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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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

Dr. Cortti Ferrari will be joining the AssociatesMD team soon!

Dr. Maria R. Cortti Ferrari was born in Asunción, Paraguay, and earned her medical degree from the Universidad Nacional de Asunción, completing six years of rigorous training. Her clinical education included rotations at top institutions such as Hospital de Clínicas, Sanatorio Migone, Centro Médico La Costa, and the Centro del Quemado (Burn Center), where she gained valuable experience in both general and specialized care.

In 2005, Dr. Cortti Ferrari moved to the United States, where she later began her U.S.-based medical training. In 2012, she completed a Transitional Year Residency at Sinai Grace Hospital in Michigan, followed by an Internal Medicine Residency from 2014 to 2017. She went on to complete a Nephrology Fellowship at Ascension St. John Hospital in Michigan in 2018.

After finishing her fellowship, Dr. Cortti Ferrari and her family relocated to Florida in 2019, where she initially practiced as a nephrologist. Over time, she recognized the value of integrating her nephrology expertise into a broader scope of care and transitioned to primary care in 2021. Since then, she has been serving her community as a Primary Care Physician, offering comprehensive care with a deep understanding of complex chronic conditions.

Dr. Cortti Ferrari is married to Tadeo, also from Paraguay, and they are proud parents to Enzo (16), Celina (10), and their beloved dog Tito (4). In her free time, she enjoys running, playing the guitar, and being her children’s biggest fan at soccer matches and gymnastics competitions. She is passionate about building long-term relationships with her patients and helping them lead healthier lives through preventive care and compassionate support.

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.

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.