Find a Top Family Doctor Near Me in Pembroke Pines, FL – Book an Appointment Instantly

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.

Kirenia Santiuste, DNP-PhD-C, is a board-certified family nurse practitioner serving patients at AssociatesMD in Davie, Florida. She holds an Autonomous Practice Endorsement in Florida due to her vast knowledge and expertise.

Kirenia was born and raised in Cuba, where she decided at the age of 5 to dedicate her life to the art of medicine and her patients (who were dolls at the time). Her parents were the engine that would push her to pursue her dreams. Kirenia attended medical school in her native city, bringing several years of competence, experience, evidence-based practice (EBP), and endless commitment to AssociatesMD and the community.

Kirenia has been practicing as a primary care provider since 2016 and holds a Master of Science in nursing and a Bachelor of Science in nursing from Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where she received The Dean’s Award for Academic Excellence due to her stellar performance as well as the Chancellor’s List Award for five consecutive years. 

Kirenia also practices as a women’s nurse practitioner, certified colposcopist, and mentor, which was granted due to more than 4,000 direct clinical hours in an OB/GYN private practice. Kirenia completed her Doctorate in Nursing Practice core components and combined it with a PhD-candidature at Walden University in Minneapolis, Minnesota. 

Kirenia has been extensively recognized by her colleagues, nursing organizations, and patients for her professionalism, charisma, leadership, patient care, excellence, and commitment to clinical practice, including the NCQA for preventing diabetes and data measurement. 

In her free time, Kirenia loves spending time with her beloved family. She enjoys reading, going to the movies, and caring for her orchids, her favorite flowers. She is also active in her son’s extracurricular activities, school PTA, and the community.

Elisabeth Cohn-Gelwasser, MD, is a skilled and practiced Doctor of Medicine specializing in Primary Care and Internal Medicine. Dr. Cohn-Gelwasse sees patients at the multi-specialty medical group’s office in Davie, Florida. She takes time with each individual and consistently delivers high-quality, personalized care.

Dr. Cohn-Gelwasser has vast experience practicing as an internist and primary care physician. She has served the community practicing for nearly 30 years under Total Healthcare of South Florida, Inc. in Pembroke Pines.

She is certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) and works in association with Memorial Hospital Pembroke, Memorial Hospital West, and Memorial Regional Hospital.

Dr. Cohn-Gelwasser is renowned for providing thorough medical care for treating many conditions, including, but not limited to, high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, bronchitis, sinusitis, asthma, fever, and allergies.

She earned her medical degree from the University of Miami School of Medicine and subsequently completed her residency in internal medicine at the University of Maryland School of Medicine. 

Dr. Cohn-Gelwasser is an active member of the American Society of Bariatric Physicians and the American College of Physicians. She spends time as an adjunct professor at Nova College of Osteopathic Medicine, teaching medicine to future doctors.

Dr. Cohn-Gelwasser is an excellent communicator, which makes her skilled in building and strengthening relationships with diverse populations. 

She strives to make each patient’s visit a pleasant and pain-free experience. She clearly communicates with her patients and ensures they have all the information they need to make the right treatment choices. She is also flexible in working with the changing trends in medicine and the healthcare market.

Dr. Cohn-Gelwasser is an excellent communicator, which makes her skilled in building and strengthening relationships with diverse populations.

Joelle Estrada, MD, is a dedicated Board Certified internal medicine physician with nearly two decades in practice. At AssociatesMD, Dr. Estrada provides patient-centered internal medicine in the Weston, Florida, office. 

Dr. Estrada was born in Manhattan, New York, and raised in Paraguay. She earned her medical degree at Universidad Nacional de Asunción in Asunción, Paraguay. 

Dr. Estrada completed her three-year internal medicine residency at Wyckoff Heights Medical Center in Brooklyn, New York. She stays up-to-date with her medical education to make sure her patients always receive optimal care.

Her focus is preventive care with a holistic, whole-patient approach. Dr. Estrada seeks to keep her patients healthy by combining body, mind, and soul, allowing them to enjoy the best possible quality of life. 

In her free time, Dr. Estrada’s favorite hobbies are watching her son play soccer, spending time with loved ones, and helping her children grow into happy and thoughtful people who respect others. 

Dr. Estrada is currently seeing patients in the Weston AssociatesMD office. 

Languages Spoken: English, Spanish

Laura J. Peralta, DO, is a board-certified Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine with more than 30 years of experience. As a family medicine provider, Dr. Peralta provides outstanding patient-focused care for adolescents and adults at AssociatesMD in Weston, Florida.    

Dr. Peralta grew up in South Florida and graduated from McArthur High School in Hollywood, Florida. She earned her nursing degree at Texas Christian University in Fort Worth, Texas, and then returned to her home state of Florida to work as an emergency room nurse before starting medical school.  

Dr. Peralta earned her medical degree at Nova Southeastern University (NSU) College of Osteopathic Medicine in Davie, Florida. She’s an active member of the American Osteopathic Association (AOA) and the Florida Osteopathic Medical Association (FOMA).    

She is currently treating patients in the Weston, Florida, office at AssociatesMD, and welcomes patients to make telemedicine appointments. 

 

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.

Sean Del Grego, DMSc, PA-C is a Doctorate level III Advanced Practice Practitioner (APP) coming to us from Northwest Florida. He graduated with honors in 1998 from the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio through the United States Army. Dr. Sean is a retired Army field grade officer whose last duty assignment was with the 6th Ranger Training Battalion (RTB) at Eglin Air Force Base. He is also a Bronze Star medal recipient for his actions while serving in the Iraq theater of operations, where he supported combat missions and gained over 36 months of combat medical experience. 

