OUR DOCTORS SPEND TIME WITH PATIENTS. NOT PAPERWORK.
learn more

our team

FDC Providers

DR. NATHANIEL DE LA CRUZ MD

Dr. Nathaniel De La Cruz, MD

DocDeLaCruz@FrontierDirectCare.com

About me

Dr. Nathaniel De La Cruz was born in McAllen, TX and is a graduate of the University of Texas Pan American. He earned his medical degree in 2015 at UTMB in Galveston, where he also completed his residency in 2018. Dr. De La Cruz has four years' experience in family medicine. In addition to his work at Frontier Direct Care, he has served on the UTMB Family Medicine Residency Program Evaluation Committee.
Dr. De La Cruz is a member of the American Academy of Family Physicians and resides in McAllen, TX with his wife. He is proficient in both English and Spanish. Dr. De La Cruz serves Frontier members in our McAllen location.

dr jordan

Dr. Jordan Dooley,
MD

DocDooley@FrontierDirectCare.com

About me

Dr. Jordan Dooley completed his medical degree at Michigan State University in 2017. He came to the RGV for specialty training in family medicine and was part of a program led by our founding physician, Dr. Peter Lazzopina. Dr. Dooley witnessed the early development of Frontier Direct Care, and excitedly joined Dr. Lazzopina in his mission to restore the patient-physician relationship in 2019. Board certified in family medicine, Dr. Dooley is also a member of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine and passionate about helping patients utilize healthy nutrition and exercise choice to reverse and prevent chronic diseases. Dr. Dooley is proficient in English language.

drgouden
Dr. Renee Gounden, MD

DocGounden@FrontierDirectCare.com

Sharon Machner11 scaled
Sharon Machner PA

Sharon.Machner@FrontierDirectCare.com

Dr. Suja Perakathu

Dr. Suja Perakathu, MD

DocPerakathu@FrontierDirectCare.com

About me

Dr. Suja Perakathu came to Frontier after serving for 10 years in a traditional medical practice. A long term resident of the Rio Grande Valley, she obtained her Doctorate of Medicine in 1999 from University Ovidius in Romania. Dr. Perakathu completed her residency at Valley Baptist in 2011. There, she honed the patient-centered approach to medical care that makes her one of the top rated doctors in the Rio Grande Valley. Dr. Perakathu joined FDC to be able to give patients the time needed to get to the root cause of health issues. She loves to help her patients pursue a healthy life, and has advanced training in obesity medicine. In her spare time, she loves taking care of her 3 children, cooking delicious food, and singing her heart out. Dr. Perakathu is proficient in English, Spanish, Hindi, Romanian, Telugu, and Malayalam. Dr. Perakathu serves our members in our Brownsville South location.

Taylor

Taylor Sheneman
PA

Taylor@FrontierDirectCare.com

About me

Taylor Sheneman earned his Bachelors of Science-Biology in 2017 from Houston Baptist University. He obtained his Masters of Science in Physician Assistant Studies at the University of Texas - Rio Grande Valley in Edinburg, TX in 2020. Taylor has two years' experience in Family Medicine, with special interest in exercise, rehabilitation, and diabetes maintenance.

Taylor is also a dedicated volunteer at Culture of Life Ministries, providing free quality and accessible care to under-served members of the community. He is a member of Alpha Chi fraternity and the National Eagle Scout Association.

Taylor is a member of the Rio Grande Valley Physician Assistants Society, the American Academy of Physician Assistants, and the Texas Academy of Physician Assistants. Taylor resides in Harlingen, TX with his new wife and enjoys weight lifting and outdoor acvities. Taylor serves our Raymondville location and is proficient in the English language.

LauraSaucedo08 scaled
Laura Saucedo NP

Laura@FrontierDirectCare.com

CindyZamorategui09 scaled
Cindy Zamorategui NP

Cindy.Zamorategui@FrontierDirectCare.com

About me

Cindy Zamorategui obtained her BSN in 2019 and her Masters of Science in Nursing from Walden University. Cindy came to Frontier with five years' experience in nursing, with a special interest in family medicine. She is delighted to be a part of a team that is unified, safe, and that prioritizes patients' healthcare needs.
In addition to her work at Frontier Direct Care, she is co-owner of Care Rx Pharmacy, a local pharmacy that has aided in administering over 15,000 COVID-19 vaccines to the community by holding special vaccine clinics.
Cindy resides in Harlingen, TX with her husband and enjoys life with her three young daughters. Cindy is proficient in both English and Spanish and serves Frontier members in our Harlingen location.

SarahDeWit scaled

Sarah DeWit NP

Sarah.DeWit@FrontierDirectCare.com

About me

Sarah deWit, MSN, APRN, FNP-C, is a graduate of Stephen F. Austin State University.

She obtained her Master of Science in Nursing at Georgetown University in Washington D.C. Sarah has four years' experience as a family nurse practitioner, with special focus in emergency and urgent care. Prior to receiving her Masters in Nursing, Sarah worked extensively in comprehensive health coaching to individuals and families across the lifespan, advanced health assessment and medication management, and disease prevention strategies. She is a member of both the American Association of Nurse Practioners as well as Texas Nurse Practioners.

