Get to Know Our Faculty
- Shelly W. Holmström, MD
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Community (life experiences):
- Dr. Shelly Holmstrom was born and grew up in Pensacola. From a young age she showed an aptitude for intellectual pursuits and the use of her hands. Her mother introduced the idea of becoming a physician and bought her first “doctor kit” at age four. Dr. Holmstrom enrolled in the first class of International Baccalaureate (IB) students at Pensacola High School, where she balanced her schoolwork with cheerleading and gymnastics. Dr. Holmstrom attended Florida State University (FSU) and earned a Bachelor of Science in biology with the hopes of attending medical school. She is one of the first family members to achieve a college degree and the first to attend medical school. Dr. Holmstrom was accepted into the Program in Medical Sciences (PIMS) program, a partnership between FSU and the University of Florida (UF), which historically recruited students from the Panhandle of Florida and emphasized primary care of patients. Her early clinical experiences were in rural clinics outside of Tallahassee and Gainesville. Dr. Holmstrom enjoyed meeting patients in their communities and learning about their families.
Character (personal attributes):
- Dr. Holmstrom became fascinated with women’s healthcare as a first-year student and began shadowing an Ob/Gyn at UF Shands Clinics. She was amazed that the human body can create an entirely independent human being through pregnancy and delivery of a newborn. Dr. Holmstrom became involved in leadership in women’s healthcare as a second-year Ob/Gyn resident physician in Savannah, GA. She became a resident physician leader in the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and has continued her leadership in ACOG. Dr. Holmstrom’s leadership in ACOG has allowed her to advocate for the many women and families throughout Florida. She is passionate about caring for women and their families and has practiced Ob/Gyn in the Tampa Bay area for nearly 20 years.
Curiosity (professional accomplishments):
- Dr. Holmstrom is a leader in Ob/Gyn with high impact accomplishments in patient care, academic medicine and ACOG leadership. She spent most of her career as academic faculty at the University of South Florida (USF) where she educated scores of medical students and resident physicians. In this capacity she achieved full professor designation, published in Obstetrics & Gynecology journal, received numerous teaching awards, and developed an Emergency Obstetrical Simulation course in partnership with ACOG. She achieved a top 1% patient satisfaction score award and was the Chair of ACOG District XII from 2020 to 2022. Dr. Holmstrom is adored by her patients for the extra attention she gives them as well as her warm and caring demeanor. She is grateful for her family, friends and the patients that trust her with their care.
- Philip N. Johnson, MD, FACOG
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Community (life experiences):
- Dr. Johnson was born into a military family and grew up traveling the world, experiencing new cultures and peoples. He attended college at the University of Utah and Harvard University, focusing on becoming a physician. He was accepted to medical school at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City and during his OB/GYN clerkship discovered his joy of obstetrics and caring for women and their families. He did his residency at the University of Florida in Gainesville.
Character (personal attributes):
- Dr. Johnson is an avid learner. He is constantly learning new techniques and procedures to bring to the care of his patients. Integrating innovative technology into his repertoire of surgical skills is a major driving force for his love of surgery
Curiosity (professional accomplishments):
- Dr. Johnson is an innovator as the Chief of Obstetrics and Gynecology, starting the first robotics practice at AdventHealth Ocala and helping to start the area’s Level 2 NICU. He continues to serve his community as member of the board of directors of Estella Byrd Whitman Community Resources Health Center.
- Ebelechukwu 'Chris' Nnoli, MD, FACOG
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Community (life experiences):
- Dr. Nnoli was born in Lagos, Nigeria, where he spent his early years in a vibrant urban environment that blended traditional customs with contemporary influences. Growing up in Africa, he witnessed the challenges faced by underserved communities, particularly their limited access to basic healthcare. These experiences instilled a strong desire to pursue a career in medicine. At the age of twenty, he emigrated to New York City in search of advanced educational opportunities and professional growth. Despite the significant transition in culture, climate, and pace of life, he thrived in his new environment attending college in New York City. After completing his medical degree at Downstate College of Medicine, Brooklyn, NY, he continued Obstetrics and Gynecology residency training in New York. After completing residency, he worked in Ohio for many years and took some travel assignments in Utah, Alabama, and Tennessee while pursuing an MBA in healthcare administration before finally settling in Florida.
