Chen Senior Medical Center

Bios

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  Nicole Stevens, MD

  MD

  As a long-time resident of Miami, Dr. Nicole Stevens enjoys helping her community thrive by meeting their vital healthcare needs. "I value family very much," says Dr. Stevens. "I feel seniors are an integral part of our families and society as a whole. Working with them is very rewarding. I'm able to formulate a plan to help them deal with chronic health issues and watch them learn to take control of their health and well-being. I listen to them and am interested in their lives. I want to build relationships with them that last a long time."

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  Link: Nicole Stevens, MD

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  Yesim Calafell, MD

  MD

  Dr. Yesim Calafell became a doctor because she understands what it's like to be a patient. "When I was in middle school, I got sick from drinking contaminated water," she says. "I needed to be hospitalized, and from that moment on, I felt the vocation to be a doctor." It's her empathy and dedication that really connect Dr. Calafell to her patients. She makes it a point to get to know each person who comes to see her and treats him or her like a family member. "Seniors need a doctor to support them in this stage of life. I let them know I'm always available for them. They matter to me and they can count on me at any time."

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  Link: Yesim Calafell, MD

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  Jose Cofino, MSN, FNP-BC, NP-C

  MSN, FNP-BC, NP-C

  Jose Cofino is a family nurse practitioner and a member of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners. He earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Havana in Cuba and a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Florida Atlantic University. He earned his master’s degree in nursing from Barry University in Miami. Prior to joining Chen, Jose was a nurse supervisor at Vitas Innovative Hospice Care where he identified physical, psychological, social and spiritual needs for terminally ill patients and their families. Jose is fluent in English and Spanish.

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  Link: Jose Cofino, MSN, FNP-BC, NP-C

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  Jennifer Castilloux, DO

  DO

  Since Dr. Jennifer Castilloux was young, she’s always been interested in science. “All the complexities of the human body and pathology piqued my interest,” Dr. Castilloux says. Specializing in internal medicine, Dr. Castilloux rounds in skilled nursing facilities in Broward and Miami-Dade counties. “I chose to work with seniors because I believe they deserve a physician that will advocate for their needs, especially if they are unable to do so for themselves. I take time to make sure my patients really understand what’s going on with them and teach them about prevention so they can regain control of their health and take better care of themselves,” Dr. Castilloux adds.

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  Link: Jennifer Castilloux, DO

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  Nicholas Coretti

  DPM

  Nicholas Coretti is a podiatrist specializing in conservative and surgical treatment, from traumatic fractures, bunion/hammertoe correction, flatfoot reconstruction and wound care to ankle arthroscopy and total ankle replacement. “I would like to be known as a doctor patients can easily talk to,” says Dr. Coretti. “I try to bring a smile and laugh to each patient and relate with them personally whether it’s through different interests we share or healthcare in general.” Dr. Coretti and his wife have a son. Dr. Coretti likes to spend time with his family at the beach, barbecuing, watching movies or taking day trips to explore. Visiting the town his family is from in Italy is on his bucket list.

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  Link: Nicholas Coretti

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  Melissa Perurena Hernandez

  DPM

  From a young age, Dr. Melissa Perurena Hernandez knew she wanted to be a doctor. “I wanted to be a part of that support system a patient needs when they need healthcare. I knew that was an important role and that I would be impacting someone’s life every day,” she says. Dr. Hernandez strives to make patients feel comfortable coming to her and is appreciative of the lasting relationships she forms. Dr. Hernandez loves serving the senior population. She explains, “they need someone who is patient, attentive, and willing to listen to their needs, and I knew I would be able to do this.” When not caring for patients, Dr. Hernandez loves spending time with her family. She also enjoys cooking and exercising daily.

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  Link: Melissa Perurena Hernandez

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  Ruchi Patel Egusquiza

  MD, FACC

  Dr. Ruchi Patel Egusquiza specializes in interventional cardiology and lipidology. Her favorite part of her profession is “developing relationships with patients and getting to know them.” She loves learning about their experiences and their families. She believes healthcare should be “patient-centered” and always takes the time to explain the reasoning behind treatments. “I like to make sure patients take ownership of their own health, so that we are working as a team,” she says. She values preventative care and strives to “detect risk factors” to “reduce hospitalizations and improve patients’ quality of life long-term.” In her free time, Dr. Patel Egusquiza loves spending time with her family. She also enjoys exercising and reading.

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  Link: Ruchi Patel Egusquiza

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  Claudia Cabrera Hernandez

  MD

  Dr. Claudia Cabrera Hernandez was inspired by her aunt to become a physician. “I love everything about being a doctor. I never visualized myself doing anything else. Medicine is my passion. Helping others and seeing a happy face after getting better is what makes me feel alive,” she says. Dr. Cabrera Hernandez loves building genuine connections with her patients by actively listening and allowing her patients to get to know her as a person rather than just their physician. “Seniors are a gem. I love to learn from their experiences,” she says. She wants patients to know she is always there for them. In her free time, Dr. Cabrera Hernandez loves spending time with family and friends. She also enjoys dancing, traveling, and telling jokes.

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  Link: Claudia Cabrera Hernandez

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  Berenice Subero Pablo

  MD

  Dr. Berenice Subero Pablo grew up wanting to be a doctor and loves making a positive impact as she lives out her dream today. “My favorite part is establishing meaningful relationships with patients,” Dr. Subero Pablo says. “I want seniors to feel supported as we work together to maintain good health and a meaningful life.” These strong connections also help Dr. Subero Pablo to better understand her patients’ needs and individualize care. When she’s not caring for seniors or keeping up with medical research, Dr. Subero Pablo enjoys time with her family and friends, working out, practicing yoga, trying new restaurants, and traveling. Her favorite places to visit have been Madrid, Spain, and Galena, Illinois.

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  Link: Berenice Subero Pablo

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  Fernando Vazquez Pascual

  MD

  As a child, Dr. Fernando Vazquez Pascual was gifted “Human Anatomy for Kids,” which ignited his interest in healthcare. “I love medicine, and I like to help people,” he says. Caring for patients is his favorite part of being a physician. He believes in preventative care and strives to provide each patient with an individualized care plan. “I practice medicine focusing on treating the whole person rather than just symptoms,” he says. He finds it rewarding to care for seniors. “Practicing active listening, effective communication, being honest, respectful, and showing compassion are key components of my daily practice,” he says. In his free time, Dr. Vazquez Pascual can be found with family and friends. He also enjoys fishing.

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  Link: Fernando Vazquez Pascual

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  Elizabeth Rizo-Medina

  MD

  From a very young age, Dr. Elizabeth Rizo-Medina dreamed of following in her father’s footsteps and becoming a doctor. “I’ve always loved helping people, and it’s rewarding to make an impact in the lives of patients,” Dr. Rizo-Medina shares. Understanding the complex, changing needs seniors can have, she adds, “I am dedicated to providing the best, proactive care while treating them with the respect and dignity they deserve.” When she’s not with patients or keeping up with the latest medical research, Dr. Rizo-Medina enjoys spending time with her husband and cheering on her two children as they play baseball. Travel also excites Dr. Rizo-Medina—she hopes to one day visit San Francisco to see the redwood trees.

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  Link: Elizabeth Rizo-Medina

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  Harold Prat Garcia

  MSN, APRN, FNP-C

  Harold Prat Garcia followed in the footsteps of many family members by pursuing a career in healthcare. He views the doctor-patient relationship as a “partnership” and wants patients to know he cares. “I make it a point to listen to their concerns,” he says. He is a firm believer in preventative care. “I strongly believe that prevention is paramount to a patient’s positive health outcomes,” he says. He appreciates the opportunity to both teach and learn. He explains, “I enjoy teaching patients about nutrition, exercise, and their health conditions.” He adds, “As healthcare providers, we can never stop learning.” In his free time, Harold Prat Garcia likes traveling with family. He is also interested in the automobile industry.

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  Link: Harold Prat Garcia