Trusted Patient Advocacy Experts

Dr. Geny Augustine is a physician at Solace who knows firsthand how challenging the U.S. healthcare system can be for patients. Having worked with diverse patient populations throughout her career, she's seen how the system's complex nature can create unnecessary barriers to getting good care—which is exactly what drew her to Solace's mission of putting patients first. Dr. Augustine completed her medical education in Bonaire, Netherlands Antilles, and previously worked as a Family Medicine physician for Banner Health in Glendale, Arizona. She's passionate about improving patient care, leading quality improvement projects like her work on hypertension management in urban environments, which earned honorable mention for the SLUHN Quality Improvement Award in 2020. Fluent in English with intermediate Spanish skills, she brings both clinical expertise and cultural understanding to her patient relationships. When she's not advocating for patients, Dr. Augustine enjoys fitness, culinary arts, fine arts, travel, and volunteer work—pursuits that reflect her belief in whole-person wellness and giving back to her community.

*Board-Certified Family Medicine Physician (ABFM) with 14+ years clinical experience (based in Chicago, IL) *Named Castle Connolly Top Doctor (2024, 2025) *Medical Media Commentator seen on/in ABC 7, Fox 32, CBS 2, WGN 9, The Chicago Tribune , Chicago Sun Times, and Everyday Health; including a nationwide 25 interview satellite media tour (TV & radio, November 2025) *Premedical Student Mentor, Urban Bridges Medical Mentoring Program Dr. Rene is a board-certified Family Medicine physician and Fellow of the American Academy of Family Physicians (FAAFP) with 14+ years of clinical experience. She provides comprehensive primary care for Medicare-eligible patients at Oak Street Health's Avalon Park location in Chicago, specializing in chronic disease management, preventive care, healthcare equity, and access for underserved communities. After overcoming 50 medical school rejections, Dr. Rene graduated from Indiana University School of Medicine and completed residency training at Ascension Saint Joseph Hospital - Chicago. She developed the L.Y.M.I.T.S. Method—a framework for transforming limitations into your greatest strengths. She mentors aspiring physicians through the Urban Bridges Medical Mentoring Program. Dr. Rene has appeared as a medical expert on ABC 7, Fox 32, CBS 2, and WGN 9 Chicago and recently completed a 25-interview national satellite media tour. She is available for expert commentary on resilience in healthcare, medical education equity, resilience and overcoming failure, healthcare access for underserved populations, and diversity in medicine.

I’m a board certified internal medicine physician who prides myself on providing compassionate, patient centered care. I have worked as a hospitalist for over 8 years while moving around the country as an active duty military spouse. I’m passionate about helping my patients gain a better understanding of their health so they feel empowered to take ownership of their medical conditions.As an extension of this goal, I have founded Physician By Your Side LLC, an independent healthcare advocacy company. My mission is to provide support and education to patients and their caregivers so they can make informed decisions while navigating our often hectic healthcare system.Personally, I’m a firm believer in nature as medicine and spend as much time as I can hiking and camping with my family. I also subscribe to the six pillars of Lifestyle medicine as a path to take control of your personal health.

Jeremy Gurewitz – CEO & Co-founder, Solace Health Jeremy Gurewitz is the CEO and Co-founder of Solace Health, a company dedicated to helping patients navigate the complex healthcare system with greater clarity and support. Jeremy’s mission at Solace Health is deeply personal. In 2016, his mother—an accomplished radiologist—was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Despite her medical expertise, she found herself overwhelmed by the complexity of her diagnosis and the multitude of decisions that followed, from exploring clinical trials to seeking second opinions and weighing treatment options. Witnessing firsthand how even highly knowledgeable individuals can struggle to navigate the healthcare system, Jeremy became passionate about solving a critical problem: healthcare in the United States has grown as complex as the legal system, leaving most people—patients and even doctors—without the tools or guidance to manage significant health challenges on their own. Under Jeremy’s leadership, Solace Health strives to bring clarity, advocacy, and personalized support to patients and families navigating life-altering medical journeys, ensuring that no one has to face it alone.

