Our Medical Directors

The District’s EMS system is supported by licensed EMTs, Paramedics, and physician Medical Directors who live and work in the Naples community and serve as leaders within the local healthcare system. These physicians provide clinical oversight and medical guidance to the EMS Division, helping ensure safe, effective, and patient-centered emergency medical care for residents and visitors alike.

James J. Augustine, MD

Dr. James Augustine is an emergency physician who brings extensive clinical and operational experience to his role as Medical Director for the North Collier Fire Control and Rescue District. He is widely recognized for his expertise in fire-rescue emergency response and EMS system leadership.

In addition to his work with the District, Dr. Augustine serves as Medical Director for multiple Fire-Rescue agencies across the region. He is also a Clinical Professor in the Department of Emergency Medicine at Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio.

Prior to joining North Collier, Dr. Augustine served as Medical Director with Atlanta Fire Rescue, including medical oversight for the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport Fire-Rescue Division, one of the busiest aviation emergency response systems in the world. His prior leadership roles also include serving as Assistant Fire Chief and Medical Director for the District of Columbia Fire and EMS Department, as well as First Chair of the Ohio EMS Board.

During his 14 years with North Collier, Dr. Augustine has supported the District through major hurricanes, pandemics, and significant seasonal fluctuations in service demand associated with a growing community. He views his role as one focused on supporting the dedicated personnel who provide emergency services every day, while helping the organization adapt and evolve to meet the changing needs of the community.

Jeffrey A. Panozzo, DO

Dr. Jeffrey A. Pannozzo has served as Associate Medical Director for the North Collier Fire Control and Rescue District since 2008. In this role, he provides clinical oversight for medical education, professional development, and the adoption of evidence-based medical protocols. He also plays a key role in overseeing the District’s Quality Assurance program, supporting continuous improvement in patient care.

Board-certified in Emergency Medicine, Dr. Pannozzo currently serves as Medical Director for the Emergency Department at NCH North Naples Hospital with TeamHealth. His prior experience includes medical consulting for the Fire Department of the City of New York (FDNY) related to post–September 11 first responder care, as well as serving as Medical Director for Naples Emergency Physicians at Physicians Regional Medical Center.

Dr. Pannozzo earned his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree from the Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine in 1989 and completed his undergraduate studies at Loyola University.

Sariely Sandoval, MD

Dr. Sariely Sandoval is a board-certified emergency physician who brings specialized training and hands-on experience in emergency medical services to her role as Associate Medical Director for the North Collier Fire Control and Rescue District.

Dr. Sandoval earned her medical degree from Indiana University School of Medicine in Indianapolis and completed her Emergency Medicine residency at Beaumont Health in Royal Oak, Michigan. She then completed an EMS Fellowship at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, where she was actively involved with the Medical Control Authority of Washtenaw and Livingston Counties. During this time, she worked closely with field crews, responding alongside ground EMS units and Survival Flight, gaining extensive real-world pre-hospital experience.

Originally from California, Dr. Sandoval relocated to Naples, Florida, where she currently practices in the Emergency Department at Physicians Regional Medical Center, serving both the Collier and Pine Ridge campuses. She also serves as Medical Director for the Immokalee Fire Control District, further contributing to EMS leadership within the region.

Deborah M. Lopez, MD

Dr. Debra Lopez brings specialized expertise in pediatrics and pediatric critical care to her role as Associate Medical Director for the North Collier Fire Control and Rescue District. Her clinical background provides valuable leadership and guidance for the care of pediatric patients within the EMS system.

Dr. Lopez serves as an Attending Physician in Pediatrics and Pediatric Critical Care Medicine at NCH North Naples Hospital. She earned her medical degree from the American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine in Montserrat, British West Indies, in 1990. Her post-graduate training included residency and fellowship experience at Marshall University School of Medicine in Huntington, West Virginia, and the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in Bronx, New York.

Dr. Lopez was recognized as Physician of the Year by Naples Community Hospital in both 2010 and 2011. In addition to her clinical work, she has contributed to medical education as a faculty member at Nova Southeastern University College of Osteopathic Medicine.

Paul J. Hobaica, MD

Dr. Paul Hobaica serves as the District Physician for the North Collier Fire Control and Rescue District, where his focus is on promoting and maintaining the health, fitness, and readiness of District personnel. In this role, he provides medical guidance that supports the safety, wellness, and operational effectiveness of the organization.

Working closely with the EMS Division, Dr. Hobaica oversees the scheduling and completion of annual physical examinations for District personnel and provides medical oversight and guidance for workers’ compensation cases. His role helps ensure that personnel are medically fit to perform their duties and able to safely serve the community.

An integral part of the Naples healthcare community, Dr. Hobaica also serves as Medical Director for Arthrex and operates AccessMD, a primary and urgent care center in Naples that delivers healthcare services to first responders throughout Collier County. He is board-certified in Internal Medicine and earned his Doctor of Medicine degree from St. George’s University School of Medicine in 1996. He completed his Internal Medicine residency training at the University of Massachusetts in 1999.