APP-NEA - Key Persons


David K. Whitcomb - CFO, Chairman, Founder

Job Titles:
  • Chairman
  • Chief Financial Officer
  • Co - Founder
  • Founder
David Whitcomb is Founder and Chairman Emeritus of Automated Trading Desk, LLC, the pioneer high frequency trading firm. ATD was sold to Citigroup in 2007 and at the time of its sale accounted for 7% of all volume on the NYSE & NASDAQ Stock Markets. He received a Bachelor of Science in Economics (With Highest Distinction) from Babson College in 1963 and a PhD (With Distinction, Friedman Prize) from Columbia University in 1968. After research/faculty positions at the RAND Corporation, NYU & City University of New York, he joined Rutgers University in 1975 and retired as Professor of Finance Emeritus in 1999. One of the first researchers in the microstructure of securities markets, he has published in all the major finance & economics journals and is listed among the Top 100 researchers in financial economics (1974-1998). His business honors include Entrepreneur of the Year (Regional winner for the Carolinas) and Outstanding Financial Executive (Financial Management Association). He and his wife and reside in New York City and Honolulu. They are active in charitable endeavors in both places, especially in connection with the Whitcomb Center for Research in Financial Services (Rutgers Univ.) and the Honolulu Museum of Art.

Dr. Bob Mongrain

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Doctor Mastery Program
Dr. Bob Mongrain received his Doctor of Dental Medicine Degree in 1979, graduating from the University of Florida. He served in the Indian Health Service before beginning a private practice in 1982. Dental education is an ongoing interest for Dr. Mongrain. He has been an adjunct faculty member at Oral Roberts University and currently a faculty member at the University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry. Currently, Dr. Mongrain lectures and conducts training seminars for dentists around the country and internationally. He is a leader in CAD/CAM dentistry and consults and trains for the E4D CAD/CAM crown system. Dr. Mongrain is an esteemed member of the Doctor Mastery Program. The five-year program consists of clinical training conducted by world renowned clinicians, from building on foundational skills and advancing to mastery of the most complex dental care. Upon completion of the five-year program, Dr. Mongrain will achieve a Fellowship with the Academy of General Dentistry (FAGD) held by only 7% of general dentists in the United States, as well as increase access to dental care.

Dr. Eric Smith

Serving the dental needs of my patients is of utmost importance to me. To have the ability to improve the quality of someone's life - it's beyond rewarding. When people ask me what I do for a living, I tell them that I make people smile, literally. I'm so thankful to have the opportunity to provide my patients with satisfying dental experiences.

Dr. Eric Teller

Dr. Eric Teller earned his BA, Summa cum Laude, from Yeshiva University and his medical degree from Robert Wood Johnson Medical School - University of Medicine of New Jersey in 2002. He was trained in Internal Medicine at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick, New Jersey between 2002 and 2005. After a year as Chief Resident in Internal Medicine, he completed a fellowship in pulmonary, critical care and sleep medicine at New York Presbyterian Hospital - Columbia University Medical Center. Dr. Teller joined Kamelhar Pulmonary in 2009. He has a faculty appointment at NYU School of Medicine where he teaches medical students, residents and fellows at NYU Langone Medical Center. He performs bronchoscopies at the hospital to diagnose patients with lung cancer, infections and other lung diseases. Dr. Teller was awarded a grant during fellowship from the ResMed Foundation for the treatment of sleep disordered breathing in patients with congestive heart failure. He specializes in the diagnosis and management of the breathing and sleep problems in patients with heart disease. He has privileges at New York Eye and Ear Infirmary where he interprets sleep studies. His expertise includes sleep apnea, insomnia, other sleep disorders, cough, asthma, chronic obstructive lung disease, sinus disease, lung cancer and interstitial lung disease. Dr. Teller prides himself on using an evidence based approach in the treatment of patients. He customizes the plan for each patient and utilizes relationships with other specialists, therapists and DME companies throughout NYC and beyond to find the right approach in the management of each patient's underlying disease.

