Who We Are
We are Hospitalists uniquely qualified to deliver the best possible outcome to chronically ill patients.
Advinity trains its providers to deliver intensive geriatric and adult care to effectively manage a plan or group’s most complex patients. As a hospitalist group, our outcomes are achieved through a multi-disciplinary approach. Advinity leads the management of your patients, ensuring that our hospitalists, care coordinators, and transitional care staff engage and communicate with your primary care physicians, specialists, social workers, and case/disease managers. Advinity becomes the advocate for your patients.
Mission Statement
Committed to provide high-quality, high-value, concierge-level care and compassion to all patients during their most vulnerable time. Build open and honest relationships through proper communication and coordination with the focus and discipline to improve quality of care every day.
Our Vision
Foster a culture where the patient’s best interests are aligned with the payors’ and providers’, restoring healthcare to it’s original purpose.
Meet Our Physician Leaders
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Alyn Casal-Fernandez, MD, MPH
PRESIDENT & CEO
Dr. Alyn Casal-Fernandez is the Chief Executive Officer of advinity. Her outstanding leadership, integrity, and compassion for her team have played a key role in her success today. Originally from Miami, Florida, her interest in medicine developed at a very young age. At the age of 13, her grandfather was diagnosed with sublingual cancer and she immediately made it her duty to be his primary wound care provider. A process unbearable to most, was productive and useful to her. She quotes, “This experience engraved in my mind that I would become a Physician no matter what it took”.
Dr. Alyn Casal-Fernandez graduated from Florida International University, and received her Doctor of Medicine from Iberoamerican University, Santo Domingo. She then returned to Miami to complete her General Surgery Residency Program at The University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. Her studies did not stop there, as she obtained her Master’s in Public Health from NOVA Southeastern, Ft. Lauderdale shortly after.
The journey in becoming both a medical professional, and an Executive leader have given her true fulfillment to be able to implement changes in practice that positively affect thousands of patients. “I most enjoy working with the great team I have around me. We give each other the push and support we need to continuously improve our patients lives every day”. Besides being an inspiration to the business community, Dr. Alyn Casal-Fernandez is a woman of many talents. She is bilingual in English and Spanish, and was a professional tap dancer on Broadway from age 17 to 19. Spending time with her family is what is most important to her, and she loves watching her two sons play baseball.
Vishnu Reddy, MD
VICE PRESIDENT & CMO
Dr. Vishnu Reddy is the Chief Medical Officer of advinity LLC. His admiration for practice of medicine and patient care developed at a young age. He was not only drawn to the nobility of the profession, but had several family members in India that were physicians and surgeons, including his father who practiced Rural Medicine. His impressive array of accomplishments, consideration for others, and determination to make a difference highly reflect the influential leader he has become today.
He completed both Medical School and Residency in the Department of Internal Medicine at the University of Texas, Houston. His academic excellence and leadership led him to take on roles such as President and Chief of the Department of Medicine for Christus Spohn Health System in Corpus Christi and Care Regional Medical Center. Dr. Vishnu Reddy has been a recipient to multiple awards throughout his distinguished career. He was recognized by the House Resolution of the 83rd Legislative session of the Texas House of Representatives in April 2013, received the Healing Hero Award, and was runner up for Best Doctor Award by Reader’s Choice. He has been the Chief Medical Officer of advinity for three years and enjoys being a part of the continuum of care with a patient centered focus.
The many years of experience as an accredited Doctor has given him a true sense of fulfillment and purpose when caring for those in need. He has had the opportunity to participate in the Healing Ministry of Jesus Christ which has greatly added value to his career. Dr. Reddy is married with one son, and enjoys spending time with his family, travelling, and is a car fanatic. Advinity has been greatly impacted by the skills, and extensive knowledge he brings to our team.