Tara Bailey, MPA, CMC, BCPA, CDP, CSA®, SHSS Founder & CEO | Brevard Healthcare Navigation Tara Bailey is a nationally credentialed care manager and patient advocate with nearly two decades of experience in healthcare support services. She holds a Master’s in Public Administration (MPA) and is certified as a Care Manager (CMC), Board Certified Patient Advocate (BCPA), Certified Dementia Practitioner (CDP), Certified Senior Advisor (CSA®), and Certified Senior Home Safety Specialist (SHSS). As the Founder and CEO of Brevard Healthcare Navigation, Tara leads a trusted team dedicated to helping seniors, disabled adults, veterans, and families navigate complex medical systems with clarity and confidence. Her work is rooted in personal experience, deep empathy, and a belief that every individual deserves coordinated, dignified support—whether facing a health crisis or planning ahead. In addition to her direct work with clients, Tara has served on multiple local, state, and national board of directors, advocating for improved care access and quality across the lifespan. She is known for her calm presence, strong leadership, and unwavering commitment to empowering others through advocacy, education, and compassionate guidance.

Dr. Ayesha Bryant, M.S.P.H, M.D. is a physician, clinical scientist, and associate professor dedicated to translating complex medical research into practical health solutions. With more than 100 peer-reviewed publications and multiple textbook chapters, Dr. Bryant is recognized for her contributions to perioperative outcomes research, preventive medicine, and quality-of-life improvement. She currently serves as a clinical advisor at Alpas Wellness, a drug, alcohol & mental health treatment center in Maryland. She completed her medical training at the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine and Emory University, with additional training in epidemiology and public health. Her research has been featured at major national and international conferences, including the Society of Thoracic Surgeons and the American Association for Thoracic Surgery. Dr. Bryant’s expertise spans functional medicine, AI-driven healthcare algorithms, and national clinical data registry research. She is passionate about combining evidence-based medicine with real-world wellness strategies to improve patient outcomes and preventive care. In addition to her academic work, she has written for Rupa Health, where she shares insights on how readers can live healthier, more vibrant lives.

Elizabeth Rubin, MD is a board-certified physician with advanced fellowship training in Medical Simulation, specializing in education, patient safety, and systems innovation. She currently practices at a Level I Trauma Center in Los Angeles, California, where she cares for critically ill and injured patients. She also serves on the clinical oversight team at The Embers Treatment, a drug & alcohol treatment center in Arizona. Dr. Rubin earned her Bachelor of Arts from the University of Pennsylvania, followed by her medical degree from the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA. She completed her residency in Emergency Medicine at Mount Sinai Medical Center in Miami Beach and went on to pursue a fellowship in Medical Simulation at the University of Chicago / NorthShore University HealthSystem. Her professional interests include simulation-based education, quality improvement, patient safety, and developing innovative approaches to emergency medical training. Through her work, she strives to improve both clinician performance and patient outcomes in high-stakes, time-sensitive environments.

I have been a dentist for over three decades. I have experience in private practice, public health, dental education, and medical writing. Currently, I am a Senior Dental Consultant for a global financial services company specializing in benefits administration, where I advise on clinical decision-making, oral health policy, and quality of care. I am frequently sought as an expert source on oral health and its relationship to overall well-being. I have experience in preventive care, access to care, health equity, workforce challenges, and advocacy-driven policy discussions that impact both patients and providers. I bring a clinician’s perspective to complex issues, grounding national conversations in real-world impact rather than theory. A significant focus of my work is health equity and access to care, particularly how social determinants, communication gaps, and system design influence oral health outcomes. I have led workshops, contributed to professional education, and testified before legislators on oral health policy. I am also an experienced communicator and thought leader. As a TEDx speaker, podcast host, and multi-published author. I have written for dental journals, served on peer review panels, and regularly speak to student groups on leadership, service, and higher education. My perspective is grounded in decades of private practice and leadership within organized dentistry, where I cared for diverse patient populations. That foundation continues to shape my approach: practical, patient-centered, and focused on improving outcomes at both the individual and system level.

