Physician Extenders In Cardiology
Monday - Friday: 8 am - 4:30 pm
Phone: 863-680-7490
What is a physician extender?
A physician extender is a highly skilled medical professional who is licensed to perform many routine physician tasks. The physician extenders in the Watson Clinic Cardiology department are highly trained and educated professionals who are licensed by the state of Florida to practice as Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioners (ARNP) or Physician Assistants (PA). These important members of our healthcare team perform key functions to support our physicians and patients. Some of these functions include taking medical histories, performing physical exams, assisting in surgery, ordering and interpreting labs and diagnostic tests, identifying and treating common illnesses, prescribing medications, counseling patients about health issues and referring them to other healthcare professionals as needed.
Why use physician extenders?
The physician extender role was developed in the 1960’s in the United States in response to a growing shortage of physicians. Watson Clinic currently offers the services of more than 100 additional medical providers – known as physician extenders - including Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioners (ARNP) and Physician Assistants (PA). These health professionals have helped improve the availability of quality healthcare to more patients. Our experienced and caring physician extenders ensure that patients receive quick access to superior care for all their cardiology needs. Physician extenders spend the time necessary to thoroughly explain their treatment plan and answer any question patients may have about their condition.
What is the role of the ARNP/PA in Cardiology?
During your course of treatment in the Watson Clinic Cardiology department, you may encounter one of our highly qualified physician extenders. An ARNP or PA may care for you in the office during a routine follow-up visit, in the hospital during your inpatient stay, in the operating room when you have heart surgery, in the Lipid Clinic to manage your cholesterol, in Cardiac Rehabilitation while exercising to strengthen your heart, or in a class while learning about your medications and how to live a healthier lifestyle. In every facet of cardiovascular services, you will find physician extenders at Watson Clinic working to ensure you receive the highest quality and most personalized care possible.
Cardiology Physician Extenders:
Danielle Delgiudice, APRN
- Nursing School: Florida Southern College, Lakeland, FL, BSN
- Masters Program: University of South Florida, Tampa, FL and Florida Southern College, Lakeland, FL, MSN
Holly Dellenger, APRN
- Nursing School: University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, Lakeland, FL, BSN
- Masters Program: University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, MSN, Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Barb Donley, APRN
- Nursing School: University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, BSN
- Masters Program: University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, MSN
Allison Fojtik, APRN
- Nursing School: Florida Southern College, Lakeland, FL, BSN
- Masters Program: Florida Southern College, Lakeland, FL, MSN
Makenzie Gordon, PA
- Undergraduate Degree: University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, BS
- Masters Program: Lincoln Memorial University - School of Medical Sciences, Harrogate, TN, MS
Sarah L. Hamlin, APRN
- Nursing School: Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, BSN
- Masters Program: University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, MSN
Bertha Harley, APRN
- Nursing School: University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, BSN
- Masters Program: Florida Southern College, Lakeland, FL, MSN
Cristyna A. Ottaiano, APRN
- Nursing School: University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, BSN
- Masters Program: University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, MSN
Laurie Pomella, DNP, APRN
- Nursing School: Florida Southern College, Lakeland, FL, BSN
- Masters Program: University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, MSN and Florida Southern College, Lakeland, FL, APRN
- Doctor of Nursing Program: Chatham University, Pittsburgh, PA, DNP
Jami Sharik, APRN
- Nursing School: Florida Southern College, Lakeland, FL, BSN
- Masters Program: Florida Southern College, Lakeland, FL, MSN