• LEADERSHIP

Our multidisciplinary team of board-certified psychiatrists, psychologists, and mental health professionals are leaders in their field.

Since assembling its dynamic team in 2011, VMA has formed relationships with Broward Health, The Cleveland Clinic of South Florida, American Addiction Centers, Banyan Treatment Centers, and others. The VMA team is comprised of professionals with diverse backgrounds and extensive specialized medical training.

The well-rounded mix of specializations in which our board-certified psychiatrists are experts further assists in providing the foundational support to you or your loved ones. We utilize the best treatment protocols which have proven to maximize patient outcomes and overall quality of life. VMA is thoroughly passionate about helping our patients to realize their full potential.

Peter Ventre, MD

Founder, CEO

  • Board-Certified Diplomate of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology
  • Chairman of Psychiatry, Broward Health Medical Center
  • Founder & President, Research Centers of America

Dr. Peter Ventre began his studies at The University of Puerto Rico at just 16 years old, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Biology and Science.  From there, he went on to earn his medical degree from The San Juan Bautista School of Medicine in Caguas, Puerto Rico. Dr. Ventre completed his residencies at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine, Cabrini Medical Center for Internal Medicine and Psychiatry, and at the University of Florida Psychiatry Program.

Dr. Ventre’s experiences as a young hospital volunteer sparked a lifelong passion for patient care that still serves clients today. Dr. Ventre dreamed of opening his own private practice, and that dream became reality in 2011. He also serves as President and Principal Investigator of Research Centers of America, which he opened in 2012. Both institutions are located in Oakland Park, FL.

At Ventre Medical Associates, Dr. Ventre has built an especially active outpatient practice where patients range in age from young children to the elderly. He is fully bilingual and conducts his outpatient practice and clinical research business in both English and Spanish.

Dr. Ventre was named a “Most Compassionate Doctor” by Vitals.com in 2011 for his accomplishments, and he has been featured several times on the CNN Latino news show Cala to discuss mental health disorders and treatments. Dr. Ventre is a Board Certified Diplomate of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology.

Howard I. Schwartz MD, FACG, AGAF

President

Dr. Howard Schwartz received his medical degree from the University of Miami where he also completed a residency in Internal Medicine and a fellowship in Gastroenterology. He is a Fellow of the American College of Gastroenterology and the American Gastroenterology Association. He has additional training in treating patients with liver disease, alcohol abuse and substance abuse disorders.

For 30 years, Dr. Schwartz has practiced medicine with the goal of providing the best possible care using a combination of evidence-based treatment and open communications. In addition, he has been conducting clinical trials in multiple therapeutic areas in partnership with high-quality physicians in Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach Counties. He has served as a consultant to numerous pharmaceutical companies and has been involved in the development of many medications over the past two decades.  In 2016, he helped develop the clinical trial office for the Miami Cancer Institute.  He is also a respected medical lecturer and has been on the “Best Physicians” list for much of his career.

Dr. Schwartz is an experienced physician executive, has been a part of numerous medical ventures including Research Centers of America, Ventre Medical Associates, Detox MD, MyPsychiatrist.com, Dream Life Recovery, Miami Research, Broward Research, Miami Nutrition and Weight Loss, Miami Marketing and Advertising, 6141 Medical Building, Elite Research, Vida MD, Miami Endoscopy Center, and Gastro Health.

Dr. Schwartz looks forward to using his experience to help Detox MD in providing the highest level of care to patients with substance abuse disorders and addiction. Dr. Schwartz was born in Philadelphia and moved to Miami to attend college and to pursue his medical career. He is married to his wife, Jill, for 31 years, and they have three children together. When not working, he enjoys golf, boating and other sports.

Ashley Ventre

Chief Operations Officer

Born and raised in South Florida, Ashley Ventre is well acquainted with local mental health needs, programs, and services. At a young age, she was routinely involved in community projects and volunteer work. With a strong desire to help the community she grew up in, Ashley attended Nova Southeastern University where she acquired her Bachelor’s of Science in Psychology as well as a Master’s in Mental Health Therapy. Prior to joining VMA in 2011, Ashely utilized her skill set as a Mental Health Practitioner in a Youth and Family program where she specialized in therapeutic interventions and counseling services for children with SED (Severe Emotional Disorders). After several years working with children and their families, Ashely began working at an acute, inpatient facility treating adults with mental health and co-occurring disorders. Rounding out her skills, Ashley later transitioned to Utilization Review, working closely with insurance companies and hospital management to successfully manage all stages of inpatient patient care from admission through discharge