Seela Ramesh, MD
Gastroenterologist | Medical Director
in Kissimmee | Orlando, FL
Dr. Ramesh is a board-certified Gastroenterologist with extensive expertise in Advanced and Therapeutic Endoscopy, ERCP, Endoscopic Ultrasonography (EUS), and the management of liver diseases. He completed his medical education at the Medical College of Virginia, an institution globally recognized for its excellence in Gastroenterology and Hepatology.
A highly experienced Principal Investigator, Dr. Ramesh has led numerous clinical trials across a wide range of therapeutic areas, including hepatology, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and metabolic liver disorders. His research contributions have helped advance innovative treatments, and he has been published in leading peer-reviewed journals. His work includes studies on hepatitis C, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and the role of cannabinoid receptors in hepatic metabolism.
Dr. Ramesh’s publications and presentations include:
- Ramesh, S., & Sanyal, A. J. (2004). Hepatitis C and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Seminars in Liver Disease, 24(4), 399-413.
- Ramesh, S., & Sanyal, A. J. (2005). Evaluation and management of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis. Journal of Hepatology, 42(1), S2-S12.
- Ramesh, S., Mirashi, F., Choudhoury, J., & Sanyal, A. J. (2005). Cannabinoids block interferon-mediated suppression of hepatitis C virus replicon. AASLD, Poster Presentation.
- Ramesh, S., Mirashi, F., Choudhoury, J., Gupta, S., & Sanyal, A. J. (2005). Methanandamide promotes hepatic lipogenesis by increasing SREBP-1 and SREBP-2 activity—a novel effect of cannabinoid (CB1) receptor activation. AASLD, Poster Presentation.
- Qasem, A., Ramesh, S., & Naser, S. A. (2018). Role of TNF antagonists in susceptibility to mycobacterial infection in association with genetic polymorphisms in Crohn’s disease. UCD Biomedical Sciences Annual Graduate Research Symposium, Poster Presentation.
- In recognition of his expertise and leadership, Dr. Ramesh was appointed by Governor Rick Scott to the Florida Board of Medicine, where he served a four-year term from August 10, 2015, to October 31, 2019.
Dr. Ramesh is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine at the University of Central Florida and plays an active role in training medical professionals at Osceola Regional Medical Center. He is also a distinguished member of professional organizations, including the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA), the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE), the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD), and the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation (CCF).
With a strong background in clinical research, protocol development, and investigational therapies, Dr. Ramesh is dedicated to advancing medical knowledge and improving patient outcomes through innovative clinical trials.
Dr. Shoba Theivanayagam, MD
Board-Certified Gastroenterologist
in Kissimmee, FL
The Gastroenterology Institute of Orlando is very proud to introduce you to Dr. Theivanayagam, a Board-Certified Gastroenterologist.
The Gastroenterology Institute of Orlando is very proud to introduce you to Dr. Shoba Theivanayagam, a double board-certified gastroenterologist. Dr. Theivanayagam received her medical training from notable institutions with outstanding academic performance and clinical acumen. Dr. Theivanayagam did her internal medicine training from the University of Illinois College of Medicine and pursued fellowship training in Gastroenterology from the University of Missouri Hospitals and Clinics, where she also served as a Chief Fellow of Gastroenterology. Dr. Theivanayagam has extensive experience in practicing in both academic and community hospitals. She has presented multiple research papers at well-known national and regional conferences. She provides evidence-based care in all aspects of gastrointestinal disorders, focusing on women’s health in gastroenterology and colorectal cancer screening.
Laurie Letizia, MMS, PA-C
Physician Assistant | Clinical Research Investigator
in Orlando, FL
Laurie is a board-certified Physician Assistant with over a decade of experience in clinical medicine and a growing focus in clinical research. Originally from Montgomery, Alabama, she earned her undergraduate degree from Mercer University in Macon, GA, in 2010, followed by a Master of Medical Science in Physician Assistant Studies from Mercer’s Atlanta campus in 2012. She is certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants and is a member of the American Academy of Physician Associates.
Laurie brings a diverse clinical background that includes four years in colorectal surgery and nearly a decade in gastroenterology
, with experience in both inpatient and outpatient settings. Her areas of clinical interest include inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and colorectal disorders.
In addition to her patient care experience, Laurie has served as a sub-investigator on clinical trials in gastroenterology, asthma, and cardiovascular disease. She has supported protocol execution, subject screening and enrollment, adverse event monitoring, and data collection in alignment with GCP and FDA guidelines. Her dual role as a provider and research clinician allows her to bridge clinical insights with study requirements, enhancing both recruitment and retention.
Laurie joined our team in July 2023 and continues to combine her passion for research and patient care. She is committed to advancing medical knowledge through clinical trials that expand treatment options and improve outcomes for patients.
A strong advocate for patient education and shared decision-making, Laurie believes in empowering individuals to actively participate in their healthcare. She also mentors advanced practice providers and contributes to the professional development of emerging clinicians.
Outside of work, Laurie enjoys spending time with her husband and children, cooking, reading, and visiting the beach.