Character (personal attributes):
- Moving from Lagos, Nigeria, to New York City required Dr. Nnoli to adapt quickly to diverse linguistic styles, cultures, and communication norms. The education he received equipped him to understand, respect, and interact effectively with people from various backgrounds, including patients, colleagues, and professors. Living far from my home country, family, and familiar community allowed him to develop strong coping mechanisms, such as seeking support when needed and managing stress effectively. These skills enabled him to maintain steady academic progress and excel in clinical performance, even under pressure. His church community significantly contributed to this support system. Throughout his educational journey, Dr. Nnoli sought out mentors and took responsibility for guiding, mentoring, and supporting fellow students, residents, and team members. Medical education and residency training are rigorous paths filled with challenges and setbacks. However, he has always maintained an optimistic outlook. Over the years, this positivity has empowered him to stay motivated, learn continuously from setbacks, and remain focused on my long-term goals.
Curiosity (professional accomplishments):
- During residency training in Obstetrics and Gynecology in New York, Dr. Nnoli demonstrated a strong commitment to both academic and professional development by actively participating in the Medical Society of New York. He also attended the annual meetings of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), driven by my passion for clinical research and a genuine interest in teaching and sharing new medical knowledge. After relocating to Ohio, he became involved with the American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists (AAGL), which reflects his ongoing pursuit of surgical innovation, patient safety, and quality improvement in women's healthcare. Motivated by his passion for teaching and mentorship, Dr. Nnoli served as adjunct faculty position at two medical schools while practicing in Ohio. To further demonstrate his commitment to education and advocacy, Dr. Nnoli moved to Florida to deepen his engagement in graduate medical education at AdventHealth Tampa. This move signifies his intentional choice to enhance his influence in shaping medical education and clinical practice at the institutional level.
- Kristal Sheets, MD
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Community (life experiences):
- Dr. Sheets was born and raised in Los Angeles, California. Both of her parents were born and raised in southern Vietnam and moved to the United States as refugees after the Vietnam War. Her father always heavily emphasized the importance of a quality, well-rounded education so she spent her weekday evenings and weekends doing extracurricular activities such as piano lessons, dance lessons, art classes, and Mandarin Chinese classes. Even while tackling all the struggles of being immigrants living in the U.S., her parents always made her feel as though she could pursue any passion she wanted to.
Character (personal attributes):
- Dr. Sheets grew up in a blended family with three older sisters and two younger brothers, with a working mom who juggled more things than she states she could have and will ever be able to. Her mother is one of the many strong female role models in her life and really inspired her desire to work in the field of women’s health. Dr. Sheets adds that be able to prioritize the health and care of people who so often put themselves last on their list of priorities is truly such a privilege and blessing.
Curiosity (professional accomplishments):
- Being the child of immigrant parents helped Dr. Sheets understand what it is like to navigate a healthcare system that was not constructed for minority and marginalized populations. It gave her insight into the importance of access to healthcare, and what true access looks like – not just a nearby clinic or hospital that accepts your insurance, which is already difficult enough to find, but providers who genuinely take the time to understand who you are as a person and your background including how your culture and upbringing impact your healthcare. Dr. Sheets strives to center her professional goals and contributions around this idea of bringing quality care to all patients while acknowledging their unique backgrounds.
- Renee Bassaly, DO
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Renee M. Bassaly, DO is dual board-certified in Obstetrics and Gynecology and Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery (Urogynecology). Dr. Bassaly is uniquely suited to care for women with pelvic organ disorders. She specializes in minimally invasive techniques including vaginal, laparoscopic and robotic-assisted surgery along with nonsurgical options.
As a recipient of the Florida Top Doc Award in 2019, 2020 and 2021, Dr. Bassaly’s passion for improving women's quality of life is evident. She strives to understand her patient’s concerns, expectations and goals and to educate them for long term success in recovery. Her goal for every patient is to restore their ability to participate in the daily activities that bring them joy and wholeness.
