MUSC Health Lancaster Medical Center

Dr. Bayambe is a dedicated hospitalist physician with three years of experience providing compassionate, high-quality care to hospitalized patients. Board-certified in internal medicine, Dr. Bayambe specializes in managing complex medical conditions, coordinating care across multiple specialties, and ensuring optimal recovery for patients. With a patient-centered approach, Dr. Bayambe emphasizes clear communication with patients and their families. Outside of clinical work, Dr. Bayambe enjoys working out and traveling, using these activities to maintain a healthy work-life balance. He is also passionate about medical education and continuously advancing his knowledge in the field.

Dr. Robert Brizzolara is a board-certified Internal Medicine physician with over 15 years of experience caring for patients in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and hospice settings. He is dedicated to delivering compassionate, evidence-based care and guiding patients and their families through both acute illnesses and long-term health decisions. Dr. Brizzolara has served in a variety of roles, including hospitalist, medical director, and clinical educator, providing care in trauma centers, private hospitals, and hospice programs. He is currently board-certified through 2028 with a focus in Hospitalist Medicine. Dr. Brizzolara has special expertise in hospital-based medicine, critical care decision-making, and palliative care. He is also experienced in leading medical teams, mentoring medical students, and implementing quality improvement projects to enhance patient outcomes. Outside of medicine, Dr. Brizzolara enjoys running, traveling, and spending time with his wife and two children.

Shahla Eslamzadeh, CRNA, is a dedicated Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) committed to delivering exceptional, cost-effective patient care while actively contributing to the anesthesia team. With a wealth of experience and a passion for excellence, Shahla has established herself as a vital member of the health care community. Education has been a cornerstone of Shahla's career journey. She earned her Master of Nurse Anesthesia from the University of Columbia, S.C., School of Medicine, following a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and an Associate Degree in Nursing from Mercy Hospital-Charlotte. This comprehensive educational background has equipped her with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel. As a CRNA at MUSC Health Lancaster Medical Center, Shahla demonstrates proficiency in various anesthetic techniques, including general anesthesia, total intravenous anesthesia, and monitored anesthetic care. Her experience spans diverse patient populations, including adults, geriatrics, bariatrics, obstetrics, and pediatric patients. Prior to her current position, Shahla garnered invaluable experience at Carolinas Medical Center, where she worked in a Level I Trauma Center, providing anesthesia for a wide range of surgical procedures. Throughout her career, Shahla has maintained active licensure as a Registered Nurse and has obtained certifications in Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS), and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS). She is also a proud member of the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists (AANA), where she stays abreast of the latest advancements in her field. Shahla's commitment to excellence extends beyond the operating room. She also serves as a facilitator in the Endoscopy Department at Carolina Medical Center, overseeing multiple rooms and ensuring efficient patient care delivery. Her leadership skills and clinical expertise make her a valued asset to any health care team. Driven by a passion for patient safety and well-being, Shahla continues to make a significant impact in the field of anesthesia, embodying the highest standards of professionalism and compassion.

Dr. Nathaniel Gray, M.D. is a board-certified diagnostic radiologist and fellowship trained musculoskeletal radiologist. His clinical interests include orthopedic oncology, sports-related injuries, and bone density evaluation. Additionally, Dr. Gray has a strong clinical interest in mammography, both in increasing access and improving outcomes for patients. He earned his Bachelor of Arts from Winthrop University and his Doctor of Medicine degree from The University of South Carolina School of Medicine where he was inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha medical honor society and graduated magna cum laude. Dr. Gray proceeded to complete his residency in Diagnostic Radiology followed by a musculoskeletal fellowship at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center in Winston Salem, NC. He returned to his home state of South Carolina in 2020 to enter private practice. Dr. Gray currently practices in upstate South Carolina, primarily at MUSC Lancaster and Chester. He serves as the lead interpreting physician for mammography at both locations where he continually strives to provide services and enact policies that align with current best practice guidelines and exceed patient expectations for timely and quality care.

