Welcome to FOCUS Community Health Center. FOCUS is affiliated with UMDNJ-University Hospital and the New Jersey Medical School Department of Family Medicine. The practice opened in January, 1999, and offers a new option for Spanish-speaking patients who may feel uncomfortable seeking medical attention due to language and cultural barriers.

Here are the physicians who make the FOCUS health center a reality:

Debbie Salas-Lopez, M.D.

Medical Director

Specialty: Internal Medicine

Dr. Debbie Salas-Lopez is the medical director for FOCUS Community Health Center. She is board-certified in internal medicine.

Dr. Salas-Lopez attended medical school at New Jersey Medical School. During her residency training at University Hospital, she was selected as the chief resident.

Dr. Salas-Lopez is dedicated to the advancement of Latino health and is currently conducting research that will help eliminate barriers to healthcare for Latinos. She is also pursuing a master’s degree from the Newark Master of Public Health Program at Science Park.

Of Puerto Rican descent, Dr. Salas-Lopez was born in the Bronx, New York and grew up in New Jersey. She speaks Spanish and English. Dr. Salas-Lopez is married and has a daughter.

Augustine Eleje, M.D.

Specialty: Pediatrics, Internal Medicine

Dr. Augustine Eleje is board-certified in pediatrics and internal medicine.

A native of Nigeria, Dr. Eleje received his medical degree from the University of Ibadan in Nigeria and completed his residency at University Hospital. His board certification in both pediatrics and internal medicine has made him an expert at caring for children as well as adults.

Dr. Eleje speaks English, some Spanish and his native language, Ibo. He and his wife are the proud parents of four children.

Ana Natale-Pereira, M.D.

Specialty: Internal Medicine

Dr. Natale-Pereira is board-certified in Internal Medicine, a certification that allows her to treat adults. She received her medical degree from New Jersey Medical School and during her residency at University Hospital, she served as chief resident.

Dr. Natale-Pereira is also pursuing a Master of Public Health degree from the Newark Public Health Program at Science Park. Recently, she participated in a Centers for Disease Control proposal (in conjunction with
FOCUS Hispanic Center for Community Development) to conduct HIV prevention and education among Latino women at risk.

A native of Uruguay, South America,
Dr. Natale-Pereira is fluent in English and Spanish. She is married.

Javier I. Torréns, M.D., FACP

Specialty: Endocrinology

Dr. Javier Torréns is board certified in endocrinology, which is the specialization of diabetes, obesity, thyroid problems and related illnesses. He received his medical degree from Boston University School of Medicine and completed his residency and fellowship training at Walter Reed Army Medical Center.

A native of San Juan, Puerto Rico, Dr. Torréns is conducting research pertaining to diabetes in Latinos. He plans to use the information from this research to help educate the millions of Latinos who have diabetes but do not know how to manage the condition.

Dr. Torréns is a Fellow in the American College of Physicians and serves as the Director of the Diabetes Education Program at University Hospital.

Dr. Torréns is fluent in Spanish and English.

Impressed so far? Come visit this newly renovated practice for yourself!