A company is only as strong as its people. Yet, I see it every day—burnout, stress, and chronic fatigue are draining the energy of employees, impacting performance, engagement, loyalty, and innovation. I’ve spent my career uncovering the root causes of these issues and helping people reclaim their energy, focus, and long-term health. As a physician, bestselling author, and host of the nationally syndicated TV show Ask Dr. Nandi, I’ve helped millions take control of their well-being. My latest book, Heal Your Gut, Save Your Brain, a New York Times bestseller, unpacks the critical link between gut health and cognitive wellbeing—a connection that has the power to transform not just individuals, but entire organizations. This is a core promise of The Vitality Advantage—the idea that when employees function at their best, companies thrive. I don’t just share science-backed strategies for better health—I help teams implement real changes that boost resilience, performance, and energy in a way that directly impacts business success. My message is simple: * Vitality is a Vital business advantage. * Healthy employees are more engaged, creative, and productive. * Burnout prevention starts with physical and mental well-being. * Corporate transformation happens from the ground up—one healthier, more energized employee at a time. If your company is ready to embrace The Vitality Advantage, let’s connect and discuss how I can bring this actionable, high-impact message to your organization.

As I am a medical expert for Invigor Medical, a urologist, and an MD currently completing my PhD in clinical medicine, my work bridges patient care, education, and research. I serve as a teaching assistant in surgery, where I guide and support future doctors while treating patients in everyday practice. My research focuses on oncologic urology, men’s health, and hormonal health, and I actively collaborate on international studies. Through these roles, I am dedicated to advancing evidence-based medicine, improving patient outcomes, and helping shape the future of urological care.

At the core of Bold Impact Group, strategic leadership and a fervent dedication to enhancing the healthcare and education sectors have been the cornerstones of our mission. Our work has consistently focused on fostering improved communication and client outcomes.Advocacy for cultural diversity and the empowerment of immigrant and refugee registered nurses has been paramount through The African Nurses Network, which I founded. Our collective efforts have paved the way for better leadership opportunities and resource allocation aimed at uplifting under-served populations while increasing the visibility and impact of cultural diversity within the healthcare industry.

Dr. Brian Honeyman, MD, PhD, is a board-certified physician in Hospice and Palliative Medicine and Internal Medicine, with a career spanning clinical leadership, medical education, and translational research. He currently serves as a Clinical Advisor at Marietta Springs, where he helps guide compassionate, evidence-based approaches to patient care and recovery. Dr. Honeyman most recently served as Chief of Palliative Medicine for Care New England Medical Group, advancing holistic and patient-centered models of serious illness care. In addition to his clinical leadership, Dr. Honeyman is a dedicated educator and former Assistant Professor of Medicine at Brown University, where he mentored medical students, residents, and interdisciplinary learners. A graduate of the Boston University School of Medicine MD/PhD program, his doctoral research explored the molecular mechanisms of breast cancer, with publications in PLOS One and Chemistry & Biology.

I am a self-funded and alternate funded health plan expert with almost a decade of experience helping employers and brokers create innovative solutions that reduce healthcare costs. I also have over seven years of experience as a national keynote speaker, TEDx speaker, podcast host, media personality, and author. I am regularly featured at events across the country providing expert perspective for helping employers create strategies to improve healthcare outcomes and improve employee retention. I leverage my vast resource base and personal knowledge of innovative strategies such as direct primary care, reference-based pricing, and new pharmacy solutions to drive change and reduce costs. I am passionate about making a positive impact on the lives and businesses of my clients and partners.

I am a thought leader and have a passion in making an impact in creating solutions to today's obesity epidemic.

Dr. James Lyons, M.D., is an internationally trained physician that was born in Germany. He is the son of a teacher and army veteran and was raised in Texas, but traveled extensively during his medical training. From medical rotations in French Hospital Systems, to his training in Miami at Ryder Trauma medical center and psychiatric training at TGK Prison, his depth of knowledge for those in acute crises is vast. In addition to his doctorate in medicine, Dr. Lyons also holds a Masters of Medical Sciences and coordinated research trials for schizophrenia pharmaceutical treatments in Dallas, TX. He completed his residency in Rural Michigan as a Family Medicine Physician, where he made home visits, and was rigorously trained in all aspects of medical care from delivering and caring for newborns, to end of life care. In his final year of training, he was named chief resident of this program. After 3 additional years practicing in rural east texas as a hospitalist in the acute setting, he, his wife, and their 4 children now reside back in Texas where he was raised, where his parents are retired, and where his sister works as a registered nurse in hospital leadership. Dr. Lyons continues to practice medicine in the acute setting as a hospitalist and emergency room physician in the greater Austin area. Aside from direct patient care, Dr. Lyons provides medical expertise and consulting while also being actively involved in performance improvement, infection control, and medical executive committees in the hospitals where he practices.

I serve as Group Vice President of HealthStaffingGroup, a healthcare workforce division focused on helping hospitals and healthcare organizations navigate complex staffing and leadership challenges. My work centers on workforce strategy, leadership hiring, retention, and long-term staffing stability in high-demand healthcare environments. With experience supporting healthcare systems across the country, I regularly work with executives, administrators, and clinical leaders to address issues such as nursing shortages, physician recruitment, workforce burnout, and succession planning. I’m particularly interested in how leadership decisions, operational design, and workforce planning directly influence patient outcomes and organizational resilience. Over the years, I’ve seen that staffing challenges are rarely isolated hiring problems; they are strategic issues tied to leadership development, workload design, and long-term workforce sustainability. I often speak on healthcare leadership trends, retention strategies, and the evolving talent landscape within hospitals, clinics, and specialty care environments. My perspective combines frontline workforce realities with executive-level strategy, offering insight into how healthcare organizations can build stable, high-performing teams in an increasingly complex care environment.

Neisha Christine Himes is an award-winning activist and motivational speaker dedicated to ending domestic violence. A survivor of a five-year abusive relationship, she turned her pain into purpose, using spoken word poetry to raise awareness and empower others. In 2016, she founded the G.R.O.W. (Girls Recognizing Our Worth) Foundation, a nonprofit committed to supporting survivors as they heal and rebuild their lives. Her advocacy led her to roles as a Victim Advocate for the Norfolk Commonwealth Attorney’s Office and Domestic Violence Outreach Liaison for the Newport News Police Department, where she played a pivotal role in inspiring and establishing the department’s first Domestic Violence Unit. Now, Neisha continues her work as a Trauma Liaison Educator within a prominent healthcare system, helping to reshape how medical professionals provide trauma-informed care to victims of violence. Through Neisha Christine Consulting, LLC, she develops and facilitates educational workshops, professional training programs, and public awareness initiatives, partnering with organizations to improve violence prevention efforts and survivor support services. Known for her innovative advocacy, she creates strategic campaigns, community initiatives, and collaborations that challenge perceptions and inspire change. Her dedication has earned widespread recognition, including the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence’s “Voices in Action - Survivor Activist” Award, DomesticShelters.Org’s “Survivor of the Year” Award, and a feature in a national awareness PSA by The Allstate Foundation. Neisha’s unwavering commitment to amplifying survivor voices and transforming systems is embodied in her motto: “I will not shut up!”