Jessica Metzler, MSN, CRNA, is a proficient and highly motivated nurse anesthetist. She completed her Master of Science in Nursing with a focus on Nurse Anesthesia from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro/Wake Forest Nurse Anesthesia Program. She received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She further honed her leadership skills as an NCANA Leadership Fellow, focusing on leadership training and skill development. In her professional career, Jessica serves as the Director of CRNA Services and Support Personnel. Prior to her current role, she served as the CRNA Manager in the Catawba Division for MUSC after many years of working in CRNA leadership in Charlotte, NC. Jessica's contributions extend beyond clinical practice. She has co-authored wellness and self-care presentations for nurses, contributed to pediatric anesthesia literature, and presented at professional conferences. Her volunteer work includes performing anesthesia on medical mission trips and mentoring through Big Brother Big Sister. Jessica holds certifications as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist and Registered Nurse in both North Carolina and South Carolina. She is an active member of professional associations such as the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists (AANA), the North Carolina Association of Nurse Anesthetists (NCANA), and the North Carolina Nurses Association (NCNA).

Dr. Fatai Oluyadi is an Internal Medicine doctor who is passionate about providing high-quality, compassionate care. He takes time to listen to his patients, explain their health conditions clearly, and work with them to create the best treatment plan possible. He completed his medical training at Windsor University School of Medicine and continued his residency at Brookdale University Hospital and Medical Center in Brooklyn, NY, where he cared for patients with a wide variety of complex health needs. Dr. Oluyadi has special experience treating patients in intensive care, heart care, and emergency settings. In addition to caring for patients, Dr. Oluyadi is also a teacher and mentor. He has taught medical students and created online resources to make medical information easier to understand. His goal is always to support patients and families with both medical expertise and kindness.

Nicole McKenzie has been a Physician Assistant for 2 years, graduating from Charleston Southern University in 2021. After graduating, she joined an ENT group based in Columbia, SC where she gained invaluable knowledge and skills. Following her aspirations with her career, she became a hospitalist in her hometown at MUSC Chester Hospital. She has thoroughly enjoyed managing patients while admitted to the hospital and has gained immense amounts of experience; helping to care for surgical patients post-operatively and nonsurgical patients. Now, she is embarking on another adventure in medicine and joining the MUSC Lancaster Division Emergency Department. She looks forward to learning more, honing her skills, and treating any patient that needs medical attention.

Molly P. Miedema, SRNA, is an accomplished nurse anesthesia professional currently pursuing a Doctorate of Nurse Anesthesia Practice (DNAP) at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC), Charleston. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from Hope College in Holland, Michigan. During her undergraduate studies, Molly was recognized for her academic excellence by being inducted into the Sigma Theta Tau Honor Society, Kappa Epsilon-At-Large Chapter. Molly's clinical experience as a Student Registered Nurse Anesthetist is extensive. She has rotated through both Level 1 trauma centers and rural hospitals, gaining exposure to a wide array of surgical cases and complex patients in diverse practice settings. Her doctoral project, titled "Impact of a Nurse Anesthesia Program on the Emotional Intelligence of Student Registered Nurse Anesthetists," was selected for presentation at the AANA Assembly of Didactic and Clinical Educators (ADCE) Conference. Professionally, Molly currently works in Anesthesia at MUSC Health Lancaster Medical Center. Her previous roles include serving as a General Intensive Care Unit Travel Nurse at Jordan Valley West Medical Center in Utah and Kaiser Permanente Zion Medical Center in San Diego. At Northwestern Memorial Hospital (NMH) in Chicago, a Level 1 Trauma Center, she excelled as a Neuro Spine Intensive Care Unit Staff Nurse, providing expert care to patients with critically unstable neurologic conditions and assisting with life-saving interventions and procedures. Molly is actively engaged in professional enrichment activities. She serves as the Co-chair of the MUSC Alumni Committee and is a member of the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology (AANA). She has also co-chaired the Surgical Neuro Ortho Service Line Committee at NMH and participated in a medical mission with Operation Walk Chicago in Recife, Brazil. With her strong academic background, extensive clinical experience, and commitment to professional development, Molly P. Miedema is poised to make significant contributions to the field of nurse anesthesia.

Dr. Mebrahtom Tesfai was born and raised in Eritrea and earned his Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Gondar College of Medical Sciences. He completed his internship and residency in Internal Medicine at Interfaith Medical Center in Brooklyn, New York, followed by a fellowship in Geriatric Medicine at Atrium Health in Charlotte, North Carolina. With over 15 years of experience as a hospitalist, Dr. Tesfai has been a dedicated member of the medical team at MUSC Lancaster Medical Center for more than six years. He is committed to providing high-quality, patient-centered care and brings a wealth of knowledge in both acute inpatient and geriatric medicine.

