From Symptom to Diagnosis: Enhancing Diagnostic Reasoning Through Case Studies

Please join us for virtual “lunch and learns” on the second Tuesdays of the month from 12-1PM.  This new initiative invites providers to present a case study. The goal of this initiative is to identify key concepts and facts related to the case study, explain the rationale behind the chosen interventions or treatments presented in the case, evaluate patient data, synthesize clinical information, and formulate differential diagnoses based on evidence and clinical judgement. By drawing on real-world experiences and knowledge, we may collectively address challenges, share innovative solutions, reduce errors in care, and ultimately, improve patient outcomes.

If you have an interesting case to share, please reach out to Tena Holdaway at tholdaway@fgcu.edu. We are particularly interested in topics that cover day-to-day clinical issues, emerging trends in advanced practice, or innovative approaches to patient care.

Continuing education credits may be offered pending approval.

Case Study Virtual Series:

  • Laura Severyn, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC

    Tuesday, November 12, 2024, 12-1PM
    Laura Severyn, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC

    Laura Severyn Speaker

    Laura Severyn is a board-certified family nurse practitioner who works at Healthcare Network, a local FQHC, where she sees patients ages 5 and up. Since graduating from FGCU’s DNP Program in 2021, she has been practicing as a nurse practitioner in Southwest Florida. Laura has worked in cardiology and reproductive endocrinology but has found her passion in primary care. She has a Biology BA from FGCU (2013) and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Northeastern University (2016).

    She was born Venezuela but has been in SWFL since age 5 and now resides in Bonita Springs. When she’s not busy as the Marketing Chair for the Nurse Practitioner Council of Collier County, you can find her at home with her husband and two dogs reading a romance novel.

    Presentation Slides

  • Arlene Wright, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, FNAP, FAANP, LNC

    Tuesday, December 10, 2024, 12-1PM

    Arlene Wright, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, FNAP, FAANP, LNC

    Arlene Wright

    Dr. Arlene Wright is an FNP practicing in Fort Myers, Florida. Dr. Wright received her MSN/FNP from the University of Tampa and her DNP from Florida Atlantic University. She has held multiple leadership roles at the local, state, and national levels. She is the co-founder and Senior Advisor for the NPs of Lee County and has held various positions within the state organization (FNPN) for which she is a past president, current region 5 director and incoming 1st VP of legislation. She served as the Florida south AANP state representative/liaison for the full- term limit. Dr. Wright serves as clinical faculty for several universities and holds a position on the FGCU DNP advisory board. Dr. Wright’s passion is ensuring that NP students receive quality clinical education for which she developed and implemented a preceptor and mentorship program within Millennium Physician Group where she has earned recognition and was named the first director of advanced practice. In addition, Dr. Wright is a Fellow of the National Academies of Practice and in 2021 inducted as a Fellow of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners. She has also been the recipient of numerous accolades including the Florida Nursing Association advanced practice award and the AANP Florida advocacy award.

    The video recording is unavailable.

    Presentation Slides

  • AnnMarie Richardson, APRN, FNP-C

    Tuesday, January 14, 2025, 12-1PM

    AnnMarie Richardson, APRN, FNP-C

    Annamarie

    AnnMarie Richardson earned her Master of Science in Nursing from Columbia University, and a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Certificate from New York Hospital/Cornell University. She became a Certified Legal Nurse Consultant (CLNC) from Vickie Milazzo institute in Houston, Texas and then finished her Post Master's Certificate as a Family Nurse Practitioner from Florida Gulf Coast University. 

    AnnMarie is an accomplished Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN), who brings over 30 years of diverse experience in nursing, with expertise spanning from neonatal care and urgent care to family medicine. Currently, Richardson works at Millennium Physician Group in Port Charlotte, Florida, providing comprehensive assessment, diagnosis, and treatment to all ages of patients, as well as leading staff education and precepting nurse practitioner students. 

    In addition to her current practice, Richardson is an active member of the nursing community serving as the President of the Charlotte County Nurse Practitioner Association and is a member of both the Florida Nurse Practitioner Association and the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners. 

    With a strong foundation in patient care, staff education, and leadership, AnnMarie continues to contribute to the healthcare field, demonstrating a passion for providing exceptional care and mentoring the next generation of nurse practitioners. 

