Robert E. Weatherford, CPC 
Owner/President 
Medical Compliance Associates, Inc.

Robert E. (Bob) Weatherford is the Owner and President of Medical Compliance Associates, Inc., a Jacksonville, FL based medical billing, coding, and documentation consulting firm. Bob is a veteran of 44 years in the health care industry and has personally represented more than 1,400 health care providers of all specialties in overpayment assessments, provider number revocations, prepayment review assistance, and self-audits.

Bob has testified as an expert witness in more than 750 criminal, civil, and administrative hearings or trials and has frequently been called upon to speak to numerous state and national medical specialty organizations in billing and coding matters.

He is a Certified Professional Coder (CPC) through the American Academy of Professional Coders and a member of the American Health Lawyers Association and the Health Care Compliance Association. 
 

Bradley W. Bakotic, DPM, DO

Dermatopathologist and Chief Executive Officer of Bako Integrated Physician Solutions which provides lower extremity pathology services and therapeutic solutions to clinicians throughout the U.S. Dr. Bakotic was educated as a Podiatrist at Barry University and continued his medical education at the University of New England where he received his degree as Doctor of Osteopathy.  From there he went on to continue his education in pathology.  He completed pathology residencies at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield, Massachusetts and at the Mount Sinai Medical Center in Miami Beach, FL where he was the chief pathology resident. He also completed fellowships at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York and at the Ackerman Academy of Dermatopathology in New York.

•  Diplomate, Dermatopathology, American Board of Dermatology and American Board of Pathology

•  Diplomate, Anatomic and Clinical Pathology, American Board of Pathology

•  Fellow, College of American Pathologists, American Association of Podiatric Practice Management, American Professional Wound Care Association.

•  Advisory Board, International Foot & Ankle Foundation for education and research (formerly Northwest Podiatric Foundation) 

•  Faculty, Barry University School of Podiatric Medicine, New York College of Podiatric Medicine
 

Alec O. Hochstein, DPM

Dr. Alec Hochstein is a 1997 graduate of the New York College of Podiatric Medicine, and is currently in Private Practice in Great Neck, NY. Dr. Hochstein is Board Certified in Foot Surgery by the American Board of Podiatric Surgery, he is a member of the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) as well as the New York State Podiatric Medical Association (NYSPMA). Dr. Hochstein is actively involved in podiatric residency programs in NYC and Long Island, including the New York Hospital of Queens, Albert Einstein School of Medicine and North Shore – LIJ Health System. He has lectured both locally and nationally on various topics related to both medicine and technology in the medical office.
 

Sherunda Simone Josey, DPM, MPH is a Jamaican-American published author, physician, professional keynote speaker, leadership trainer and patient satisfaction specialist.
For over 10 years Dr. Simone has spoken and trained nationally and internationally with confident, witty, power-packed lectures, seminars, books and audio tools.  Her accomplishments and experiences have equipped her with unique insight.

Having moved from the United States to Jamaica, West Indies as a young child, she left her nuclear family, friends and 'comfort zone' for many years.

During Dr. Simone's life she has dealt with many personal and professional obstacles - gender bias, cultural bias, racism, peer pressure and failures. Her maxim in life is expressed via her favorite quote by Eleanor Roosevelt, "no one can make you feel inferior without your consent."

Dr. Simone's vocational training is in Podiatric Medicine and Surgery as well as Public Health. She graduated, with honors, from the University of Dayton with Bachelor's degrees in Biology and Spanish, with a Chemistry minor.  Following her time in Ohio, Dr. Simone moved to Miami Shores, FL where she attended Barry University. In 2008 Dr. Simone graduated from Barry University with academic honors in both a Doctorate of Podiatric Medicine and a Masters of Public Health degree.

It was during her time in Miami that she founded Dr. Simone International (2006). The mission of the organization is to EMPOWER, STRENGTHEN, TEACH, ENRICH, ENERGIZE and MOTIVATE! (ESTEEM). Over the years, she has developed a niche focus on medical staff personal and professional development.

