August 5, 2026 – Internal medicine physician Sana Shaukat, M.D., has joined Baptist Health Primary Care. She provides comprehensive primary care services for adults, with a focus on preventive medicine, women’s health, weight management and preventive cardiology. Dr. Shaukat is passionate about helping patients reduce their long-term risk of chronic disease through evidence-based preventive care, lifestyle modification and personalized treatment plans.

Prior to joining Baptist Health, Dr. Shaukat served as a resident physician in the Florida Atlantic University Internal Medicine Residency Program, where she trained at Boca Raton Regional Hospital and Bethesda Hospital East. She also gained experience as a primary care clinical extern with Rebello Medical Associates in Delray Beach and as a general practitioner in Lahore, Pakistan.

“We are pleased to welcome Dr. Shaukat to Baptist Health Primary Care,” said Marcella Gravalese, MBA-HSA, vice president of Baptist Health Medical Group North. “Her commitment to preventive care, patient education and personalized treatment aligns with Baptist Health’s mission to provide compassionate, high-quality care that helps our communities live healthier lives.”

Dr. Shaukat earned her medical degree from Army Medical College in Pakistan. She completed her internal medicine residency at Florida Atlantic University and is board-eligible in internal medicine through the American Board of Internal Medicine. She has been actively involved in clinical research and values delivering evidence-based care tailored to her patients’ needs. Dr. Shaukat is a member of the American College of Physicians.

“I believe in building strong, trusting relationships with my patients and providing compassionate, individualized care,” Dr. Shaukat said. “My approach focuses on prevention, patient education and treating the whole person rather than simply addressing symptoms or disease. I strive to create an environment where patients feel comfortable, respected and actively involved in their healthcare decisions.”

Dr. Shaukat will see patients at Baptist Health Primary Care | Boca Raton (Somerset), 8903 Glades Road, Suite K-1A, Boca Raton, FL 33434.

About Baptist Health
Baptist Health is the largest healthcare organization in the region, with 12 hospitals, more than 28,000 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 & World Report. For more information, visit BaptistHealth.net/Newsroom and connect with us on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, TikTok and LinkedIn.



Beau Tripp, Corey Daley, and Savannah Tripp

RCASF Event Raises $220,000 to Help Make-A-Wish Improve the Lives of Sick Kids and Families

AUGUST 7, 2026 – Four-year-old Beau Tripp may be too young to understand the community that has mobilized around him as he battles health issues, but the Roofing Contractors Association of South Florida (RCASF) has demonstrated they are squarely by his side.

The nonprofit organization recently hosted Tripp and his family at their 47th annual fishing tournament in Islamorada, an event that raised $220,000 to help Make-A-Wish® Southern Florida grant life-changing wishes for critically-ill children. The Pembroke Pines resident, who recently underwent a kidney transplant, had his wish to visit Florida theme parks underwritten by CL Burks Construction, one of the many companies within the association committed to making a child’s dream come true by sponsoring their wish.

To date, more than $2.3 million has been raised by local roofing contractors through the partnership with Make-A-Wish Southern Florida.

“The impact we’ve been able to have within our community from this event is a testament to the association and their sincere desire to improve the lives of children in South Florida,” said Corey Daley, chairman of the RCASF fishing tournament. “Meeting the Tripp family, and hearing all they’ve gone through with Beau’s health, really reinforced how important the wish experience is and the role our fundraising plays in making it happen.”

Much of the money RCASF raised during its three-day event at Cheeca Lodge was from signature sponsors that pledged to underwrite the cost of a wish. These donations from individual companies within the association began more than a decade ago when Earl and Lynne Johnston (Earl W. Johnston Roofing) made the first commitment. The number of those willing to help has grown each year, a fitting legacy for Earl Johnston, who passed away after the 2025 tournament.

“It’s our mission to identify and grant a life-changing wish for every critically-ill child in our territory,” said Norman Wedderburn, president & CEO of Make-A-Wish Southern Florida, which includes 22 Florida counties and the U.S. Virgin Islands. “The ongoing generosity of the Roofing Contractors Association of South Florida helps us make a difference for Beau and so many other deserving children.”

In addition to Make-A-Wish, proceeds from the RCASF’s largest annual fundraiser also benefitted the International Game Fishing Association.

Make-A-Wish Southern Florida (www.wish.org/sfla) has granted more than 15,000 life-changing wishes since 1983 for children who have critical illnesses. It aims to grant a wish for every medically-eligible child in its territory and understands wishes aren’t just nice, they’re necessary for kids and families at some of the most difficult times in their lives.

 Wish kids most often ‘wish to be’ (something), ‘wish to meet’ (someone), ‘wish to go’ (somewhere), ‘wish to have’ (something), or ‘wish to give’ (to a cause) and the nonprofit  organization makes this happen for the child and his/her entire family at no cost or obligation.

