JenCare Senior Medical Center

Bios

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  Teresa Garrison, MD

  MD

  Dr. Teresa Garrison was born prematurely. Growing up, she enjoyed hearing the story of how the nurses and doctors saved her life. It also fueled her desire to become a doctor and help others, too. “I was blessed to know my grandparents and my great-grandparents,” she says. “Our relationship led me to study geriatrics. Developing intimate, personal relationships with seniors helps us become a team. We work together to help prevent and control chronic disease. Taking control of their health can help them lead a better quality of life. Every senior I see is unique, and I love the history and wisdom they provide. I gain as much from them as I hope they gain from me.”

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  Link: Teresa Garrison, MD

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  Donisha Dunn-Lombard, MD

  MD

  As a life-long resident of New Orleans, Dr. Donisha Dunn-Lombard is pleased to contribute to the happiness, health and well-being of those in her hometown. She does her best to help reduce suffering within her community and enable residents to stay productive and thrive. 'Working with seniors is special because it exposes me to a wonderful source of wisdom and life experience,' Dr. Dunn-Lombard says. 'I also enjoy sharing in the reality that, regardless of age, there is always something we can learn, teach, and do for others,' she adds. Dr. Dunn-Lombard specializes in internal medicine and psychiatry and believes that, for optimal outcomes, mental and general healthcare should be better integrated. Prior to joining JenCare, she was Director of Behavioral Health Services at Tulane University Community Health Center in New Orleans, and she has also served as Assistant Professor of Clinical Medicine for both the internal medicine and psychiatry departments of Tulane University School of Medicine. She earned her medical degree from Louisiana State University School of Medicine and completed her internship and residency at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago. Upon returning to New Orleans she provided service through the Greater New Orleans Health Service Corps while teaching at Tulane University. She participated in facilitating the REACH NOLA Mental Health Infrastructure and Training Project in New Orleans and worked with St. Anna's Episcopal Mobile Medical Mission. Dr. Dunn-Lombard has many interests outside of her medical practice. She enjoys spending time with her husband and two children, practicing and teaching yoga, and singing. She is also a member of the American Psychiatric Association and the Association of Medicine and Psychiatry.

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  Link: Donisha Dunn-Lombard, MD

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  Zia Romani, MD

  MD

  As a child, Zia Romani always knew that she wanted to be part of the healing profession, and she ultimately moved over 7,000 miles away from home to help others in need. "I respect our seniors," Zia says. "One day, we will all become senior citizens and will need help managing through life's changes. I love providing acupuncture and seeing the relief a patient has after treatment. Combined with healthy lifestyle education and nutrition counseling, I’m helping patients live their highest quality of life, and that’s very rewarding."

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  Link: Zia Romani, MD

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  Vijay Jaligam, MD

  MD

  When Dr. Vijay Jaligam was in the 10th grade, he witnessed something amazing: his friend, who’d contracted rabies from a dog bite, started healing within three days of receiving therapy. It was this kind of healing transformation that captured his interest and eventually led him into medicine. “I remembered that time during my first days of practice in India,” says Dr. Jaligam. “My mother suggested that I start a free clinic, and so I did. As I worked with my patients, I realized that this was my dream – to bring compassionate care and healing to those in need.

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  Link: Vijay Jaligam, MD

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  Nina Muñoz, MPAS, PA-C

  MPAS, PA-C

  Nina Muñoz has a heart for seniors. In fact, caring for their hearts and whole mind-body wellness is one of the reasons she pursued a career in medicine. “Ensuring my patients’ well-being is what drives me every day,” Nina says. “I work closely on the team with their doctors to deliver the highest quality of care possible. As a physician assistant, I’m able to examine, diagnose, and treat a variety of acute and chronic health concerns. What’s even more important is having the ability to educate patients on how to stay well and out of the hospital. It’s rewarding to see their health and lives improve.”

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  Link: Nina Muñoz, MPAS, PA-C

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  Erskine Hawkins, MD

  MD

  Primary care physician Erskine Hawkins earned his bachelor’s degree, cum laude, from Hampton University in Hampton, Virginia. He earned his medical degree from the Boston University School of Medicine and completed his family medicine residency at the Morehouse School of Medicine. He is a member of the American Academy of Family Physicians. “The senior population has a lot to offer and a lot more living to do and I want to make sure that happens,” said Dr. Hawkins. “I believe that I make the biggest difference in peoples’ lives by making them the captain of their own ship, the driver of their own healthcare.” Dr. Hawkins is a huge sports fan. When he isn’t working he likes to watch a game of any kind.