In 2008 she was then accepted into the prestigious University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Podiatry Residency, where she successfully completed 3 years of surgical training. Dr. Josey has extensive experience in wound management, reconstructive surgery, trauma surgery and palliative care. She has worked in private practice and now serves as the sole podiatrist for the Carl Vinson - Albany, GA Clinic where she manages our nations esteemed Veterans.

Dr. Josey served as the national delegate for the American Podiatric Medical Students' Association (APMSA) and also served a term as national Young Members' Liaison to the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) Board of Trustees, and has served on the APMA Board of Trustees as the Chair of the Young Member's Association.

Dr. Simone has been called in as a consultant for medical personnel professional training, patient service skills enhancement, and leadership development for practices, as well as one-on-one coaching. Dr. Simone's recent activity includes training medical staff at the Marine Corps Logistics Base Naval Health Clinic in Albany, GA , giving CME credit lectures at the Georgia Podiatric Medical Association, presenting on medical professional development at Tuskegee University and delivering the Commencement Ceremony speech at Barry University School of Podiatric Medicine. Dr. Simone has also lectured at the University Of Pittsburgh School Of Medicine and delivered the keynote for the University Of Dayton Colors Of Leadership Conference.

Her self-published book, More Than Medicine: What They Don't Teach You in Medical, MA, Nursing or PA School is quickly gaining popularity within the medical field as a go-to-reference for patient satisfaction and staff management.

She has been the feature story in the online magazine RuralJamaica.com and has been seen on WALB News 10 ABC and NBC, 'The Dialogue Show'. Dr. Josey has been highlighted in the Albany Herald and has been featured on Atlanta's Business RadioX. Dr. Simone continues to inspire others!

Dr. Josey is a wife, mother, entrepreneur, and podiatrist. She currently lives in Thomasville, GA with her amazing husband Raun and their sons, Brennen and Cameron.
 

Hal Ornstein, DPM, FASPS, FAPWCA

Dr. Hal Ornstein is Founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the New Jersey Podiatric Physicians and Surgeons Group, LLC; President of Podiatric Super Group Management, LLC; President of the Institute for Podiatric Excellence and Development and Chairman of the Foundation of Podiatric Excellence and Growth. In addition, he is Consulting Editor for Podiatry Management Magazine and organizer of the four-year practice management course at the Kent State University College of Podiatric Medicine (KSUCPM), and served as Immediate Past Chairman of American Academy of Podiatric Practice Management (AAPPM). He is a Distinguished Practitioner in the National Academies and on the board of the American Podiatric Medical Association Political Action Committee as well as serving as adjunct faculty at Temple, Scholl and Kent Podiatry Schools.  He has given over 500 presentations internationally and has written, as well as having been interviewed for, over 300 articles on topics pertinent to practice, people and life management. He also serves as consultant for array of companies in the podiatry community.

He also serves on the Alumni Board of KSUCPM and in 2011, was inducted into the institution's Hall of Fame. In 2009, he was honored to receive induction to the Podiatric Hall of Fame and received the Podiatry Management Magazine Lifetime Achievement Award. He is co-author of a multidisciplinary management text entitled 311/2 Essential Tips for Practice Management Success, a Greenbranch publication.

He dedicates his life to carrying out his personal mission statement; "Every Day is an Opportunity to Create and Share Miles of Smiles," and works to help others alter their paradigm to demonstrate that "Life Just Gets Better" by encouraging definition and achievement of success. As such, Dr. Ornstein was very proud to create The Ornstein Family Foundation to drive his purpose in life, which is to give as much as he can, to as many as he can. This passion for others is driven through his love for yoga becoming a 200 hour Registered Yoga Teacher in 2016. Yoga, photography, family, his pets and people are his favorite hobbies.
 

Suzette Clements, DPM

Suzette Clements, DPM began her medical career as an undergraduate at Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where she received her Bachelor's degree in Nursing.  She worked as a nurse for several years, but soon decided to pursue a career in podiatry.  She then attend New York College of Podiatric Medicine where she received a Doctorate of Podiatric Medicine and completed her surgical residency at New York Methodist Hospital in Brooklyn, New York. Dr. Clements trained in forefoot surgery and general podiatric medicine.