Sarah holds certifications in the Department of Transportation (DOT), laser treatments, and Botox and facial fillers. Sarah moved to the Valley from McKinney, Texas, and hopes to master the Spanish language. Sarah serves our members in our McAllen location.

JessicaLongoria1 scaled

Jessica Longoria PA

Jessica.Longoria@FrontierDirectCare.com

About me

Dr.PeterRuiz scaled

Dr. Peter Ruiz, MD

Peter.Ruiz@FrontierDirectCare.com

About me

Dr. Peter Ruiz was born in Dayton, Ohio and is a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin. He obtained his medical degree at the University of Texas Medical School at San Antonio in 2006. He completed his residency in 2009 at Valley Baptist Family Pracce Residency Program and its affiliated Valley Baptist Medical Center.

Dr. Ruiz has 13 years' experience in family medicine, with special interests in diabetic patient management, occupational health, and veteran disability evaluations. In addion to his work at Frontier Direct Care, he has served on the Committee on Healthcare Services and Managed Care (TAFP).

Dr. Ruiz is a member of the American Academy of Family Physicians and the Texas Academy of Family Physicians. Dr. Ruiz is the ninth of twelve children and resides in Mission, Texas with his wife and two children. Dr. Ruiz is proficient in English and Spanish.

PattyGarza scaled

Patty Garza NP

Patricia.Garza@FrontierDirectCare.com

About me

steven9

Jeni Wert PA

Jeniece.Wert@FrontierDirectCare.com

About me

Jeniece Wert was born in San Antonio, TX and is a graduate of Western Michigan University. She obtained a Master of Education in Special Education from Eastern New Mexico University, and later a Master of Medical Science in Physician Assistant Studies at Yale University.

Jeniece has three years' experience in family medicine, with special interest in vaginal diseases and disorders, pelvic organ prolapse, and mood disorders. She has focused her educational career on issues such as Virtual Cardiac Anatomy Models, Ovarian Cancer in Primary Care, and Chronic Lung Disease in Non-Smokers.

In addition to her work at Frontier Direct Care, Jeniece has served at Trinity Health as a primary care provider for two shelters, providing care for undocumented minors. Jeniece resides in Alamo, TX with her husband, three children, and three dogs. Jeniece is proficient in English language and serves our members in the McAllen North location.

steven9

Adriana Benson PA

Adriana.Benson@FrontierDirectCare.com

About me

Adriana Benson is a graduate of South Texas College. She obtained her Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies at UTRGV in Edinburg, Texas. Adriana has 16 years' medical experience, beginning with time as a paramedic, then becoming a registered respiratory therapist and a licensed respiratory care practioner, and finally becoming a board certified Physician Assistant. Adriana has varied experience with treatment plans for acute and chronic illnesses such as Diabetes Mellitus, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, cardiovascular conditions and diseases, hyperthyroidism/hypothyroidism, obesity, URI, UTI, etc.

Besides her work at Frontier Direct Care, she is a member of the Texas Association of Physician Assistants, the Respiratory Care Association, Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, and the Respiratory Club of Family Church through Couples for Christ-Kids for Family and Life. Adriana also serves as a faculty member at South Texas College, providing lectures for students in the clinical setting. Adriana serves our members at our McAllen location.

