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As a board-certified internal medicine physician, Gaffar Syed, MD, prides himself on his dedication to helping people of all ages regain their physical and emotional well-being. At his practice in Frederick, Maryland, Dr. Syed is determined to find the root cause of his patient’s health issues and develop a treatment plan tailored to their unique needs. 

Dr. Syed completed his residency at St. Barnabas Hospital in the Bronx, New York, which is affiliated with Cornell University and NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital. Since his residency, Dr. Syed has gained over 15 years of experience in managing a diverse patient population, both through inpatient and outpatient settings. This extensive experience, coupled with his medical training, allows him to provide his patients with the highest standard of care. 

Serving Frederick County residents for more than 16 years, Dr. Syed is proud to offer internal medicine services to his community, providing diagnosis and treatment for a variety of conditions, including ADHD, anxiety, and depression. He is also skilled in diabetes and weight loss management. Dr. Syed holds hospital privileges at Frederick Memorial Hospital, which ensures continuity of care to his office patients who are hospitalized.

At his practice, Dr. Syed becomes a part of his patient’s care team, working alongside them to incorporate their personal health goals and ensure that they reach optimal health. His friendly nature helps patients feel welcomed and comfortable during their visits. Dr. Syed has been recognized on several occasions for his outstanding dedication and care. He received the Compassionate Doctor Recognition award in 2010, the Patients’ Choice Award four years in a row from 2008-2011, and was named a Top Ten Doctor in the city in 2014.

Samir Ahuja, MD, is a skilled cardiologist who has achieved board certification in internal medicine, cardiovascular disease, interventional cardiovascular disease, echocardiography, nuclear cardiology, and vascular ultrasonography (RPVI/ARDMS). Dr. Ahuja sees patients at  Cardiology Associates of Frederick in Frederick, Maryland. He is also affiliated with Frederick Memorial Hospital.

Dr. Ahuja graduated from the accelerated/combined six-year BS/MD program completing two years at Pennsylvania State University and then four years at Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia. He went on to complete his internal medicine residency and a one-year advanced fellowship in cardiomyopathy and heart failure at Boston University Medical Center.

Dr. Ahuja then fulfilled his general cardiology fellowship at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey-University Hospital. He then completed his cardiac and peripheral interventional fellowship at Banner Good Samaritan Medical Center in Phoenix, Arizona. He is proud to bring his expertise to his practice at Cardiology Associates of Frederick and is passionate about helping patients improve their cardiovascular health.

Hitesh Patel, MD, FACC, is a board-certified cardiologist specializing in internal medicine and cardiovascular disease. He practices at Cardiology Associates of Frederick in Frederick, Maryland, and is affiliated with Frederick Memorial Hospital.

Dr. Patel graduated Magna Cum Laude in just three years from the University of Maryland, Baltimore, earning a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry. He went on to receive his Medical Degree from the University of Maryland Medical School.

He completed his internal medicine residency and subsequently a Cardiology Fellowship at Temple University Medical Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, with a focus on general cardiology.

Dr. Patel has advanced expertise in Pacemaker and Defibrillator placement and is a Fellow of the American College of Cardiology (FACC). Known for his patient-first approach, Dr. Patel is committed to delivering compassionate, comprehensive, and cutting-edge cardiac care.

His clinical approach emphasizes patient-centered care, cutting-edge diagnostics, and individualized treatment plans designed to optimize long-term heart health.

Meet Dr. Nager

Eric C. Nager, MD, is a Board-Certified Anti-Aging, Functional, and Regenerative Medicine specialist. He is committed to providing his patients with exceptional care at OptiHealth Institute located in Baltimore, Maryland.

Dr. Nager was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York. He pursued his undergraduate education at New York University, where he majored in psychology and minored in biology and chemistry. Dr. Nager then attended medical school at the State University of New York in Brooklyn. He graduated Cum Laude and went on to complete a residency in Emergency Medicine at the Medical Center of Delaware.

Throughout his career, Dr. Nager has practiced at multiple hospitals and thoroughly enjoyed being able to help very sick patients. He has devoted much of his career to public service and served as a Medical Manager for the Pennsylvania Urban Search and Rescue Team, Fire Surgeon for the Baltimore County Fire Department, and Tactical Physician for the Harford County Sheriff's Office.

