Our Team
DR. SILVANA GONZALEZ REILEY
NEUROLOGIST
I am Dr. Silvana Gonzalez Reiley, a board-certified neurologist with a clinical and research focus on disorders of the central and peripheral nervous system. My work centers on the comprehensive diagnosis and management of neurological conditions affecting the brain, spinal cord, nerves, and muscles, with an emphasis on evidence-based, patient-centered care.
I founded my practice to address the needs of patients experiencing a wide range of neurological symptoms, including chronic headaches and migraines, neck and back pain, dizziness, numbness and tingling, weakness, movement and visual disturbances, seizures, cognitive impairment, and sleep disorders. I also care for patients with complex neurological diseases such as multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), brain tumors, stroke, and other neurodegenerative and neuroinflammatory conditions.
My clinical interests extend into neuroscience research, where I focus on advancing diagnostic accuracy, improving symptom management, and supporting the development of innovative therapies for chronic and progressive neurological diseases. At Sciences Connections, I collaborate in multidisciplinary research initiatives and clinical trials aimed at improving outcomes in neurodegenerative disorders, headache and migraine syndromes, movement disorders, and cognitive dysfunction.
My role within Sciences Connections reflects a commitment to high-quality neurological research, integration of clinical insight into trial design and execution, and the advancement of evidence-based treatments that improve both neurological function and quality of life for patients.
Dr. Santiago Figuereo
Neurosurgeon
My career has been dedicated to advancing neurosurgical care through clinical excellence, innovation, and research. I earned my medical degree Cum Laude from the Universidad Autónoma de Santo Domingo and completed my neurosurgical training in the United States, becoming the first Dominican Board Certified by the American Board of Neurological Surgery.
My postgraduate training includes General Surgery at Graduate Hospital in Philadelphia, Neurosurgery residency at Loma Linda University Medical Center, and advanced fellowships at the University of Washington and the University of Pennsylvania, where I also served as Assistant Professor of Neurosurgery and Chief of Neurosurgery at the Philadelphia Veterans Administration Medical Center.
My research interests center on functional neurosurgery, movement disorders, epilepsy surgery, minimally invasive spine techniques, and novel intracranial procedures. I have collaborated with multidisciplinary teams and bioengineers to develop innovative surgical techniques and devices, including a patented Patient-Mounted Retraction systemdeveloped with Synthes, USA.
I have contributed to peer-reviewed publications, neurosurgical book chapters, and national and international scientific presentations, earning multiple awards for research excellence, including first place at the American College of Surgeons Trauma Paper Competition. I am also a pioneer in advancing surgical approaches for Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension and in integrating Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) into treatment protocols for traumatic brain injury.
At Sciences Connections, my focus is on advancing evidence-based medicine, supporting high-quality clinical research, and contributing to the development of innovative therapies that improve patient outcomes.
DR. ANKEET CHOXI
MD-ANESTHESIOLOGIST
I am Dr. Ankeet Choxi, MD, a double board-certified Anesthesiologist and Interventional Pain Management physician with a clinical and research focus on regenerative medicine and minimally invasive pain therapies. I earned my medical degree from Vanderbilt University, completed Anesthesiology training at the University of Miami/Jackson Memorial Hospital, and advanced subspecialty fellowship training in Interventional Pain Management at NYU Langone Health.
My clinical expertise centers on the treatment of spine, joint, and musculoskeletal disorders, with an emphasis on restoring function and reducing pain through biologic and regenerative approaches. I have performed more than 10,000 interventional pain procedures, treating conditions such as degenerative spine disease, disc herniations, radiculopathy, facet joint pathology, osteoarthritis, ligament and tendon injuries, and complex musculoskeletal dysfunction.
As regenerative medicine continues to evolve, I remain actively engaged in both academic and private research, contributing as an investigator to studies focused on biologic therapies, cellular technologies, and innovative pain management techniques. I also collaborate with international stem cell centers, allowing access to advanced regenerative treatments grounded in scientific evidence and clinical outcomes.
At Sciences Connections, my role is focused on advancing translational research, supporting high-quality clinical trials, and contributing to the development of novel, evidence-based regenerative therapies that improve patient function, quality of life, and long-term outcomes.
Dr. JOSE VAZQUEZ TANUS
MD-CARDIOLOGIST
Dr. José Vázquez Tanus graduated from San Juan Bautista School of Medicine in Puerto Rico, with fellowship training in Internal Medicine and Preventive, Invasive, and Non-Invasive Cardiology. He completed advanced training in Heart Failure at the Ochsner Clinic and the Veterans Administration in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
He is the founder of Research & Cardiovascular Center and Cardio-Metabolic Research Center, both dedicated clinical research sites with over 26 years of experience in studies on diabetes, atrial fibrillation, heart failure, hypertension, endocrine diseases, and more. He is a Certified Clinical Research Professional (CCRP) and currently serves as National Leader for Puerto Rico in the global V.I.C.T.O.R.I.A. clinical trial for heart failure.