FDC MEDICAL SUPPORT STAFF
fernanda
Fern Cantu

Fernanda@FrontierDirectCare.com

AshleyCruz2 scaled
Ashley Cruz

Ashley@FrontierDirectCare.com 

AnnaMarquez scaled
Anna Marquez

Anna.Marquez@FrontierDirectCare.com

Kristian
Kristian Moore

Kristian@FrontierDirectCare.com

CarmelaPara scaled

Carmela Para

Carmela.Para@FrontierDirectCare.com

NeydiSalazar scaled

Neydi Salazar

Neydi.Salazar@FrontierDirectCare.com 

MaryMartinez scaled

Mary Martinez

Maria.Martinez@FrontierDirectCare.com

steven9

Abigail Farias

Abigail.Farias@FrontierDirectCare.com

alma
Alma Roque

Alma@FrontierDirectCare.com 

CassieSaldivar11 scaled
Cassie Saldivar

Cassie@FrontierDirectCare.com

Sandy Valdez
Sandy Valdez

Sandy@FrontierDirectCare.com 

IsmaelGarcia scaled

Ismael Garcia

Ismael.Garcia@FrontierDirectCare.com 

FDC HEADQUARTERS
Bibb Beale
Bibb Beale

Chief Executive Officer
Bibb@FrontierDirectCare.com

jim
Jim Birschbach

Sales Consultant
Jim@FrontierDirectCare.com

andrew
Andrew Buelow

Chief Operations Officer
Andrew@FrontierDirectCare.com

Jason Elliott
Jason Elliott

Chief Finance Officer
Jason@FrontierDirectCare.com

JoshuaGuzman08 scaled
Joshua Guzman

Growth Data Analyst
Joshua.Guzman@FrontierDirectCare.com

lizzet
Lizette Hernandez

Member Services Representative
Lizette@FrontierDirectCare.com

ChandlerElliott13 scaled
Chandler Elliott

Project Manager
Chandler@FrontierDirectCare.com

vitoria hernandez
Victoria Hernandez

Member Services Representative
Victoria@FrontierDirectCare.com

jessi 1
Jessi Hiler

Chief of Staff
Jessi@FrontierDirectCare.com

sarah

Sarah Holliday

Member Services – Harlingen
Sarah@FrontierDirectCare.com

steven4
Steven Kaspar

Chief Technology Officer
Steven@frontierdirectcare.com

lorian
Lorain Keath

Project Manager
Lorain@FrontierDirectCare.com

pete
Dr. Peter Lazzopina

MD | Chief Medical Officer
DocLazz@FrontierDirectCare.com

WayneLowry06 scaled
Wayne Lowry

Chief Business Development Officer
Wayne@FrontierDirectCare.com

Roseann2
Roseann Neumeyer

Chief People Officer
Roseann@FrontierDirectCare.com

lauren
Lauren Orzechowski

Chief of Medical Operations
Lauren@FrontierDirectCare.com

kely
Kelly Tietsort

Head of Branding
Kelly@FrontierDirectCare.com

Zach Tiesort08 scaled
Zach Tietsort

Head of Construction
Zach.Tietsort@FrontierDirectCare.com

joe
Joe WIlson

Chief Growth Officer
Joe@FrontierDirectCare.com

Eduardo Headshot scaled

Eduardo Cavazos

Chief Strategy Officer
Eduardo@FrontierDirectCare.com

RebeccaFigueredo scaled

Rebecca Figueredo

Member Services – McAllen 23rd Street
Rebecca.Figueredo@FrontierDirectCare.com

PerlaHernandez14 scaled

Perla Hernandez

Finance & Accounting Analyst
Perla.Hernandez@FrontierDirectCare.com

JessCantu 01 scaled

Jess Cantu

Senior Talent Manager
Jessica.Cantu@FrontierDirectCare.com

JennaMares0 scaled

Jenna Marez

Member Services Representative
Jenna.Marez@FrontierDirectCare.com

HelenMaldonado scaled

Helen Maldonado

Member Services – McAllen Westway
Helen.Maldonado@FrontierDirectCare.com

Febe Zepeda05 scaled

Febe Zepeda

Sales Project Manager
Febe.Zepeda@FrontierDirectCare.com

DebbieHerrera scaled

Debbie Herrera

Member Services – Raymondville
Debbie.Herrera@FrontierDirectCare.com

VanessaRamirz scaled

Vanessa Ramirez

Head of Operations
Vanessa.Ramirez@FrontierDirectCare.com

our locations

FDC HARLINGEN

224 East Jackson | Harlingen, TX 78550
P: 956-446-0136 | F: 956-265-1284 Harlingen@FrontierDirectCare.com
See Map

FDC WESLACO

555 S. International Blvd. | Weslaco TX, 78596
P: 956-303-6548 | F: 956-253-4981
Weslaco@FrontierDirectCare.com
See Map 

FDC MCALLEN – Westway

1000 Westway Ave. | McAllen, TX 78501
P: 956-303-8995 | F: 956-265-1053
Mcallen.westway@FrontierDirectCare.com
See Map  

FDC MCALLEN – 23rd

5429 N 23rd Street| McAllen, TX 78504
P: 956.477.1463 | F: 956-265-1053
Mcallen.23rd@frontierdirectcare.com
See Map  

FDC BROWNSVILLE

222 North Expressway 77, Suite 302 | Brownsville TX, 78521
P: 956-450-8355 | F: 956-614-1489
Brownsville @FrontierDirectCare.com
See Map  

FDC RAYMONDVILLE

100 N. US. Highway 77 | Raymondville, TX 78580
P: 956-394-0968 | F: 956-394-1137
Raymondville@FrontierDirectCare.com
See Map   

Our doctors are happy, satisfied with their work, paid well, and do less paperwork.

61% of all primary care physicians reported burnout in 2021, which is up from 40% compared to 2018. Primary care providers cite insufficient wages combined with poor work-life balance as the main contributors to feeling dissatisfied with their profession. While some are being pushed to specialize in order to find better compensation, many care providers are leaving medicine altogether. Most estimates predict a shortage of more than 40,000 providers by 2034.

Direct Primary Care is better for doctors.

Instead of spending 5-6 hours per day on administrative work, the average FDC physician spends only 1-2 minutes per visit on administrative work. FDC doctors also have a smaller patient panel, which allows them to see fewer patients per day and spend more quality one-on-one time with each patient.

National Average

frontier logo 01

Patient Panel
Visits per Day
Doctor Salary
Administrative Hours for Doctor
Time with Doctor
3,000-3,500
19-22
Average
5-6 Hours/Day
11 Minutes
800
5-7
Top 10% Nationally
1-2 Minutes/Visit
37 Minutes
JOIN THE FRONTIER TEAM