OBGYN Tampa - Faculty and Resident Bios

Community (life experiences):

• Dr. Nuthalapaty immigrated to the U.S, at the age of 4, and grew up in Madison, WI. While Dr. Nuthalapaty’s father was a graduate student at the University of Wisconsin, they lived in a graduate student housing community where they interacted with other student families from around the world. In this environment, Dr. Nuthalapaty learned how to appreciate people from differing backgrounds and worldviews. From a young age, Dr. Nuthalapaty learned about hard work and responsibility. His family had meager means, and thus he and his siblings delivered newspapers, and did other jobs to help meet the family needs. Six weeks before high school graduation, Dr. Nuthalapaty’s father passed away unexpectedly. Before his death, his father encouraged Dr. Nuthalapaty to go to medical school. Despite not having any family members in the medical field or health care experiences, Dr. Nuthalapaty followed his father’s guidance and pursued a career in medicine. He was accepted into the Northwestern University Honors Program in Medical Education, a 7-year program, where he studied Biomedical Engineering and obtained his MD degree.

Character (personal attributes):

• Dr. Nuthalapaty’s view of medicine and his personal mission was significantly impacted during his Maternal-Fetal Medicine Fellowship. At the age of 15 months, his second child was diagnosed with Gaucher’s Disease. This experience taught Dr. Nuthalapaty to view each person as uniquely made, and medical conditions as differences, rather than diseases. This personal perspective transformed his approach to patient interactions and especially counseling in the face of fetal concerns. Dr. Nuthalapaty also learned to recognize the significant racial / cultural disparities that exist in our health care system, especially in Women’s Health. Dr. Nuthalapaty is thus passionate about caring for women and fetuses with complicated medical and obstetrical conditions during pregnancy. He recognizes that every woman has a unique background that forms her worldview and focuses on providing compassionate and culturally sensitive care.

Curiosity (professional accomplishments):

• Both of Dr. Nuthalapaty’s parents were once educators in India, and as he journeyed through medical school and residency/fellowship, he too developed an interest in the educational process. He created his first curricular intervention as a 4^th year medical student, served as Chair of the Organization of Resident Representatives for the AAMC as a resident, and conducted his first large scale medical education research project during his Maternal-Fetal Medicine fellowship. He collaborated with the NRMP and ERAS to conduct a national survey of residency applicants, studying factors that influence rank lists. This study became the precursor to the NRMP’s annual Match survey. In his role as Director of Undergraduate Medical Education at the University of South Carolina Greenville, Dr. Nuthalapaty developed innovative curricula, served on national committees, and conducted funded educational research. He is now a recognized expert in medical education with expertise in curriculum development, program management, and mentoring of faculty, residents, and students. He is passionate about teaching and enjoys partnering with patients to instruct the next generation of physicians.

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.

Community (life experiences):

• Dr. Furr was born a Cajun in New Orleans, LA, but became a Texan at the age of 5 years old when his father transferred there to work for Hunt Oil Company. Growing up in Arlington, Texas, Dr. Furr began working two jobs in the summer months and developed a strong work ethic from a young age. His Father’s occupation eventually moved the family to Yemen and allowed Dr. Furr and his sister to visit many different countries the Middel East, Africa, Southeast Asia and Europe. Exposure to so many diverse cultures in his formative teenage years was a unique experience that has helped Dr. Furr become a well-rounded person sympathetic to the needs and cultural differences that make us all unique individuals. Dr. Furr and his sister eventually returned to the United States, and both attended Baylor University in Waco, Texas where Dr. Furr graduated magna cum laude and went on to obtain a master's degree in clinical Gerontology. After graduation, Dr. Furr took what was supposed to be a summer job in the Health Law division of a top law firm in Dallas, Texas. It was here that doctor Furr thinks he may have learned more about medicine than he did in medical school.

Character (personal attributes):

• Dr. Furr states that his parents were quintessential role models from whom he developed a tireless work ethic, sense of responsibility, accountability and ethical clarity that have made seemingly complicated personal and professional decisions throughout his lifetime simple. Perseverance and a pioneering spirit have driven Dr. Furr to reach many milestones in his field of minimally invasive gynecologic surgery that he never thought possible. His admiration of the value of education has driven him to place a premium on ensuring that the next generation of gynecologic surgeons are better than the present.

Curiosity (professional accomplishments):

• Dr. Furr is a leader and pioneer in minimally invasive gynecologic surgery. He has lectured on MIGS-related issues at numerous domestic and international venues. He has mentored Fellows and Residents through numerous research studies and educational surgical videos that have won prestigious awards at the AAGL International Congress including the IRCAD for Excellence in MIGS Education and the Jay M. Cooper Award for Best Paper in Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery. Dr. Furr’s commitment to excellence in education lead him to receive an ACOG Mentor of the Year Award, Foundation of the AAGL Exceptional Mentor Award and an Honorary Professorship from the prestigious Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiatong University in China.

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.

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.

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.