Chen Senior Medical Center

Bios

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  Yuliya Gatina, DO

  DO

  Knowing that she loved working with people, Dr. Yuliya Gatina became a physician so she could inspire others to take charge of their health. “I find it especially rewarding to work with seniors and improve their golden years,” Dr. Gatina says. “I take time to really listen and treat each patient as a whole person, rather than just focusing on their condition.” Specializing in internal medicine, Dr. Gatina cares for patients with a wide variety of health concerns and also focuses on prevention. She is board certified in internal medicine and fluent in both English and Russian.

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  Link: Yuliya Gatina, DO

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  Ngina Muigai, MD

  MD

  Dr. Ngina Muigai's extensive medical education, training and research have taken her around the globe, from Europe to Africa to the United States. Today, she happily serves seniors at Chen Senior Medical Center. "My practice experience includes geriatrics," Dr. Muigai says. "As we age, we all experience time-related changes that can affect how long and how well we live. I want seniors to enjoy optimal wellness for as long as possible, whatever their health situation. My patients trust me as their health partner and it's a job I feel honored to do every day." Dr. Muigai studied medicine at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland. Afterwards, she spent 12 years completing post-doctoral internal medicine training in Ireland and the U.S. In Dublin, she trained at Beaumont Hospital, Mater Private Hospital and St. Luke's Hospital. In the states, she served at Baystate Medical Center/Tufts University School of Medicine in Springfield, MA, and completed fellowships in Geriatrics, Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism at Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami, FL. Dr. Muigai is a presenter, author and researcher of a myriad of medical topics, such as hyperglycemia, abnormal kidney and heart function and disorders of the pituitary gland. She is certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine and is a member of the Endocrine Society and American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists.

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  Link: Ngina Muigai, 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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  Paola Daza

  MD

  Dr. Paola Daza believes “there is nothing more rewarding in life than taking care of people and saving lives.” As a family physician, she understands the importance of prevention and education in healthcare. “There is so much that I can teach but also so much that I can learn from patients,” she explains. Dr. Daza considers it an honor to serve each of her patients and says it makes her proud to see them “changing their behaviors and becoming healthier.” Dr. Daza wants patients to know that they can trust her, and she will always do her best. When not with patients, Dr. Daza can be found spending time with family. “Family is the strong pillar of my life,” she says. Dr. Daza also enjoys reading, watching movies, and solving puzzles.

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  Link: Paola Daza

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  Megha Vashist

  MD

  Dr. Megha Vashist is passionate about providing quality care for her patients. “My knack for science and intricacies of the human body combined with my love of caring for others is what drove me to choose this profession,” she says. Her favorite part of being a physician is “building genuine, meaningful relationships with patients that go beyond healthcare.” She wants patients to “live their best, most independent life” and encourages them to be active in their care. Dr. Vashist is honored to serve the senior population. When not with patients, Dr. Vashist loves spending quality time with her family. She and her husband like trying new restaurants and binge-watching television shows. Dr. Vashist also enjoys cooking and Pilates.

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  Maja Babovic

  MD

  Dr. Maja Babovic knew at a young age that she wanted to pursue a career in healthcare. “Observing my father helping others and getting so much love and appreciation from his patients, I fell in love with the medicine and decided to become a doctor,” she explains. She strives to treat patients with respect, empathy, and understanding. Dr. Babovic enjoys getting to know patients beyond their health concerns. “I believe that a strong, trustworthy relationship is half of the cure,” she says. She loves serving the senior population. “Giving them good quality care can prevent their hospitalizations and spare them from ER visits,” she explains. In her free time, Dr. Babovic enjoys traveling, cooking, and playing tennis.

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  Link: Maja Babovic

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  Michael Kaplan

  MD

  Dr. Michael Kaplan, who was raised in a family of doctors, says his passion for the health sciences and his love for helping others led him to pursue a career as a physician. “There is no better feeling than being there for a patient during their times of greatest need or celebrating their healthcare victories,” he says. He believes healthcare should be patient-centered and views his relationships with patients as partnerships. “I show how and why I give recommendations and empower my patients to make the best healthcare decisions together,” he explains. Dr. Kaplan is a new father, and when he is not with patients, he loves spending time with his family. He enjoys swimming, playing tennis, and loves eating very spicy foods.

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  KATHARINA CASTRO

  MD

  At a young age, Dr. Katharina Castro knew she wanted to be a physician. She has always loved listening to and helping others. “I have an ear for every concern or any other issue they have in their life,” she says. Her favorite part of her profession is “trying to find the best solution to patients’ problems and always trying to bring the best out of patients.” She is passionate about nutrition and fitness. In her practice, she emphasizes the importance of preventative care. “I am trying to show our seniors that small changes can make big differences,” she says. When not with patients or at the gym, Dr. Castro devotes her free time to her family. They love exploring Florida. They especially enjoy kayaking and swimming with manatees.

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  Link: KATHARINA CASTRO

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  Lior Elkayam

  MD

  Dr. Lior Elkayam knew at a young age that he wanted to become a physician. “Even my elementary yearbook stated that I was going to become a physician,” he says. Building lasting relationships with his patients is his favorite part of his profession. “I try to see every patient as a family member and try to build that relationship and treat them as such,” he explains. He greatly respects the senior population and is dedicated to providing them with the best possible care. He likes treating the “whole person” rather than just a patient’s ailments. “Treating heart, body, and soul is the goal!” he says. In his free time, Dr. Elkayam enjoys reading, playing tennis, and spending quality time with his family.

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  Link: Lior Elkayam

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  Taleb El-Masri

  DO

  Dr. Taleb El-Masri is a strong believer in holistic care and preventative medicine. “My passion for healthcare stems from caring for others in their time of need coupled with my love for science and the human body,” he says. His favorite part of his profession is “building meaningful relationships with patients.” He adds, “I strive to help older adults take back control of their healthcare choices and maintain their independence.” He loves advocating for patients and their needs. “Patients need to be confident that their doctor is there for them no matter what,” he says. When not with patients, Dr. El-Masri loves spending time with family and friends. He also likes playing soccer and is a huge hockey fan.

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  Gerardo Zablah

  MD

  Dr. Gerardo Zablah explains that “the desire to assist others has been the driving force” in his medical pursuits. “My favorite part of being a cardiologist is the profound impact I can have in people’s lives. It allows me to directly influence and improve the heart health of my patients,” he says. He is passionate about building strong connections with patients and “providing compassionate and personalized care.” Prevention is key in his practice. “I am very approachable and willing to collaborate with patients and their families in their healthcare journey,” he says. In his free time, Dr. Zablah enjoys exploring the Miami food scene, watching sports, and walking along the beach with his wife.

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  Link: Gerardo Zablah