Dedicated Senior Medical Center

Claribel Cruz

Doctor Claribel Cruz remembers going to her father’s clinic as a child and seeing how his patients regarded him as family. It inspired her to pursue a career in medicine, and today she is a primary care physician. What she enjoys most about her work is healing her patients’ physical ailments as well as their social and psychological needs. “I help my patients live happy, healthy golden years,” says Dr. Cruz. “Education is key. Once patients understand their ailments they can help decrease disease progression.” Dr. Cruz and her husband have two children. She likes spending time with her family, cooking, going to the beach and traveling. She enjoyed visiting Italy and would love to go to Greece.

Education: Florida International University , Universidad Iberoamericana School of Medicine , HIMA San Pablo Hospital , Jersey Shore University Medical Center

Certifications: American Medical Association , American College of Physicians

Services: Primary Care

Jessica Montes

Since childhood, Dr. Jessica M. Montes was taught to respect elders. That grew into full-on advocacy when she became a geriatric physician. “At times, the senior population tends to be overlooked, which makes it even more important to focus on their well-being and health,” Dr. Montes shares. “For me, it’s an honor and privilege to provide the best care possible and work with them to improve quality of life.” When not caring for patients or keeping up with the latest research, Dr. Montes loves to spend time with family and friends, go out to eat, watch movies, attend local events, visit the beach and travel. While Paris, France, tops her favorites, she hopes to one day visit Maldives, Italy, Greece, Egypt, Morocco, Iceland and Japan.

Education: University of South Florida , Ross University School of Medicine , The Brooklyn Hospital Center , SUNY Downstate

Certifications: American Medical Association , American College of Physicians , American Geriatrics Society

Services: Primary Care

Andrew P. Villamagna

Dr. Andrew P. Villamagna worked as a Chemical Engineer before attending medical school. He specializes in family medicine and says, “the relationship with the patient and whole family is what drew me to this vocation.” Dr. Villamagna strives to build strong relationships with his patients by showing he cares about all aspects of their lives. “I enjoy hearing their stories, laughing, and crying with them,” he adds. Dr. Villamagna says he wants “to give back to all seniors for the sacrifices they made.” An advocate for healthy living, Dr. Villamagna has participated in several marathons and triathlons, has a Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do, and enjoys hiking and fishing with his children. He hopes to one day visit Sicily, his ancestral home.

Education: Medical College of Virginia , Illinois Institute of Technology , Colorado School of Mines

Certifications: American Academy of Family Physicians , Florida Academy of Family Physicians , Florida Medical Association , American Medical Association , Association of Clinicians for the Underserved , National Health Service Corps

Services: Primary Care

Vlad Badescu

At only four years old, Dr. Vlad Badescu knew he wanted to follow in the footsteps of his parents and become a physician. His favorite part of working in healthcare is interacting with patients. “I enjoy knowing my patients in detail,” he says. Respect and dignity are key in his practice, and he believes “mutual trust” is “the core value for good quality healthcare.” Dr. Badescu adds, “Patients need to understand their medical conditions, and they need to be included in the decision-making process.” He wants patients to feel welcomed and heard. In his free time, Dr. Badescu loves fishing, reading, and going to the beach. He also enjoys painting and recently started taking ballroom dancing classes.

Education: Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy , University of Illinois Hospital and Health Sciences System

Services: Internal Medicine

Aditi Bhardwaj

Dr. Aditi Bhardwaj says she always knew she “wanted to give back to the future elderly.” She explains, “I am most driven by helping those in the most vulnerable time of their lives.” She loves seeing her patients smile and wants them to know that she will always be there for them. “I hope to provide them comfort and preventative measures so they can live the best quality of life,” she explains. She prides herself on being attentive and open minded with her patients and always provides patients with “appropriate, evidence-based management for better health outcomes.” Dr. Bhardwaj loves spending her free time with her family and friends. She also enjoys hiking, practicing yoga, and reading thriller novels.

Education: American University of Antigua , Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center , University of Toronto

Certifications: American College of Physicians , American Board of Internal Medicine

Services: Internal Medicine