Wes Maughon earned his Doctor of Nursing Practice degree with a specialization in nurse anesthesia from Western Carolina University in 2022. Prior to practicing nurse anesthesia, he began his career in 2015 as an intensive care unit nurse at Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta, GA, where he established a strong foundation in caring for critically ill medical, trauma, and surgical patients. He then furthered his critical care nursing experience at Emory University Hospital, caring for patients recovering from major vascular and cardiothoracic surgeries within the cardiovascular ICU. Since becoming board certified in nurse anesthesia, he has provided regional, general, and neuraxial anesthesia to a diverse surgical patient population, including obstetrics, pediatrics, vascular, neurosurgical, trauma, and orthopedics in both inpatient hospital and outpatient surgery center settings in southern New Hampshire.

Dr. Avinash Juneja, M.D., brings diverse medical experience and expertise to his role as Medical Director of Hospital Medicine at MUSC Health Lancaster Medical Center. With a career spanning across continents, Dr. Juneja has established himself as a dedicated health care professional committed to providing high-quality patient care and advancing medical practices. Dr. Juneja's journey in medicine began with his Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery degree from Maulana Azad Medical College in New Delhi, India, where he honed his foundational knowledge and passion for health care. Following this, he completed an internship encompassing various medical disciplines, including Medicine, Surgery, Obstetrics and Gynecology, and Community Health, at renowned institutions such as LNJP Hospital and Guru Nanak Eye Centre. Driven by a desire for continuous learning and growth, Dr. Juneja pursued his Internal Medicine residency at Catholic Health System SUNY in Buffalo, New York. During residency, he refined his clinical skills and gained invaluable experience managing complex medical cases. Dr. Juneja has held diverse roles throughout his career, including Full-time Hospitalist at Springs Memorial Hospital in Lancaster, SC, and a Registered Medical Officer at Sehgal Nursing Home in New Delhi, India. His expertise extends to Otolaryngology, where he served as a Junior Resident at the prestigious All India Institute of Medical Sciences. Dr. Juneja is board-certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) and holds certifications in Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS). As a dedicated hospitalist with over 15 years of experience in internal medicine and hospital administration, his mission is to deliver exceptional, patient-centered care while ensuring the highest standards of patient safety and clinical excellence. His commitment is reflected in the following principles: **Compassionate and Comprehensive Care:** Providing empathetic and thorough medical care to all patients, addressing both acute and chronic conditions with expertise gained from extensive clinical experience. **Leadership and Collaboration:** Leading and managing multidisciplinary teams of physicians and nurse practitioners to foster a collaborative environment that prioritizes patient well-being and enhances clinical outcomes. **Patient Safety and Quality Improvement:** Actively participating in hospital committees and performance improvement projects to continuously enhance patient safety and the quality of care provided. **Evidence-Based Practices:** Utilizing extensive knowledge in hospital medicine to implement evidence-based practices that minimize risks and optimize patient health, ensuring the best possible outcomes for his patients. Beyond his professional commitments, Dr. Juneja is deeply committed to giving back to his community. He has volunteered his time and expertise to initiatives such as the Pulse Polio Immunization Program conducted by the Government of India, demonstrating his dedication to public health initiatives and community welfare. With his blend of clinical expertise, leadership acumen, and commitment to excellence, Dr. Avinash Juneja continues to make a meaningful impact in health care, enriching the lives of patients and colleagues alike.

Jill Price grew up in the suburbs of New Jersey, minutes away from Philadelphia. She attended Quinnipiac University in Hamden, CT where she obtained her Bachelor of Science in Nursing. After acquiring years of experience as an intensive care registered nurse in both New Jersey and Florida, she attended the Medical University of South Carolina's Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice program in Charleston, SC. She is excited to begin her anesthesia career at MUSC Health Lancaster Medical Center gaining experience in all areas of anesthesia, especially obstetrics and regional anesthesia.

