Meet the Team

When the da Vinci Robotic Surgical System first arrived on the U.S. medical scene in the late 90s, Cathy Jenson knew she was witnessing the beginning of a profound new direction in minimally invasive surgery. A graduate of Ohio State University, Cathy had been coordinating minimally invasive laparoscopic procedures at the university’s medical center for about 10 years prior to the da Vinci’s arrival. In 1999, the first da Vinci procedure done in the United States was performed at Ohio State University Medical Center, and Cathy was there.

Cathy’s skill, compassion and professionalism caught Dr. Patel’s attention, which earned her an invite to witness another profound development in minimally invasive surgery: the opening of the Global Robotics Institute at AdventHealth Celebration. She was one of a handful of individuals personally selected by Dr. Patel to be a part of one of the most experienced robotic surgical teams in the world. As the Robotics Program Coordinator and Educator, Cathy ensures the surgical teams and da Vinci technology are working in sync.

An international speaker on robotic education and Co-Chair of the Allied Health Program for the annual World Robotic Symposium, Cathy has traveled the globe, bringing her highly specialized knowledge of robotics to far-reaching surgical communities like Brazil, Sweden, the Czech Republic, Spain, Italy, Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Venezuela, Korea, China, Taiwan and many others. She participated in the first robotic surgeries performed in numerous international locations and has helped establish successful robotic programs using da Vinci technology in Colombia, Russia, Australia and several locations throughout the U.S.

While her role allows her to work closely with one of the world’s most advanced robots and experience fascinating cultures, it is her love of helping others overcome their conditions that truly inspires her work.

John Andrich, PA-C, is a certified physician assistant who specializes in robotic-assisted and laparoscopic procedures. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Biology from the
University of Central Florida, and earned his Master of Science in Medical Science, Physician Assistant Studies, from Nova Southeastern University.

Neley Morales, MS, PA-C, is a certified surgical physician assistant who has been practicing in urologic oncology for over four years and has over 10 years of experience in patient care. She earned her Master of Physician Assistant Studies from Rutgers University. She is bilingual in Spanish and English.

Jason Descalso, PA-C, is a certified physician assistant with over four years of head and neck surgical oncology experience in multiple settings, including clinics, hospitals, operating rooms and tumor boards. Jason has over 12 years of surgical first-assist experience in multiple specialties, many of which utilize da Vinci robotic technology, including urology, gynecology, general, bariatric, colorectal and thoracic surgery. He also has experience in orthopedic, plastic, obstetric and spine surgery.

Jason earned his Master of Physician Assistant Studies from Loma Linda University and his Associate of Science in Pre-Professional Studies from AdventHealth University, formerly Florida Hospital College of Health Sciences.

Marc Barcenas, ACNP-BC, is an advanced clinical nurse practitioner and has more than 15 years of experience in health care.

Lauren Palmer, MSN, APRN, AGNP-C, is an advanced practice nurse practitioner who specializes in the management of patients undergoing robotic-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy (RALP). She has over five years of experience in urologic oncology in both hospital and clinical settings and holds advanced preparation in biostatistics and cellular biology.

Vladimira Mouravieva, RN, BS, BSN, is a nurse patient advocate with more than 10 years of experience in urologic oncology. She is an experienced patient advocate and post-surgical care advisor who focuses on healthy lifestyle modification.

Barbara Lee, CMA, is a patient advocate with over 16 years of experience in health care as a medical assistant. She currently serves as Dr. Patel’s liaison between the clinic and patient, as well as his scribe.

She is bilingual, and her primary focus is to educate and assist the Global Robotics Institute’s international and Spanish-speaking patients and emphasize their pre and postoperative recovery.