Jose David Medina Esquilin , MD

Dr. Jose David Medina Esquilin is a psychiatrist at the Doris Ison Health Cener. He graduated from Saint James School of Medicine in 2022 and attended Rutgers University and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in biology in 2011.

Upon graduating medical school, he pursued his passion of becoming a professor and became an instructor at the Institute of Medical Boards, Inc. He worked closely with medical students for more than three years. Dr. Esquilin enjoys being a psychiatrist and finds fulfillment in working with children because he believes working with them to overcome their hurdles will help them become the best version of themselves.

Nicolas Picaza, MD

Dr. Nicolas Picaza is a graduate of Ross University School of Medicine. He attended the University of Tennessee where he got his undergraduate degree in Latin American Studies.

Dr. Picaza proceeded to obtain a Master of Biomedical Science from Lincoln Memorial University, graduating with honors.

Born and raised in east Tennessee, medicine has always been a passion for Dr. Picaza. He was influenced by a family of dedicated doctors growing up and he found psychiatry to be his true calling, as it involves a deeper interpersonal connection with patients and requires understanding diverse cultures and environments.

Farhana Yaqoob Khan, MD

Dr. Farhana Yaqoob Khan achieved her MBBS (Bachelor of Surgery, Bachelor of Medicine) from Fatima Jinnah Medical University, renowned for its commitment to empowering women in healthcare. Growing up in communities where women’s rights were limited, she was determined to defy norms. Dr. Yaqoob Khan upbringing in underprivileged communities drove her to prioritize equal healthcare for all. She works closely with underserved populations, promoting preventive health and fostering connections. This led her to specialize in family medicine, aiming to nurture both physical and emotional well-being.

Born in Pakistan, Dr. Yaqoob Khan enjoys baking cakes. She also channels her creativity into arts and crafts, indulging in hand embroideries, embellishments, and interior designing. These passions reflect her holistic approach to life, mirroring her commitment to bridging healthcare disparities in marginalized communities. Through her resilience and dedication, she serves as an inspiration to countless young girls, empowering them to pursue their dreams with dignity and determination.

Joseph Mitchnaider, MD

Dr. Joseph Mitchnaider completed medical school at the Université Notre Dame d’Haiti and three years of family medicine training before moving to Miami. He had an early interest in family medicine during medical school by volunteering as a medical assistant and interpreter in the aftermath of the devastating earthquake that hit Port-au-Prince, Haiti in 2010. While he contributed care of the physically and psychologically wounded people, he was attracted to a specialty, unknowingly to him at the time, that would fit his vision of providing care to people of different ages and backgrounds.

Dr. Mitchnaider pursued family medicine for the opportunity to advocate for patients and the ability to create long-term connections with them. His specialty interest includes geriatrics and palliative care medicine. He also sees himself teaching the next generation of family physicians in the future.

During his free time, Dr. Mitchnaider enjoys novels, hiking with friends and family, and playing board games.

Franchezca Theis Higuera, MD

Dr. Franchezca Theis Higuera completed medical school at the Universidad Nacional Experimental Francisco de Miranda in Venezuela. She has a passion for community work, and it is where she discovered the wonderful impact of primary care medicine. She witnessed firsthand how the lack of health education and access to care can deeply affect patients’ health and quality of life. As a result, she is dedicated to empowering individuals, families, and entire communities to take control of their well-being. Dr. Theis Higuera believes family medicine is the path to achieving this goal.

As a physician, she is committed to building trusting relationships, guiding patients through the complexities of the healthcare system, and treating individuals and their families comprehensively. Dr. Theis Higuera’s goal is to address health disparities in communities and ensure healthcare access for everyone.

Sulma Moredo Loo, MD

Dr. Sulma Moredo Loo attended Miami Dade College and Florida International University for her undergraduate degree and Nova Southeastern University for medical school. Dr. Moredo Loo decided to pursue family medicine because she has always been interested in different areas such as pediatrics, women’s health, mental health, and procedures; all of which I found in Family Medicine. In addition, I like listening to patients and educating them about their medical conditions.

Originally from the island nation of Cuba, Dr. Moredo Loo moved to the United States when she was 15 years old.

