The Ginsburg Institute
- Overview
- Meet the Team
- Community Partnership
- Innovation Hub
- Research
Changing Children’s Health, Locally and Globally
The Ginsburg Institute at ֲý Children’s was created to provide leadership, build community partnerships, and create innovative programs to improve children's health and lives by advancing health equity.
ֲý has long-established collaborations with schools, local agencies, and community organizations to support health initiatives such as nutrition, physical activity, and literacy. The Ginsburg Institute strives to create a world where every child can thrive and achieve their full potential for health and well-being. We build community partnerships, translate research into practice, and create opportunities for innovative solutions.
A "Singular Moment" for Children's Health
Share the beginning of our journey when we announced the founding of the Ginsburg Institute in 2022.
A Strategic Roadmap to Advancing Child Health Equity
The Ginsburg Institute was established with a generous gift from the Ginsburg Family Foundation. It will catalyze change by discovering and testing innovative child health equity strategies and promoting the effective ones. We partner with communities to ensure every child across Central Florida has the opportunity to live their healthiest life.
How It Works
The Ginsburg Institute is a truly collaborative effort. It brings together a team of world-renowned pediatric specialists, behavioral economists, health services researchers, environmental health experts, and academic experts who specialize in interpreting data.
Together, we will:
- Identify and remove barriers to health in medically underserved areas
- Collaborate to design and implement innovative projects to enhance population health
- Prepare a health care and scientific workforce to deploy resources into diverse communities, both locally and around the world
- Share research and policy findings locally, nationally, and internationally to address underlying social determinants of health
“We know that 80% of a child's health happens outside of the health care system, and we are committed to going well beyond medicine to change children's lives through innovative programs and community partnerships.”
Nancy Molello, MSB, Executive Director
Ginsburg Institute at ֲý
Ginsburg Scholars: Today's Research, Tomorrow's Leaders
We're committed to training the next generation leaders through the Ginsburg Scholars.
- Ginsburg Scholars Mentorship Program
- Ginsburg Scholars Grant Program
Media
Family Connection "Literacy Matters"
August 4, 2024
Literacy Matters. Take a closer look at how our educators and nonprofits are working together to enhance literacy for children in and out of the classroom. This interview includes our very own Nancy Molello and community partners Jamie Molello, CEO Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida and Jen Knopf, Reed Charitable Foundation CEO and Founder, among other local educators and professionals.
The Ginsburg Institute at ֲý partnered with community group 4Roots and the Boys & Girls Club of Central Florida, Jacqueline Bradley, and Clarence Otis Family Branch, to plant a community garden in the West Lakes neighborhood in Orlando.
This initiative marks the first community grant from the Ginsburg Institute, amplifying our commitment to improving children's health and lives by advancing health equity.
Podcast: Medical Care (and More) That Goes Well Beyond Medicine
On air now:
— Summertime and the Learning Is Easy
This episode digs into the importance of high-quality summer learning to our nation’s children in all its aspects: health, nutrition, safety, equity, workforce impact, and education.
— Ginsburg Institute: Equalizing Health — Well Beyond Medicine Podcast
— Ginsburg Scholars: The Future of Health Equity — Well Beyond Medicine Podcast
These episodes contain conversations with Nancy Molello, Executive Director, Ginsburg Institute; Marc McMurrin, President and CEO, Ginsburg Family Foundation, Inc., and Brianna Karim, Ginsburg Scholar, about the mission and vision of the Institute, community partnerships, and the Ginsburg Scholars program.
Stay Connected #GinsburgInstitute
Join Us and Support Children's Health Equity
Children's health equity is a collective effort.
- Attend the symposium.
- Become a community partner.
- Make a contribution on our giving page by selecting "Health Equity" from the drop-down menu to direct your support.
Nancy Molello, MSB
Founding Executive Director
Nancy Molello serves as the inaugural Executive Director of the Ginsburg Institute at ֲý Children’s Health, bringing more than two decades of progressive experience in developing community and global partnerships, building research health programs, and creating pipeline programs for students interested in medicine and public health careers.
At the Ginsburg Institute, Nancy leads enterprise initiatives that translate research into practice and mobilize community systems for child health. She serves as the lead for the Institute’s annual Child Health Symposium, convening experts in pediatric health to advance research and practice. The symposium is designed to generate new ideas, encourage innovative thinking, and foster cross-sector partnerships, positioning the Institute as a recognized leader in child health.
