Florida: Governor Ron DeSantis Appoints Eight to the Board of Medicine

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. ~ TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - Governor Ron DeSantis has announced the appointment of four new members and the reappointment of four current members to the Board of Medicine. The newly appointed members are Dr. Gobivenkata Balaji, Dr. Lee Gross, Dr. John Littell, and Deborah Sargeant, while the reappointed members are Dr. Amy Derick, Dr. David Diamond, Dr. Patrick Hunter, and Nicole Justice.

Dr. Gobivenkata Balaji is a highly respected physician and community leader who currently serves as the Founder, President, Chief Executive Officer, and Physician at Brevard Health Center in Florida. He is also an active member of various medical committees and organizations such as the University of Central Florida College of Medicine Admissions Committee and the Holmes Regional Medical Center Credentials Committee. In addition to his medical degree from JJM Medical College in India, Dr. Balaji holds a master's degree in healthcare management from the Florida Institute of Technology.

Dr. Lee Gross is another notable addition to the Board of Medicine with his extensive experience as a physician and community advocate for healthcare reform. He is the Founder and Physician at Epiphany Health Direct Primary Care and Prime Health of North Port in Florida. Dr. Gross also serves as Chair of Direct Primary Care Action and President of Docs 4 Patient Care Foundation. He received his bachelor's degree in chemistry from The Ohio State University and his Doctor of Medicine degree from Case Western Reserve University.

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Dr. John Littell brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the Board as a Family Physician at John T. Littell, M.D., P.A., where he has been practicing for many years in Florida. He is also an active member of various medical organizations such as the Independent Medical Alliance and is a veteran of the United States Army Medical Corps. Dr. Littell earned his bachelor's degree in biology from Cornell University and his Doctor of Medicine degree from George Washington University.

Deborah Sargeant, a Florida native, is the final new appointment to the Board of Medicine. She has a strong background in community service and previously served as a member of the Florida State University Board of Trustees. Sargeant has also been involved with various organizations such as the Bethesda Hospital Foundation, Delray Beach Historical Society, and the Governor's Mansion Commission. She holds a bachelor's degree in accounting from California State University, Long Beach.

The four reappointed members bring a wealth of experience and expertise to the Board. Dr. Amy Derick is the Owner, Founder, and Co-Chief Executive Officer of Derick Dermatology and currently serves as Chair of the Florida Board of Medicine. She is also a member of several medical boards and organizations at both state and national levels. Dr. Derick received her bachelor's degree from the University of Notre Dame and her Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Chicago.

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Dr. David Diamond is a Physician at Oncology Physicians of Florida, P.A., with extensive experience in oncology treatment. He is an active member of various medical societies such as the American Society of Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology, American College of Radiation Oncology, and American Israel Public Affairs Committee. Dr. Diamond holds a bachelor's degree in art and archaeology from Princeton University and his Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Florida.

Dr. Patrick Hunter is a General Pediatrician at Pensacola Pediatrics with years of experience in providing quality healthcare to children in Florida. He is also an active member of medical associations such as the Catholic Medical Association and was previously recognized as a Fellow by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Dr. Hunter earned his bachelor's degree in zoology from Miami University, his master's degree in bioethics from the University of Mary, and his Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Louisville.

Nicole Justice, the final reappointed member, brings a unique perspective to the Board as the Vice President of Patient Safety, Risk, and Insurance for Tampa General Hospital. She is also actively involved in the Florida Board of Medicine's Credentials Committee and has been recognized as one of Becker's 90 Patient Safety Experts to Know in 2024. Justice holds a bachelor's degree in business from the University of South Florida and a juris doctor from Seton Hall University.

These appointments are subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate, but Governor DeSantis is confident that these individuals will bring valuable insights and expertise to the Board of Medicine. With their diverse backgrounds and dedication to serving their communities, these new and reappointed members are sure to make a positive impact on healthcare in Florida.

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