In 2002, she founded her private podiatry practice, Flat Shoals Foot & Ankle Center and where she continues to share her knowledge, expertise and compassion with all her patients.

Dr. Clements also has lectured internationally on the subject of the diabetic foot care and amputation prevention and has participated in medical missions to Jamaica and to Haiti after the devastating quake.

Beyond being a Board Certified Podiatrist, Dr. Clements is a Certified Health Coach, Author, a self taught classical style singer affectionately known as "The Singing Podiatrist," and an Inspirational Speaker focusing on navigating change and life principles to live authentically happy.

She is an entrepreneur and life coach and has been happily married to her first and only boyfriend for 25 years and they have 2 beautiful children.
 

Terri Lynn Davis

Terri Lynn Davis is a graduate of Western Kentucky University where she graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science degree in Health Care Administration and a minor in Business Management. She has 15 years of credentialing experience that includes both payor enrollment and primary source verification. Over the course of her time in credentialing, she has worked with a variety of facilities and providers in numerous specialties across the country. She prides herself on being able to take the difficult task of credentialing and make it a smooth and seamless process for her clients. Terri Lynn spends her free time serving on multiple committees at her Church and children's schools and is currently training to run her second half marathon. She resides in a small town north of Nashville, TN with her husband and three children.

Michael E. Demi, RN, CHC, CPC, CPMA, CSFAC

Michael Demi (Mike) is a senior consultant with Medical Compliance Associates, Inc., a Jacksonville, Florida based medical billing, coding, and documentation consulting firm. Prior to joining the firm in 2015, Mike was a registered critical care nurse in the University of Florida health system in Jacksonville. He brings valuable clinical insight from his time working in the trauma surgery and cardiac units at a 750-bed hospital. Prior to his medical career, Mike was an experienced airline pilot with a major airline. His responsibilities included being a member of a B-727 test flight crew.

He has worked with health care providers in many specialties in all areas of representation concerning civil, criminal, and administrative hearing and trial preparation. He routinely speaks to medical specialty organizations on billing and coding issues and, in particular, audit defense and health care compliance.

Mike is a Certified Professional Coder (CPC), a Certified Medical Auditor (CPMA), and a Certified Surgical Foot and Ankle Coder 
(CSFAC) through the American Academy of Professional Coders. Mike is also certified in Healthcare Compliance (CHC) through the Health Care Compliance Association and is a member of the American Association of Critical Care Nurses.

In his spare time, Mike enjoys golfing, tennis, and road biking, as well as relaxing with his dog Calvin, his best friend.
 

Tim Warren

Tim Warren is president of Obsurvus Solutions Medical Billing which provides services to physicians and other healthcare professionals. His specialty is in Electronic Health Records (EHR) implementation, training, and maintenance plus claims billing services. Tim has made it his goal is to provide services and support that allow private practices to remain independent and allow physicians to focus of patients, not paperwork. Tim is an alumnus of the University of North Alabama, and a regarded member of IPED’s Corporate Advisory Board.

Obsurvus is an employee-owned corporation where every single employee has a vested interest in making your practice a success. Our our top-level management have earned CMRM (Certified Medical Revenue Manager) certifications, so you can rest assured our professionals will maximize reimbursement and cash flow. We are proudly licensed by one of the largest nationwide professional medical billing associations with over 1500 members.

A great source of pride is our entire staff is located in the USA, providing jobs for hard-working Americans. Your data is safe with Obsurvus and is not transmitted off-shore.  We understand that many large billing companies routinely contract workers in foreign countries to remain profitable. Our commitment is to provide our clients with top performance while providing for the well-being of our employees. So, if it costs us a few extra percentage points to honor our commitment, we feel it is worth every penny.
 