Dr. Nagaraj is an accomplished physician executive with over a decade of progressive leadership in hospital medicine, healthcare transformation, and academic medical education. He most recently served as Interim Specialty Medical Director and Section Chief of Hospital Medicine at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist-an academic hub of Advocate Health and led strategic initiatives across clinical operations, faculty development, and system-wide integration. Dr. Nagaraj brings a visionary approach to value-driven healthcare, combining clinical innovation with operational efficiency. He has launched and led innovative care models like Hospital at Home and Virtual Hospital, and driven multi-million dollar improvements in performance and efficiency. An academic leader, Dr. Nagaraj was a Clinical Associate Professor of Internal Medicine at Wake Forest University School of Medicine. He holds an MPH from Texas A\&M University and completed his Medical School from JSS Medical College, India. He completed his Internal Medicine residency at the University at Buffalo. He is a Fellow of the American College of Physicians and a Senior Fellow of Hospital Medicine. A nationally recognized voice in relationship-centered communication, Dr. Nagaraj is a faculty with the Academy of Communication in Healthcare and currently serves on its Board of Directors. He has authored peer-reviewed publications on healthcare delivery innovation and continues to mentor the next generation of physician leaders through academic and professional development programs. With a passion for system transformation and team empowerment, Dr. Nagaraj exemplifies collaborative leadership in complex, matrixed healthcare environments.

Dr. Wenting (Toto) Han, CRNA, DNP, a highly skilled Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) licensed in both North and South Carolina, is committed to delivering exceptional clinical care across diverse patient populations and settings. With a robust foundation in nursing education and extensive experience, Dr. Han prioritizes the highest standards of patient safety and satisfaction. Dr. Han earned her Doctorate of Nursing Practice in Nurse Anesthesia from Western Carolina University in May 2021, following her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 2015. She holds active licensure and certifications, including NC APRN, SC APRN, NC BSN-RN, ACLS, PALS, and BLS, reflecting her dedication to maintaining expertise and staying abreast of the latest advancements in her field. Currently serving as Perioperative Clinical Leader at MUSC Health Lancaster Medical Center in Lancaster, SC, Dr. Han oversees a team of seven CRNAs, ensuring quality and compassionate care delivery in a rural setting. Her responsibilities include daily coordination with medical and surgical staff, conducting biweekly staff meetings, mentoring new CRNAs, and serving as Clinical Coordinator for student nurse anesthetists. Notably, she pioneered the development of the first MUSC SRNA program at MUSC Lancaster, demonstrating her leadership and commitment to advancing the field of anesthesia. With extensive experience in various surgical specialties, including kidney transplant, orthopedics, pediatrics, and obstetrics, Dr. Han excels as an educator in regional anesthesia techniques, pre-operative assessments, and anesthetic administration across diverse clinical settings. Prior to her current position, Dr. Han gained valuable experience at Duke University Hospital and UNC Hospitals, where she specialized in critical care nursing, earning multiple awards for her exemplary service and commitment to excellence. Dr. Han is actively involved in professional development and volunteer initiatives. She is fluent in Mandarin Chinese, enhancing her ability to provide culturally sensitive care to diverse patient populations. An esteemed member of the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists and the North Carolina Association of Nurse Anesthetists, Dr. Han is dedicated to advancing the practice of nurse anesthesia and improving patient outcomes.

Michael Kithcart, DNAP, CRNA, is a dedicated and highly skilled nurse anesthetist with a robust educational background and diverse professional experience. He holds a Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice from the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) in Charleston, SC. Michael also holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, graduating cum laude from the University of Kentucky in Lexington, KY. Michael currently serves at MUSC Health Lancaster Medical Center in Lancaster, SC. Before this role, he worked as a staff nurse in the 27-bed Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, TN. He delivered high-quality, attentive care to immediate postoperative patients in this capacity. His experience includes critical care nursing for medical cardiology, vascular, and transplant patients. Additionally, he served as a Nursing Care Technician in the Cardiovascular-Thoracic Intensive Care Unit at Albert B. Chandler Hospital in Lexington, KY, and as a Patient Care Technician in Perioperative Care at Medical West Hospital in Bessemer, AL. Michael's commitment to academic and professional excellence is evident through his involvement in various enrichment activities. He served as an Admissions Interview Student Representative and Alumni Committee Member for the Anesthesia for Nurses program at MUSC. At the University of Kentucky, he was a Resident Advisor and recipient of the Otis A. Singletary Scholarship. Michael holds certifications in Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS), and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS). He is a registered nurse with a South Carolina Multistate license and an active member of the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology (AANA) and the South Carolina Association of Nurse Anesthetists (SCANA).

Dr. Anshika Singh is a board certified physician practicing hospital medicine. She completed her training in Florida where she had close exposure to concierge medicine. It inspired her desire for every patient to have that extra attention and tailored medical care. Therefore, after moving to the Carolinas, her focus has been on improving patients' hospital experience, expanding their health literacy, and promoting autonomy with good communication and words of encouragement. She enjoys teaching and hopes to train residents in not just science but also the art of medicine.

