Midway Specialty Care Center · Fort Pierce, FL
Infectious Disease Care in Fort Pierce, Florida
Board-certified infectious disease specialists diagnosing and treating HIV, hepatitis, complex bacterial infections, travel-related illness, and more.
Infectious Disease Care in Fort Pierce
Expert Diagnosis & Treatment for Complex Infections
Infectious diseases range from common bacterial infections to rare and complex conditions that require specialized expertise to diagnose and treat. While your primary care physician handles most routine infections, some cases — such as persistent or recurring infections, infections in immunocompromised patients, or conditions acquired abroad — require an infectious disease specialist who understands the full landscape of pathogens, resistance patterns, and emerging treatments.
At Midway Specialty Care Center in Fort Pierce, our board-certified infectious disease physicians bring deep expertise to HIV/AIDS management, viral hepatitis, skin and soft tissue infections, bone and joint infections, respiratory infections, fever of unknown origin, and travel-related illness. We work closely with referring physicians and take on patients who need more than a standard clinical visit.
Whether you were referred by another provider or are seeking care on your own, we're ready to help you get an accurate diagnosis and an effective treatment plan.
Conditions We Treat
Our Fort Pierce infectious disease team manages a broad range of bacterial, viral, fungal, and parasitic infections.
HIV / AIDS Management
We provide comprehensive HIV care — from initial diagnosis and antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation to long-term viral suppression monitoring, CD4 count tracking, and management of HIV-related complications. We also offer PrEP for prevention and PEP for post-exposure situations.
HCV
Hepatitis B & C
Hepatitis C is now curable with modern direct-acting antiviral therapy in most patients. Hepatitis B can be effectively managed long-term to prevent liver damage. We provide full diagnostic workup, treatment planning, and monitoring for both conditions — including co-infection with HIV.
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Tissue
Skin & Soft Tissue Infections
Cellulitis, abscesses, wound infections, and necrotizing fasciitis can require specialized evaluation — particularly when infections fail to respond to standard antibiotics, recur frequently, or involve drug-resistant organisms like MRSA. We guide appropriate antibiotic selection based on culture results and resistance patterns.
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Joint
Bone & Joint Infections
Osteomyelitis (bone infection) and septic arthritis require prolonged antibiotic courses with careful monitoring. We work alongside orthopedic surgeons and wound care teams to manage these conditions, including infections of hardware and prosthetic joints where susceptibility testing and long-term suppressive therapy may be needed.
Respiratory & Pulmonary Infections
Pneumonia, tuberculosis, fungal lung infections, and opportunistic respiratory infections in immunocompromised patients often require infectious disease expertise. We evaluate complex or recurrent respiratory infections and coordinate with pulmonology when needed.
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Travel
Fever of Unknown Origin & Travel-Related Illness
Persistent unexplained fevers and illnesses acquired during international travel can be diagnostically challenging. We evaluate fever of unknown origin (FUO) with a systematic approach and have experience diagnosing and treating malaria, typhoid, dengue, leishmaniasis, and other tropical and emerging infections.
Your Care Team in Fort Pierce
Board-certified infectious disease specialists with expertise in complex bacterial, viral, and parasitic infections.
Dr. Moti Ramgopal
MD, FACP, FIDSA, Chairman
Dr. Moti Ramgopal is the Founder and Director of Midway Immunology and Research Center and the Founder/Chairman of the not-for-profit Midway Specialty Care Center in Florida and Guyana. Additionally, he is a Consultant Physician/Director of Associates in Infectious Diseases and a Clinical Professor at Florida State University College of Medicine. He also serves as an HIV Consultant for the Ministry of Health in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Dr. Ramgopal is certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases with expertise in clinical research and the rapid implementation of novel, cutting-edge treatments for over 25 years. As Principal Investigator at Midway Immunology and Research Center, he has overseen 300+ clinical trials, with his research published in peer-reviewed journals and presented at various national and international conferences. His work has been published in the Lancet, Journal of Clinical Infectious Diseases, and Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes. Additionally, he has presented research at the 2023 International AIDS Society Conference on HIV Science and the Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections. As a Consulting Physician, he is affiliated with multiple hospitals within the Treasure Coast area. His team provides comprehensive services such as wound care and outpatient IV antibiotics (OPAT). In addition, he provides opportunities for patients to transfer from inpatient care to outpatient medicine through the availability of an infusion center. Through Midway Specialty Care Center, Dr. Ramgopal and his team embrace the initiative of ending the HIV and HCV epidemics by 2030 in critical communities throughout Florida. To expand the organization's reach, he established two clinics in Georgetown, Guyana, providing the community with new opportunities and access to various clinical and laboratory services. Due to his experiences and efforts, US News and World Reports recognized Dr. Ramgopal as a top Infectious Disease Doctor. Dr. Ramgopal received his medical degree from the University of the West Indies Faculty of Medical Sciences and completed a Residency in Internal Medicine at Beaumont Hospital in Michigan. He then completed a Fellowship in Infectious Diseases at Jackson Memorial and the University of Miami School of Medicine. Dr. Ramgopal is passionate about integrating healthcare from developed to underdeveloped communities, especially in the Caribbean, by introducing advancing technologies, clinical research, and trials. Originally from Guyana and previously the Medical Director of PEPFAR in Guyana, he opened a clinic in Georgetown, Guyana, in 2019 where he actively gives back to the community he grew up in. In addition, Dr. Ramgopal continues to explore opportunities to reach high-risk groups nationally and internationally by providing opportunities to practice medicine, educational training, and consultation services.
