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As a board certified Physician Assistant, Debi has over 30 years of experience in various medical fields, such as, Emergency Medicine, Occupational Medicine,  and Urgent Care. Debi worked at the Maryland Air National Guard, then army reserves for 13 years,  and then she was commissioned as an officer in the Army as a Physician Assistant.   

Debi’s compassionate and caring nature in addition to her extensive medical background makes her an excellent medical practitioner.

Dr. Ron Rakowski, a board-certified Emergency Medicine physician for more than 25 years, was born and raised in Northern New Jersey and received his undergraduate degree in Biology with honors from Harvard College.  He graduated from University of Maryland School of Medicine in Baltimore, MD and completed his Emergency Medicine residency as an active duty USAF officer in the integrated program at Wright Patterson AFB / Wright State University in Dayton, OH.  After achieving the rank of Major and completing his obligation to the USAF at The First Fighter Wing Hospital Langley AFB, he separated from the military and became a staff physician and director of the Emergency Department at Mary Immaculate Hospital in Newport News, VA.  In 2001, following the birth of his third child, he and his family relocated to Maryland, where he became a staff physician at Frederick Memorial Hospital’s Emergency Department, eventually becoming its Vice Chairman and then Medical Director.

 

Dr. Rakowski left FMH after 13 years and since has held various appointments, including as an internal travel physician with TeamHealth (staff EM physician at St. Joseph’s in Syracuse, NY and staff EM physician and director at St. Joseph’s in Reading, PA), staff EM physician with Holy Cross Hospital (Germantown, MD), staff EM physician with UPMC (Susquehanna / Williamsport, PA), and staff EM physician with WellSpan (Gettysburg, PA and Good Samaritan in Lebanon, PA).  When not in the ED, Dr. Rakowski has organized several medical mission trips to the Amazon basin in Peru and the mountain communities in Costa Rica.  

He continues to reside in Maryland with his wife and two dogs.  Dr. Rakowski looks forward to his involvement with RediCare Mobile Health Service and the impact the organization will have in keeping our communities at home, safe and healthy.

John Watts Haresch, MD is a family medicine physician who joined the practice in 2024. He currently focuses on the care of older adults. He previously served as a Regional Medical Officer with the U.S. Department of State, operated a full-spectrum private practice, and has been medical director of organizations meeting the needs of underserved communities. He completed medical school and family medicine residency in the University of North Carolina system.

For over 10 years, I have been combining conventional and innovative methods to modern medicine in order to attain unbelievable healing results for my patients. Through active listening and thoughtful questioning, I am able to deliver high-quality care that utilizes the most advancement in medicine. I am particularly interested in health prevention, creating access and delivery of care that is cost-effective and appropriate for the individual. I graduated in 2009 with honors, where I completed my clinical training in Family Medicine. I am a board certified Family Nurse Practitioner. I was also a clinical faculty at DeSales University for 5 where I had the privilege of helping to mentor the next generation of nurse practitioners.

Capital City Primary and Immediate Care’s approach to family medicine gives you the flexibility to focus on your health when it works for you. Fernando Porter, MD, and the attentive care team partner with you to support your day-to-day health and self-care routines, at the office location in Silver Spring, Maryland. When you’re sick and need care, the team is standing by around the clock. They will be available to you 24/7 virtually or in-person during routine office hours with providers that can help get you on track. They’ll take the hassle and guesswork out of feeling better.

When you need to manage urgent, preventive, or chronic health conditions, we try our very best to make it easy and are there for you at the touch of a button. From healthy eating to vaccinations and preventive physical exams, we provide trusted health care solutions that are driven by compassion, integration of technology, and use of the most up-to-date, evidence-based information.

Capital City Primary and Immediate Care is a proud member of Privia Medical Group - a physician-led, multi-specialty, national medical group.

To make an appointment, call Capital City Primary and Immediate Care or book an appointment online today.

Abraham Mbangowah, MSN, FNP, is a compassionate family nurse practitioner with nearly 15 years of experience working with patients of all ages. He’s highly skilled in all areas of primary, urgent, and preventive care.

Abraham earned his associate's degree in general studies at Prince George’s Community College in Largo, Maryland. He received his bachelor’s degree in nursing at Coppin State University in Baltimore, Maryland, where he graduated cum laude and was a member of the Mary Mahoney Honors Society. Abraham received his master’s degree and family nurse practitioner training at Chamberlain University in Irving, Texas. 

He’s a certified family nurse practitioner (FNP). Abraham specializes in general medicine and all areas of primary care, including the treatment of illnesses, diseases, and mental health conditions. He completes continuing education to provide the latest advances in medical care.

Abraham speaks English, French, and Creole. When he’s not working, he enjoys spending time with family and friends.

Abraham is passionate about caring for his patients and warmly welcomes them to Diversity Health Clinic LLC.  

