Published by Iago Braga on January 27, 2026 | Reading Time: 5 minutes
You know that feeling when someone you respect recommends a restaurant, and you just know it’s going to be good? That’s kind of what happened here, except instead of food, we’re talking about doctors, and the people doing the recommending are other doctors.
UCF Health just got some incredible news. Orlando Magazine released their 2025 Finest Doctors list, and five of our physicians made the cut. What makes this different? Other doctors picked these five. Not a committee, not a marketing team: actual physicians who know good medicine when they see it.
And honestly? That means everything.
But, who are we talking about? Let’s meet our awarded doctors!
The Doctors Everyone’s Talking About
Let’s introduce them.
Dr. Naveed Sami – Dermatology
Got a weird mole that’s been bugging you? Acne that won’t quit? Dr. Sami is the kind of dermatologist who actually looks at your skin—all of it—and doesn’t rush you out the door. People appreciate that he explains things without the medical jargon overload. Plus, he’s serious about skin cancer prevention, which matters more than most of us realize.
Whether you’re dealing with eczema, psoriasis, or just want a thorough skin check, Dr. Sami approaches each case with the kind of thoroughness that puts patients at ease. His practice blends the latest dermatological treatments with the personalized attention everyone deserves.
Dr. Mehul Patel – Ophthalmology
Let’s be real: eye stuff is terrifying. The idea that something could be wrong with your vision keeps people up at night. Dr. Patel gets that. He’s built his ophthalmology practice around actually listening to patients and walking them through what’s happening with their eyes—whether it’s something simple like needing new glasses or more complex like glaucoma or macular degeneration.
His patients say he never makes them feel rushed or like their questions are dumb. From routine eye exams to managing serious vision conditions, Dr. Patel takes time to explain everything in plain English—no confusing medical speak.
Dr. Shazia Bég – Rheumatology
If you’ve ever dealt with rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or another autoimmune condition, you know how frustrating it can be. Some days you’re fine. Other days, getting out of bed feels impossible. Dr. Bég really gets the unpredictability of these diseases.
She works with patients to figure out what actually works for their life—not just what the textbook says should work. Her approach to rheumatology care is collaborative and compassionate, focusing on managing symptoms while helping patients maintain their quality of life.
Dr. Neha Bhanusali – Rheumatology
Dr. Bhanusali is always reading up on the latest research and treatments, but she never loses sight of the person sitting in front of her. Her patients talk about how she remembers the little details—their kids’ names, what they do for work, what activities they’re hoping to get back to. That kind of care sticks with people.
Specializing in rheumatic diseases, Dr. Bhanusali emphasizes innovative therapies and long-term wellness strategies that help patients live fuller, more active lives despite their diagnoses.
Dr. Mariana Dangiolo – Family Medicine & Geriatrics
Finding a doctor who can care for your entire family, from young adults to seniors, is a tall order. Dr. Dangiolo specializes in exactly that. She understands that health isn’t just about a single appointment; it’s about a lifetime of wellness. Her patients often mention her warmth and her unique ability to navigate the complexities of aging with grace and expertise.
Whether she’s helping a patient manage chronic conditions or providing specialized geriatric care to help a loved one maintain their independence, Dr. Dangiolo treats her patients like family. She’s a listener, a problem-solver, and a fierce advocate for healthy aging.
Why Peer Recognition Hits Different
Now, you might be wondering why this particular recognition matters more than others. Here’s what makes this award special: doctors voted for other doctors they actually respect. Not based on advertising budgets or fancy offices: based on skill, outcomes, and how they treat patients.
Think about it. When physicians who see hundreds of cases a year, who’ve trained at top programs, who know what good medicine looks like—when they recommend someone, that recommendation carries weight.
These five didn’t campaign for votes. They just showed up every day and took care of patients really well. And their colleagues noticed.