Dr. Moti Ramgopal
MD, FACP, FIDSA, Chairman
Dr. Moti Ramgopal is the Founder and Director of Midway Immunology and Research Center and the Founder/Chairman of the not-for-profit Midway Specialty Care Center in Florida and Guyana. Additionally, he is a Consultant Physician/Director of Associates in Infectious Diseases and a Clinical Professor at Florida State University College of Medicine. He also serves as an HIV Consultant for the Ministry of Health in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Dr. Ramgopal is certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases with expertise in clinical research and the rapid implementation of novel, cutting-edge treatments for over 25 years. As Principal Investigator at Midway Immunology and Research Center, he has overseen 300+ clinical trials, with his research published in peer-reviewed journals and presented at various national and international conferences. His work has been published in the Lancet, Journal of Clinical Infectious Diseases, and Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes. Additionally, he has presented research at the 2023 International AIDS Society Conference on HIV Science and the Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections. As a Consulting Physician, he is affiliated with multiple hospitals within the Treasure Coast area. His team provides comprehensive services such as wound care and outpatient IV antibiotics (OPAT). In addition, he provides opportunities for patients to transfer from inpatient care to outpatient medicine through the availability of an infusion center. Through Midway Specialty Care Center, Dr. Ramgopal and his team embrace the initiative of ending the HIV and HCV epidemics by 2030 in critical communities throughout Florida. To expand the organization's reach, he established two clinics in Georgetown, Guyana, providing the community with new opportunities and access to various clinical and laboratory services. Due to his experiences and efforts, US News and World Reports recognized Dr. Ramgopal as a top Infectious Disease Doctor. Dr. Ramgopal received his medical degree from the University of the West Indies Faculty of Medical Sciences and completed a Residency in Internal Medicine at Beaumont Hospital in Michigan. He then completed a Fellowship in Infectious Diseases at Jackson Memorial and the University of Miami School of Medicine. Dr. Ramgopal is passionate about integrating healthcare from developed to underdeveloped communities, especially in the Caribbean, by introducing advancing technologies, clinical research, and trials. Originally from Guyana and previously the Medical Director of PEPFAR in Guyana, he opened a clinic in Georgetown, Guyana, in 2019 where he actively gives back to the community he grew up in. In addition, Dr. Ramgopal continues to explore opportunities to reach high-risk groups nationally and internationally by providing opportunities to practice medicine, educational training, and consultation services.
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Dr. Candice Joseph
MD
Dr. Joseph joined Midway Specialty Care Center, Inc. in October 2021. She received her Medical Degree from Spartan Health Sciences University in St. Lucia and was accepted into an Internship and Residency Program at SSM St. Mary's Hospital in St. Louis, MO. Dr. Joseph then completed a Fellowship Training Program in Infectious Diseases at the University of Florida College of Medicine. She has a focused interest in HIV and other Infectious Diseases and is Board Certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine and Board Certified in Infectious Diseases.
Dr. Candice Joseph
MD
Dr. Joseph joined Midway Specialty Care Center, Inc. in October 2021. She received her Medical Degree from Spartan Health Sciences University in St. Lucia and was accepted into an Internship and Residency Program at SSM St. Mary's Hospital in St. Louis, MO. Dr. Joseph then completed a Fellowship Training Program in Infectious Diseases at the University of Florida College of Medicine. She has a focused interest in HIV and other Infectious Diseases and is Board Certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine and Board Certified in Infectious Diseases.
