Baptist Health Foundation has received a $2 million donation from Anthony and Joyce Esernia to establish an endowed chair at Baptist Health Miami Neuroscience Institute. The Esernia Endowed Chair in Surgical Treatment of Adult Epilepsy and Movement Disorders will support the work of Dr. Aviva Abosch, a neurosurgeon recognized nationally for her expertise in functional neurosurgery, deep brain stimulation, and neuromodulation. The funding will aid Dr. Abosch’s research into advanced surgical treatments for epilepsy and movement disorders.
“We are immensely grateful for this generous gift,” said Alex Villoch, CEO of Baptist Health Foundation. “The Esernia family has been very supportive of Miami Neuroscience Institute and its visionary leader, Michael McDermott, M.D. This endowed chair will help cement the Institute’s reputation as a world-class center for advanced neurological care and create a legacy of innovation in the fields of epilepsy and the movement disorders.”
Dr. Abosch recently joined Baptist Health as deputy director of Miami Neuroscience Institute, director of epilepsy surgery, and co-director of functional neurosurgery. She is known internationally for her work in deep brain stimulation (DBS), which is used to treat Parkinson’s disease and other neurological conditions. Dr. Abosch previously held leadership positions at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, University of Colorado, and University of Minnesota, and is Secretary of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons.
“I am deeply honored,” said Dr. Abosch. “This extraordinary gift will accelerate the Institute’s efforts to advance therapies and expand the possibilities for patients whose lives are profoundly impacted by these conditions. I am grateful to the Esernia family and Baptist Health Foundation for their vision and commitment to building a program that brings hope, innovation and healing to patients and families across our community and beyond.”
Movement disorders such as Parkinson’s disease, essential tremor, and dystonia, along with epilepsy, are complex conditions that significantly affect patients’ lives. Parkinson’s disease currently affects at least one percent of the population, with numbers expected to double in the next decade. About one in five people will experience a movement disorder, which can cause symptoms from tremors to balance problems. Approximately one in 26 Americans will develop epilepsy in their lifetime, and over 42 percent of those with active epilepsy rate their health as fair or poor.
Miami Neuroscience Institute is developing a nationally recognized program in functional neurosurgery to meet these needs. Its surgical treatments aim to restore independence for patients with epilepsy and movement disorders, while ongoing research and clinical trials focus on new therapies. “We endow this chair to move science forward and to bring hope to those living with epilepsy and movement disorders,” said Joyce Esernia.
Miami Neuroscience Institute offers comprehensive care for brain, spine, and nervous system conditions under the direction of Dr. Michael McDermott. The institute uses a multidisciplinary approach, offering both surgical and nonsurgical treatments. It is recognized for its leadership in treating movement disorders and its commitment to providing innovative treatment options.
Baptist Health Foundation supports Baptist Health South Florida through philanthropy, helping fund patient care, research, technology upgrades, and medical education. More information about the Foundation can be found at https://BaptistHealth.net/Foundation.
Baptist Health South Florida operates 12 hospitals and numerous outpatient centers across several counties. It includes specialty institutes for cancer, brain and spine care, heart and vascular care, and orthopedics. The organization employs more than 28,000 people and is affiliated with Florida International University. Baptist Health has received national recognition from Fortune and U.S. News & World Report. Details about Baptist Health are available at https://BaptistHealth.net/Newsroom.