    Presentation Slides

  • Michelle Rentas, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, RN

    February 11, 2025 

    Michelle Rentas, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, RN

    Michelle Rentas

    Michelle Rentas, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, is a nationally recognized autonomous board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner specializing in geriatric mental health. Her career began in geriatric medicine in South Florida, where she has over 18 years of experience. With a diverse background in emergency medicine, cardiology, and psychiatry, she brings a comprehensive perspective to her work. Dr. Rentas holds a Bachelor's and Master's degree from the University of Phoenix and a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) from the University of Florida. She is currently practicing geriatric mental health and is a Florida Southwestern State College professor. Passionate about improving the lives of older adults, her research focuses on the impact of untreated mental health conditions in geriatric populations. Her work highlights how these conditions can significantly decrease quality of life and functional ability. 

    PRESENTATION SLIDES

  • Michael Harrison, PMHNP-BC, FNP-C

    March 11, 2025 

    Michael Harrison, PMHNP-BC, FNP-C

    Michael Harrison Profile Picture

    Michael Harrison is currently pursuing a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) at Florida Gulf Coast University, with expected completion in May 2025. Harrison holds a Graduate Certificate in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner from the University of Miami (2019) and a Master of Science in Nursing, specializing as a Family Nurse Practitioner, from the University of South Florida (2018). Additionally, they earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Florida State University and a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from Huntingdon College in Montgomery, AL.

    For seven years, Michael has worked as a Family and Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner at Evara Health in Pinellas Park, FL, where they deliver primary and preventive care to patients across a wide range of age groups and health conditions. Specializing in psychiatric evaluations, differential diagnosis, and both pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic interventions, Michael emphasizes lifestyle medicine as an integral aspect of patient care. Other work experience includes ten years as a graduate research assistant managing resources, laboratory procedures, data collection, and assessment for research studies.

    In addition to their current practice, Michael Harrison is involved in many professional organizations.  Harrison is a member of West Coast Council of Advanced Practice Nursing, Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing, FNPN, and AANP.  They are also serving on the new membership and social media committees for Tampa Bay Advanced Practice Nurses Council.

    PRESENTATION SLIDES

  • to Christina Dzioba, PhD, APRN, WHNP-BC, FNP-BC, BC-ADM, CNE

    April 15, 2025

    Christina Dzioba, PhD, APRN, WHNP-BC, FNP-BC, BC-ADM, CNE

    Christina Dzioba Profile Picture

    ZOOM MEETING 6

  • Amy Dudley & Bhisnauth Churaman

    Date May 13, 2025 

    Amy Dudley, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC  

    Amy Dudley

    &

    Bhisnauth Churaman, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC

    Bhisnauth Churaman

    Dr. Amy Dudley received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Spanish and Communications from Oakland University in Rochester, Michigan as well as successfully completing engineering course work from Macomb Community College in Michigan and Pima Community College in Arizona while working for Chrysler Corporation prior to pursuing her nursing vocation. Her nursing education spans two decades and includes an Associate Degree in Applied Science (Nursing) from Piedmont Virginia Community College in Charlottesville, Virginia, a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing from Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia, a Master of Science Degree in Nursing from Florida Gulf Coast University, and a Doctor of Nursing Practice Degree from the University of South Alabama. Dr. Dudley is an ANCC board-certified Family Practice APRN since 2010 serving patients at the Shell Point Retirement Community delivering multilevel care within the rehabilitation center, skilled nursing center, and the Shell Point Primary Care Medical Center. She is an active member of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners, National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties, Florida Nurses Association, and the Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, University of South Alabama Chapter. Finally, Dr. Dudley has been designated as a Florida Board of Nursing Independent Advanced Practice Registered Nurse, active Medicare and Medicaid provider in Florida, and is an approved controlled substance prescriber with an active DEA number status.

    Dr. Bhisnauth Churaman is an Assistant Professor in both the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program. He is a board-certified family nurse practitioner currently working at a walk-in clinic. He has over 12 years of experience in a variety of clinical settings, including orthopedic, medical surgical, drug and alcohol detoxification, and urgent care, including seven (7) years of experience in nursing education both in the classroom and countless clinical settings. He is passionate about health assessment and overall nursing/nurse practitioner education and working with underserved and underprivileged populations.

    ZOOM MEETING 7

School of Nursing DNP Program (50-719) CEU available

“This project is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U. S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of an award totaling $2,599,174 with zero percentage financed with nongovernmental sources. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by HRSA, HHS or the U.S. Government.”