Our Instructors
Rob Beatty, MD FACEP
Dr. Beatty received his Bachelor’s of Science in Biological Sciences from Clemson University and earned his Doctorate in Medicine from the University of South Carolina School of Medicine. He completed his residency training in Emergency Medicine at the Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland. Dr. Beatty has extensive experience as a clinician, medical leader, department chairman, medical director, regional medical director, and Chief Medical Officer. In addition to his clinical and administrative roles, Dr. Beatty is a regular speaker at several national conferences and is an active expert medical witness. He is an avid teacher, and regularly supervises Physician Assistants, Nurse Practitioners, and fellow physicians. He has served as a physician mentor to his medical staff, and as a member of hospital credentialing, medical executive and peer review committees. Having extensively recruited, interviewed, hired, and reviewed countless numbers of healthcare providers, his expertise in team building, recruitment, and the hiring process allows us to deliver the message of our programs in a way that other courses can’t match. In addition, having established an Advanced Practice Provider residency program in multiple hospitals, Dr. Beatty understands the key concepts needed to prepare Nurse Practitioners and Physician Assistants for their transition to independent clinical practice. Dr. Beatty works as a full time emergency physician and medical director, and is a valuable resource to our program!
Rachel Beatty
Mrs. Beatty received her Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing from Adventist University in Orlando, Florida. She Earned her Master of Science in Nursing from the University of South Alabama, graduating in the top 10% of her class. She is a member of the Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society and has an extensive background in clinical nursing education. She has earned dual board certification as a family nurse practitioner and an adult/geriatric acute care nurse practitioner from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). As a former nurse in emergency medicine, she earned her certification as an emergency nurse (CEN), and has successfully transitioned her broad-based clinical knowledge to the private practice setting as a family practice nurse practitioner and an urgent care nurse practitioner. With experience in both the outpatient and acute care settings, She educates nurse practitioners and physician assistants about current topics in clinical management and the expectations of modern care delivery. Rachel oversees all of the day-to-day operations of Provider Practice Essentials, and her clinical knowledge, experience, and teamwork allow for full collaboration of our teaching faculty to maximize your educational experience and provide engaging clinical topics for your practice!
Teaching Faculty
Physicians
Ali Farzad, MD
Dr. Farzad is an emergency physician with great interest in cardiovascular emergencies and electrocardiography. He trained in emergency medicine at the University of Maryland Medical Center, where he also completed a cardiovascular emergencies fellowship under the mentorship of Dr. Amal Mattu. He currently works clinically at Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas, serving as an Assistant ED Medical Director and Observation Unit Medical Director. Dr. Farzad is currently a Clinical Assistant Professor at Texas A&M College of Medicine, and an educational blog editor at ECGWeekly.com.
Paul Banerjee, DO, FACOEP
Dr. Banerjee received his Bachelor's of Science in Psychology with a minors in Biology and Chemistry from the University of Pittsburgh. He earned his Medical degree from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine in Pennsylvania. Dr. Banerjee completed his residency training in Emergency Medicine and is board certified. He has been practicing for over 20 years, and has served as a regional medical director and site medical director of several community Emergency Departments. He currently serves on Faculty with the University of Central Florida, and is a clinical professor of Emergency Medicine. In addition, he is the EMS medical director for Polk County Fire and Rescue.
Kevin Freels, MD
Dr. Freels earned his medical degree from Saint Eustatius School of Medicine. He is an emergency medicine physician that graduated from an emergency medicine fellowship at Oklahoma State University. He also completed his residency in family medicine with an emphasis in emergency medicine from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, where he was assistant chief resident. Dr. Freels received extensive training in ultrasound during his fellowship and residency training. He is currently a medical director in a growing emergency department and has interest in providing up-to-date, evidence based medicine. He has also previously worked/volunteered as a physician mentor, medical outreach programs and tutored for the USMLE boards.
David Harbour, DO
Dr. Harbour earned his medical degree from NOVA-Southeastern University and has practiced emergency medicine and urgent care for over 19 years. He is the owner of multiple urgent care centers and is an expert in practice management, provider development, billing, and coding. He serves as an assistant professor at NOVA-Southeastern University, the Univerity of Central Florida College of Medicine, and Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine.
