Family Medical Centers – Southside

Douglas Pennington

Location(s): Southside
Education: D.O., North Texas State University/Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine
Board Certification: Family Practice
Professional Distinctions: FOMA, AOA, FOMA/District II, ACOFP, FSACOFP, and a Diplomate for the American Osteopathic Board of Medical Examiners

Douglas Pennington, D.O., received his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine from the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine at North Texas State University, Fort Worth. He has more than 31 years experience as a Family Medicine practitioner.

Dr. Pennington is a Board Certified Family Practitioner at Family Medical Centers’ Southside location. Through the years, he has earned numerous awards, including the Patients’ Choice Award, Compassionate Doctor and, twice, named as a Top 10 Doctor in Jacksonville, Florida.

Dr. Pennington is a member of the Florida Osteopathic Medical Association, American Osteopathic Association, Florida Osteopathic Medical Association/District II, American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians and Florida Society of the American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians.

Dian Daher

Location(s): Southside
Education: Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine, Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University
Residency: Family Medicine, Naval Hospital, Jacksonville, Florida
Board Certification: American Board of Family Medicine

Dian Daher is board certified with the American Board of Family Medicine. She earned her Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine from the Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Dr. Daher completed her residency from the Naval Hospital in Jacksonville, Florida. She served military members and families in all facets of health care from the common cold to serious injuries and chronic health conditions. Recently, she was assigned to work with civilian hospitals to coordinate admission of COVID patients and increase medical capacity.

Prior to joining Family Medical Centers, Dr. Daher served with the United States Navy where she was assigned to the medical evaluation board, detention facility medical officer, corpsman supervisor, sexual assault forensic examiner and as senior medical officer. She has also served as a neonatal response provider. Her experience includes all facets of medicine from combat injuries to well-child assessments.

Dr. Daher brings her comprehensive wealth of knowledge and experience serving military families to enhance the medical services provided to the patients and families of Family Medical Centers.

Sarah Kern

Location(s): Southside
Education: Master of Science in Nursing, University of Cincinnati
Board Certifications: Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner, Adult Ambulatory Nurse Practitioner

Sarah Kern, APRN received her Master of Science in Nursing, Adult Ambulatory Nurse Practitioner degree from the University of Cincinnati. Ms. Kern is a licensed Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner at Family Medical Centers’ Orange Park location and is a member of Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing.

She is trained in the diagnosis of acute and chronic illness and in the implementation of appropriate plans of care.

Prior to joining Family Medical Centers, she served as a primary care provider for adults 55 and older working with an interdisciplinary team to provide comprehensive care and services to nursing home level-of-care patients in Ohio.

Heather Tarno

Education
Master of Science in Nursing, Family Nurse Practitioner, University of Cincinnati, Ohio
Bachelor of Science in Nursing, University of North Florida, Jacksonville

Licensure & Certifications
American Nurses Credentialing Center Certification, American Nurses Association
Florida Registered Nursing License
Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS)
Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS)
Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS)

Interests
Family Time
Watching Sports
Coaching Softball
Travel

Heather Tarno, APRN, FNP-BC, is an advanced practice nurse with more than 12 years of experience, specializing in acute care. She holds a Master of Science in Nursing, Family Nurse Practitioner degree, from the University of Cincinnati, Ohio. Additionally, she graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of North Florida in Jacksonville.

Throughout her nursing career, Tarno has gained valuable experience through diverse clinical rotations. As a student, she completed rotations at Conviva Care Centers, Family Medical Centers and Emed Specialty Clinic, focusing on primary care in different settings. This experience allowed her to develop a comprehensive understanding of patient care across the lifespan.

Tarno’s previous role as a registered nurse at Flagler Hospital spanned a decade. During this time, she served as an emergency room staff nurse as well as a transitional unit charge nurse and clinical trainer, contributing to staff development and ensuring high-quality patient care. Additionally, Tarno worked as a medical-surgical staff nurse.

Proficient in various computer systems, including eClinicalWorks, Athena, Allscripts and Microsoft Office, she effectively manages patient records and utilizes technology in her practice.

Dedicated to the future of nursing, Tarno recently served as a clinical adjunct professor at Saint Johns River State College. In this role, she instructed undergraduate nursing students in acute care settings, including Baptist Health, Flagler Hospital and HCA facilities.

Tarno is certified by the American Nurses Association, holding her ANCC. She is a licensed Florida RN and possesses certifications in Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS), and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS).