Our Founders:
Dr. Ángel Bayas, MD – Co-Founder
Dr. Angel S. Bayas, MD, earned his medical degree from Universidad Central del Ecuador in 1992. He then attended his residency at Florida Atlantic University's Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine from 2020 to 2023, where he received extensive training in both internal medicine and neurology. He holds multiple professional certifications, including ACLS Provider and Certified Documentation Improvement Practitioner. Dr. Bayas has a strong research background, with numerous publications and international presentations focused on neurological complications of COVID-19 and other neurological syndromes, and has contributed to clinical trials, including studies on Frexalimab for multiple sclerosis. Deeply committed to serving underserved populations, he has participated in international medical missions to Ecuador since 2011, providing neurological care in remote regions. As a co-founder of the Cumanda Hortencia Paucar Neurology Foundation, he continues to lead efforts in delivering compassionate, patient-centered neurological care to communities in need.
Erica Bayas-Cárdenas, NP – Co-Founder
Erica Bayas-Cárdenas, APRN, FNP-C, is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner with over 15 years of clinical experience in high-acuity settings, including Trauma and Neuro Intensive Care Units. She earned her Master of Science in Nursing as a Family Nurse Practitioner from West Coast University and her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Western Governors University. Erica has worked at leading institutions such as Los Alamitos Medical Center and Delray Medical Center, where she developed extensive expertise in managing complex neurological and critical care patients. Since 2011, she has been actively involved in international medical missions in Ecuador, dedicated to improving access to care for underserved neurological populations. As a co-founder of the Cumanda Hortencia Paucar Neurology Foundation, she helps lead efforts to coordinate volunteer medical providers and deliver high-quality, compassionate care to communities with limited access to neurological services.
Gema Bayas – Co-Founder
Gema Bayas earned her undergraduate degree in Biology from the University of California, Riverside, and completed her Master of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies in Biological and Physical Sciences at Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine. She has clinical research experience in neurology and has been actively involved in international medical mission work in Tena, Ecuador, where she has served as both an interpreter and in logistics support, helping facilitate care for patients with limited access to neurological services. Gema is deeply committed to advocating for underserved communities and is passionate about creating meaningful, lasting impact through healthcare and community outreach. As a co-founder of the Cumanda Hortencia Paucar Neurology Foundation, she contributes to the coordination and delivery of mission-based care initiatives. Outside of her professional work, she enjoys long-distance running.
Grace Kellie Bayas – Co-Founder
Grace Kellie Bayas is a Master’s student at Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine and a 2023 graduate of Florida Atlantic University, where she earned her B.S. in Biological Sciences with a minor in Psychology. She previously served as a lead Clinical Research Coordinator at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston, working within a Harvard-affiliated neuroscience research program focused on advancing neurological care and data-driven medicine. Grace has extensive experience in clinical research, patient coordination, and global health initiatives, with a particular focus on addressing disparities in neurological care. As a co-founder of the Cumanda Hortencia Paucar Neurology Foundation, she plays a central role in organizing international medical missions, coordinating physicians and volunteers, and expanding access to neurological services in underserved communities in Ecuador. She is passionate about culturally competent care, healthcare equity, and building sustainable global health efforts that improve patient outcomes.
Angel Gerardo Bayas – Co-Founder
Angel Gerardo Bayas is a senior at Boca Raton High School and a third-degree black belt in Taekwondo, with over 14 years of dedicated training. His discipline and leadership reflect a strong foundation of commitment and perseverance, along with an early dedication to service. As a co-founder of the Cumanda Hortencia Paucar Neurology Foundation, he represents the next generation of healthcare leadership and is beginning his journey toward a future in medicine. He is passionate about contributing to meaningful impact and supporting efforts to improve access to care for underserved communities.