Dr. M. Logan Gibbons is a highly esteemed Pediatric Physician currently serving as a Pediatric/Neonatal Hospitalist at MUSC Health Lancaster Medical Center. With a dedication to providing exceptional care to children and families, Dr. Gibbons brings a wealth of experience and expertise to his practice. Prior to joining MUSC Health Lancaster Medical Center, Dr. Gibbons held positions as a Staff Pediatrician at Lowry's Pediatrics in Chester, SC, where he demonstrated a commitment to community health and wellness. He also served as Chief of Pediatrics at the 20th Medical Group at Shaw AFB in Sumter, SC, and a Staff Pediatrician at the 6th Medical Group at MacDill AFB in Tampa, FL and at the 35^th^ Medical Group at Misawa AFB in Misawa, Japan, providing compassionate care to military families. Dr. Gibbons' journey into pediatrics began with his Medical School education at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) in Charleston, SC, where he earned his Doctor of Medicine degree. He further honed his skills during his Pediatric Residency Program at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, DC, solidifying his passion for pediatric medicine. Prior to medical school, Dr. Gibbons pursued his undergraduate studies at The Citadel in Charleston, SC, where he obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry. This diverse educational background equips him with a comprehensive understanding of the medical sciences, enabling him to approach patient care with empathy and scientific rigor. Dr. Gibbons is known for his unwavering commitment to providing comprehensive, compassionate, and evidence-based care to his young patients. He is dedicated to staying current with the latest advancements in pediatric medicine to ensure the best possible outcomes for every child under his care. With a reputation for excellence, Dr. Gibbons continues to positively impact the health and well-being of children in his community and beyond.

Monther Altiti, M.D., FACS, general \& transplant surgeon, practices at MUSC Health Lancaster Medical Center - General Surgery. His clinical interests include diseases of the gastrointestinal system, weight loss surgeries, hernias and complex abdominal wall reconstructions, thyroid and parathyroid surgery, breast diseases, and access for dialysis. He also treats cancer of the stomach, small intestine, colon, liver, pancreas, breast, and skin. In addition to be a certified transplant surgeon, he also performs minimally invasive laparoscopic and robotic surgeries. Monther Altiti grew up in Jordan, he received his medical degree from the University of Jordan. He joined the general surgery residency at Jordan University Hospital, where he received the Jordanian Board Certification in General Surgery. As a part of pursing his subspecialty training, Dr. Altiti was matched as a Transplant Surgery Fellow at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) where he trained for two years. He is currently certified by the American Society of Transplant Surgeons to perform liver, kidney and pancreas transplants. Dr. Altiti completed two additional years of residency training in the General Surgery Department at the MUSC to obtain the American Board of Surgery certification. During this period, he received a variety of training in surgery subspecialties where he strengthened his knowledge and skills with robotic and minimally invasive surgery in addition to all general surgery procedures.

Benjamin Matthew Pugh, CRNA, is a dedicated health care professional committed to delivering safe, individualized anesthesia care to the Lancaster, SC, community. With a solid educational background and extensive experience in various clinical settings, Benjamin brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his practice. Benjamin obtained his Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Utah Valley University before pursuing his Master of Science in Nurse Anesthesia at Western Carolina University (WCU). While at WCU, Benjamin honed his skills and deepened his understanding of anesthesia practice, preparing him for a successful career. Benjamin has worked in diverse health care environments, including prestigious institutions such as Mission Health and MUSC Health Lancaster Medical Center. His clinical experience spans various specialties, including general, orthopedic, neurosurgery, obstetric, pediatric, and trauma anesthesia. Benjamin is proficient in various anesthesia techniques, including spinals, arterial lines, and ultrasound-guided procedures. Benjamin's commitment to excellence is reflected in his active involvement in professional organizations such as the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists and South Carolina Association of Nurse Anesthetist. He holds multiple licensures and certifications, including South Carolina Registered Nurse and CRNA certifications, as well as certifications in Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), and Basic Life Support (BLS). With a passion for patient care and a dedication to staying at the forefront of his field, Benjamin Matthew Pugh, CRNA, continues to make valuable contributions to the health care community. Ensuring the safety and well-being of his patients is always the top priority.

