The Florida Institute for Pediatric Rare Diseases and the Florida State University College of Medicine will recognize Rare Disease Day this week with a symposium and panel discussion, featuring experts in genomics and its clinical application.
"We are committed to fostering collaboration and innovation to improve the lives of those affected by rare diseases through groundbreaking research, education and strong partnerships," said Pradeep Bhide, director of the Florida Institute for Pediatric Rare Diseases, or IPRD. "This gathering provides a vital platform for advancing the understanding, diagnosis and treatment of rare diseases."
Dr. Eric Green will deliver the keynote address following comments from FSU President Richard McCullough, College of Medicine Dean Dr. Alma Littles and Florida Rep. Adam Anderson. A physician-scientist, Green spent more than three decades with the National Human Genome Research Institute at the National Institutes of Health, serving as its director from 2009-2025. He recently joined Illumina as its chief medical officer, where he remains committed to advancing genomics to improve the human condition.
Sarah South, executive scientific director at Quest Diagnostics, will join Green, McCullough and Anderson for a roundtable discussion, which will be moderated by IPRD's Associate Director for Precision Medicine, David Ledbetter. Poster presentations of ongoing IPRD-funded research and a reception will follow.
Observed annually on the last day in February, Rare Disease Day is a global movement raising awareness for the estimated 300 million people diagnosed with one of more than 6,000 identified rare diseases. Its goal is to ensure equitable access to diagnosis, treatment, health care and social support for those affected.
This marks the third Rare Disease Day event at the College of Medicine since Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed the July 2023 State budget appropriation, championed by Anderson, establishing IPRD.
The event, which will be streamed live, will be held:
Friday, Feb. 28
10 A.M. – 12 P.M.
Durell Peaden Auditorium
FSU College of Medicine
John Thrasher Building
1115 W. Call St.
Tallahassee, Florida
