16 FLORIDA STATE UNIVERSITY / COLLEGE OF MEDICINE
Rare Disease Day centers on IPRD’ s growth, progress in precision medicine
By Bob Thomas FSU College of Medicine
The Florida Institute for Pediatric Rare Diseases was once again in the spotlight for what has become the annual observance of Rare Disease Day at the Florida State University College of Medicine.
Featuring a symposium and a panel discussion, the Feb. 27 gathering in the Durell Peaden Auditorium has become a yearly checkpoint highlighting IPRD’ s significant progress since its formal launch in February 2024.
“ In just two years, we have worked with urgency, with diligence, with dedication to build a comprehensive and integrated model with a singular focus on improving the lives of children and families in Florida and across the nation,” IPRD Director Pradeep Bhide, Ph. D., said in his opening remarks.“ Our responsibility has always been and will always be to ensure that scientific innovation translates into faster answers, better care and real hope.
Unlike the previous two Rare Disease Day events, this one did not include a ceremonial presentation of an oversized check. Florida Rep. Adam Anderson, whose advocacy and legislative work led to the creation of IPRD and last year’ s passage of the Sunshine Genetics Act, did gift FSU President Richard McCullough a framed declaration adopted by the Legislature commemorating the day.
David Ledbetter, left, served as moderator for the Rare Disease Day panel discussion and was joined by FSU President Richard McCullough, Florida Rep. Adam Anderson, Illumina CMO Eric Green and Quest Diagnostics scientist Sarah South.