finished her residency training at the Detroit Medical Center. Following her training, she followed the rest of her family to Florida for the sun and warm weather.

Dr. Berg is passionate about metabolic syndrome, including elevated cholesterol, diabetes, and hypertension, often working closely with patients on diet and nutrition to help improve these medical conditions. She has been practicing medicine for over 10 years and feels comfortable treating many medical problems. She will go out of her way to ensure her patients always get 100% of her attention, and she treats every patient like family.

Dr. Berg lives with her three sons and husband. When not at work, you can find her traveling, exercising, and chasing her kids around.

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.

Dr. Denise Dvorquez earned her medical degree from the Catholic University of Santiago de Guayaquil in Ecuador in 2007. She began her medical career as a primary care physician in the Galápagos Islands, where she served the local community for one year. Driven by a passion for public health, she was awarded a prestigious Fulbright Scholarship and completed a master's degree in public health at Johns Hopkins University.

Following her graduate studies, Dr. Dvorquez returned to Ecuador to teach at her alma mater before relocating to the United States to pursue her residency in Internal Medicine at Jackson Memorial Hospital/University of Miami. She is board certified in Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine and also holds certification from the American Board of Obesity Medicine.

Dr. Dvorquez has since practiced primary care in both Washington State and California, with a strong commitment to preventive care and chronic disease management. Outside of medicine, she enjoys the ocean, outdoor adventures, and camping. She values quality time with her son and loves playing soccer with him. Dr. Dvorquez is bilingual in English and Spanish.

Languages Spoken: English, Spanish