JACKSONVILLE BEACH SURGERY CENTER - Key Persons

Job Titles:

• Member of the North America Neuro - Ophthalmology Society
• Ophthalmologist

Dr. Hazem Samy, MD, FRCS, is an Ophthalmologist with unique qualifications in Neuro-ophthalmology & Glaucoma. He has significant experience in treating diseases of the Central Nervous System that affect the visual pathways. Multiple Sclerosis, Brain tumors, strokes and double vision are some examples for such medical conditions that may affect the vision. Dr. Samy has been practicing in academic positions at different universities for the last 12 years. He served as the Director of Neuro-Ophthalmology Service at University of Pittsburgh Medical center until 2009. He then moved to Florida where he joined the University of Florida Gainesville as the Director of Neuro-Ophthalmology Services, as well as covering the Glaucoma and Comprehensive services. He is Certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology and by the Royal College of Surgeons in Edinburgh UK. He completed his Neuro-Ophthalmology Fellowship at the University of Illinois in Chicago and Glaucoma Fellowship at University of Florida. Dr. Samy obtained his MD degree at Ain Shams University in Cairo, Egypt and completed his ophthalmology residency at the Medical College of Georgia in Augusta, GA. He obtained further training at Princess Alexandra Eye Pavilion in Edinburgh UK before moving to Chicago where he completed his Neuro-ophthalmology training. Dr. Samy also practiced General Neurology at University of British Columbia in Vancouver Canada. His significant medical and surgical experience includes Strabismus surgery for double vison, Glaucoma and Cataract surgery allow him to most effectively serve our community in central and north Florida. Dr. Samy is a member of the North America Neuro-Ophthalmology Society, American Glaucoma Society and American Academy of Ophthalmology.

Job Titles:

• Head
• Surgeon
• Member of the American Academy of Otolaryngology

Dr. Kunal Thakkar is a board certified Otolaryngologist-Head and Neck Surgeon (Ear, Nose, Throat physician). Dr. Thakkar earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Biological Sciences and Psychology at University of Illinois, where he graduated with Phi Beta Kappa distinction. He earned his medical degree at the University of Illinois in Chicago, where he was elected to Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society - an honor received by those graduating at the top of the class. He also received his surgical training at the prestigious University of Illinois in Chicago, one of the top Otolaryngology training programs in the country. He was elected Administrative Chief Resident by the faculty during his senior year of training. Dr. Thakkar is a member of the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, amongst multiple other medical societies. Dr. Thakkar has been actively involved in research with multiple publications and book chapters in various topics in otolaryngology. Topics include sinus infections, sleep apnea, pediatric ENT, ear disorders, and treatment of head and neck cancers.

Job Titles:

• Our Medical Director

Our medical director, Dr. Sofia K. Kirk, is a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Having spent most of her life in Florida Dr. Kirk attended the University of Florida in Gainesville, graduating Summa cum laude, with a B.S. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. She then studied medicine at the University of South Florida College of Medicine in Tampa. She completed her General Surgery Residency at the University of South Florida and completed her Plastic Surgery Residency at the University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City.

Job Titles:

• Certified Anesthesiologist

Dr. Salahi is a board certified anesthesiologist and pain management specialist. He received his Doctor of Osteopathy degree from the University of New England, his anesthesia residency at Mayo Clinic, and his pain fellowship at the Medical College of Virginia. After working two years in private practice he founded the Metropolitan Pain Management Center in 2000, and is currently its sole practicing physician.