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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. 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.

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.

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.

Janelle Bauer, APRN, is a family nurse practitioner at The Wellness Clinic at New Tampa Interventional Pain & Sports Medicine in Wesley Chapel, Florida.

After graduating high school, she started her health care journey as a nursing assistant. Janelle pursued her bachelor’s and master’s degrees at the University of South Florida in Hillsborough County, Florida. She holds certification through the American Association of Nurse Practitioners and the American Nurses Credentialing Center. 

At New Tampa Interventional Pain & Sports Medicine’s Wellness Clinic, Janelle offers compassionate care, working closely with all patients to enhance their wellness and provide them with the best experience. She takes a preventive approach to health care, encouraging her patients to implement healthy lifestyle choices in their daily lives. 

Joining the practice in 2021, Janelle has become an integral part of the practice family and offers a wealth of experience. She looks forward to working with you and delivering the care you need to look and stay healthy. 

Dr. Nelson is board certified in Family Medicine and Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT) by the the American Osteopathic Association upon the recommendation of the American Osteopathic Board of Family Physicians. He completed his medical degree at Lincoln Memorial University DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine in Harrogate, TN. After medical school, Dr. Nelson completed his residency training in Family Medicine at Largo Medical Center, Largo, FL. Before joining APC Health, Dr. Nelson served in the United States Air Force as Staff Family Physician and is now a proud Veteran of the United States Armed Forces in good standing. Dr. Nelson is unique in that he is compassionate about primary care medicine and provides highly personalized care for his patients to improve their quality of life. Dr. Nelson is readily available for your comprehensive healthcare needs at our Brandon office location.

Dyan Harvey, DO, is a board-certified physician specializing in cosmetic, medical, and surgical dermatology. She founded Unique Dermatology & Wellness Center, which serves patients in Valrico, Florida, as well as the surrounding areas.

Dr. Harvey is extensively trained in all areas of dermatology and has a particular interest in skin cancer detection and treatment, skin care, acne, and aesthetics. She performs all cosmetic injectable procedures personally.

With experience and training in all skin types, Dr. Harvey remains one of the leading authorities in the treatment of ethnic skin concerns. She is an expert in providing cosmetic and skin care services to people of Asian, Indian, and Latin heritage.

A native of Florida, Dr. Harvey earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Central Florida and then went on to attend medical school at Nova Southeastern College in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. She finished her internship and residency at Wellington Regional Medical Center in South Florida, where she was involved in instructing and training medical students as she worked alongside reputed professionals in the dermatology program. Following her residency, Dr. Harvey pursued additional dermatology training.

Dr. Harvey is currently on the medical staff of South Florida Baptist Hospital and is an active member of the American Osteopathic Association, the American Academy of Family Physicians, and the American Medical Association.

When not working with her patients, Dr. Harvey enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, reading, and being outdoors in nature.

• Dr. Dhaliwal has been practicing in the Pasco County area for close to 30 years, having joined MPM North Bay Hospital, New Port Richey, Florida, in 1997.
• She earned her Medical Degree from the Government Medical College, Amritsar, in India, and completed Anesthesiology Residency Program at Long Island Jewish Hospital in New York City and Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami.
• Dr. Dhaliwal is board-certified in Anesthesiology by the American Board of Anesthesiology and is a member of the American Society of Anesthesiologists and the Florida Society of Anesthesiologists.
• She also works as a General Practitioner in the Primary Care Walk-in Clinic from time to time to give coverage in both New Port Richey and Spring Hill offices.
• Dr. Dhaliwal is soft-spoken, a good listener, and known for her charisma.
• For her services, she was recognized as Physician of First Quarter of 2020 and, after serving as Surgery Department Chair for 4 years, Vice President for 4 years, and now elected as President of Medical Staff at MPM North Bay Hospital.
• She enjoys her spare time with the family, watching Operas.
• Married to Dr. Gunwant Dhaliwal and has 2 sons.

Poonam Malhotra, MD, is a family medicine physician at Central Clinic in Spring Hill, Florida. She is proud to provide comprehensive internal medicine and primary care services as well as womens health care.

Dr. Malhotra earned her Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) from Kasturba Medical College in Mangalore, India before she earned a diplomate in Medical Radio Diagnosis (DMRD) at Tata Memorial Cancer Research Centre in Mumbai, India.

She has an MD in family practice from the Morton Plan Mease, USF program, in Clearwater, Florida. 

Dr. Malhotra has been practicing at Central Clinic since 2005 and warmly welcomes patients to the practice. 

Our list of services include treatment of diabetes, hypertension, depression, anxiety, deaddiction from opiates and smoking cessation and treatment of obesity among many other services.