Stephanie Haridopolos, M.D.
As a doctor, mother, wife, columnist and advocate, I strive to achieve just the right balance in my life. I strongly believe in promoting preventative medicine and overall good health and wellness.
I am a Board Certified Family Practitioner and have dedicated my life’s work to helping others stay healthy by empowering them with knowledge. It is possible to overcome barriers and obstacles in life to achieve success and give back to your community. As a practicing physician for the past decade, I go to work each and every day eager to make a positive impact in the lives of my patients.
My practice is focused on building an excellent two way conversation with each patient. How together we can plan a modest lifestyle adjustment in diet and exercise to improve the overall quality of their life.
I believe in that lifestyle myself and want to be a role model for my patients and three children. That is why I focus on my diet, exercise and ballroom dancing.
For additional information and excerpted from:
My Journey:
At three months, I was diagnosed with a congenital heart condition called AtrialSeptal Defect (ASD). It is a hole in the wall of the upper two chambers of the heart. My condition required that I undergo surgery to repair it at age four. I was fortunate to have an incredible team of doctors and nurses and admired them. Ever since my surgery, I was inspired to become a doctor so I too can help others heal.
I grew up with very humble beginnings. My family financially struggled. I knew education was my key to achieving success and reaching my goal. I am proud to be the first one in my family to attend college. In August of 1990, I began my medical career at Stetson University in Deland, Florida. I majored in Chemistry with a pre-med curriculum.
Then I attended A.U.C. School of Medicine in 1994, where I lived in the British West Indies and London, England to complete my training. I learned about the National Healthcare system while in England.
After I finished my medical degree in London, I attended Albany Medical Center Family Practice residency program in New York, July of 1999.
In August of 2002 I joined OMNI Healthcare in Melbourne, Florida. I have been practicing there for the past ten years. I had three children along the way during my medical career journey and kept on forging forward to achieve my goal.
Advocacy:
My husband, Mike Haridopolos served as the President of the Florida Senate from November 2010 to November 2012. I have been at his side on both the political and policy fronts. Together we are a proud team. I used my platform as First Lady of the Florida Senate to advocate for issues I feel strongly about.
I advocated for the passage of tough Pill Mill legislation designed to stop prescription drug abuse and now I serve on Florida’s statewide drug task force appointed by the Attorney General Pam Bondi.I also helped pass “Walk in Her Shoes Act” which helps victims of sexual abuse. Through my husband’s leadership and my advocacy, we were successful in securing a million dollar state grant for the National Veterans Homeless support group to establish a transitional housing facility. It was also an honor to help reform Florida’s Medicaid system. As a primary care provider and Medicaid provider, I was able to act as a translator and sounding board to the policy makers on how to improve the quality and efficiency of care. More primary care facilities were opened as a result of the advocacy to help care for the growing number of Medicaid patients.
I am a survivor of domestic violence from a previous relationship and have found catharsis in telling my story to tear down the barriers that prevent others from breaking the cycle of domestic violence. Recently I have been advocating against domestic violence with policy changes and helped increase the funding for shelters.
It has been exciting to launch a weekly health column for Florida Today newspaper called “Your Health With Dr Stephanie” and creating educational health videos for each column since February 2012 to promote healthy living advocacy.
I also recently served as chairwoman and community organizer for Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk for the American Cancer Society in October 2012. Over 10,000 people attended the walk, including Florida Governor Rick Scott. We helped raise vital funds for awareness and services for breast cancer patients.
Governor Romney appointed me to his National Healthcare Advisory Board and selected me as one of his Florida’s delegates for the Electoral College.
Currently, I serve as President Elect of the Brevard County Medical Society and as a Florida Medical Association delegate.