The medical research being conducted in Central Florida is a “well-kept secret,” according to Dr. Steven Smith, senior vice president and chief scientific officer of AdventHealth. He said there are more than 300 trials open at any given time that span a broad spectrum of studies, from how to treat diseases like cancer and Alzheimer’s to population science and molecular biology.
In this episode of the Inspiring Wholeness podcast, presented by AdventHealth in partnership with the Orlando Business Journal, Smith and Kirk Erickson, Ph.D., director of translational neuroscience at the AdventHealth Research Institute, share some of the biggest research breakthroughs they’ve seen, what projects are on tap, what they’re eyeing for the future and how the community can help.
“We need the community to be engaged in research. People who may not have a disease but are interested in learning more can contribute to those people who are patients and have some condition that is affecting their lives,” Erickson said. “It takes an entire village to produce the breakthroughs that are going to change the world.”
Listen to this podcast episode to learn more about:

• The important role research plays in Central Florida and the overall health ecosystem.
• Everyone involved in the team sport of research: nurses, staff members, physicians, scientists and the community.
• How AdventHealth chooses areas to focus their research efforts on.
• Some exciting breakthroughs recently made, from cancer therapy to treating Alzheimer's disease.
• Innovative trials taking place at a new early-phase research unit AdventHealth opened at the Celebration campus near Disney.
• One simple thing people can do today to protect their brain health.

AdventHealth has provided whole-person care for 115 years. Today, our services, including cancer, cardiac, neurosurgery, orthopedics and a dedicated women’s and children’s hospital are rated among the nation’s best. Learn more at feelhealthyfeelwhole.com.
Disclaimer
AdventHealth and the Orlando Business Journal are providing this podcast as a public benefit. This podcast is not intended to be a substitute for any professional advice or medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It is neither a legal interpretation nor a statement of AdventHealth or the Orlando Business Journal policy. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by AdventHealth or the Orlando Business Journal. The views expressed by our guests are their own. Their participation in the podcast does not imply an endorsement by them or any entity they represent. AdventHealth and the Orlando Business Journal hereby disclaim any and all liability to any party for any direct, indirect, implied, punitive, special, incidental or other consequence of damages, arising directly or indirectly from any use of the content in this podcast, which is provided, as is, and without warranties.