Welcome New Faces

PJ Maharatboutdy is excited to be joining the Clinic's Medication Room as a medication room nurse. He will be assisting with medication refills, ordering prescriptions, and educating patients on the proper use of medications. PJ was born and raised in St. Petersburg, so he knows the local community well. As a young child, PJ's grandparents would tell him stories of the horrible living conditions of their home country before luckily arriving to Florida before the Vietnam War. PJ knew that he always wanted to give back to the community and support those in need and became a Licensed Nurse Practitioner

"Ever since [my grandparents told me about their home country], it was my dream to find a way to give back and help the community. The Clearwater Free Clinic was my ticket to achieve this!"

-PJ

Gwendolyn Koghee started her professional career in Clinical Ophthalmology in 2012 at a small family practice in Clearwater while studying Biology at USF. Under the tutelage of Dr. James McHenry Nielsen, MD, FACS, Gwendolyn became an ophthalmic assistant where she continued to care for patients at Nielsen Eye Center until 2020. She also was the lead technician for Nielsen Eye Center’s Retinal Specialist during that time, who also provided her with much of the knowledge and proficiency to assist in the care management of patients with Vitreo-Retinal diseases. In 2020, Gwendolyn transitioned to the Macula Center in Clearwater, where she eventually became a Clinical Research Coordinator at Blue Ocean Clinical Research, under Principal Investigator Dana Deupree, MD, FACS. She eventually rounded off her experience in Ophthalmology working with Pediatrics in the sub-specialty of Neuro Pediatric Ophthalmology. Though much of her professional career has been in a clinical setting, the cornerstone of her professionalism has always been service and patient care, and she is very grateful for the opportunity to come on board here at the Clearwater Free Clinic. A proud native of Clearwater, Florida, Gwendolyn loves to be in the Florida sunshine, taking every opportunity to enjoy the beach, boating and numerous other outdoor activities with her delightful daughter.

Born in Colombia, Melissa (Mel) Ramirez moved to the United States at the age of 8, which has shaped her appreciation for diverse cultures and communities. Mel graduated high school and is currently working towards her associate's degree in psychology, driven by a passion for understanding and helping others. For the past four to five years, she has had the privilege of working with the Florida Department of Health in Hillsborough County, gaining valuable experience in public health. This role has deepened her commitment to serving and supporting her local community. She is excited to start a new chapter in her career with the Clearwater Free Clinic, where she hopes to make a positive impact. The opportunity to give back to the community that has supported her throughout her journey is something she holds dear. Mel looks forward to continuing to grow both professionally and personally while making a difference in the lives of others