Meet Our Doctors
Corpus Christi
Veena Reddy, MD
REGIONAL MEDICAL DIRECTOR
Dr. Veena Reddy is the Medical Director for advinity Hospitalist group in Corpus Christi, Texas. Originally from India, she always loved the role of being a healer and was greatly influenced by the admiration her father received while practicing medicine. Her medical education started at one of the most premier institutes in the Hills of Manipal, India. After moving to the United States, she resided in New Jersey to start her Residency at Morristown Memorial Hospital. After being there for two years, she relocated to Texas, and finished as Resident Physician in the Department of Internal Medicine at the University of Texas Medical School in Houston.
Through leadership and dedication, Dr. Veena Reddy has been recognized for her excellence on multiple occasions. In 2009, she was a recipient to the Healing Hero award at Christus Spohn Health System in Corpus Christi, she was acknowledged as Physician champion in 2016, and is now Medical Director for advinity, and a huge asset to our team. She has been a Hospitalist for three years, and not only enjoys that advinity is a patient centered practice, but also that she is able to partake in a career that defines and fulfills her and her family’s life.
Besides practicing medicine, she loves organizing, researching and planning trips to take with her family. She speaks English, Telugu, Urdu, and Hindi, and has likes collecting stamps from all over the world.
Bennie Berkvens, MD
MEDICAL DIRECTOR
Dr. Bennie Berkvens is a Hospitalist for advinity in Corpus Christi, Texas. He was born and raised in the Netherlands and moved to Texas in 1992. As a young boy, received treatment in the hospital and always looked up to the surgeons and physicians that personally helped him. This drove him to pursue a career in the medical field.
In 2007, he graduated from Tarleton State University, TX, with a Bachelors in Biomedical Sciences. He then attended The University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio, where he completed his Medical Degree in 2012. After finishing Medical School, Dr. Bennie Berkvens moved to Corpus Christi, to finish the Christus Spohn Family Medicine Residency Program in 2015. Apart from being a talented physician, he can fluently speak three different languages: English, Dutch and Spanish. We are excited to have him as part of the advinity hospitalist team.
Laura McNamara, DO
HOSPITALIST
Dr. Laura McNamara is from Houston, Texas. Growing up with a mother that was a full time Psycho Therapist, she was constantly exposed to the health care field and decided that going into medicine would be the most efficient medical route to pursue. Establishing a presence in the medical community was very important to her. In 2003, as part of the Christian Medical Association, she took a mission trip to provide health care information to indigent populations in and around Saltillo, Mexico. She helped translate to other students and physicians.
In 2005, she completed her Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine at Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine in Ft. Worth, TX. Not only did she engage in her own studies, but she thoroughly enjoyed teaching and helping others as well; she tutored medical students that were struggling in various science courses. Shortly after, she became Family Practice Resident at Corpus Christi Medical Center, where she cared for patients in both private hospitals and clinical settings. Some of her skills and expertise were emphasized in continuity of care for ambulatory patients, management of patients in medical ICU, emergency departments, cardiac telemetry unit and many more. She was also Resident Council Representative in 2008.
Dr. Laura McNamara has been a Hospitalist since 2010. She quotes, “I enjoy working for advinity because of the continuity of holistic care with each patient. I am able to build trust and connections with my patients, while watching them get better. I love my family and my job, and I value being able to watch them both grow at the same time”.
Randy Pearce, DO
CHIEF HOSPITALIST
Dr. Randy Pearce was born and raised in Fort Worth, Texas. When his grandmother fell ill when he was young, he greatly idolized the Physicians that took care of her and knew that he wanted to do the same. In 2006, he received his Bachelor of Science in Biology from Baylor University, TX where he was awarded Pre-Medical Student of the Year, and the Provost Academic Scholarship. He then moved to Bradenton, Florida to complete his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine at Lake Erie College in 2010, which later lead to a Master of Science in Medicinal Education in 2014. He has received multiple academic excellence awards for his outstanding performance.
He was an Internal Medicine Resident at Corpus Christi Medical Center in Texas and has been a full time Hospitalist with advinity in Corpus Christi since he finished in July 2017. He quotes, “I enjoy interacting with patients and families to try and improve their medical care. It has allowed me to help others and treat serious disease processes”. He enjoys the great outdoors and in his spare time likes to golf, fish, and go camping. Other hobbies include learning about military history, drawing, and playing the guitar.