Over time, Dr. Nager realized that much of what he learned in medical school and residency supported a reactionary approach towards illness. In other words, he felt that he was treating the symptoms as opposed to the root cause of disease. This practice was sick care — not wellness care. Dr. Nager felt a duty to create a proactive approach to medicine. He researched and explored every method and treatment that promised positive results, including lifestyle changes, nutrition, supplements, hormones, IV therapy, and Regenerative Medicine therapy.

Dr. Nager’s journey led him to embrace Functional Medicine, which is an evidence-based practice that views the doctor-patient relationship as a partnership. Functional Medicine focuses on the whole person and uses an array of scientific disciplines to heal illnesses and help people regain and maintain optimal health. To further this goal, Dr. Nager enrolled in the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine’s fellowship program in Anti-Aging, Metabolic, and Functional Medicine. He went on to become Board-Certified in Anti-Aging, Functional, and Regenerative Medicine.

With a desire to continually expand his knowledge and improve the well-being of his patients, Dr. Nager stays up-to-date on the latest medical research and routinely participates in advanced medical education. Functional and Regenerative Medicine and its ability to heal patients is Dr. Nager’s “Friday Night Essence,”. He uses a combination of traditional, Functional, and Regenerative Medicine to keep himself — and his patients — in top physical and mental condition. To schedule a visit with Dr. Nager, call the office or use the convenient online booking tool to set up your appointment.

 

 

Narender Bharaj, MD, is a board-certified internal medicine physician and the medical director at Maryland Medical First P.A., located in Parkville, Maryland. He is also an expert in wound care and has been working with patients since 1998.

Dr. Bharaj earned his Bachelor of Surgery and Bachelor of Medicine from Sri Devraj Urs Medical College in India, where he earned honors in preventive medicine. He then went on to complete a residency in internal medicine from St. Joseph Hospital and Medical Center in Paterson, New Jersey. 

Dr. Bharaj is board certified in internal medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine and is certified as a medical director through the American Medical Directors Association – The Society for Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Medicine.

In addition to his role at Maryland Medical First, Dr. Bharaj works at the Good Samaritan Hospital Wound Care Center with patients who have complicated, non-healing wounds. He is also involved in teaching the staff and residents in the internal medicine department at Franklin Square Hospital.

Dr. Bernard Mbeboh, MD Founder & Medical Director Dr. Bernard Mbeboh is a board-certified internist and hospitalist with over 20 years of clinical and leadership experience. He is the Founder of PrimeCare Internal Medicine Associates LLC and the CEO of Reliant Home Health Inc., recognized for his compassionate, patient-centered approach and commitment to advancing health equity. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Microbiology from the University of Buea, Cameroon; an M.S. in Physician Assistant Studies from Towson University; an MD from USAT (Montserrat); and a Certificate in Public Health from Michigan State University. He completed his Internal Medicine residency at Authority Health GME Consortium in Detroit, Michigan, where he also served as the Internal Medicine Chief Resident. Bringing extensive hospitalist experience into the outpatient setting, Dr. Mbeboh is dedicated to continuity of care, preventive health, and delivering high-quality, accessible healthcare for all patients.

Jill Forbes, A-CNP, GS-C is an experienced provider holding an Autonomous Practice license from the Virginia Board of Medicine. She has been a practicing NP since 2005 who provides primary care for ages 14 and up. Her background includes working as a charge nurse in a 28-bed Intensive Care Unit, private internal medicine practice for ten years, skilled nursing, rehab and assisted living facilities.  Jill has a passion for caring for the elderly population and aiding her patients during end-of-life. She is a Certified Gerontological Specialist (GS-C). Her services include providing primary care via Telehealth and in-person to homebound patients and to patients living in assisted living communities. Jill delivers quality and compassionate care to her patients. She received her Bachelors of Science in Nursing at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville and her Masters Degree in Nursing from the collaborative program of George Mason University and GW School of Medicine.

George Sopko, MD, MPH, specializes in cardiology and internal medicine and is board-certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine. At Seven Corners Medical Center in Falls Church, Virginia, Dr. Sopko focuses on integrative care methods to truly understand patient needs, treating the whole person in addition to their presenting symptoms.

During his residency training, Dr. Sopko developed a passion for lowering cholesterol and heart disease risks through a good diet and exercise plan. At Seven Corners Medical Center, he works closely with patients and provides them with the tools they need to maintain heart health and total wellness. Dr. Sopko customizes patient-centered treatment plans for high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and diabetes.

Dr. Sopko earned his medical degree at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine in Cleveland, Ohio, one of the top research universities in the United States. He also completed a postgraduate degree in Public Health from the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis and finished his residency and fellowship training at Georgetown University Medical Center and District of Columbia General Hospital, both in Washington, DC. He is a double board certified physician - Internal Medicine (1992) & Cardiology (1993)

Giving patients his full attention, Dr. Sopko values the time he spends with them learning about their needs. His integrative approach to health care addresses both the acute and long-term needs for adult patients.  

Gowri Kularatna, MD, specializes in gastroenterology at GI Associates of Maryland in Waldorf, Maryland. She has years of experience in the medical field and uses her knowledge to diagnose and treat patients. 

Dr. Kularatna attended Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia, obtaining her bachelor’s degree in biology. She then received her medical degree from the University of Maryland School of Medicine in Baltimore.  

Dr. Kularatna completed her internal medicine residency at Boston Medical Center in Massachusetts and a gastroenterology fellowship at The Barnes-Jewish Hospital through Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri. 

Dr. Kularatna is board-certified in internal medicine and gastroenterology. She is also a professional member of the American College of Gastroenterology and the American Gastroenterology Association.

At GI Associates of Maryland in Waldorf, Dr. Kularatna works closely with patients to ensure she provides expert care. She has a comfortable office setting and takes an evidence-based approach to treat her patients. 

Sohan R. Varma, MD, is an internal medicine physician at Washington Internal Medicine in Chantilly, Virginia. Dr. Varma is board-certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine and provides comprehensive patient-centered medical care to patients in Northern Virginia.

He is a native of the Washington, DC, metro area. He graduated cum laude from George Mason University with a Bachelor of Science in biology and a minor in chemistry. He graduated with honors and obtained a doctorate degree in medicine from Ross University School of Medicine in Miami, Florida, in 2009. Afterward, he completed his internship training at Mount Sinai School of Medicine and his residency training at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York in 2014. 

Dr. Varma has nearly a decade of experience working in acute care, primary care, and skilled nursing facilities as a hospitalist/internist in the states of New York and Virginia. His focus of research has been chronic Hepatitis B and inflammatory bowel disease. Dr. Varma has co-authored a case report published in Chest Journal on Dengue Shock Syndrome in 2015. 

Dr. Varma believes in a complete health care plan for the patient, which includes physical, mental, social, and spiritual health. He aims to provide the highest quality care and spend time getting to know his patients on an individual level. 

Board-Certified Internal Medicine Physician
Founder & CEO – Midwest Wellness & Wound Care

Dr. Kinya Kamau, MD, is a Board-Certified Internal Medicine physician and the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Midwest Wellness & Wound Care, a physician-directed multi-state medical organization specializing in mobile wound care, chronic disease management, and telemedicine services.

With more than 20 years of clinical experience, Dr. Kamau has dedicated her career to improving outcomes for medically complex patients through evidence-based care delivered directly at the bedside. Her work focuses on patients living with chronic wounds, diabetes, vascular disease, mobility limitations, and other conditions that interfere with healing.

Dr. Kamau leads a physician-directed wound care program that delivers advanced bedside wound management in skilled nursing facilities, assisted living communities, rehabilitation centers, and private residences across multiple states. Her model integrates Internal Medicine expertise, regulatory compliance, and structured clinical workflows to improve healing outcomes while supporting healthcare facilities with Medicare-aligned documentation.

Her mission is simple but powerful: provide compassionate, evidence-driven care that restores health, mobility, and dignity for patients living with chronic wounds.

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Professional Credentials

Dr. Kamau brings more than two decades of medical experience in Internal Medicine and complex chronic disease management. Her clinical background includes extensive experience caring for medically fragile adults in hospital, outpatient, and post-acute care settings.

She has dedicated much of her career to treating patients with:

• chronic wounds

• diabetes

• vascular disease

• renal dysfunction

• mobility limitations

These conditions frequently impair wound healing and require a comprehensive medical approach.

