Healthcare Providers
EXPERTISE AND COMMITMENT
Pivotal Surgical Partners is more than brilliant vascular, cardiovascular and cardiothoracic surgeons. We have an entire healthcare team committed to excellence.
Our dedicated healthcare team includes outstanding certified physician assistants (PAs) and advanced registered nurse practitioners (ARNPs), as well as highly skilled back-office administrators, who provide our surgeons and patients with world-class support. Whether you have a question about your treatment, your health or your billing, the Pivotal Surgical Partners team is here for you!
Find out more below about our PAs and ARNPs.
Our Team of Providers
Craig Acosta, PA-C
Board-Certified Physician Assistant
Excellence in All We Do
Craig Acosta, PA-C
Board-Certified Physician Assistant
Craig Acosta spent six years as a hospital corpsman in the U.S. Navy, responsible for Combat Search and Rescue. He is a veteran of the Iraq War (Operation Desert Storm) and the Bosnian War. Craig completed his undergraduate studies at Columbia University, and earned a master’s degree in physician assistant studies at D’Youville College in Buffalo, New York, in 1999.
Craig is a Diamond Member and preceptor for Maquet endoscopic vein harvesting, and a preceptor for intuitive surgical robotic mitral valve and lung surgery.
Office
Baptist Downtown Office
836 Prudential Drive
Suite 1804
Jacksonville, FL 32207
Phone: 904.398.3888
Fax: 904.400.6675
Richard Amato, PA-C
Board-Certified Physician Assistant
Excellence in All We Do
Richard J. Amato, PA-C
Board-Certified Physician Assistant
Richard J. Amato, PA-C, joined the Cardiothoracic & Vascular Surgical Associates group in July 2019. He is trained in all aspects of cardiothoracic and vascular surgery and has 17 years of experience. Richard graduated from South University Physician Assistant Program in Savannah, Georgia, and then went on for master’s level training with a specialization in cardiothoracic surgery from the University of Nebraska. He has also earned an MBA from The State University of New York at Binghamton.
Richard currently maintains privileges at Sacred Heart Hospital and West Florida Hospital, both in Pensacola, Florida. He is board-certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) and is a member of Pi Alpha, the National Honor Society for Physician Assistants.
In his off time, Richard enjoys spending time with his family and has a passion for the outdoors
Office
Sacred Heart Hospital
5151 N. 9th Avenue
Suite 200
Pensacola, FL 32504
Phone: 850.416.4970
Fax: 850.741.3053
Jim Arreche, PA-C
Board-Certified Physician Assistant
Excellence in All We Do
Jim Arreche, PA-C
Board-Certified Physician Assistant
Jim Arreche, PA, joined Cardiothoracic & Vascular Surgical Associates in 1996. He has training and expertise in all aspects of cardiac, pulmonary and vascular medicine, and surgical treatment of all cardiothoracic and vascular diseases.
Jim graduated from Emory University Physician Assistant School of Medicine in 1996. He completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Central Florida with a BS in microbiology in 1988, and a BS in cardiopulmonary science in 1991. He currently maintains privileges at St. Vincent’s Riverside and Southside, Baptist Downtown and South, Memorial Hospital and Orange Park Medical Center.
Jim is certified by the American Board of Physicians Assistants and is a member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants, Florida Academy of Physician Assistants, and the Association of Physician Assistants in Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery.
In his off time, Jim enjoys spending time with his family, traveling, exercising and working with his saltwater aquarium.
Office
St. Vincent’s Office
1824 King Street
Suite 200
Jacksonville, FL 32204
Phone: 904.384.3343
Fax: 904.400.6671
Dan Beck, PA-C
Board-Certified Physician Assistant
Excellence in All We Do
Dan Beck, PA-C
Board-Certified Physician Assistant
Daniel Beck, PA, joined the Cardiothoracic & Vascular Surgical Associates group in 1996. A graduate of the University of Florida, he has training and expertise in all aspects of cardiac and thoracic surgery. He currently maintains privileges at St. Vincent’s Riverside.
Dan is board-certified by the National Commission for Certification of Physician Assistants and is a member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants, as well as the Florida Academy of Physician Assistants.
US NAVY corpsman / operating room technician, serving here in Jacksonville and the USS IWO JIMA, veteran of the Gulf war.
