Trusted Patient Advocacy Experts

I’m a board certified internal medicine physician who prides myself on providing compassionate, patient centered care. I have worked as a hospitalist for over 8 years while moving around the country as an active duty military spouse. I’m passionate about helping my patients gain a better understanding of their health so they feel empowered to take ownership of their medical conditions.As an extension of this goal, I have founded Physician By Your Side LLC, an independent healthcare advocacy company. My mission is to provide support and education to patients and their caregivers so they can make informed decisions while navigating our often hectic healthcare system.Personally, I’m a firm believer in nature as medicine and spend as much time as I can hiking and camping with my family. I also subscribe to the six pillars of Lifestyle medicine as a path to take control of your personal health.

Angela B. Ryan, Esq. is an attorney, advocate, and educator working at the intersection of child welfare law, maternal and reproductive justice, and healthcare equity. A former public defender and law professor at Villanova University, she has represented parents and hundreds of children in child abuse and neglect proceedings, taught future lawyers, and contributed to policy efforts aimed at protecting vulnerable children, parents, and families. After experiencing severe medical mismanagement during childbirth, Angela began writing and speaking on patient rights, informed consent, and the systemic failures facing women in healthcare. Her work bridges law, policy, and lived experience to help journalists, lawyers, and policymakers understand how institutional breakdowns harm real families—and how accountability can be rebuilt. What systems write off, she writes back in. She is the author of Dispatches From the Middle, a widely read series on motherhood, maternal health, patient rights, and the lived experience of chronic illness.

Dr. Geny Augustine is a physician at Solace who knows firsthand how challenging the U.S. healthcare system can be for patients. Having worked with diverse patient populations throughout her career, she's seen how the system's complex nature can create unnecessary barriers to getting good care—which is exactly what drew her to Solace's mission of putting patients first. Dr. Augustine completed her medical education in Bonaire, Netherlands Antilles, and previously worked as a Family Medicine physician for Banner Health in Glendale, Arizona. She's passionate about improving patient care, leading quality improvement projects like her work on hypertension management in urban environments, which earned honorable mention for the SLUHN Quality Improvement Award in 2020. Fluent in English with intermediate Spanish skills, she brings both clinical expertise and cultural understanding to her patient relationships. When she's not advocating for patients, Dr. Augustine enjoys fitness, culinary arts, fine arts, travel, and volunteer work—pursuits that reflect her belief in whole-person wellness and giving back to her community.

Dr. Shernell Surratt-Gary, D.O., is a Tulsa, Oklahoma native whose journey reflects both determination and dedication. She graduated from the University of Tulsa with a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences, where her interest in medicine and the human body deepened. Before matriculating to medical school, Shernell gained valuable hands-on experience at Ascension St. John, working first in the pathology department and later in the catheterization lab. These formative roles not only strengthened her technical skills but also gave her a deep appreciation for the teamwork and precision required in healthcare. She went on to earn her Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree from OSU Center for Health Sciences, furthering her commitment to understanding health, science, and the human experience. In addition, she served as a Family Medicine Content Author for Rosh Review, LLC, contributing to medical education and board review resources for resident physicians. Dr. Surratt-Gary currently serves as a clinical advisor for Aura Wellness, a drug, alcohol & mental health treatment center in Kentucky. Beyond her academic and professional path, Shernell embraces family life with joy. She lives with her husband and their two children, cherishing the laughter, love, and everyday moments they share together.

Aarti began her career as a teacher and a juvenile defender before serving as an executive director and a leader on political campaigns and leading key policy and charter school initiatives at both the Georgia Charter Schools Association and the Georgia Department of Education. Topic expertise: • K–12 education policy and legislation; impact on schools/districts • Georgia’s Quality Basic Education (QBE) funding • Impact of federal education policy shifts (especially on Georgia schools) • Charter school policy and accountability • School district flexibility and innovation • Charter school authorization

Dr. Ayesha Bryant, M.S.P.H, M.D. is a physician, clinical scientist, and associate professor dedicated to translating complex medical research into practical health solutions. With more than 100 peer-reviewed publications and multiple textbook chapters, Dr. Bryant is recognized for her contributions to perioperative outcomes research, preventive medicine, and quality-of-life improvement. She currently serves as a clinical advisor at Alpas Wellness, a drug, alcohol & mental health treatment center in Maryland. She completed her medical training at the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine and Emory University, with additional training in epidemiology and public health. Her research has been featured at major national and international conferences, including the Society of Thoracic Surgeons and the American Association for Thoracic Surgery. Dr. Bryant’s expertise spans functional medicine, AI-driven healthcare algorithms, and national clinical data registry research. She is passionate about combining evidence-based medicine with real-world wellness strategies to improve patient outcomes and preventive care. In addition to her academic work, she has written for Rupa Health, where she shares insights on how readers can live healthier, more vibrant lives.

