Teaching Health Center Residents Shine Bright at Home and Across the Nation

Dr. Carol Williams stands in front of her winning poster presentation at the Medical Students and Residents Research Competition.

The Brodes H. Hartley, Jr. Teaching Health Center at Community Health of South Florida, Inc. is continuing to elevate its presence through the remarkable achievements of its residents, whose dedication to research, innovation, and patient care is putting the program and South Florida on the national map. 

Among those leading the way is family medicine resident Dr. Carol Williams, who earned first place at the Medical Students and Residents Research Competition hosted by the Miami-Dade and Broward County Medical Association. Held on March 7, 2026, in Miami, the annual competition recognizes outstanding research contributions from medical students, residents, and fellows across both counties. The event highlights innovative work that advances medical knowledge and strengthens the future of healthcare in South Florida. 

Dr. Williams’ winning presentation focused on increasing screenings for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) at federally qualified health centers, specifically at the Doris Ison Health Center. Her research emphasized the importance of expanding access to preventative care and improving early intervention strategies within underserved communities. 

“We serve a high-risk population at CHI where HIV prevention is possible but often missed. This project aimed to integrate PrEP screening into routine workflows rather than relying on memory,” Dr. Williams said. “I am very proud to have this work recognized and it motivates me to continue pursuing research in my future endeavors, including fellowship.”

Building on this momentum, the Teaching Health Center Psychiatry Program has also garnered national recognition, earning a finalist spot in the APA MindGames, the American Psychiatric Association’s residency team competition. Representing CHI are Drs. Tajudeen Basiru, Michelle Shlafshteyn, and Vicente Hernandez Reyes, who will compete at the APA Annual Meeting on May 17, 2026, in San Francisco. 

Dr. Carol Williams (pink jacket) with other competitors at the annual competition.

Being selected as a finalist in APA MindGames is a significant achievement for psychiatry residents. The competition brings together top residency programs from across the nation, challenging participants on clinical knowledge, diagnostic skills, and collaborative problem-solving in a high-level academic setting. For the Teaching Health Center Psychiatry Program, this recognition highlights not only the standard of its residents but also the strength of its training model, one that reinforces hands-on experience, community-based care, and academic excellence. 

“This recognition reflects the knowledge, dedication, and teamwork demonstrated by our residents and highlights the strength of our training program,” said EVP, Chief Clinical Officer and Chief Academic Officer, Dr. Saint Anthony Amofah. “Being named a finalist places our residency among outstanding programs from across the country.” 

Together, these accomplishments reflect growth and excellence within the Teaching Health Center. From award-winning research initiatives to national competition recognition, CHI residents are demonstrating their ability to lead, innovate, and make meaningful contributions to the field of medicine. 

Founded in 2014, the Teaching Health Center has, 12 years later, grown into a program whose residents are making a real impact, not only in South Florida, but across the country. Their success stands as a testament to the diligence that defines the program and its mission to shape the future of healthcare.