Get to Know Our Residents
- PGY 2 - Nicolette Adderton, DO
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Community (life experiences):
- Nicolette was born in Coral Springs, FL, but relocated in her late childhood with her family to the suburbs of Orlando, where she spent most of her life. With a love for animals, she believed she would pursue a career in veterinary medicine, spending summers in high school volunteering at the local no-kill animal shelter. She attended the University of Central Florida (UCF) and earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology in pursuit of this original path. However, late in college, concerns about endometrial cancer arose in her mother. After witnessing her mother's transformative care from a gynecologic oncologist at AdventHealth, Nicolette received a new calling to become a physician. While preparing for medical school, she continued her relationship with AdventHealth for several years as a medical simulation technologist, educating a wide variety of allied health providers on best practices. She then moved to Virginia to earn her medical degree from Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM). During her medical education, she found her passion for women's health and decided to dedicate her life to serving women as an Ob/Gyn. She is honored and privileged to begin her residency training with the same health system that took great care of her mother and played an integral role in her medical career.
Character (personal attributes):
- Nicolette is a leader who values faith and interpersonal connection. As a medical student, she served as vice president for her school's chapter of the Christian Medical and Dental Association (CMDA). Nicolette helped her classmates find fellowship during the trials of medical school by hosting bi-monthly bible studies and prayer/worship nights. Faith plays a significant role in her life, and she believes spirituality is an essential component of whole-body wellness. As a provider, Nicolette incorporates her patient's spiritual perspectives as a part of their care. Aside from spiritual values, Nicolette is passionate about service and advocacy projects for women. In medical school, she successfully organized a donation drive that resulted in the collection of over 100 gifts that were sent to a safe house for human trafficking victims in the Dominican Republic. Nicolette is excited to continue her work in advocacy and service to women in the Tampa Bay area.
Curiosity (professional accomplishments):
Nicolette's passion for knowledge is exemplified by her high academic standing and involvement in research. As an undergraduate student, she worked in genomics research looking to understand the evolution of gene variation in animal models. In medical school, she worked on a research team to validate a new AI instrument to identify multifactorial etiologies of vaginitis. This tool is improving targeted treatment for vaginitis to reduce the need for follow-up for women with limited access to providers. Nicolette's goal is to improve the standard and access to high-quality care for women. Both in their reproductive decisions and obstetrical care, she empowers women to feel confident in expressing their needs and having them met without judgement.
- PGY 2 - Paige Thompson, DO
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Community (life experiences):
- Paige Thompson is originally from Annapolis, Maryland where she grew up with a large extended family spending much of her childhood in or around the Chesapeake Bay. She attended Annapolis High school and participated in field hockey, track, and marching band. After graduating from high school, Paige attended the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia, where she earned a degree in Geology. She worked as a whitewater raft guide during her college summer breaks in the southeast United States and Colorado. Her first clinical experiences were from training as a Wilderness First Responder and treating patients on backcountry trips. She later went on to train as a Physician Assistant and earned her Master of Medical Education. She treated patients as a Family Practice PA in rural and underserved communities at Federally Qualified Health Centers in Colorado for over 4 years prior to attending medical school.
Character (personal attributes):
- During her time as an outdoor educator, Paige learned about the importance of leadership and followership for the development of a cohesive team. She improved her skills as an outdoorsperson, but more importantly, she learned to care for people through hardships. Her experiences motivated her to become a healthcare professional and contribute to her community by treating disease. Paige's passion for learning led her to pursue physician assistant training. While working in family practice, she realized she had an interest in women's health and decided to further her training through medical school. With the support of her spouse, she moved her family from Colorado to Pennsylvania to attend a three-year accelerated medical program and subsequently matched into her dream residency to train an OBGYN.
Curiosity (professional accomplishments):
Paige is committed to enhancing accessibility to top-quality healthcare. During her college years, she participated in the Student Partnership for International Medical Aid program, which offered her the opportunity to travel to Ghana and work alongside local doctors and nurses in operating day clinics in rural villages. This experience helped her realize that she wanted to dedicate her career to finding ways to improve healthcare for those without access to adequate resources. Through her work with underserved patients at community health centers, Paige has developed a comprehensive approach to patient care, looking beyond the symptoms to address health issues from multiple perspectives.
