Adam S. Wellikoff, MD, was born in New Jersey and raised in South Florida. He earned his medical degree at Saba University School of Medicine in the Caribbean Netherlands, and completed his internship and residency in internal medicine at Flushing Hospital Medical Center in Queens, NY. Dr. Wellikoff then completed his fellowship in pulmonary and critical care medicine at Louisiana State University (LSU) in Shreveport, LA. He completed further training in interventional pulmonary medicine and helped create the interventional pulmonary program at LSU, serving as the program’s initial chief. Dr. Wellikoff was the first board certified interventional pulmonologist in Florida. Through his work in both academics and private practice, he has published various case reports, research projects, and presented at both national and international conferences.

Alan E. Bakst, MD, has been practicing pulmonary, critical care, and sleep medicine for 20 years. Raised and educated in Johannesburg, South Africa, he received his Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery from the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, graduating with honors in hematology and genetics. Prior to his residency training, Dr. Bakst gained experience working in cardiothoracic surgery. Relocating to the United States, Dr. Bakst completed his residency in internal medicine at the Albert Einstein Medical Center in Philadelphia, and went on to the University of Maryland, completing fellowships in pulmonary, critical care, and sleep medicine. He maintains his American Board of Internal Medicine Certification in all three specialties. Dr. Bakst also works as an intensivist/critical care specialist at several hospitals in the area and has experience in tele-ICU medicine.

Carlos W. Sanchez, MD, was born in Argentina. He has been practicing medicine since 1998 and studied at several universities, including the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (UMDNJ), Newark Beth Israel Medical Center (Newark, NJ), and Hofstra University (Long Island, NY). Dr. Sanchez was the chief medical resident at UMDNJ where he studied internal, pulmonary, critical care, and sleep medicine. He is board certified in both internal and pulmonary/critical care medicine.

In his free time, Dr. Sanchez participates in charitable events that support those in his community. When he is not treating patients or attending philanthropic events, you can find him spending time with his family.

David Weissberger, MD, is originally from Scranton, PA, and has been practicing pulmonary medicine in Palm Beach County since 1979. He earned his medical degree at Penn State College of Medicine in Hershey, PA. Dr. Weissberger completed his internal medicine residency at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, MO, which is the teaching hospital for Washington University School of Medicine. He went on to complete his pulmonary fellowship at Mount Sinai Medical Center in Miami.

In his free time, Dr Weissberger enjoys playing tennis and traveling to California wineries. He is an active member and participant in synagogue activities.

Denzil S. Seedial, MD, was born in Trinidad and moved to Florida to attend Florida Atlantic University (FAU). He completed medical school at Ross University School of Medicine in Miramar, FL, then finished his residency in internal medicine, and fellowship in pulmonary and critical care medicine at SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University College of Medicine in Brooklyn, NY. During this time, Dr. Seedial was involved in multiple research projects and publications. He is board certified in internal medicine, and pulmonary and critical care medicine. Initially, Dr. Seedial worked as an intensivist before joining TGH Pulmonary Care & Sleep Institute in 2009.

Jay S. Maizes, MD, is a physician leader at HCA Florida, JFK Hospital. He has held multiple leadership positions over the past 15 years, presently serving as the medical director of the sleep lab and the medical director of the respiratory department, and has been a member of the medical executive committee for more than 10 years. Dr. Maizes was previously president of the medical staff, a three-term department of medicine chair, as well as the pulmonary division chair. He has also chaired several committees, including medical peer review, quality leadership, and credentials.

Dr. Maizes is an affiliate assistant professor of medicine at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, and the pulmonary education coordinator of the University of Miami Palm Beach Regional Campus, JFK Medical Center Internal Medicine Residency Program. He is currently a fellow of the American College of Chest Physicians, and a member of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine.

Dr. Maizes moved to Florida in 1999 to start his professional career. In his spare time, he enjoys being with family, exercising, listening to music, and watching movies. He also enjoys skiing in Colorado and spending time in The Berkshires.

Luis J. Peña-Hernández, MD, FCCP, is one of the few experts in cardiopulmonary exercise testing and exercise physiology in Palm Beach County. His expertise includes invasive diagnostic techniques in pulmonary medicine, including endobronchial ultrasound and diagnostic bronchoscopy.

Dr. Peña-Hernández obtained his Doctor of Medicine degree from Pontificia Universidad Javeriana in Colombia. At Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, he completed both a residency in internal medicine, and a fellowship in pulmonary and critical care medicine.

Prior to co-founding TGH Pulmonary Care & Sleep Institute, Dr. Peña-Hernández served as a pulmonologist at Medical Specialties of the Palm Beaches and the University of Michigan Health System. He was also an assistant professor of medicine at Michigan State College of Human Medicine.

Mirta Aguilar-Ragbir, MSN, APRN, FNP-C, RRT, was born and raised in Belize, Central America, and migrated to the U.S. to attend college. She is fluent in both English and Spanish and is a family nurse practitioner, as well as a registered respiratory therapist. Mirta earned an Associate of Arts in Biology from Miami-Dade Community College, and an Associate of Science in Respiratory Care and an Associate of Science in Nursing from Broward College. She completed her undergraduate degree in nursing at Florida Atlantic University, and went on to earn her Master of Science in Nursing-Family Nurse Practitioner at Maryville University in St. Louis, MO.

Mirta worked as a respiratory therapist at Coral Gables Hospital and Baptist Hospital in Miami, FL, as well as at JFK Medical Center in Atlantis, FL, before switching to nursing. After graduate school, she worked for a short time as a nurse practitioner in nephrology before moving back into her most loved specialty – pulmonology.

In her spare time, Mirta loves to travel, read, cook, and spend time with her family. However, she is most relaxed while at the beach reading a good book.

Sarah Jules, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC, is a dedicated and compassionate nurse practitioner with a Master of Science in Nursing from South University in West Palm Beach, FL. With a diverse and extensive background in health care, Sarah honed her skills through invaluable experiences at Wellington Regional Medical Center, where she served as a registered nurse across various departments.

Born in Texas and raised in Florida, Sarah brings a warm and empathetic approach to her patient care. Her commitment to delivering exceptional care is evident in her work ethic and compassionate interactions with her patients.

Sarah continues to advance her practice through ongoing education and a commitment to staying current with the latest medical advancements, ensuring her patients receive the highest standard of care. Her holistic approach and dedication to patient well-being make her a trusted and respected health care professional in her community.

Beyond her professional responsibilities, Sarah cherishes quality time with her family, enjoying moments of relaxation and creating lasting memories together. She embodies a balanced and fulfilling lifestyle, seamlessly integrating her professional expertise with her personal passions.

Erica Rosa, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC, is a board-certified advanced practice registered nurse who specializes in pulmonary diseases, including lung cancer and pulmonary hypertension, with a background in postoperative care in cardiothoracic surgery and advanced heart failure intensive care. She completed both her Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Master of Science in Nursing-Family Nurse Practitioner at South University in West Palm Beach, FL. Erica is bilingual, speaking Spanish and English fluently. She holds a national board certification with the American Nurses Credentialing Center and is credentialed with the American Association of Nurse Practitioners.