Medical Providers - BeLite Medical Center

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Richard B. Rothman, MD, PhD

Medical Director

Dr. Rothman is the Medical Director of the BeLite Medical Center, which has been helping patients lose weight in the Northern Virginia area since 1996. Dr. Rothman, who is Board Certified in Psychiatry, received his MD degree and his Ph.D. degree in Pharmacology from the University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, in 1982. From 1982-1984, Dr. Rothman was awarded a PRAT Fellowship to conduct postdoctoral research at the National Institute of Mental Health, Bethesda, MD. From 1984 to 1988 Dr. Rothman served his Psychiatric Residency at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital, Washington DC, and later at the Laboratory of Clinical Science, National Institute of Mental Health, Bethesda, MD. From 1991 – 2012, Dr. Rothman served as a Section Chief In the Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, NIH, Baltimore, MD.

Dr. Rothman has published over 400 scientific papers on weight loss supplements and other medical topics in peer-reviewed scientific journals and has presented over 400 scientific abstracts at national and international scientific meetings. Dr. Rothman’s published work on appetite suppressants has established him as a leading expert in this area (click here for a list of publications related to appetite suppressant medications). Of note, Dr. Rothman’s lab was among the first to identify the mechanism responsible for valvular heart disease produced by fenfluramine. In addition, Dr. Rothman, in collaboration with Dr. Ed Hendricks, has contributed several published papers that review the overall safety of phentermine.

Dr. Rothman has received numerous awards recognizing his work, including the Joseph Cochin Young Investigator Award awarded by the Committee on Problems of Drug Dependence, Inc., June 17, 1991; The Scientific Achievement Award in Biological Sciences for contributions in the field of opioid pharmacology by the Washington Academy of Sciences, May 18, 1989; and the A. E. Bennett Award (basic science) by the Society for Biological Psychiatry, May, 1987.

In addition to his extensive experience in the treatment of obesity, Dr. Rothman also has extensive clinical experience in the psychopharmacological treatment of psychiatric disorders. Dr. Rothman is (or was) a member of several professional groups, including the American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, the College on Problems of Drug Dependence, the American College of Neuropsychopharmacology, the Medical Society of Virginia and the American Medical Association. Dr. Rothman is licensed to practice medicine in Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, Pennsylvania and the District of Columbia and runs an acute inpatient psychiatric unit at an area hospital.

Selected Bibliography of Publications

1. Hendricks EJ, Rothman RB. Phentermine therapy for obesity does not elevate blood pressure. Diabetes Obes Metab. 2011 Oct ;13(10):963-4.

2. Hendricks EJ, Rothman RB. RE: Pulmonary hypertension associated with use of phentermine? Yonsei Med J. 2011 Sep;52(5):869-70.

3. Rothman RB, Hendricks EJ. Phentermine cardiovascular safety II: response to Yosefy Int J Cardiol. 2009 Epub Mar 19. Int J Cardiol. 2010 Nov 19; 145(2):391-2

4. Rothman RB, Hendricks EJ. Phentermine cardiovascular satefy. Am J Emerg Med. 2009 Oct;27(8):1010-3

5. Rothman RB. Treatment of obesity with “combination” pharmacotherapy. Am J Ther. 2010 Nov-Dec;17(6):596-603. PubMed PMID: 19352149

6. Hendricks EJ, Rothman RB, Greenway FL. How physician obesity specialists use drugs to treat obesity. Obesity (Silver Spring). 2009 Sep;17(9):1730-5.

7. Rothman RB, Hendricks EJ. Phentermine cardiovascular safety. In response to Yosefy C, Berman M, Beeri R. Cusp tear in bicuspid aortic valve possibly caused by phentermine. International journal of cardiology 2006;106:262-3. Int J Cardiol. 2010 Oct 8; 144(2):241-2; author reply 242-3.

8. Rothman RB, Baumann MH. Appetite suppressants, cardiac valve disease and combination pharmacotherapy. Am J Ther. 2009 Jul-Aug:16(4):354-64. Review.

9. Rothman RB, Blough BE, Baumann MH. Dopamine/serotonin releasers as medications for stimulant addictions. Prog Brain Res. 2008;172:385-406. Review.

10. Zolkowska D, Rothman RB, Bauman MH. Amphetamine analogs increase plasma serotonin: implications for cardiac and pulmonary disease. J Pharmacol Exp Ther. 2006 Aug;318(2):604-10.

11. Halladay AK, Wagner GC, Sekowski A, Rothman RB, Baumann MH, Fisher H. Alterations in alcohol consumption, withdrawal seizures, and monoamine transmission in rats treated with phentermine and 5-hydroxy-L-tryptophan.

12. Synapse. 2006 Apr;59(5):277-89. PubMed PMID: 16416445. 12: Alexander M, Rothman RB, Baumann MH, Endres CJ, Brasic JR, Wong DF. Noradrenergic and dopaminergic effects of (+)- amphetamine-like stimulants in the baboon Papio anubis. Synapse. 2005 May;56(2):94-9.

13. Rothman RB. The age-adjusted mortality rate from primary pulmonary hypertension, in age range 20 to 54 years, did not increase during the years of peak “phen/fen” use. Chest. 2000 Nov;118(5):1516-7.

14. Rothman RB, Baumann MH, Dersch CM, Romero DV, Rice KC, Carroll FI, Partilla JS. Amphetamine-type central nervous system stimulants release norepinephrine more potently than they release dopamine and serotonin. Synapse. 2001.

15. Rothman RB, Baumann MH, Savage JE, Rauser L, McBride A, Hufeisen SJ, Roth BL. Evidence for possible involvement of 5-HT(2B) receptors in the cardiac valvulopathy associated with fenfluramine and other serotonergic medications. Circulation. 2000 Dec 5;102(23):2836-41.

16. Rothman RB, Ayestas MA, Dersch CM, Baumann MH. Aminorex, fenfluramine, and chlorphentermine are serotonin transporter substrates. Implications for primary pulmonary hypertension. Circulation. 1999 Aug 24;100(8):869-75.

Hala D. Mata, BC/AANP

Hala D. Mata BC/AANP, Board Certified Advanced Practice Nurse Practitioner with over 17 years of clinical experience. In addition to her outstanding skills in the treatment of obesity, she is skilled in the diagnosis, evaluation, and treatment of acute and chronic medical conditions, and additionally has clinical training in neonatal, pediatric, OBGYN, triage centers, and primary care.

Hala received her Bachelor of Science in nursing in 2003 from George Mason University, and her Master of Science in Nursing in 2021 also from George Mason University. Hala currently practices as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse at BE-LITE.

Chrystal Pilgrim PA-C

With over 2 decades of experience in the medical field, Chrystal Pilgrim is a seasoned provider with a diverse background in military medicine, neurosurgery, weight loss, nutrition, and aesthetics. Since earning her Physician Assistant license in 2016 from Campbell University in North Carolina, Chrystal has tailored her career to embrace a holistic approach that emphasizes the importance of healthy living through diet, sleep, and restorative movement as essential elements of overall health and wellness.

Having spent many years in neurosurgery, Chrystal has gained a profound understanding of the human body which she applies in her practice to empower her patients with the knowledge they need to navigate their wellness journey. She recognizes that the components of healthy living are essential for a proactive lifestyle and the reduction of chronic illness. Her transition into the field of weight loss reflects her commitment to promoting wellness through diet and her passion for guiding individuals on the transformative journey of feeling good from the inside and out.

Chrystal also specializes in aesthetic services that enhance beauty from the outside. She primarily works with neurotoxins, such as Botox and Xeomin, focusing on the upper third of the face. Her goal is to enhance natural beauty while honoring the process of aging. By focusing on slowing visible signs of aging without altering unique features, she empowers clients to feel confident in their skin and achieve a refreshed, vibrant look.

Combining her extensive medical knowledge, Chrystal ensures that each weight loss program and aesthetic service is personalized and safe for her clients. She actively stays informed about the latest advancements in health and wellness while prioritizing healthy living in her own life. Outside of her professional endeavors, Chrystal values quality time with her family, enjoys socializing with friends, and is actively involved in her community.

Patience Yengo, FNP-BC

Patience Yengo, Nurse Practitioner. Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner and has spent the last ten years practicing in the Northern Virginia area for INOVA Mount Vernon Hospital, Washington Hospital Center and other organizations.

She attended Marymount University, George Mason University as well as Northern Virginia Community College. Patient’s often comment on her welcoming smile and always find her ready to listen. Patience currently functions as an advanced practice Family Nurse Practitioner.

Victoria Dhaz, FNP-BC

Bio coming soon.

Jennifer Morgan, NP

Bio coming soon

Renee Hadeed, NP

Renee is a Family Nurse Practitioner with experience in primary care, women’s health, and weight management. She received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 2005 from George Mason University, and her Master of Science in Nursing in 2015 from George Washington University.

She is passionate about preventative care and supporting patients to live a healthy, fulfilling life. Renee is dedicated to creating a personalized plan to help each patient achieve their health goals.

Paola C. Maldonado FNP-BC

Bio coming soon