June 16, 2021 – Neuvana LLC, a leader in neuroscience technology, announced today the addition of three new members to its scientific advisory board. These prominent scientists, all well-respected professionals in the medical field and from across the country, include:  

Dr. Geraldine Dawson is the William Cleland Distinguished Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Duke University, where she also is professor of Pediatrics and Psychology & Neuroscience. As the director of the Duke Institute for Brain Sciences and the Duke Center for Autism and Brain Development, her research has focused on autism early detection, treatment, and brain function. Dr. Dawson’s studies were among the first to describe autism symptoms during infancy. She demonstrated that early intervention can normalize aspects of brain activity in children with autism, a finding recognized by TIME Magazine as one of the top 10 medical breakthroughs of 2012. 
 
Dr. Dawson also served as president of the International Society for Autism Research and was founding director of the University of Washington Autism Center. Honors received for her work include the American Psychological Association Distinguished Career Award; Association for Psychological Science Lifetime Achievement Award; Autism Society of America Award for Research Contributions; Autism Society Medical Professional of the Year; and Autism Society Award for Valuable Service. 
 
As a fellow of the Association for Psychological Science and American Psychological Association, Dr. Dawson received a Ph.D. in Developmental and Child Clinical Psychology from the University of Washington and completed a clinical internship at UCLA.
 
Dr. Erminia M. Guarneri is a prominent integrative cardiologist and thought leader specializing in holistic medicine. She is the co-founder and medical director of Guarneri Integrative Health at Pacific Pearl La Jolla, California where she leads a team of experts in conventional, integrative, and natural medicine. She is also the founder and president of the Academy of Integrative Health and Medicine (AIHM) and former president of the American Board of Integrative Holistic Medicine (ABIHM). Prior to co-founding  Guarneri Integrative Health, she co-founded the Scripps Center for Integrative Medicine and served as its medical director until 2013. 
 
Her work has been recognized through numerous awards and accolades, including the  Integrative Health Symposium’s 2020 Visionary Award, the 2012 Linus Pauling Functional Medicine Lifetime Achievement Award, and the 2011 Bravewell Physician Leadership Award. She currently serves as an associate clinical professor at the University of California, San Diego and at California Northstate University. 
 
 
 
 
 
Dr. Michael Mannino holds a Ph.D. in complex systems and brain sciences from Florida Atlantic University, a master’s degree in philosophy from the University of California-Los Angeles, and a bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary science from the Florida Institute of Technology. While pursuing his Ph.D., Mannino’s research focused on computational cognitive neuroscience, and he completed his dissertation on casual influences in large-scale brain networks. 
 
Over the past two decades, Mannino has held various professional roles, including a college educator, researcher, thought leader, and peak performance coach with a special emphasis on the science of well-being. For over a decade, he has put his expertise in philosophy and neuroscience to work in higher education, as a training and development instructor, assistant professor, instructor, and program director at Miami Dade College and the University of Miami. 
 
Since April 2019, Mannino has served as the director of programs at the University of Miami’s Institute for Data Science and Computing. In this role, Mannino collaborates with university offices to spearhead new scientific and computational initiatives to enhance computations education and awareness. He also teaches courses on artificial intelligence and data science concepts. Finally, Mannino serves on the Advisory Board of the Society for NeuroSports at Nova Southeastern University in Florida.
 
“Our scientific advisory board includes professionals from across the country who are deeply committed to exploring and supporting alternative methods to help alleviate the harmful health effects of stress by optimizing science-based wellness technologies through neuroscience,” said Dr. Fred Sanfilippo, Neuvana scientific advisory board chair. “We are honored to add Drs. Dawson, Guarneri, and Mannino to the board and look forward to benefitting from their guidance, in their own respective fields, as we move the needle and steer our company forward.”
 
These individuals join a group of other distinguished professionals providing leadership in the design, development, and safety of Neuvana’s products, including “Xen,” a first-of-its-kind device that uses a revolutionary platform to deliver a mild electrical signal via patented earbuds, targeting a branch of the vagus nerve in the ear. Xen, which was invented by a cardiac surgeon and backed by science, syncs vagus nerve stimulation with music through a mobile app to safely stimulate pleasure-producing neurotransmitters, which can create a sense of calm and improved focus.
 