Mrs. Durga Chavali is an internationally recognized IT healthcare leader and AI researcher with nearly two decades of experience and a proven track record of implementing enterprise-level technology strategies that improve efficiency, drive digital transformation, and enable data-driven decision-making. She is the proven leader in implementing complex, high-stakes healthcare IT projects with significant ROI, guiding enterprise-level initiatives from concept to execution, and enabling organizations to make informed decisions that optimize operations, reduce risk, and enhance financial and clinical outcomes. Ms. Chavali is a Doctor of Health Care Administration and a results-driven healthcare IT executive who consistently delivers measurable improvements in clinical outcomes, operational efficiency, and financial performance by making strategic, data-informed decisions that optimize enterprise-level processes and drive organizational success. She has been honored with the Fellow Honorary of IETE, Distinguished Fellow of SCRS, and Honorary Inducted Member of Phi Kappa Phi. Mrs. Chavali has been recognized for thought leadership through publications in leading healthcare and AI journals and business magazines, translating complex research into actionable strategies that improve patient outcomes, operational efficiency, and financial performance in enterprise healthcare settings. Mrs. Chavali is also a trusted advocate and coach in the AI era, leveraging a strong research background to guide organizations in adopting innovative AI-driven strategies and driving business transformation toward measurable success Mrs. Chavali is an award-winning healthcare IT leader, recognized with the Inspera and ITA Awards for Distinguished Research and Breakthrough Innovation, pioneering innovative solutions that integrate research and industry expertise to drive AI-powered analytics, predictive insights, and compliance automation, delivering measurable improvements in care quality, operational efficiency, and financial outcomes. Ms. Chavali has been further recognized by the most popular and high-circulation media and featured in respected industry publications such as TechBullion and TechTimes, leveraging published insights on healthcare IT, AI, and data-driven innovation to influence cross‑industry discourse and drive enterprise‑level transformation. Mrs. Chavali contributes to organizations such as IEEE and ACM and supports the community through her expertise.

Elizabeth Gavino, Medicare Strategist Lewin & Gavino Inc. | Medicare Transition Partners Elizabeth Gavino is a Medicare Strategist with 30 years of experience helping high-net-worth individuals, executives, and employers navigate Medicare transitions before they become costly, irreversible mistakes. She is the founder of Medicare Transition Partners and the creator of the CMTA (Certified Medicare Transition Advisor) credentialing program — the first professional credential designed to train advisors on Medicare transition strategy. Elizabeth has been cited as a Medicare expert source in over 100 articles for CNBC and CNN. She specializes in Medicare strategy and planning, IRMAA and income planning, retirement healthcare costs, and employer Medicare transitions. Based in La Jolla, California.

Garret Biss is a retired Marine Corps pilot, recovery coach, speaker, and trainer specializing in veteran mental health, resilience, addiction recovery, and the challenges of post-service transition. After leaving the military, Garret experienced many of the same struggles that affect veterans across the country, including loss of identity, emotional turmoil, and dependence on alcohol as a coping mechanism. That lived experience, combined with years of work in recovery and training environments, now fuels his mission to help veterans and the professionals who serve them better understand the deeper challenges of transition, healing, and growth. Garret is the founder of Diamond Mind, LLC, where he develops and delivers strengths-based, trauma-informed trainings and presentations for clinicians, peer support professionals, organizations, and veteran-serving systems. He is also a NAADAC-approved education provider, a trainer for NAADAC, and a training consultant with the Opioid Response Network. In addition, he serves as Founder and Executive Director of Realize U 252, a North Carolina recovery nonprofit supporting individuals rebuilding their lives in recovery. His work sits at the intersection of lived experience, professional training, addiction recovery, positive psychology, and veteran-specific insight. Garret is especially known for speaking on veteran transition, identity loss after service, resilience, substance use, post-traumatic growth, and the internal barriers that can keep people from fully engaging in recovery or support systems. He is the creator of veteran-focused training and recovery programs designed to help people move beyond survival and reconnect with meaning, self-worth, and sustainable growth. Garret has presented for addiction professionals, treatment and recovery organizations, higher education audiences, and veteran-serving communities, and is valued for bringing practical insight, emotional honesty, and a fresh perspective that bridges personal experience with actionable strategies. Media, podcast hosts, and event organizers often turn to Garret for credible commentary on veterans, recovery, resilience, trauma-informed growth, and how to better support those navigating major life transitions.