 Follow and engage with them on Facebook, X, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn, and TikTok.

The Roofing Contractors Association of South Florida (www.rcasf.org) is a not-for-profit trade association whose purpose is to educate and foster a high standard of business ethics among roofing contractors and associate members. RCASF members endeavor to ‘give back’ to their community throughout the year by hosting several charitable events.

 



Going Left to right:  Celeste Cuttino, Christine Benjamin, Myrlanda Etienne

Graduates completed programs in nursing, medical assisting and veterinary assisting

July 30, 2026 – HCI College, a private postsecondary institution focused on healthcare and nursing education with campuses in West Palm Beach and Fort Lauderdale, celebrated 142 graduates during its West Palm Beach commencement ceremony on July 18.

The graduating class included students from HCI College’s Associate Degree in Nursing, Practical Nursing, Medical Assisting and Veterinary Assisting programs. The ceremony recognized the graduates’ academic achievements and their preparation to begin or advance careers serving patients, families and animals throughout South Florida.

“These graduates have demonstrated tremendous dedication and perseverance as they prepared for careers in essential, service-oriented fields,” said Pedro C. De Guzman, President and CEO at HCI College. We are proud to celebrate their accomplishments and look forward to the contributions they will make in our local communities.”

Dr. Debra Perrin-Davis, Chief Nursing Officer at HCA Florida JFK North Hospital, delivered the commencement address. A healthcare leader with more than 30 years of experience, Dr. Perrin-Davis encouraged the graduates to lead with compassion, embrace continued learning and remain focused on the people and communities they serve.

The ceremony reflected HCI College’s commitment to preparing graduates for in-demand careers through career-focused instruction, hands-on training and real-world learning experiences.

About HCI College: 

HCI College is a private, accredited postsecondary school in West Palm Beach and Fort Lauderdale with an associate degree program in Nursing, and diploma programs for Practical Nursing, Medical Assisting, and Veterinary Assisting. HCI College is institutionally accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC) and licensed by the Florida Department of Education – Commission for Independent Education (CIE). HCI’s programs are designed to instill the knowledge and skills of professional practice and foster the values of higher education and social responsibility. HCI College faculty consists of experienced practitioners and educators. Instruction involves classroom and hands-on experience with experienced professionals in the pre-hospital and hospital environments.



Blue Light Cystoscopy with Cysview® Can Detect More Non-Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer Tumors Than Use of Standard Diagnostic Technology

August 6, 2026 – Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center is the only hospital between Miami and Orlando to offer Blue Light Cystoscopy(BLC) with Cysview® (hexaminolevulinate hydrochloride). Cysview is an FDA-approved, optical imaging agent that makes nonmuscle invasive bladder cancer glow bright pink in blue light so urologists can see tumors better.

“Bladder cancer is difficult to detect and has a high rate of recurrence. Incomplete tumor removal and an inaccurate diagnosis can result in incomplete treatment. In addition, patients may experience serious complications and a lower chance of survival if they have aggressive tumors that get missed,” said Dr. Sean L. Sawh, urologic surgeon from Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center. “Blue Light Cystoscopy with Cysview represents an important advancement in diagnostic technology, enabling more accurate diagnosis of nonmuscle invasive bladder cancer compared to the standard technique.”

Cysview is indicated for use in the cystoscopic detection of non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC), including carcinoma in situ (CIS), among patients suspected or known to have lesion(s) because of a prior cystoscopy.  Bladder cancer is the seventh most common cancer in the United States. Estimates state that more than 80,000 new cases of bladder cancer were diagnosed in the U.S. in 2022. Up to 50% of NMIBC patients will have bladder cancer recur.

About an hour before the BLC procedure, Cysview is placed into the bladder using a catheter. During the procedure, the urologist first looks inside the bladder using white light, then switches to blue light mode. In blue light, Cysview makes the cancer cells glow bright pink allowing the urologist to more easily identify and remove tumors.

“Adding Cysview is a reinforcement of our commitment to our patients,” said hospital CEO Erik Cazares.  “We are proud to invest in some of the latest technologies at Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center to give our patients the best chance at a good outcome so they can get back to doing what they love.”

To learn more about our urologic services, please visit: https://www.palmbeachhealthnetwork.com/services/urology-care

 

About Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center

Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center (PBGMC), part of the Palm Beach Health Network, the largest health care network in Palm Beach County, is a 199-bed acute care hospital.  It has served the Palm Beach County and Treasure Coast communities for over 50 years. The hospital was the first in Palm Beach County to perform open-heart surgery and has remained on the forefront as one of the area’s leaders in cardiac care. PBGMC also offers award winning stroke care, neurosurgery, urology, orthopedics, robot assisted and minimally invasive surgical techniques, bloodless medicine and a 24-hour emergency room. For more information, visit: www.palmbeachhealthnetwork.com.



