Taking Charge of My Cancer

Sandy Morgan is a post-doctoral associate in the Smith respiratory physiology lab at the University of Florida.  Sandy graduated as a registered nurse from the University of Florida more than 30 years ago.  She received her master’s degree in adult neuroscience nursing at the University of South Florida.  She worked as a clinical neuroscience nurse specialist in critical care for many years, follo...

"Anthony Zaleski is a 3rd year UF DPT student from Boynton Beach, Florida. He received his bachelors degree in Finance in 2018 and was originally on a path to become an Actuary before making the switch to becoming a physical therapist. His plan is to practice in the Palm Beach County where he lives with his fiancée and black lab puppy. He enjoys everything involving the water and beach, hikin...

Jena Cooreman L.C.S.W, O.S.W, O.S.W -C,CST is a licensed clinical social worker with 25 years of experience in mental health and medical social work.  She practices at the UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center in Sacramento, California and has been aboard-certified oncology social worker since 2015.  Jena believes that quality cancer care attends to the whole person and has led efforts to develop s...

Shelby is a Columbia University graduate in human rights who somehow ended up following her lifelong passion for rescuing animals! After her dad was diagnosed with Stage IV oral squamous cell carcinoma late last year, a series of unexpected complications early this year prompted her to make an emergency move to Florida to care for him full-time. While the battle against head and neck cancer has be...

Dr Margarete Ribeiro-Dasilva, DDS, MS, PhD, is a Clinical Professor at the University of Florida College of Dentistry, where she serves as Director of the Dental Clinical Research Unit and Clinical Prosthodontics Director.  Dr. Ribeiro-Dasilva is NIH-funded and actively leads research on translational approaches to chronic pain, with a focus on photobio- modulation and its role in modulating infla...

Abby Berry is a 25-year-old college student studying to become a clinical nutritionist in Jacksonville, Florida. At 23, She was diagnosed with Alveolar Soft Part Sarcoma, an ultra-rare and “incurable” cancer. After several failed treatments and an uphill battle, She is now in remission and considered to be NED from a new treatment that just passed clinical trials that has completely changed her li...

Deborah Epperson is a recently retired scientist. Deborah worked for most of her career as a Department of Interior biologist, most recently at the U.S. Geological Survey's Wetland and Aquatic Research Center in Gainesville, FL. Prior to that, she spent 14 years working in New Orleans on protected species (marine mammals and sea turtles) issues associated with energy development in the Gulf of...

Dr Erica Braschi is a PGY-4 resident in radiation oncology at the University of Florida. She was born and raised in Puerto Rico, where she grew up loving the beach, school, and competitive tennis. Her passion for tennis brought her to the U.S. as a teenager for training and tournaments, and later to Elon University, where she played Division I tennis and majored in biochemistry. She went on to att...

Karen is an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse, board certified by the ANCC in Adult Health since 2001. She has over 30 years of nursing experience in various clinical settings. She earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in nursing from the University of Florida. The next 14 years were spent in the burn intensive care unit at UF Health Shand's Hospital. She has participated in numerous abstrac...

Dr Austin S. Lam, MD, is an assistant professor at the University of Florida Division of Head & Neck Oncology and Microvascular Reconstructive Surgery. He is committed to providing personalized, high-quality care from the initial consultation through surgery and follow-up visits. He was first drawn to the field when He witnessed the profound dedication of head and neck surgeons. Now as a speci...

Hi, I’m Taylor Navarro, a senior at the University of Florida studyingApplied Physiology and Kinesiology on the pre-PT track. This summer, I had theprivilege of interning with Dr. Derly Munoz, learning about patient care andresearch in oncology, and outside of work I enjoy exploring Gainesville’s parksand springs, staying active at the gym, and discovering new music Connect with Derly ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https:...

Dr. Jessica Drummond, DCN, CNS, PT, NBC-HWC, is the founder and CEO of The Integrative Women’s Health Institute, The Outsmart Endo Health Coaching Program, and the creator of the Women’s Health Coach Certification. She is passionate about caring for and empowering people who struggle with women’s and pelvic health concerns. She is equally passionate about educating and supporting clinicians and we...