Dr. Kamau earned her Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Nairobi, where she developed a strong academic foundation in internal medicine, complex disease management, and patient-centered clinical care.

She later completed her Internal Medicine residency at the University of Oklahoma, where she refined her expertise in diagnosing and managing complex medical conditions affecting adult patients.

Following residency, Dr. Kamau completed advanced fellowship training in nephrology, expanding her expertise in:

• kidney disease

• hypertension

• electrolyte disorders

• metabolic conditions

• systemic illnesses that influence wound healing

Dr. Kamau currently maintains active medical licenses in multiple U.S. states, allowing her to oversee physician-directed wound care services across diverse healthcare environments including:

• skilled nursing facilities

• assisted living communities

• rehabilitation centers

• private residences

Through Midwest Wellness & Wound Care, she leads a multi-state physician wound care program designed to deliver advanced bedside wound treatment while maintaining strict alignment with Medicare documentation standards and regulatory compliance requirements.

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Quick Credentials Summary

Board Certification
Internal Medicine

Medical School
University of Nairobi – Doctor of Medicine

Residency Training
Internal Medicine – University of Oklahoma

Fellowship Training
Nephrology- University of Oklahoma

Clinical Experience
20+ years in Internal Medicine and complex chronic disease management

Clinical Focus

• Mobile wound care

• Chronic wound management

• Diabetic wound care

• Pressure injury management

• Post-acute care medicine

Practice Model

Physician-directed mobile wound care and telemedicine services

Practice Leadership

Founder & CEO – Midwest Wellness & Wound Care

Practice Settings

• Skilled nursing facilities

• Assisted living communities

• Rehabilitation centers

• Private residences

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Medical Education and Training

Dr. Kamau earned her Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Nairobi, where she developed a strong foundation in internal medicine, complex disease management, and patient-centered clinical care.

She later completed her Internal Medicine residency training at the University of Oklahoma, where she further refined her expertise in diagnosing and managing complex medical conditions affecting adult patients.

Internal Medicine training provides a comprehensive understanding of the interconnected systems that influence healing. Conditions such as:

• diabetes

• cardiovascular disease

• kidney dysfunction

• malnutrition

• vascular compromise

frequently contribute to delayed wound healing.

Dr. Kamau’s training enables her to evaluate wounds within the full medical context of the patient rather than focusing solely on the skin surface. This systemic perspective forms the foundation of her approach to chronic wound management.

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Board-Certified Internal Medicine Expertise

As a Board-Certified Internal Medicine physician, Dr. Kamau approaches wound care through the lens of whole-patient medicine.

Chronic wounds rarely exist in isolation. They often develop because of underlying physiologic dysfunction that impairs tissue repair.

Common systemic contributors include:

• diabetes and poor glycemic control

• peripheral vascular disease

• venous insufficiency

• cardiac disease

• renal impairment

• malnutrition

• neuropathy

• immobility

• medication side effects

• chronic inflammation

By addressing these root contributors alongside local wound treatment, Dr. Kamau’s approach improves healing potential and reduces the risk of complications such as infection, hospitalization, or limb loss.

This integrated medical strategy is a key differentiator between physician-directed wound care and fragmented treatment models that rely solely on topical wound management.

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Founder of Midwest Wellness & Wound Care

Dr. Kamau founded Midwest Wellness & Wound Care to address a critical gap in post-acute medicine.

Many patients with chronic wounds live in environments where transportation to specialty wound clinics is difficult or unsafe. Skilled nursing residents, assisted living residents, and homebound individuals often experience delays in wound evaluation simply because they cannot easily travel to outpatient facilities.

The mobile wound care model solves this problem by bringing advanced wound care directly to the patient.

Under Dr. Kamau’s leadership, Midwest Wellness & Wound Care provides physician-directed bedside wound care services that allow patients to receive specialized treatment in the environment where they live.

This model improves:

• access to care

• early wound detection

• treatment timeliness

• interdisciplinary communication

• patient comfort and safety

It also allows physicians to observe real-world factors affecting wound healing, including mobility limitations, pressure exposure, nutritional status, and environmental risks.

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Multi-State Medical Practice

Dr. Kamau currently holds active medical licenses in numerous states across the United States, allowing her organization to expand access to physician-directed wound care services across diverse regions.

