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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. 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.

Alan Testa, DC, is an experienced chiropractor at Sports Chiro & Rehab in Davie, Florida, with more than 20 years of experience in chiropractic care, rehabilitation, and performance-based treatment. He is passionate about helping patients reduce pain, restore mobility, and achieve long-term physical wellness through personalized, evidence-based care.

Dr. Testa earned his Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science from Indiana University and completed his Doctor of Chiropractic degree at Life University in 2002. He is certified in Acupuncture and Active Release Technique (ART), and integrates advanced soft-tissue therapy, corrective exercise, and movement-based rehabilitation into every treatment plan. His clinical background includes working with elite athletes from the NFL, NBA, NHL, and MLB, as well as active individuals and families seeking to improve function and prevent injury.

Throughout his career, Dr. Testa has remained committed to continuing education and innovative care strategies. His certifications include Graston Technique, FAKTR-PM, Muscle Activation Technique, RTS Resistance Training Specialist, golf injury rehabilitation, and enzyme therapy.

He also served as an Active Release Technique Assistant Instructor from 2014 to 2020 and has partnered with performance organizations such as Bommarito Performance and XPE Sports.

In addition to private practice, Dr. Testa has supported athletic programs and major sporting events as a team chiropractor and medical provider, including high school championship teams and endurance competitions.

Outside the clinic, Dr. Testa enjoys spending time with his wife, two children, and their three Labrador Retrievers. He loves traveling, exploring new restaurants, solving escape rooms, and attending concerts and comedy shows.

Zael Vazquez, MD, is board-certified in critical care medicine, pulmonary disease, and internal medicine. He is proud to provide state-of-the-art medical care to the North and West Broward communities at Pulmonary Care Clinics in Cooper City, Florida. 

Dr. Vazquez completed a residency in internal medicine at Drexel University College of Medicine and a fellowship in pulmonary and critical care medicine at Temple University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where he received special training in the management of patients with complex pulmonary problems such as pulmonary hypertension, interstitial lung diseases, and COPD.

He went on to pursue an advanced fellowship in thoracic transplantation at Temple University. He currently serves as the Chief of Pulmonary Medicine at Memorial Hospital Pembroke and Chief of Respiratory Services at Select Specialty Hospital. 

He prides himself on providing excellent patient care in a compassionate, competent, confident, and communicative manner. Dr. Vazquez is fluent in the Spanish language. He enjoys cycling, physical fitness, and spending time with his wife and daughter.

Mitchell B. Cohen, MD. A founding member of Pinnacle Healthcare System, he serves patients at the practice’s office in Pembroke Pines, Florida. 

Dr. Cohen received his medical degree from Georgetown University in Washington, DC. Upon graduating, he completed his medical internship, residency, and cardiology fellowship at North Shore University Hospital-Cornell University and Memorial Sloan Kettering Center in New York. Dr. Cohen then went on to complete his electrophysiology fellowship at the Jackson Memorial Hospital University of Miami in Florida.

At Pinnacle Healthcare System, Dr. Cohen provides a wide range of services. He has a special interest in electrophysiology, which is the study of the heart’s electrical activity and characteristics.

He is currently accepting new patients and warmly welcomes them to Pinnacle Healthcare System. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Cohen, call the Pembroke Pines office or book a consultation online today.

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Nisharahmed Kherada, MD, FACC, FSCAI, RPVI, is a trusted Interventional Cardiologist specializing in Cardiac Catheterization. Board certified in internal medicine, clinical hypertension, general cardiology, interventional cardiology, echocardiography, nuclear cardiology, and vascular interpretation, Dr. Kherada is dedicated to providing advanced cardiovascular care. He currently serves as the Section Chief of Cardiology for Memorial Hospital Pembroke.

Dr. Kherada earned his medical degree from B.J. Medical College (Gujarat University) in India before conducting basic science cardiovascular research at The Ohio State University. He then completed his internal medicine residency at the University of Nevada School of Medicine, Las Vegas and pursued advanced cardiovascular research at the Icahn School of Medicine in New York, along with a specialized fellowship in clinical hypertension. His training continued at Mount Sinai Medical Center in Miami, where he completed his fellowships in general and interventional cardiology and served as Chief Cardiology Fellow.

As an expert in minimally invasive cardiovascular procedures, Dr. Kherada specializes in cardiac catheterization, and stenting, particularly utilizing an advanced low-risk radial artery approach. He also performs peripheral arterial angioplasty and stenting, varicose vein laser ablation, and structural heart interventions, including Valvuloplasty and Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR).

A Fellow of the American College of Cardiology (ACC) and Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions (SCAI) eligible, Dr. Kherada remains at the forefront of interventional cardiology, committed to delivering cutting-edge treatments that improve patient outcomes.

If you’re experiencing heart-related symptoms or need expert cardiovascular care, schedule an appointment with Dr. Kherada today. Early intervention can make all the difference in your heart health. 

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