Rory Hession, MD
Dr. Hession received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology from The University of Hawaii at Hilo. He earned a Master Degree in Molecular Biology, followed by a Doctorate of Medicine from the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston, South Carolina. He completed his residency training in Emergency Medicine from the Orlando Regional Medical Center in Orlando, Florida. He has been practicing for over 14 years in both Community and
Chris Hill, DO, FAAEM
Dr. Hill received his Medical degree from NOVA-Southeastern University (NSU). He completed his residency training in Emergency Medicine and is board certified. He continues to practice emergency medicine, as he has done for over 19 years. He has served as an assistant clinical professor of Emergency Medicine with NSU, co-owner of an urgent care center, medical director, EMS educator, and urgent care physician.
Camilo Mohar, DO
Dr. Mohar obtained a bachelor's degree in Biology at Florida International University. He went on to acquire his Doctorate's degree at Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine. After completing emergency medicine training at University Hospitals in Ohio, he is now an emergency department attending at AdventHealth Orlando, Florida. Dr. Mohar enjoys teaching and has extensive experience working with different providers both at bedside and in conference. His special interests within emergency medicine include critical care.
Neil Pothraj, MD
Dr. Pothraj attended the Drexel University College of Medicine and completed his emergency medicine residency at Medstar Georgetown University Hospital/Washington Hospital Center. He currently works as an attending physician at Washington Hospital Center and lives locally in Washington, DC.
Brian Cermak, DO
Dr. Cermak is a board-certified Emergency Physician from Chicago, IL. He earned his medical degree at Kansas City University and completed his Emergency Medicine Residency at University of Illinois Chicago. As chief resident, Dr. Cermak developed an interest in medical education and gained valuable experience giving lectures and running simulation labs. After residency, Dr. Cermak moved to Dallas where he currently practices emergency medicine and serves as a clinical instructor, working with resident physicians and advanced practice providers. His personal interests include spending time with his family, golfing and enjoying some Texas barbecue.
Neal Zeigler, MD FACEP
Dr. Zeigler, MD, FACEP, grew up in suburban Chicago and attended college at University of Illinois and Xavier University of Louisiana. He earned his medical degree at Chicago Medical School, and completed his residency at Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan, where he was honored as Emergency Medicine Resident of the Year in 2005. He has been practicing emergency medicine in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex since 2005. He has been a leader in multiple busy emergency departments, including roles as Chief Medical Officer and Medical Director. He also is a founding member of MPACT For Mankind, which is a nonprofit that provides health services and resources to communities both locally and abroad.
Adrienne Caiado, MD
Hi! My name is Adrienne Caiado and I am an Emergency Physician currently working at Charles Regional Medical Center in La Plata, MD. I am originally from Cape Cod, Massachusetts. I studied Behavioral Neuroscience at Northeastern University in Boston before deciding I wanted to pursue medicine. I moved to Hershey, Pennsylvania (yes, it really does small like chocolate on certain days of the week) in 2015 to attend Penn State College of Medicine. From there, I completed by residency in Emergency Medicine at Georgetown University and Washington Hospital Center in Washington, DC. I graduated as chief resident in my final year. In my free time I love cheering on Boston Sports teams, taking my dog Denny on long walks along the Potomac River, skiing wherever we can with my husband, and sailing in warmer weather.
Alex Koo, MD
Alex Koo, MD is a board-certified emergency medicine physician with a passion for medical education. He received his undergraduate degree at the University of Virginia, medical degree from Jefferson Medical College, and emergency medicine residency training at Madigan Army Medical Center. During his time in residency, he was nominated and selected as the 'Resident of the Year' from the Emergency Medicine Residents' Association.
Ishmael Cubero, MD
Dr. Cubero was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY. He attended the prestigious combined BS/MD program at the CUNY School of Medicine and received his medical degree from the College of Medicine at SUNY Downstate. He completed a residency in emergency medicine at Jacobi/Montefiore Medical center, where he was elected chief resident in education during his final year. Throughout his career, Dr. Cubero has received multiple awards for outstanding clinical work and for his dedication to medical education. Dr. Cubero has served as a residency site director, medical student clerkship director, and urgent care medical director.
Myiesha Taylor, MD, PhD, FACEP, FAAEM, MSCP
Dr. Taylor is a board-certified emergency physician with nearly two decades of frontline experience in high-acuity clinical care where she has managed everything from complex trauma to critical medical resuscitations.
