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Mission Statement

Actual practicing professionals committed to reviewing, condensing and producing focused review materials so you can succeed.  We do the research, and provide a point specific review so you can reorganize and recall the less used knowledge in your medical arsenal.  No more boring repackaged lectures from professors using the same old ponderous put you to sleep lectures.  We key in on the information you need and give you the tools to feel confident on passing and getting into your new career or back to your busy practice.

PANCE Review Faculty

Morton A. Diamond, MD, FACP, FACC, FAHA, Medical Editor

Dr. Diamond received his undergraduate degree from Cornell University and his Doctor of Medicine from the State University of New York, Downstate Medical Center.  Post-graduate training in Internal Medicine and Cardiology were at the Indiana University Medical Center. After many years in the clinical practice of cardiology during which time he held a clinical professorship at the University of Miami School of Medicine, Dr. Diamond in 1994 became the full-time Medical Director of the NSU Physician Assistant Program.
He speaks frequently at state and national physician assistant meetings; further, he has been an author of textbook chapters and original journal articles.  His research interests have been in echocardiography and in mechanisms of blood pressure control.
Dr. Diamond was admitted as a faculty member, to Pi Alpha, the National Honor Society for Physician Assistants in 2006 in recognition of his long service to the profession.  Dr. Diamond and his wife, Louise, live in Ft. Lauderdale.  He is a Vietnam veteran having served as a battalion medical officer.

 

Jim Hancock PA-C, M.P.H.- Co-chair PANCE review committee, Cardiology/Endocrine

Starting in EMS in 1988, Jim Hancock has over 23 years of hands on experience.  Jim practiced as a paramedic and paramedic instructor until 1998 when he entered Physician Assistant school.  He has practiced since 2000 as a Cardiology and Internal Medicine Physician Assistant.  Presently an associate professor at Nova Southeastern University's PA program, Barry University's PA program and Florida Atlantic University's ARNP program.  Jim has had an over 20 year career as a medical educator and is the author of "The Practitioner's Pocket Pal", an internationally distributed medical reference.

 

Troy Elmstrom PA-C, M.P.H.- Co-chair PANCE review committee, Cardiology/Nephrology

Professor Elmstrom is a prior military Hospital Corpsman, after leaving military service, Mr. Elmstrom attended Nova Southeastern University, graduating in 2000. While at Nova Southeastern University he graduated with Honors, received the Dean's Award and obtained a Bachelor degree in Physician Assistant studies and a Master degree in Public Health.  His PA experiences include Hospitalist medicine, Emergency Medicine and Cardiology.  Mr. Elmstrom joined the PA faculty at Nova Southeastern University in June 2009 and he continues to practice in Cardiology.

 

Jose Mercado PA-C, M.M.S. - EENT

Jose Mercado PA-C has practiced in ENT since 2001.  After serving as a medical specialist in the U.S. Army  and flight medic for almost eight years, he trained as a PA at Miami Dade College and earned his Master of Medical Sciences at Nova Southeastern University.  In addition to his training in family medicine, Jose completed an internship in Adult ENT/Head and Neck Surgery at the Veteran’s Affairs Medical Center as well as a preceptorship in pediatric ENT at Miami Children’s Hospital.  Currently, he serves as an Adjunct Associate Professor and preceptor for both Miami Dade and Barry University’s PA programs.

 

Karina Jonusas PA-C, M.M.S.- Pulmonary and Intensive Care Medicine:

Karina Jonusas PA-C, M.M.S. graduated in 2004 from Barry University’s PA program.  Karina spent her first two years of practice with a busy internal medicine group.  In 2006 she became a pulmonary and intensive care PA and continues to work with a busy inpatient practice.  Karina has become well known by both her peers and referring physicians as a leader and resource in intensive and pulmonary care.

 

Steve Sager PA-C, MPAS- Psych

Steve Sager PA-C, MPAS Has practiced in Emergency Medicine and Urgent Care for over 19 years and continues to practice today.  He is a retired Coast Guard Physician Assistant and Steve also served as a professor for Nova Southeastern's PA program for 6 years.

