Ricardo de la Villa Pagan, MD

Tarak Rambhatla, M.D., is a clinical cardiologist. He specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of complex cardiovascular disease including critical care cardiology, cardiomyopathies, valvular heart disease, arrhythmias, coronary artery disease, and heart failure. He completed his cardiology training in New York City, where under the direction of world renowned Echocardiographer Itzhak Kronzon, he mastered the utilization of echocardiography in assessment of hemodynamics and valvular heart disease, using both transesophageal and transthoracic echo. His other interest includes heart rhythm disorders, particularly early detection and management of atrial fibrillation, an arrhythmia that leads to heart failure and strokes, and affects more than 2 million Americans. He has given lectures both nationally and internationally on this topic. He is a published author in several renowned scientific journals, including the International Journal of Cardiology and JACC EP. He is also the lead author for the upcoming Echocardiography Companion, a Board Review Preparation Book for Clinicians. He is an active member of several professional societies, including the American College of Cardiology, American Society of Echocardiography, Cardiac Electrophysiology Society, and Society of Cardiovascular Computed Tomography.

Juan-Carlos Verdeja, M.D., FACS, is a general surgeon and chairman of the operating committee for Baptist Health Medical Group, an organization of more than 180 physicians in multiple specialties closely aligned with Baptist Health South Florida. Dr. Verdeja is chief of surgery and founding president of the medical staff at West Kendall Baptist Hospital. Dr. Verdeja has been in surgical practice for more than two decades and specializes in general, laparoscopic and oncologic surgery. He graduated from the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine and completed his residency in general surgery at the University of Miami/Jackson Memorial Hospital, where he was chief resident of the department of surgery. Dr. Verdeja is director of laparoscopy and minimally invasive surgery at Florida International University's Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, and is an associate professor in the school's department of surgery as well as at Nova Southeastern University's College of Allied Health. Dr. Verdeja is a Diplomate of the American Board of Surgery and the National Board of Medical Examiners. He lectures nationally and internationally and is published in more than 50 medical journals. He has been instrumental in the development of advanced laparoscopic surgical techniques and devices.

Victor Maciel, M.D., is a board-certified general surgeon specializing in colorectal surgery at Baptist Health. He speaks fluent English and Spanish. Prior to joining Baptist Health, Dr. Maciel completed a colon and rectal surgery fellowship at Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh.Dr. Maciel earned his medical degree from Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Guadalajara. He then completed his general surgery residency at Ascension Health/St. Vincent Hospital in Indianapolis, earning outstanding performance awards two years in a row. In addition to his colon and rectal surgery fellowship, Dr. Maciel completed a minimally invasive colorectal surgery fellowship at University of Texas/Houston Methodist Hospital and a minimally invasive advanced GI surgery fellowship at Jackson South Community Hospital. He also spent four years as a practicing general and minimally invasive surgeon for Broward Surgical Specialists in West Palm Beach. He is a member of the American College of Surgeons, American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons, Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons, and the American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgeons. As a surgeon focused on both colorectal and weight loss surgery, Dr. Maciel believes it is especially important for him to develop positive relationships with his patients. He is committed to establishing a trusting, caring rapport with his patients to help them feel comfortable discussing sensitive topics related to their condition. When not working, Dr. Maciel enjoys spending time with his family. He is also passionate about music and the arts, often attending live shows, writing and performing music in his home studio.