About Premier Infectious Disease | Florida's Physician-Owned ID Specialists

Premier Infectious Disease » About Us

Our Story

Premier Infectious Disease was founded on a simple but powerful belief: patients facing complex infectious conditions deserve specialized, compassionate care from physicians who are genuinely invested in their recovery.

Our physicians are committed partners in health of Premier Inpatient Partners and Premier Critical Care— we bring the same physician-owned, patient-first philosophy to infectious disease medicine. Our physicians are not employees of a large corporation. They are committed partners in the health of every patient they serve.

Female doctor and disabled elderly man in wheelchair wearing masks during covid lockdown, holding hands at home
Team of doctors discussing something at hospital corridor.

Who We Are Today

Premier Infectious Disease is a privately held, physician-owned independent group serving hospitals and outpatient settings throughout Florida. Our mission is to deliver clinically excellent, ethically grounded, and culturally sensitive infectious disease care to Florida’s diverse communities.

Our team includes board-certified infectious disease specialists and advanced practice providers, supported by an experienced administrative team — so our clinicians can focus entirely on patient care.

Our Florida Presence

With deep roots in South Florida and expanding services statewide, Premier Infectious Disease provides both inpatient consultation and outpatient care across multiple leading hospital systems in the Southwest area and beyond.
Side view of diverse medical team of doctors checking their shifts on chart at hospital
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Our Commitment

We serve Florida patients and healthcare systems with an unwavering commitment to clinical excellence. Through compassionate care, evidence-based medicine, and strong community and hospital partnerships, we transform frightening and complex diagnoses into clearly guided, expertly managed care journeys.

Leadership Team

ROBERT J. HERNANDEZ, MD — Medical Director & Infectious Disease Specialist

Board-certified specialist in Infectious Diseases with over 20 years of experience providing comprehensive, patient-centered care. He specializes in diagnosing and treating complex infections, with expertise in caring for immunocompromised patients, organ transplant recipients, and individuals living with HIV/AIDS.

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Originally from Cuba, Dr. Hernandez is bilingual in English and Spanish, allowing him to effectively serve the diverse South Florida community. He earned his medical degree from Universidad Católica Madre y Maestra in the Dominican Republic and completed his Internal Medicine residency at Englewood Hospital and Medical Center through the Mount Sinai Program in New York. He completed a fellowship in Infectious Diseases at Westchester Medical Center/New York Medical College, where he was selected to serve as Chief Fellow.

Dr. Hernandez provides both inpatient and outpatient care at several leading hospitals throughout Naples. In addition to his clinical practice, he serves as Program Director of the Transition Year Residency Program and holds academic appointments as a professor and clinical preceptor for multiple medical and healthcare training programs. He currently serves as Chief of the Bioethics Institutional Review Committee and has contributed to numerous research publications and presentations in infectious disease.

Known for his compassionate approach and clinical excellence, Dr. Hernandez is dedicated to delivering high-quality care while building strong, trusting relationships with his patients.

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SUSIE BARND – Practice Administrator

Susie is a dedicated healthcare professional with a passion for patient care and building meaningful relationships within the community. Her experience in healthcare management has led her to Premier Infectious Disease, where she serves as Practice Administrator.

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Susie is passionate about creating a welcoming environment where patients feel cared for, respected, and supported throughout their healthcare journey. She is committed to fostering a culture of compassion, collaboration, and excellence while working to ensure every patient receives exceptional care and a positive experience.
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JACQUELINE ESTES-WERTZBERGER – Adult Acute Care Nurse Practitioner

Known as Jacquie, is a highly experienced Adult Acute Care Nurse Practitioner with over 20 years in hospital medicine and infectious disease. She earned both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Nursing from Indiana University in Indianapolis, with her Master’s specializing in Adult Acute Care.

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Jacquie’s approach to patient care is deeply personal; she treats every patient as if they were a family member, ensuring compassionate and comprehensive care. Outside of her professional life, Jacquie enjoys music and boating, which provide her with a balanced and fulfilling lifestyle.
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ESTEFANY GODOY, APRN, FNP-C

A bilingual Family Nurse Practitioner based in Naples, Florida, with experience providing comprehensive care to hospitalized patients. She has a strong clinical interest in infectious diseases and is dedicated to delivering evidence-based, compassionate, and patient-centered care.

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Estefany is committed to helping patients navigate complex infectious conditions through individualized treatment plans, education, and collaborative care. She values building meaningful relationships with her patients and working closely with interdisciplinary healthcare teams to achieve the best possible outcomes.
Dedicated to lifelong learning and professional growth, Estefany stays current with the latest clinical guidelines and advances in infectious disease management to provide high-quality, personalized care to every patient she serves.
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ISABELLA SOCORRO – PID Medical Assistant

Isabella is a bilingual Medical Assistant with experience in infectious disease, pediatrics, women’s health, and hospital-based patient care. She is passionate about providing compassionate, culturally sensitive care and helping patients feel informed, respected, and comfortable throughout their healthcare experience. As a pre-Physician Assistant student, she is committed to continuing her education and serving diverse and underserved communities.
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Ready to Experience Expert Infectious Disease Care in Florida?

Contact Premier Infectious Disease to schedule a consultation or to explore hospital partnership opportunities.

Contact: info@premierinfectiousdisease.com | Appointments: (239) 537-5909 | Billing: (239) 690-6364 | Fax Number: (844) 689-8931

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