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Nguyen Nguyen, PMHNP-BC, CPNP, MSN, BSN, is a dual-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) and Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (CPNP) at Panacea Behavioral Health & Wellness Center in Virginia, Arizona, and Florida. 

With over five years of experience delivering compassionate, evidence-based care, Nguyen specializes in treating children, adolescents, and adults with a wide range of behavioral and psychiatric conditions, including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, ADHD, and autism spectrum disorders.

Nguyen currently provides psychiatric services at both Panacea Behavioral Health and The Barry Robinson Center, where she conducts comprehensive mental health assessments, prescribes and manages psychotropic medications, and creates individualized treatment plans to support long-term wellness. She is known for her ability to build therapeutic relationships and collaborate with families to foster supportive, inclusive environments.

Nguyen earned her Master of Science in Nursing from Old Dominion University, followed by a post-master’s certification as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner from George Mason University. She also holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Chamberlain University and a Diploma in Nursing from Sentara College of Health Sciences.

Passionate about promoting mental wellness across the lifespan, Nguyen integrates cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing, and medication management to deliver holistic, patient-centered care. She is fluent in Vietnamese and committed to culturally competent care for diverse populations. 

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.

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.

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.

Ronald McLean, MD, is a primary care physician who uses his more than 30 years of experience to provide high-quality, professional medical care to adolescents and adults. At McLean Cares in Macon, Pelham, and Warner Robins, Georgia, Dr. McLean offers professional family medicine services that focus on improving patient health and longevity.

In addition to providing integrative primary health care, Dr. McLean specializes in bariatrics and weight loss management. He also has over a decade of training and experience in pain management, using innovative regenerative therapies like platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections.

After earning his medical degree from the Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University in Augusta, Georgia, Dr. McLean finished his internship at Atrium Health Navicent Medical Center (formerly the Medical Center of Central Georgia) in Macon, Georgia. He also completed his residency at Mercer University School of Medicine in Macon.

Because he believes strongly in living right and being healthy, Dr. McLean is on a mission to curb the obesity rate in the state of Georgia. He’s been working for more than 15 years to help others cultivate their passion for living well.