As 2024 comes to a close, we at First Choice Neurology (FCN) are proud to reflect on a year filled with growth, innovation, and milestones that have furthered our commitment to patient care. This year, we welcomed eleven exceptional neurologists to our group, expanding our reach and expertise. Our physicians and recruitment team actively participated in over 20 prestigious annual meetings, symposiums, and conferences, staying at the forefront of neurological advancements.
Notably, two of our doctors were among the first in the nation to administer Kisunla (donanemab), the newly FDA-approved breakthrough drug for Alzheimer’s patients. First Choice Neurology continues to lead in neurological research, with several care centers actively participating in dozens of research studies this year.
FCN celebrated the opening of four additional infusion centers and a state-of-the-art sleep center, and launched new programs designed to enhance patient outcomes and accessibility. These accomplishments are a testament to our dedication to advancing neurological care, and we look forward to building on this momentum in 2025.
First Choice Neurology Welcomed Ten New Neurologists to the Group in 2024
Ernesto Alonso, MD, is a Neurologist in Lake City, Florida. He provides services as a general neurologist and neurological health care for patients who have suffered a stroke, Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Myasthenia Gravis (MG), Epilepsy, Headache, Dementia, Encephalopathies, Parkinson’s, or other movement disorders. He performs Electroencephalogram (EEG), Electromyography and nerve conduction studies (EMG/NCS), Videonystagmography (VNG), and Botox injections for Chronic Migraines. An Infusion Center was also added to Dr. Alonso’s office in Lake City this year.
Peter R. Aldana, MD, joined First Choice Neurology in February. He is a Neurologist in Vero Beach and Fort Pierce, Florida. Dr. Aldana is board-certified in neurology and neuroimaging. He specializes in botulinum toxins, dementia, general neurology, and neurophysiology.
Jhablall Balmakund, MD, CMM, joined First Choice Neurology in February. He is a Pediatric Neurologist in Boca Raton with 28 years of experience in pediatric and child neurology. Dr. Balmakund specializes in concussion, electromyography, epilepsy, headaches/migraines, pediatric neurology, seizures, sleep disorders, and traumatic brain injury.
Nivea R. Ribas, MD, PA, joined First Choice Neurology in April. She pursued her dream to become an Epileptologist and Neurologist and has practiced in the Hialeah-Miami Lakes area for the last 25 years. Dr. Ribas serves Miami’s Latin community while working with other well-known physicians like Gamma Knife Neurosurgeon Dr. Aizak Wolf and Muhammad Ali’s Parkinson’s Neurologist, Dr. Abraham Lieberman.
Lourdes Lago, MD, joined First Choice Neurology in May. She is a board-certified neurologist in Miami, Florida. She specializes in Adult Neurology, including Alzheimer’s Disease, Botox Injections, Concussion, Dementia, Dizziness, Facial Pain, Headaches/Migraines, Movement Disorders, Multiple Sclerosis, Neurology, Numbness, Parkinson’s Disease, Seizures, Stroke, Tourette Syndrome, Traumatic Brain Injury, and Tremors.
Zack Ramilevich, MD, joined First Choice Neurology in August. He is a board-eligible neurologist in Boca Raton and Coconut Creek committed to providing holistic and patient-centered neurological care. He emphasizes building a strong therapeutic alliance with each patient by offering informative, supportive, and comprehensive treatment plans. His approach combines evidence-based medical management with personalized care strategies, ensuring the highest quality of neurological care.
Kavita Kalidas, MD, joined FCN in October. She is a board-certified Neurologist and UCNS-certified Headache Specialist based in Tampa, Florida. Dr. Kalidas has provided care to patients in the Tampa Bay community since 2010. She has a passion for treating patients with headaches and atypical facial pain and understands the importance of an integrated mind-body approach for the best clinical outcomes.
Claudio Osorio, MD, joined FCN in October. He is a board-certified Neurologist and Epileptologist in Tampa, Florida. Dr. Osorio has 10 years of experience in Neurology and Epilepsy. He completed his medical residency and fellowships at some of the top medical institutions in the country, including Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, and Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.
