Find a Top Family Doctor Near Me in Lehigh Acres, FL – Book an Appointment Instantly

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.

Welcome to our women's-only primary care clinic, where your health is our priority! We serve as a full-spectrum primary care provider, passionately integrating conventional medicine with holistic and lifestyle-centered approaches. In addition to essential services like pregnancy testing, lab work, urinalysis, and prescription management, we specialize in empowering women to take charge of their health through tailored hormone optimization, weight management, and nutrition support. Our care extends beyond the basics, offering integrative solutions for pre- and postpartum wellness, chronic disease management, sexual health, peri-menopause support, and more! Whether through in-person visits or convenient telehealth, we ensure timely access to your provider, including 48-hour business day portal response times for all patient messages. * Take the next step today by scheduling your appointment NOW at www.aboutthev.com * Learn More About Our Membership and Package Options!

George is a board-certified physician assistant, specializing in dermatology since 2017. Originally from New England, he graduated from Stonehill College with a Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience. He subsequently spent several years working as a dermatology medical assistant prior to obtaining his Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies from MCPHS University. He continued to strengthen his education by completing one of the only dermatology fellowship programs available for physician assistants.

George conducts his skin exams utilizing dermoscopy. He enjoys educating patients and strives to provide the best experience possible for each visit. His dermatologic interests include surgical excisions, as well as the management of skin cancers, acne, and various dermatoses.

George enjoys tennis, traveling, skiing, and spending time with his wife and dogs.

Education

• Master of Physician Assistant Studies - Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Worcester, MA
• Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience - Stonehill College, North Easton, MA

Professional Certifications and Licensures

• Florida State Physician Assistant License
• NCCPA Board-Certified Physician Assistant

Professional Affiliations

• Society of Dermatology Physician Assistants
• Florida Society of Dermatology Physician Assistants
• American Academy of Physician Assistants

Christal DiMarco, PA-C is a board-certified Physician Assistant who joined Associates in Dermatology in 2019.  As a Florida native she chose to attend Florida State University for her Associates degree and went on to Florida Gulf Coast University to major in Biology and minor in Chemistry. She attended Nova Southeastern University for her Master of Medical Science and became a board-certified Physician Assistant in 2010.  

Christal has been working in Cape Coral, Florida as a Physician Assistant, specializing in dermatology for the last 13 years.  She enjoys performing full skin evaluations as well as treating acne and warts. She is experienced in the diagnosis and treatment of skin cancer, rashes, autoimmune disorders and other dermatologic conditions. She encourages patients to use sun protective methods while enjoying Florida’s beautiful outdoors. 

Christal DiMarco PA-C is now accepting new patients at Associates in Dermatology under the direct supervision of Keith Benbenisty, MD and Scott Crater, MD. Christal sees adults and pediatric patients for most all dermatologic conditions.

Education

• Master of Medical Science from Nova Southeastern University
• Bachelor of Arts Liberal Studies-Biology from Florida Gulf Coast University
• Minor of Chemistry from Florida Gulf Coast University 

Professional Affiliations

• Florida State Physician Assistant License
• NCCPA Board-Certified Physician Assistant
• Florida Society of Dermatology Physician Assistants
• Society of Dermatology Physician Assistants

Stina McKenna, PA-C is a board-certified Physician Assistant who joined Associates in Dermatology in 2017. She earned her Bachelor of Science in behavioral neuroscience and minor in marine biology from Northeastern University in Boston, MA and then completed her Master of Medical Science degree at Tufts University School of Medicine in Boston, MA, where she graduated with summa cum laude academic standing.  

Stina continued her training by working with several board-certified dermatologists and Mohs surgeons in the Greater Boston area to hone her skills to execute a variety of dermatologic surgical procedures. Stina was also awarded Diplomate Fellowship status with the Society of Dermatology Physician Assistants (SDPA) – representing the highest level of training for a Dermatology PA.   

Stina takes pride in conducting thorough skin examinations utilizing dermoscopy. She believes in taking the time necessary to educate her patients on their diagnoses and address all their questions and concerns. Stina emphasizes the importance of sun protection and formulates healthy skin care regimens for each of her patients. 

Stina McKenna, PA-C is accepting new patients at Associates in Dermatology at the Fort Myers, Cape Coral, and Punta Gorda offices. She works closely and in collaboration with Dr. Shari Skinner, MD and Dr. Laertes Manuelidis, MD to ensure her patients receive the highest quality of care. She sees adult and pediatric patients for all conditions of the hair, skin, and nails. 

Education 

• Master of Medical Science (summa cum laude) - Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 
• Bachelor of Science in Behavioral Neuroscience (magnum cum laude) - Northeastern University, Boston, MA 

Professional Affiliations 

• Society of Dermatology Physician Assistants (SDPA), Diplomate Fellow 
• Florida Society of Dermatology Physician Assistants (FSDPA), Fellow 
• American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA), Fellow  

Professional Certifications and Licensures

• Florida State Physician Assistant License 
• NCCPA Board-Certified Physician Assistant 

James J. Talano, MHA, FACHE established SWICFT in 2005 alongside his father, and in 2007 assumed the role of Administrative Director and began building the Group. Jim is also the co-founder and Managing Director of Southwest Florida Research, a research center of excellence for the administration of Phase II-IV clinical trials in pharmaceutical and medical devices. Jim received a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Northwestern University, a Master of Healthcare Administration degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and is a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives.

Jim has had a diverse career that has spanned many facets of the health care field. He has held the positions of Director of Managed Care and IT Integration for Northeast Health Systems, an integrated delivery system located outside of Boston, MA. He was a manager with the Chicago office of First Consulting Group specializing in healthcare information technology and strategy consulting. He held the title of Chief Financial Officer and Vice President of Business Development for Medical Systems Management (MSM), a Boston-area-based medical software company, and then went on the become a Vice President with and later serve on the Board of Directors of Picis after helping orchestrate the merger of Picis and MSM. Jim has since been involved in several healthcare-related entrepreneurial ventures and sold a home health and geriatric care management company in 2010 that he developed and grew through the acquisition and merger of two Naples-based companies.

Jim recently served as President of the Western Florida Chapter of the American College of Healthcare Executives. He was also a founding Board Member and is currently a Mentor for FusionPointe, a venture development organization driving economic impact in the region by helping to increase the number of investment-ready companies.

LinkedIn

Elyse Cohen, MD, is a board-certified internal medicine specialist serving patients at Cohen Concierge in Naples, Florida. 

Dr. Cohen was born and raised in suburban Chicago. As a child, she dreamed of becoming a doctor like her dad. She graduated as the salutatorian of her high school class of nearly 1100 students. She then graduated pre-med from Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri. 

After completing her undergrad studies, Dr. Cohen returned to downtown Chicago to attend medical school and residency at Northwestern University. After completing residency training in 2015, she gained experience working for large organizations and small private groups before starting her practice.

While she is passionate about medicine, her interests extend far beyond medicine. She is an avid animal lover and has an especially soft spot in her heart for her doting Shih Tzu, Buddy. Dr. Cohen also enjoys baking, shopping, interior design, reading, and exercising. She was previously an avid figure skater, ballet dancer, and cheerleader.

Dr. Cohen looks forward to welcoming patients at Cohen Concierge in Naples, Florida.