Miami based VITAS Healthcare, the nation's leading provider of end-of-life care, in collaboration with the Children's Bereavement Center (CBC), recently hosted candle lighting memorials across Miami-Dade and Broward counties for children and their families to honor loved ones who have passed away. More than 450 grieving families along with VITAS and CBC group facilitators participated in reflective candle lighting ceremonies, filled with live music and onsite activities.

"Children need special guidance after losing loved ones, and the holidays can be an especially difficult time," said VITAS Vice President of Operations Maureen Knips. "VITAS is proud to be a long-standing partner of the Children's Bereavement Center and to be part of these memorials to support grieving children and families."

Each year, thousands of HIV-positive men, women and children walk through the doors of nonprofit organizations all over the country seeking assistance. Some may simply require bus passes to get them to their doctor appointments, while others may need medical care, food, clothing or shelter. As the holidays approach, increasing demands put pressure on many of these organizations. That's where The Campbell Foundation has stepped in.

Since 1996, the Fort Lauderdale-based nonprofit has ended each year awarding grants to HIV/AIDS service organizations nationwide as a way of saying thank you for what they do for those impacted by the disease. It is what the foundation calls its "Holiday Hug."

This year, the foundation is pleased to announce it is awarding $5,000 to 13 nonprofits for a total of $65,000. This brings the total funding to direct service organizations to more than $1.2 million.

This year, The Campbell Foundation is providing each of the following with a $5,000 grant for operational expenses...

Weston based Cleveland Clinic Florida has appointed board certified colorectal surgeon Eric Weiss, MD, as its Chief Academic Officer. He will oversee all aspects of education and research conducted at the academic medical center, which is home to the #1 ranked hospital in the Miami-Fort Lauderdale market by U.S. News & World Report.

Cleveland Clinic Florida has residency and fellowship programs in 11 medical specialties that are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) plus additional fellowships in eight subspecialties. More than 100 residents and fellows participate in graduate medical education (GME) programs annually at Cleveland Clinic Florida, making it one of the largest training sites in South Florida.

Cleveland Clinic Florida also recently announced the appointment of interventional radiologist Rodolfo J. Blandon, MD, MBA to Chief of Staff.

As Chief of Staff, Dr. Blandon will contribute to hospital operations, recruitment and credentialing efforts, and the development of policies and procedures to enhance patient care. He will also participate in annual professional review processes for staff physicians. Dr. Blandon will continue to serve as Chairman of the Department of Imaging and practice within the section of Interventional Radiology.