About Orlando Magazine’s Finest Doctors Selection Process
The Orlando Magazine Finest Doctors designation isn’t something you can buy or nominate yourself for. It’s determined through a rigorous peer-review process where area physicians vote for the colleagues they trust and respect most in their respective specialties.
This methodology ensures that honorees represent the highest standards of clinical skill, patient outcomes, and professional integrity. Out of thousands of physicians practicing throughout Central Florida, only a select few earn this recognition each year.
What This Means If You’re Looking for a Doctor
Maybe you’ve been putting off that skin check. Or your vision’s been getting blurry and you keep telling yourself it’s fine. Maybe you’re dealing with joint pain that comes and goes, and you’re tired of doctors who don’t seem to take it seriously.
The physicians on this list? They’re the ones other doctors in Central Florida trust. That’s not a small thing.
UCF Health has specialists across the board—dermatology, ophthalmology, rheumatology, and beyond. And the thing is, our teams actually talk to each other. If Dr. Patel notices something during an eye exam that might be autoimmune-related, he can loop in Dr. Bég or Dr. Bhanusali. It’s collaborative care that actually works.
Why Patients Choose UCF Health
As an academic medical center, UCF Health brings something unique to Central Florida healthcare:
Academic Excellence Meets Patient Care: Our physicians don’t just practice medicine—many of them teach the next generation of doctors at the UCF College of Medicine. That means they’re always staying current with the latest research and treatments.
Collaborative Approach: When specialists work under one roof and actually communicate with each other, you get better care. Your dermatologist can consult with your rheumatologist. Your eye doctor can coordinate with your primary care physician. It’s healthcare the way it should be.
Convenient Locations: We serve patients throughout Central Florida, including Orlando, Winter Garden, Lake Nona, and surrounding communities. Quality care shouldn’t require a long drive.
Research-Backed Treatment: As part of a university health system, we have access to clinical trials and cutting-edge treatments that might not be available elsewhere.
Frequently Asked Questions
How are Orlando Magazine’s Finest Doctors selected?
Local physicians vote for colleagues they trust most in each specialty through a peer-review process. It’s not based on advertising, sponsorships, or self-nominations. Only doctors who’ve earned the respect of their medical peers make this list.
What specialties are the UCF Health Finest Doctors in?
The 2025 honorees include specialists in dermatology (Dr. Naveed Sami), ophthalmology (Dr. Mehul Patel), and rheumatology (Dr. Shazia Bég and Dr. Neha Bhanusali). UCF Health offers many other specialties as well.
How do I book an appointment with a Finest Doctor at UCF Health?
Visit UCFHealth.com to schedule online, or call our appointment line at 407-266-3627 to book with any of our award-winning physicians. New patients are welcome.
Does insurance cover visits to these specialists?
Most insurance plans are accepted at UCF Health. We recommend visiting our insurance page or checking with your insurance provider to verify your specific coverage before your appointment.
Do I need a referral to see a specialist at UCF Health?
It depends on your insurance plan. Some plans require a referral from your primary care physician for specialist visits, while others allow direct scheduling. Check with your insurance company or call us at 407-266-3627 and we’ll help you figure it out.
Where are UCF Health locations in Central Florida?
We have two locations throughout Central Florida, including offices in Orlando and Lake Nona. Visit our locations page to find the office most convenient for you.
Ready to Get Started?
Whether you need a dermatologist who won’t brush off your concerns, an eye doctor who explains everything in plain English, or a rheumatologist who treats you like a whole person (not just a collection of symptoms), we’ve got you covered.
Head over to UCFHealth.com to book an appointment. Or if you want to learn more about what each doctor specializes in, check out their profiles on our site.
Because at the end of the day, you deserve doctors who other doctors would see themselves.
Schedule Your Appointment Today
About UCF Health
UCF Health is Central Florida’s academic health system, combining world-class medical education with compassionate patient care. Our physicians are faculty members at the UCF College of Medicine, ensuring you receive treatment informed by the latest medical research and innovations. Learn more about UCF Health.