To view the full Neuvana team and learn more about the company, including members of the scientific advisory board, visit neuvanalife.com. 
 
About Neuvana, LLC
Neuvana, LLC is a South Florida-based company at the intersection of wellness and technology, with a focus on Neuroscience. Founded in 2014 by Richard Cartledge, MD, an avid inventor and Chief of Cardiovascular Surgery at Boca Raton Regional Hospital, the company is comprised of engineers, clinicians, experienced business professionals and a world-class scientific advisory board with a shared goal: a platform to make the wellness benefits of neuroscience safe, easy and accessible to everyone. In late 2019, Neuvana released its flagship product, Xen, which stimulates the vagus nerve system through patented earbuds to help reduce stress, boost sleep and improve focus. For more information about Neuvana, its board members and product details, visit www.neuvanalife.com. 


June 16, 2021 – Brian E. Keeley, President & Chief Executive Officer of Baptist Health South Florida, the region’s largest healthcare organization, today announced his plan to retire in 2022.
 
Keeley began his career as an administrative resident with Baptist Hospital in 1969. After serving four years as an officer of the U.S. Navy Medical Service Corp, he was named Assistant Administrator of the hospital in 1973, Chief Operating Officer in 1979 and CEO in 1986. He oversaw Baptist Hospital’s mergers with South Miami Hospital and Homestead Hospital in 1995, subsequently becoming the President and CEO of the newly formed Baptist Health South Florida.  
 
“It has been my privilege and honor to serve our community alongside some of the most dedicated, compassionate, and brilliant people that I have ever met. Our people are what make Baptist Health so special, and I know they will carry our organization into the future and continue to work tirelessly to care for our patients, families, and each other,” said Keeley. “I’d like to extend my sincerest gratitude to the nearly 24,000 Baptist Health employees, 4,000 physicians, Board members, supporters and volunteers who give the best of themselves daily in support of our important mission.”
 
Keeley spearheaded the additional growth of the health system that now includes 11 hospitals and 100 outpatient centers, urgent care facilities and physician practices spanning across Monroe, Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties. Under his leadership, Baptist Health has become the largest and most preferred healthcare organization in the region with an operating budget of $4 billion, providing $380 million in charity care and community benefit last year.   
 
Among his proudest accomplishments, Keeley notes Baptist Health being named one of the 100 Best Companies to Work For by Fortune magazine; one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies by the Ethisphere Institute; and achieving top ranking in U.S. News & World Report year after year. 
 
“Under Brian’s leadership, Baptist Health has grown into a world-class healthcare organization attracting top talent and providing our South Florida communities with exceptional care,” said Baptist Health Board of Trustees Chair, James Carr. “Brian is a true visionary who has elevated healthcare in our community through his servant leadership and his steadfast commitment to this organization and our people.” 
 
With Keeley’s pending retirement, the board has unanimously selected Albert “Bo” Boulenger, current Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, to succeed Keeley.  Boulenger began his career with Baptist Health in 1985 at South Miami Hospital. In 1994, he was named CEO of Homestead Hospital, and in 2006 he became CEO of Baptist Hospital.  In 2018, he assumed his current role as Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer of Baptist Health.
 
“Every day, the men and women of Baptist Health take on some of the greatest challenges in our industry and the world—this past year was no exception.  Their selfless service to our patients and communities is a source of tremendous pride and inspiration to me. I am honored to serve them and our mission to help people live the healthiest lives possible,” said Boulenger.
 
During the transition, Keeley will continue in his CEO role until his retirement. He will focus his efforts on long-term strategy, mergers and acquisitions, philanthropy, innovation, and board development, education and recruitment. Boulenger will assume the title of President and Chief Operating Officer, effective immediately, and will be responsible for the day-to-day operations of the health system, including strategic plan execution, finance, marketing, digital transformation, clinical transformation and the physician enterprise.  
 
 
 
About Baptist Health South Florida 
 
Baptist Health South Florida is the largest healthcare organization in the region, with 11 hospitals, nearly 24,000 employees, 4,000 physicians and 100 outpatient centers, urgent care facilities and physician practices spanning across Miami-Dade, Monroe, Broward and Palm Beach counties. Baptist Health has internationally renowned centers of excellence in cancer, cardiovascular care, orthopedics and sports medicine, and neurosciences. In addition, it includes Baptist Health Medical Group; Baptist Health Quality Network; and Baptist Health Care On Demand, a virtual health platform. 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 by Ethisphere as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies. For more information, visit BaptistHealth.net/Newsroom and connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn.
 