Cory Lamar, MD, joined First Choice Neurology in December. He is a Neurologist in Naples, Florida. Dr. Lamar is a native Floridian and became fascinated with the complexity of the brain during a neuroscience course at Meharry Medical College in Nashville, Tennessee. He is triple board-certified in neurology, clinical neurophysiology, and epilepsy.
Roberto Mixco, MD, joined First Choice Neurology in December. He is a board-certified Neurologist in Merritt Island, Florida. Dr. Mixco specializes in a variety of neurological disorders and provides electromyogram (EMG) and nerve testing in his Merritt Island office.
Four New Infusion Centers Opened
In 2024, First Choice Neurology expanded its network of infusion centers, opening three new locations to better serve patients across Florida. The Lake City Infusion Center in North Central Florida welcomed its first patients in March, followed by the Pembroke Pines Infusion Center, which opened in June. In October, the Plantation Infusion Center began providing care in Central Broward County, and the Lutz Infusion Center provides infusions for patients with migraines in the Tampa Bay area.
By the end of 2024, First Choice Neurology will proudly operate eight infusion centers strategically located in Boca Raton, Jupiter, Miami/Kendall, Tampa, Pembroke Pines, Lake City, Plantation, and Lutz, Florida. These centers specialize in treating a wide range of conditions, including demyelinating diseases, Alzheimer’s disease, migraines, chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP), thyroid eye disease, rheumatic conditions, Crohn’s/colitis, myasthenia gravis, and more.
First Physicians to Administer Kisunla for Alzheimer’s Disease
In July, Dr. Jeff Gelblum and Dr. Brian Costell became among the first physicians in the nation to administer Kisunla (donanemab), the newly FDA-approved treatment for Alzheimer’s disease. This was a significant milestone in neurological care, offering new hope to patients battling Alzheimer’s disease.
Dr. Gelblum has significant experience using anti-amyloid infusion therapy for his patients with mild cognitive impairment and mild Alzheimer’s disease. He has many patients taking Leqembi, which was FDA-approved in July 2023.
Dr. Gelblum stated, “A patient who is unable to go for twice-monthly infusions and eager to possibly conclude treatment in as few as six months, who can also assume the greater safety risk, would be a good candidate for the new treatment.”
Both Kisunla and Leqembi remove amyloid from the brain, but they work at different stages of amyloid plaque formation. Leqembi is an IV infusion given every 2 weeks, while Kisunla is an IV infusion given every 4 weeks.
Dr. Victor Faradji, Dr. Julie Schwartzbard, and Dr. Brian Costell participated in the Trailblazer ALZ 2 study that led to the FDA approval of Kisunla in July 2024. Dr. Costell is the #1 prescriber of Leqembi in the United States. He has approximately 300 Leqembi patients and 25 Kisunla patients.
First Choice Neurology Advancing Medical Research with Cutting-Edge Studies
First Choice Neurology (FCN) continues to lead in neurological research, with several care centers actively participating in dozens of studies each year. In 2024, FCN contributed to groundbreaking advancements, including the FDA approval of Kisunla, a new treatment for Alzheimer’s disease.
Dr. Brian Costell and Research Advancements
Dr. Brian Costell and his team played a pivotal role in multiple clinical trials this year. They are currently researching migraines, dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, Myasthenia Gravis (MG), Multiple Sclerosis, and other neurological disorders.
Dr. Victor Faradji: A Key Contributor to Parkinson’s Research
Dr. Victor Faradji participated in the study that led to the FDA approval of VYALEV (foslevodopa and foscarbidopa) subcutaneous pump solution for advanced Parkinson’s disease. He and his team are now involved in studies focusing on Alzheimer’s, dementia, and Parkinson’s disease.
Dr. Julie Schwartzbard: Expanding Knowledge Through Trials
Dr. Julie Schwartzbard has a long history of research contributions. Currently, she is working on clinical trials for Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, migraines, and pain management.
Dr. Patricio Espinosa’s Continued Research Efforts
With years of experience in clinical research, Dr. Patricio Espinosa is leading studies on Multiple Sclerosis, spasticity, epilepsy, Alzheimer’s, and other neurological conditions.