Shane Perkins, DO
CHIEF HOSPITALIST
Dr. Shane Perkins is a Hospitalist in Corpus Christi, Texas. Originally from Fort Worth, he knew he wanted to become a Physician at a very young age. As a child, he would “doctor” his parents with band aids for fun and recognized how fulfilling it was to help others. Both his mother and father were huge inspirational characters to him as they constantly instilled the importance of education in order for him to achieve his dreams.
In 2005, Dr. Shane Perkins graduated from Texas Christian University in Fort Worth, Texas with a dual Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Chemistry. He was the first one in his immediate family to go to college. From there he resided in Erie, Pennsylvania where he received his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine from Lake Erie College. During this time, he was not only studious, but maintained an active presence in the medical community as Co-founder and President of an Evidence Based Medicine Club at LECOM. After living in Pennsylvania for Medical School, he decided to return to his Texas roots to complete Residency at Corpus Christi Medical Center.
Hunting, fishing, and travel are just a few of Dr. Shane Perkins hobbies. He has been a part of the advinity Hospitalist team since he finished residency in July 2017. He quotes, “I absolutely love my position with advinity; working with my fellow Hospitalists and staff is a joy. I consider myself truly blessed to be where I am today and to help people in all walks of life and capacities. I generally just love being part of a great team.”
Salsabeal Hassanin, DO
HOSPITALIST
Dr. Salsabeal Hassanin is an Advinity Hospitalist in Corpus Christi, TX. Originally from Dallas, her pursuit in medicine derived from the influence of her parents. In 2011 she graduated with academic honors from the University of Texas at Dallas. She received her Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine from the University of North Texas Health Science Center- Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine from 2011 to 2015. During her time in medical school, she was an assistant in the Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine Lab, where she helped guide and teach first year students. She was also a Representative of Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine both on and off campus, responsible for interviewing and presenting to visitors during official events. From 2015-2018 she attended Corpus Christ Family Medicine Residency Program. During her residency experience, she remained involved in the Residency interviewing process for new applicants.
Throughout her years of studies, Dr. Hassanin remained active in the community by performing extensive community service from health fairs, to food festivals. There is no doubt that giving back to the community is something she is passionate about. She states that becoming a doctor has exponentially added value to her life and proves her purpose to serve others. Some of her hobbies include cooking, traveling, learning languages and spending time with family.
Jacksonville
San Antonio
Amar Sunkari, MD
REGIONAL MEDICAL DIRECTOR
Dr. Amar Sunkari is the Medical Director for advinity in San Antonio, Texas. He has been a Hospitalist for the past six years, and has demonstrated the ability to effectively lead, influence and provide in both patient care settings and in administrative roles. Originally from Khammam, India, his career in medicine was heavily influenced by the gratitude he witnessed as a child when his father and grandfather were treating patients. He completed his Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery MBBS from Osmania Medical College, Indiana in 2004, with a Master’s in Public Health from East Tennessee State University in 2007. In 2011, he finished his combined Internal Medicine and Pediatrics Residency at Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan.
Dr. Sunkari has been recognized for his accomplishments on multiple occasions. In 2016, he received the “Summit Award” for the gulf region which is the highest individual award in sound physicians for true representation of core values of Service, integrity, innovation, quality, and teamwork. He then was awarded the “Innovation Award” for gulf region 2017, for innovation in ideas, planning and execution to successful outcomes. Other honorary recognitions include: Emerging Leader (EmLe) 2016-2017, great patient feedback letters, interdisciplinary rounds pilot, and high involvement on multiple committees throughout his career.
The journey and experience in becoming a successful medical professional has taught him many valuable lessons that have highly impacted his life and career. He quotes, “It has made me realize how just a little extra time spent on a patient can greatly influence their accurate diagnosis, how they take care of themselves, how it affects their family, and eventually how they are going to spend their next months and years to come.” The administrative aspect of being a Medical Director has helped him realize how he can influence the outcomes and experience of patients through eliminating barriers of effective patient care. In his spare time, Dr. Sunkari enjoys Computer Sciences, keeping up to date with financial markets, following electronics blogs, and is fond of many series on National Public Radio.
