JenCare Senior Medical Center

Bios

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  Paul Palisano, OD

  OD

  Dr. Paul Palisano helps his patients keep a clear eye on the world around them by caring for their vision. To continue to do that well, he invests time in building trusting relationships with his patients. “I am honest and sincere with my patients,” Dr. Palisano says. “It’s the only way to build and maintain trusting relationships with them, particularly with seniors. They often have multiple health issues, and their conditions can be quite complex. My goal is to help them improve or at least preserve their vision so they can enjoy the best quality of life possible.”

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  Link: Paul Palisano, OD

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  Len Scarpinato

  MD

  Although Dr. Len Scarpinato’s career has taken him all over the country and to all parts of the world, he still describes himself as a “regular guy” from New York City. “I’ve worked in many different hospital settings and as the team doctor for collegiate, professional and Olympic sports teams,” he says. “It’s fast-paced, exciting work. But the most rewarding thing about being a doctor is working with seniors. Often, they have the greatest healthcare needs and I am honored to help them. I enjoy getting to know them, hearing their stories and understanding their histories. My goal is to focus on their total care, including preventive care, and to help them avoid or shorten hospital stays.”

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  Link: Len Scarpinato

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  Amy Ballard, D.O.

  DO

  As a JenCare hospitalist, Dr. Amy Ballard takes charge of numerous details for hospitalized patients to ensure they receive the highest quality care. "I work with all of our patients’ doctors and communicate with them almost daily," she says. "Their doctors trust me to take care of them, coordinate their treatment plans and help them deliver the best outcome possible every time." Being part of the busy medical profession allows Dr. Ballard to combine her passions for science, problem-solving and helping others. That's why JenCare was a natural fit. "I feel I'm a part of something that is changing the standard of care and changing the face of medicine," she adds. "We are the first hospitalist program like this. It shows our seniors just how important they are to us and that we're here for them when they need us most." Dr. Ballard studied biology at Abilene Christian University in Abilene, TX, and earned her medical degree in osteopathic medicine from Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine in Des Moines, IA. She returned to Texas to complete her internal medicine residency at Plaza Medical Center in Fort Worth. She is board certified in internal medicine and is a member of the American College of Osteopathic Internists and the American Osteopathic Association. Along with her dedication to JenCare, Dr. Ballard has dedicated her time and expertise to provide medical care to those who lack access in her local community and in Mexico. In her free time, she and her husband enjoy walking their two dogs, riding mountain and road bikes and attending outdoor festivals and other local activities.

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  Link: Amy Ballard, D.O.

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  Pauravi Sanghadia-Bhatt, MD

  MD

  Dr. Pauravi Sanghadia-Bhatt is an experienced physician whose knowledge and compassion help make a difference in the lives of hospitalized patients. "I enjoy caring for patients' health," says Dr. Bhatt, "especially seniors who often have complex medical needs. I want to ensure that they get the most appropriate, well-coordinated care possible in and out of the hospital setting, so they can get back to what’s most important – enjoying the people and things that make their lives good."  Dr. Bhatt specializes in internal and hospital medicine, primary and urgent care, skilled nursing inpatient care, rehabilitation and long-term acute care. As a hospitalist, she works with a variety of primary and specialty care physicians, coordinating patients' many care needs while they're hospitalized at St. Mary's and Chippenham Hospitals in Richmond. Outside of work, Dr. Bhatt spends time with her husband and daughter. Her interests include music, geography and current affairs, as well as hiking, traveling, playing badminton and designing handcrafts and wearable art. 

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  Link: Pauravi Sanghadia-Bhatt, MD

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  Taylor Krafcik, LAc

  LAc

  Taylor Krafcik has a passion for helping people achieve balance in their lives naturally. “After seeing the amazing potential that acupuncture has to heal, I knew I wanted to help people in that way,” Taylor says. As a licensed acupuncturist, Taylor enjoys being part of an integrative team that cares for seniors. He has experience working with a variety of health concerns, such as pain, sleep issues, anxiety, depression, stress, addictions, and high blood pressure. “Since everyone is unique, I tailor treatments for each patient’s whole body – physical, emotional, and spiritual,” Taylor adds.

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  Link: Taylor Krafcik, LAc

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  Reman Dhaliwal, DPM

  DPM

  With her extensive medical training and professional experience, Dr. Reman Dhaliwal treats patients experiencing a wide variety of foot and ankle problems. "I want to make a positive difference in the lives of others," says Dr. Dhaliwal. "One way I'm able to do that is by helping them preserve their mobility. Proper foot care, especially for anyone with a chronic condition like diabetes, is important to overall health and well-being." She works side-by-side with primary care doctors and other medical specialists to ensure her patients receive the highest level of care. When she isn't working, Dr. Dhaliwal enjoys spending time with her husband and daughter. Dr. Dhaliwal earned her medical degree at the Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine. She completed her residency at Veterans Affairs Healthcare Systems in Baltimore, specializing in clinical and surgical podiatry. She is a member of the American Podiatric Medical Association, the American Academy of Podiatric Practice Management, and Maryland Podiatry Medical Association. She is fluent in English and Hindi.

