About Us
The Visionary Behind Astravida Wellness
Dr. Sasha
Dr. Sasha® is renowned for her exceptional expertise as a dual doctorate, board-certified, award winning Family Medicine Physician and Researcher, Multi-Best Selling Author, International Speaker, and Leading Medical Cannabis expert. With three decades of experience, Dr. Sasha® has made significant contributions to medical research, patient care, and education, establishing herself as a leader in her field.
Dr. Sasha® holds a unique distinction as the only known physician in the US with a Ph.D. in molecular and cellular cannabinoid research.
Dr. Sasha® is the founder of Astravida Wellness and with a background that merges extensive scientific research, medical expertise and coaching with compassionate patient care, she brings an unparalleled level of experience to the world of concierge-style medical care as well as health and life coaching.
Dr. Sasha®’s journey began with a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a minor in Chemistry from Palm Beach Atlantic University. She went on to earn her Master’s and Doctorate in Medical Microbiology and Immunology at the University of South Florida’s College of Medicine, specializing in Molecular and Cellular Cannabinoid Research. Her groundbreaking research in the field of psychoneuroimmunology earned her numerous regional and national awards, including the prestigious Young Investigators award.
After several years in academia, Dr. Sasha® pursued her true passion for medicine by earning a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree from the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine. She served as Chief Intern and Chief Resident of the Family Medicine and Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment program where she trained. Embracing her entrepreneurial spirit, she established multiple private practices in the Tampa Bay Area.
Dr. Sasha® combines the personalized touch of a small-town doctor with modern technology to deliver exceptional patient care. Her lifelong commitment to research continues as a sub-investigator with Clinical Research of West Florida, bringing cutting-edge medical advancements to her patients.
As the Founding Chair of the Advisory Committee and Faculty for the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine’s Masters in Cannabinoid Therapeutics program, Dr. Sasha® continues to shape the future of medical research and education.
Her extensive administrative and leadership positions, including roles within the American Osteopathic Association, Florida Osteopathic Medical Association, Florida Society American Colleges of Osteopathic Family Physicians and Hillsborough County Osteopathic Medical Society as past president and member of the board of trustees, highlight her commitment to advancing the osteopathic profession, health and wellness as a whole.
Dr. Sasha®’s dedication to the osteopathic profession has been recognized with multiple awards, including the Hillsborough County Osteopathic Medical Society’s Physician of the Year and the Florida Osteopathic Medical Association’s Physician of the Year among many others. Her unwavering commitment to patient care and quality healthcare has made a significant impact on the Florida community.
A resident of the Tampa Bay area for 30 years, Dr. Sasha® cherishes her time with family and friends. Originating from the island of Trinidad in the Caribbean, she appreciates the small-town charm of Apollo Beach and its surrounding communities. Dr. Sasha® looks forward to continuing her mission of promoting health, vitality, longevity, and anti-aging through Astravida Wellness, guiding individuals on their journey to optimal well-being of their mind, body and spirit.
About Us
Dr. Sasha's Personal Journey and the Birth of Astravida Wellness
Life is a rollercoaster, and while I’ve had many victories, I’ve also faced significant lows. One of the most challenging moments came a few years ago when I needed to have my gallbladder removed. What should have been a simple and straightforward procedure turned into a nightmare that changed my life forever. I experienced every possible medical complication and ultimately ended up in the intensive care unit fighting for my life.
The pain was indescribable. Despite being on massive doses of opioids and having a morphine pump at my disposal, the relief was fleeting while in the ICU. Every four minutes, I was screaming in agony, waiting for what seemed like an excruciating eternity for the next dose of morphine. In those darkest moments, I begged God to take me home, feeling that the pain and suffering was too much to bear. But it soon became clear that my work in this lifetime was not yet finished. Despite that debilitating pain and suffering (physically, emotionally and spiritually), I decided to make some drastic changes in my life. Once out of the hospital I refused to take narcotics and decided to make other changes in my life. As a result my journey has been and continues to be better than I could have ever imagined. And it is my passion and goal to help as many as possible experience life to the fullest as I have been blessed to experience.
This experience gave me a profound understanding of suffering and patient care complexities. As a physician, scientist and educator, I had always been dedicated to my patients, and now I had a deeper, more personal insight into their pain and suffering. This ordeal was a turning point as I re-evaluated my life and the health of my body, mind and spirit. My life was spent caring for others and I had let my own health deteriorate because I was ‘too busy’. Since then I have made drastic changes in my life as I prioritize my overall health and wellness. I needed to ‘put my own oxygen mask on first’ and the saying ‘Physician heal thyself’ resonated like never before. This experience took years to overcome and incorporated multiple modalities of healing the mind, body and spirit. It serves as my motivation to help others who are experiencing pain and suffering, whether it is of the mind, body or spirit to live life to the fullest and to achieve the age-defying energy, vitality and longevity they desire!
The Mission of Astravida Wellness
A New Approach to Healthcare
The traditional healthcare system is broken. It’s not that healthcare providers lack skill or compassion; they are constrained by a flawed system that often results in rushed appointments and superficial treatments. At Astravida Wellness, we reject this one-size-fits-all approach. Instead, we focus on addressing the root causes of chronic diseases, not just the symptoms.
Our approach is both alternative and complementary to traditional Western medicine. We spend quality time with our patients, listening to their stories and evaluating the interactions among genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors that influence their health. This comprehensive, personalized approach allows us to develop tailored health strategies that support each individual’s unique expression of health and vitality.
Why Choose Astravida Wellness?
Innovative and Holistic Care
integrate the latest medical advancements with holistic practices to provide comprehensive care.
Personalized Treatment Plans:
Our personalized plans are designed to fit your unique needs and lifestyle, ensuring effective and sustainable results.
Expert Team:
Our team consists of highly experienced physicians, health coaches, and wellness experts dedicated to your health.
Commitment to Excellence:
We strive to deliver the highest quality care and support to help you achieve optimal health and well-being.