Introducing Dr. Maria Martinez
We’re excited to introduce our newest doctor at the Point Meadows office, Dr. Maria Martinez. Born in Havana, she grew up in Central Florida where her family was sponsored by a local United Methodist Church. She earned her medical degree from the University of South Florida and practiced general pediatrics in her private practice in Miami. She returned to central Florida to work as an outpatient pediatrician for four years before joining pediatrics on December 8. Dr. Martinez has two children; one daughter and one toy poodle. In her free time, she enjoys reading mystery novels and exploring new places, cultures, and cuisines. Learn more about Dr. Martinez’ background on her Bio page.
Q&A With Team Member Katrina Cinca
Katrina Cinca, ARNP, is a highly skilled and compassionate team member at Pediatric Care Centers. We think we know her well because she has worked with Dr. Benitez for more than 15 years. However, we wanted to gain more insights into just what makes this wonderful team member tick. Here’s what we learned in a recent interview. Q: Tell us something about you that nobody knows. A: Well, I don’t think anybody knows I grew up on a farm and trained horses for riding. Q: No, we didn’t know that! What’s your favorite thing to do in Jacksonville? A: We’re so fortunate to have all of the beautiful beaches here. I take every opportunity I can to walk on the beach. Q: You’ve been with us for years, but what was the first job you ever had? A: I worked at Blue Ice Boutique in Atlantic Beach selling beachwear and scooping ice cream. The boutique stood in the spot where Ragtime is now. I wonder if anyone else remembers it. Q: If you hadn’t chosen to be a nurse practitioner, what do you think you’d be doing instead? A: Actually, at one point I thought I’d like to be a singer and performer. Q: Really? So, let’s say you were a contestant on “American Idol.” What song would you choose to sing? A: (Laughs) That’s a no-brainer. I’d sing “I Hope You Dance” by Lee Ann Womack. Q: Good to know music makes you happy. What is it you do that makes you happiest? A: Definitely it’s traveling in Europe with my family. The history there is amazing! Q: Is there anyone in particular who has inspired you during your lifetime? A: Oh yes, that would be Lucy Trice, ARNP, DNP. She was my professor and mentor throughout undergrad and grad school. She is a great role model who always supported me in my studies. Q: Speaking of things that inspire you, if you had a chance to witness any historical event, what would it be? A: The first artificial pancreas transplant — such a big step forward in curing diabetes. My 22-year-old son has Type 1 diabetes, and any medical advance is a positive for my family and the many sufferers of the disease. Q: Are there any special wishes you have for the future? What are five line items on your “bucket list?” A: Hmmm. I’d say more travel, like visiting Aruba and Lourdes in France, seeing every castle in Scotland. After that, I’d love to watch the filming of “Outlander.” Meeting Keith Urban would be on the list for sure. Q: Along those same lines, let’s say you won $20 million in the lottery. What would you do with the money? A: No question, I’d contribute it to finance research for an artificial pancreas to cure Type I diabetes. Q: That’s a big goal, Katrina. Lottery or not, we’ll join you in hoping that happens soon. Thanks for your time. We’ll wrap this up on a lighter note. What did you have for breakfast? A: You might not believe this, but it was a ham sandwich on rye bread with lettuce, tomato and Gouda cheese, mayo and mustard. One of my favorites!
Welcomes Vernora Hightower, M.D.
We are pleased to announce that Vernora Hightower, M.D., has joined Pediatric Care Centers. Dr. Hightower was born and raised in Chicago, Ill. She moved to New Orleans to attend Xavier University of Louisiana for her undergraduate degree, and upon graduation moved back to Chicago to attend the Rosalyn Franklin University/Chicago Medical School. She received her medical degree in 1996. There was never any question in her mind that she would become a pediatrician. “From the time I was a little girl, I wanted to be a pediatrician, even though no one in my family was involved in medicine,” she said. She has spent the last 17 years in pediatric practice, first in West Point, Miss., and later in Pine Bluff, Ark., where she was also a mentor/preceptor for the many family practice residents, physician assistants, nurse practitioners and medical students in training there. Dr. Hightower learned about Pediatric Care Centers while in Arkansas mentoring a former employee from Jacksonville who was training to become a physician’s assistant. The practice and location sounded appealing, so she applied and was hired to join the team. She and her family, her husband and fourth-grade daughter, are delighted with their new home. “It’s been a whirlwind coming to Jacksonville from my previous practice,” Dr. Hightower said. “In the last two years we’ve had many health challenges for my husband and my parents. But we really needed a change, and we are glad to be here with all of the activities and resources available, like the beach, the Blue Angels air show, and musical events.”
Wear Your Shirt Proudly!
We still have some Pediatric Care Centers shirts available for you, our valued patients and families. If you haven’t picked up your free shirt during the past year, just let us know during one of your visits. We’d be happy to send you home with a shirt while supplies last. The following sizes are still available. Children’s sizes: 12 months, 24 months, 2 and 3 Young adult size: XL
Welcome, Dr. Mendoza!
