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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.

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.

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.

La Bonne Sante Clinic is a wellness and mental health center in Florida, run by Sargine Brutus, MD, MPH. She is passionate about treating challenging cases, particularly those where alternative medicine could offer additional benefits to conventional approaches.

Dr. Brutus completed her studies at New York Medical College in Valhalla, New York, and is an experienced emergency room (ER) doctor with more than 20 years of practice. Her approach to patient care is that medicine goes beyond simply prescribing a pill. She sees it as a holistic practice that must consider the entire patient — physically, emotionally, and socially.

Psychiatric conditions and symptoms Dr. Brutus diagnoses and treats include anxiety, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), bipolar disorder, insomnia, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), depression, and substance use disorder implementing the world of ketamine infusions, naltrexone, and suboxone. She uses proven addiction management methods incorporating withdrawal medications and talk therapies.

Another area of expertise at La Bonne Sante Clinic is pain management, including neuropathy and chronic pain managment. Treatment programs combine traditional approaches and psychology with the most effective complementary therapies, like the Nerve Reviver system and stem cell therapy solutions. Dr. Brutus uses data to guide her decisions while maintaining a hands-on approach to care.

The pandemic profoundly influenced Dr. Brutus’s perspective on medicine, reinforcing her commitment to a comprehensive, patient-centered approach and ensuring patients feel seen, heard, and supported as they navigate their most challenging moments. She understands that each patient’s experience is shaped by factors like family dynamics, social situations, and living conditions, and she incorporates this information into her treatment plans.

By considering the whole person, Dr. Brutus offers not just medical treatment but also hope. Her wealth of experience working with diverse patients means she has a unique ability to connect with individuals from all walks of life.

Call La Bonne Sante Clinic to learn more or schedule a consultation via the online booking form today.

Dr. Nicole Nicophene is a board-certified family practitioner specializing in comprehensive health care for people of all ages. She attended University of Florida where she graduated from the College of Medicine and went on to complete her residency at Tallahassee Memorial Family Medicine. Dr. Nicophene has spend the last thirteen years of her career building her reputation as a diverse and knowledgeable doctor in preventative care, diabetes, and chronic care managment. 

As a strong advocate for preventitive care, Dr. Nicophene emphasizes health promotion and disease prevention. She works closely with patients to develop personalized wellness strategies, empowering them to take control of their health and make informed decisions about their care. 

Recently she has been awarded the Marquis award for "Who's Who Top Doctors" for the years 2021 and 2022. Dr. Nicophene prides herself on the instrumental and valuable role she has taken on as a healthcare advocate in the Haitian community and her commitment to servicing others through the volunteer hours she has given to the Diabetes Community Health Project. 

In her time away from practicing medicine, Dr. Nicophene likes running, exercising, playing piano, dancing and singing. She enjoys teaching as well as spending time with friends and family. She speaks Enghlish and Haitian Creole fluently. 

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.

Andrea J. Ramsay, MD, is a skilled primary care physician serving patients from the Plantation, Florida, office of AssociatesMD. 

Dr. Ramsay always had a dream and desire to become a special kind of doctor. Growing up in Miami, Florida, she attended the University of Florida and St. George’s University School of Medicine to begin a lifelong journey and dedication to the medical profession.

As Dr. Ramsay decided on her specialty, she pursued training in Surgery, Emergency Medicine, Trauma, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Plastic Surgery, and then Family Medicine – Family Medicine became her true calling because she could do a little bit of everything.

After spending a year in Buffalo, New York, for a Family Medicine Internship, she returned home to complete her residency at the University of Miami. The Jackson Memorial Hospital experience allowed her to speak medical Spanish fluently. 

Since 2015, Dr. Ramsay has been with AssociatesMD. She has long-term patients who have followed her from the Pembroke Pines office because they feel she has saved and improved their lives in a significant manner and is compassionate in her care. Her patients feel safe and comfortable and appreciate her experience in knowing what works best and shifting when a new approach is necessary. It is a partnership where both parties are involved in caring/healing because neither can happen independently.

Dr. Andrea J. Ramsay is board certified in Family Medicine and has over 25 years of experience. She continues training in Integrative Medicine, including Ayurvedic Medicine, supplements, and herbal medicine, and supports healing in mental health/cognitive behavioral therapy.

Dr. Ramsay’s 3 Basic Principles:

#1.: Golden Rule. “Treat the patient like you want to be treated and treat them like they are family.”
#2. Live a Healthy and Spiritual Life. Don’t just talk the talk but walk the walk.
#3. Keep it simple. “Medicine and Insurance companies can get very complicated. It is my job to be a wise filter. I am here to understand, help diagnose, and treat and provide the best quality care for each and every patient.”

Languages Spoken: English, Spanish

Jennifer L. Curro, APRN, is a Board Certified Nurse Practitioner at AssociatesMD. She is proud to provide exceptional care to patients at the practice's Plantation, Florida, location. 

Jennifer originally attended the University of Phoenix in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, where she received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing. 

While working full-time in the Emergency Department of a well-known and loved Hospital in Weston, Florida, she completed her Master's in Nursing with a specialization in Family Practice. Her hard work and dedication paid off as she graduated with honors from both programs.

Jennifer is an active member of several professional organizations, including the Nurse Practitioner Council of Palm Beach County, the South Florida Council of Advance Practice Nurses, Inc., the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, the Emergency Nurses Association, and Sigma Theta Tau, The International Honor Society of Nursing. 

At AssociatesMD, Jennifer enjoys working collaboratively with her patients to find ways to improve their overall health. Her plan of care objectives for her patients are based on health promotion and disease prevention. In her free time, Jennifer enjoys spending time with her family and friends.

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

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.

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.