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Diabetes Center: About Our Physicians

Catherine G. Jonnakuty, M.D

Catherine Jonnakuty, M.D., serves as Medical Director of The Diabetes Center at Mercy. She received her undergraduate degree from the University of Maryland, College Park, and her medical degree from Kasturba Medical College. Dr. Jonnakuty completed her fellowship in Endocrinology, Diabetes & Metabolism from Penn State University and was a Post Doctoral Intramural Research Training Award Fellow at the National Institutes of Health and Human Resources. She completed her Internal Medicine residency and internship at NYU School of Medicine at Lenox Hill Hospital.

Board Certified, Dr. Jonnakuty is a member of the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists, the Endocrine Society, and the Pennsylvania State Medical Society. She has   participated in many research initiatives and has numerous honors, publications, and presentations to her credit. Dr. Jonnakuty has patient appointments available at Mercy’s downtown location as well as in Overlea and Columbia Maryland.

Marisha Newton, M.D.

Marisha Newton, M.D., received her medical degree from the Howard University College of Medicine.  She completed her residency training at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio, and her fellowship training in Endocrinology and Metabolism at Howard University Hospital in Washington, D.C.

Dr. Newton is board certified in Internal Medicine and Endocrinology and Metabolism. She is a member of the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists, the Endocrine Society, the American Medical Association, and the American College of Physicians. She has participated in various research projects and has several articles and book chapters to her credit. Dr. Newton enjoys teaching medical students and residents and has received many honors and awards. Dr. Newton sees patients at offices in Catonsville and Reisterstown, Maryland.

Errol H. Rushovich, M.D.

Errol Rushovich, M.D., is Board Certified in Endocrinology and Internal Medicine and serves as Medical Director for The Center for Bone Health & Division of Endocrinology. He has a special interest in endocrine disorders and implementing preventive strategies.

In addition, Dr. Rushovich is partnering with Kathy J. Helzlsouer, M.D., from The Prevention & Research Center at Mercy, to determine health care strategies for the prevention and treatment of avoidable diseases such as Type 2 diabetes.

Dr. Rushovich completed his residency at Mt. Sinai Hospital in Chicago and his fellowship training at the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor. Prior to coming to Baltimore, he directed a regional diabetes program and was Medical Director for a Diabetes Outreach Network covering 28 counties in Northern Michigan.

While in Michigan, Dr. Rushovich held a faculty appointment at Michigan State University and was a member of the State's diabetes advisory panel.

Michelle Bravo, RD, LDN, CDE

Michelle Bravo, RD, LDN, CDE, serves as the Director of Diabetes Education for the Division of Endocrinology at Mercy. A certified diabetes educator and registered dietitian, Michelle received her Bachelor of Science degree in Food and Nutrition from Florida State University and completed her Dietetic Internship at Johns Hopkins Bayview.

Prior to joining Mercy, Michelle served as Program Coordinator for the Johns Hopkins University Diabetes Center. She has held positions with the Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center and the Naples Community Hospital. Her areas of experience include diabetes, critical care, hepatic, renal, gastrointestinal disorders, HIV/AIDS, oncology, wound care, obstetrics and long term care.

Recognized as the Young Dietitian of the Year by the Maryland Dietetic Association (2007-2008), Michelle is an active member of the American Diabetes Association, the American Association of Diabetes Educators, and the American Dietetic Association. She serves as scholarship chair to the Maryland Dietetic Association Foundation.

Susan Gustavsson, RN, BSN, CDE

Susan Gustavsson, RN, BSN, CDE, is a Diabetes Nurse Educator who provides diabetes education in one-on-one and group sessions at The Diabetes Center at Mercy. A Certified Diabetes Educator, Susan has vast experience in educating both inpatients and outpatients in diabetes management and has trained patients to use insulin pumps. A graduate of the University of Maryland at Baltimore with a degree in nursing, Susan is a member of the American Association of Diabetes Educators and Maryland Association of Diabetes Educators.

Sheila Matlak, RN, CPT, CDE

Sheila Matlak, RN, CPT, CDE, is a Registered Nurse and Certified Pump Trainer with vast experience in educating people about diabetes and the use of insulin pumps. A graduate of the Maryland General Hospital School of Nursing, Sheila is a member of the American Association of Diabetes Educators and Maryland Chapter of the AADE. A diabetes patient herself, Sheila is active in the volunteer sector for diabetes treatment and management.

Kelly O’Connor, RD, LDN, CDE

Kelly O’Connor, RD, LDN, CDE, is a Registered Dietitian with more than 20 years experience in nutrition counseling. A Certified Diabetes Educator, Kelly has assisted persons with diabetes in all aspects of meal planning, carbohydrate counting, and weight management in a variety of inpatient and outpatient settings. In addition, Kelly is a Certified Insulin Pump Trainer in the Baltimore area. She is a member of the American Association of Diabetes Educators and American Dietetic Association.

To provide patients managing their diabetes with the most comprehensive care, the team at The Diabetes Center at Mercy will refer to specialists, including Podiatrists, Vascular surgeons, and Cardiovascular physicians, when appropriate.

Now Accepting New Patients.
Most Insurances Accepted.

Please call for an appointment.
Phone: 410-332-9800
Tollfree: 1-800-MD-Mercy (1-800-636-3729)