Dr Dhruv Singhal, MD is an Associate Professor of Surgery at Harvard Medical School and serves as the co-Director of the Boston Lymphatic Center and Director of the BIDMC Lymphatic Center.  Dr. Singhal completed all of his formal surgical training in Boston.  He is Board Certified in GeneralSurgery having completed his general surgery training at the Brigham and Women’s Hospital (Boston, MA).  Dr....

Rebecca Knackstedt is a board-certified plastic surgeon specializing in implant-based and microsurgical breast reconstruction. She is currently an Assistant Professor in Plastic and Reconstructive surgery at Duke University. She completed her MD/PhD at Medical University of South Carolina where her PhD thesis focused on Vitamin D and inflammation. She pursued an integrated plastic surgery residenc...

Maria is a rehab aide at UF Health with a strong passion for providing empathetic and inclusive care to her community. Currently on track to pursue her Doctor of Physical Therapy at the University of South Florida this August, Maria brings hands-on experience and a deep commitment to helping patients heal and thrive. Over the past year, she’s worked at the UF Health Medical Plaza, following a four...

Sharon Byun, MD, is board certified in Obstetrics and Gynecology and Lifestyle Medicine and is a Fellow of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Diplomate of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine. In addition, she is a Menopause Society Certified Practitioner. She received her undergraduate degree in Biomedical Engineering from Boston University in 1991 and her medical degree...

Erin Mook is a dedicated professional with a robust career in internal auditing since 2010. Over the past 15 years, she has honed her expertise in evaluating and enhancing organizational processes, ensuring compliance, and identifying areas for operational improvement. She is a Certified Internal Auditor, Certified Inspector General, Certified Inspector General Auditor, and Certified in the Govern...

Joseph Katz, D.M.D, Professor, Head section of Oral Medicine, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Diagnostic Sciences at the University of Florida. Dr. Katz Has an active patient care practice, and he is deeply involved in teaching and translational research. He was trained at the Hebrew University School of Dental Medicine, where he received his DMD and Residency in Oral Medicine, followed by a...

Dr. Tracey Botha is a highly respected board-certified OBGYN with over 20 years of experience in the medical field. Her extensive background in obstetrics and gynecology has provided her with a solid foundation to explore various aspects of women's health and wellness. She is unique as a OBGYN who had breast cancer and a mastectomy as well. With a special interest in bio-identical hormone therapy,...

Nicole Scarpino is a physical therapy student from Nova Southeastern University who graduates in May of this year. She graduated from the University of Florida with a degree in psychology with a focus on behavioral and cognitive neuroscience. She is also an avid equestrian, competing internationally in the sport of dressage. Connect with Derly ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https:/...

Dr. Tabatha Barber is physician, speaker, and 2-time best-selling author who has dedicated her life to empowering women in their health journeys. Overcoming early life challenges, including being a teenage mother and high school dropout, she rose to success through faith and perseverance. Dr. Tabatha holds triple board certifications in obstetrics and gynecology, menopause, and functional medicine...

Zari Cooper and Joshua Cooper are the co-founders of Not Your Average Therapy, a mobile, cash-based physical and occupational therapy practice in Gainesville, Florida. Zari is a double UF graduate, an occupational therapist and a certified lymphedema therapist. Joshua Cooper also a double UF graduate, a physical therapist and a board certified neurologic clinical specialist. Their company, Not You...

Oscar W. Goolsby is married with three adult children and two grandsons. In 1999, Mr. Goolsby  was licensed and ordained into a non-denominational ecumenical body, New Church of Faith, Inc in Orlando, Florida. He retains his ministerial license. Professionally, he is a retired Registered Nurse with over 32 years of clinical experience andadministrative leadership in the acute care environment. His...

Karen Martel, CEO of Hormone Solutions, heads a clinic and product line offering bioidentical hormone therapy and a holistic approach to addressing hormonal dysfunction in women during peri and post menopause. As a Certified Hormone Specialist and Transformational Nutrition Coach, Karen is a distinguished authority in women’s weight loss and hormonal health. With a wealth of expertise in peri-meno...

Amanda Sims is a top-performing medical device representative atCooperVision and a repeat Presidents Club award winner. Known for herdedication to excellence, Amanda thrives on building strong relationships anddriving results for the practices she partners with. Outside of work, sheenjoys spending time outdoors, running, reading, and making lasting memorieswith her family. Connect with Derly ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠...