All of the physicians in our practice are board certified in pediatrics and are members of the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Our Physicians & Staff
9 physicians, 7 nurse practitioners and staff working together to provide your child with the highest quality pediatric care.
- Physicians
- Nurse Practitioners
- Staff
- All
Dr. Sam Smith
DO, Pediatrician.
36 years of experience. Recognized by Orlando Family Magazine as a Top Doctor.
Dr. Smith, a native of Orlando, received his B.S. degree from the University of Central Florida. He completed his medical training at the Southeastern College of Osteopathic Medicine in Miami. He performed a year of general internship at Metropolitan General Hospital in Pinellas Park, Florida prior to completing his postgraduate pediatric training at Arnold Palmer Hospital. Dr. Smith and his wife, Laurie, have a daughter, Rebekah. Dr. Smith joined Interlachen Pediatrics in 1992.
Dr. Emily Aguilar
MD, Pediatrician
26 years of experience.
Dr. Aguilar is originally from Rochester, N.Y. She attended the State University of New York at Buffalo for both her undergraduate and medical education. Following completion of her medical degree, she continued her postgraduate training at Arnold Palmer Hospital in Orlando.Dr. Aguilar lives with her husband, Marcelo, who is a commercial pilot. They have three children, Sophia, Daniel and Gabriel. Dr. Aguilar joined Interlachen Pediatrics in 2001.
Dr. Julie Ward
DO, Pediatrician
22 years of experience. Recognized by Orlando Family Magazine as a Top Doctor
Dr. Ward was born in Jacksonville, FL and completed her undergraduate degree at Florida State University. She completed her medical degree from Nova Southeastern College of Osteopathic Medicine in Miami. Following a year of general internship at Florida Hospital in Orlando, she finished her residency training at Arnold Palmer Hospital in Orlando. Dr. Ward and her husband, Steve, have two children, Shelby and Tanner. Dr. Ward joined Interlachen Pediatrics in 2001.
Dr. Melanie Emmert
MD, Pediatrician
21 years of experience
Melanie H. Emmert, M.D., was born in Frankfort, KY and received her undergraduate degree at Transylvania University. Following her education at the University of Kentucky College of Medicine, she completed pediatric residency training at Arnold Palmer Hospital. After residency, she worked in a group practice in her Kentucky hometown for two years. Dr. Emmert and her husband, Adam, who serves locally as a hospital chaplain, returned to Florida in 2009. They have three children, Karissa and twins Annelise and Luke. Dr. Emmert joined Interlachen Pediatrics in 2009.
Dr. Gabriela Roitman
MD, Pediatrician
34 years of experience
Dr. Roitman was born in Argentina, where she attended medical school at the University of Buenos Aires. She completed her residency in pediatrics at the Medical College of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia. She practiced pediatrics for two years in Kentucky before moving to Central Florida in 1997. Dr. Roitman has also completed additional training in pediatric mental health. She is a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics and currently serves as President of the Central Florida Pediatric Society. Dr. Roitman is fluent in English and Spanish. She has four young adult children. Dr. Roitman joined Interlachen Pediatrics in 2013
Dr. Sareh Dyer
MD, Pediatrician
12 years of experience. Recognized by Orlando Family Magazine as a Top Doctor.
Dr. Dyer was born in Jacksonville, FL. She received her undergraduate degree right here in Orlando at the University of Central Florida and went to medical school at Florida State University. She completed her medical residency training at Arnold Palmer Hospital. She is an active member of the American Academy of Pediatrics, the Central Florida Pediatric Society and Orlando 'Reach Out and Read' program. Dr. Dyer enjoys teaching medical students and residents in the area. She is happily married to her husband, Zach, and they have one son, Noah and a daughter, Nora. They enjoy traveling and being active outdoors. Dr. Dyer joined Interlachen Pediatrics in 2015.
Dr. Melissa Velarde
MD, Pediatrician
11 years of experience. Recognized by Orlando Family Magazine as a Top Doctor
Dr. Velarde was born in Venezuela and moved to South Florida at the age of 9. She's fluent in both English and Spanish. Dr. Velarde completed her undergraduate studies at Pensacola Christian College and then went on to Florida State University to complete her medical training. She completed her residency training at Arnold Palmer Hospital. Dr. Velarde met her husband as an undergraduate and they were married in 2014. They have two daughters. She enjoys spending time with her family and traveling. Additionally, she enjoys teaching and volunteering in community health programs and quality improvement initiatives. Dr. Velarde joined Interlachen Pediatrics in 2016.
Dr. William Beckman
DO, Pediatrician
11 years of experience
Dr. Beckman was born in Little Rock, AR and raised right here in Seminole County, FL He graduated from Lake Mary High School, received his undergraduate degree from the University of Florida (Go Gators!), a Masters Degree from University of South Florida and attended medical school at the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine in Bradenton, FL. He completed his residency training at Broward Health Medical Center in Fort Lauderdale, FL. Dr. Beckman enjoys cheering on his Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Florida Gators, kayaking, and spending time with his wife and three children. Dr. Beckman joined Interlachen Pediatrics in 2020.
Dr. Sharina Vidal
DO, Pediatrician
5 years of experience
Dr. Vidal was born in Barranquilla, Colombia and moved to Orlando at the age of 5. She's fluent in both English and Spanish. She completed her undergraduate degree at the University of Central Florida. She completed her medical degree at Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine near Atlanta, GA and did her pediatric residency training at Arnold Palmer Hospital. Dr. Vidal enjoys spending time with friends and family, traveling and web design. Dr. Vidal joined Interlachen Pediatrics in 2022.
Two convenient locations