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  Link: Reman Dhaliwal, DPM

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  Zainab Jalal

  MD

  When Doctor Zainab Jalal was in elementary school, she saw her older sister go through medical school and post-graduate training; it inspired Dr. Jalal to pursue her own medical career. Today, she is board certified and specializes in family medicine. “Educating patients about their body and their disease, along with timely diagnosis and management, wards off many anxieties and results in cooperation,” says Dr. Jalal. “This makes their disease more manageable and improves their quality of life.” She wants patients to know they are welcome to share their problems with her, and she is dedicated to making a difference in their lives. Dr. Jalal and her husband have two children. She enjoys watching movies, reading books and traveling.

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  Link: Zainab Jalal

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  Shruthi Sambamoorthy

  MD

  Primary care physician Shruthi Sambamoorthy is board certified in internal medicine. She earned her bachelor’s degree, with honors, from the University of Toronto and her doctorate, summa cum laude, from the American University of Antigua; she completed her residency at the University of Buffalo. “Seniors have the most interesting stories to tell, and working with them is very rewarding,” says Dr. Sambamoorthy. “I try to make a difference in my patients’ lives by promoting a healthy and happy lifestyle, effective communication and practice evidence-based medicine.” Dr. Sambamoorthy enjoys cooking, hiking and reading nonfiction books. She also likes to spend time with family and friends and visit her home country of Canada.

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  Link: Shruthi Sambamoorthy

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  Daniel McCarter

  MD

  Dr. Daniel McCarter specializes in family medicine and population health. He earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Virginia, doctorate from the University of Virginia School of Medicine, and completed his family medicine residency at the University of Virginia Health System. He is a member of the American Academy of Family Physicians, the Virginia Academy of Family Physicians, the Medical Society of Virginia and the Society of Teachers of Family Medicine. “I like to think of the doctor patient relationship like a rowboat, and the patient and I are sitting side by side,” said Dr. McCarter. “To be successful we must each pick up an oar and pull together.”

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  Link: Daniel McCarter

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  Monika Pajhal

  MD

  Dr. Monika Pajhal, who specializes in Diabetes Management, loves bonding with patients and getting to know them beyond their health concerns. “I think it is very important to build that relationship and trust,” she says. Dr. Pajhal strives to be available, accessible, and offer VIP care to all patients. She likes helping them understand their medications and diagnoses. “It gives me a sense of accomplishment that I am able to make a difference in my patients’ lives with my education and compassion,” Dr. Pajhal says. She takes pride in offering both social and emotional support. In her down time, Dr. Pajhal enjoys spending time with her son. They especially love learning new skills together. She also likes exploring new places.

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  Link: Monika Pajhal

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  Ashirifia Larsey

  DNP, NP-C

  Originally from Ghana, Dr. Ashirifia Larsey has been working as a registered nurse for 12 years and a nurse practitioner for 3 years in the United States. “I’m passionate about health promotion, patient engagement, and maintaining healthy communities,” she says. Dr. Larsey likes “partnering with patients to create plans that will improve their health.” She was greatly influenced by her grandmother and especially loves serving the senior population. Dr. Larsey says working with seniors offers an opportunity to view the aging process, think about what matters in life, and learn from their experiences. “Seniors always appreciate your time and what you do for them,” she adds. In her free time, Dr. Larsey enjoys relaxing, watching cooking shows, and singing.

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  Link: Ashirifia Larsey

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  Carl Rudebusch

  MD

  During college, Dr. Carl Rudebusch went on a medical mission trip to Managua, Nicaragua. “This experience humbled me seeing the struggle that so many people face to obtain medical care; the experience motivated me to pursue medicine as a career to serve the underserved,” he says. One of his favorite parts of being a physician are the endless opportunities to gain “knowledge in the pursuit of better care.” He enjoys building relationships with his senior patients through frequent visits and says he always like to “listen before being heard.” In his free time, Dr. Rudebusch enjoys road biking, mountain biking, and playing tennis. He loves spending time with his friends, family, and greyhound, Annie. He is also a huge Formula 1 fan.

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  Link: Carl Rudebusch

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  Nacobi Lewis

  MSN, NP-BC

  Nacobi Lewis always knew she wanted to work in healthcare. Growing up, she often visited her mother at work, who she served as a nurse in an assisted living facility. “I have always connected with seniors,” she says. She adds, “I have seen healthcare from the view of the patient, a caregiver, a concerned family member, and a provider. I saw the gaps in care personally, and I made it my mission from then on to help seniors.” She loves empowering patients and getting to know them and their families. “I am always willing to listen and learn new things,” she says. Nacobi Lewis enjoys visiting local parks and vineyards in her free time. She also loves spending time with her dog and her sons when they are home from college.

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  Link: Nacobi Lewis