FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 11, 2013

Contact: Communications Office
(850) 245-4111

TALLAHASSEE—The Florida Department of Health (DOH) announced the election of Daniel Armstrong, PhD, as Chair of the 11-member Florida Biomedical Research Advisory Council (BRAC). He succeeds Richard Bookman, PhD, who served as BRAC Chair since 2006. The BRAC advises the State Surgeon General on the direction of state-funded biomedical research and recommends funding of research proposals, as determined by open competitive peer review, through the Bankhead-Coley Cancer Research Program and the James & Esther King Biomedical Research Program.

“The BRAC is vital for accelerating research progress in cancer and tobacco-related disease in Florida,” said State Surgeon General and Secretary of Health Dr. John Armstrong. “I look forward to working with Dr. Armstrong, and thank Dr. Bookman for his many years of service in support of the biomedical research infrastructure in our state.”

“Biomedical research on cancer and tobacco-related illnesses benefits Floridians in many ways—it helps us recruit the investigators who can change the future of these diseases, creates collaborations across the state, and ultimately, and most importantly, improves the lives and health of those who are affected or might be affected by these diseases,” commented Dr. Daniel Armstrong, newly elected BRAC chair. “On behalf of my colleagues on the BRAC, serving in this role is an honor and privilege.”

Dr. Daniel Armstrong is Professor and Executive Vice Chair of Pediatrics at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine and represents the American Cancer Society on the BRAC. He holds multiple leadership roles at the University of Miami, including serving as the director of the Mailman Center for Child Development (UCEDD), co-director of the University of Miami Sickle Cell Center, program director of the University of Miami's Masters of Science in Clinical and Translational Investigations, and co-leader of the Biobehavioral Oncology Program at the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center. Dr. Armstrong is the associate chief of staff for the Holtz Children's Hospital and Women's Hospital Center at the UM/Jackson Memorial Medical Center. He was the 2011–2012 Chair of the Board and President of the Florida Division of the American Cancer Society.

Daniel Armstrong, PhD, has no family relationship with the State Surgeon General.

DOH protects, promotes and improves the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts.

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