Anil Malik

Anil Malik, Founder and President of Blue Orchid Marketing, has been providing marketing services to podiatrists and others in the healthcare community for more than 10 years.  After serving as Director of Technology for a New York-based sales force automation company for 15 years, Anil formed his own company in 1997--AMI Solutions.  Ten years later, he created Blue Orchid Marketing as a division of AMI Solutions to focus on providing turnkey packages to podiatrists to enable them to grow their practice.

Blue Orchid Marketing will grow your practice by recalling inactive patients using a proven methodology; increasing online reviews; enhancing search engine optimization to drive more people to your web site; writing custom blogs to drive traffic and build your brand; accelerating personal referrals; and building brand awareness and loyalty.

Under Anil's direction, Blue Orchid Marketing has clients across the nation, and his company continues to grow and expand each year, from 3 employees in 2007 to nearly 20 in 2017.
 

Katherine Lee

For the last several years, Katherine Lee has worked directly with medical practices to implement critical marketing strategies to promote patient growth. After successful expansion while working directly within a NYC practice as marketing director, Katherine went on to become a National Trainer & Manager with Integrated MedReps, LLC where she trained and managed marketers on a national level and implemented web-based marketing strategies directly for practices as well. Currently, Katherine is VP of Business Development at Blue Orchid Marketing, which provides practices with a turnkey solution focused on maximizing web search visibility and effective patient communication tools.

Over the years, Katherine has used her mix of technological understanding and marketing expertise to help countless practices and enjoys sharing her knowledge while lecturing throughout the country and abroad.
 

Gary Ignotofsky

Web Power Advantage is a comprehensive Podiatric Web Marketing Company. "We first evaluate each practice's on-line presence to formulate a customized strategy to help maximize their success using the internet to attain and educate new patients", says the founder of Web Power Advantage, Gary Ignotofsky.

Gary holds a master's of Science in Biochemistry and has used his science background to become one of the leading producers of Podiatric video content with over 7000 videos produced for hundreds of podiatrists across the country.

Web Power Advantage helps podiatrists grow their practices by:

•  Developing new mobile compliant websites that are SEO friendly with a fresh modern look

•  Producing custom videos to increase visitor durations and SEO

•  Embedding a Live Chat feature on client's websites to dramatically increase conversions to new patients 

•  Claiming local directory listings to increase SEO*

•  Blogging and Social media posts to keep your website dynamic and increase Google Ranking*

•  Developing Google Adwords Campaigns to dramatically increase high quality traffic to your website

•  Video Email Campaigns to recall patients and keep in touch with current patients*

* These services are offered in partnership with IPED Corporate Sponsor Blue Orchid Marketing/PracticeXceleration.

Being "client-focused", Web Power Advantagewill work work with you on the level that you need to achieve success.
 

Mike Crosby

Provider Resources, LLC has been designed to aid providers identifying key issues, analyzing the relevant factors, and developing and implementing solutions, which provide a pathway for the provider to achieve their desired objectives.

Provider Resources, LLC was founded by Mike Crosby and provides strategic, financial, and operational consulting services for podiatrist. Mr. Crosby has more than 20 years of healthcare experience, spending the past ten (10) years consulting with physicians to provide solutions to operational, financial, and strategic issues. Mr. Crosby graduated from Belmont University and obtained his MBA from the Jack C. Massey Graduate School of Business. Mr. Crosby is also a certified public accountant.
 

Daniel B. Frier, Esq.
Co-Founding Partner

Daniel B. Frier, Esq. co-founded the health care law firm of Frier Levitt, LLC in 2000, and is Chairman of the firm's Healthcare Department after many years of dedicating his practice to representing all manner of healthcare providers across the full gamut of healthcare-related legal matters. Dan graduated from Franklin & Marshall College in 1990 before he went on to pursue a Juris Doctor from Temple University School of Law, where he graduated cum laude in 1994, and was editor of the "Temple Law Review."

