Tampa General Hospital

Julia N. Smith is a clinical nurse who delivers integrative and evidence-based nursing care in collaboration with an inpatient multidisciplinary team of physicians, advanced practice providers, specialists, support staff and registered nurses. She earned her Master of Science in Nursing at the University of Tampa and Bachelor of Science in Nursing at the University of South Florida. Smith is affiliated with the Florida Association of Nurse Practitioners and received the CVS Health Foundation Scholarship, McNichols Scholarship and the TGH Nurses Week Scholarship. She is also a member of the Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing.

Dr. Vaagn Andikyan is a highly skilled gynecologic oncologist who recently joined the University of South Florida and Tampa General Hospital from Yale University. With expertise in minimally invasive and robotic surgery, Dr. Andikyan has made significant contributions to improving surgical outcomes and advancing patient care. As the Director of the Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC) program, he has pioneered innovative treatments for ovarian cancer, improving survival rates and improving perioperative outcomes. In addition, Dr. Andikyan has played a key role in the implementation of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocols, significantly optimizing patients' quality of life and their experiences.

Dr. Andikyan is actively involved in research focused on improving surgical metrics, targeted therapies in gynecologic oncology, and addressing financial toxicity in cancer care. His work has been published in esteemed journals, contributing to advancements in the field of gynecologic oncology. He has also received numerous awards and is widely recognized for performing a life-saving surgery to remove a 132-pound ovarian tumor.

Through leadership roles in organizations such as the Society of Gynecologic Oncology and the American Society of Clinical Oncology, Dr. Andikyan continues to advocate for equitable access to high-quality healthcare and the advancement of women's health. His patient-centered approach, combined with his expertise and passion for innovation, defines his commitment to improving outcomes and transforming lives. Dr. Andikyan is fluent in English, Russian and Armenian.

Dr. Kumar is a clinician and an educator- and as a core faculty member, at the rank of Professor in the Department of Pediatrics and Morsani College of Medicine at the University of South Florida, she is intimately involved with teaching medical and PA students and residents, and mentoring junior colleagues in clinical skills and management of the patients. She continues to receive numerous awards and recognition for her work and teaching from patients, co-workers, and colleagues. She has been included in the Best Doctors of America for several years.

In addition to general pediatrics, she has expertise in pediatric hematology/oncology and bone marrow transplantation. Her special interests include red cell disorders - she has described unique and unusual hemoglobins making significant contributions to medical literature.

Dr. Kumar has lived, trained, and worked in three continents - Asia, Europe, and America - and has credentials and qualifications in Pediatrics from various countries. She has traveled extensively, and her experiences have given her a unique and global perspective on educational models, clinical practices, challenges in medical education, and efficient utilization of resources with optimal delivery of healthcare in the clinical setting and practice.

Currently, she is developing and exploring overutilization in medicine and hopes to address the issue of waste, escalating costs, and fiscal responsibility in medicine.