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Lauren Leeflang
PA-C
Lauren Leeflang is a Board Certified Physician Assistant. Lauren was only two semesters away from graduating with a Bachelor of the Arts in Anthropology from the University of Florida when she enrolled in a Medical Anthropology course. From that moment on, she was fascinated by the societal and cultural influences on healthcare and medicine, leading her to immediately enroll in Florida Atlantic University's Pre-Health Professions Post-Baccalaureate program upon the completion of her degree. It was there that she learned more about the Physician Assistant profession and the nationwide shortage of primary care providers. She graduated with honors from the Nova Southeastern University Physician Assistant Program in Orlando, Florida, where she earned her Masters of Medical Sciences. As a PA, Lauren is passionate about primary care, and appreciates the diverse clinical challenges of HIV and other infectious diseases. A self-described "food nerd," Lauren spends much of her free time in the kitchen trying new recipes, or brewing beer with her husband. She also loves gardening, the beach, and her adorable dog, Kona.
Lauren Leeflang
PA-C
Lauren Leeflang is a Board Certified Physician Assistant. Lauren was only two semesters away from graduating with a Bachelor of the Arts in Anthropology from the University of Florida when she enrolled in a Medical Anthropology course. From that moment on, she was fascinated by the societal and cultural influences on healthcare and medicine, leading her to immediately enroll in Florida Atlantic University's Pre-Health Professions Post-Baccalaureate program upon the completion of her degree. It was there that she learned more about the Physician Assistant profession and the nationwide shortage of primary care providers. She graduated with honors from the Nova Southeastern University Physician Assistant Program in Orlando, Florida, where she earned her Masters of Medical Sciences. As a PA, Lauren is passionate about primary care, and appreciates the diverse clinical challenges of HIV and other infectious diseases. A self-described "food nerd," Lauren spends much of her free time in the kitchen trying new recipes, or brewing beer with her husband. She also loves gardening, the beach, and her adorable dog, Kona.
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Darla Bagwell
APRN, AAHIVS
Ms. Bagwell graduated from the University of Tampa with a Master of Science in Nursing and is a board certified adult nurse practitioner. She holds a certification as an HIV specialist from the American Academy of HIV Medicine. Ms. Bagwell joined Midway Specialty Care Center in 2013 at the advent of the direct acting antiviral era for the treatment of hepatitis C. Ms. Bagwell provides treatment for HIV, hepatitis C, pre-exposure HIV prophylaxis, post-exposure HIV prophylaxis, sexually transmitted infections, and primary care. Ms. Bagwell enjoys spending her free with time with her husband and her two children.
Darla Bagwell
APRN, AAHIVS
Ms. Bagwell graduated from the University of Tampa with a Master of Science in Nursing and is a board certified adult nurse practitioner. She holds a certification as an HIV specialist from the American Academy of HIV Medicine. Ms. Bagwell joined Midway Specialty Care Center in 2013 at the advent of the direct acting antiviral era for the treatment of hepatitis C. Ms. Bagwell provides treatment for HIV, hepatitis C, pre-exposure HIV prophylaxis, post-exposure HIV prophylaxis, sexually transmitted infections, and primary care. Ms. Bagwell enjoys spending her free with time with her husband and her two children.
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Angela Trodglen
APRN
Ms. Trodglen received her Associate and Bachelor in Science in Nursing from Indian River State College. Angela received a Master of Science in Nursing with high honors from South University in Savannah, Georgia. Angela has worked for Associates in Infectious Diseases and Midway Specialty Care, PA since 2016. She joined the Medical Staff Team with several years of Hospital experience in PCU and Surgical PCU. Ms. Trodglen has developed a focused interest in the field of Infectious Diseases. Angela is a Florida native and grew up in Vero Beach.
Angela Trodglen
APRN
Ms. Trodglen received her Associate and Bachelor in Science in Nursing from Indian River State College. Angela received a Master of Science in Nursing with high honors from South University in Savannah, Georgia. Angela has worked for Associates in Infectious Diseases and Midway Specialty Care, PA since 2016. She joined the Medical Staff Team with several years of Hospital experience in PCU and Surgical PCU. Ms. Trodglen has developed a focused interest in the field of Infectious Diseases. Angela is a Florida native and grew up in Vero Beach.
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Dr. Raja Talati
MD, MSc, MBA, FAAFP, CMIO
Dr. Talati is an adaptable healthcare administrator and clinician with a proven track record of integrating new healthcare delivery systems and navigating complex regulatory environments. With a focus on ensuring health management goals are met for the betterment of communities, Dr. Talati holds a Doctor of Medicine from Ross University School of Medicine and has completed an MBA in Healthcare Analytics from the University of South Florida and a Master of Science in Healthcare Informatics from the University of Illinois. Their skills include proficiency in primary care, medical staff management, total quality improvement, strong interpersonal communication, and sound clinical judgment. With extensive experience in various leadership roles, including Chief Medical Information Officer and Assistant Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Talati has overseen medical operations, IT needs, and quality improvement initiatives in both clinical and non-profit settings. In addition to their clinical and administrative roles, Dr. Talati has served in the Air Force Reserve as Chief Health Information Officer and Flight Surgeon, demonstrating adaptability and leadership in demanding environments, including during the COVID-19 pandemic. Committed to education, Dr. Talati holds academic appointments as a Clinical Assistant Professor at Florida State University College of Medicine and Nova Southeastern University College of Osteopathic Medicine. They are actively involved in professional affiliations such as the American Academy of Family Physicians and serve as a board member for the Treasure Coast Food Bank, reflecting their dedication to community health beyond clinical practice.