Nancy also leads the Children’s Health Collaborative, a learning network of more than 175 organizations spanning health care, education, and community sectors. Organized into four priority areas - Mental Health, Nutrition & Wellness, Quality Education, and Economic Stability - the Collaborative drives collective impact through programs that improve children’s health and strengthen community partnerships.
In 2025, under Nancy’s leadership, the Institute launched its Kindergarten Readiness Initiative in Orlando, Florida and Wilmington, Delaware, ensuring every child enters school prepared to thrive. Using a whole-child approach, the program addresses the social drivers of learning through targeted interventions in literacy, behavioral health, physical health, food and nutrition, and speech/language screening services, complemented by educator training, caregiver supports, and data-driven evaluation.
Furthermore, Nancy also oversees the Ginsburg Scholars mentorship program and the Global Health Experience Program in Uganda, delivered in collaboration with the Makerere University–Johns Hopkins University partnership. Through these programs, scholars contribute to pediatric research, clinical observation, and community teaching, while gaining cross-cultural competencies essential to equity-focused care.
Prior to joining ֲý, Nancy served as Program Director for the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Equity and the Johns Hopkins Urban Health Institute, where she led strategic planning, fundraising, program development, and community engagement, managing a $35M portfolio. She also directed programs at the Armstrong Institute for Patient Safety and Quality at Johns Hopkins University, establishing a consulting division with clients across the U.S., Saudi Arabia, Europe, and Australia.
Nancy is a graduate of the College of New Rochelle, New York, and earned a Master of Science in Business (MSB) from Johns Hopkins University.
Managers
Candiss Duckworth, MPH, CIC
Program Manager
Candiss Ducksworth serves as Program Manager for the Kindergarten Readiness Community Impact Project. She leads the planning, implementation, and coordination of a whole child, community driven initiative designed to strengthen early learning and support children’s readiness for kindergarten. The project uses a multi pronged approach, delivering targeted supports across emotional wellness, literacy, physical health and wellness, food and nutritional health, and screening and therapy services.
Candiss brings extensive experience in public health program management, with a proven record of leading complex initiatives, engaging community stakeholders, and applying data informed strategies to advance health equity. Prior to joining ֲý, she served in leadership roles with the Florida Department of Health in Orange County, where she managed large scale, grant funded programs focused on maternal and child health, injury and violence prevention, literacy, and community safety. Her background also includes serving as a lead epidemiologist during critical public health responses and guiding teams through complex infectious disease outbreak responses.
Through her diverse professional experiences and unwavering commitment to public health, Candiss is dedicated to improving the well being of children and families. She is especially passionate about addressing complex challenges through innovation and creativity, ensuring programs are not only evidence based but also responsive to community needs, inclusive, and impactful.
Candiss earned her Master of Public Health from Dartmouth College’s Geisel School of Medicine and holds a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from the University of Miami.
Mordecai W. Rolle, RN, BSN
Program Manager
Mordecai is a healthcare leader, registered nurse, and community impact professional with a diverse background spanning clinical care, healthcare operations, and program development. He currently serves as the Community Impact Program Manager, where he leads initiatives focused on advancing health, education, and community well-being.
Mordecai brings extensive experience across multiple areas of healthcare, including acute care, behavioral health, hospice, and home health. He has held senior leadership roles such as Area Vice President of Clinical Operations, where he oversaw hospice clinical services across multiple care centers in Georgia, and Associate Director of Nursing, managing inpatient behavioral health units and leading recruitment, training, and quality patient care initiatives. His leadership has consistently driven improvements in clinical quality, operational efficiency, and patient outcomes. Mordecai is dedicated to creating meaningful community impact by developing programs that address critical issues in both adult and child health, education, and development.
In addition to his administrative expertise, Mordecai maintains a strong clinical foundation as a Registered Nurse. His background also includes service as a Registered Nurse, Combat Medic, and Surgical Technician in the United States Army, where he developed discipline, resilience, and a commitment to service. He has previously served as a Police Officer with the Savannah Police Department, where he supported public safety operations and protected community members' lives and property. This experience strengthened his ability to remain composed in high-pressure situations, enhanced his crisis response capabilities, and deepened his commitment to community service. These skills continue to inform his leadership and patient-centered approach in healthcare.