Dr. Gerald Awadzi

Job Titles:
  • Dentist
  • Director of Education and Clinical Affairs
  • Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry
Dr. Awadzi is a seasoned dentist of over 20 years, with dedication to cutting edge research and implementation of best clinical practices, while collaborating with industry leading innovators, suppliers and laboratories. He serves as the director of Education and Clinical Affairs. He joined the Heartland Dental Group in 2003 and has managed several dental offices in a number of States, as well as served as a clinical director for the Group since 2006. Before joining Heartland, he developed, and worked as the dental director of the "Miles for Smiles" Federal Government -funded program at Citizens Memorial Hospital in Missouri for 2 years, and earlier worked as a dentist in Ghana where he began his dental career in Ghana in 1997. Dr. Awadzi has extensive experience in dental research, having worked as a research associate with the PEARL network at the New York University, and as a biomaterials research assistant at the University of Pennsylvania. He is passionate about training and mentoring other dentists in clinical and leadership roles. He obtained a Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) degree from the University of Ghana Dental School in 1997, Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree from the University of Pennsylvania in 2001, and an IV Sedation certification from the University of Alabama in 2010. Dr. Awadzi is a Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry and a member of the American Dental Association, Virginia Dental Association, Northern Virginia Dental Society, American Dental Society of Anesthesiology, and the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine. Dr. Awadzi is licensed by the Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Illinois, New Hampshire, Georgia, Alabama and South Carolina dental Boards. Dr. Awadzi lives with his lovely wife Elsie and their two adorable sons in Leesburg, Virginia. Dr. Awadzi is an avid private pilot and soccer player, who loves to coach his sons' soccer team, and volunteer for church and community activities.

Dr. Julian Osorio

A specialist in dental implants and esthetic restorations, Dr. Julian Osorio has expertise in restoring optimum appearance and function to his patients' smiles. As a cosmetic dentist in practice for over 30 years, Dr. Osorio has advanced training in esthetic procedures, dental implants, TMD problems, traumatic injuries to the mouth, congenital anomalies, sleep apnea treatment and oral cancer reconstruction. He is considered a master of complete oral rehabilitation... Dr. Julian Osorio obtained his dental degree from the Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogota, Colombia in 1979. He obtained his DMD, Master of Science in Dentistry, and his post-graduate training in Prosthodontics from Boston University Goldman School of Dental Medicine. Dr. Osorio joined Watkin Dental Associates in 1992 and subsequently became a full partner and now the sole owner of Osorio Dental Group. He lectures internationally to dentists and implant surgeons on the latest advancements in dental implant technology and developments helping achieve ideal esthetics and healing time. Dr. Osorio served as Vice-President of the American College of Prosthodontics (MA division) and remains an active member. He is also a member of the American Dental Association, the Massachusetts Dental Society and the American Academy of Osseointegration.When he's not practicing dentistry, Dr. Osorio enjoys spending time with his three children. He is an avid golfer and very much into fitness and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Dr. Pankaj Singh - Founder

Job Titles:
  • Co - Founder
  • Scientific Director
Dr. Pankaj Singh is a recognized authority in the field of dental sleep medicine, oral implantology and oral surgery. He is a dual diplomat of The International Congress of Oral Implantologists and the American Board of Oral Implantology/Implant Dentistry and served as a board examiner. He is co-founder and faculty at Foundation for Surgical Excellence, a teaching and research foundation and is an international lecturer on dental implants, anesthesia, oral surgery, TMD-jaw pain and facial esthetics. Dr. Singh is the author of the bestseller textbook "Atlas of Oral Implantology - 3rd edition" by Mosby/Elsevier. He holds several patents and most recently invented the minimally invasive guided implant and harvesting system "Guided Precision Surgery". He has spent the last 25 years researching the effects of Oral Appliances on airway and Dental Sleep Medicine. Dr. Singh is a fellow of the American Academy of Implant Dentistry and serves as an editor of the Academy's Research Publication The Journal of Oral Implantology and Neurology and serves on the board or several other publications. He has published numerous original research articles, reports, and has contributed to several textbooks. He is dedicated to researching new avenues for sleep apnea treatment both in dentistry and sleep medicine and is a passionate advocate for developments in Dental Sleep Science. It is among his professional goals to educate dentists on their role in a team approach to treatment of snoring and obstructive sleep apnea.