I am an MD-PhD physician-scientist with a passion for translating complex clinical and scientific data into clear, accurate content. My training and experience span clinical practice and translational research, with expertise across oncology, immunology, gastroenterology, inflammation & metabolism, and rare diseases. With over 10 years of experience, I have supported key deliverables including more than 30 peer-reviewed publications, manuscripts, slide decks, literature reviews, and scientific narratives. I enjoy working in collaborative, deadline-driven environments and am particularly interested in medical writing, medical information, and publication development, where scientific accuracy and effective storytelling intersect.

Jeremy Gurewitz – CEO & Co-founder, Solace Health Jeremy Gurewitz is the CEO and Co-founder of Solace Health, a company dedicated to helping patients navigate the complex healthcare system with greater clarity and support. Jeremy’s mission at Solace Health is deeply personal. In 2016, his mother—an accomplished radiologist—was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Despite her medical expertise, she found herself overwhelmed by the complexity of her diagnosis and the multitude of decisions that followed, from exploring clinical trials to seeking second opinions and weighing treatment options. Witnessing firsthand how even highly knowledgeable individuals can struggle to navigate the healthcare system, Jeremy became passionate about solving a critical problem: healthcare in the United States has grown as complex as the legal system, leaving most people—patients and even doctors—without the tools or guidance to manage significant health challenges on their own. Under Jeremy’s leadership, Solace Health strives to bring clarity, advocacy, and personalized support to patients and families navigating life-altering medical journeys, ensuring that no one has to face it alone.

Dr. Kyle Hoedebecke, MD, MBA, MPA, MS, FAAFP, CPE, is a West Point graduate, certified physician executive, and global healthcare leader with over two decades of leadership experience across more than 120 countries. In addition to his medical degree, he holds four master’s degrees and two professional fellowships. During his distinguished career in the U.S. Army, Dr. Hoedebecke was selected by the Surgeon General as the U.S. Army Physician of the Year in 2017. Following his military service, he became the first Utilization Management Medical Director at Oscar Health, where he built and led a dynamic team that helped guide the company’s successful public offering in 2021. Today, Dr. Hoedebecke serves as the Managing Partner of 1836 Ventures, investing in innovative healthcare technologies that improve clinical outcomes, enhance patient satisfaction, and reduce costs. He is also a Clinical Advisor at Alpas Virginia (NOVA), where he supports the integration of evidence-based medical care and advanced treatment models to optimize patient recovery and well-being.

*Board-Certified Family Medicine Physician (ABFM) with 14+ years clinical experience (based in Chicago, IL) *Named Castle Connolly Top Doctor (2024, 2025) *Medical Media Commentator seen on/in ABC 7, Fox 32, CBS 2, WGN 9, The Chicago Tribune , Chicago Sun Times, and Everyday Health; including a nationwide 25 interview satellite media tour (TV & radio, November 2025) *Premedical Student Mentor, Urban Bridges Medical Mentoring Program Dr. Rene is a board-certified Family Medicine physician and Fellow of the American Academy of Family Physicians (FAAFP) with 14+ years of clinical experience. She provides comprehensive primary care for Medicare-eligible patients at Oak Street Health's Avalon Park location in Chicago, specializing in chronic disease management, preventive care, healthcare equity, and access for underserved communities. After overcoming 50 medical school rejections, Dr. Rene graduated from Indiana University School of Medicine and completed residency training at Ascension Saint Joseph Hospital - Chicago. She developed the L.Y.M.I.T.S. Method—a framework for transforming limitations into your greatest strengths. She mentors aspiring physicians through the Urban Bridges Medical Mentoring Program. Dr. Rene has appeared as a medical expert on ABC 7, Fox 32, CBS 2, and WGN 9 Chicago and recently completed a 25-interview national satellite media tour. She is available for expert commentary on resilience in healthcare, medical education equity, resilience and overcoming failure, healthcare access for underserved populations, and diversity in medicine.