Mordecai holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Florida State University and has received multiple honors for his academic and military achievements. He is known for his leadership, communication, and ability to build and manage high-performing teams.
Claudia Tejada
Program Manager
Claudia leads the planning, execution, and evaluation of strategic initiatives, programs, and convenings focused on improving child health outcomes. She oversees the administration and monitoring of key programs, including the Ginsburg Institute Scholars Program, grant initiatives, and community-based programming.
In her role, Claudia convenes cross-sector partners across health systems, public health, education, and community organizations to advance community-driven strategies that address child health disparities. She facilitates core Institute initiatives such as the Community Advisory Board and the Children’s Health Collaborative, ensuring alignment with organizational priorities and measurable impact.
Claudia also serves as a lead coordinator for the Child Health Symposium, where she brings together national and local stakeholders to advance pediatric health research, elevate innovative practices, and foster new collaborations. Additionally, she manages and strengthens the Institute’s pediatric health research portfolio by supporting clinical investigators, fellows, and scholars, and ensuring effective implementation of research and grant programs.
Claudia’s professional background is rooted in equity-focused work in pediatric practices, an international medical center, and a cancer clinical research facility, where she developed a strong commitment to increasing minority participation in clinical trials. Her experience in public health - ranging from One Health clinical services to veteran health outreach - is driven by a passion for advancing equitable outcomes.
Claudia earned her Master of Public Health from the University of South Florida and is a Certified in Public Health practitioner.
Molly Van Sickle
Program Manager
Molly Van Sickle leads the development and implementation of the Kindergarten Readiness Community Impact Project in Delaware at the Ginsburg Institute, advancing efforts to support young children and families. She oversees the administration and monitoring of the initiative and works closely with community partners and early childhood education programs to strengthen collaboration and impact.
Molly brings extensive experience in building meaningful relationships that drive high quality and sustainable outcomes. She is deeply committed to empowering partners, educators, and families to support children’s success during the most critical years of development. A dedicated advocate for early childhood education, Molly is grounded in the belief that a whole child approach nurtures curiosity, resilience, relationships, and foundational skills to create the strongest foundation for lifelong learning and wellbeing.
Prior to joining ֲý, Molly worked extensively in the education field and most recently served with the Delaware Institute for Excellence in Early Childhood. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Human Services, Education, and Public Policy from the University of Delaware, as well as a Master of Education in Teacher Leadership.
Coordinators
Stephanie Avila
Project Coordinator
Stephanie Avila serves as a Project Coordinator, where she supports strategic initiatives and provides executive support to Nancy Molello. With more than 20 years of experience across industries including media, architecture, consulting, and banking, Stephanie brings deep expertise in project coordination, event planning, and operational support.
Prior to joining ֲý, Stephanie partnered closely with CEOs and C suite leaders, contributing to organizational goals through execution focused strategies and thoughtful coordination. At the Ginsburg Institute, she plays a key role in planning and delivering high impact programs and convenings, including large scale events that bring together cross sector partners to advance child health and community well being.
Stephanie is known for her strong interpersonal skills, attention to detail, and collaborative approach. She builds trusted relationships with internal teams and external stakeholders alike, and is valued as a reliable, proactive, and results driven professional.
Fednise Frederique
Program Coordinator
Fednise serves as a Program Coordinator for the Ginsburg Institute at ֲý Children’s Health, where she assists with the planning, coordination, and project management of several key initiatives. Her portfolio includes the Ginsburg Scholars Program, Medical Student Scholars Program, Ginsburg Summer Experience Program, and the Resident and Fellow Grant.
Fednise’s professional background is grounded in healthcare administration and program operations, with a strong focus on supporting educational pathways, workforce development, and equity‑driven initiatives. Her work centers on ensuring program effectiveness through thoughtful coordination, stakeholder collaboration, and continuous process improvement across learner‑focused programs.
Fednise earned her Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences, with a concentration in Public and Global Health, from Florida Atlantic University, and her Master’s degree in Healthcare Administration from the University of Central Florida.
Ginsburg Community Advisory Board
The Community Advisory Board (CAB) is dedicated to advancing child health equity in central Florida. Comprised of passionate community members, the board serves as a strategic advisory body, offering guidance, sharing experiences and articulating community perspectives. By optimizing collective impact, the board actively contributes to setting effective strategies, recommending key partnerships and sharing valuable lessons learned for the benefit of the community.