- PGY 1 - Sydney Chummar, DO
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Community (life experiences):
- Sydney Chummar was born in Kennesaw, Georgia, and raised in Roswell, where she developed a strong sense of responsibility and a deep-rooted commitment to service. Throughout high school and college, she worked as a Nursery Coordinator at her local church—an experience that nurtured both her compassion and early leadership skills. During her gap year, she worked as a scribe in the emergency department, where she was drawn to the dynamic hospital environment and the opportunity to serve underserved populations. Her educational and professional journey has cultivated her cultural adaptability and broadened her perspective on healthcare delivery.
Character (personal attributes):
- Sydney developed her leadership skills as President of the Student Association of Obstetrics and Gynecology, where she spearheaded initiatives such as Breast Cancer Awareness Month and created educational programs focused on preventive care for underserved women. She is deeply passionate about mentorship and, as both an Administrative Peer Mentor and a Student Ambassador, she fostered supportive environments for first-year medical students and prospective applicants. Sydney is known for her excellent communication skills, empathetic nature, and strong sense of accountability.
Curiosity (professional accomplishments):
- Sydney’s academic and professional accomplishments demonstrate her intellectual curiosity and dedication to advocacy. She completed her undergraduate education at the University of Georgia, earning a Bachelor of Science in Biology and Psychology, and later earned a Master of Arts in Medical Sciences from Loyola University Chicago. Her research on cognitive decline and depression in older adults has been presented at both national and international conferences. She also earned the Outstanding Achievement in the Service of Obstetrics and Gynecology award for completing the highest number of service hours among her peers in women’s health.
- PGY 1 - Maria Pogue, DO
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Community (life experiences):
- Maria was raised in Russellville, Arkansas, where her values of hard work and community were shaped by her upbringing and competitive soccer. Though she initially aimed to play at the collegiate level, she chose to focus on academics, earning a degree in biomedical biology with a minor in psychology from Arkansas Tech University. Her journey continued through medical school and two years of research at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, experiences that expanded her understanding of diverse communities and patient care.
Character (personal attributes):
- Maria’s leadership and resilience have been central to her growth. She served in student government during college and was later elected President of the Student Osteopathic Medical Association, where she led national initiatives and advocated for medical students on Capitol Hill. Her character was also shaped by her high school soccer coach, an OBGYN who inspired her passion for women’s health and modeled compassionate care.
Curiosity (professional accomplishments):
- Driven by a desire to serve and lead, Maria has pursued opportunities that blend research, advocacy, and education. Her work at the University of Colorado and her advocacy efforts in Washington, D.C. reflect a deep commitment to addressing healthcare disparities and promoting equity. As she continues her training, Maria remains passionate about integrating service and scholarship to improve women’s health outcomes.
- PGY 1 - Melissa Wedeman, DO
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Community (life experiences):
- Melissa grew up just outside of Denver, Colorado, where her passion for serving others began early. She volunteered weekly at a local hospital, eventually working her way to the labor and delivery unit, where her interest in Obstetrics and Gynecology was born. Her dedication to caregiving continued through her undergraduate years at Florida Southern College, where she worked as a Certified Nursing Assistant, caring for patients with Alzheimer’s and dementia. Her commitment to service was recognized when she received the Youth Citizen of the Year award for her volunteer work at her hospital and church.
Character (personal attributes):
- Melissa is known for her compassion, leadership, and unwavering dedication to women’s health. As President of her sorority, she organized educational events supporting breast cancer awareness, reflecting her commitment to advocacy and empowerment. Her initiative to pursue additional training in lactation and breastfeeding support during medical school further highlights her drive to provide comprehensive, patient-centered care.
Curiosity (professional accomplishments):
- Melissa earned her bachelor’s degree in biology from Florida Southern College and her medical degree from Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine. Her academic journey has been marked by a desire to innovate and educate—evident in her involvement in a research initiative that developed pelvic clay models to enhance medical students’ understanding of pelvic exams and female pathologies.