We are happy to announce that Dr. Julio Mendoza has joined our Pediatric Care Centers family of health care providers. Dr. Mendoza’s experience is extensive and varied, including providing medical care at the world’s hot spots since completing his medical studies in Cuba. In 2005, he traveled to Pakistan for six months to help in that country’s recovery from a devastating earthquake. After returning to Cuba, he then traveled to Venezuela where he worked as a general physician for almost two years. He arrived in the United States in 2008, where he spent time at Miami Children’s Hospital – an experience that changed his life. “The children were so good to work with, so friendly and sincere,” he said. “It made me decide to specialize in pediatrics, and I’m glad I decided to take that path.” After passing the U.S. medical board exams in 2012 and spending three years in pediatric residency at Lincoln Hospital in the Bronx, New York City, Dr. Mendoza fulfilled another life wish – to make a home in Florida. He and his wife Anny, who is a dentist, moved to Jacksonville for his new position with Pediatric Care Centers. They welcomed the arrival of their son David eight months ago.
Employee of the Month – Tyeisha Ross
Congratulations to Tyeisha for being selected October Employee of the Month! How long have you worked for us? 1 year and 10 months Do you have any pets? No Where did you go to high school? William M. Raines What degree are your working toward? I plan to start a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) program in May 2015. Eventually, I will become a Registered Nurse. What is your favorite part of your job? Interacting with the kids brings me so much joy! I also love my co-workers. They are easy to work with and very entertaining! It feels good to work for a company that supports its employees and makes you want to strive for even more!
August Employee of the Month – Norma Carrangian
Our Employee of the Month for August is Norma Carrangian! Norma was the first employee Dr. Benitez hired when he opened his very first practice in Neptune Beach in 1987! She was his nurse, receptionist and billing department! Dr. Benitez likes to say she looked after his money better than he did. In the early years, when he would try to give her a raise she would tell him, “no, he couldn’t afford it”! She now works in billing and is an encyclopedia of knowledge when it comes to coding, claims and insurance. Thank you for all you do! How long have you worked here? 27 years Tell us about your family? My husband Rey is retired from the Navy. I have two daughters and one son and three grandchildren. What is your education? I went to Calauag Central College in the Phillipines and I received my Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education. What do you like to do when you are not working? My husband and I socialize with our friends, go to parties, play mahjong and baby sit our grandkids. What do you like best about your job? I love all aspects of my job and I will miss those when I retire.
Employee of the Month ~ Jeff Andres
Jeff has manned our front desk on the night shift, 8p-8a, for four years. But in addition to his overnight job, Jeff has always gone the extra mile by providing assistance to the practice. Everything from computer/scanner repair to hanging Christmas décor. And more importantly, he always does these tasks gladly and with no complaints. In addition to that, the “woman of his dreams” he is referring to is our own office manager, Jameyra Roman-Andres. How long have you worked here? 4 years Where were you born? Charleston SC Are you in school? Yes, studying network information technology and security Wife? Children? I was recently married to the woman of my dreams, no children yet but we do plan on a child in the NEAR future After work hobbies? I’m a sports fanatic, and I love to travel. Favorite part of my job? Being able to help put parents at ease when they have a sick child at night!
Employee of the Month ~ Shauna Kirn, R.N.
Our employee of the month for June is Shauna Kirn, R.N., an overnight nurse who celebrated her one year anniversary with us in May. Read on to learn more about Shauna! Where are you originally from? I’m originally from Clearwater, Florida but moved to Anna Maria Island when I was very young. It’s a small town with beautiful beaches and where everyone knows your name. I loved growing up there. Own any pets? We have three fur babies, Molly ( Boston/Frenchie), Zoe (Chocolate Lab) & Duke (Jack Russell) Are you currently working toward or recently completed a degree? I just completed my BSN (Bachelors in Science and Nursing) last month at Chamberlain College of Nursing. What are your hobbies? We love to travel and have been all over the world. Last summer we went to Hawaii to celebrate our five-year wedding anniversary but we also love doing mission work abroad. What do you like to do in your time off? In my time off I love to volunteer at my church and with local outreach programs. My perfect day off would be taking my dogs to the beach, yoga and a quiet night at home. What is the favorite part of your job? My favorite part of the job is getting to meet the patients at night. Usually when kids come in “after hours” it’s because there is a genuine need that needs to be filled. There is nothing more rewarding than to help facilitate that need for the patient and to also alleviate the worry and stress that the parents may be having. Even the sickest of patients smile on the way out the door and that’s what makes it so worthwhile to me. Any exciting things going on in your life you’d like to share? My husband and I are in the process of adopting two little girls (under the age of six) from Nicaragua. We haven’t been officially matched with our children but we are hoping we will be within the next year. We couldn’t be more excited. Any funny stories from working the overnight shift? The funniest thing that’s happened while working at PCC would probably involve a tired parent – which is completely understandable. One mother was telling me how she hasn’t been able to sleep the past few days because of her child’s asthma exacerbation. After the patient assessment, she crawled up on the examine table with the child and fell asleep. I let her sleep all night (until the end of my shift) and was able to monitor the patient throughout the night so the mother could sleep. It was a win/win because the patient received the necessary care and mom was refreshed when she left in the morning!
Employee of the Month ~ Sherena Turner
Our employee of the month for May is Sherena Turner! She is our night medical assistant and our manager says “her working nights has allowed me to go home knowing the office is in good hands”. Thanks so much for all you do! How long have your worked with us? It will be a year in June Where are you from? Jacksonville What are you studying in school? I’m currently finishing my AA, working toward a nursing degree Are you married with children? Yes, my husband’s name is Travis and I have a 4 year old daughter named Ayanna What do you have any hobbies? Shopping and Reading What is your favorite part of your job? Being able to interact with the kids while providing health care on a daily basis.