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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.

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. Marie Amanze is a Hematologist/Oncologist serving FSCDR patients in the Jacksonville and Florida Panhandle regions. She specializes in the diagnosis, treatment, and long-term management of blood disorders, including sickle cell disease, and is dedicated to improving patient outcomes through comprehensive and compassionate care.

Daniel T. Layish, MD, is a board-certified pulmonologist, critical care physician, and sleep medicine specialist, dedicated to providing advanced care for patients with complex respiratory and sleep-related conditions. he serves patients at Solution Health Specialists, which provides care to patients throughout Florida.

Dr. Layish earned a medical degree from Boston University School of Medicine, completed residency training at Washington University School of Medicine, and pursued fellowship training at Duke University Medical Center. Board-certified in Internal Medicine, Pulmonary Disease, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine. 

Dr. Layish treats a wide range of pulmonary and sleep conditions, including alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency, cystic fibrosis, COPD, asthma, pulmonary hypertension, pulmonary fibrosis, interstitial lung disease, sarcoidosis, and respiratory failure. In the field of sleep medicine, Dr. Layish specializes in sleep disorders, obstructive sleep apnea, and obesity hypoventilation syndrome.

Committed to delivering patient-centered care, Dr. Layish focuses on individualized treatment plans that combine the latest evidence-based therapies with compassionate support. Through a multidisciplinary approach, patients benefit from comprehensive management, advanced rehabilitation, and innovative strategies designed to optimize respiratory health and overall quality of life.

Dominick Mastroianni, MD, FAAHPM, is a board-certified physician in Internal Medicine and Hospice & Palliative Medicine at Solution Health Specialists, which serves patients throughout Florida. He is dedicated to providing compassionate, patient-centered care for individuals facing serious medical conditions.

With more than 15 years of experience, Dr. Mastroianni helps treat symptoms and plans forward for care of a wide range of conditions, including dementia, heart failure, COPD/emphysema, liver disease, cancers, end-stage renal (kidney) disease, and neurological disorders  Dr. Mastroianni discusses the alignment of treatments to life's priorities, avoiding harm, and symptom control. The most common symptoms seen in nursing home patients include pain, anxiety, depression, shortness of breath, delirium (temporary confusion), and weight loss. He integrates advanced clinical expertise with a holistic approach to improve the quality of life for patients and their families.

Committed to providing individualized, compassionate care, Dr. Mastroianni helps patients and families navigate complex medical decisions while managing symptoms, alleviating suffering, and promoting dignity. Through a combination of evidence-based medicine, holistic support, and empathetic guidance, Dr. Mastroianni ensures every patient receives care tailored to their unique needs.

Dr. Mastroianni earned a medical degree from the University of South Florida, completed residency training at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center, and achieved fellowship training at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. He developed and directed the first Hospice and Palliative Medicine Fellowship in the greater Orlando region. He has been recognized as a Fellow of the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine, a high honor based on peer review for his contributions to the field.

Barry Weinstock, MD, is a highly skilled interventional cardiologist at Solution Health Specialists, which provides care to patients throughout Florida. With extensive training and experience, Dr. Weinstock is committed to providing advanced cardiovascular care to patients with complex heart and vascular conditions.

Dr. Weinstock earned a medical degree from the prestigious Yale School of Medicine, followed by Internal Medicine residency training at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. To further refine expertise in interventional procedures, he completed a cardiology fellowship at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, one of the nation’s leading institutions for cardiovascular medicine.

Board-certified in Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Disease, and Interventional Cardiology, Dr. Weinstock brings comprehensive knowledge and advanced clinical skills to every patient encounter. As a Fellow of the American College of Cardiology and the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions, Dr. Weinstock remains at the forefront of innovative treatments and evidence-based care.

Dr. Weinstock specializes in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of a wide range of conditions, including coronary artery disease, peripheral vascular disease, venous thromboembolism, heart failure, arrhythmias, and atrial fibrillation. Additional areas of expertise include cardiovascular risk stratification, pacemaker management, hypertension, high cholesterol, hyperlipidemia, stroke risk reduction, syncope, and hypotension.

Dedicated to improving patient outcomes, Dr. Weinstock combines advanced interventional techniques with compassionate, individualized care to help patients achieve optimal heart and vascular health.

As a dedicated board-certified cardiologist, Ram Vasudevan, MD, FACC, FACP, FCCP, FABHP, FASC, CCDS, has a mission of ensuring every patient is met with personalized attention, respect, and compassion. Dr. Vasudevan has been with Marion Physician Associates, P.A. in Downtown Ocala and Ocala West, Florida, since its inception over two decades ago.

Born and raised in India, Dr. Vasudevan attended college in Mumbai. He stayed close to home and went on to earn his Doctor of Medicine from the Topiwala National Medical College and BYL Nair Charitable Hospital in Mumbai. After graduation, Dr. Vasudevan relocated to the United States for his patient care training.

Dr. Vasudevan completed his residency training at LaGuardia Hospital (now Long Island Jewish Forest Hills) in Queens, New York, as well as the prestigious Mount Sinai Medical Center in Miami Beach, Florida. He also obtained specialized pacemaker and device training under the renowned Charlie Byrd, MD, while at Mount Sinai. Dr. Vasudevan’s training even included a full year as a general surgical resident at Lincoln Medical Center (now NYC Health + Hospitals/Lincoln) in the Bronx, New York.

To ensure he’s up to date with advancements in research and treatments, Dr. Vasudevan maintains his board certifications in internal medicine and cardiovascular disease with the American Board of Internal Medicine. He’s also a fellow of the American College of Cardiology and the American College of Physicians.

Dr. Vasudevan has specialized certifications in electrocardiography, echocardiography, nuclear medicine, Venefit™ Targeted Endovenous Therapy, and cardiac device implantations. Dr. Vasudevan takes pride in providing patient-centric care and educating his patients. He has special interests in device implantation, including biventricular lead insertions.

With his love of languages, Dr. Vasudevan can fluently speak English, Hindi, and Tamil, as well as some conversational Spanish. He’s able to help patients from a wide variety of cultural backgrounds who may struggle with language barriers.

In his free time, Dr. Vasudevan enjoys flying (he has an instrument and commercial rating), singing karaoke, using computers, reading, and keeping abreast of technology.

Dr. Yelyzaveta Prysyazhnyuk is a compassionate and highly trained physician with a strong commitment to advancing mental health care. She brings a rich background in internal medicine and a deep interest in the intersection of physical and mental well-being to her role at Vital Psych MD LLC. Dr. Prysyazhnyuk completed her undergraduate studies at Barnard College of Columbia University before earning her medical degree from SUNY Downstate College of Medicine. She went on to complete her residency in Internal Medicine at the Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell NS/LIJ, where she also obtained certifications as a clinician educator and in lifestyle medicine. At Vital Psych MD, Dr. Prysyazhnyuk is excited to focus her practice on supporting individuals through evidence-based care that bridges the gap between physical and mental health. Her clinical experience and academic foundation have shaped her integrative approach, helping achieving overall well-being and a lasting change.