Diego Valencia, MD
CHIEF HOSPITALIST
Dr. Diego Valencia was born and raised in El Salvador, Central America. Having multiple Physicians in the family, along with the motivation to positively impact the lives of others, influenced his decision in becoming a doctor. He attended The University of Dr. Jose Matias Delgado Faculty of Health Sciences in Santa Tecla, El Salvador, where he was awarded the Laboratories Lopez Scholarship for his excellent academic performance. he not only took interest in his own studies, but enjoyed helping others as well. After completing his degree, Dr. Diego Valencia spent time as a Clinical Instructor for Medical Students, where he could assist those pursuing the same dream to become doctor.
In 2009, he moved to Connecticut to complete his Internal Medicine Residency at Yale University, in Norwalk hospital. Passion and hard work were reflected in his leadership as he was appointed Chief Medical Resident from 2012-2013, and Physician of the month.
Dr. Diego Valencia loves spending time with his family, and is married with two children. Watching sports and cheering on his favorite basketball team, the San Antonio Spurs is one of his many hobbies, along with listening to music. He has been a Hospitalist with advinity since October 2016, and we are honored to have him as part of the team.
James Liu, DO
HOSPITALIST
Dr. James Liu was born and raised in Sarnia, Ontario Canada. Being someone who enjoys challenge and high reward, becoming a Physician was the perfect avenue to help those in need. He stated, “Every day is not only unexpected, but challenging as well”. In 2009, he graduated with honors in Bio Medical Engineering at The University of Houston, Texas. After completing his undergraduate degree, Dr. James Liu stayed in Texas to complete both medical school and residency. He completed his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) at The University of North Texas Health Science Center and was later Resident Physician at Corpus Christi Medical Center until July 2017.
After meeting many influential figures during his residency, Dr. James Liu said that the characteristics he learned and valued from all of them include intelligence, humility, and the unselfish drive to provide better care. Besides his passion for medical studies, exploring his new home in San Antonio and staying active are just a few of his hobbies. He loves spending time with friends and family, especially with a growing troop of nieces and nephews. We are excited to welcome him to the advinity Hospitalist team.
“The years of studying, shadowing, and being supervised by medical education has made it extremely fulfilling to finally be able to help people by myself. I am constantly reminded that despite all this education, many of my patients have years if not decades more of experiences and knowledge from which I can learn from. Being able to practice medicine my own way, with a focus of patient autonomy has taught me that although everyone may have different opinions it does not mean one is better than the other.” – Dr. James Liu
Vinh Nguyen, DO
HOSPITALIST
Dr. Vinh Nguyen, originally from Long An Province, Vietnam, has always enjoyed science and medicine while growing up. His interest to treat patients started with his volunteer work in an emergency department and at the Osteopathic Center for Children and families. Through each volunteer experience, he saw just how unique medicine is, and the vital role doctors play to improve patient health. This was the kick start to his medical career. Besides hands on experience in the field, his parents have been a huge inspiration to him. He states, “They are hardworking, generous, caring people who raised me to be the person I am today”.
Dr. Vinh Nguyen completed his undergraduate degree in Biochemistry/Chemistry at the University of California, San Diego. In 2014, he received his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine at Touro University in Henderson, Nevada. He then moved to Corpus Christi, Texas where he completed his Internal Medicine Residency at the University of North Texas Health Science Center in June 2017 and was recognized for many presentations at American College of Osteopathic Internist.
As a young professional, and new addition to the advinity Hospitalist team, Dr. Vinh Nguyen stated he has many things to be thankful for, “I am a part of a team of wonderful health professionals that do our best to care for all of our patients and make them happy”. Some of his many hobbies include building model airplanes, enjoying varieties of food, staying active, and watching sports such as baseball, basketball, and football.