He is the original author of award-winning research, an expert in oxidative stress and advanced orthomolecular formulations, and has his own nutraceutical product line. He also holds advanced training in Anti-Aging, Regenerative, Functional and Sports Medicine, and completed full Clinical Homeopathy training in France.
Dr. Vázquez Tanus is a recognized national and international speaker on cardiovascular, metabolic, hormonal, and related topics, with over 20 years of experience in clinical medicine.
DR. LEONARDO M. ALLENDE
MD-ANESTHESIOLOGIST
I am Dr. Leonardo M. Allende, MD, a physician with more than four decades of clinical experience and patient care also over 30 years dedicated to conducting clinical trials across multiple therapeutic areas. I earned my medical degree in 1965 and I completed my medical training at Jackson Memorial Hospital, and my career has included broad clinical practice in primary care, anesthesiology, surgery, and comprehensive patient management—experience that has deeply informed my work as a clinical investigator. I am licensed to practice medicine in Florida, where I serve patients in Doral, Miami, and surrounding communities.
Throughout my career, I have practiced across multiple disciplines including family medicine, anesthesiology, surgery, and comprehensive primary care, giving me a broad clinical foundation and deep insight into complex patient needs.
While my primary focus has been on clinical excellence and direct patient care, I remain deeply interested in evidence-based approaches to chronic disease management, preventive health, and the optimization of medical decision-making for diverse patient populations. My long experience in clinical practice has informed my appreciation for rigorous clinical research and outcomes-driven care models, and I support efforts that aim to translate real-world patient insights into improved standards of practice.
My approach to clinical research is grounded in real-world medical experience, allowing me to integrate rigorous scientific methodology with practical, patient-centered care. I am particularly committed to optimizing subject recruitment and retention, ensuring regulatory compliance, and contributing to high-quality data that advances therapeutic development.
My approach emphasizes holistic care, interdisciplinary collaboration, and the thoughtful application of clinical evidence in everyday practice.
For the past 15 years, I have served as a dedicated Principal Investigator at Sciences Connections, where I have led and supported multispecialty clinical trials spanning neurology, cardiology, pain management, metabolic disorders, and other complex medical conditions. My long-standing involvement in research has included participation in industry-sponsored, multicenter, and investigator-initiated studies, with a strong focus on patient safety, protocol adherence, and data integrity.
At Sciences Connections, my role is to provide experienced leadership as a Principal Investigator, support cross-specialty research initiatives, and contribute to the advancement of evidence-based medicine through well-executed clinical trials that translate into meaningful patient outcomes.
DR. EMILIO E. CASTANEDA
ENDOCRINOLOGIST
My name is Dr. Emilio E. Castaneda, MD, and I am board-certified in Internal Medicine and Endocrinology, Diabetes & Metabolism. I graduated from Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia in 1972 and completed residency training in Internal Medicine and Endocrinology in the United States.
For more than five decades, I have provided comprehensive care to patients with complex endocrine and metabolic conditions, including diabetes, thyroid disorders, hormone imbalances, and related chronic diseases. My approach combines evidence-based medicine with individualized patient care, emphasizing metabolic health and long-term wellness.
I am fluent in English and Spanish and remain committed to delivering compassionate, high-quality care to diverse patient populations.
My research experience spans cardiometabolic disorders, diabetes, endocrine diseases, obesity, hypertension, lipid disorders, and related multisystem conditions, participating in both industry-sponsored and investigator-initiated clinical trials. I have served as Principal Investigator and Sub-Investigator on numerous protocols, with a strong focus on patient safety, regulatory compliance, protocol execution, and data integrity.
For many years, I have been a dedicated Principal Investigator at Sciences Connections, where I actively conduct multispecialty clinical trials in collaboration with multidisciplinary research teams, sponsors, and CROs.
At Sciences Connections, I continue to support the growth of a robust, multispecialty research platform by contributing clinical expertise, investigator leadership, and a patient-centered perspective to the development of innovative medical therapies.
Join Us in Advancing Healthcare
Whether you are a patient interested in participating in a clinical trial, a sponsor seeking a reliable research partner, or a healthcare professional looking to collaborate, Science Connections is proud to serve the Miami area while advancing healthcare on a global scale.