Dedicated Senior Medical Center

Nehal Gheewala

Early on as a young hospital volunteer, Dr. Nehal Gheewala has always had a passion for working with aging patients. He took time to learn what mattered most to them and saw how they worked to maintain their health and independence. His experiences with people inspired him to find ways to connect with them to help them meet their goals, and ultimately inspired him to pursue a career as a Geriatrician. “I always advocate for my patients,” says Dr. Gheewala. “I pride myself in managing chronic diseases while maintaining my patients’ mobility, reducing their medication burden and avoiding hospital stays.” Dr. Gheewala enjoys spending time with his wife and friends. He also likes to cook, dance and travel. He considers Greece one of the most beautiful countries he has visited.

Education: Nova Southeastern University College of Osteopathic Medicine , Henry Ford Macomb Hospital , University of Michigan-Michigan Medicine

Certifications: American Geriatrics Society

Services: Primary Care

Elba Arroyo-Velez

Dr. Elba Arroyo-Velez says being a physician is her calling. She loves getting to know her patients and their families and has always enjoyed connecting with seniors. She explains, “I choose to work with the senior population to honor my parents and grandparents.” Active listening and empathy are fundamental in her practice. Dr. Arroyo-Velez values the concerns and goals of her patients. If she could change anything about healthcare today, she would “lower medication costs” and “increase access to healthcare primary care doctors and mental health services.” When not caring for patients, Dr. Arroyo-Velez loves playing board games and watching movies with her family. She also enjoys reading and is planning to enroll in a guitar class.

Education: Ponce School of Medicine , AdventHealth , University of Puerto Rico

Services: Geriatrics

Ramon Checo Arias

Dr. Ramon Checo Arias knew at an early age that he wanted to work in medicine. “My passion to serve others led me to pursue a career in healthcare,” he explains. In his practice, he emphasizes the importance of preventative and holistic care. If he could change anything about healthcare today, he would “make medicine more affordable and humane.” He strives to be available to his patients and builds trust through compassion and empathy. “I want to deliver the best possible care,” he says. He often reads journals to stay up to date with the latest medical advancements. When not caring for patients, Dr. Checo Arias loves spending time with his family. He also enjoys reading, cooking, and spending time in nature.

Education: Pontifical “Madre y Maestra” Catholic University , • HCA Citrus Florida Hospital, University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine

Certifications: American College of Physicians

Services: Internal Medicine

Siraaj Dawood

Dr. Siraaj Dawood was inspired by his mother, who is a nurse, to pursue a career in healthcare. He explains that he has always loved watching his mother “convey her passion for her patients and enthusiasm for helping and serving others.” Some of his specialties as a physician include preventative health, migraine management, and sports medicine. “I strive to take the time to sit and listen to my patients, hear their stories, learn about their values, and discuss their priorities as they relate to their health, so that I may serve them as best as I can,” he says. When not with patients, Dr. Dawood can be found enjoying nature. He especially loves hiking. He also enjoys going to the gym and searching for the best chocolate milk.

Education: University of South Florida , HCA Oak Hill Hospital , University of Florida

Certifications: American Academy of Family Physicians

Services: Family Medicine

George Wickramanayake

Volunteering with hospitals, mission trips, and health-related organizations while in college inspired Dr. George Wickramanayake to become a physician. “I find it rewarding to help people and build meaningful relationships at the same time,” he says. Having helped his grandma with her care, Dr. Wickramanayake says, “Treating seniors is personal to me. I understand the difficulties they face, and I will go the extra mile to help them understand their health and feel in control of their care.” In his personal time, Dr. Wickramanayake loves to spend time with his wife and his Australian Shepherd, be active at the gym, eat healthy, try different restaurants, follow sports, and relax on the beach. He is also hoping to travel the world with his wife.

Education: St. Matthew’s University School of Medicine , St. Elizabeth Family Medicine Residency , University of Florida

Certifications: American Academy of Family Physicians , American Board of Family Medicine

Services: Primary Care

Yahaira Rodriguez

For over twenty-six years, Yahaira Rodriguez has been working in the healthcare field. She finds it very fulfilling to care for others. “It is a pleasure to be a provider for the geriatrics population. I always wanted to make a meaningful impact and contribute to improving their quality of care and life,” she says. She values open communication and strives to build trust with patients by asking open-ended questions, actively listening, and treating everyone with “empathy and compassion.” To keep up with the latest medical advancements, she often reads and attends medical seminars. In her free time, Yahaira Rodriguez enjoys walking and exercising in the pool. She also loves history documentaries, especially about King Henry the 8th.

Education: Florida Southern College , Inter American University of Puerto Rico

Certifications: American Association of Nurse Practitioners , American Institute of Health Care Professionals , Tampa Bay Advanced Practice Nurses Council , American Geriatrics Society

Services: Geriatrics

Nareesha Khan

Dr. Nareesha Khan is a board-certified physician specializing in Internal Medicine. She received her medical degree from the University of South Florida College of Medicine and completed her residency at Orlando Regional Medical Center. Dr. Khan enjoys guiding her patients to better health and says, “I enjoy teaching and breaking down the ‘why’ of medicine, as I truly feel it removes the mystery and intimidation of why we do what we do.” She also adds that quality of life is the most important goal in the work she does with her patients. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling with her husband at every opportunity, taking in new cultures and cuisines wherever she is.

Education: University of South Florida , Orlando Regional Medical Center

Certifications: American College of Physicians

Services: Primary Care