Dan's 20+ years of healthcare law experience includes the representation of a diverse group of health care clients, including healthcare providers such as physicians, physician groups, pharmacies, ambulatory surgical centers and imaging centers, sleep centers and laboratories concerning corporate, transactional and regulatory issues. He also provides clients with strategic advice on how to adjust their operations to keep pace with the quickly changing healthcare marketplace. Dan works with clients on practice formations and sales, fraud and abuse and Stark counseling, buy-sell agreements, employment issues, large group practice mergers, HIPAA compliance, and governmental, Professional Board and medical staff investigations.  Because so much of health care law is federal in nature, Dan has clients across the country, and has a national presence in the formation of large group medical practices.
 

C. Stan Churchwell, DPM, JD, LLM

Stan Churchwell prides himself as being a people person, involved with and throughout many disciplines. His past experience in studying several academic disciplines as well as the experience in medicine and law has equipped him with trouble-shooting skills to help solve problems for people from all demographics, from young to old.

As such, Stan currently practices law as a Partner at Churchwell & Merlo, PLLC . The firm provides legal services in Business and Corporate Law, Health Law –Physician Employment Agreements/Contracts, Buy-Sell transactions, Entity formation, Licensing matters, Administrative matters, Disability exits, any and all matters related to Health Practitioner/Health Business matters, Elder Law, Asset and Estate Planning and Probate. Prior to entering the legal world, Stan was a Podiatric Physician and Surgeon with Southwest Podiatry, LLP.

Stan has vast experience and training in many fields. Initially, he graduated from Tulane University with a BS in Engineering. He then decided to enter the field of podiatry completing his course of study in podiatry at Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine in 1983 and his residency at the Harris County Podiatric Medical and Surgical Residency Program in 1984. While still exploring possibilities, Stan received his JD from South Texas College of Law in 1992. He also holds many distinctions and memberships in the legal and podiatric arenas.
 

Cindy Pezza, PMAC

Cindy Pezza began her career in specialty practice management in 2002, working in a multitude of capacities, and finally holding the position of office manager, in a successful podiatry practice in the South Shore area of Massachusetts. Years later, as President and CEO of Pinnacle Practice Achievement, LLC, Cindy continues to utilize her experience and expertise in promoting treatment specific protocols, including ethical maximization of ancillary services, to consult with physicians and staff, improving the quality of patient care, while significantly increasing practice revenue. Cindy travels nationally as a speaker and program coordinator for state and national medical organizations, provides private office consultations, teaches practice management related classes to future podiatrists at Kent State University College of Podiatric Medicine and Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine at Rosalind Franklin University, serves as Chief Operating Officer for Podiatric Super Group Management, LLC, and writes frequent articles and responses for podiatric journals and publications. 

At home, Cindy enjoys spending time with family and staying actively involved in the community where she spent her childhood and continues to reside. In her professional roles, as well as in her volunteer position as a Pop Warner cheerleading coach, Cindy maintains her philosophical approach of creating a group of motivated individuals who succeed by working together as a TEAM.
 

Cynthia R. Cernak, DPM, FACFAS, FABPM, FAENS

Dr. Cynthia R. Cernak has been a practicing podiatric surgeon for over 15 years. She graduated from Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine in Chicago, Illinois in 1989. Dr. Cernak then did a residency in podiatric medicine and surgery at North Chicago VA Hospital. Following her residency, she was a surgical attending at the same facility. Dr. Cernak attended post graduate fellowships in reconstructive surgery Doctors Hospital, Tucker, Georgia. She became board certified in podiatric surgery in 1994 recertifying in 2004. She became board certified in podiatric orthopedics in 1993 and recertified in 2003. She is a fellow of the American College of Podiatric Surgeons, and a fellow of the American College of Podiatric Orthopedics.

Recently in 2004, Dr. Cernak completed fellowship training in decompressive nerve surgery at the Dellon Institute in Baltimore, Maryland. She is a founding member of the Institute of Peripheral Nerve Surgery. Dr. Cernak is a frequent lecturer complications and management of the diabetic foot, and treatment options for peripheral neuropathy. She has served as an instructor in the family practice residency program in Racine, Wisconsin, and currently serves on the board of directors for the alumni association of Rosalind-Franklin University of Podiatric Medicine.

