Precision Healthcare Specialists adds colorectal surgeons Dyke, Ravipati and Neale

Doctors Valerie Dyke, Nagesh Ravipati and Jeffrey Neale, board-certified colorectal surgeons of the Colorectal Institute, have joined Precision Healthcare Specialists, an expanding network of physicians that now includes doctors practicing in seven medical specialties.

The trio are well established in Southwest Florida and treat all forms of colon, rectal and anal issues, including colorectal cancer.

Dyke, FACS, FASCRS, is the chair of surgery at Gulf Coast Medical Center in Fort Myers. Her areas of expertise include diagnosing and treating colon and rectal cancer, diverticulitis surgery, laparoscopic surgery, colonoscopy and treatment of benign anorectal disorders like hemorrhoids.

Dyke earned a bachelor of arts degree in psychology from the University of Maryland and a doctor of medicine degree from the University of Maryland School of Medicine.

Ravipati, FACS, FASCRS, is board certified in general surgery and colorectal surgery, and has experience in clinical settings and instructional roles at the college level. He treats all forms of colorectal and anorectal disease, and specializes in robotic surgery.

Ravipati earned his medical degree from the Jagadguru Jayadeva Murugarajendra Medical College before completing an internship in general surgery at Chigateri General Hospital in Davangere and residencies in general surgery at Lokmanya Tilak Municipal Medical College and Mayo Clinic Arizona, where he served as chief resident.

Neale, FACS, FASCRS, treats all forms of colorectal and anal disorders, including diverticulitis and hemorrhoids, and specializes in surgical management of colon and rectal cancer. He performs both laparoscopic and robotic surgery.

Neale earned a bachelor of science degree in biology from the University of Ottawa and a doctor of medicine degree from the University of St. Eustatius School of Medicine. Neale is the surgical lead for the Enhanced Recovery After Surgery program for colorectal surgery, a successful collaborative patient-orientated program initiated by Neale, Dyke, Ravipati and Lee Health in 2016.

Dyke, Ravipati and Neale will continue to see new and established patients at the same locations: 13770 Plantation Road, Suite 2, in Fort Myers, and 2721 Del Prado Blvd S., Suite 210, in Cape Coral. For more information, call 239-275-0728 or visit PHSpecialists.com.

Lee Health Foundation hires Angelus

Isabella Angelus has been hired as donor information specialist to respond to donor inquiries and help process donations for the Lee Health Foundation.

Angelus is currently pursuing her bachelor’s degree at Florida Gulf Coast University and most recently worked at Marmon Aerospace and Defense in Naples performing business and administrative duties.

Lee Health Foundation raises philanthropic dollars on behalf of Lee Health to establish, expand and enhance innovative, lifesaving and preventative programs. The foundation provides financial support for all five Lee Health hospitals including Golisano Children’s Hospital as well as many service areas including Lee Health Cancer Institute, Lee Health Coconut Point, The Rehabilitation Hospital, Lee Health Heart Institute, Community Health Clinics and Golisano Children’s Health Center in Naples.

For additional information about the role of philanthropy at Lee Health or how to make a difference for healthcare in the community, visit LeeHealthFoundation.org or call 239-343-6950.

Free youth autism screening Aug. 16

Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida, in partnership with Ronald McDonald House Charities of Southwest Florida, offers a free monthly autism spectrum disorder screening for toddlers 18 months to 5 years of age. The next screening will be held on Aug. 16, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Pediatric Specialist Office, 15901 Bass Road, Suite 102, Fort Myers.

It is estimated that one in every 44 children is diagnosed with some form of Autism Spectrum Disorder, making it more common than childhood cancer, juvenile diabetes and pediatric AIDS combined.

The ASD screening is conducted by the Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida. The screenings are administered by an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse, who has extensive training and experience in typical child development and developmental disorders.

To schedule a screening, please call 239-343-6838.