Every breath tells a story

Pulmonary Group of Central Florida

Living with a lung disease can negatively impact a person’s quality of life.

Fortunately, Dr. Jose Diaz and his talented team at Pulmonary Group of Central Florida have provided a breath of fresh air for countless Lake County patients.

That team includes Dr. Marjery Lopez, who is board certified in internal and pulmonary medicine, as well as advanced registered nurse practitioners Maria Byrd and Pilar Smith, who are both certified in adult health and specialize in pulmonary medicine. They specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of lung-related disorders such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder, lung cancer, asthma and sleep apnea.

In addition to being highly trained and experienced, the team prides itself in offering compassionate care. The team members spend quality time with each patient, taking the time to answer any questions and address any concerns.

Pulmonary Group of Central Florida is unique in several ways. First, the practice offers onsite pulmonary rehabilitation where patients undergo monitored exercise and education sessions aimed at helping them increase their endurance and overall quality of life. The rehab is tailored to an individual patient’s needs so he or she can continue exercising at home.

“Studies show pulmonary patients who undergo rehabilitation have a lesser chance of being hospitalized,” Dr. Diaz says.

In addition, Pulmonary Group of Central Florida serves as a medical research site. This means patients who meet certain criteria may be chosen to receive the latest medication aimed at treating various lung diseases.

“It’s a win-win situation for us and the patient,” Dr. Diaz says. “Patients are reimbursed and may receive medication that is vastly superior to the medication being used now. And for the practice, we get to be a driving engine for innovative research that may drastically improve the lives of pulmonary patients.”

Thanks to his skilled surgical hands, meticulous attention to detail, and warm, caring demeanor, Dr. MaoHao “Charlie” Han has helped countless suffering patients achieve full recoveries and regain their quality of life.

Dr. Han is a board-certified general and thoracic surgeon with Advanced Gastroenterology and Surgery Associates, which has locations in Leesburg and Lady Lake. After attending medical school at the University of Mississippi, he completed general surgery training at the University of South Alabama and thoracic surgery training at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center in Memphis.

“For me, it is very important that all my patients achieve excellent outcomes,” says Dr. Han, who has privileges at Leesburg Regional Medical Center and The Villages Regional Hospital. “They are putting their trust in me, and that is something I take very seriously.”

Dr. Han performs general surgeries such as hernia repair, gallbladder removal, colon resection, skin grafts and breast surgery (mastectomy and lumpectomy). The thoracic procedures he performs include minimally invasive biopsies, lung and esophagus cancer, gastroesophageal reflux disease and swallowing disorders.

He is also trained in minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery, which involves making a small incision in the patient and inserting a tiny video camera and very thin surgical instruments. The video gives Dr. Han an excellent view of the operating area. Laparoscopic surgery is used to treat gallstones, hernias, lung cancer, colon cancer and gastroesophageal reflux disease.

“The advantages of laparoscopic surgery is less pain, less scar tissue, faster recovery and a faster return to your favorite activities,” Dr. Han says.