Dr. Cernak has received numerous honors and awards the area of Podiatric Surgery in her community, and is particularly proud of the leadership award she received in 2003 for her work with Woman’s and Children’s Horizon, a haven for victims of domestic violence in Southeastern Wisconsin. Dr. Cernak is currently involved in research for alternative treatment options in diabetic peripheral neuropathy and has opened the first of its kind neuropathy clinic in Wisconsin.

Dr. Cernak lives in Kenosha, Wisconsin and is very proud of her two daughters, Melissa, a History teacher at Harborside Academy High School in Kenosha and Heather, a practicing attorney. Dr. Cernak is also delighted to add that she is a grandmother of four adorable grandchildren.
 

Megan L. Oltmann, DPM

Dr. Megan L. Oltmann is a foot and ankle surgeon in the state of Ohio. She is board qualified in forefoot, rearfoot, and reconstructive ankle surgery. She is the current Secretary of the North Eastern Ohio Academy of Podiatric Medicine, an Associate member of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons, and a member of the American Podiatric Medical Association, Ohio Foot and Ankle Medical Association, and the Institute for Podiatric Excellence and Development.

Dr. Oltmann graduated from the The Ohio State University with a Bachelors in Biology with a minor in dance. She attended Kent State University College of Podiatric Medicine. Following completion at Kent State she went on to do her internship with the Cleveland Clinic Foundation and finished her residency at Mercy Health/Northern Ohio Foot and Ankle Foundation. Dr. Oltmann is now teaching faculty at the Mercy Health/Northern Ohio Foot and Ankle Foundation Residency Program. She continues to give back to her profession by lecturing to incoming students at Kent State as well as at regional conferences and symposiums. 

Dr. Oltmann has surgical interests in foot and ankle surgery including, diabetic reconstructive surgery, sports injury management with an emphasis on dancers, fracture management, lower extremity trauma, reconstructive surgery of the foot and ankle, pediatric foot surgery, as well as bunion and hammertoe surgery. Dr. Oltmann has advanced training in external fixation.

Dr. Oltmann is published in Podiatry Today with an article entitled "A Closer Look at Perfusion Assessment Techniques." She presented a poster at the Symposium for Advanced Wound Care in San Antonio, TX with a poster entitled "Limb Salvage in the Setting of Severe Peripheral Arterial Disease with Left Ventricular Assist Device." In February of 2016 published by Northern Ohio Foot and Ankle Foundation Journal she wrote a paper entitled "A Review of Common Foot and Ankle Injuries Sustained by Dancers."

In her spare time Dr. Oltmann enjoys working out, swimming in the summer months, playing volleyball, running, cooking, and baking. When she has a free weekend she enjoys traveling back to the Youngstown area where much of her family resides. She married her husband in 2014. They enjoy traveling, golfing, and skiing together as well as playing with their Golden Retriever "Braxton".
 

Gerald Caussade

Gerald Caussade is a Serial software entrepreneur and seed investor with active role in investments. He is a major force in leading and mentoring start-ups, large account software sales targeting C-Level executives, international sales, sales to the health care and financial verticals, project management (PMP), business intelligence, "big data", and large software modernization projects are areas of focus. Gerald is a graduate of Missouri University of Science and Technology and presently, and is CEO of HIPAA Complete.

Josh White, DPM, CPed

Founder & President of SafeStep. He is Board Certified in Podiatric Ortho-pedics & a Certified Pedorthist with over 25 years experience providing diabetic preventative foot care. He pioneered the development of afford-able customized footwear to a wide range of patients with special needs, from high performance athletes to functionally compromised patients. Dr. White has been an instructor at the CA College of Podiatric Medicine, NYCPM, the Parsons School of Design and was for 14 years the Medical Advisor of New Balance, New York. Dr. White has been twice named one of the nation’s Most Influential Podiatrists by Podiatry Management magazine. He serves as a member of the American Podiatric Medical Association’s Durable Medical Equipment sub-committee.