Florida

Doctor Méndez is a double board certified gastroenterologist and internist. She specializes in digestive disorders, which include liver disease, inflammatory bowel disease, and nutrition based-disorders, such as obesity and constipation. Her approach to patients and their diseases is holistic and comprehensive; her goal is not just to treat the symptoms, but to get to the root cause of an ailment and provide lasting relief. All her methods are evidence-based and she is a proponent of lifestyle changes first to promote wellness. Dr. Méndez attended Harvard University, where she obtained a B.A. in Latin American Studies, with a minor in pre-medicine. From there, she began her medical training at the ACGME accredited Universidad Central del Caribe in Puerto Rico, completed her Residency in Internal Medicine at University of Miami/ Jackson Memorial Hospital, and her Fellowship in Gastroenterology at Tulane Medical Center in New Orleans. She has also trained in Epidemiology through Florida International University, and in Plant-Based Nutrition through Cornell University. She was awarded a visiting fellowship at the Mayo Clinic through the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation where she received special training in inflammatory bowel diseases. She has also helped lead multiple fund-raising walks to raise awareness for Crohn’s and Colitis in the Miami area. She was awarded Physician Champion at the Takes Steps Walk 2019 for the GastroHealth Team.

I am a Doctor of Oriental Medicine in Clearwater, Florida. Initially trained in acupressure, then in massage therapy, I finally ended up with a Master’s degree in Oriental Medicine in 2004 from the East West College of Natural Medicine in Sarasota. My approach combines acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine and high quality nutritional supplements, if needed, with a whole-foods, plant-based nutrition recommendation. I also utilize massage therapy and cupping therapy for musculo-skeletal pain conditions. In practice since 2004, I see many women for endometriosis and fertility related health conditions, as well as cancer patients who are currently undergoing conventional cancer treatments, or who have recently completed their treatments. Of course, plant-based nutrition is a top recommendation for all of my patients, especially those with any sort of chronic and/or degenerative health condition. 

Bio/Profile Information

At his practice, West Orange Nephrology LLC, Dr. Awosika specializes in Nephrology, Hypertension, and Chronic Kidney Disease with an emphasis on preventive care. For over a decade, he has encouraged a lifestyle approach that empowers patients to get better sooner and stay healthier longer, limiting the use of medications.
Dr. Awosika is passionate about providing guidance and support for his patients in embracing a healthy lifestyle, including transitioning to a plant-based diet. His Nephrology practice focuses on disease prevention and reversal through optimal nutrition, exercise, sleep, mindset and loving relationships. To this end, his practice includes a wellness initiative and coaching protocol to empower patients in moving toward their very best health outcomes using his Pillars of Health.

Dr Deb Duro is a Program Director for Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutritrion and Medical Director of Florida Intestinal Rehabilitation Support and Treatment “FIRST” Program at the Salah Foundation Children Hospital at Broward Health in Fort Lauderdale, US. Dr Duro is a former trainee from Boston Children Hospital and Massachusetts General Hospital both affiliated with Harvard Medical School. She is specialized in Nutrition Support and Home Parenteral Nutrition and Intestinal Rehabilitation in Children suffering from Short Bowel Syndrome and Intestinal Failure. She also created a Blenderized Gastrostomy (GT) Feeding Clinic with a multidicisplinary approach using Plantbased recipes for children over 1 year of age. She received her Plantbased Nutrition certification from Cornell University in 2020. She is also a passionate chef and create an @chefdrdebduro to help and educate her patients on healthy life style and whole food plantbased diet where she shares her own recipes.

I am a registered dietitian, American College of Lifestyle Medicine Practitioner and a Life/Weight Coach. I first learned about plant based medicine 19 years ago during my practicum at the Pritikin Longevity Center and have been passionate about the role food has in our health ever since, though I haven’t always been as spot on with my nutrition as I am today.
 
I can remember as a mom of young kids feeling mom-like and not in a good way. I was bursting out of my jeans. But worse than that, I felt too big for my skin. One day I noticed that my seatbelt was cutting into my stomach. That was a first. I remember thinking I’m a dietitian, I know better. I felt ashamed because I was preaching healthy eating, but I wasn’t always eating healthy. I was on the “one is never enough” plan and it showed on my body. I remember the phone call from my doctor’s office–bad labs. I thought, what am I doing? I know better. Then the shame fell away and I had a new feeling, conviction. I decided I was going to take care of myself and I started following my E.A.S.E. plan (which now I share with my clients).
E: eat greens
A: add fiber and color
S: subtract processed foods
E: exercise your mind and body
I felt healthier. No longer exhausted. I didn’t shove my words down with food anymore. I said what I was thinking instead of snacking. Now I weigh 102 lbs. My weight has stayed the same for over 10 years. Jeans slide on with no effort (except those double zeros!).  I no longer fear the seatbelt. Now I help others do the same.
 
 

What gets me out of bed in the morning is the honor of helping people attain optimal health & wellness. I am passionate about preventive health care, board certified in Lifestyle Medicine as well as Anti-Aging & Regenerative Medicine;  and I am focused on helping to change the delivery from sick care to well care. I live a plant-based life personally and professionally. I run, lift weights, play tennis and ride my bike regularly. I believe you have to be a role model to do Lifestyle Medicine professionally. I worked as an Internist and the Medical Director for Wellness & Employee Health for the Lee Health system for 26 years but now have started Concierge Lifestyle Medicine, a private practice devoted to plant-based living and healthy lifestyle behaviors. 

Board Certified Neurologist and Plant Based Physician

I have a unique approach to health that goes beyond traditional medical thinking and focuses on the root causes of the problems we face. I use a lifestyle rich, plant based approach to help you achieve optimal health.