In his free time, Dan enjoys spending time with his wife and three children.
Office
St. Vincent’s Office
1824 King Street
Suite 200
Jacksonville, FL 32204
Phone: 904.384.3343
Fax: 904.400.6671
Jenny Card, PA-C
Board-Certified Physician Assistant
Excellence in All We Do
Jenny Card, PA-C
Board-Certified Physician Assistant
Jennifer Card, PA, joined the Cardiothoracic & Vascular Surgical Associates group in 2015. She has training and expertise in all aspects of vascular disease and its surgical treatments. She graduated from Rutgers University with a major in exercise science and a minor in Spanish. She also graduated from Seton Hall University Physician Assistants School.
Jenny currently maintains privileges at St. Vincent’s Riverside and Southside, Baptist Downtown and South, Memorial Hospital and Orange Park Medical Center. She is board-certified by the National Commission for Certification of Physician Assistants.
In her free time, Jenny enjoys ocean marathon swimming, yoga, coaching softball, baking and reading.
Office
Baptist Downtown Office
836 Prudential Drive
Suite 1804
Jacksonville, FL 32207
Phone: 904.398.3888
Fax: 904.400.6675
Kristi Christman, PA-C
Board-Certified Physician Assistant
Excellence in All We Do
Kristi Christman, PA-C
Board-Certified Physician Assistant
Kristi Christman, PA, joined the Cardiothoracic & Vascular Surgical Associates group in September 2019. Previously, she was a cardiothoracic surgery/critical care medicine practitioner for 29 years in Philadelphia, PA. She has training and expertise in all aspects of cardiac/vascular/thoracic medicine and surgical treatment of all cardiac/vascular/thoracic disease.
Kristi graduated from Essex Community College’s Physician Assistant Program in 1990 and obtained her master’s in physician assistant studies from University of Nebraska Medical Center in 2003. She currently maintains privileges at St. Vincent’s Riverside and Southside, Baptist Downtown and South, Memorial Hospital and Orange Park Medical Center. She is board-certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA).
In her time off, Kristi has many interests. She enjoys traveling, playing guitar and doing home renovation projects.
Office
Orange Park Office
1893 Kingsley Ave
Suite A
Orange Park, FL 32073
Phone: 904.592.4940
Fax: 904.400.6673
Christelle Genis, PA-C
Board-Certified Physician Assistant
Excellence in All We Do
Christelle Genis, PA-C
Board-Certified Physician Assistant
Christelle Genis, PA, joined the Cardiothoracic & Vascular Surgical Associates group in July 2018. She has training and expertise in all aspects of the surgical treatment of peripheral vascular disease.
Christelle graduated from the University of Florida School of Physician Assistant Studies in 2018. She currently maintains privileges at St. Vincent’s Riverside and Southside, Baptist Downtown and South, Memorial Hospital and Orange Park Medical Center. Christelle is board-certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) and is a member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants.
In her off time, Christelle enjoys CrossFit, surfing, cooking and being outdoors.
Office
St. Vincent’s Office
1824 King Street
Suite 200
Jacksonville, FL 32204
Phone: 904.384.3343
Fax: 904.400.6671
Craig Ingermann, PA-C
Board-Certified Physician Assistant
Excellence in All We Do
Craig A. Ingermann, PA-C
Board-Certified Physician Assistant
Craig A. Ingermann, PA-C, joined Cardiothoracic & Vascular Surgical Associates in March 2020. With more than 17 years of experience in cardiovascular and thoracic surgery, he subspecializes in the management of atrial fibrillation and congestive heart failure. He has served as an advanced trainer for Guidant and Maquet endovascular radial artery harvest, as well as endoscopic vein harvest.
Prior to becoming a physician assistant, Craig worked as a trauma ICU nurse while serving in the U.S. Army and a medical ICU nurse while completing his physician assistant training. He graduated from Butler University in Indianapolis, Indiana, with a Bachelor of Science in physician assistant studies in 2003. He currently maintains privileges at Sacred Heart Hospital in Pensacola.
Craig is board-certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) and is a member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA).
In his off time, Craig enjoys riding horses and working on his 25-acre farm.