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  Link: Erskine Hawkins, MD

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  Brittany Roussel, RD, LDN

  RD, LDN

  Brittany Roussel is a registered dietitian specializing in diabetes, heart health, kidney disease and gout. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana and completed her dietetic internship at North Oaks Health System in Hammond, Louisiana. Prior to joining JenCare, Brittany was a chronic care management dietitian with Peoples Health. “I have diet restrictions I must follow so I understand how frustrating it can be when someone recommends a change to your diet potentially reducing how often you can eat your favorite foods,” Brittany said. “I try to provide practical, usable knowledge in a way that makes sense that will help patients to feel better or to improve their lab values.”

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  Link: Brittany Roussel, RD, LDN

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  Kaylee Vincent, L.Ac.

  L.Ac.

  Acupuncturist Kaylee Vincent earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Oriental medicine and acupuncture from the Texas Health and Science University in Austin, Texas. Her rigorous coursework required over 800 hours of clinical training in all areas of Oriental medicine. Sleep disorders, anxiety, and pain are just a few of the conditions Ms. Vincent treats and she looks forward to helping Seniors through her practice at JenCare.

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  Link: Kaylee Vincent, L.Ac.

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  Jennifer Sterling

  FNP

  Jennifer Sterling is a family nurse practitioner. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Chamberlain College of Nursing in Miramar, Florida and her master’s degree from Walden University in Minneapolis, Minneapolis. She is a member of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners. Jennifer strives to provide excellent care to her patients. “I enjoy educating patients and building trusting relationships with them,” Jennifer said. Jennifer and her husband have three sons. When she is not working she stays busy with her sons’ baseball games; they have played travel baseball for the last 15 years.

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  Link: Jennifer Sterling

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  Megan Tripptree

  LAc, MTOM

  Megan Tripptree, an acupuncturist who specializes in pain and stress management and gastrointestinal issues, values holistic treatment. “I love how fluid Acupuncture is. There are so many different modalities I can use depending on the patient,” she explains. Megan Triptree finds it very rewarding to work with the senior population and help them find relief from long-term pain. “I can treat so many different things,” she says. “I encourage every patient to ask if they are having any issues.” In addition to providing stellar care for her patients, Megan Tripptree loves participating in outdoor activities and spending time with her fiancé and two dogs. She loves traveling and wishes to one day visit New Zealand.

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  Link: Megan Tripptree

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  Thomas Gaines

  MD, FACC, CBNC

  Originating from a long line of healthcare professionals, Dr. Thomas Gaines is a cardiologist passionate about not only leading his patients to better health but also helping them understand that process. He strives for comprehensive care that caters to individual needs and goals. “True collaboration and relationship building is everything,” he says. Dr. Gaines takes pride in both serving and learning from the senior population. “I have strong beliefs about equity and equality in healthcare,” he says. When he isn’t with patients or attempting to teach his cat how to fetch, Dr. Gaines loves experiencing live music and hiking with his wife. He aspires to travel to Greece, Japan, and Argentina.

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  Link: Thomas Gaines

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  Chiemezie Onyewuchi

  MD

  Dr. Chiemezie Onyewuchi knew at a young age he wanted to pursue a career in medicine. He has special interest in cardiology, pulmonology, and critical care. Dr. Onyewuchi’s favorite part of being a physician is talking with patients. He attentively listens and tries to put himself in his patients’ shoes. If he could change anything about healthcare today, he would improve cost and access. “I am helping patients choose lower cost but equally effective medications,” he explains. He enjoys serving the senior population and says he aims to “prevent hospitalizations by giving quality outpatient care.” In his free time, Dr. Onyewuchi enjoys software programming and playing soccer. He also loves working on repairs around his house.

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  Link: Chiemezie Onyewuchi

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  Fadi Hawawini

  DO, CMD, MBA, CPE

  Dr. Fadi Hawawini’s favorite part of his profession is “being able to make a difference in people’s lives and contribute positively to my society.” He believes honesty and accountability are key in building strong relationships with patients. He loves caring for the senior population and “delivering the best care possible for our patients and providing their families with the peace of mind about their loved ones.” To keep up with the latest medical advancements, he attends conferences, discusses with healthcare leaders, and stays involved in the medical community. In his free time, Dr. Hawawini loves spending time with his wife and son. He especially enjoys watching his son play sports. He also likes staying up to date on world affairs.

