Education &
Training
Education
Mercer University School of Medicine
Doctor of Medicine
- 2025
Morehouse School of Medicine
Doctor of Philosophy: Biological Sciences
- 2022
Emmanuel College
Bachelor of Science, magna cum laude, major: Biology
- 2014
Training
- Clinical Site Lead
- Atrium Health Navicent COVID-19
Vaccination Administration
2021 - 2022
Shadowed Family Physician
Dr. Paul Raber Family Practice
2013 - 2013
Work Experiences
Clinical Director and Co-owner
Pacifica Counseling
2023 - Present
Professional
Affiliations
Member
NRHA
Member
ASTMH
Member
Phi DE
Awards &
Honors
Covid award recipient
Graduate School
2025
Fogarty Summer Research Fellow
Graduate School
2019
NIH Summer internship award
Graduate School
2017
Full Ride Scholarship
Undergraduate
2014
Who’s Who Among Colleges in American
Undergraduate
2014
Dean’s List (all semesters)
Undergraduate
Tri-beta member
Undergraduate
Publications
Juan Carlos Cespedes. Avoiding dedicated prep blues. Mercer U Newsletter
June 2022
Harbuzariu A, Nti A, Harp KO, Cespedes JC, Driss A, Stiles JK. Neuregulin-1/ErbB4 signaling modulates Plasmodium falciparum HRP2-induced damage to brain cortical organoids. iScience
May 2022
Nti AM, Botchway F, Salifu H, Cespedes JC, Harbuzariu A, Onyekaba J, Chambliss C, Liu M, Adjei A, Jolly P, Stiles JK. Effects of Iron Supplements on Heme Scavengers in Pregnancy. Am J Trop Med Hyg.
September 2021
Chambliss C, Richardson T, Onyekaba J, Cespedes J, Nti A, Harp KO, Buchanan-Perry I, Stiles JK, Gee BE. Elevated neuregulin-1β levels correlate with plasma biomarkers of cerebral injury and high stroke risk in children with sickle cell anemia. Endocr Metab Sci
June 2021
Annette M. Nti, Felix Botchway, Hassana Salifu, Juan Carlos Cespedes, Adriana Harbuzariu, John Onyekaba, Nelly Yatich, Mingli Liu, Andrew Adjei, Pauline Jolly, Jonathan K. Stiles. Alteration of heme and heme scavengers in Ghanaian pregnant women by iron supplementation. Am J Trop Med Hyg
September 2021

Get to
Know Me
Dr. Cespedes serves as Clinical Director for Pacifica Counseling & Psychiatry, where he collaborates closely with the administrative and leadership teams on practice development, strategic growth initiatives, and overall management. His role includes supporting best-practice clinical standards, contributing to interdisciplinary decision-making, and helping guide the long-term vision of the organization.
Dr. Juan Carlos Cespedes is an MD-PhD physician with extensive training in developmental science, child and adolescent health, and biomedical research. He completed his doctoral in philosophy at Morehouse School of Medicine and earned his doctorate in medicine through Mercer University School of Medicine. His research and clinical experience include participation in programs supported by the National Institutes of Health and Harvard University. He has contributed to research in behavioral health, neuroscience, and minority health disparities. This scientific foundation informs his relational, developmentally attuned approach to pediatric care.
Dr. Cespedes is currently completing residency training in pediatrics. Dr. Cespedes is known for his steady leadership, curiosity, and deep commitment to service with excellence.
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