$100 million latest gift to health center raises the philanthropic giving of “the world’s happiest self-made billionaire” Dr. Herbie Wertheim, to the mid-nine figures level
Baptist Health Foundation just announced the largest single philanthropic gift in the 66-year history of Baptist Health South Florida: a $100 million donation from internationally recognized optometric physician, inventor, entrepreneur and philanthropist Dr. Herbert (“Herbie”) Wertheim.
The historic investment will advance Power Extraordinary: The Campaign for Baptist Health, the Foundation’s multi-year initiative supporting patient care, medical research, clinical expertise and innovation across the organization.
In recognition of Dr. Wertheim’s inspiring generosity, Baptist Health Miami Cancer Institute will be renamed the Baptist Health Herbert Wertheim Cancer Institute, cementing a legacy-defining partnership centered on transforming cancer care for patients across South Florida and beyond.
At the core of the gift is the Herbert Wertheim Cancer Institute Transformational Impact Fund, a $100 million fund dedicated to advancing cancer care, research, prevention, education, and innovation across Baptist Health.
The Fund will provide strategic, long-term support to strengthen and grow the Institute, including expanding cancer research, clinical excellence, and innovative care models.
A major focus of the investment is to strengthen Baptist Health’s academic and research partnership with the Florida International University Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, creating expanded opportunities for the training and professional development of medical students, residents, and postdoctoral researchers.
The gift will deepen collaboration among clinicians, researchers, and the academic community, ensuring that discovery and patient care advance together.
The gift will also establish the Dr. Herbert Wertheim Center for Cancer Prevention, focused on preventative oncology through genomic risk assessment, early detection, advanced screening technologies, and community-based prevention initiatives.
In addition, a substantial portion of the gift will support the institute’s aspiration to achieve National Cancer Institute (NCI) designation, strengthening research infrastructure, expanding clinical trials, supporting faculty recruitment, and accelerating scientific discovery.
“We are profoundly grateful to Dr. Wertheim for this historic gift, which will transform cancer care for generations,” said Bo Boulenger, president and CEO of Baptist Health.
“His commitment to excellence in care, as well as advancing medical innovation and education, aligns deeply with our mission. This investment will strengthen our ability to deliver world-class cancer care, expand access to groundbreaking research, and position us as a national leader in oncology.”
Since opening in 2017, Baptist Health Miami Cancer Institute has grown into one of Florida’s largest cancer programs, distinguished by its multidisciplinary expertise, pioneering research, advanced technologies, and patient-first approach.
Recognized as one of the “hybrid” cancer centers of the future, the Institute is powered by a team of more than 130 physicians and researchers, including internationally renowned oncologists, subspecialized cancer experts, surgeons, clinical researchers, and genomic scientists.
The institute ranks in the top 10 percent nationally according to U.S. News & World Report and currently has more than 200 active clinical trials, accelerating access to the world’s most advanced cancer treatments for patients from South Florida, across the country, and internationally.
“Dr. Wertheim’s extraordinary generosity launches a new era for Baptist Health and Miami Cancer Institute,” said Leonard Kalman, M.D., acting system chief executive for Baptist Health Cancer Care and interim executive medical director for Miami Cancer Institute.
“This gift will allow us to accelerate our most ambitious research priorities and advance our goal of expanding clinical trial access to every patient facing a complex cancer diagnosis. Beyond elevating cancer care locally, Dr. Wertheim’s support has the potential to reshape oncology globally. We are deeply honored by his confidence in our mission.”
For Dr. Wertheim, the gift reflects a lifetime commitment to public service, scientific discovery, and prevention. He is the founder of Brain Power Incorporated, a Miami-based optical products manufacturer, and a visionary member of the Florida Inventors Hall of Fame for his pioneering innovations in optical technology, including the invention of ultraviolet (UV) and blue light-absorbing tint protection for eyeglass lenses, which have helped protect millions of people worldwide from cataracts and macular degeneration.
Widely recognized as one of Florida’s most prominent healthcare and education philanthropists, he has devoted much of his career to expanding access to scientific discovery, preventative healthcare, medical innovation, and higher education.
“Our vision is to integrate medical education, preventative care, research, and clinical care into a unified environment where discovery and patient care move forward together,” said Dr. Wertheim.
“This gift is an investment in a model of healthcare that prioritizes innovation and collaboration, ensuring our future physicians and scientists are equipped to serve South Florida with the highest levels of compassion and knowledge.”
Over the course of his philanthropic career, Dr. Wertheim has committed well over $300 million to education, medicine, and scientific innovation, with more than $300 million invested in Florida higher education alone.
‘His transformative investments include the Herbert Wertheim UF Scripps Institute for Biomedical Innovation & Technology and the Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering at the University of Florida; the Herbert Wertheim College of Business at Florida State University; and the founding of the Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine at Florida International University.
Nationally, the UC San Diego Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science and the Herbert Wertheim School of Optometry and Vision Science also bear his name.
Dr. Wertheim is a recipient of the prestigious Horatio Alger Award, honoring leaders who have overcome adversity to achieve exceptional success while demonstrating integrity, perseverance, and a deep commitment to philanthropy and education.
He is also a signatory of the Giving Pledge, the global initiative through which leading philanthropists commit the majority of their wealth to charitable causes.
In recognition of his entrepreneurial success and philanthropic impact, he was ranked No. 28 on the list of the 250 Greatest Self-Made Americans and has been described as the “world’s happiest self-made billionaire,” reflecting his lifelong philosophy of purpose-driven success and generosity.
An accomplished artist and poet, Dr. Herbie is known for his personal credo: “My life’s ambition is to extend kindness and knowledge as often as possible.”
His $100 million gift to the Baptist Health Foundation ranks among the most significant philanthropic contributions of his lifetime and stands as one of the largest healthcare-related philanthropic gifts in Florida history, marking a powerful new chapter for Baptist Health, the Baptist Health Herbert Wertheim Cancer Institute, and the future of cancer care.