Office
Sacred Heart Hospital
5151 N. 9th Avenue
Suite 200
Pensacola, FL 32504
Phone: 850.416.4970
Fax: 850.741.3053
Michael Juneau, PA-C
Board-Certified Physician Assistant
Excellence in All We Do
Michael Juneau, PA-C
Board-Certified Physician Assistant
Michael Juneau, PA, joined the Cardiothoracic & Vascular Surgical Associates group in June 2017. He has training and expertise in all aspects of cardiothoracic surgery. He earned his graduate degree from the University of New England and undergraduate degree in biology from the University of Southern Maine.
Before college, Michael served with the U.S. Navy/Naval Reserve as a corpsman with the Fleet Marine Force, as well as with Mobile Diving and Salvage units. His active-duty time included a deployment with the Second Marine Division in support of Operation Desert Storm.
Michael currently maintains privileges at St. Vincent’s Riverside and Southside, Baptist Downtown and South, Memorial Hospital and Orange Park Medical Center. He is board-certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physicians Assistants (NCCPA).
In his free time, Michael enjoys cycling (road and mountain biking), watching football and home improvement projects on his new home.
Office
Baptist Downtown Office
836 Prudential Drive
Suite 1804
Jacksonville, FL 32207
Phone: 904.398.3888
Fax: 904.400.6675
Second Location
Baptist South Office
14540 Old St. Augustine Road
Medical Bldg 2, 5th Floor
Suite 2593
Jacksonville, FL 32258
Phone: 904.328.5289
Fax: 904.328.1690
Deborah Melendez, PA-C
Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner
Excellence in All We Do
Deborah Melendez, PA-C
Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner
Deborah Melendez, ARNP, joined the Cardiothoracic & Vascular Surgical Associates group in 2017. She has over 10 years of cardiothoracic and vascular surgical experience. Deborah is a graduate of South University and is a board-certified Advance Registered Nurse Practitioner by the American Nurses Credentialing Center. She also is credentialed as a board-certified surgical first assistant.
Deborah currently maintains privileges at St. Vincent’s Riverside and Southside, Baptist Downtown and South, Memorial Hospital, Orange Park Medical Center and Flagler Hospital.
In her off time, Deborah enjoys traveling and making memories with her family.
Office
Memorial Office
3599 University Blvd S
Suite 602
Jacksonville, FL 32216
Phone: 904.398.8147
Fax: 904.400.6674
Second Location
Flagler Office
300 Health Park Blvd
Suite 5000
St. Augustine, FL 32086
Phone: 904.494.2394
Fax: 904.400.6676
Katherine Metts, DNP, ARNP
Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner
Excellence in All We Do
Katherine Metts, DNP, ARNP
Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner
Katie Metts is an American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) board-certified nurse practitioner. She earned her Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP) at University of North Florida in 2018. Prior to this, she completed an intern year with our surgeons, along with training as a Registered Nurse First Assist (RNFA) in surgery.
In her free time, Katie enjoys traveling with her husband, working out and exploring trails with her dog, Benny.
Office
Memorial Office
3599 University Blvd S
Suite 602
Jacksonville, FL 32216
Phone: 904.398.8147
Fax:904.400.6674
Second Location
Baptist South Office
14540 Old St. Augustine Road
Medical Bldg 2, 5th Floor
Suite 2593
Jacksonville, FL 32258
Phone: 904.328.5289
Fax:904.328.1690
Bryn Murphy, PA-C
Board-Certified Physician Assistant
Excellence in All We Do
Bryn Murphy, PA-C
Board-Certified Physician Assistant
Bryn Murphy, PA, joined the Cardiothoracic & Vascular Surgical Associates group in 2015. She has training and expertise in all aspects of cardiac and thoracic surgery. She earned her undergraduate degree in biology from the Pennsylvania State University and completed her master’s in physician assistant studies at Nova Southeastern University.
Bryn currently maintains privileges at St. Vincent’s Riverside and Southside, Baptist Downtown and South, Memorial Hospital and Orange Park Medical Center. She is board-certified by the National Commission for Certification of Physician Assistants and is a member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants as well as the Florida Academy of Physician Assistants.
In her off time, Bryn enjoys being outdoors, traveling, and spending time with her dogs.