In 2018, Sean earned a Doctorate of Medical Science specializing in Family Medicine. In addition to his clinical work, he has been an adjunct clinical professor at South College since 2021 and previously held a similar role at Florida International University (FIU). He has extensive experience practicing medicine and a passion for teaching, making him a valuable addition to our team. 

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. 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. Shubin is dedicated to providing high-quality, comprehensive and empathic care to all his patients. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry from Temple University in 2011, Master of Sciences in Interdisciplinary Health Sciences at Drexel College of Medicine (Hahnemann hospital) and completed his medical education at the Sackler School of Medicine, NY/American program, Tel Aviv University, Israel, graduating in 2020. Dr. Shubin then pursued his clinical residency in Internal medicine at the HCA Florida Kendall Hospital, at Kendall, FL.    Languages Spoken: English, Ukrainian, Russian, Hebrew

 

 

Lorend Pinedo Suarez, born and raised in Venezuela, Lorend felt her calling from a young age and it was reinforced by her surroundings, as she grew up in a family of medical professionals in her home country.

Proudly graduating from La Universidad del Zulia, she earned her Doctor of Medicine degree in 2015.

Given the political and social circumstances in her country, she decided to embark on a new chapter in the United States. 

After years of hard work and dedication, Lorend achieved her qualifications as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN), Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP-C).

She has a strong background in patient-centered care, clinical management, and chronic disease management. With extensive expertise in case management, transitional care, and emergency medicine, Lorend is dedicated to improving patient outcomes through evidence-based practices and compassionate healthcare.

With fluency in both English and Spanish, Lorend is committed to providing culturally competent care to diverse patient populations. Her leadership, clinical expertise, and dedication to continuous improvement make her a valuable asset in any healthcare setting.

Languages Spoken: English, Spanish

Marites Montes, APRN-BC is a dedicated and highly skilled Advanced Nurse Practitioner with a passion for delivering comprehensive, patient-centered care for over 25 years. With a background in nursing and advanced training, Marites has demonstrated expertise in clinical assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and management of a wide range of medical conditions.

Marites' journey in healthcare began with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree from Far Eastern University in Manila, Philippines, where she cultivated a solid foundation in nursing principles and patient care. Shortly after Marites moved to Florida where she was a Critical Care Nurse for 18 years. Motivated by a desire to make a greater impact, she pursued further education and earned a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with a specialization as an Advanced Nurse Practitioner from Florida International University in Miami. 

As a strong advocate for preventive care, Marites Montes, APRN-BC 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.
Marites is an active member of professional organizations such as the Advanced Nurse Practitioner Council, American Association of Critical Care Nurses and American Nurses Associations, to name a few, where she engages in networking, knowledge sharing, and advocacy initiatives to advance the field of nursing and healthcare.

Marites Montes, APRN-BC brings a unique blend of clinical expertise, compassionate care, and a commitment to ongoing growth to every patient encounter. Her dedication to patient well-being and continuous improvement exemplify her role as a respected healthcare professional in the field of advanced nursing practice.

Dr. Saint-Fort is a distinguished and compassionate physician at AssociatesMD Clinic in Margate, Florida. He specializes in managing various pathological processes, chronic conditions, and preventive care needs, providing comprehensive care to his patients.

Dr. Saint-Fort earned his medical degree from Université D’État D’Haiti, School of Medicine in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. He completed his Internal Medicine Residency at Kingsbrook Jewish Medical Center in Brooklyn, New York. His medical journey continued at St. Vincent Medical Center and UF Health Hospital in Jacksonville, Florida, where he served as a physician and hospitalist. At St. Vincent Medical Center, he was a vital member of the Rapid Response Team, demonstrating his ability to handle high-pressure situations with skill and empathy.

Dedicated to global health and community service, Dr. Saint-Fort volunteered at Clinique Sopromed in Cayes, Haiti, as a primary care provider. He participated in outreach programs that educated and provided care to underserved populations, highlighting his commitment to improving healthcare accessibility.

Dr. Saint-Fort is fluent in English, French, and French Creole, enabling him to effectively communicate with a diverse patient population and deliver personalized, culturally competent care.

Outside of his professional life, Dr. Saint-Fort is an audiophile with a passion for exploring different musical genres. He enjoys outdoor activities such as walking, camping, and biking, and he loves cooking Haitian dishes.   Languages Spoken: English, French, Creole

Jorge Rubinos, MD has been a patient-focused physician for over 20 years, providing high quality, personal levels of healthcare to patients in multiple clinical environments. Dr. Rubinos graduated with his original medical degree from University of Medical Science Carlos J Finlay in Cuba in 1997. He then went on to gain an additional medical license in Puerto Rico where he practiced general medicine and gained a great knowledge in chronic care management and preventive medicine. Shortly after Dr. Rubinos found his forever home when he moved to Miami and received his third medical license in the United States.

Dr. Rubinos’ warm, caring approach to patients and his persistence in finding the best treatment options available has created much success in his career. He prides himself on his compassion for patients as well as his ability to foster positive relationships with patients and families. Dr. Rubinos speaks both English and Spanish fluently and looks forward to proving excellent care to the community.

 

Languages Spoken: English, Spanish

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.

Languages Spoken:  English, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian