Meet the Black Doctors at ASCH Health Center Philadelphia

Dr. Ala Stanford, MD

Ala Stanford, MD is the Founder of the Black Doctors Consortium and Center for HealthEquity. Dr. Stanford previously served as the United States Department of Health and Human Services Regional Director, appointed by President Joseph Biden. Dr. Stanford is a Professor at the University of Pennsylvania teaching best health outcomes for the next generation of clinicians, health policy advisors, legislators, health entrepreneurs and business leaders. A practicing physician for over twenty years and founder of R.E.A.L. Concierge Medicine, Dr. Stanford is board-certified by the American Board of Surgery in both pediatric and adult general surgery and serves as a medical and health correspondent for national media outlets.

Dr. Renell Dupree, MD

Dr. Renell Dupree, MD is a Family Medicine Physician at the Dr. Ala Stanford Center for Health Equity and has 10 years of experience. She graduated from Drexel University College of Medicine in 2014 and completed a residency at Abington Jefferson Health.

Dr. Denina Helm, MD

Dr. Denina Helm, MD is a Family Medicine Physician at the Dr. Ala Stanford Center for Health Equity and has over 29 years of experience in the medical field. She graduated from Howard University College of Medicine in 1994. She is affiliated with medical facilities Jefferson Einstein Philadelphia Hospital and Temple University Hospital.

Dr. Steven Spencer, MD

Dr. Steven Spencer is an internist at the Dr. Ala Stanford Center for Health Equity. He received his medical degree from The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University and has been in practice for more than 20 years. Dr. Steven Spencer has expertise in treating diabetes, obesity, hypertension, among other conditions.

Dr. Margarita McDonald, MD

Dr. Margarita E. McDonald is a family medicine at the Dr. Ala Stanford Center for Health Equity. She received her medical degree from Tufts University School of Medicine and has been in practice between 11-20 years. Dr. Margarita E. McDonald has expertise in treating shingles, asthma, gastroenteritis, among other conditions.

Stephanie C. Curtis, BSN, MSN, CPNP-PC

Stephanie C. Curtis is a pediatric nurse practitioner called to be a transformational change agent in the lives of her patients (and their families), her colleagues, the community, and world. Stephanie currently serves the Dr. Ala Stanford Center for Health Equity and joins in the mission to address health disparities and challenges that plague communities of color. Stephanie brings over twelve (12) years of forward-thinking and exceptional nursing experience. In 2008, Stephanie graduated with a B.S. in Biology/ Pre-Med from Xavier University of Louisiana. In 2010 after completing Drexel University’s Accelerated Career Entry (ACE) program, she obtained her BSN. Stephanie began her nursing career with the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) in June 2011 where she first served as a clinical nurse on the Surgical Trauma Unit. For over nine (9) years, Stephanie provided unmatched patient-family centered care to simple and complex surgical trauma patients preoperatively, postoperatively, as well as during the rehabilitation period. Stephanie also received numerous awards, leadership recognitions, promotions, and served as a Charge Nurse, Preceptor, and Trauma Representative

Dr. Pierre Chanoine, MD

Dr. Pierre Chanoine is a pediatrician, father, and husband. He currently resides in Montgomery County with his wife and 3 sons. He is originally from Haiti and grew up in New York City. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Dartmouth College in New Hampshire, attended the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine in Baltimore, Maryland before training at St Christopher’s Hospital for Children. After his pediatric residency where he earned the honor of serving as Chief Resident and AOA member, he joined the faculty of Drexel University. After a few years of teaching and as his family grew, he joined a private practice in Abington, PA. Dr. Chanoine has always been animated by a desire to serve children and their families. When the pandemic started, under the guidance of Dr. Ala Stanford, he joined the early efforts of the BDCC. He continues to serve that mission as one of the 3 co-medical directors for ASHE as it continues to be a guiding light for what medical care should be.