Governor Ron DeSantis Appoints Eight to the Board of Medicine

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - Today, Governor Ron DeSantis announced the appointment of Dr. Gobivenkata Balaji, Dr. Lee Gross, Dr. John Littell, and Deborah Sargeant and the reappointment of Dr. Amy Derick, Dr. David Diamond, Dr. Patrick Hunter, and Nicole Justice to the Board of Medicine.

Dr. Gobivenkata Balaji

Dr. Balaji is the Founder, President, Chief Executive Officer, and Physician at Brevard Health Center. Active in his community, he is a member of the University of Central Florida College of Medicine Admissions Committee and the Holmes Regional Medical Center Credentials Committee and previously served as the President of the Brevard County Medical Society. Dr. Balaji earned his bachelor's degree in medicine and surgery from JJM Medical College in Davangere, India and his master's degree in healthcare management from the Florida Institute of Technology.

Dr. Lee Gross

Dr. Gross is the Founder and Physician at Epiphany Health Direct Primary Care and the Founder of Prime Health of North Port. Active in his community, he is the Chair of Direct Primary Care Action and the President of the Docs 4 Patient Care Foundation. Dr. Gross earned his bachelor's degree in chemistry from The Ohio State University and his Doctor of Medicine degree from Case Western Reserve University.

Dr. John Littell

Dr. Littell is a Family Physician at John T. Littell, M.D., P.A. Active in his community, he currently serves as a Fellow of the Independent Medical Alliance. A veteran of the United States Army Medical Corps, Dr. Littell earned his bachelor's degree in biology from Cornell University and his Doctor of Medicine degree from George Washington University.

Deborah Sargeant

Sargeant is a Florida native who previously served as a member of the Florida State University Board of Trustees. Active in her community, she previously served as a member of the Bethesda Hospital Foundation, the Delray Beach Historical Society, and the Governor's Mansion Commission. Sargeant earned her bachelor's degree in accounting from California State University, Long Beach.

Dr. Amy Derick

Dr. Derick is the Owner, Founder, and Co-Chief Executive Officer of Derick Dermatology. Active in her community, she currently serves as the Chair of the Florida Board of Medicine and is a member of the Federation of State Medical Boards and the Florida Allopathic representative to the Interstate Medical Licensing Compact. Dr. Derick earned her bachelor's degree from the University of Notre Dame and her Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Chicago.

Dr. David Diamond

Dr. Diamond is a Physician at Oncology Physicians of Florida, P.A. Active in his community, he is a member of the American Society of Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology, the American College of Radiation Oncology, and the American Israel Public Affairs Committee. Dr. Diamond earned his bachelor's degree in art and archaeology from Princeton University and his Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Florida.

Dr. Patrick Hunter

Dr. Hunter is a General Pediatrician at Pensacola Pediatrics. Active in his community, he is a member of the Catholic Medical Association and previously served as a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics. A veteran of the United States Army Reserve Medical Corps, Dr. Hunter earned his bachelor's degree in zoology from Miami University, his master's degree in bioethics from the University of Mary, and his Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Louisville.

Nicole Justice

Justice is the Vice President of Patient Safety, Risk, and Insurance for Tampa General Hospital. Active in her community, she serves as the Chair of the Florida Board of Medicine's Credentials Committee and was listed as one of Becker's 90 Patient Safety Experts to Know in 2024. Justice earned her bachelor's degree in business from the University of South Florida and her juris doctor from Seton Hall University.

These appointments are subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.