Office
St. Vincent’s Office
1824 King Street
Suite 200
Jacksonville, FL 32204
Phone: 904.384.3343
Fax: 904.400.6671
Albaro L. Perez, PA-C
Board-Certified Physician Assistant
Excellence in All We Do
Albaro L. Perez, PA-C
Board-Certified Physician Assistant
Albaro L. Perez, PA, joined the Cardiothoracic & Vascular Surgical Associates group in 2020. Prior to joining, he was at Advent Health Orlando in the Department of Vascular Surgery. He is well trained in treating and assisting with vascular procedures ranging from dialysis access and peripheral vascular disease, to aneurysms and bypass for limb salvage. Albaro also attended the Test Drive training course for transcarotid artery revascularization (TCAR) procedure, a new approach for carotid stenting.
Albaro is an undergraduate of Florida Gulf Coast University and completed the Physician Assistant Program at Nova Southeastern University in 2016. He received the Chancellor’s Scholarship and was inducted into the PAEA Pi Alpha National Honor Society there.
He currently maintains privileges at St. Vincent’s Riverside and Southside, Baptist Downtown and South, Memorial Hospital and Orange Park Medical Center. Albaro is board-certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) and is a member of the Society of Vascular Surgery.
In his free time, Albaro volunteers for the Sharing Smiles Foundation, traveling overseas to help provide cleft palate/lip surgical procedures in underserved regions. He also enjoys traveling and photography.
Office
Memorial Office
3599 University Blvd S
Suite 602
Jacksonville, FL 32216
Phone: 904.398.8147
Fax: 904.400.6674
Michael Rucker, PA-C
Board-Certified Physician Assistant
Excellence in All We Do
Michael Rucker II, PA-C
Board-Certified Physician Assistant
Michael Rucker II, PA, joined the Cardiothoracic & Vascular Surgical Associates group in December 2018. He has training and expertise in all aspects of cardiothoracic and vascular medicine, and the surgical treatment of all cardiovascular disease.
Michael graduated from Nova Southeastern University in Jacksonville, Florida. He currently maintains privileges at St. Vincent’s Riverside and Southside, Baptist Downtown and South, Memorial Hospital and Orange Park Medical Center. He is board-certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) and is a member of the Florida Academy of Physician Assistants and the American Academy of Physician Assistants.
In his off time, Michael enjoys physical activities such as exercising at the gym and rock climbing.
Office
Orange Park Office
1893 Kingsley Ave
Suite A
Orange Park, FL 32073
Phone: 904.592.4940
Fax: 904.400.6673
Will Shimp, PA-C
Board-Certified Physician Assistant
Excellence in All We Do
Will Shimp, PA-C
Board-Certified Physician Assistant
Will Shimp, PA, joined Cardiothoracic & Vascular Surgical Associates in 1999. He has training and expertise in cardiothoracic and vascular surgical medicine. Will graduated from college in Charleston in 1994 with a Bachelor of Science in biology and a minor in chemistry. He went on to the Medical College of Georgia and earned a BS in physician assistant studies in 1999.
Will currently maintains privileges at Flagler Hospital and Baptist Hospital. He is board-certified by the National Commission for Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) and is a member of the American Association of Physician Assistants and the Florida Association of Physician Assistants.
In his free time, Will enjoys offshore fishing and surf kayaking.
Office
St. Vincent’s Office
1824 King Street
Suite 200
Jacksonville, FL 32204
Phone: 904.384.3343
Fax: 904.400.6671
Second Location
Flagler Office
300 Health Park Blvd
Suite 5000
St. Augustine, FL 32086
Phone: 904.494.2394
Fax: 904.400.6676
Kris Stipe, PA-C
Board-Certified Physician Assistant
Excellence in All We Do
Kris Stipe, PA-C
Board-Certified Physician Assistant
Kris Stipe, PA, joined the Cardiothoracic & Vascular Surgical Associates group in 2000. She has training and expertise in surgical treatment of all peripheral vascular disease. She graduated from the University of Alabama at Birmingham physician assistant program in 1994.
Kris currently maintains privileges at St. Vincent’s Riverside and Southside, Baptist Downtown and South, Memorial Hospital and Orange Park Medical Center. She is board-certified by the National Commission for Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) and is a member of the Florida Association of Physician Assistants and the American Academy of Physician Assistants.
In her off time, Kris enjoys camping, reading, scrapbooking and spending time with her family.
Office
St. Vincent’s Office
1824 King Street
Suite 200
Jacksonville, FL 32204
Phone: 904.384.3343
Fax: 904.400.6671