Our Board Members
We’ve gathered individuals representing all sectors of the community for the composition of our Community Advisory Board. From charitable organizations and foundations to universities and churches, the list includes CEOs, pastors and community engagement officers. See the accompanying PDF for the complete list.
Community Partnerships to Create Equity Impact
The Orlando community is full of great organizations committed to investing in our youth. The Ginsburg Institute takes pride in being a convener and collaborator in these efforts. Our mission is to support impactful programs and partnerships that significantly enhance the lives of children and adolescents in Central Florida. By collaborating with these champions, we aim to foster continuous efforts to create healthier and more equitable communities for our youth. Our Ginsburg scholars, recognized for their dedication to advancing health equity, volunteer at several of our community partners. Here is a snapshot of their day-to-day work.
Ginsburg Team in action at the 4Roots Farm Campus
This innovative agricultural organization is committed to sustainable farming practices and leveraging food as medicine to impact health meaningfully across Central Florida. Our scholars actively participate in developing healthy food farms, organizing food deliveries, and conducting research on nutritional education initiatives.
Ginsburg Scholars at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida contribute to the social-emotional learning and academic development of club members. They conduct emotional check-ins, mental health group sessions, and help bridge the racial literacy gap by focusing on phonemic awareness, reading comprehension, and boosting confidence in club members from K-12.
At DOH-Orange, scholars engage in various community projects aimed at reducing infant mortality. They gather survey responses to better understand community needs and opinions. In the Violence and Injury Prevention program, they organize daycare reading sessions to teach children about safe swimming, aiming to prevent drownings. Their efforts ensure every child is safe and well-cared for.
Scholars volunteer at ELEVATE Orlando, a year-round mentoring program dedicated to guiding students through one-on-one and group mentoring outside the classroom. ELEVATE Orlando’s teachers and mentors expose students to career opportunities and provide essential college preparation. Throughout the school year, scholars engage in classroom activities, share their educational journeys, and inspire students with their future career aspirations.
We support Shepherd’s Hope, a free clinic for the uninsured in Florida, by assisting with programs like Back-to-School Physicals and supporting the Diebel Clinic. Our efforts enhance healthcare accessibility and positively impact Florida’s uninsured population.
Ginsburg Institute Community-Based Grants
Health Equity Begins At Home
Ginsburg Summer Camp Experience Program for ֲý Associates
During the summer of 2023, the Ginsburg Institute piloted the Ginsburg Summer Experience Program, an innovative strategy to increase access to summertime experiences of the children of ֲý associates. We extended the program in 2024 by supporting 30 associates and sponsoring 43 children.
This program actualizes the “health equity begins at home” concept by sponsoring summer camps for school-age children of associates meeting income-based criteria. The program focuses on ֲý role as an employer and health anchor institution in Central Florida and aligns with our health anchor strategy for the region. Health anchors are health care organizations permanently rooted in their communities as ֲý is in Central Florida
Information for the 2025 program will follow in January. For additional information, read about the Ginsburg Institute Summer 2024 Summer Camp Experience. First, we will work to improve child health equity within our walls before going “beyond.”
Neurodiagnostic Technologist Apprenticeship Program
The Ginsburg Institute at ֲý has partnered with the ֲý Children's Workforce Pipeline Development Program (WPDP)* and the ֲý Children's Hospital, Florida Epilepsy Monitoring Unit to establish the Neurodiagnostic Technologist Apprenticeship Program. This collaboration aims to provide associates in Central Florida with an opportunity to enhance their skills to provide much needed care and support to the families we serve. The Ginsburg Institute covers the cost of tuition, clinical training and certification for program participants.
Upskilling associates from entry-level positions such as medical assistants or patient care technicians to neurodiagnostic technologists tackles the current EEG Tech shortage and enhances living wages and future earnings of graduates. It also enables improved services for our Central Florida patient families.
*The ֲý Workforce Pipeline Development Program (WPDP) based at ֲý Children’s Hospital, Florida, is an initiative designed to increase diversity in healthcare, offering work-based opportunities to underrepresented teens and young adults while addressing the nationwide nursing shortage and improving workforce opportunities. The WPDP recruits students, connects them to mentors and academic support, and creates a pipeline of health professionals who reflect the diversity of the patients and families in need of care.
