UCF Health

09/17/2025

Our UCF Health Ophthalmologist, Dr. Mehul Patel, had the pleasure of speaking to an engaged audience at the UCF Main Campus during a Life at UCF, Learning Institute for Elders at University of Central Florida event. It was a wonderful opportunity to educate attendees about cataracts, answer their questions, and spend some one-on-one time addressing individual concerns. Of course, Dr. Patel added a fun twist by using peanut M&M's to illustrate how cataracts affect a person’s vision—making the session both informative and memorable.

09/03/2025

September is National Cholesterol Education Month – Tips from Dr. Ariel Mejia at UCF Health

High cholesterol is a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke—the two leading causes of death in the U.S. That’s why September, designated as Cholesterol Awareness Month, is the perfect time to learn how to take control of your heart health.

We turned to Dr. Ariel Mejia, board-certified internal medicine specialist and Medical Director at UCF Health Faculty Physician Practice, for expert advice. In addition to treating patients in our community, Dr. Mejia also serves as an assistant professor of medicine at the UCF College of Medicine, educating the next generation of physicians.

September is Cholesterol Awareness Month so we turned to Dr. Ariel Mejia, medical director at UCF Health Faculty Physician Practice, for ways you can help...

09/01/2025

UCF Health will be closed on Monday, September 1, 2025, in observance of the Labor Day holiday.

Our normal business hours will resume at both office locations on Tuesday, September 2, 2025.

We wish you a safe and restful holiday!

08/18/2025

Orlando Family Magazine has recognized 10 UCF Health Faculty Physician Practice doctors as among the community’s finest.

The honorees include physicians in multiple specialties and are based on reader nominations. Here are the Orlando Family Magazine honorees:

Dr. Abdo Asmar, Nephrology
Dr. Shazia Bég, Rheumatology
Dr. Neha Bhanusali, Rheumatology
Dr. Mariana Dangiolo, Geriatrics, Family Medicine
Dr. Yanisa Del Toro, Internal Medicine
Dr. Bernard Gros, Cardiology
Dr. Vladimir Neychev, Endocrine and General Surgery
Dr. Mehul Patel, Ophthalmology
Dr. Joyce Paulson, Internal Medicine
Dr. Sharon Wasserstrom, Lifestyle and Internal Medicine

07/23/2025

Congratulations to Our UCF Health Top Physicians!
We’re proud to share that several of our UCF Health providers have been recognized in Orlando Family Magazine’s Top Physicians 2025 list! This recognition highlights our commitment to excellence and compassionate care.

At UCF Health, we’re here for all your healthcare needs. Our multispecialty practice offers a wide range of services including:
👁 Ophthalmology
🦴 Rheumatology
🩺 Endocrinology
🔪 General Surgery
👨‍⚕️ Primary Care
❤️ Cardiology
…and much more!

Your health is our priority—convenient, comprehensive care all in one place. Learn more at: https://ucfhealth.com/

07/04/2025

Happy Fourth of July from UCF Health!

Today, we celebrate the spirit of independence, unity, and freedom that defines our great nation. As we gather with friends and family, let’s also take a moment to reflect on the values that bring us together—community, compassion, and care.

From all of us at UCF Health, we wish you a safe, joyful, and healthy Independence Day! 💙❤️

06/19/2025

Happy Juneteenth to you too! 🎉

Today honors June 19, 1865 — the day when enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas, were finally informed of their freedom, over two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed. It's a day of reflection, celebration, and a reminder of the ongoing pursuit of justice and equality.

Whether you're attending an event, learning more about history, supporting Black-owned businesses, or simply taking a moment to reflect — wishing you a meaningful and empowering Juneteenth. ❤️💚🖤

06/12/2025

As Central Florida experiences an early and intense summer, heat-related illnesses are becoming more prevalent. Our UCF Health board-certified Internal Medicine specialist Dr. Ariel Mejia, emphasizes the importance of understanding and preventing these conditions.

If you think it was hotter than normal in Central Florida, you’re right. Summer heat got off to an early start in April and May, and heat-illness reports climbed too.

06/10/2025

Happy Cataracts Awareness Month!

To learn more about cataracts click on the links below:

https://med.ucf.edu/news/everything-to-know-about-cataracts/?fbclid=IwY2xjawK1V-1leHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFWTmxPWHB0ZWg0ZUdDbVlvAR4UspXM1XPg4NhQ9WU0p91qis6IoAzIxV68Qhmhipaz2l75R3xJe7XUJtJ10g_aem_fq8k8oCu1XI4Ofuday9VRA

To get to know more about our UCF Health Ophthalmologists click below:

https://ucfhealth.com/our-services/ophthalmology/

June is and they may be more common - and more treatable - than you think.

Cataracts occur when the eye’s lenses become cloudy over time. Because cataracts occur slowly and worsen over time, you might not notice eye changes at first. But if you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s time to have your vision checked:

- Clouded, blurred or dim vision
- Trouble seeing at night – you may notice this especially when driving
- Seeing “halos” around lights
- Fading or yellowing of colors
- Frequent changes in eyeglass or contact lens prescription

Fortunately, cataract surgery offers a permanent solution with a high success rate, few complications and a speedy recovery.

“The first day, patients can see the difference. They say ’The colors are so vibrant, I can read the sign, I don’t see halos and glares anymore,’ and it will continue to get clearer over time. Cataract surgery doesn’t just improve your vision. It’s life changing.” - Dr. Monika Farhangi, board certified ophthalmologist at UCF Heath Faculty Physician Practice and a College of Medicine alumni. “

Learn more about cataracts and whether surgery is right for you at the link 🔗 below!

05/26/2025

UCF Health honors and remembers all who have served our country. In observance of Memorial Day, our offices will be closed on Monday, May 26, 2025.

We wish everyone a safe and meaningful holiday.

04/23/2025

Happy Administrative Professionals Day!

To our amazing Admin Team at UCF Health — thank you for everything you do! Your hard work, dedication, and behind-the-scenes support keep us running smoothly every day. We truly appreciate you and all the contributions you make.

04/16/2025

Dr. Neha Bhanusali, one of our UCF Health rheumatologists, had the opportunity to present her Culinary Medicine and Arthritis lecture at the UCF Life event last week.

Dr. Bhanusali has published numerous peer-reviewed papers in rheumatology and lifestyle medicine, contributing to a broader understanding of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.

For more information on Dr. Bhanusali click on the link below:

https://ucfhealth.com/doctor/neha-bhanusali-m-d/