June 16, 2021 – This Sunday, June 20, Southeast Florida will shine purple, as locations across the region will be lit up in the Alzheimer’s Association’s signature color to help raise awareness of Alzheimer’s disease. 
 
Done in recognition of The Longest Day, an annual Alzheimer’s Association fundraiser, the events follow Gov. Ron DeSantis’ June 1 proclamation recognizing June as Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month in Florida. Participating locations will include the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts in Miami, 301 E. Las Olas Blvd. in Fort Lauderdale and the cities of Coral Gables, West Palm Beach, Vero Beach and Pembroke Pines.
 
“Seeing the purple lights on City Hall and various buildings throughout our city this month is a powerful way to raise awareness of and show support for those battling the devastating neurological disorders of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia,” Pembroke Pines Mayor Frank C. Ortis said. “We’re proudly shining our lights in hopes of promoting more education and conversation around this disease. And on June 20, the longest day of the year, we urge all of our residents to stand up to the darkness of Alzheimer’s by showing their support and spreading the word.”
 
The Longest Day encourages participants to combat the darkness of Alzheimer’s through an activity of their choice. Although the campaign centers around the summer solstice – the longest day of the year – fundraising efforts continue throughout the year to advance the critical care, support and research programs of the Alzheimer’s Association. 
 
This year, given the COVID-19 pandemic, Longest Day participants can support the event virtually through at-home and socially-distant activities like biking, hiking, playing bridge, knitting and more to shine a light on the more than 6 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s or other dementias, and the more than 11 million family members and friends providing care and support. 
 
In West Palm Beach, for instance, the Golf Fore a Cure team is raising funds with a Father’s Day charity golf tournament at Madison Green Country Club. The tournament will take place on June 20 with a shotgun start at 8:30 a.m. and there will be prizes for the first and second place teams and multiple closest to the pin contests. Registration is $55 per golfer, and those interested can contact David Schue at (561) 383-1080 for more information.
 
Haley Register, The Longest Day manager for the Alzheimer’s Association Southeast Florida Chapter, noted: “Alzheimer’s disease is the sixth-leading cause of death in both the United States and Florida. With more than 580,000 Floridians currently battling the disease, it is so heartwarming to see so many people stepping out in solidarity with those affected.” 
To learn more about The Longest Day or register a team, visit alz.org/thelongestday.
 
 
 
About the Alzheimer’s Association® 
The Alzheimer’s Association leads the way to end Alzheimer’s and all other dementia — by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer’s and all other dementia®. For more information, visit alz.org or call the 24/7 Helpline at 800.272.3900.
 


June 15 2021 – Gerald E. Harmon, M.D., a family medicine physician from Pawleys Island, S.C., will be sworn in today as the 176th president of the American Medical Association (AMA), the nation’s premier physician organization. Sworn in remotely during the virtual Special Meeting of the AMA House of Delegates, Dr. Harmon spoke about his own journey in medicine, the profound challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, the AMA’s recently released plan to embed racial justice and advance health equity. 
 
“The COVID pandemic has revealed enormous gaps in how we care for people and communities in America, demonstrated in the disproportionate impact of this pandemic on communities of color and in the weaknesses of our under-funded and under-resourced Public Health infrastructure,” Dr. Harmon said, in prepared remarks. “During such times of struggle and heartbreak, it is important for us to ‘remember our why.’ Why did we enter medicine? Why do we continue to struggle against overwhelming administrative and regulatory burdens? Why are we risking our health and our families during this global pandemic? I would submit that the education, the training, the years of experience and sacrifice we have gone through has prepared us for such a time as this.”
 
Dr. Harmon has been an AMA board member since 2013, serving as board chair from 2017 to 2018. Prior to his election to the AMA board, Dr. Harmon served on the AMA Council on Medical Service. Additionally, Dr. Harmon has held several leadership positions with the South Carolina Medical Association, including chairman of the board of trustees and president.
 
