Find a Top Family Doctor Near Me in Frederick, MD – Book an Appointment Instantly

Sandra Wittholz is a native of Mt. Pearl, Newfoundland, Canada. She received her Bachelors of Science in Nursing, with honors from the University of Kentucky and her Masters of Science in Nursing with a major in Women's Health from the University of Cincinnati. In 2002 she was awarded her Women's Health Nurse Practitioner Certificate from NCC; she was then licensed as a Certified Registered Nurse Practitioner- OB/GYN through the Maryland Board of Nursing in 2003 when site relocated to the state.

With over twenty years nursing experience, she has focused on Women's Health since 1997. Her previous work experience includes a position at Howard County General Hospital where she was a labor and delivery nurse. She is a member of the National Association of Nurse Practitioners in Women's Health. 

Sandra is an avid runner enjoying everything from 5k’s to full and half marathons. She and her husband, Mark, are the proud and busy parents of two children.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

Xinna Yi is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner with a Master of Science in Nursing from Wilkes University, which she completed in 2023. She brings a wealth of experience from her work in a family medical clinic and her previous role as a Registered Nurse specializing in cardiology medicine. Before transitioning to nursing, she graduated from medical school in China and gained one and a half years of experience as a gastrointestinal physician at an academic hospital in China.

 Xinna is committed to patient-centered care, employing a collaborative, team-based approach to healthcare. She has a passion for continuous learning and teaching. In her personal life, she enjoys spending time with her family, reading, watching movies, and traveling.

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.

I am a Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in the state of Maryland, with extensive experience in the field of psychiatry. My passion for mental health care drives me to provide compassionate, high-quality services to my clients. I possess strong critical thinking abilities and a deep knowledge base, which allow me to make sound clinical decisions focused on patient safety and optimal health outcomes. I am dedicated to offering personalized, evidence-based treatments and creating a supportive environment where clients feel heard and understood. My commitment to continuous learning and professional growth ensures that I stay updated with the latest advancements in psychiatric care, providing the best possible care to those I serve.

Board Certified in Integrative & Holistic Medicine as well as Family Medicine, Certified Functional Medicine physician Dr. Calihan brings decades of experience to her work with patients, whom she helps achieve optimal health and wellness through a variety of techniques.

Dr. Calihan has spent many years studying and obtaining credentials in holistic, functional, and integrative medicine. Her practice has been awarded the Best of Loudoun prize for alternative medicine each year since 2007.

Dr. Calihan graduated from Smith College in Northampton, Massachusetts, before obtaining her medical degree from Georgetown University Medical School in Georgetown, Washington, DC.

Dr. Calihan trained and precepted at the Center for Mind-Body Medicine in Washington, DC, and she also trained in acupuncture with Dr. Joseph Helms at UCLA.

In 2000, Dr. Calihan earned her board-certification in Holistic Medicine, and in 2014 became a member of the first class of Certified Functional Medicine Physicians through the Institute of Functional Medicine.

Dr. Calihan was a founding owner and former medical director at Loudoun Medical Group, one of the largest multi-specialty physician practices in the mid-Atlantic region. She was also their Board Chair from 2000 to 2005.

Dr. Calihan specializes in the treatment of chronic, complex conditions, including autoimmune disease, thyroid and hormonal imbalances, biotoxin illness, chronic fatigue, and fibromyalgia. Using the Functional medicine approach, she searches for the cause of a condition and then works to help rebalance the system.

Visit Dr. Calihan for compassionate, comprehensive health care with a personal touch. She’s currently welcoming new patients.

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.

At Fairfax Colon & Rectal Surgery, PC, the board-certified colon and rectal surgeons provide comprehensive colorectal care to adults at six convenient locations in Fairfax, Fair Oaks, Alexandria, Gainesville, Woodbridge, and Lansdowne, Virginia.

Fairfax Colon & Rectal Surgery, PC was founded by Dr. Colvin in 1984 as a one-man endeavor. At that time, colon and rectal surgery was a relatively new concept in Northern Virginia. A lot’s changed in the more than 30 years since, but FCRS has continued to pioneer advances in colon and rectal surgery.

Each practice location features a welcoming, spa-like environment and state-of-the-art diagnostics and surgical equipment. Patients can access same-day treatment for a wide range of anorectal health problems, including hemorrhoids, anal cancer, anal pain, rectal cancer, and fecal incontinence. 

 

Whenever possible, the providers recommend minimally invasive treatments, like laparoscopy or robotic-assisted da Vinci surgery. These procedures allow for smaller incisions, shorter hospital stays, and a reduced risk of infection.

FCRS performs more than 45% of all colorectal procedures in Northern Virginia. The provider’s knowledge and expertise don’t go unnoticed. Many of the surgeons have even been voted “Best Doctors” and “Top Doctors” by Washingtonian and Northern Virginia magazines.

To receive high-quality outpatient surgery at an AAAHC accredited Ambulatory Surgical Center, partner with the fellowship-trained, board-certified colorectal surgeons at Fairfax Colon & Rectal Surgery, PC. Make an appointment by calling the nearest office or clicking the online booking feature today.