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

Stina McKenna, PA-C is a board-certified Physician Assistant who joined Associates in Dermatology in 2017. She earned her Bachelor of Science in behavioral neuroscience and minor in marine biology from Northeastern University in Boston, MA and then completed her Master of Medical Science degree at Tufts University School of Medicine in Boston, MA, where she graduated with summa cum laude academic standing.  

Stina continued her training by working with several board-certified dermatologists and Mohs surgeons in the Greater Boston area to hone her skills to execute a variety of dermatologic surgical procedures. Stina was also awarded Diplomate Fellowship status with the Society of Dermatology Physician Assistants (SDPA) – representing the highest level of training for a Dermatology PA.   

Stina takes pride in conducting thorough skin examinations utilizing dermoscopy. She believes in taking the time necessary to educate her patients on their diagnoses and address all their questions and concerns. Stina emphasizes the importance of sun protection and formulates healthy skin care regimens for each of her patients. 

Stina McKenna, PA-C is accepting new patients at Associates in Dermatology at the Fort Myers, Cape Coral, and Punta Gorda offices. She works closely and in collaboration with Dr. Shari Skinner, MD and Dr. Laertes Manuelidis, MD to ensure her patients receive the highest quality of care. She sees adult and pediatric patients for all conditions of the hair, skin, and nails. 

Education 

• Master of Medical Science (summa cum laude) - Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 
• Bachelor of Science in Behavioral Neuroscience (magnum cum laude) - Northeastern University, Boston, MA 

Professional Affiliations 

• Society of Dermatology Physician Assistants (SDPA), Diplomate Fellow 
• Florida Society of Dermatology Physician Assistants (FSDPA), Fellow 
• American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA), Fellow  

Professional Certifications and Licensures

• Florida State Physician Assistant License 
• NCCPA Board-Certified Physician Assistant 

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.

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.

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.

Welcome to our women's-only primary care clinic, where your health is our priority! We serve as a full-spectrum primary care provider, passionately integrating conventional medicine with holistic and lifestyle-centered approaches. In addition to essential services like pregnancy testing, lab work, urinalysis, and prescription management, we specialize in empowering women to take charge of their health through tailored hormone optimization, weight management, and nutrition support. Our care extends beyond the basics, offering integrative solutions for pre- and postpartum wellness, chronic disease management, sexual health, peri-menopause support, and more! Whether through in-person visits or convenient telehealth, we ensure timely access to your provider, including 48-hour business day portal response times for all patient messages. * Take the next step today by scheduling your appointment NOW at www.aboutthev.com * Learn More About Our Membership and Package Options!

With healthcare becoming more expensive, many residents of Lehigh Acres and throughout Southwest Florida are concerned about obtaining high quality medical services within a realistic budget. 

Galenus Group is a group medical practice founded to deliver outstanding care within an affordable cost structure, where the team of practitioners shares a passion for personalized care. They also take great pride in offering cutting-edge health services using state-of-the-art medical technology, from primary care to outpatient services.

Preventive care is a central focus, including comprehensive annual physical exams, laboratory services, and onsite blood draws. When health issues arise, acute care options through the medical clinic focus on diagnosing symptoms swiftly and putting patients on an immediate treatment track. 

Patients with one or more chronic health conditions, such as diabetes or hypertension, rely on chronic care management to improve their quality of life. With proper care and diligence, patients can even reduce their risk of negative outcomes related to chronic disease.  

The physicians, medical support staff, and administrative professionals at Galenus Group share a dedication to keeping members of their community as healthy and happy as possible. The practice motto, “Great physicians & quality care you can trust,” is exemplified through each and every patient interaction.

Galenus Group offers value-based payment structures designed to make high quality care accessible and affordable. 

The practice is a proud partner of Aetna Medicare and offers Medicare annual wellness exams and low or no deductibles or copayments in certain circumstances. Patients have access to telemedicine services in addition to a 24/7 nurse advice hotline.

Residents of Lehigh Acres and the rest of Southwest Florida can learn more about the benefits available through Galenus Group by booking an initial visit online or by phone.

James J. Talano, MHA, FACHE established SWICFT in 2005 alongside his father, and in 2007 assumed the role of Administrative Director and began building the Group. Jim is also the co-founder and Managing Director of Southwest Florida Research, a research center of excellence for the administration of Phase II-IV clinical trials in pharmaceutical and medical devices. Jim received a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Northwestern University, a Master of Healthcare Administration degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and is a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives.

Jim has had a diverse career that has spanned many facets of the health care field. He has held the positions of Director of Managed Care and IT Integration for Northeast Health Systems, an integrated delivery system located outside of Boston, MA. He was a manager with the Chicago office of First Consulting Group specializing in healthcare information technology and strategy consulting. He held the title of Chief Financial Officer and Vice President of Business Development for Medical Systems Management (MSM), a Boston-area-based medical software company, and then went on the become a Vice President with and later serve on the Board of Directors of Picis after helping orchestrate the merger of Picis and MSM. Jim has since been involved in several healthcare-related entrepreneurial ventures and sold a home health and geriatric care management company in 2010 that he developed and grew through the acquisition and merger of two Naples-based companies.

Jim recently served as President of the Western Florida Chapter of the American College of Healthcare Executives. He was also a founding Board Member and is currently a Mentor for FusionPointe, a venture development organization driving economic impact in the region by helping to increase the number of investment-ready companies.

LinkedIn

Elyse Cohen, MD, is a board-certified internal medicine specialist serving patients at Cohen Concierge in Naples, Florida. 

Dr. Cohen was born and raised in suburban Chicago. As a child, she dreamed of becoming a doctor like her dad. She graduated as the salutatorian of her high school class of nearly 1100 students. She then graduated pre-med from Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri. 

After completing her undergrad studies, Dr. Cohen returned to downtown Chicago to attend medical school and residency at Northwestern University. After completing residency training in 2015, she gained experience working for large organizations and small private groups before starting her practice.

While she is passionate about medicine, her interests extend far beyond medicine. She is an avid animal lover and has an especially soft spot in her heart for her doting Shih Tzu, Buddy. Dr. Cohen also enjoys baking, shopping, interior design, reading, and exercising. She was previously an avid figure skater, ballet dancer, and cheerleader.

Dr. Cohen looks forward to welcoming patients at Cohen Concierge in Naples, Florida.