Ramon Bautista, MD, MBA, professor and chair of the department of neurology at the University of Florida College of Medicine – Jacksonville, has been named the Phyllis Sohn Endowed Chair in Neuroscience. The $2.6 million endowment supports the advancement of neurology research and will push the envelope of discovery on the Jacksonville campus.

The endowment comes at a time when neuroscience research is making great strides at UF Health Jacksonville and the UF College of Medicine – Jacksonville. By developing studies that directly impact the lives of patients, Bautista and faculty in the department of neurology have been able to bolster research and the recruitment of top-level clinicians and investigators.

Research has grown significantly. Recent accomplishments include optimizing the use of telemedicine across various neurologic conditions, improving techniques to enhance stroke care in the acute phase, addressing women’s issues in epilepsy, and helping golfers with Parkinson’s disease continue to enjoy the sport they love. The department has been involved in scholarly works that seek to better address social
determinants of health that result in health disparities in neurologic care. That research has led to the creation of a multi-foundation, grant-funded Epilepsy Wellness Center that helps patients and caregivers deal with the psychosocial impacts of the condition.

Faculty are also in partnership with researchers from the he Evelyn S. and William L. McKnight Brain Institute of the University of Florida to develop a cadre of UF Health Jacksonville–based neuroscientists whose work focuses on developing strategies to optimize cognitive functioning in the elderly and apply advanced techniques such as acute intermittent hypoxia for neurorestoration following trauma or acute stroke.

Collaboration extends to local institutions, with investigators from Jacksonville University and the University of North Florida working together on a study that aims to incorporate AI techniques into telerehabilitation services for patients with multiple sclerosis.

The future of neuroscience research in Jacksonville has never been brighter. Clinical services are also expanding into St. Johns and Flagler counties, where a mobile stroke treatment unit will soon be providing state-of-the-art acute stroke care. The department is also spearheading a 48-bed inpatient rehabilitation unit at UF Health North, where artificial intelligence, simulation and brain-computer interface will be integrated into the functional recovery of patients.

Bautista, who has been with UF Health Jacksonville since 2000 and has served as chair for the past four years, says this endowment not only supports research efforts but also encourages and promotes a
culture of discovery.

“Our researchers at UF Health Jacksonville are intentional and strategic, studying and finding the best solutions for our patients,” Bautista said. “Clinical studies on the Jacksonville campus address the needs of those living in Northeast Florida and range from topics as varied as preventing the symptoms of dementia to improving the health of women with epilepsy. This endowment raises the visibility of the
extraordinary research we are already conducting on this campus and throughout UF as a whole. This is what we do best.”