Jahanvi Bheemreddy, MD
HOSPITALIST
Dr. Jahanvi Bheemreddy was born and raised in India, and always looked up to those who worked in the medical field. She couldn’t imagine not being a Doctor, and truly believes it was what she was made to do. She attended Kakatiya Medical College in Warangal to complete her Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery. Not only did she focus a vast amount of time on her studies, but remained active in her community as a Medical Student Volunteer where she organized blood donation camps, and eye camps for cataract diagnosis and treatment. She decided to further her medical education in Darby, Pennsylvania, where she was Resident Physician at Mercy Catholic Medical Center.
Her career as a Hospitalist started around 8 years ago, and she has been a part of the advinity team for a year. Dr. Bheemreddy loves seeing patients and being able to really spend time and give them the proper care they need. She says, “I love the managed care aspect of advinity. I am able to maintain effective communication with Primary Care Practitioners, and have the proper tools available to avoid readmission's”. In her spare time, she enjoys hosting gatherings and cooking for friends and family. She is married and has a daughter.
Aparna Rao, MD
HOSPITALIST
Dr. Aparna Rao is one of our Hospitalists located in San Antonio, Texas. She has been a Hospitalist since 2014, and enjoys the fast pace environment. Growing up in India, her mother was her main role model. Since she was an OBGYN, this exposure initially inspired Dr. Rao to pursue a career in the medical field. She received her B.S. and M.B in 2009 from Gandhi Medical College in Secunderabad, India, where she was recognized for Academic Distinction in several subjects. From there she completed her Internal Medicine Residency in 2014 at MacNeal Hospital, where she joined a local chapter of ACP in the Illinois State Medical Society. In this chapter she participated in Symposium on Osteoporosis and Diabetes Management held at Loyola University Stritch School of Medicine in June 2013.
Dr. Rao has been a Hospitalist for the last 3 and a half years, joining the advinity team in February 2018. She quotes, “I love Hospitalist work because of the high acuity of patients, which I find fun and challenging. I strive to impact each patient I care for in a positive way”. She has been continuously recognized as a Hospitalist with one of the best patient experience reviews, consistently showing astute clinical acumen by being hard working, thorough, conscientious, and time efficient. She was awarded Px champion for the entire Gulf region under Sound physicians in the last quarter of 2017, where they only award those physicians with outstanding patient satisfaction scores. This reflects just how willing she is to go the extra step for patient advocacy. Some of her hobbies include cooking a variety of dishes, and traveling.
Hector Sanchez, MD
CHIEF HOSPITALIST
Dr. Hector Sanchez is a Hospitalist located in San Antonio, Texas. In 2005 he received his Bachelor of Science in Biology with a minor in chemistry from the University of Texas at Brownsville. He then attended the Universidad Autonoma de Guadalajara in Mexico, to pursue a Doctor of Medicine, which he completed in 2010. After the many years of schooling, he moved to the Bronx in New York as an Internal Medicine Resident with a focus in Geriatrics at Montefiore Medical Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine. During this time, he participated in the improvement of hospital core metrics and quality by implementing a better hospital discharge plan. He also aided in an influenza vaccine campaign during flu season. It’s apparent that patient care and coordination is a driving factor in his career.
Dr. Hector Sanchez’s hard work did not go unnoticed. In 2013, he was awarded the Face of Recognition award at Montefiore Hospital, a peer selected award recognizing teamwork and leadership. Not only did he take his own studies very seriously, but his passion to educate others led to various marketing exposure over the past couple years. In 2014, he participated in “Doc Talks”, where he presented medical seminars to the community to educate and aid those in living a healthier lifestyle. Dr. Sanchez is and ACLS/BLS Provider, and is bilingual in English and Spanish.
Rosemary Castoreno, MD
HOSPITALIST
Dr. Rosemary Castoreno is an Advinity Hospitalist in San Antonio, Texas. She attended the University of Texas Austin in 1999. In 2003 she completed medical school at the University of Texas Southwestern at Dallas, where she then stayed for her Internal Medicine Residency until 2006. She is involved in multiple medical associations such as: Texas Medical Association, Bexar County Medical Society, and National Association of Women Business Owners. She is Bilingual fluent in Spanish and English, ACLS, and BCLS.