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Miami-Dade and Broward County Medical Associations Announce Winners of Medical Students and Residents Research Competition

MIAMI, March 12, 2026 – The Miami-Dade County Medical Association (MDCMA) and the Broward County Medical Association (BCMA) proudly announced the winners of the 7th Annual Medical Students and Residents Research Competition, held Saturday, March 7, 2026 in Miami. The annual event recognized the outstanding research contributions of medical students, residents, and research fellows across Miami-Dade and Broward Counties.

The competition showcased 15 innovative research presentations reflecting a strong commitment to advancing medical knowledge, improving patient outcomes, and strengthening the future of healthcare in South Florida. Physician leaders from both counties served as judges, evaluating participants on scientific rigor, originality, presentation quality, and clinical relevance.

Medical Students

First Place: Hope Cherian “A Preliminary Analysis of Standalone and Adjunctive Middle Meningeal Artery Embolization for the Treatment of Very Large Subdural Hematomas.” Florida International University Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine. Miami Neuroscience Institute, Baptist Health South Florida.

Second Place: Evelyn Echevarria Cruz “Preclinical Analysis of the Therapeutic Potential of Resveratrol in Parkinson’s Disease.” Nova Southeastern University Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine.

Honorable Mention: Annabel Ricci “Preventing Intravenous Administration Errors of Epinephrine in the Emergency Department: A Root Cause Analysis (RCA) and Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) Approach.” St. George’s University, Grenada, West Indies. Keralty Hospital Miami.

Honorable Mention: Hunter Moran “Socioeconomic analysis of pediatric onset inflammatory bowel disease at age 30: A population-based matched cohort study of patients and their siblings.” Florida International University Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine.

Residents and Research Fellows

First Place: Carol Williams, MD “To Increase PrEP Screening at Federally Qualified Health Center Doris Ison of Community Health of South Florida (CHI), Inc.” Community Health of South Florida, Inc. (CHI).

Second Place: Kevin Pina, MD “Recurrent Metformin-Associated Lactic Acidosis on a Patient with End-Stage Renal Disease: Fatal Case Despite Biochemical Improvement.” Keralty Hospital and Keralty Research Center.

“The level of scholarship and professionalism demonstrated this year was exceptional,” said Dr. Julie Kantor, chair of the research competition committee and president-elect of MDCMA. “These students and residents represent the future of medicine, and their work reflects the intellectual curiosity and dedication that drive meaningful advancements in patient care.”

Dr. Adriana Bonansea-Frances, president of the Miami-Dade County Medical Association, emphasized the importance of fostering collaboration and intellectual curiosity among the next generation of physicians. “Medicine is about research, thoughtfulness, and your willingness to share with colleagues and peers,” she said. “We are here to support you.”

The MDCMA and BCMA extend their sincere gratitude to the evaluation committee for their time, expertise, and thoughtful deliberation in selecting this year’s winners. Their commitment ensures the continued success and integrity of this prestigious academic event. Appreciation is also extended to the competition’s prize sponsor, Altfest, for supporting the professional development of emerging physician leaders.

As part of their ongoing dedication to medical education and leadership development, MDCMA and BCMA encourage all residents and medical students to become active members and take advantage of advocacy initiatives, mentorship programs, networking opportunities, and educational resources designed to support physicians at every stage of their careers.

For more information on membership and upcoming opportunities, please visit:

www.miamimed.com/membership

www.bcma.com/membership

The Broward County Medical Association (BCMA) commemorated a historic milestone on Saturday, January 31, as physicians, community leaders, and healthcare partners gathered for the BCMA Presidential Inauguration Gala and Centennial Celebration.

The event marked 100 years of physician leadership, advocacy, and service in Broward County, while honoring the award recipients whose contributions continue to shape the region’s healthcare landscape. Special guests Dr. Bobby Mukkamala, American Medical Association President, and Dr. Alma Littles, Florida Medical Association President-Elect, joined in celebrating the occasion.

Dr. Christopher Chang, a nationally recognized pediatric allergist and immunologist, was formally installed as President of the Broward County Medical Association. Dr. Chang serves as Chief of the Division of Pediatric Immunology and Allergy at Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital and will lead the Association into its second century.

Reflecting on the significance of the moment, Dr. Chang shared: “Stepping into this role during our centennial year is both humbling and inspiring. Our physicians have built a legacy of advocacy, compassion, and excellence, and I am committed to carrying that legacy forward as we shape the next century of healthcare in Broward County.”

Outgoing BCMA President Dr. Kayvan Amini also reflected on the transition and the Association’s historic milestone, noting: “Serving as president during our 100th year has been an extraordinary honor. This anniversary reminds us how far we’ve come and how essential strong physician leadership remains. I am confident that under Dr. Chang’s guidance, BCMA will continue to grow, innovate, and champion the needs of our medical community.”

During the evening, Dr. Dana Wallace was honored for her exceptional leadership and her enduring commitment to improving healthcare outcomes for patients across Broward County. The Physician of the Year Award recognizes a physician who exemplifies clinical excellence, professional integrity, and service to the community, qualities Dr. Wallace has demonstrated throughout her distinguished career.

In addition, two organizations received the 2025 Institutional Partner Award for their meaningful collaboration with physicians and the BCMA. ProAssurance was recognized for its longstanding support of physicians and its role in strengthening the stability of healthcare delivery in Broward County. Likewise, Nova Southeastern University (NSU) was honored for its leadership in medical education, research, and community partnership. NSU’s collaboration with BCMA has advanced interdisciplinary training and helped prepare the next generation of healthcare professionals.

Furthermore, through the Cynthia Peterson Legacy Fund Scholarship, the BCMA Foundation recognized two outstanding student physicians: Ashley McGill, Doctor of Allopathic Medicine Candidate, Class of 2027, NSU Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Allopathic Medicine; and Emma Woldenberg, Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine Candidate, Class of 2026, NSU Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine

The BCMA Presidential Inauguration and 100-Year Anniversary Gala served as a tribute to a century of organized medicine in Broward County, honoring the physicians who have shaped the region’s healthcare system and celebrating the leaders who will carry that legacy forward.

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About the Broward County Medical Association
The Broward County Medical Association unites physicians of all specialties to promote the integrity of patient care and public health and enhance the professional interests of physicians in Broward County.

www.bcma.com