States where Dr. Kamau is licensed in over 40 states. 

Operating across multiple states requires a deep understanding of regulatory frameworks, payer policies, and state medical board requirements.

Dr. Kamau’s leadership includes oversight of:

• multi-state physician licensing

• Medicare credentialing

• payer enrollment

• corporate practice of medicine compliance

• telemedicine regulations

• Medicare Administrative Contractor policy alignment

This regulatory fluency allows Midwest Wellness & Wound Care to expand safely while maintaining strict compliance with healthcare laws and reimbursement guidelines.

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Mobile Wound Care: Bringing Advanced Treatment to the Bedside

Mobile wound care represents a major advancement in how chronic wounds are treated.

Traditional wound care models rely heavily on outpatient clinics or hospital-based services, which can create barriers for medically fragile patients.

Dr. Kamau’s physician-directed mobile wound care model places advanced wound care directly at the bedside.

Patients may receive care in:

• skilled nursing facilities

• assisted living communities

• rehabilitation centers

• long-term care facilities

• private residences

By eliminating transportation barriers, patients receive faster evaluations and more consistent follow-up.

Early intervention is one of the most important factors influencing wound healing outcomes.

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Chronic Wounds Treated

Dr. Kamau’s clinical program manages a wide range of wound conditions commonly seen in post-acute medicine.

These include:

Diabetic Foot Ulcers
Neuropathy, vascular compromise, and metabolic dysfunction contribute to tissue breakdown.

Pressure Injuries
Prolonged pressure restricts blood flow and damages tissue.

Venous Leg Ulcers
Venous insufficiency and edema lead to chronic lower extremity wounds.

Arterial Ulcers
Poor arterial circulation limits oxygen delivery to tissues.

Post-Surgical Wounds
Incisions may fail to heal due to infection or systemic illness.

Traumatic Wounds
Skin tears and injuries are common in elderly populations.

Chronic Non-Healing Wounds
Persistent wounds require a comprehensive medical approach.

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Structured Wound Evaluation

Every wound evaluation follows a standardized clinical protocol that includes:

• precise wound location documentation

• wound length, width, and depth measurement

• tissue type identification

• exudate evaluation

• periwound assessment

• infection surveillance

• perfusion evaluation

• pressure offloading strategies

This structured methodology supports accurate monitoring of wound progression and Medicare-compliant documentation.

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Advanced Wound Treatment Modalities

Treatment plans are tailored to each patient and may include:

• conservative sharp debridement

• antimicrobial dressings

• moisture-balance therapy

• collagen-based wound matrices

• compression therapy

• edema management

• negative pressure wound therapy

• cellular and tissue-based products when appropriate

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Medicare-Aligned Documentation

Providing wound care in long-term care environments requires careful adherence to Medicare documentation standards.

Dr. Kamau’s program emphasizes:

• medical necessity documentation

• CPT coding accuracy

• ICD-10 diagnosis specificity

• Local Coverage Determination adherence

• wound progression documentation

• treatment response monitoring

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Telemedicine Services

In addition to mobile wound care, Dr. Kamau oversees telemedicine services that expand access to medical care.

Services may include:

• primary care consultations

• chronic disease follow-up

• medication management

• behavioral health support

• preventive care evaluations

Telehealth allows patients to receive ongoing medical support between in-person visits while maintaining continuity of care.

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Commitment to Patient-Centered Care

At the center of Dr. Kamau’s work is a commitment to improving the lives of patients living with chronic wounds and complex medical conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions About Wound Care Physicians What does a wound care physician do?

A wound care physician specializes in diagnosing and treating chronic wounds such as diabetic foot ulcers, pressure injuries, venous leg ulcers, arterial ulcers, and non-healing surgical wounds. They provide advanced wound treatments, debridement procedures, and medical oversight to support healing.

When should someone see a wound care physician?

Patients should see a wound care physician when a wound does not improve after several weeks of standard treatment, or when conditions such as diabetes, vascular disease, or immobility increase the risk of delayed healing.

Can wound care physicians treat patients in nursing facilities?

Yes. Many wound care physicians provide bedside services in skilled nursing facilities, assisted living communities, rehabilitation centers, and private homes to ensure patients receive timely evaluation and treatment.