Akukeng W. Mba, MSN, FNP, CFCS, is an experienced family nurse practitioner with 15 years of experience, including almost five experience as a foot care specialist. She’s highly skilled in exceeding the general and podiatry needs of patients aged 12 and older.

Akukeng received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in nursing and family nurse practitioner credentials from Coppin State University in Baltimore, Maryland. She is a registered nurse and family nurse practitioner (FNP) who maintains her advanced medical credentials with continuing education.

Akukeng has worked in hospital and clinic settings. She has expertise in medication administration, nursing education, critical care medicine, healthcare management, advanced cardiac life support, and foot care. Akukeng specializes in routine foot assessments, diabetic foot exams, callus debridement, and managing conditions that affect the toenails.

Akukeng loves spending time with her friends and family when she’s not caring for patients. She welcomes new and existing patients to Diversity Health Clinic LLC and looks forward to improving their health and quality of life. 

Melissa Falkowski attended Mount Saint Mary College where she graduated Summa Cum Laude with her Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree. Melissa has over 15 years of experience in the healthcare field, including Oncology, Preoperative and Postoperative care, and Operating Room experience. After working for 2 years in the Operating Room with Dr. Desai, Melissa joined the team at International Spine, Pain & Performance Center in 2017. As Chief Operating Officer, Melissa is focused on ensuring all clinical standards are met to guarantee that our patients receive optimal and cutting edge care. Melissa partners with the clinicians at ISPPC to execute our mission statement of being leaders in clinical excellence. In her spare time, Melissa enjoys traveling the world with her husband and daughters, and spending time with their family and friends.

Have over 35 years of experience in medicine. Attended VCU-MCV for undergraduate studies majoring in Biology and minoring in Chemistry. Attended Meharry Medical College in Nashville and completed my Family Medicine residency at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital system.

Abbi Lamparelli is a Nurse Practitioner with Gastro Centers of Maryland, bringing over a decade of hands-on clinical experience to her role. She began her career in medical-surgical and emergency medicine and transitioned into advanced practice nursing in 2023 after completing her training at Drexel University. She further advanced her education by earning a Doctor of Nursing Practice from Aspen University.

 

Abbi’s approach to patient care is deeply rooted in compassion and respect. She emphasizes a patient-centered, holistic, and evidence-based philosophy—ensuring that each individual receives personalized care tailored to their unique health journey. She remains committed to empowering patients with clear communication, shared decision-making, and attentive follow-up.

 

Beyond her clinical work, Abbi has a strong interest in healthcare research and ongoing professional development. Outside of work, Abbi enjoys reading, birdwatching, and trying new restaurants—interests that highlight her curiosity and appreciation for both quiet moments and fun new experiences.

Mrs. Monica Lovins, is a Certified Adult Nurse Practitioner who has been in health care for the last 40 years, advancing her career as a registered nurse in the ICU, Educator in the ICU as well as teaching at Catholic University of America while attaining her master’s in science with a GPA of 3.89, from Felician University, Lodi, New Jersey. She has received multiple nursing award to include excellence and expertise in multiple nursing modalities.

Monica joined Gastro Center of Maryland in 2017 after many years at John’s Hospital Bayview in the Department of Surgery, Bariatric Department. Her mission to treat all gastrointestinal diseases and facilitate, best outcomes for patients who suffer from chronic gastrointestinal diseases.

When off Monica enjoys quilting as well as spending time with family and friends.

Abbi Lamparelli is a Nurse Practitioner with Gastro Centers of Maryland, bringing over a decade of hands-on clinical experience to her role. She began her career in medical-surgical and emergency medicine and transitioned into advanced practice nursing in 2023 after completing her training at Drexel University. She further advanced her education by earning a Doctor of Nursing Practice from Aspen University.

 

Abbi’s approach to patient care is deeply rooted in compassion and respect. She emphasizes a patient-centered, holistic, and evidence-based philosophy—ensuring that each individual receives personalized care tailored to their unique health journey. She remains committed to empowering patients with clear communication, shared decision-making, and attentive follow-up.

 

Beyond her clinical work, Abbi has a strong interest in healthcare research and ongoing professional development. Outside of work, Abbi enjoys reading, birdwatching, and trying new restaurants—interests that highlight her curiosity and appreciation for both quiet moments and fun new experiences.

Colleen Abell is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner. She graduated with a Master of Science in Nursing from Georgetown University in 2006. She has practiced as a nurse practitioner for the past sixteen years. Ms. Abell's experience includes working in a family medical clinic, but she spent most of her career providing care for patients recovering from Bariatric and GI surgical/oncology procedures. Prior to becoming a nurse practitioner, Ms. Abell worked as a Registered Nurse in cardiology and emergency medicine.

Colleen joined the Gastro Center of Maryland in 2021 after relocating from the NY/NJ area. She is dedicated to being a great provider and advocate for her patients. Outside of work, Ms. Abell enjoys spending time with her husband and three boys.