We Get There Together
To achieve health equity, we must leverage collective wisdom. This includes learning about current programs, and working together to identify gaps that need to be addressed. Whether you're a parent, a patient, or a possible connector in the private or nonprofit sectors — ideas and issues are important, and we're eager to hear what our communities have to say.
Experts Gather to Innovate: The Annual Child Health Equity Symposium
As an innovation hub, the Ginsburg Institute is more than just a dedicated place and team. The Ginsburg Institute is action oriented, informed by expertise from across ֲý Children's and the lived experience of the Central Florida community.
And while research, academic, community, and collaboration efforts are active all year, the annual Child Health Equity Symposium convenes stakeholders and experts in pediatric health to advance research and practice. Our goal is to create connections that effect positive change and improve health outcomes to develop, implement, and disseminate employer best practices in health equity.
2024 Child Health Equity Symposium
The 2024 Symposium was held on October 2. Attendees explored innovative strategies and techniques applicable to their organizations, with a focus on fostering the concept of Thriving Communities, Thriving Youth.
We at ֲý are truly fortunate to have the support of the Central Florida community and the Ginsburg Family Foundation in this endeavor. Together, we are forging sustainable change, beyond medicine, for the future of our children.
Our Keynote speaker, Dr. Dave A. Chokshi, Physician, Sternberg Family Professor of Leadership at The City College of New York, and 43rd Health Commissioner of New York City sat down for a fireside chat. He discussed his expertise in applying a health equity lens to understand and address the intersectional challenges faced by children in diverse communities.
The panel discussion on "Thriving Youth — Hearing the Youth Voice," was moderated by Eddy Moratin, President of LIFT Orlando. The panel consisted of Jamie Merrill, CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida, Jonas Cayo, President and CEO of ELEVATE Orlando, and two youth representing each organization.
During the discussion, they explored ways in which communities can invest in children to ensure their long-term success. They emphasized the importance of understanding the experiences of youth and finding effective ways to address their individual challenges. Additionally, they highlighted the significant role that teachers and role models play in shaping the lives of young people.
2024 Child Health Equity Symposium
Take a look at the recap of the Child Health Equity Symposium presented by the Ginsburg Institute at ֲý. The event was held October 2, 2024.
Inaugural Community Champion Award
The Community Champion Award was introduced at our symposium. This annual award will recognize a local community-based organization that demonstrates exceptional commitment to advancing the health and well-being of children and adolescents. Our aim is to acknowledge those whose impactful work, alignment with the mission of the Ginsburg Institute, and dedication to collaborative partnerships truly stand out. The inaugural Community Champion Award was presented to the Mental Health Association of Central Florida ()
Marni Stahlman, President and CEO of the Mental Health Association of Central Florida accepted the award.
2024 Key Highlights
Thriving Communities, Thriving Youth highlighted the overall well-being of our youth in relation to health equity while discussing strategies to address systemic barriers and promote activism and leadership.
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Community sectors engaged, including business, education, and local government leaders.
Examined how social drivers of health intersect to understand the foundations of prosperous communities and address child health outcomes in diverse communities.
Investing in children for long-term success, featuring youth voices.
Community Champion Award: Inaugurated to honor efforts in promoting adolescent wellbeing through valued community connections. Mental Health Association of Central Florida received the first award for impactful programs.
Inaugural Child Health Equity Symposium
With a shared goal of eliminating health disparities, more than 100 individuals from a diverse range of organizations — including health care providers, educators, business leaders, policymakers, and community advocates — came together in Orlando to address the critical issue of health equity.
Scholars Programs and Research Lead to Change for All Children
Research and research translation is a critical part of the Ginsburg Institute’s mission. Through these efforts, we will transform pediatric health care by sharing what we learn with the world to better children’s lives and improve health equity for kids.
At ֲý, we're also dedicated to training the next generation of leaders. Our comprehensive Ginsburg Scholars Program actively supports promising researchers by helping them design and implement innovative projects aimed at enhancing population health across diverse communities. The primary goal of the Ginsburg Scholars Mentorship Program is connecting enthusiastic knowledge seekers with experienced medical professionals who can guide them along their journey, providing invaluable insights and expertise along the way.
