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Senior Deputy Chief of Security, Alfred Parker, outside the Doris Ison Health Center

Alfred Parker is CHI’s Senior Deputy Chief of Security and is otherwise known as “Chief Parker.” He began his career at CHI 21 years ago as a security officer. For two decades, he has dedicated his efforts to protecting staff and patients, creating a safe environment for all who walk through CHI’s doors. As Senior Deputy Chief, his duties include overseeing his security staff and reporting findings to the Chief of Security. Chief Parker thrives amidst the unique challenges of his job, finding joy in teamwork. With years of security experience, his role feels like second nature to him now. His primary goal is to advance CHI’s security department to better safeguard patients and staff members. Chief Parker enjoys working out, fishing and relaxing during his free time.

Alexander Guzman, RN, at the Doris Ison Health Center

Alexander Guzman, RN, serves as a registered nurse at Community Health of South Florida, Inc. (CHI). He has worked at the Doris Ison Health Center for 4 years, initially starting as a volunteer. Guzman began his nursing career in 2018 after retiring from the hotel industry for 6 years. As a young child, he always had a desire to pursue nursing. He made that dream come true when he attended nursing school at Florida Career College and obtained his nursing license. Guzman is fulfilled knowing that he is working for an organization that takes care of the community and hopes to continue the mission that Doris Ison started more than 50 years ago. Originally from the Dominican Republic, Guzman spent a few years in New Jersey when he first immigrated to America. He enjoys traveling, skiing and being with family and friends.

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CHI dental hygienist, John Palacios, smiles with young patient Maggie Carrillo after her dental cleaning appointment .

CHI centers buzzed with excitement as children and parents eagerly awaited their appointments for Give Kids a Smile Day. This annual event offers free dental care to children ages 1-16 and this year 138 children received a range of dental services including cleanings, oral screenings, sealants and more. Since 2019, Give Kids A Smile Day has provided young patients with comprehensive care for their oral health needs. By offering these essential services free of charge, CHI proves its dedication to improving the well-being of the South Florida community.

CHI dentist, Dr. Malena Fernandez, saw firsthand the positive impact of dental education on these families.

“Many parents that come in are unaware that their children’s teeth should be flossed,” she said. “They are grateful for the information that we provide. We have a real opportunity to educate parents on improving their children’s oral hygiene.”

Dr. Fernandez also notes that about 90% of children and parents that come to this event are first-time patients of CHI. This creates an opportunity for patients to become familiar with CHI services and to consider it as their medical home.

“In the 5 years that I have participated in this event I always see patients return to CHI,” said Dr. Fernandez. “I just feel so grateful and happy that we could help these children with their oral health.”

Dr. Richard Lipscomb, Jr. joins CHI as Dental Director for the Brodes H. Hartley, Jr. Teaching Health Center.

A new chapter unfolds for the Brodes H. Hartley, Jr. Teaching Health Center with the introduction of a dental residency program. Leading the way is Dr. Richard Lipscomb, Jr. who was introduced as the new dental director for the program. With a vision for excellence and commitment to nurturing the next generation of dental practitioners, Dr. Lipscomb, Jr. brings more than 23 years of experience, elevating the program to new heights. This marks an exciting new chapter for Community Health of South Florida, Inc. (CHI) and aspiring dental professionals alike.

“I am excited to join this new dental residency program,” said Dr. Lipscomb, Jr. “I worked previously as a dental director in Washington, D.C. and my desire is to pass on what I have learned throughout my career to these residents.”

The residency will be recognized as an Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD) program and will accommodate four dental residents, including two first-year residents and two second-year residents. During this two-year residency, there will be a blending of curriculum learning with hands-on clinical experience, making sure that residents are equipped with the skills and knowledge for success in their careers.

“They will be learning everything from oral surgery, extractions, root canals, and more,” said Dr. Lipscomb, Jr. “I want to make sure that they receive a great education, and I envision that they will see patients, really getting into the grind of dentistry.”

Dr. Lipscomb, Jr. notes that dentistry has its unique challenges compared to family medicine and behavioral health. The profession demands physical endurance, with dentists often spending long hours performing procedures using drills and other tools that can put strain on the body. He plans to reinforce to residents the importance of monitoring their health and practicing proper techniques when on the job.

“This is just the beginning of their journey,” Dr. Lipscomb, Jr. said. “If you want to work in dentistry for a long time, the biggest thing is focusing on your well-being. I try to instill these details so that their career will be less stressful on the body for them.”

The program’s mission is to expose residents to every detail of providing dental care in a community health center setting, particularly for underserved populations. By immersing them in diverse clinical environments, they will gain invaluable experience and develop a deep understanding of oral health care.

“There is a need for more providers in underserved areas,” said Dr. Lipscomb, Jr. “If we can make residents aware of that need and their heart desires to go in that direction, that is great!”