Tara Bailey, MPA, CMC, BCPA, CDP, CSA®, SHSS Founder & CEO | Brevard Healthcare Navigation Tara Bailey is a nationally credentialed care manager and patient advocate with nearly two decades of experience in healthcare support services. She holds a Master’s in Public Administration (MPA) and is certified as a Care Manager (CMC), Board Certified Patient Advocate (BCPA), Certified Dementia Practitioner (CDP), Certified Senior Advisor (CSA®), and Certified Senior Home Safety Specialist (SHSS). As the Founder and CEO of Brevard Healthcare Navigation, Tara leads a trusted team dedicated to helping seniors, disabled adults, veterans, and families navigate complex medical systems with clarity and confidence. Her work is rooted in personal experience, deep empathy, and a belief that every individual deserves coordinated, dignified support—whether facing a health crisis or planning ahead. In addition to her direct work with clients, Tara has served on multiple local, state, and national board of directors, advocating for improved care access and quality across the lifespan. She is known for her calm presence, strong leadership, and unwavering commitment to empowering others through advocacy, education, and compassionate guidance.

Dr. James Lyons, M.D., is an internationally trained physician that was born in Germany. He is the son of a teacher and army veteran and was raised in Texas, but traveled extensively during his medical training. From medical rotations in French Hospital Systems, to his training in Miami at Ryder Trauma medical center and psychiatric training at TGK Prison, his depth of knowledge for those in acute crises is vast. In addition to his doctorate in medicine, Dr. Lyons also holds a Masters of Medical Sciences and coordinated research trials for schizophrenia pharmaceutical treatments in Dallas, TX. He completed his residency in Rural Michigan as a Family Medicine Physician, where he made home visits, and was rigorously trained in all aspects of medical care from delivering and caring for newborns, to end of life care. In his final year of training, he was named chief resident of this program. After 3 additional years practicing in rural east texas as a hospitalist in the acute setting, he, his wife, and their 4 children now reside back in Texas where he was raised, where his parents are retired, and where his sister works as a registered nurse in hospital leadership. Dr. Lyons continues to practice medicine in the acute setting as a hospitalist and emergency room physician in the greater Austin area. Aside from direct patient care, Dr. Lyons provides medical expertise and consulting while also being actively involved in performance improvement, infection control, and medical executive committees in the hospitals where he practices.

I’m a lifesciences compliance strategist with a passion for building real-world, right-sized programs in fast-moving environments. With deep experience in pharma and medtech, I specialize in translating regulatory complexity into practical, actionable frameworks. I’ve spent 7+ years navigating the gray areas of compliance—from training physicians on industry expectations to building startup programs from the ground up. I believe compliance should be ethical, functional, and human-centered—and that culture is built through clarity, storytelling, and respect, not fear. Outside of policy and audits, I speak regularly on startup compliance and love turning “boring” topics into memorable moments. I'm here to connect, create, and contribute.

Elizabeth Rubin, MD is a board-certified physician with advanced fellowship training in Medical Simulation, specializing in education, patient safety, and systems innovation. She currently practices at a Level I Trauma Center in Los Angeles, California, where she cares for critically ill and injured patients. She also serves on the clinical oversight team at The Embers Treatment, a drug & alcohol treatment center in Arizona. Dr. Rubin earned her Bachelor of Arts from the University of Pennsylvania, followed by her medical degree from the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA. She completed her residency in Emergency Medicine at Mount Sinai Medical Center in Miami Beach and went on to pursue a fellowship in Medical Simulation at the University of Chicago / NorthShore University HealthSystem. Her professional interests include simulation-based education, quality improvement, patient safety, and developing innovative approaches to emergency medical training. Through her work, she strives to improve both clinician performance and patient outcomes in high-stakes, time-sensitive environments.

Dr. Beth J. Sanborn is a nationally recognized school safety expert, speaker, and author with over two decades of experience in law enforcement and education. A retired police officer and former School Resource Officer, she currently serves as President of the Pennsylvania Association of School Resource Officers and is a certified NASRO instructor. Dr. Sanborn specializes in school safety strategy, youth behavior, crisis prevention, and the effective integration of school-based law enforcement. She is the author of The Missing Piece and Piecing It Together, a TEDx speaker, and has testified before the Pennsylvania House Education and Health Committees. Her work focuses on protecting student rights, strengthening school safety culture, and building collaborative relationships between schools, families, and public safety professionals.