Dr. Andrew Lerman and Dr. Brad Herskowitz: Advancing Research in Miami
In the Miami region, Dr. Andrew Lerman and Dr. Brad Herskowitz have been integral to numerous studies over the years. Their research spans Alzheimer’s, epilepsy, migraines, Parkinson’s, and other neurological conditions.
First Choice Neurology’s commitment to research is paving the way for innovative treatments and improved care for patients with neurological disorders. Stay updated on the latest advancements by visiting FCN’s research centers.
New Sleep Center Opened in Delray Beach
New Sleep Center Opened in Delray BeachFirst Choice Neurology’s Sleep Centers provide sleep studies for the diagnosis and treatment of sleep disorders, including sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome, insomnia, somnambulism, and narcolepsy. In March, a new center was opened in Delray Beach, Florida, with Sleep Specialist Dr. Yefim Cavalier.
First Choice Neurology’s Sleep Centers in Loxahatchee and Delray Beach are equipped with the most advanced technology in sleep medicine and are designed to evaluate adults and children. Our sleep specialists hold advanced training and certification in sleep medicine and are dedicated to providing quality care through in-depth evaluations and consultations.
First Choice Neurology Now Accepts Florida Blue
In May, First Choice Neurology was excited to announce that they partnered with Florida Blue (Blue Cross Blue Shield), expanding access to top-tier neurological care throughout Florida.
This collaboration between the largest neurology group in the U.S. and Florida Blue, the state’s largest provider of individual marketplace plans, was a significant step towards ensuring that patients have access to high-quality care without financial constraints.
New Office Locations
In 2024, several First Choice Neurology physicians expanded their practices to better serve their patients. Earlier this year, Dr. Antonio Mesa relocated to a larger pain management center in Miami, offering a comprehensive range of interventional pain management procedures for both adults and children.
Dr. Timothy Grant moved to a new location in Miami, while Dr. Brian Costell expanded his reach by opening an additional office in Delray Beach in March. In June, Dr. Maria Herrera and Dr. Margarita El-Ramey transitioned to a larger space in Pembroke Pines, where they also added an infusion center to their practice.
Dr. Patricio Espinosa acquired a new practice in Coconut Creek on July 1, and Dr. Jeff Gelblum followed with a new practice in Jupiter, opening its doors on November 1. These moves reflect our continued commitment to enhancing patient access and care across Florida.
Annual Meetings, Symposiums, Conferences, and More
Throughout 2024, First Choice Neurology (FCN) actively attended and participated in over 20 annual meetings, symposiums, and conferences, recruiting and showcasing our dedication to advancing knowledge and expertise in a variety of fields. These events covered a wide range of topics, including neurology, epilepsy, Alzheimer’s disease, child neurology, multiple sclerosis, autism, neuroscience, Crohn’s and colitis, mental health, Parkinson’s disease, and more. Below is a selection of the events we were proud to be part of last year.
Mayra Estevez, First Choice Neurology’s Residency Liaison, played a key role in organizing the monthly program “The Business of Neurology” designed specifically for neurology residents and fellows.
FCN had a booth at the Florida Society of Neurology Annual Meeting on January 5 and 6 in Orlando.
FCN attended the 2024 MS Gala on January 19 in Boca Raton.
FCN had a booth at the University of Miami’s Neurology Update & Stroke Intensive Review on February 29 – March 3 in Coral Gables.
Drs. Julie Schwartzbard, Jorge Marcos, and Victor Faradji met with U.S. Senator Rick Scott in March to discuss solutions for the current Medicare cuts and step therapy relief for our patients.
FCN had a booth at the 11th Annual Stroke Conference on April 6 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida.
FCN infusion nurses and staff received comprehensive training from pharmaceutical educators in April.
FCN had a booth at the American Academy of Neurology (AAN) Annual Meeting on April 13-16 in Denver.
Dr. Balmakund attended the Epilepsy Alliance Walk on April 13.
FCN was one of the speakers for the Parkinson’s Foundation event in May.
FCN supported the NAMI Miami-Dade Walk for Mental Health Awareness on May 18 at Zoo Miami.
FCN attended the NICA Annual Conference 2024 on June 21-22 in Las Vegas.
Dr. Jeff Gelblum gave an update on Alzheimer’s advances at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference (AAIC) on July 28-August 1.