 

Beena Jacobs PA-C, Dermatology 

Beena Jacob is a graduate of Nova Southeastern University receiving her Bachelor of Science degree
in Physician Assistant studies in 2001. Prior she completed her undergraduate at University of South
Florida.
Her clinical experience has been in dermatology for the past 10 ½ years with Dr. Richard Greene at Skin and Cancer Associates where she is currently employed. Over the years she has acquired autonomy and has been able to build her interpersonal relationships with her patients as well as fellow colleagues. She has extensive hands on experience with skin cancers, various skin conditions and cosmetics. She also has advanced training in botox, fillers, peels and lasers. Their practice has been instrumental in mentoring students on rotations in dermatology and she has been a preceptor for many students.

 

Kirstin Anderson PA-C, Neurology

Kirstin currently practices in neurosurgery for the last three years at Mount Sinai medical center where she works with the director of neurosurgery.  Kirstin graduated from Miami Dade and loves her neurosurgical practice.

Paul Buchannan PA-C, M.M.S.- Orthopedics

Paul Buchannan PA-C, M.M.S. has been practicing orthopedics for 8 years and has become well known among his peers as a leader in his feild.  Paul graduated from Novasoutheastern University where he was class president.  He has continued with the same practice becoming a knee and shoulder specialist.

 

Maggie Gonzalez PA-C, M.M.S.- Gastroenterology

Maggie Gonzalez PA-C, MMS graduated from Nova Southeastern University PA Program in 2004 followed by a Trauma/General Surgery and Critical Care Residency at JMH/Ryder Trauma Center completed in 2005. As of 2005, she has practiced as Chief Physician Assistant at Memorial Regional Hospital in Trauma/General Surgery and Critical Care. She also serves as FAPA's Conference Planning Committee Co-Chair.

 

Dayne Alonso PA-C: Hematology/Oncology

Dayne Alonso, PA-C graduated with a Master in Medical Science and Physician Assistant studies from Nova Southeastern University in 2004. Began her PA career in Hematology/Oncology at the VA Medical Center in Miami.  At this time, she is employed by a large Hematology/Oncology Private practice in South Miami where she oversees the Leukemia service and hospital consultations. Dayne is adjunct faculty at the Miami Dade College PA program and teaches the Hematology/Oncology curriculum. She also serves on the Miami Dade College advisory board.  Dayne has been actively involved with the Florida Academy of Physician Assistants for the past 6 years. Currently serves on the Board of Directors as the President.  Dayne is also the Past President of the Association of PA’s in Oncology.

 

Dana N. Owens, MD, FACOG  OBGYN

Dr. Owens graduated from the University of South Florida College Of Medicine in 1999 with her MD degree.  She then completed her Obstetrics and Gynecology residency training at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center in Cincinnati, Ohio in 2003.  Upon completion of residency she proceeded to complete a fellowship in Laparoscopic and Hysteroscopic Gynecological Surgery at Florida Hospital Celebration Health in Celebration, Florida with Dr. Steven McCarus in 2004.  She was on staff at Cleveland Clinic Florida Naples from 2005-2007 as a staff physician.  From 2007 to 2009 Dr. Owens worked for Ethicon Endosurgery as a Master Consultant and for Bayer Pharmaceuticals as a national speaker.  She also worked and traveled to places afar and participated in advancing Women’s Health issues in foreign countries by volunteering her time and expertise in performing charity surgery and teaching.  This interest in International Medicine continues to be a major focus in her life.

In March 2009 she began working with a multispecialty group practice in Miami, Florida.  She continues to work in the area of Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery and works to advance exposure of the field to other colleagues by participating in training programs and proctorships for complex surgical procedures.  She is a clinical associate professor with Nova Southeastern University and continues her teaching by fostering interest in the field to physician assistant students. She is an active member of various medical societies including the American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists, National Medical Association, American Medical Association, North American Society for Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology, Florida Medical Association, and Society for Pelvic Surgeons. She is also an active member of several national and community organizations for which she volunteers her time for community change.   She is committed to advancing women’s health issues and the field of Minimally Invasive Gynecology.  She currently lives and practices in Miami, Florida.