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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.

Sultana Afrooz, DO, is a holistic and integrative medicine physician at Be The Change Health & Wellness, located in Columbia, Maryland. Dr. Afrooz specializes in diagnosing and treating highly complex health challenges confronting many patients and providing them with the in-depth, compassionate, and individualized care they deserve.

Dr. Afrooz has practiced osteopathic medicine since receiving her doctorate from Des Moines University – Osteopathic Medical Center in Des Moines, Iowa, in 2002. Her training included an osteopathic internship and family practice residency at the Frankford Hospital in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Dr. Afrooz was board certified in family practice from 2005 to 2014 and is currently board-eligible. She has successfully completed the National Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners NBOME Part I, II, III Boards, the State Osteopathic Licensing Examination, and is licensed to practice medicine in Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Georgia.

Dr. Afrooz is committed to evaluating and treating the individual while improving their physical health and spiritual well-being. She is well-versed in testing and discovering environmental, genetic, and infectious factors connected to chronic health issues. Dr. Afrooz utilizes the best available integrative laboratory evaluations to get to the root cause of disease and help patients regain their health. Dr. Afrooz brings to her practice of medicine a history of continued excellence in her training and education, an intellectual curiosity that's motivated by compassion, and a life-long commitment to learning. Dr. Sultana Afrooz specializes in treating patients who have been chronically ill from the effects of tick-borne infection, mold toxicity, and environmental toxicity.

Dr. Afrooz uses an integrative approach to treatment using prescription antimicrobials, herbal supplements, and nutritional supplements. She has an exceptional knowledge of mind-body medicine, food as medicine, and other integrative functional approaches to health and healing. Dr. Afrooz is dedicated to helping her patients achieve wellness and healing in all aspects of their lives. She believes that the body has an inherent ability to heal itself and that it is her goal as a practitioner to guide patients in their journey to healing. Dr. Afrooz has had extensive training in the treatment of tick-borne infections and has attended annual ILADS conferences to keep up to date on the latest research and treatments in tick-borne infections and Multiple Infectious Disease Syndrome. With this training, she has become extremely involved in learning about the systemic effects of mold toxicity and treating the chronic systemic effects of mold illness. Dr. Afrooz has also spent years studying the various methods of persistence in chronic infections.

Elizabeth York, PA-C, is an experienced physician assistant at Fairfax Colon & Rectal Surgery, PC.

Growing up as a high school science teacher’s daughter, Elizabeth always gravitated toward studying medicine. She received her bachelor’s in science from Boston College in Boston, Massachusetts, before beginning her career managing clinical research trials.

After spending several years in the research sector, Elizabeth realized she wanted to work directly with patients. She earned her physician assistant degree from George Washington University in Washington, D.C. Elizabeth’s interest in colorectal surgery grew during her general surgery training, and she ultimately completed formal training.

Elizabeth is proud to serve patients struggling with anal pain, hemorrhoids, colon cancer, and other colorectal ailments at Fairfax Colon & Rectal Surgery, PC. She truly enjoys taking an active role in her patients’ health care management and well-being.

In her spare time, Elizabeth loves spending time with her husband, Chris, and their daughter. The family especially enjoys exploring the culture and diversity Washington, D.C., has to offer.

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.

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.

Dr. Unegbu received his medical degree from Spartan Health Science University at St. Lucia, West Indies He completed his family medicine residency from Howard University Teaching Hospital in Washington DC He has experience in both inpatient and outpatient medical practice He is the present appointed City of Laurel Chief Health Officer He is a member of American Academy of Family Physicians He is a member of American Nigerian Physician Association in U.S.A He is fluent in Spanish. Igbo and English

Dr. Blessing Ayanou, DNP, CRNP received her doctorate degree in nursing practice from Chatham University and master’s degree from Walden University at Minneapolis, MN She completed her family nurse practitioner from Walden University Minneapolis, MN She has experience in both inpatient and outpatient medical practice She is fluent in French

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.

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.

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.

Priscilla Lobo is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner with a strong background in critical care nursing. She began her nursing career after earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center. Her journey began in telemetry, where she built a strong foundation in patient care and cardiac monitoring. Seeking greater challenges, she transitioned to the intensive care unit, specializing in cardiology and neurology. During this time, she served as a charge nurse and preceptor, mentoring new nurses and leading her team in delivering high-quality patient care.

 

Her passion for advanced practice nursing led her to attain a Master of Science in Nursing from Walden University, where she became a member of Sigma Theta Tau, the International Honor Society of Nursing. As a Family Nurse Practitioner, she is committed to providing compassionate, evidence-based care and making a meaningful impact on her patients’ lives.

 

In her spare time, she enjoys traveling and hiking with her husband, two children, and their dog.

Sheeri Jonnala is an experienced Clinical Dietitian with a demonstrated history of working in the hospital & health care industry. She is skilled in health promotion, weight management and clinical nutrition. She obtained her Master of Science (MS) focused in Human Nutrition from Drexel University. Sheeri enjoys trying new recipes, traveling and playing with her two girls.

Dr. Rohit Suri is a board-certified obesity medicine specialist at Nova Physician Wellness Center. Serving patients in Fairfax, Arlington, Tysons Corner, Sterling, and Lansdowne/Ashburn, Virginia, he is dedicated to providing individuals with care to ensure their future health, using both cutting-edge medical research and more traditional, conventional methods.

As an expert in weight loss, he helps men and women navigate the challenges associated with nutrition, exercise, behavioral change, and more.

He is a board-certified obesity medicine specialist and also a long-standing member of the American Society of Obesity Medicine and has completed specialized training in this new and emerging field. He is also a board-certified family physician and has been practicing medicine for the last 12 years.

Dr. Suri enjoys creating trusting, confident relationships with his patients. His goal is to help each individual prevent disease, achieve a healthy weight, and reduce risk factors for health complications through positive lifestyle changes. With an emphasis on safe, long-lasting results, he helps patients transform their bodies and their lives.

Kiranjyot is a Registered Dietitian focusing on weight management and preventative care. With an academic background in biochemistry, physiology, and nutrition, Kiranyot employs an integrative, science-based approach to assist individuals in achieving sustainable health goals. She holds an undergraduate degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC), and a Master’s degree in Physiology and Integrative Medicine from Georgetown University. She furthered her expertise by completing a Master’s in Dietetics and Community Nutrition at George Mason University. Kiranjyot supports individuals and communities with the knowledge and tools necessary for healthier lifestyles, using a personalized, evidence-based method for weight management that focuses on long-term wellness rather than quick fixes. At the weight loss clinic, she aids clients in developing habits that promote overall health and well-being. In addition to working with clients, Kiranjyot participates in community health initiatives, advocating for nutrition education and policies aimed at fostering healthier communities.