Dr. Shahid Sharar

Job Titles:
  • Director of Strategic Business Development & Marketing
Dr. Sharar, DDS is an esteemed member of the Doctor Mastery Program. The five-year program consists of clinical training conducted by world-renowned clinicians, from building on foundational skills and advancing to mastery of the most complex dental care. He serves as the director of Strategic Business Development & Marketing. Dr. Sharar brings a stellar career of 20 years in dentistry that has spanned many topics from administrative to clinical problem-solving. Prior to joining Heartland Dental in 2006, Dr. Sharar owned and operated 3 successful practices. Currently, Dr. Sharar serves as the Lead Clinical Doctor Mentor for Heartland Dental and is involved in educating and facilitating young doctors in their career paths. Dr. Sharar has received extensive training in the art of Aesthetic/Cosmetic Dentistry and Occlusion.Dr. Sharar has also received extensive training in Dental Sleep Medicine which has become a major focus for him for the last 10 years. Dr. Sharar received his B.Sc. degree in Biology from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County and later received his Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree from University of Maryland Baltimore College of Dentistry in 1997. Dr. Sharar has obtained many accomplishments throughout his career such as: * 12-time recipient of the prestigious Presidents Club Award from Heartland Dental * 3-time recipient of the Endodontic/Crown and Bridge Award from Heartland Dental * Commitment to Education Award from the Illinois School System for supporting education in Illinois * IV Sedation certified * Lead Clinical Doctor Mentor * Member of the Academy of General Dentistry * Holds licenses in Illinois, Maryland, and Missouri When Dr. Sharar is not pursuing dentistry, he indulges in many hobbies such as basketball, bowling, miniature golf, and watching movies with his family. Dr. Sharar is married to the love of his life, Aneela, and have 3 amazing children; Sarah, Zahra (twin daughters) and Sami. Currently, Illinois has been home for the family since 2006.

Dr. Shyam C. Shivdasani

Job Titles:
  • Medical Director
Dr. Shivdasani is an internationally-recognized expert in internal medicine and maintains private practices in New Rochelle and Great Neck, NY where he utilizes a personalized treatment approach consisting of best practices and advanced data analytics. He is a recognized consultant in general and internal medicine and new technologies and treatments in the US and abroad. He is an international speaker and is an attending physician at Montefiore Hospital - New Rochelle, NY and New York Presbyterian Hospital - Lawrence, NY.

Meena Singh - COO

Job Titles:
  • Chief Operating Officer

Monica Bajaj - Chief Compliance Officer

Job Titles:
  • Chief Compliance Officer
Monica brings over 20 years of executive, management and legal experience at leading corporations in various industries including healthcare, finance, and compliance. At Morgan Stanley she was the global head of training for the firm's Global Financial Crimes program. At Citigroup she was the senior compliance officer and senior vice president of the Legal Advisory group. She also served as legal counsel at Merrill Lynch for the investment banking division. Monica was CEO and founder of Premier Consulting, a consulting firm focused on dental and medical practice management for over 11 years. Monica earned her Juris Doctorate at St. John's University School of Law, her Master's degree in International Affairs at Columbia University's School of International Affairs and her B.A. at Barnard College, Columbia University.

Sachen Puri - CTO

Job Titles:
  • Chief Technology Officer
  • Member of Team APP - NEA TM
Sachen is the youngest member of Team APP-NEA TM and is responsible for the entire technical development of the APP-NEA TM and MAD-FIT TM application. He completed his Bachelors in Commerce from Delhi University, New Delhi, India, in 2001 with specialization in finance and marketing. He started his career as an entrepreneur trading minerals and went on to become an exclusive buying agent for one of the largest coal buyers in China. Sachen has always been a tech enthusiast and his interest and knowledge in the field led him to the Business Process Outsourcing industry where he went on to successfully set up and run a mid-sized call center that catered to some of the largest Insurance companies in Australia. He single handedly set up the entire technology infrastructure and the front end for this venture.