It is with the utmost excitement to share recent updates for our Emergency Medicine program at HCA Brandon Hospital. The sky is the limit as our program continues to relentlessly evolve and grow as the years go on.

We are honored to have Dr. Cory Howard (Medical Toxicology) and Dr. Elizabeth Pojani (Pediatric Emergency Medicine) join as new core faculty members. This puts our program at a total of 16 specialty-boarded and fellowship-trained faculty members representing specialties including Ultrasound, EMS, Hyperbaric and Undersea Medicine, Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Administration and Leadership, Toxicology, International Emergency Medicine, Addiction Medicine, and Simulation. Additionally, Dr. Eric Kalivoda and Dr. Gabriel Cabrera are both representing our program as new ACEP fellows! Moreover, we have also added an additional Associate Program Director, Dr. Harold Gomez, who brings such an undeniable positive influence to our program.

We are also incredibly proud of our recent fellowship matches for the Class of 2023 with residents completing their fellowship training in prestigious programs including East Carolina University, Maimonides Medical Center, and Mayo Clinic. Since the start of our program, our graduated residents have matched into fellowship specialties including EMS, Simulation, Critical Care, Medical Education and Ultrasound. Additionally, we have created such a supportive and cohesive environment at Brandon that we have had countless graduating residents stay and sign on as attendings.

Our program endured through many challenges that were brought on by the pandemic, but we are happy to have returned to in-person conference since our last program update to EMpulse. Our academic training and experience has become incredibly robust and well-rounded. With our critical care training of all ages through NICU, PICU, and adult ICU, our residents are confidently prepared to take care of anyone that comes through the ED doors! Additionally, we have weekly simulations held for all residents to run through difficult cases and procedures. Furthermore, we are so proud of how far our program has come and the continuous improvements made to better prepare our residents. Stay tuned for more updates next year!

Class of 2023 – Graduating Class

Alec Bloom, DO (Former Chief Resident)
Community Hospital of Monterey Peninsula

Ori Gat, MD (Former Chief Resident)
Blake Medical Center

Hillary Schmalzer, DO (Former Chief Resident)
Baycare Winterhaven

Gary Cook, DO
Blake Medical Center

AJ Domozick, MD
Blake Medical Center

Dorian Delgado, MD
Blake Medical Center

Amanda Craven, DO
Advent Health Altamonte

Jonathan Agil, MD
Providence Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital

Tyler Bogus, DO
HCA Florida Brandon Hospital

Christopher Reilly, MD
Maimonides Medical Center Brooklyn (Medical Education Fellowship)

Stephen Ferguson, MD
Mayo Clinic (EMS Fellowship)

Timothy Cookson, MD
East Carolina University (EMS Fellowship)

Matthew Kiley, MD
UPMC Williamsport

Rachel Pagarigan, MD
Mayo Clinic Albert Lea Hospital

New Incoming Class of 2026

Kenneth Appel, DO
Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (Auburn)

Kassy Castillo, DO
Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine

Zachary Cook, DO
Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (Auburn)

Anna Hormann, MD
St. George’s University of Medicine

Tyler Kellet, DO
Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine

Justin Norris, DO
Midwestern University Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine

Nikolas Martinez, MD
American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine

Vishal Patel, MD
Mercer University School of Medicine

Bradley Salemi, DO
Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine

Ali Sandouka, DO
Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine

Rachel Wexler, MD
St. George’s University School of Medicine

Andrew White, MD
Ross University School of Medicine