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(from left to right) Oscar Gonzalez, CHI’s Vice President of Logistics and Facilities, Kenneth Gould and son, Juan Lopez, Benjo Reyes and son, and CHI’s Director of Information Technology, Jose Carmona, pose for a photo at CHI’s Men’s Health Fair.

The Doris Ison Health Center was abuzz with contagious enthusiasm as men belted out lyrics to select songs in an energetic karaoke session. The excitement was all for CHI’s Men’s Health Fair. It was a joyous atmosphere of men coming together to advocate for and celebrate a shared commitment to a healthy lifestyle.  

The annual event, hosted by Community Health of South Florida, Inc. (CHI), brought together a diverse group of men eager to engage in fun activities with family and friends.  

Attendees enjoyed relaxing massages, engaging games of dominoes and basketball and the hit of the evening, the NBA draft on the big screen. They also had the opportunity to discover essential health resources such as prostate health education and testing, mental health support, colon health screenings, plus blood pressure and glucose screenings.  

CHI’s Executive Vice President and Chief Behavorial Health Officer, Jean D. Pierre, believes that offering health events like this to the community creates an opportunity for men to be conscious of their health.  

“By monitoring your physical and mental health, you gain valuable insights into your body’s needs.” He said. “Regular and preventative check-ups, screenings and self-awareness empower you to catch potential issues early, prevent future complications and allows you to take charge of your overall well-being.”  

Along with important health screenings and education, a handful of the guests also won raffles. Among the prizes were two signed basketballs by NBA legend, Glen Rice, Miami Heat tickets, a 40-inch TV and gas cards. 

The event showcased CHI’s continued dedication to provide accessible healthcare services to the South Florida Community.  

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All smiles: Teaching Health Center leadership proudly stand with the 2023 graduating class

Family medicine graduate, Dr. Katina Richardson gave her commencement speech at the seventh annual Brodes H. Hartley, Jr. Teaching Health Center graduation ceremony as her fellow graduates shared proud smiles, reflecting on their transformative residency.  

“Our paths were not easy, and the challenges were immense, but it was in these moments that we discovered our true strengths, resilience, and commitment to our professions,” she said. “CHI has given us the tools to go out and make a profound impact in the lives of our patients and community.” 

 After three long years, their special day had finally arrived. The intimate ceremony held on June 10th at Pinecrest Gardens celebrated four family medicine residents and three psychiatry resident graduates. The incredible accomplishment stood as a testament of their determination, perseverance and appetite for knowledge and growth as medical professionals.  

 A reflection of Community Health of South Florida’s Inc. (CHI) commitment to community health care, this group of doctors showed the organization’s dedication to innovation and growth.  

“The strength of our program is a result of these talented residents,” said President and CEO, Blake Hall. “We are so proud of you, and we love you.”  

CHI’s Chief Clinical Officer and Chief Academic Officer of the Teaching Health Center, Dr. St. Anthony Amofah, smiled from ear to ear as he addressed the graduates in an emotional speech.  

 “Congratulations to the graduates, you did it!” he said. “We thank you so much for allowing us to be a part of your training. Graduation is not the end but rather, the beginning of a beautiful journey for you.”  

Keynote speaker, Chief Medical Officer of the National Association of Community Health Centers, Ron Yee and Florida State Representative, Alina Garcia, also provided touching sentiments to the graduating residents during the ceremony.  

The residents faced unique challenges during their residency, most notably a global pandemic that changed resident training and their patient care approach. However, through it all, they were able to adapt seamlessly and become better professionals. 

As one class celebrated their accomplishments, CHI then welcomed the newest resident graduates on June 26, 2023. The White Coat Ceremony was the Teaching Health Center’s ninth incoming class since its start in 2014.  

With five family medicine and five psychiatry residents, the ceremony signified an incredible milestone in their career. The room buzzed with anticipation as residents and their proud family and friends eagerly awaited the special moment. Dr. Amofah welcomed them and noted the significance of the moment.  

“We are very grateful that we get to celebrate this important milestone with you,” he said. “Faculty and program leadership reviewed about 2,500 applications to select the 10 of you. So, it is a big deal that you are here today, for you and for us.”  

The newest resident class of the Teaching Health Center pose for their first group photo at the Doris Ison Health Center.

Psychiatry resident Dr. Thaimy Del Prado expressed her elation to begin her journey as a practicing clinician in her hometown of Miami.  

“I am excited about meeting new people,” she said. “I’m looking forward to expanding my medical knowledge and giving back to my community.”  

As each resident donned their white coats, Dr. Amofah left them with an important message.   

“As you put on this white coat today, it is important that you don’t see it as a symbol of power and authority,” he said.  “When you put it on, we want you to remember it is a symbol of service to humanity. This white coat must represent big hearts, compassion, empathy, and professionalism.”   

CHI physician Dr. Anoop Loke discusses with patients the signs of colorectal cancer

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As Juan Figueroa walked through the giant colon at Community Health of South Florida, Inc. (CHI) Colorectal Cancer Awareness Day at the Doris Ison Health Center, he was hopeful to receive valuable medical advice on colorectal health and cancer prevention.

He was diagnosed with diverticulitis in November 2021 and was fearful that his condition could develop into colorectal cancer.

“It has affected me physically and emotionally,” he said. “It’s been very hard dealing with this.”

In an effort to take control of his health and live a life without fear, he made the decision to attend the event.

CHI’s annual event aims to educate and provide the opportunity for patients like Figueroa to present their concerns to doctors and nurses. Patients also received free colorectal screenings.

The interactive experience included an inflatable colon that patients could walk through to see what colorectal cancer looks like. The disease occurs when abnormal growths, called polyps, form in the colon and rectum, and over time those polyps may develop into colorectal cancer.

Dr. Elizabeth Philippe, Chief of Family Medicine, and Program Director of the Teaching Health Center, believes that this event allows patients to be their own health advocates. She expressed the importance of being aware of the early signs of colorectal cancer.

“Colorectal cancer is the second leading cancer killer in the U.S. for both men and women,” she said. “If you are 45 years or older, you should request to be screened.”

Figueroa experienced extreme abdominal pain that started to affect his quality of life. The pain was so terrible that he made the decision to visit CHI for the first time in 2021 for care. Doctors prescribed him antibiotics that relieved his pain for a short while but, unfortunately, the pain soon returned.

After later undergoing a medical scan, he received the diverticulitis diagnosis. He recalls feeling terrified of what his future would look like with this condition and knew that he had to make a lifestyle change.

“Sometimes you do not want to eat because you are worried it is going to cause you pain,” he said. “The doctor gave me good pointers on what to eat today and told me that I should maintain checkups.”

Figueroa learned from doctors what diverticulitis looks like in the colon and the steps he needs to take to prevent further illness.

Despite the challenges since his diagnosis, he is now able to better treat his condition. Thanks to informative events like this, Figueroa has confidence that he will be okay.