Dr. Velis has over 30 years of healthcare experience as a physician, researcher and academic leader. He received his Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree from The Higher Institute of Medical Sciences, Havana, Cuba in 1983, where he also completed an Internship in Pediatrics. Dr. Velis has practiced medicine for over ten years in Cuba, Africa, and Central America. He earned his Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree in Biostatistics at the European-American University, Amos Bronson Alcott Center for Educational Research in 1990, and his Master of Science Degree in Health Services Administration from Barry University, Miami, FL, in 2000. Dr. Velis has been directly involved with research and academia in the U.S. for more than 20 years, specializing in biostatistics, epidemiology, clinical study design, quality management, operational and performance assessment and improvement.

Dr. Velis has published and presented his scholarly works related to predictors of academic success in higher education, disparities in health and healthcare, the importance of cultural/ethnic diversity in healthcare and social justice, HIV/AIDS epidemic, homicide, poverty and ethnicity, and other health, social and educational-related topics at national and international conferences worldwide. Dr. Velis has been recognized for his work as a lecturer and advisor for the Residency and Fellowship training programs at Baptist Health System, Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, Memorial Health System and Cleveland Clinic of Florida. Dr. Velis received the “Apple Award for Leading Educators” in recognition of his contribution to the development of Barry University student’s, and is a member of the Upsilon Phi Delta National Honor Society under the Association of University Programs in Health Administration (AUPHA). Dr. Velis has served as co-principal investigator of two grants from The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), and currently serves as Editor and Expert Reviewer for scientific journals related to Medicine, Health Services, Public Health and Academia.