Advanced Practice Providers
Russell Wilson, PA-C, ATC
Russell Wilson began his medical career as an EMT in 1994 and finished his Paramedic licensure in 1997 while attending Angelo State University in San Angelo, Texas. He graduated from ASU in 1997 with his Bachelors of Science degree in Kinesiology. Afterward, he continued working part-time as a Paramedic while obtaining his Master’s Degree in Sports Health from Texas Tech University in 2000. Russell worked for several years as an athletic trainer, serving high schools throughout Texas along with Division III and Division II collegiate athletic programs. In 2010, he graduated from the University of North Dakota School of Medicine Physician Assistant program. Prior to PA school, he worked as a Paramedic throughout various locations in Texas and in the Gulf of Mexico onboard an offshore oil-drilling rig. As a PA-C, he has worked in an outpatient VA clinic, urgent care facilities, a general orthopedic clinic, a level I hospital trauma service, and a physical medicine & rehab clinic. He is also part of the ancillary staff for the USA Taekwondo Olympic teams. He is a certified Physician Assistant, certified Athletic Trainer, and continues to maintain his Paramedic license. He is a retired Firefighter/Captain from the Runaway Bay Volunteer Fire Department. Russell and his lovely wife Caryn enjoy camping, traveling, and visiting museums.
Morgan Bestenlehner, PA-C
Morgan earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology-Athletic Training from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She then advanced her skills by obtaining a Master of Science in Kinesiology from Illinois State University. After a few years of caring for injured athletes of all levels, she pursued her Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies at Elon University in North Carolina. Since graduating Elon, she has been working in the Emergency Department at Medstar Washington Hospital Center. She spends her free time traveling, trying new restaurants, spending time with friends and family, and watching sports (Go Badgers)!
Marsena Collins, FNP-C, ENP-C
Marsena earned her Bachelors of Science in Nursing from the University of Southern Mississippi in 2006. She completed her Master of Science Nurse Practitioner in 2012. She has a Dual Certification as a Family and Emergency Nurse Practitioner through the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners. She is currently the Lead Advanced Provider in the Emergency Room at a community hospital in Dallas, Texas. In her spare time she’s quite the foodie and loves enjoying every aspect of life with her spouse and toddler.
Lindsay Portz, PA-C
Lindsay Portz, is a physician assistant and practices in orthopedic surgery. She attended LSU for undergraduate studies, and attended Nova Southeastern University in Jacksonville, FL for her master's as a physician assistant. Lindsay enjoys running, playing tennis, and group workout classes.
Laura Hanna, PA-C
Laura Hanna is a Physician Assistant with more than 20 years of experience as an emergency room consultant. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Science from Texas A&M University and a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies from Baylor College of Medicine. She began her career in a large private practice orthopedic group before transitioning to the plastics and craniofacial surgery service at a Level I Trauma Center in Dallas, TX. Laura has served as a mentor for APP students and enjoys lecturing at local and national conventions. She is passionate about providing practical, evidence-based medicine. To that effort, she has completed TCU’s evidence-based research fellowship, along with her current Master’s studies at University of Oklahoma Law with a focus in Healthcare Law. She spends her off time hanging out with her kids, fishing, and listening to live music.
Scott Biggs, PA-C - Team Leader
Scott earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from James Madison University. He completed his Master of Science degree in Clinical Medical Science and Physician Assistant Studies at Barry University in Miami Shores, Florida. He is board certified. He currently serves as the lead PA in a community emergency department that sees over 45,000 patients per year. In addition to his extensive experience in emergency medicine, he has worked as a member of a large transplant team and also clinically in both interventional radiology and vascular surgery. Scott has been practicing emergency medicine for over 11 years.
Rich Greene, EMPA-C, RDMS
Rich earned a Bachelor of Science from the US Air Force Academy prior to completing a 23 year career in the military. During this time, he attended the military’s Intraservice Physician Assistant Program where he received a Bachelor of Science and Masters of Physician Assistant Studies from University of Nebraska Medical Center. He is board certified and has worked in emergency medicine for the last 10 years obtaining additional specialty certifications in Emergency Medicine from NCCPA, ultrasound, trauma, and critical care. Rich has worked in emergency medicine in settings spanning from Level I trauma centers to community regional hospitals. His teaching experience includes training combat medics in pre-hospital and trauma care and as an adjunct clinical instructor for Campbell University, teaching clinical skills to Physician Assistant, medical students, and residents. He currently works in a community emergency department that sees approximately 25,000 patients per year. He is also a licensed and certified RDMS Sonographer and lead instructor for our Ultrasound Course.