Dr. Raja Talati
MD, MSc, MBA, FAAFP, CMIO
Dr. Talati is an adaptable healthcare administrator and clinician with a proven track record of integrating new healthcare delivery systems and navigating complex regulatory environments. With a focus on ensuring health management goals are met for the betterment of communities, Dr. Talati holds a Doctor of Medicine from Ross University School of Medicine and has completed an MBA in Healthcare Analytics from the University of South Florida and a Master of Science in Healthcare Informatics from the University of Illinois. Their skills include proficiency in primary care, medical staff management, total quality improvement, strong interpersonal communication, and sound clinical judgment. With extensive experience in various leadership roles, including Chief Medical Information Officer and Assistant Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Talati has overseen medical operations, IT needs, and quality improvement initiatives in both clinical and non-profit settings. In addition to their clinical and administrative roles, Dr. Talati has served in the Air Force Reserve as Chief Health Information Officer and Flight Surgeon, demonstrating adaptability and leadership in demanding environments, including during the COVID-19 pandemic. Committed to education, Dr. Talati holds academic appointments as a Clinical Assistant Professor at Florida State University College of Medicine and Nova Southeastern University College of Osteopathic Medicine. They are actively involved in professional affiliations such as the American Academy of Family Physicians and serve as a board member for the Treasure Coast Food Bank, reflecting their dedication to community health beyond clinical practice.
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Who We Help
Our Fort Pierce clinic sees patients with complex or hard-to-treat infections at all stages.
Complex or Recurring Infections
If you've had an infection that isn't responding to standard treatment, keeps coming back, or required hospitalization, an infectious disease specialist can help identify the organism, assess resistance patterns, and design an effective long-term treatment strategy.
Immunocompromised Patients
Patients living with HIV, undergoing chemotherapy, taking immunosuppressant medications, or managing autoimmune conditions face a higher risk of opportunistic and unusual infections. We have specific expertise in managing infections in this population and coordinate closely with your other providers.
Returning Travelers
If you've returned from international travel — particularly to tropical or developing regions — and are experiencing fever, gastrointestinal illness, skin changes, or other unexplained symptoms, we can evaluate you for travel-related infections that a general practitioner may not immediately recognize.
Specialist Referrals
We regularly accept referrals from primary care physicians, hospitalists, and other specialists for patients who need infectious disease evaluation. If your doctor has recommended an ID consult, we can typically see you promptly and provide a thorough assessment with a documented consultation note.
What to Expect at Your First Visit
Our goal is to give you a thorough evaluation and a clear path forward.
Schedule Your Appointment
Call our Fort Pierce office at (772) 464-9746 or submit the appointment request form. If you were referred by another provider, let us know — we'll coordinate with their office to obtain any relevant records before your visit so we arrive prepared.
Comprehensive History & Evaluation
Your provider will take a detailed history of your symptoms, travel, exposures, medications, and underlying health conditions — all of which are relevant to identifying infectious causes. This is followed by a focused physical examination and a review of any prior lab work, imaging, or cultures.
Targeted Testing & Cultures
We'll order the appropriate diagnostic tests to identify the responsible pathogen — blood cultures, viral panels, fungal serologies, parasite smears, skin or wound cultures, or specialized travel-related assays as needed. Targeted testing avoids unnecessary labs while ensuring we find what we're looking for.
Treatment Plan & Follow-up Care
Once we have a diagnosis, we'll discuss your treatment options and begin therapy. Many infectious disease conditions require follow-up visits to monitor response and adjust treatment based on culture sensitivities or clinical progress. We'll set a clear schedule and keep your referring physician informed throughout.
Request an Appointment
Fort Pierce · Infectious Disease
Contact Us
356 E. Midway Rd
Fort Pierce, FL 34982
Clinic Fax
(772) 464-9750
Hours of Operation
New Patient Paperwork
After your appointment is confirmed, you'll receive a link to complete your intake forms online before your visit — from any device, no printing required.
Prefer Paper?
Download and print the forms below if you'd like to complete them by hand before your visit.
Patient Reviews
“The doctor spent an enormous amount of time going over my records and truly explaining to us what was happening, unlike any other doctor.”
— Matt M.