At Gainesville Commercial, we spotlight trailblazers in real estate, development, and business who are shaping the future of Florida’s economy. Few stories resonate with resilience and entrepreneurial excellence like that of Dr. Saman Soleymani, founder and CEO of Avecina Urgent Care. From an immigrant teen navigating a new culture to a physician-entrepreneur scaling a thriving multi-location healthcare enterprise, Dr. Soleymani’s story is one of grit, growth, and vision.
A New Beginning in the U.S.
Dr. Soleymani was just 13 years old when he arrived in the United States. Born in Iran, his journey took him through Austria—where he learned German—before he and his family settled in America in 1987. Adjusting to a new culture and education system was not easy, but he excelled academically, graduating high school at the age of 15.
His early determination carried him through an undergraduate degree in biology from the University of North Florida (UNF), followed by medical school at the University of Florida (UF). Driven by curiosity and compassion, Dr. Soleymani’s journey was always rooted in service—but entrepreneurship soon became a part of that mission.
From Medicine to ManagementDuring and after medical school, Dr. Soleymani became a national speaker for Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson, and served as an associate professor at UF. His early career included consulting for Solantic, an urgent care company owned by former Florida Governor Rick Scott, where he offered guidance on medical operations and strategy.
In 2005, alongside Dr. Model, Dr. Soleymani opened his first urgent care center—a seed that would later grow into what is now Avecina Urgent Care. The challenges were immediate—learning to manage finances, operations, staffing, and patient care all at once. “We made a lot of mistakes those first few years,” he shared. “But I also learned every facet of the business firsthand.”
Scaling with Strategy
Avecina’s expansion from one to 14 locations—with four more under construction—didn’t happen overnight. Dr. Soleymani faced the tough decision to move away from practicing medicine day-to-day in order to focus on the company’s strategic growth.
As Avecina scaled, Dr. Soleymani embraced the role of CEO. He hired medical providers, delegated operations, and created a model for replicable, sustainable growth. “You can’t scale without structure,” he explained. “I had to stop being an operator and start thinking like a business leader.”
Despite long hours and a demanding schedule, Dr. Soleymani emphasized the importance of balance. His passion for exotic cars and community involvement—like offering rides to students with straight A’s—keeps him grounded and focused on giving back.
Health, Wellness, and Philosophy
When it comes to health, Dr. Soleymani walks the talk. A lifelong athlete with a deep understanding of the human body, he’s vocal about the misinformation around diet and wellness. “I’ve always advocated for natural nutrition—whole milk, real butter, whole foods,” he said. “Our bodies are built to thrive with real fuel, not processed substitutions.”
This philosophy extends into the way he leads his team and runs Avecina Urgent Care—promoting integrity, discipline, and long-term health, not quick fixes.
Looking Ahead: 40 to 50 Clinics and Beyond
Dr. Soleymani has bold plans: Avecina is targeting three to four new offices per year over the next five years, aiming for a total of 40 to 50 locations. His strategy is focused and methodical—expanding within a 30 to 45-minute radius from existing clinics to ensure operational efficiency.
Recent expansions include Daytona Beach, and Dr. Soleymani is actively exploring Orlando and Gainesville markets. “We grow where it makes sense—where we can serve and scale at the same time,” he said.
Final Thoughts: Hard Work is the Foundation
Dr. Soleymani’s story is more than a business success—it’s a masterclass in work ethic, adaptability, and visionary leadership. “If you’re willing to put in two decades of work, you can build something that lasts,” he said. His immigrant roots, paired with relentless determination, created a model that now helps thousands of patients across Florida.
As he continues to grow Avecina, Dr. Soleymani remains committed to inspiring the next generation—whether it’s through medicine, entrepreneurship, or a memorable ride in a Lamborghini.
Want to hear more stories like Dr. Soleymani’s?
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For partnership inquiries, investment opportunities, or real estate representation, contact Makayla Richardson at KW Commercial.