Ivan Mustafa, APRN
Ivan is an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse in Emergency Medicine. He has worked in and led Emergency Services since 1985 where he started in the fire service and worked through the ranks to EMS Chief of two different fire agencies. He serves in a number of committees throughout Florida and is a consultant for the Florida Department of Health. He has been a registered nurse since 1996 and an APRN since 2003. He holds instructor certifications in ACLS, PALS and holds a State of Florida Instructor III certification, among others. Ivan is a speaker in a variety of conferences and seminars and actively teaches continuing education programs throughout the country and internationally. He remains involved in a number of Fire and EMS projects and provides consultation services to agencies in the areas of Fire Services, EMS, accreditation and professional development. Ivan and his wife have been involved with pet rescue and fostering since 2010 and have fostered and adopted out hundreds of dogs.
Kathryn Rodgers, PA-C
Kathryn earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Biological Sciences from Virginia Polytechnic Institute. She completed her Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies at Lake Erie College in Ohio. She has worked in primary care and geriatric settings, and currently works in a busy Emergency Department in Washington, DC, where she currently lives. She is originally from the Washington DC/Northern Virginia metropolitan area and enjoys hiking, traveling, wineries, and spending her time with friends and family.
Payal Shah, PA-C
Payal received her Bachelor of Science in Biology and Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology from the University of Florida. She then proceeded to attend Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, FL and completed her Master’s in Physician Assistant Studies. While on rotations, she realized she wanted to practice Emergency Medicine and moved to Illinois after she graduated to work as an ER PA-C at a level II trauma center for over 2 years. She has also worked as a locums provider at other emergency departments. She has now accepted a position to move to DC to work as a physician assistant at Medstar Washington Hospital Center’s Emergency Department.
Margaret Schifano, PA-C
A native of Minnesota, Margaret completed her undergraduate degree in Biology and Hispanic Studies at Pepperdine University in California. She later went on to Harding University in Arkansas for her degree in Physician Assistant Studies. She completed the General Emergency Medicine Physician Assistant Fellowship at Columbia in 2021 and stayed on full-time after that for a year until recently moving to DC with her husband and daughter. She now works full time at George Washington University Hospital in the Emergency Department where she serves as the APP New Graduate Program Onboarding & Education Coordinator as well as Assistant Clinical Professor of Emergency Medicine. She continues to work per-diem for the department. Her interests in Emergency Medicine include education and ultrasound. She is currently pursuing a Doctorate degree in Leadership in Clinical Practice and Education.
Katrina Hart, PA-C
Katrina grew up in the DMV and attended the University of Pittsburgh for undergrad, where she double majored in neuroscience and history & philosophy of science. She returned to the DC area to complete her PA education at George Washington University. She has been working in the emergency department at Washington Hospital Center since graduation. She lives in Northeast DC with her husband and dog. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her church community, rooting for the Baltimore Ravens, and cooking (and eating!) good food.
John Bastin, PA-C
John Bastin is a physician assistant with 29 years of experience in emergency medicine and disaster medicine. He graduated from the US Navy physician assistant program in 1995, earning his BS degree from George Washington University. He retired from the US Navy after 25 years of service, 15 years as a Hospital Corpsman and 10 years as a physician assistant. He received his Masters of Health Science (MHS) degree from the University of South Alabama and his Doctor of Medical Science (DMSc) degree from the University of Lynchburg. He is currently an associate professor / principle faculty in the Physician Assistant Program at Florida State University where he teaches courses in emergency medicine and clinical procedures. He continues to practice in the emergency department on a part time basis. In his spare time he enjoys going to the beach and spending time with his granddaughters.
Lali Hall, APRN
Lali is an experienced nurse practitioner with over 15 years of practice in emergency medicine. Throughout her career, she has honed her skills by managing a wide range of acute and critical conditions, from trauma and cardiac emergencies to pediatric care. Working in the fast-paced and unpredictable ER setting, Lali has developed a strong ability to make quick, informed decisions that prioritize patient safety and outcomes.
Aparna Krishnan, PA-C
Originally from Mumbai, India and raised in Dubai, UAE, Aparna pursued her passion for science with a Bachelor's in Biotechnology from SRM University in Chennai, India. In 2010, she moved to the US to further her education, earning a Master's in Biotechnology from the University of Texas at Dallas. Her research roles at Yale University and UT Southwestern sparked her interest in healthcare, leading her to pursue a career as a Physician Assistant (PA-C) at TTUHSC.
Kristen Austin-Harris, APRN-C, FNP/ENP, MSN
Kristen Austin-Harris completed her Family and Emergency Nurse Practitioner training at the University of South Alabama. She currently works in Urgent Care and has a strong interest in community service and outreach including medicine. She lived overseas and studied languages when she was younger and then came back to her hometown to settle down and help her family. She now travels when she can but if she can't take a long break, she's usually hiking. Kristen was a competitive swimmer and also tries to spend time swimming when she can.
Michael A. Sharma, MPAS, PA-C
Mike is a practicing emergency medicine and urgent care PA in the Dallas, TX, area. He currently works in the busiest emergency department in the country - Parkland Memorial Hospital. He is also an adjunct professor and guest lecturer at multiple PA programs and hospital systems throughout the country. Mike co-hosts "The 2 View: Emergency Medicine PA & NPs" podcast (2view.fireside.fm), serves on the Executive Leadership Team of the Academy of PAs in Legal Medicine, and is an experienced speaker at the national and international levels. In addition, he is a U.S Army veteran, including a deployment to Afghanistan as a trauma team leader. He is a graduate of the Interservice PA Program and Texas A&M University. Mike enjoys connecting with fellow medical professionals both in person and over social media, and can be found on Facebook, Instagram, and X at @michaelsharmapa.
Sonographers
Liza Gonzalez, RDMS, RVT
Liza Gonzalez, RDMS, RVS has been a sonographer for 23 years. She is originally from Philadelphia and wanted to explore something new, so she moved to Florida and now works for the Orlando VA Medical Center in Lake Nona. Helping and caring for her fellow veterans and local communities has always been her passion! Being an ultrasound technologist has given
Lisa Haro, RDMS, RVT
Lisa is a Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (RDMS) and a Registered Vascular Technologist (RVT) in central Florida. She received a degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography from Palm Beach State College and has been working in the field since 2012. She always wants to learn more, loves teaching ultrasound, and has worked with students in the field for many years. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, and going on vacations.
Sheila Kaiser, RDMS
Sheila Kaiser has a bachelor's degree in Imaging Sciences through Keiser University. She is currently an instructor at Keiser University in the same Diagnostic Medical Sonography program that she was once a student in. Sheila has been ARDMS registered in Abdomen, OB/GYN, and Vascular since 2009. In addition to teaching, she also works as an artist, and currently sells her artwork through a shop in a local mall.
Kerri Torres, RDMS
Kerri Torres is a Medical Diagnostic Sonographer. She graduated from Keiser University, where she studied abdominal, gynecological and obstetrical ultrasound. She currently works at an outpatient imaging center, where she performs a variety of general examinations. Prior to ultrasound, she owned her own Birth and Postpartum Doula service, and has attended over 200 deliveries.
Halie Jo Daniels, RDMS
Halie Jo Daniels is a dedicated healthcare professional with a strong background in Diagnostic Medical sonography. She earned er bachelor's degree in Imaging science with a minor in Diagnostic Medical Sonography from Keiser University and is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Cardiovascular Perfusion at Northern Kentucky University. She currently practices in Florida. In addition to her medical career, Halie Jo has proudly served in the United States Navy since 2013 and has had several international deployments. Her military service reflects her discipline, leadership, and commitment to excellence. She continues to make a meaningful impact both in her community and in her role within the Armed forces. She has an unwavering passion for healthcare and service.
Contributers
Kelsey Bates, APRN, FNP-C
Kelsey earned her Master of Science degree as a Family Nurse Practitioner from Texas Woman's University in 2017. She earned her ASN from Collin College in 2013 and her Bachelor of Science Nursing from Texas Tech Univerity in 2014. She is certified by the AANP. Kelsey works in physical medicine focusing on musculoskeletal and neurological conditions. She also helps patients manage and control various chronic cardio metabolic diseases. Her passion as an NP is to help patients function act their highest level possible. Kelsey lives in Farmersville, TX with her husband and two dogs. In her spare time, she loves to be outdoors, exercise, travel, and spend time with her family and friends.
Lindee Abe, APRN, FNP-C, ENP-C
Lindee earned her Associate of Science Health Science Laboratory Technology from George Washington University in 2006. She earned a Bachelor of Science and Masters of Science in Nursing from the College of Saint Mary in 2009 and 2011, respectively. She was awarded her Post Masters Certificate as a Family Nurse Practitioner from Clarkson College in 2015. She is dual certified as a Family and Emergency Nurse Practitioner through the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners. She serves as the Nebraska state representative for the American Academy of Emergency Nurse Practitioners. She has worked as a contractor for the VA, urgent care, and emergency medicine. She has served in the Army Reserves for 19 years in varying capacities, including lab tech, emergency room nurse, case manager, and nurse practitioner.
