Baptist Health Foundation Installs Ronald Tolchin, D.O. as Kalman Bass Endowed Chair in Pain & Rehabilitative Medicine
MIAMI, FL - April 24, 2024 - Ronald Barton Tolchin, D.O., Chair of Nonsurgical Spine Care and Rehabilitation at Baptist Health Miami Neuroscience Institute, was installed as the Kalman Bass Endowed Chair in Pain & Rehabilitative Medicine at a ceremony and dinner on Tuesday, April 9, 2024 at the Ritz-Carlton Coconut Grove, Miami. The program was led by Bo Boulenger, President & CEO of Baptist Health; Joe Natoli, EVP and chief administrative officer of Baptist Health; Alex Villoch, CEO of Baptist Health Foundation; and Michael McDermott, M.D., Irma & Kalman Bass Endowed Chair in Clinical Neuroscience and the chief medical executive of Baptist Health Miami Neuroscience Institute; followed by a presentation by Dr. Tolchin.
The endowment, which was established to recognize Dr. Tolchin for his exceptional care and commemorate the 101st birthday of Kalman Bass, will support Dr. Tolchin’s research work in rehabilitative medicine and spine disorders at Miami Neuroscience Institute.
“We are thrilled to be a part of this honor for Dr. Tolchin and Miami Neuroscience Institute,” said Alex Villoch. “The Kalman Bass Endowed Chair in Pain and Rehabilitative Medicine will help fund groundbreaking research and technology that will improve patient outcomes. It’s a wonderful tribute to Kalman Bass and a testament to his advocacy for world-class healthcare in this community.”
Dr. Tolchin specializes in rehabilitation medicine, lower back pain and general spine disorders. He is board-certified in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, as well as Anti-Aging and Regenerative Medicine. He is a Fellow of the American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and the American Osteopathic College of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.
Dr. Tolchin received his undergraduate degree from Villanova University and his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine from Nova Southeastern University, Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine. He completed his internship at Largo Medical Center in Largo, Florida, and his residency at Rutgers Medical School in Northern New Jersey, where he was academic chief resident.
Before joining Baptist Health, Dr. Tolchin was Chief of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Miami VA Healthcare System. He is an Associate Professor of Clinical Rehabilitation Medicine in the Translational Medicine Division, FIU Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine where he has taught and mentored medical students and
residents. He has been part of clinical trials on prosthetics and the treatment of combat-related brain injuries. His research has been published extensively and he has presented findings at national physician education meetings. He has also coauthored several book chapters related to spinal cord injury, osteopathic manipulation and lumbar spine conditions.
“I am very honored to accept this chair,” said Dr. Tolchin. “The endowment will help us make strides in physiatry, advancing the science of physical medicine and rehabilitation and supporting the development of new treatments for injuries and disorders. Our team is excited about pursuing these new avenues in research and care.”
Added Dr. McDermott, “This endowment is the second of three endowments for Miami Neuroscience Institute, and will further our vision to grow the Institute by recruiting other renowned physicians like Dr. Tolchin.”
Baptist Health Miami Neuroscience Institute provides the most comprehensive and innovative techniques to diagnose and treat the brain, spine and nervous system. The Institute embraces a multidisciplinary approach to patient care, from nonsurgical treatments and minimally invasive procedures to complex brain and spine surgery. As national leaders in the treatment of movement disorders, the team at Baptist Health Miami Neuroscience Institute ensures that patients receive the most innovative treatment options to provide the best quality of life possible.
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.
About Baptist Health
Baptist Health is the largest healthcare organization in the region, with 12 hospitals, more than 27,000 employees, 4,000 physicians and 200 outpatient centers, urgent care facilities and physician practices spanning across 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. 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 is the most awarded healthcare system in South Florida by U.S. News and 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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