Onyinye Anyakudo, APRN

Onyinye Anyakudo is a Behavioral Health Nurse Practitioner with more than 15 years of experience in the medical field. She obtained her associate degree in nursing from Miami Dade college in 2008 and a bachelor’s degree in nursing from the same college in 2014. She has over 10 years’ experience as an ICU nurse as well as 2 years’ experience as an emergency room nurse at Homestead Hospital.

Onyinye Obtained a master’s degree in nursing from Barry University as a Family Nurse practitioner in 2018 and later proceeded to Florida International University to become a Psychiatric Mental health Nurse Practitioner in 2022.

She has worked as a cardiology nurse practitioner at Baptist Hospital and as an internal medicine nurse practitioner at Homestead Hospital. She is a compassionate and an empathetic provider who places the safety of her patients as her topmost priority.

Her interest is working in the community and caring for the underserved. She is a member of the NAACP South Dade branch and has been involved in several community and religious health fairs. On her free time, she loves to exercise, read and travel.

Ayita Verna, MD

Dr. Ayita Verna is a board-certified Gynecologist and is dedicated to empowering her patients through every stage of life by providing personalized, compassionate, and evidence-based medical care. She is a compassionate and highly motivated physician who is dedicated to providing comprehensive women’s healthcare services in both outpatient and inpatient settings.

When you choose Dr Verna as your Obstetrician-Gynecologist, you are choosing a dedicated and compassionate healthcare partner who will guide you through the various stages of your life with expertise and care. She is committed to promoting the well-being and health of women at Community Health of South Florida, Inc. (CHI) and beyond.

Dr. Verna completed her high school education at Miami Killian Senior High in 2010 and subsequently completed her bachelor’s degree in Neuroscience with a minor in Chemistry in 2014 at the University of Miami.

She then completed her medical school training at West Virginia University School of Medicine followed by a rigorous residency program in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Jackson Memorial Hospital/University of Miami.

Beyond her clinical work, Dr. Verna is actively engaged in community outreach and education where she participates in local initiatives and advocates for women’s health awareness through local health fairs. She also has extensive experience in global health where she has participated in many different health related projects abroad, from Haiti to Rwanda. Dr. Verna embraces the power of cultural diversity. She understands that It’s not only learning about other cultures but being aware of these issues through the lens of different cultures.

Dr. Verna was born in Boston, Massachusetts and raised in Port au Prince, Haiti until the age of 15. Dr. Verna has a passion for traveling with her family and collecting key chains of every country she travels to. She also has an interest in pilates, yoga, meditation and outdoor activities.

Richard Lipscomb Jr., DDS

Dr. Richard Lipscomb Jr. is the Dental Director of the Brodes H. Hartley, Jr. Teaching Health Center. He is a general dentist, an international speaker, and a lecturer. Dr. Lipscomb attended Howard University School of Dentistry and Mercyhurst College. He has performed restorative procedures for more than 20 years and placed mini dental implants since 2006. During that time, he has overseen hundreds of cases and has gained the experience to train other doctors on placing mini dental implants and more. Dr. Lipscomb is a Catapult Education speaker and on the editorial advisory board for Dental Products Report. He has written articles and conducted several seminars.

Dr. Lipscomb’s unique dental experience includes private practice and public health service in community health centers. By delivering restorative procedures in a variety of dental environments, he has spent years working with a wide range of resin materials to suit many challenging clinical situations.

His hobbies include fishing, jogging, and the outdoors. He also enjoys attending sporting events.

Angela Rivera

Angela Rivera serves as the Program Coordinator for the ACGME-accredited Psychiatry Residency Program at Community Health of South FL, Inc. With over 25 years of experience in graduate medical education, she brings a deep understanding of academic administration and a genuine passion for supporting residents throughout their training journey.

In her role, Angela works closely with the Program Director, faculty, and residents to ensure smooth program operations and compliance with ACGME and institutional standards. She manages recruitment, onboarding, scheduling, and accreditation processes, while fostering an environment of organization, communication, and care.

Beyond the administrative responsibilities, Angela truly enjoys being part of the residents’ lives during their years in training, celebrating their milestones, supporting them through challenges, and watching their professional and personal growth. Her commitment to the residents’ success and well-being is at the heart of her work, and she takes pride in helping shape the next generation of psychiatrists.