The Team

Chetan Patel M.D. Medical Director of The Spine Health Institute

Dr. Patel, an internationally renowned spine surgeon, will use his expertise as a specialist in minimally invasive back and neck surgery. Dr. Patel has extensive training and educational background in complex minimally invasive spine surgery which includes revision work. Dr. Patel has a passion for research that is leading the way in the treatment of spinal disorders. His current research projects help provide a better understanding for developing non-surgical treatments and minimally invasive surgical solutions that can dramatically improve upon the traditional options available.

Matthew Thomas Smith, MD

Dr. Smith is a board-certified physician specializing in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, with a subspecialty in interventional spine procedures. He is an active researcher into the effects of nutrition and exercise in regards to spine health, as well as new treatments for a variety of spine conditions. Dr. Smith performs numerous conservative and image-guided spine procedures, including trigger point injections, epidural injections, dorsal rhizotomies, kyphoplasties, and spinal cord stimulator trials. He is also a specialist in performing nerve conduction studies and electromyography (NCS/EMG), which aid in the diagnosis of spine and other nerve and muscle disorders.

Dr. Kayvan Ariani Pain Management

Dr. Ariani is board certified by the American Board of Anesthesiology and has achieved the Certificate of Added Qualifications in Pain Management from the American Board of Anesthesiology. He is also a diplomat of the American Board of Pain Medicine and is a member of the American Society of Anesthesiologists, International Anesthesia Research Society, International Association for the Study of Pain, International Spinal Injection Society and American Society of Regional Anesthesia. Dr. Ariani has published papers in the field of pharmacology and has written a book chapter on post operative pain management.

Dr. D. Brian Jager Pain Management

Dr. Jager completed his fellowship at the Bowman Gray School of Medicine at Wake Forest University, where he also finished his residency. He received his Doctor of Medicine degree from the Medical College of Georgia and then completed his internship at North Carolina Baptist Hospital in Winston Salem. Dr. Jager is certified by the American Board of Anesthesiology and is a member of the American Society of Anesthesiologists, the Florida Academy of Pain, the Southern Pain Society, and the Florida Society of Anesthesiologists.

Jason Newmyer, MBA Director

Since March of 2010, Jason has served as the Administrator over the Altamonte Spine Program. Jason brings fifteen years of professional experience, which in the last eight years have been at Florida Hospital. During his time in health care, Jason has supported through both consulting and administrative functions. He has also participated in a number of initiatives that helped streamline hospital operations and positively impact patient care. Email: jason.newmyer@flhosp.org

Debra Blaker Clinical Nurse Manager

Debra Blaker RN, BSN is the Clinical Nurse Manager for Pain Medicine. Debra earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Florida State University, and her professional experience includes 21 years in post anesthesia nursing and 9 years in pain management. Previous experience includes ACLS instructor, member of the American Society of PeriAnesthesia Nurses, certification in post anesthesia nursing, and board member of the American Board of Perianesthesia Nursing Certification. Email: debra.blaker@flhosp.org

Holly Myers, MPT Physical Therapist

Holly received her Bachelor’s of Science in Biology from Queens College in Charlotte, North Carolina, where she participated in collegiate soccer all four years. She then attended Western Carolina University and obtained her Master’s in Physical Therapy. Holly has been practicing for nine years in outpatient orthopedic rehabilitation facilities, and has been managing the Florida Hospital Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation outpatient facility since 2005. Email: holly.myers@flhosp.org

Deanna Sayyeau Practice Manager

Deanna Sayyeau serves as the Practice Manager for Dr. Patel and Dr. Smith's practice at the Spine Health Institute. Deanna’s extensive health care experience and dedication to patient care excellence allows her to provide extraordinary leadership.

Melinda A. Bowen, CMA Medical Assistant

Melinda Bowen acts as Dr Patel’s Medical Assistant in the Spine Center at Altamonte. She received her certification as a medical assistant in April of 2009. Through her empathy and determination to provide not only good care, but also great personal interactions, Melinda contributes to the great experience you’ll have with the Spine Center at Altamonte.

Nicola Nitzsche, PT Senior Manager

Senior Physical Therapist, Florida Hospital Altamonte In 1996, Nicola graduated as a Physical Therapist from the University of Pretoria in South Africa. Thereafter, she gained several years experience in major trauma working at a gold mining hospital. Nicola then spent a couple of years working at a private hospital performing acute care treatment on patients following Orthopedic and Neuro-surgery. Nicola has been part of the Florida Hospital Altamonte family as Senior Physical Therapist for Acute Care since 2008.

Melissa Belcher Patient Care Coordinator

Melissa Belcher serves as a Patient Care Coordinator who supports with follow up care for Dr. Patel’s office, Pain Medicine and Sports Medicine/Rehab. Melissa studied at Bob Jones University in Greenville, South Carolina and has over 18 years of customer service background including Florida Hospital. At Florida Hospital, Melissa served in both the Cancer Center and Sports Medicine/Rehab which has prepared her for this current role as a Patient Care Coordinator. Melissa is passionate about providing support and guidance to each patient, additionally she works in a capacity as a Concierge providing excellent customer service for all your requests varying from health care questions to local eateries.

Teresa Terry, RD, LD Registered Dietician

Terry is a licensed dietician through the State of Florida. She has been an employee at Florida Hospital for over seven years most recently providing Medical Nutrition Therapy to our inpatients. She has been a dietician for 26 years and has many areas of expertise including geriatric consulting and nutrition management.

Heather Reasoner Concierge Services Manager

The Concierge Services department is focused on providing world-class service to all of our patients and their guests. The Concierge Services department aims to take a proactive approach to filling needs so that our guests can focus on their loved ones and the healing process. Recognizing that the business of life doesn’t stop when you or a loved one are in the hospital, Heather and her team are here to take care of the extra details, like providing hotel discounts, directions, restaurant lists and other helpful local information. The office is conveniently located in the main lobby of the hospital or contact us at 407.303.2200.