Ginsburg Scholars Program
The Ginsburg Scholars Program is a unique 12-month paid mentorship opportunity for recent graduates who plan to pursue a career in health care. Through a careful matching process, each scholar is partnered with an experienced medical professional who shares similar goals and interests. Scholars work closely with their mentors on research projects focused on addressing and eliminating health care disparities within central Florida. It is through these partnerships that fellows acquire and improve skills such as communication, leadership, setting goals and project management.
How It Works
Mentors and scholars are in constant communication, whether through email or biweekly mentoring sessions. These sessions don’t solely revolve around project updates, but here mentors and scholars get to form connections. Mentors provide guidance and knowledge that encourages professional development, and scholars apply what they have learned to their career aspirations.
Past scholars have a diverse educational background, with each scholar wanting to explore and pursue different career options within the medical field. Some have started their journey towards applying to medical school, and some have already been accepted into graduate programs.
During this program, scholars can network through connections they have made in the field of research and through relationships they have created with their mentors. With the work they have contributed to the mobile health clinic, 4Roots Foundation and Second Harvest Food Bank, they have also formed connections within the Central Florida community.
This program is not only beneficial for the scholars, but it also serves as an opportunity for the mentor to develop their own leadership skills and give back to their professional community. Our mentors have an extensive amount of experience within the field of health care, and they delight in the fact that they can positively influence others. They are also able to see their organization through the perspective of the scholars. Scholars expose them to different thoughts and opinions. During that time, scholars are gathering information that they have acquired during research and mentoring sessions for their own medical journey.
Aribah Ali
Aribah assists her mentor in data collection and analysis to develop a Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA). She collaborates with stakeholders and conducts thematic reviews to understand the health needs of the communities we serve. Aribah also works with a developmental behavioral pediatrician to enhance children’s emotional literacy and conduct parent management trainings for children diagnosed with ADHD.
Aribah earned her bachelor’s degree in health sciences at the University of Florida. She aspires to become a future physician and will be applying to medical school next year.
Viola Mrruku
Viola works alongside her mentor conducting research in culinary medicine by teaching kids the importance of healthy eating, through growing and cooking their own food. She also works with a doctor whose research focus is on coming up with a curriculum for teaching cultural humility within faculty.
Viola graduated from the University of Florida with a bachelor’s degree in biology and a minor in Spanish. She is applying to medical school and is excited on following the next paths to become a future physician.
Alejandro Ramirez
Alejandro works with his mentor coordinating and managing the ֲý Residents Program that is responsible for sponsoring and developing various resident research projects. He is also active in research involving childhood asthma, seeking to educate children on signs and symptoms of asthma attacks so they can identify early warning signs.
Alejandro graduated with cum laude distinction from the University of Florida earning a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. He is currently in the process of applying to medical school with interests in the field of pediatrics.
Treasure Ray
Treasure works with her mentor, Dr. Cedric Pritchett — co-director of the ֲý Children Ear, Hearing and Communication Center and medical director of the Cochlear Implant Program, to address and understand barriers to care for pediatric cochlear implant recipients. Moreover, Treasure assists Dr. Pritchett and his team on a point-of-care assay for cytomegalovirus (CMV) identification, given the significant contribution of CMV in pediatric patients with hearing loss.
Treasure graduated cum laude, receiving her Bachelor of Science in biology from the University of Florida; she also earned minors in leadership and health disparities in society. Treasure is currently preparing to apply medical school to pursue her lifelong goal of becoming a physician.
Past Scholars
The Ginsburg Institute launched its first cohort of scholars May 2023. These scholars graduated May 2024 and will continue with careers as physicians, public health experts and researchers. They will help to address the critical need for a diverse workforce uniquely trained to alleviate health disparities among children in Central Florida. As more Ginsburg Scholars go through the program, the pathways to careers in health care for underserved youth will become stronger and Central Florida will be a healthier, more equitable region.
The 2023 scholars worked on the following research projects with their mentors:
- Uncovering the impact of nutrition on health and disease
- Providing parents with skills and tools to better care for children with ADHD
- Supporting ֲý Children’s Clinic on Wheels mobile health program providing free immunizations and care
- Better understanding and treating adolescent eating disorders
- Better understanding and treating childhood asthma and eczema
Ginsburg Institute Medical Student Summer Research Program
The Ginsburg Institute has launched a Medical Student Summer Research Program for rising second-year medical students at the University of Central Florida College of Medicine (UCF COM). For the summer of 2024, the Ginsburg Institute supported UCF COM medical students Rushi Vekariya and Cory Watts.
Rushi is investigating health disparities in pediatric obstructive sleep apnea care. He is mentored by Dr. Adele K. Evans, chief of pediatric otolaryngology at ֲý.
Cory is collaborating with his physician mentor, Dr. Tamarah Westmoreland, NCH Surgeon, to investigate health disparities in the presence and outcomes of genetic mutations significant to the development of neuroblastoma.
Rushi Vekariya
Rushi is an aspiring otolaryngologist. His work includes researching the impact of a temporal bone laboratory on the learning outcomes of medical students and the management of pediatric acute mastoiditis in the post-COVID-19 era.
At UCF, Rushi serves as a class representative and holds leadership positions in the ENT Interest Group, the Health Innovations Group, and the Lifestyle Medicine Interest Group. He also enjoys volunteering for the student-run KNIGHTS Clinic, where he serves as the Electronic Medical Record (EMR) Director.
Cory Watts
Cory is an aspiring general surgeon. He also studies reviewing patient characteristics as predictors of adverse events across various laparoscopic entry methods.
Cory serves in a variety of leadership positions at UCF such as the founding president of the General Surgery Interest Group, SNMA mentor, and Tri-M board member. He enjoys volunteering for the student-run KNIGHTS Clinic, serving as an advanced student provider. He has a passion for mentoring pre-medical students and provides undergraduate mentoring as well as instructing MCAT preparatory classes.
Our mentors provide support for successful healthcare careers.
Ginsburg Research and Practice Grant Program
The Ginsburg Research and Practice Grant Program aims to support ֲý researchers in Central Florida with pilot funding to advance health equity. Each year, we will fund grants of up to $50,000 per award. Principal Investigator (PI) must present their findings at the annual Ginsburg Symposium. Junior investigators should have a mentor for the project.
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Our Awardees
The Ginsburg Institute selected its first recipient in September 2024.
Aledie Navas Nazario, MD, Florida pediatric pulmonologist plans to utilize the grant to enhance an innovative research project aimed at exploring the potential of non-immersive virtual reality (VR) therapy as an adjunct to standard asthma management in pediatric patients.
Ginsburg Resident and Fellow Health Equity Research Grant Program
The resident and fellow grant program is an award that supports pediatric residents and fellows at ֲý to develop innovative models and pilot programs aimed at addressing the key health disparities and inequities impacting the health of children and families of the patients and communities we serve.
Successful proposals will consist of traditional research, implementation science, community based-participatory research and new models to look at and address the impact of social determinants of health in vulnerable populations. Grants can be used to fund the creation of a new community project or to develop quality initiatives to evaluate the effectiveness of the proposal. Funded projects will be presented as posters at the annual Child Health Equity Symposium presented by the Ginsburg Institute in the Fall.
Our Awardees
2023
The Ginsburg Institute selected its first recipient in October 2023.
ֲý Children's Hospital, Florida pediatric resident, Urdur Jonsdottir, MD, an aspiring allergist and immunologist, was selected as the first recipient of the Health Equity Residency and Fellowship grant for her project, “Identifying and Addressing Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Pediatric Atopic Dermatitis in Central Florida.”
2024
The Institute selected two projects for the Spring 2024 cycle.
ֲý Children's Hospital, Florida pediatric residents, Marisse Padron, MD and Taylor Rasmussen, MD, were selected as recipients of the Health Equity Residency and Fellowship grant for their project, “A STEP UP Above the Rest: Teaching Strategies and Tools to Empower Parents Using Positivity (STEP UP) Within Their Community.”
Dr. Caren Ishikawa was selected as a recipient of the Health Equity Residency and Fellowship grant for her project, “Improving Reach Out and Read Books Distribution for Well Child Visits by Residents and Program Expansion at the ֲý Downtown Continuity Clinic.”
Marisse Padron, MD
Dr. Marisse Padron’s areas of interest include general pediatrics, complex care and developmental pediatrics.
Taylor Rasmussen, MD
Dr. Taylor Rasmussen is interested in developmental and behavioral pediatrics and private care practice.
Caren Ishikawa, MD
Dr. Caren Ishikawa’s main interests are medical education and advocacy.