Baptist Health Foundation Installs Michael J. Zinner, M.D. as Endowed Chair at Baptist Health Miami Cancer Institute
MIAMI, Fla. – May 2, 2025 – On Thursday, May 1, Baptist Health Foundation hosted a ceremony and dinner at The Ritz-Carlton Coconut Grove, Miami in celebration of the Michael J. Zinner, M.D. Endowed Chair in Cancer Care. The chair will support the work of Michael J. Zinner, M.D., CEO and executive medical director of Baptist Health Miami Cancer Institute and Baptist Health Cancer Care. More than 120 guests attended the event, which was highlighted by the formal presentation of the chair to Dr. Zinner.
Funding for the chair was spearheaded by Miami Cancer Institute Governing Board chair Sherrill W. Hudson and Board member Michele Kessler, who along with several other donors, helped raise $3 million in support. Donors included Richard Berkowitz, Ambassador Nancy Brinker, Richard Cole, Esq., Mary Lou and John Dasburg, Karel Foti, Sandra T. Fuller, Jama and John Haley, Valerie and Michael Katz, Marisol Kutner, Cynthia and Patrick Lee, Cynthia and Ira Leesfield, Sue and Terry Perrin, Isabel and Jorge Rico, Anita and Ron Shuffield, Gladys and Eduardo Vargas, Suzy and Sadek Wahba and Lisa and Bill White.
Funds from the endowment will support cancer research, research associates and new unfunded or underfunded programs at Miami Cancer Institute.
“We are immensely grateful to this loyal group of Baptist Health supporters for their generosity,” said Alex Villoch, chief executive officer of Baptist Health Foundation. “This endowed chair is a wonderful tribute to Dr. Zinner and his many accomplishments. It celebrates his remarkable vision in creating one of the nation’s top cancer centers right here in his hometown of Miami, and will help the Institute continue to raise the bar for cancer care.”
Under the leadership of Dr. Zinner, Miami Cancer Institute has grown rapidly since it opened in 2017. The center now provides comprehensive care to approximately 2,000 people every day for every type of cancer. As one of the largest cancer programs in Florida with a team of leading experts and researchers from around the world, Miami Cancer Institute was recognized by U.S. News & World Report as the #1 cancer program in South Florida in 2024. In September, the Institute broke ground on the new Al and Jane Nahmad Women’s Cancer Center. The first of its kind in the U.S., this state-of-the-art facility will provide personalized cancer care for women, pioneering research and an exceptional patient experience, all under one roof.
Dr. Zinner remarked, “I am deeply honored to accept this endowed chair, and sincerely thank the donors for their support of cancer care at Baptist Health. We are excited for the opportunity to expand research and programs at Miami Cancer Institute to provide better outcomes and innovative care for our patients.”
Jack Ziffer, Ph.D., M.D., executive vice president and chief clinical officer, chief physician executive for Baptist Health, added, “It will provide an enduring and inspiring legacy, and serve as a reminder of the brilliance he brought to the vision and creation of the Miami Cancer Institute. Furthermore, it will enable furthering that vision by supporting cancer research and attracting top physicians and investigators worldwide. This is Miami Cancer Institute’s fifth endowed chair, and will continue to drive momentum for this growing program.”
Baptist Health Miami Cancer Institute offers renowned subspecialized surgical oncologists, medical oncologists and radiation oncologists, and highly advanced technologies available to treat every common and rare cancer. The Institute is part of Baptist Health Cancer Care, the largest cancer program in South Florida, providing local, out-of-state and international patients with the most advanced cancer care. With locations from the Florida Keys to the Palm Beaches, the program provides cancer patients access to a full array of innovative clinical trials, physicians dedicated to bringing discovery to the bedside, access to personalized cancer treatments and comprehensive patient support services.
About Baptist Health Foundation
The mission of Baptist Health Foundation is to inspire philanthropy and build extraordinary donor relationships in support of excellence, innovation, community wellness and global leadership in healthcare at Baptist Health South Florida. Through philanthropy, the Foundation supports and expands Baptist Health’s ability to provide outstanding patient care and bring the latest treatments to patients and families affected by a serious illness. Donor contributions also allow the Foundation to assist Baptist Health facilities in keeping pace with technology and equipment advances, perform cutting-edge research and offer continuing education opportunities to medical staff. Learn more at BaptistHealth.net/Foundation and connect with us on Facebook and Instagram.
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 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. A not-for-profit organization supported by philanthropy and committed to its 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.
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