Sylvester Director Stephen D. Nimer, M.D., was honored with the American Society of Hematology’s 2024 Mentor Award for Basic Science, recognizing his exceptional guidance and mentorship of over 100 hematology trainees. Known for fostering a collaborative environment, he has shaped careers through tailored advice, emphasizing critical thinking and embracing challenges. Dr. Nimer’s mentorship continues to impact Sylvester’s culture, with his guidance influencing both research and leadership development across the institution.
Three Sylvester faculty, Gilberto Lopes, M.D., M.B.A.; Coral Olazagasti, M.D.; and Tracy Crane, Ph.D., RDN—were selected as mentors for a new ASCO program to assist in fostering a new generation of cancer researchers in Latin America. The yearlong initiative combines clinical training and mentorship to improve regional cancer care, with both in-person and virtual components. Funded by Conquer Cancer, The ASCO Foundation, it aims to improve care within the scholars’ communities.
Jashodeep Datta, M.D., associate professor of surgery at Sylvester and DiMare Family Endowed Chair in Immunotherapy, received the prestigious Young Physician-Scientist Award from the American Society for Clinical Investigation. Specializing in pancreatic cancer, Dr. Datta’s research focuses on targeting immune cells that fuel tumor resistance. His work drives innovative clinical trials aimed at improving patient outcomes and advancing cancer therapy.
Dr. Rodriguez was recognized with the Patient Educator of the Year award by Cancer GRACE, for empowering patients with vital information. Additionally, she was reelected to the Dade County Medical Association executive board, where she advocates for physician rights, addresses issues like burnout and billing transparency and supports young physicians through her leadership in the Physician Leadership Academy.
Sylvester’s Radiation Oncology team received the Human Experience (HX) Pinnacle of Excellence Award presented by Press Ganey.. This reflects a culture focused on patient care and collaboration, supported by leading-edge technology like proton therapy and MRI-guided radiation therapy.
Destiny Tiburcio, a Ph.D. student at the University of Miami, used her HHMI Gilliam Fellowship to study phthalates’ effects on the blood-brain barrier and cancer defenses. Mentored by Michal Toborek, M.D., Ph.D., professor and vice-chair for research for the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, her research explored how these chemicals disrupt circadian rhythms.