Empowering Health, Balancing Life

A team of highly skilled health experts dedicated to serving your needs better.

ST. PETERSBURG

TAMPA

PINELLAS PARK

ABOUT US

Trust and quality are our strengths

At Florida Endocrinology and Diabetes Center, we prioritize patient-centered care with personalized treatment plans for optimal outcomes. Our team utilizes the latest medical advancements, providing cutting-edge care with clinical excellence. We create a warm, supportive environment, recognizing the emotional impact of endocrine disorders. Our multidisciplinary team ensures integrated, coordinated care, empowering patients with knowledge and resources to manage their conditions and make informed decisions. Upholding the highest ethical standards, we continually seek innovative ways to enhance patient care. We focus on treating the patient, not just the disease, and maintain continuous communication with patients and their primary care providers.

SERVICES

OUR SPECIALIZATION

Comprehensive diabetes management and care, including diagnosis, treatment, and patient education, tailored to individual needs.

DIABETES

Expert diagnosis and treatment of thyroid conditions, including hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, and thyroid cancer, with personalized patient care.

THYROID CONDITIONS

Specialized evaluation & treatment of pituitary disorders, addressing hormonal imbalances and related health issues with comprehensive care.

PITUITARY DISORDERS

Comprehensive diagnosis and management of adrenal disorders, focusing on hormonal regulation and personalized treatment plans.

ADRENAL DISORDERS

Expert care for calcium and bone disorders, including osteoporosis and hypercalcemia, with tailored treatment and preventive strategies.

CALCIUM & BONE DISORDERS

Comprehensive management of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), including hormonal regulation, symptom relief, and personalized treatment plans.

POLYCYSTIC OVARY SYNDROMME

Specialized diagnosis and treatment of male testicular dysfunction, focusing on hormonal balance and reproductive health.

MALE TESTICULAR DYSFUNCTION

Advanced diagnosis and management of complex lipid disorders, including personalized treatment plans to optimize cardiovascular health.

COMPLEX LIPID DISORDERS

Personalized weight loss management programs, integrating medical, nutritional, and lifestyle strategies to achieve sustainable results.

WEIGHT LOSS MANAGEMENT

OUR PHYSICIANS

Board Certified Endocrinologists In Pinellas Park, Tampa, St Petersburg, Florida

AJAY VARANASI- MD, FACP, FACE

Director- Tampa Bay Diabetes, Thyroid & Endocrinology Center Assistant Professor- Morsani School of Medicine, USF, Adjunct Clinical Professor- Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine Founder of MYNDARO

Dr. Ajay Varanasi is a board-certified Endocrinologist and Director at Tampa Bay Diabetes, Thyroid, and Endocrinology Center. He completed his Internal Medicine Residency at Pennsylvania Hospital and Endocrinology fellowship at the State University of New York.

As Assistant Professor at Morsani School of Medicine, University of South Florida, and Adjunct Clinical Professor at Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Dr. Varanasi teaches medical residents. He is an active researcher with publications in journals like Endocrine Practice and the European Journal of Endocrinology.

Founder of MYNDARO, an online wellness platform, Dr. Varanasi prioritizes a patient-first approach. He enjoys reading, playing tennis, biking, and is a certified yoga teacher promoting holistic health.

(Online Consultation)

VENKATA BUDHARAJU- MD

Founder of Florida Endocrinology and Diabetes Center Medical Director- Diabetes Program at St. Anthony’s Hospital Member- American Association of Clinical Endocrinology Member- Endocrine Society

Dr. Budharaju is board certified in Endocrinology, diabetes and metabolism and is the the medical director of diabetes program at St. Anthony’s hospital. He founded Florida endocrinology and diabetes center in 2012. After completing internal medicine residency at University of Pennsylvania health system, he completed sub-speciality fellowship in endocrinology, diabetes and metabolism at University of Iowa.

In addition to general endocrinology, his area of special interest include diabetes and thyroid disorders. He is a member of American Association of Clinical Endocrinology and Endocrine society. He is married and has a young son and daughter who take all his free time.

EILYN BUSTAMANTE- MD

Dr. Bustamante is deeply passionate about endocrinology, with particular interests in diabetes, obesity, the pituitary gland, thyroid disorders including cancer, lipids, adrenal, calcium, and bone disorders.

Fluent in both Spanish and English, she brings a multicultural perspective to her work.

Outside of medicine, she finds joy in sports, having played volleyball and practiced karate. She cherishes moments at the beach, loves dancing, and enjoys exploring new destinations in her free time.

Dr. Bustamante strongly believes in the innate kindness of people and the transformative power of a smile.

OUR STAFF

Mid- Level Providers

SAMANTHA SUGARMAN, FNP-C

Samantha Sugarman has been a Nurse Practitioner in endocrinology since 2016, specializing in diabetes management. She graduated with her Doctorate of Nursing Practice from The George Washington University in 2018.

Enthusiastic about lifestyle approaches to chronic disease management, Samantha emphasizes healthy diet and exercise and enjoys educating patients on optimal health practices. She leads by example, practicing the healthy lifestyle she advocates. Before becoming a Nurse Practitioner, Samantha was a cardiac nurse in Washington DC.

She follows a patient-centered approach, ensuring patients are informed, educated, and involved in their health decisions.

ABIGAIL LEDFORD, PA-C

A graduate of Radford University Carilion’s physician assistant program with a strong commitment to providing compassionate, evidence-based care.

Abigail is dedicated to helping patients manage endocrine disorders like diabetes and thyroid issues through personalized care plans. She prioritizes education, support, and collaboration, ensuring patients feel informed and confident in their health decisions. By actively listening and addressing concerns, she empowers individuals to navigate their treatment journey with trust and confidence.

She emphasizes prevention, early intervention, and holistic care, tailoring treatment to each patient’s unique needs to promote health, balance, and well-being. She is excited to manage endocrine health and support long-term wellness.

PATIENT CARING

Helping Patients Across Florida

Our goal is to deliver quality of care in a courteous, respectful, and compassionate manner. We hope you will allow us to care for you and strive to be the first and best choice for healthcare.

TESTIMONIALS

What our Patients Say

Mark Balistreri

Today was my first visit and I felt like I was treated with respect , kindness and understanding. The office staff was very courteous and patient. All my concerns were addressed. I feel very comfortable knowing that my type 2 diabetes can be maintained and kept well regulated

Bill Puls

My first visit with him was very pleasant. He very knowledgeable about my thyroid condition. I am looking forward to an ongoing relationship with him as my endocrinologist.

Maria C

Went in for my first appointment and it was very fast and easy! he gave me the prescriptions i needed and was honest about what i needed to change and helped me through it, the pharmacy said my insurance couldn't cover a certain CGM and the doctor's office immediately fixed it, as well as the ladies at the desks were so nice to me. I'm glad i chose here to go!!!

FAQS

For Your Help

How can I schedule an appointment?

Please call our office and our staff can schedule an appointment. New Patients may take longer depending on medical records needed for the appointment, and an approval process by the doctors.

What should I bring to my first appointment?

Please print and fill out our new patient packet (Found here), your ID, Insurance card, any additional medical records you may have that were not sent to us, as well as any blood sugar logs/etc. to give to the provider to review with you.

Do you accept insurance?

Yes, please visit the insurance page (click here) to review our list of insurance we accept. You may also call your insurance or our office to verify if we take your insurance. Some insurances may have to be verified in person by our staff, as plans are very specific.

How much is self pay?

Self Pay prices are dependent on the services you receive in office. Please contact our office to get a more accurate quote.

Where are you located?

We have three different offices in Pinellas Park, St. Petersburg, and South Tampa. Our providers do not travel to all locations, so please call our office if you have questions on who works where.

GET IN TOUCH

Let Us Help You In the Best Way Possible!

Opening Hours

St Petersburg Location

Mon – Thur: 8:00AM – 5:00PM Fri: 8:00AM – 3:00PM, Sat – Sun: Closed

Tampa Location

Mon-Wed: 8:00AM – 5:00PM Thur – Sun: Closed

Pinellas Park Location