Aravind Raghavan, M.D., is a board-certified Internal Medicine physician, focusing on high-quality patient care, graduate medical education and teaching. He treats a wide variety of diseases that are simple and complex in nature and provides a higher level of care for those patients with the support of other subspecialties in the hospital. Dr. Raghavan attended medical school at Angeles University Foundation School of Medicine in the Philippines and graduated with honors. He then completed his internal medicine residency at Beth Israel Lahey Health in Burlington, Massachusetts, where he received the Award for Excellence in Medical Student Teaching during his final year of residency. After graduation, he served as an Internist at Baystate Medical Center - UMass Chan Medical School in Springfield, Massachusetts. After that, he served as an Associate Program Director for an Internal Medicine Program at Merit Health Wesley Medical Center, Hattiesburg, MS. There he was awarded teacher of the year and graduate medical education leadership award for his vital role in the residency program. Dr. Raghavan also served as a quality control officer and case reviewer at Magee General Hospital in Mississippi. He also served on a number of hospital committees including Peer Review Committee, Medical Executive Committee, Hospital safety committee, resident wellness committee, Cardiovascular safety committee and others. He has 2 years of research background working at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, and Tufts Medical Center in Boston, Massachusetts.

Dr. Arun Grover, MD is an experienced physician who has joined as a hospitalist. His areas of expertise include chronic medical conditions but not limited to heart disease, diabetes, and hypertension. Dr Grover enjoys gardening, working out, and meditation in his spare time. He and his family live in the greater Charlotte area.

Cheryl Good is a certified Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner since 2019, initially practicing in cardiology followed by hospital medicine. Prior to being certified as a nurse practitioner, she practiced as a registered nurse since 2009 in the areas of family medicine, medical/surgical then cardiovascular. Cheryl feels very blessed to serve others and hopes to make a positive impact on their health and wellness.

Dr. Nikhila Velivela is a compassionate hospitalist physician from India with a background in family medicine. After completing medical school in India, Dr. Velivela went on to complete a residency in Family Medicine at St. Francis Hospital, Delaware, where she honed skills in managing a variety of medical conditions. As a hospitalist, Dr. Velivela focuses on delivering comprehensive care for hospitalized patients while coordinating with specialists and ensuring smooth transitions of care. She is known for taking the time to connect with patients and their families, listening to their life stories and fostering strong relationships built on trust and empathy. Dr. Velivela believes that understanding a patient's background is key to providing personalized, effective care. Committed to continuous learning and patient advocacy, Dr. Velivela is dedicated to improving healthcare outcomes and making a positive impact on both patients and the community.

Dr. Leopoldo V. Rodriguez is a distinguished anesthesiologist specializing in ambulatory anesthesia with a career spanning clinical excellence, leadership, academia, and research. Born in Caracas, Venezuela, he was inspired by a family background rooted in engineering and psychology. From an early age, he demonstrated academic excellence, ultimately earning his medical degree from the Universidad Central de Venezuela, Dr. Luis Razetti School of Medicine, in 1993. Dr. Rodriguez pursued his Anesthesiology residency at Vanderbilt University (1996-2000), where he served as Chief Resident. Since then, he has built a remarkable career, holding key leadership roles in prestigious organizations and contributing extensively to the advancement of ambulatory anesthesiology. **Leadership \& Professional Affiliations** Dr. Rodriguez has held influential positions in national and international anesthesiology societies, shaping policies and best practices in ambulatory surgical care: * President, Florida Society of Anesthesiologists (2021-2022) * President, Society for Ambulatory Anesthesia (SAMBA) (2020-2021) * Chair, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) Committee on * Ambulatory Surgical Care (2021-2023) * Member, ASA Committee on Performance and Outcome Measures (2017-2024) * Member, ASA Committee on Regional Anesthesia * Officer, General Assembly, International Association for Ambulatory Surgery (IAAS) (until 2026) **Clinical \& Academic Contributions** Dr. Rodriguez has served as Medical Director, Vice-Chair, and Chair of Anesthesia Departments in various hospitals and ambulatory surgery centers. His expertise in Regional Anesthesia has made him a sought-after lecturer and educator. Additionally, he has contributed to peer-reviewed journals as an author. With a passion for advancing anesthesiology and improving patient outcomes, Dr. Rodriguez continues to lead and innovate in his field while mentoring the next generation of anesthesia professionals.

I am a board-certified compassionate and dedicated hospitalist specialized in acute care for adults. I focus on acute illness management, chronic disease stabilization working collaboratively with multidisciplinary team of physicians, nurses and case managers. I provide high-quality, evidence based, patient centered care from the time of admission to discharge. I also focus on patient safety, effective communication, and family and patient education.