Samer D. Tabbal, M.D., FAAN, director of the movement disorders program at Baptist Health Miami Neuroscience Institute, was installed as the Endowed Chair in Movement Disorders at the Institute in a ceremony and reception on November 19, 2025 at the Ritz-Carlton Coconut Grove, Miami. The program included speakers Jack Ziffer, M.D., executive vice president and chief clinical officer, chief physician executive of Baptist Health; Alex Villoch, CEO of Baptist Health Foundation; Michael McDermott, M.D., chief medical executive and Irma & Kalman Bass Endowed Chair in Clinical Neuroscience at Miami Neuroscience Institute; and Diego Torres-Russotto, M.D., chair of neurology and Distinguished Endowed Chair in Neurology at Miami Neuroscience Institute. The program was followed by a presentation by Dr. Tabbal.
Samer D. Tabbal, M.D., FAAN.
The endowment was created to provide comprehensive support to expand the understanding of movement disorders and improve the treatment of patients with these disorders. It will support Dr. Tabbal’s novel research initiatives in brain imaging and neurodegenerative diseases.
“We are honored and grateful to be a part of this important occasion supporting Dr. Tabbal’s work,” said Ms. Villoch. “This endowed chair will have an enormous impact on advancing care and treatments for movement disorders that affect so many in South Florida and beyond.”
A board-certified neurologist, Dr. Tabbal specializes in Parkinson’s disease and other movement disorders, botulinum toxin (Botox) injections and deep brain stimulation programming for Parkinson’s disease, tremor and dystonia.
Prior to joining Baptist Health, Dr. Tabbal was professor of neurology and attending neurologist at Penn State College of Medicine in Hershey, Pennsylvania. During his career, he held the position of director of the Deep Brain Stimulation Program for Parkinson’s Disease and Other Movement Disorders at Washington University in St. Louis for 10 years and developed a movement disorder center at his alma mater, the American University of Beirut in Lebanon.
Dr. Tabbal earned his medical degree at American University of Beirut. He completed his neurology residency at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in Little Rock and a two-year fellowship in movement disorders at Columbia University College of Physicians & Surgeons in New York City. Widely published in peer-reviewed publications, Dr.Tabbal’s research focuses on the mechanisms of action of deep
brain stimulation and its effects on brain imaging, movement control, cognition and mood. Dr. Tabbal is certified by the American Board of Psychiatry & Neurology. He is a fellow of the American Academy of Neurology and a member of several other professional organizations.
“I am deeply honored to accept this endowed chair,” said Dr. Tabbal. “We are making tremendous advances in the treatment of movement disorders. This endowment will be instrumental in supporting research studies that will result in improved outcomes and better quality of life for patients with neurological diseases.”
About Baptist Health Foundation
The mission of Baptist Health Foundation is to inspire philanthropy and build extraordinary donor relationships in support of excellence, innovation, community wellness and global leadership in healthcare at Baptist Health South Florida. Through philanthropy, the Foundation supports and expands Baptist Health’s ability to provide outstanding patient care and bring the latest treatments to patients and families affected by a serious illness. Donor contributions also allow the Foundation to assist Baptist Health facilities in keeping pace with technology and equipment advances, perform cutting-edge research and offer continuing education opportunities to medical staff. Learn more at BaptistHealth.net/Foundation and connect with us on Facebook and Instagram.
