September 4, 2026 – Matthew D. Hall, M.D., MBA, lead pediatric radiation oncologist at Baptist Health Herbert Wertheim Cancer Institute, part of Baptist Health Cancer Care, was formally installed as the Endowed Chair in Pediatric Radiation Oncology during a ceremony and reception held September 2 at Mr. C Miami in Coconut Grove.
The installation ceremony featured remarks by Jack Ziffer, M.D., executive vice president and chief clinical officer and chief physician executive for Baptist Health; Alex Villoch, CEO of Baptist Health Foundation; and Minesh Mehta, M.D., deputy director of Baptist Health Herbert Wertheim Cancer Institute, the John and Mary Lou Dasburg Endowed Chair in Radiation Oncology, chief of Radiation Oncology at Baptist Health, and chair of the Department of Oncological Sciences at Florida International University Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine. The program concluded with a presentation highlighting Dr. Hall’s research and vision for the future of pediatric radiation oncology.
Established through philanthropic support to Baptist Health Foundation, the endowed chair will advance Dr. Hall’s groundbreaking research on innovative approaches to reducing the long-term side effects of radiation therapy in children with cancer. The endowment will provide sustained support for research, technology, program development, and clinical excellence in pediatric radiation oncology.
“We are privileged to be part of this special occasion and proud to support Dr. Hall’s work,” said Ms. Villoch. “This endowed chair will play a vital role in advancing pediatric radiation oncology, accelerating discoveries that improve care, enhance outcomes and provide greater hope for families of children with cancer.”
Dr. Hall serves as lead pediatric radiation oncologist at Baptist Health Herbert Wertheim Cancer Institute and associate professor of radiation oncology and pediatrics at Florida International University Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine. He completed fellowship training in pediatric proton therapy at the University of Florida Proton Therapy Institute.
Since joining the Wertheim Cancer Institute in 2016, Dr. Hall has led the growth of Florida’s largest pediatric radiation oncology program. He is widely recognized for his expertise in proton therapy, an advanced form of radiation treatment that precisely targets tumors while minimizing radiation exposure to healthy, developing tissues and organs, a critical consideration for pediatric patients. Under his leadership, the Institute has expanded access to lifesaving treatment for children facing some of the most complex cancer diagnoses.
Dr. Hall has received multiple grants from the Florida Department of Health to investigate late effects following pediatric radiotherapy and to advance personalized radiation treatment through genomically adjusted radiation dosing. He serves on the study committees of three Children’s Oncology Group brain tumor clinical trials. In 2024, he was elected president of the Particle Therapy Cooperative Group of North America.
“I am deeply honored to be installed as the Endowed Chair in Pediatric Radiation Oncology and grateful for the opportunity to continue this important work,” said Dr. Hall. “We are making significant progress in the use of radiation therapy to treat childhood cancers. This endowment will help us expand innovative research and clinical trials aimed at personalizing treatment, reducing long-term side effects and improving outcomes for our youngest patients.”
About Baptist Health Foundation
The mission of Baptist Health Foundation is to inspire philanthropy and build extraordinary donor relationships in support of excellence, innovation, community wellness and global leadership in healthcare at Baptist Health South Florida. Through philanthropy, the Foundation supports and expands Baptist Health’s ability to provide outstanding patient care and bring the latest treatments to patients and families affected by a serious illness. Donor contributions also allow the Foundation to assist Baptist Health facilities in keeping pace with technology and equipment advances, perform cutting-edge research and offer continuing education opportunities to medical staff. Learn more at BaptistHealth.net/Foundation and connect with us on Facebook and Instagram.
About Baptist Health
Baptist Health is the largest healthcare organization in the region, with 12 hospitals, more than 30,000 employees, 4,500 physicians and 200 outpatient centers, urgent care facilities and physician practices spanning across Miami-Dade, Monroe, Broward and Palm Beach counties. Baptist Health has internationally renowned institutes specializing in cancer care, brain and spine care, heart and vascular care and orthopedic care. In addition, it includes Baptist Health Medical Group; Baptist Health Quality Network; and The Baptist Health PineApp, a virtual health platform. Baptist Health South Florida is an academic and clinical affiliate of Florida International University Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine. A not-for-profit organization supported by philanthropy and committed to its faith-based charitable mission of medical excellence, Baptist Health has been recognized by Fortune as one of the 100 Best Companies to Work For in America and is the most awarded healthcare system in South Florida by U.S. News and World Report. For more information, visit BaptistHealth.net/Newsroom and connect with us on Facebook, X, Instagram, TikTok and LinkedIn.