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  Link: Fadi Hawawini

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  Tara Zaabel

  APRN, MSN, BSN, FNP-C

  Tara Zaabel always knew she wanted to work in healthcare. “I’ve always enjoyed creating relationships with others and caring for them,” she says. She likes taking the time to get to know a patient’s background. “It’s more than just medical history and what medications they are on,” she explains. She always treats patients with respect and values their opinion. “I feel like so often our seniors’ voices and opinions are not taken into account,” she says. She adds, “I’m so excited to get to know you and help you work towards being the healthiest and happiest version of you!” In her free time, Tara Zaabel loves spending time with her husband and children. She also enjoys relaxing in the pool and watching television.

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  Link: Tara Zaabel

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  Noel Meikle

  MSN, FNP

  Noel Meikle has always had a passion for problem-solving and caring for others. She aims to treat all patients with “dignity, respect, care, and compassion.” She enjoys “helping guide her patient’s healthcare management and education, while respecting their choices and decisions.” Prevention is a key part of her practice. “I want to help seniors live happier, healthier, and more active lives, while helping them understand that process,” she explains. Forming meaningful connections with patients is her favorite part of her profession. Noel Meikle grew up in Baton Rouge, and although she has lived in several states, she considers Louisiana home. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family, cycling, reading, and LSU football.

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  Link: Noel Meikle

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  Marcus Foos

  MD

  As a teenager, Dr. Marcus Foos knew he wanted to pursue a career in medicine “primarily to help people and secondarily due to the scientific aspect.” Serving patients and helping to improve patients’ lives are his favorite parts of his profession. “I’d like to collaborate on making your life as good as we can,” he says. He strives to help patients reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes. He likes understanding patients where they are. “I enjoy being able to build relationships with patients over time,” he says. When not with patients, Dr. Foos enjoys staying active with running, resistance training, and stationary arm ergometry. He also likes assembling and re-assembling computers, which he has done for over a decade.

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  Link: Marcus Foos

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  Sherri Godbey

  MD

  Dr. Sherri Godbey knew at an early age that she wanted to be a doctor and recalls attending nursing classes with her mom in elementary school. “I loved going to nursing classes with her, especially listening to lectures and visiting the anatomy lab,” she says. She describes herself as a “people-person” and feels privileged to care for people. “I get great joy through helping and witnessing people return to their former states of health following sickness, injury, or surgery,” she explains. She has always felt great respect for the elderly population and enjoys learning from her patients. In her free time, Dr. Godbey likes reading, going to the gym, and visiting friends and family. She also loves birds and has over twenty as pets.

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  Link: Sherri Godbey

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  Taylor Robertson

  DPM

  Dr. Taylor Robertson feels honored to serve as “a source of healing and comfort for his patients. “I am priviledged to take care of the feet, which are the tires of the human body,” he says. He adds, “If your feet don’t feel well, then the rest of your body doesn’t either.” He enjoys building genuine relationships with patients, explaining, “You don’t get to know someone without extended conversations.” He adds, “I am an old school doctor who likes to take his time and talk to people during a visit.” He especially enjoys working with seniors and learning from their wisdom. Dr. Robertson loves kayaking, gardening, and volunteering at his daughter’s school in his free time. He also enjoys attending festivals.

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  Link: Taylor Robertson

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  Nimish N. Chokshi

  DPM, D.ABFAS

  Dr. Nimish N. Chokshi recognized his interest in healthcare at a young age. He particularly enjoys caring for the senior population, who are often overlooked. “I always took more time in my practice to explain the whole body approach to seniors,” he says. He values respect and compassion in his practice and explains that he “approaches treating patients as a team effort.” He adds, “At the end of the day, everyone wants to be heard and needs to know that someone is there to care for them and help guide them in a positive direction.” In his free time, Dr. Chokshi enjoys hiking and traveling with his wife. “Spending time with my family and friends is my foundation, no matter what we are doing,” he says.

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  Link: Nimish N. Chokshi

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  Gabriel Vargas-Bodas

  MD

  Dr. Gabriel Vargas-Bodas grew up listening to his father’s stories as a physician every night, which inspired him to pursue a career in medicine. “The memories have been with me always,” he says. He adds that he wanted to emulate his father and care for the senior population in a way that maintains their dignity. He strives to ensure patients can talk to him “in a safe and secure way.” He prioritizes honesty and empathy in his practice. “Communication, for me, is very important,” he says. In Gabriel’s free time, he can be found working in the garden, painting minatures, or traveling. He is also an avid reader and enjoys reading anything from fiction and fantasy to history, politics, and humanities.

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  Link: Gabriel Vargas-Bodas