SARASOTA, Fla. (May 26, 2026) – Sarasota Memorial Health Care System’s Kolschowsky Research and Education Institute and Florida State University College of Medicine held its 2026 Interprofessional Research Conference on May 6, showcasing interprofessional research and clinical innovation.
More than 430 healthcare professionals attended the event, which showcased over 110 posters and 20 presentations by physicians, pharmacists, nurses, and other clinicians from across the region. With its largest audience to date, the event drew attendees from over 25 different organizations. A dedicated networking session provided attendees with the opportunity to connect and share ideas, further fostering collaboration and innovation across disciplines.
Bobby Mukkamala
, MD, president of the American Medical Association, delivered the keynote address, “Where Innovation Meets Care: AI, Technology and the Future of Medicine.” His presentation explored how artificial intelligence and emerging technologies are changing care delivery, supporting clinicians and shaping the future of healthcare. Dr. Mukkamala emphasized the importance of keeping clinicians at the center of healthcare innovation as new technologies continue to evolve.
For the third consecutive year, Joel Morganroth, MD, donated $25,000 to the Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation to support local clinician-initiated research and innovation. This year’s 2026 Morganroth Research Grant Award recipient was M. Blair Marshall, MD, FACS. Her study will use physiological testing and AI-driven imaging to examine changes in lung function among patients undergoing lung cancer surgery. The research will evaluate pulmonary function before and after robotic segmentectomy or lobectomy to better predict postoperative recovery.
Research and Innovation Award Recipients are:
- Distinguished Physician – Research and Innovation Award: Jason K. Wagner, MD, MSc, FACS, FSVS, RPVI
- Distinguished Nurse – Research and Innovation Award: Chelsea Arnold, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC
- Distinguished Allied Health Professional – Research and Innovation Award: Jordan Colbert, MPH, RDN
- Research and Innovation Excellence Award: Jennifer Jordan, BS, RDCS, RVT
- Distinguished Pharmacy – Research and Innovation Award: Kirsten Busey, PharmD, BCCCP
- FSU Emergency Medicine Residency Program Distinguished Faculty Research Scholar Award: Ryan Snitowsky, MD
- FSU Emergency Medicine Residency Program Resident Research Award: Jude Polit-Moran, MD
- FSU Internal Medicine Residency Program Distinguished Faculty Research Scholar Award: Hakim Morsli, MD
- FSU Internal Medicine Residency Program Resident Research Award: Benjamin Behers, MD
- FSU Emergency Medical Services Fellowship Program Distinguished Faculty Research Scholar Award: Marshall Frank, DO
FSU Emergency Medical Services Fellowship Program Fellow Research Award: Sean Casey, DO
The fourth annual Interprofessional Research Conference highlighted the strength and continued growth of Sarasota Memorial’s research culture. Through keynote discussions, panel presentations, poster sessions and award recognition, the event showcased how clinicians and healthcare professionals are using research, technology, and collaboration to improve care and advance innovation. This marks the fourth annual conference highlighting interprofessional research at Sarasota Memorial that advances clinician-led innovation and helps enhance care for patients in the Suncoast community. The event was made possible through the support of the Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation.
About the Kolschowsky Research and Education Institute
Located on the flagship Sarasota Memorial Hospital-Sarasota campus, the Kolschowsky Research and Education Institute serves as a premier hub for medical research and clinical innovation. With dedicated space for research, clinical innovation and graduate medical education, the Kolschowsky Institute provides a collaborative learning environment for physicians, nurses, researchers and students studying new treatments and mastering the latest tools and techniques in patient care. Through state-of-the-art simulation labs, hands-on training programs, and a robust portfolio of clinical studies, Sarasota Memorial and the Kolschowsky Institute play a vital role in advancing medical knowledge, improving patient outcomes, and shaping the future of healthcare in the region. For more information, click here.