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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. Juan Carlos Cespedes combines medical expertise, global research experience, and a genuine passion for helping others. With a Ph.D. in Biomedical Sciences, an M.D., and advanced training in child and adolescent psychiatry from Harvard University’s Boston Children’s Hospital, he brings both depth and compassion to his work.
From conducting research in Ghana to serving as a Medical Pediatric Resident, Dr. Cespedes blends science and empathy to guide individuals and families toward growth and healing. As co-founder of Pacifica Counseling & Psychiatry, he also provides coaching, mentorship, and education to support the next generation of mental health professionals.
Outside of medicine, he’s a devoted husband, father of three, and youth mentor who believes in nurturing both mind and heart.
He currently offers sessions through virtual services — serving Rochester, MN and clients across all locations. Want to learn more about Dr. Cespedes’ approach? Book a consultation below.