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Become A Physician Champion

We are seeking
PHYSICIAN CHAMPIONS!

A Physician Champion is a leader in early childhood development and is the voice for families and children who need early intervention services.
Physician Champions play a critical role in giving Help Me Grow Florida (HMGF) credibility and authority, particularly within the health care community.

Physician Champions

  • Are Help Me Grow advocates
  • Market HMGF to fellow physicians
  • Promote HMGF within their own offices
  • Present at state medical meetings about the HMGF system
  • Invest as much time as they are willing to give (there is no minimum time commitment)

Did you know?

  • The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that developmental surveillance be incorporated into every well child visit. HMGF is a system to support that recommendation.
  • The AAP recommends that standardized developmental screening tests be administered to all children at the 9, 18, and either the 24 or 30 month visits.
How Does HMGF Support Physicians

How does HMGF support physicians? HMGF...

  • Assists with the referral process; following-up to ensure families are successfully connected to needed services
  • Saves the physician time by providing care coordination and promoting developmental surveillance in between doctors’ visits
  • Enhances the physician and patient relationship by ensuring families receive the support they need promptly
  • Provides training to health care staff regarding developmental milestones, if needed
  • Supplies technology for families to easily complete a developmental and/or behavioral screening in your office
  • Offers materials for families to enhance education about developmental monitoring and surveillance

What are the benefits to becoming a Physician Champion?

  • Becoming a part of a broader community-based effort to support early childhood development
  • Gaining visibility among professional community and being recognized as an expert in early childhood development
  • Strengthening professional reputation and opening doors for leadership opportunities
  • Having a platform to advocate for early intervention services and supports and the importance of developmental monitoring and surveillance
  • Enhancing collaboration among healthcare providers, early childhood providers, and community organizations
  • Collaborating with professionals from various disciplines Sponsored by The Children’s Forum and the State of Florida, Division of Early Learning

Our Amazing Physician Champions

2-1-1 Big Bend

2-1-1 Brevard

Bihn Vu DO, FAAP
Pediatrics in Brevard
Dr. Preeti Bimbrahw
Viera Pediatrics
Dr. Wendy Lockhart
Brevard Health Alliance

2-1-1 Palm Beach / Treasure Coast

Alfonso J. Henriquez MD, FAAP
SuraMed Health Center
Carlos Viera-Santos MD
Juan C. Collazos MD, FAAP
My Way Pediatrics
Marza Penny MD
Miguel Pereira MD
SuraMed Health Center 
Nagarakere Shankaraiah MD, FAAP
Lake Worth Pediatrics
Regine Bataille MD
Rosario Correa MD

Early Childhood Council of Hillsborough County, Inc.

Carolyn L. Marasco MD
Carrollwood Pediatrics

Early Learning Coalition of Broward County, Inc

Gabriela Teixiera-Bell DO
Personal Care Pediatrics

Early Learning Coalition of Duval

Christina Ralko CPNP
Your Way Pediatrics
Letisha B. Jefferson M.D., FAAP
The Carithers Pediatric Group
Mylee Matos MOT, OTR/L
Play Without Limits, LLC
Rachael Mohler BCBA
Island Cove Pediatrics
Dr. Vicki Zifteh
Apex Chiropractic
Dr. Yamilette Lopez
Vitality Center Jacksonville

Early Learning Coalition of Flagler & Volusia Counties

Amy Dobberfuhl APRN
Acute Care Pediatrics
Heather Bowyer D.C., CCSP®
Palmer Chiropractic Clinics
Jessica Brown APRN
Acute Care Pediatrics
Melissa Ferranti D.C., MSIP, CACCP, FIAMA
Palmer Chiropractic Clinics
Samantha Wunder D.C.
Palmer Chiropractic Clinics
Whitney McNary D.C., CHES, CFMP
Palmer Chiropractic Clinics

Early Learning Coalition of Lake County

Lorna Bennett M.D.
Bennett Pediatrics
Dr. Nickeey Salmon

Early Learning Coalition of Marion County

Diana Loud ARNP, FNP-C
Heart of Florida Health Center
Sondra Smith ARNP

Early Learning Coalition of Northwest Florida

Allison Davis M.D., FAAP
Emerald Coast Pediatrics
Amika Rampersad MD
Emerald Coast Pediatrics
Cecilia Drennen MD, FAAP
Emerald Coast Pediatrics
Eehab Kenawy MD, FAAP
Emerald Coast Pediatrics
Rami Tabbaa D.O., FAAP
Emerald Coast Pediatrics

Early Learning Coalition of Pinellas County

Daniel Neikens D.C.
Motion Chiropractic
Pamila Breen ARNP
ICare St. Pete
Sarah Kelley M.D.
Evara Health
Yasmin Cheema M.D.
Nuvia Medical St Petersburg

Healthy Start Coalition of Southwest Florida, Inc.

Annette M. St. Pierre-MacKoul M.D.
MacKoul Pediatrics
Pierre Loredo M.D.
Lee Physician Group

Heart of Florida United Way

Gian Carlo Rossi DO
Nemours Children’s Health
Lisa Spector M.D., FAAP.
Nemours Children's Hospital

HMG Alachua at Partnership for Strong Families, Inc.

Dr. Rachel Coleman
Honeybee Pediatrics

The Arc Gateway

Dr. Carol A. Andrews
Pensacola Pediatrics
Dr. Jodi Picasso