From left, Tomás R. Guilarte, dean of FIU’s Robert Stempel College of Public Health and Social Work; Florida state Sen. Alexis Calatayud; Diana Azzam, scientific director of the FIU Center for Advancing Personalized Cancer Treatments; FIU President Jeanette M. Nuñez; and Florida state Rep. Omar Blanco pose with a ceremonial $2 million check in Azzam’s lab at Florida International University in Miami. (Credit: Taimy Alvarez/Florida International University) 

State funding will expand FIU’s functional precision medicine program to treat more children and adults with advanced cancers 

August 6, 2026 – A $2 million investment from the Florida Legislature will expand FIU’s Functional Oncology Rapid Cancer Elimination (myFORCE) Program, giving more cancer patients access to personalized treatment recommendations based on how their own tumor cells respond to FDA-approved therapies.

As part of the FIU Center for Advancing Personalized Cancer Treatments (CAPCT), myFORCE is dedicated to finding the right treatment for each individual patient by testing therapies directly against that patient’s own cancer cells. Led by FIU’s Robert Stempel College of Public Health and Social Work professor and researcher Diana Azzam, the program is designed to help physicians identify effective — and often less toxic — treatment options for patients whose cancers have returned, resisted treatment or exhausted standard therapies.

“Every family deserves hope in the fight against cancer, and I am proud to have secured this funding to support FIU’s Functional Oncology Rapid Cancer Elimination (myFORCE) Program, an initiative advancing personalized treatment options for pediatric and adult cancer patients,” said Florida state Senator Alexis Calatayud. “By investing in groundbreaking research here in Miami, we are empowering scientists to accelerate lifesaving discoveries and transform the lives of families across Florida.”

Azzam’s research first gained national attention through a clinical study conducted with Nicklaus Children’s Hospital. Researchers tested tumor samples from children with difficult-to-treat cancers against more than 120 medications. In results published in Nature Medicine, 83% of the patients who received treatments guided by Azzam’s approach showed improvement.

“I am proud to have secured $2 million in funding for Dr. Azzam and FIU’s Functional Oncology Rapid Cancer Elimination (myFORCE) program,” said Florida state Representative Omar Blanco. “These funds will provide personalized treatment options for pediatric and adult cancer patients across our community. This cutting-edge technology positions Florida as a global leader in precision oncology, and I’m proud to have fought for the resources that make it possible.”

The state appropriation will support the program’s core operations, including the clinical and laboratory teams, supplies and data analysis. It will also expand the center’s clinical trials network and open the door to larger, multi-institutional studies positioning Florida as a global leader in functional precision oncology.

“We are deeply grateful to Representative Blanco, Senator Calatayud, and the Florida Legislature for their investment in Dr. Azzam’s innovative cancer research that gives patients and families hope when conventional treatment options have run out,” said FIU President Jeanette M. Nuñez.

Azzam is a national leader in functional precision medicine. The approach goes beyond analyzing a tumor’s genetic characteristics: Her team collects living cells from a patient’s cancer and exposes them to FDA-approved drugs and drug combinations to determine which treatments appear most effective against that individual tumor.

The findings are shared with the patient’s oncologist, who determines whether they can help guide treatment decisions. The approach is especially valuable for patients with relapsed or treatment-resistant cancers, who often have limited options and little time.

“This funding gives us the capacity to move into the next phase of our work, strengthen the infrastructure needed to serve more patients and continue building the evidence behind this approach,” Azzam said. “We are incredibly grateful to our Florida legislators for investing in the future of cancer treatment.”

“At its core, Dr. Azzam’s work reflects the mission of public health: using science to improve outcomes, expand access and help innovative care reach the people who need it most,” said Tomás R. Guilarte, dean of the Robert Stempel College of Public Health and Social Work.

About FIU:
Florida International University is a Top 50, preeminent public research university with 55,000 students from all 50 states and more than 140 countries, as well as an alumni network of more than 340,000. Located in the global city of Miami, the university offers more than 200 degree programs at the undergraduate, graduate and professional levels, including medicine and law. FIU faculty are leaders in their fields and include National Academy members, Fulbright Scholars, and MacArthur Genius Fellows. A Carnegie R1 institution, FIU drives impactful research in environmental resilience, health, and technology and innovation. Home to the Wall of Wind and Institute of Environment, FIU stands at the forefront of discovery and innovation. With a focus on student success, economic mobility and community engagement, FIU is redefining what it means to be a public research university.