New York admitted attorney who began his legal career at a New York City District Attorney's Office and later built a government-facing career working across local, state, and federal partners. He served as Deputy Director of Government Relations at a national nonprofit, coordinating across more than 35 internal teams and external stakeholders to build an outreach strategy that helped take pilot programs from early-stage concepts to city and statewide scale. He brings a practical, implementation-focused approach that connects law, policy, and government process to operational execution. He is also a contributor on WBUR (NPR)'s investigative podcast Beyond All Repair, which won the 2025 Ambie for Best True Crime Podcast and was named among Vulture's best podcasts of 2024.

Dr. Robert W. Buckingham, Dr.P.H., is Professor Emeritus of Public Health at the University of Michigan and a pioneer of the U.S. hospice movement. In 1974, he helped establish the first hospice in the United States and has since assisted in developing more than 80 hospice and long-term care programs worldwide. He is the author of 12 books and numerous peer-reviewed papers, including five on COVID-19. Dr. Buckingham also serves on the ASPHER–WHO COVID-19 Task Force, advising on pandemic response and preparedness. His career spans five decades at the intersection of hospice care, longevity, global health leadership, and end-of-life studies, making him a sought-after voice on aging, grief, and public health innovation.

Aaron Blight, Ed.D., is an international speaker and consultant on caregiving, aging, and healthcare. He is the Founder of Caregiving Kinetics and has been recognized as a “Top 100 Healthcare Leader” by the International Forum on Advancements in Healthcare. Dr. Blight works with providers that serve aging and disabled populations to deliver workforce consulting, training for front-line caregivers, focus group research, and leadership advisory services. He also serves general employers that wish to support their employees with caregiving responsibilities at home. His career leading healthcare organizations spans more than two decades and includes the successful creation, development, and sale of a large home care company; a series of policy leadership positions at the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services; and the study of caregiving as a phenomenon of social science. Dr. Blight speaks with groups all over the world about caregiving. In workshops and conference talks, he invites participants to think deeply about the meaning and significance of their individual caregiving experiences. His book, When Caregiving Calls: Guidance as You Care for a Parent, Spouse, or Aging Relative, received a Best Indie Book Award, an IPPY Award, and a Mom’s Choice Award. Dr. Blight holds a bachelor’s degree from Brigham Young University, a master’s degree from the University of Baltimore, and a doctorate degree from The George Washington University. He serves as an Assistant Professor of Public Health at Shenandoah University, an honorary board member of the Well Spouse Association, an advisory board member of the Duet Meaning & Hope Institute, and an advisory board member of Seniors First.

Dr. Wanping Hu is a seasoned oncologist with over two decades of clinical experience and a Ph.D. in Microbiology and Immunology. A devoted mother of three, she began cooking daily and immersing herself in nutrition and alternative medicine to help heal her daughters’ chronic health conditions. Combining deep scientific expertise with a heartfelt commitment to holistic wellness, Dr. Hu bridges the worlds of modern medicine and ancient food wisdom. She is the inventor of FermentPro, a first-in-class home fermentation appliance that fuses traditional fermentation principles with cutting-edge technology to support optimal gut health. Guided by her belief that food is medicine, Dr. Hu is dedicated to making nutrition accessible and restoring health through both science and nature.

Michael Genovese is a physician and attorney based in New York City. He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, a member of the American Medical Association, a Fellow of both the American Psychiatric Association and the American Society of Addiction Medicine, and a member of the American Academy of Addiction Psychiatry. Dr. Genovese co-founded the multidisciplinary medical practice Long Island Mind and Body in New York while practicing as an attending physician at NYU/Winthrop University Hospital. He was a fellow at the NYU/North Shore University Hospital Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Program, and he completed his residency training at the University of Connecticut School of Medicine. Before beginning his medical studies, Dr. Genovese earned a Juris Doctor degree at the University of Pittsburgh School of Law. He is a member of the New York Bar and the American Bar Association and is an advocate for attorneys and first responders seeking treatment for addiction and co-occurring disorders. Dr. Genovese is passionate about advocating for people and families who struggle with addictions and is strongly connected to Ascendant’s mission to help those in need.