HELP PANCE PANRE Team and Faculty
We are proud of our team and easily ensure your success with one of the foremost PANCE PANRE experts in the country and a team of Physician Assistants with experience in all aspects of the NCCPA blueprint
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. Dr. diamond wrote for the NCCPA test writing comitee for a number of years and has been described as a "prolific test item writer" by the NCCPA.
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 in Broward County.
Jim Hancock PA-C, M.P.H.- Co-chair PANCE review committee, Cardiology/Internal Medicine/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, and an adjuct professor at Miami Dade College PA 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.
Steve Sager PA-C, MPAS- Director of Live Courses: Psychiatry, Neurology
Steve Sager PA-C, MPAS Has practiced in Emergency Medicine and Urgent Care for over 20 years and continues to practice today. Steve also served as a professor for Nova Southeastern's PA program for 6 years, and has written for the NCCPA PANCE/PANRE testing comittee.
Laura M. Amon, MS, PA-C
Laura has been a PA for 25 years. She worked clinically in cardiology and family medicine prior to becoming an assistant professor at Nova Southeastern University, Ft. Lauderdale in 1997. There she was the Clinical Director for four years and served as the Associate Department Chair / Assistant Program Director from 2001 - 2008. Currently she is an adjunct assistant professor grading written assignments for clinical year students for both the Ft. Lauderdale and Jacksonville programs. She is currently a reviewer for the Internet Journal of Health Sciences and was a test item writer for PACKRAT from 2001-2004. In 2004 she was a contributing author for My Pocket Mentor, published by Delmar-Thomson Learning. In 2012 she was a reviewer for Pediatrics Mentor, published by FA Davis Company.
Laura graduated with a BS degree from Saint Francis College PA Program, Loretto, PA in 1989. She earned a Master of Science in Medical Science from Alderson-Broaddus College, Philippi, WV in 1995. She is currently NCCPA certified and has current PA licenses in Florida and Pennsylvania
Christopher Puleo, PA-C
Christopher Puleo has over 30 years experience as a Physician Assistant and is one of the most published PAs in the country. Chris has a tremendous fund of knowledge and has worked in many fields including Internal medicine, Orthopedics and surgery. He has been involved in cancer research and treatment for his recent career and has been published over 100 times in research articles and is a participating author on two oncology books. Chris works at the Moffit Cancer Center where he is an integral part of their cancer team.
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.
Paul Buchannan PA-C, M.M.S.- Orthopedics
Paul Buchannan PA-C, M.M.S. has been practicing orthopedics since 2003 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.
Stephen Andreades PA-C, M.M.S.
Stephen Andreades is currently a full time professor of Physician Assistant studies after a productive career as an Orthopedic PA. We welcome his expertise both clinically and in regards to Physician Assistant education.
Maggie Gonzalez PA-C, M.M.S.- Surgery/Adult 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.
Gerard Minor, PA-C, M.M.S. - Gastroenterology/Pediatric Gastroenterology
Gerard graduated in 2001 from Nova Southeastern University’s PA program. He spent his first two years of practice with a busy family medicine group in Fort Lauderdale, while also teaching Physical Diagnosis at the NSU PA program. In 2003, he transitioned to pediatric gastroenterology and continues to work with a private pediatric multi-specialty group, providing inpatient and outpatient care. Gerard has become well known by both his peers and referring physicians as a leader and resource in pediatric gastroenterology.
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 - Obstectrics and Gynecology
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.
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. Beena has embraced this opportunity to give back and help further
educate and guide physician assistants in their quest for success and knowledge.