Two Physicians Join Winter Haven Family Health Center

WINTER HAVEN, Fla., (Dec. 7, 2020) – Two physicians are now seeing patients at the Winter Haven Family Health Center, located at 7599 Cypress Gardens Blvd.

Dr. Syed Rahman was born in Bangladesh and his family later immigrated to Queens, N.Y. His father especially placed a high value on education while he was growing up, he said. As a youth, he noticed that locals had trouble seeking medical care, which prompted his interest in medicine.

He received a bachelor’s degree in biology from Columbia University, then earned his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine from Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine in New Jersey, then completed his residency at Rowan’s Family Medicine Residency Program. 

“In my job, I often feel like a detective,” Dr. Rahman said. “I’m able to help patients by focusing on the whole person to understand more about their situation. I like to take a holistic approach to their health.” 

Dr. Rahman and his wife are excited to settle into Polk County and are eagerly awaiting the birth of their first child.

Dr. Linda Salva, an internist, is also now seeing patients at the southeast Winter Haven location. She grew up in Puerto Rico and knew she wanted to become a doctor when she was six years old. Years later, she began pre-med school, then joined the military, where she became a nurse. 

Dr. Salva decided to continue medical education after she left the military. She received her Doctor of Medicine degree from the University Health Sciences Antigua School of Medicine and then completed her internal medicine residency at George Washington University Hospital in Washington D.C. She is also fluent in Spanish. 

“I like being part of a patient’s continuity of care and being part of the solution when it comes to access to care,” Dr. Salva said. 

She is settling into the Winter Haven area and excited to learn how to play pickleball at the local tennis center, along with continuing her taekwondo practice.

Drs. Salva and Rahman join Dr. Betina Laiolo and Melissa Mosier, APRN at the southeast Winter Haven location. Dr. Rahman sees patients from ages 2 and up and Dr. Salva sees patients ages 18 and older. Both physicians are also available by telemedicine appointments as well.

About Winter Haven Hospital
Winter Haven Hospital, Inc. located in Winter Haven, Florida, includes a 468-bed acute care hospital and a 61-bed obstetric hospital, respectively referred to as Winter Haven Hospital and Winter Haven Women’s Hospital. Winter Haven Hospital, Inc. joined the BayCare Health System in August 2013. Winter Haven Hospital was founded in 1926, and today concentrates in the treatment of heart disease, cancer, stroke, and behavioral health. The hospital also provides emergency care; outpatient diabetes education; endoscopy services; neurological, orthopedic and in-patient rehabilitation; outpatient surgery; and imaging services. The Women’s Hospital opened in 1987 and specializes in maternity services, neonatal care, women’s surgery, and breast health. For more information, call (863) 293-1121 or visit WinterHavenHospital.org.

About BayCare
BayCare is a leading not-for-profit health care system that connects individuals and families to a wide range of services at 15 hospitals and hundreds of other convenient locations throughout the Tampa Bay and central Florida regions. Inpatient and outpatient services include acute care, primary care, imaging, laboratory, behavioral health, home care, and wellness. Our mission is to improve the health of all we serve through community-owned, health care services that set the standard for high-quality, compassionate care. For more information visit www.baycare.org.