Practicing for more than 30 years as a family medicine specialist in his coastal South Carolina hometown of Georgetown, Dr. Harmon is currently a clinical professor at two South Carolina medical schools, as well as a member of the clinical faculty for the Tidelands Health MUSC Family Medicine residency program. Dr. Harmon also serves as an adviser to the board of trustees of a community health system and as vice president in a multispecialty physician practice. He also serves as medical director for several organizations including a non-profit hospice, and volunteers as medical supervisor for his local school district’s 23 schools.
 
Dr. Harmon received his undergraduate degree in physics and mathematics from the University of South Carolina and has since been recognized as a Distinguished Alumnus. He received his medical degree from the Medical University of South Carolina and completed a residency training program in family medicine with the U.S. Air Force at Eglin AFB, Florida.
 
In a 35-year military career, Dr. Harmon served as chief surgeon for the National Guard Bureau and as assistant surgeon general for the U.S. Air Force before retiring as a Major General. His military decorations include the Distinguished Service Medal, the Legion of Merit, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Air Force Commendation Medal, and the Humanitarian Service Medal.
 
Dr. Harmon and his wife, Linda, enjoy spending time outdoors in their coastal hometown of Georgetown with their three married children and eight grandchildren.
 


 
Guidelines for health care organizations provide direction on effective anti-discrimination policies
 
June 15 2021 – The nation’s physicians and medical students today continued to acknowledge the realities of structural racism in medicine by adding to policy that informs the American Medical Association’s ambitious work to dismantle racist policies and practices across all of health care.
 
Members of the AMA’s House of Delegates representing their peers from all corners of medicine voted to adopt guidelines addressing systemic racism in medicine, including discrimination, bias and abuse, including expressions of prejudice known as microaggressions. The AMA will recommend that health care organizations and systems use the new guidelines to establish institutional policies that promote positive cultural change and ensure a safe, discrimination-free work environment. 
 
“Systemic racism in medicine is the most serious barrier to the advancement of health equity and appropriate medical care,” said AMA Board Member Willarda V. Edwards, M.D., M.B.A. “Today’s actions by the House of Delegates will inform the AMA’s active work to proactively identify, prevent, and eliminate racism and will help the AMA guide health care organizations in efforts to adopt workplace policies that promote positive cultural transformation and address the root cause of racial health inequities.”
 
According to the newly adopted guidelines, an effective workplace policy to address systemic racism in a health care setting should:
 
Clearly define discrimination, systemic racism, explicit and implicit bias and microaggressions in the healthcare setting. 
Ensure the policy is prominently displayed and easily accessible.
Describe the management’s commitment to providing a safe and healthy environment that actively seeks to prevent and address systemic racism, explicit and implicit bias and microaggressions.
Establish training requirements for systemic racism, explicit and implicit bias, and microaggressions for all members of the healthcare system.
Prioritize safety in both reporting and corrective actions related to discrimination, systemic racism, explicit and implicit bias and microaggressions.
Create anti-discrimination policies that: 
Specify to whom the policy applies (i.e., medical staff, students, trainees, administration, patients, employees, contractors, vendors, etc.).
Define expected and prohibited behavior.
Outline steps for individuals to take when they feel they have experienced discrimination, including racism, explicit and implicit bias and microaggressions.
Ensure privacy and confidentiality to the reporter.
Provide a confidential method for documenting and reporting incidents.
Outline policies and procedures for investigating and addressing complaints and determining necessary interventions or action.
 
These policies should include:
Taking every complaint seriously.
Acting upon every complaint immediately.
Developing appropriate resources to resolve complaints.
Creating a procedure to ensure a healthy work environment is maintained for complainants and prohibit and penalize retaliation for reporting.
Communicating decisions and actions taken by the organization following a complaint to all affected parties.
oDocument training requirements to all the members of the healthcare system and establish clear expectations about the training objectives.
 
The guidelines also suggest tactics that can help medical staff leaders establish work environments within their institutions that are safe and discrimination-free.
 
In the past year, the House of Delegates has adopted several policies that explicitly acknowledge racism’s role in perpetuating health inequities and inciting harm against historically marginalized communities. These AMA policies include acknowledging racism as a public health threat, removing race as a proxy for biology and eliminating racial essentialism in medicine.
 
Through research, collaborations, advocacy, and leadership, the AMA believes in supporting system-level solutions and identifying and addressing root causes of health inequities while elevating their importance to patients, communities, and stakeholders.