Patricio Espinosa, MD, MPH, FAAN, presented the Treatment for Focal Epilepsy Webinar on August 14, in English, and on August 15, in Spanish.
FCN attended the Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorders (NMOSD) Update on Diagnosis & Therapy on October 5 in Hollywood.
Jose Rocha, Director of Central Business, attended the 2024 eClinicalWorks and Healow® National Conference on October 25-27.
Mayra represented First Choice Neurology’s Infusion Centers at the West Palm Beach Crohn’s & Colitis Take Steps Walk on November 2.
Dr. Faradji was the Keynote Speaker at the Annual Miami Neuroscience Symposium on November 7 & 8, explaining the history and latest developments in Alzheimer’s research and treatment.
Dr. Gadia led the Autism Safe Journey conference on November 8 & 9 in Fort Lauderdale.
FCN had a booth at the 2024 MS Symposium in South Florida on November 9 in Plantation, Florida.
FCN had a booth at the Child Neurology Society Annual Meeting on November 11-14 in San Diego.
FCN had a booth at the American Epilepsy Society (AES) Annual Meeting, from December 6 to 10 at the Los Angeles Convention Center.
Dr. Gelblum was one of the leaders of the Practical Course Alzheimer Conference on December 9 in Miami.
First Choice Neurology Offers the Guide Program to Improve the Quality of Life for Patients with Alzheimer’s, Dementia, and their Unpaid Caregivers
In September, First Choice Neurology introduced the GUIDE Model Program, designed to improve the quality of life for individuals with dementia while alleviating the challenges their caregivers face through coordinated care and access to essential resources.
The GUIDE Model establishes a standardized approach to dementia care by addressing critical needs, including:
• Supporting unpaid caregivers with respite services and targeted resources.
• Screening for health-related social needs to ensure comprehensive care.
• Providing caregiver training, education, and ongoing support.
Key features of the program include 24/7 access to a support line and a range of services aimed at helping individuals with dementia remain safely in their homes for as long as possible, reducing the need for nursing home placement. By focusing on the well-being of individuals with dementia and their caregivers, the GUIDE Model enhances quality of life and promotes long-term, sustainable care solutions.
First Choice Neurology Now Offers At-Home Video EEG
In September, First Choice Neurology was proud to announce its new at-home video EEG service, providing an essential solution for patients who need advanced neurological testing in the comfort of their own homes. This service is ideal for children with epilepsy and seniors suffering from brain diseases or sleep disorders who may have difficulty traveling to a medical facility. By bringing the test to the patient’s home, First Choice Neurology makes it easier for patients to receive the care they need while staying in a familiar environment.
First Portable MRI Leveraging AI in South Florida
First Portable MRI Leveraging AI in South FloridaDr. Espinosa is revolutionizing neurology with in-office MRI imaging, empowering rapid and accurate decision-making for better patient outcomes. Dr. Espinosa acquired the first Swoop portable MRI system in South Florida—and only the third in the United States for an outpatient neurology clinic. This FDA-cleared, ultra-low-field MR imaging system leverages artificial intelligence (AI) to provide safe, portable brain imaging.
Dr. Eileen Higgins, Diplomat of the American Board of Obesity Medicine
Eileen Higgins, MD, FACS, Dipl ABOM, in addition to being board-certified in General Surgery, is now a Diplomat of the American Board of Obesity Medicine. As an Obesity Medicine specialist, the Nutrition & Wellness Center emphasizes lifestyle and incorporates anti-obesity medication and other treatment modalities.
To elevate obesity management to the next level, the center recently acquired a state-of-the-art Bioelectrical Impedance Analyzer (BIA). This cutting-edge tool provides detailed measurements, including fat-free mass, total body water, body fat percentage, body cell mass, intracellular water, and extracellular water—essentially functioning as a “laboratory in a box” to deliver precise insights for personalized care.
2024 – It’s a Wrap
As we wrap up 2024, it’s clear this has been a year of remarkable growth and progress for First Choice Neurology. From expanding our team and enhancing patient care to advancing neurology practices and launching new initiatives, we’ve made great strides. We look forward to 2025 with excitement and anticipation for the milestone