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NEWS

Dancing with the Doctors 2026 raises $140,000 for Open Door Health, RIPHI
as featured in the Rhode Island Medical Journal | May 2026

Original article in PDF format.

Dancing with the Doctors (DWTDocs), produced by Studio One RI and the non-profit organization, Dancing for a Cause, was held on April 11, 2026, at Bally’s Twin River Event Center. Physicians and healthcare professionals stepped out of their comfort zones and onto the dance floor, paired with professional dance instructors, for the fundraising “competitive” event.

LINCOLN — Dancing with the Doctors (DWTDocs), produced by Studio One RI and the nonprofit organization, Dancing for a Cause, delivered an unforgettable evening of entertainment, inspiration, and community impact on April 11, 2026, at Bally’s Twin River Event Center—raising $140,000 in support of Open Door Health, an initiative of the Rhode Island Public Health Institute (RIPHI), challenging them to learn dazzling routines and perform live—all in support of an important cause.​​

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Now in its eighth year, the sold-out gala brought together more than 600 guests to witness 14 local physicians step out of their comfort zones and onto the dance floor. Paired with professional dance instructors, these dedicated doctors spent months preparing and fundraising, all in support of expanding access to inclusive, comprehensive health-care for Rhode Islanders.​

“The energy in the room was absolutely electric,” said DEE SOARES, co-founder of Dancing with the Doctors and co-owner of Studio One RI. “This event truly embodies what can happen when a community comes together with passion, purpose, and heart. We are incredibly proud of our doctors, our supporters, and the impact we’ve made together.” 

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Participants in the event included, from left, Amy Goldfarb, MD, winner of the People’s Choice Award, raising $20,330 in votes and sponsors; John Soares, owner of Studio One RI; Amy Nunn, ScD, CEO of Open Door Health and one of the dancers; Philip Chan, MD, Chief Medical Officer of Open Door Health as well as one of the dancers this year; Dee Soares, Director of Dancing with the Doctors/Dancing for a Cause; and Allan Tunkel, MD, winner of the People’s Choice Award, raising $31,210 in votes and sponsors.

Guests were treated to an evening filled with high-energy dance performances, emotional storytelling, and a shared commitment to a meaningful cause. From elegant ballroom routines to crowd-pleasing performances, each doctor brought their unique personality and dedication to the stage transforming months of hard work into a spectacular show. ​​

 

Now in its eighth year, the sold-out gala brought together more than 600 guests to witness 14 local physicians step out of their comfort zones and onto the dance floor. Paired with professional dance instructors, these dedicated doctors spent months preparing and fundraising, all in support of expanding access to inclusive, comprehensive health-care for Rhode Islanders.​

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Proceeds from this year’s event directly benefit Open DoorHealth, Rhode Island’s first and only LGBTQ+ focused community health clinic, which provides integrated services including primary care, behavioral health, sexual health, and HIV prevention and treatment. Support from events like DWTDocs helps ensure that vital, affirming healthcare remains accessible to all. 

 

Since its inception, Dancing with the Doctors has featured more than 125 physicians and raised over $850,000 for local charities—demonstrating the powerful intersection of healthcare, community, and the arts. “This is more than just a dance competition,” added Soares. “It’s a movement—one that continues to open doors, change lives, and celebrate the incredible spirit of giving.”

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An advisory board plays an important role in selecting the beneficiary each year. Throughout the year, the organization considers a variety of thoughtful recommendations that aligns with itsmission. All beneficiaries must be registered nonprofits and serve communities across Rhode Island and Southern New England.

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Past recipients include:
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  • HopeHealth Hospice

  • The Izzy Foundation

  • Rhode Island Free Clinic

  • Blood Cancer United (Leukemia and Lymphoma Society)

  • Pink Heals RI (local police and fire that supports all people battling cancer)

  • Gloria Gemma Breast Cancer Foundation

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Plans are already underway for next year’s event, planned for April 10, 2027. For more information, visit https://www.dwtdocs.com/about-dancing-for-a-cause

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Participants in the event included: 

 

Amy Goldfarb, MD, winner of the People’s Choice Award, raising $20,330 in votes and sponsors:  John Soares, owner of Studio One RI, Amy Nunn, ScD, CEO of Open Door Health and one of the dancers, Philip Chan, MD, Chief Medical Officer of Open Door Health as well as one of the dancers this year, Dee Soares, Director of Dancing with the Doctors/Dancing for a Cause; and Allan Tunkel, MD, winner of the People’s Choice Award, raising $31,210, in votes and sponsors.​​​

PERFORMERS3.png
2026 Dancing with the Doctors Participants/Awardees:
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Awards are given to the top female and top male dancers in each category. Most Technical, Most Entertaining, and the People’s Choice Award go to the doctors who raise the most money.

 

  • Robert Bartro, DDS

  • Shawn Binns, MD, Lincoln Pediatrics/Brown Health. Winner: Most Entertaining Award

  • John Cassese, MD, Radiology & Pediatrics, Assistant Professor of Radiology, Department of Pediatrics, The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University

  • Philip Chan, MD, Chief Medical Officer, Open Door Health

  • Alyssa Doody, DO, South County Hospital, Wakefield, RI

  • Margaret Furtado, MD, Medical Associates of Rhode Island, Bristol, RI

  • Amy Goldfarb, MD, RIPHI/Open Door Health Board Member. Winner: People’s Choice Award

  • Jerome Larkin, MD, Director, Rhode Island Department of Health

  • Lola McLaren Cevallos, MD, East Greenwich, Brown Health Medical Group Primary Care. Winner: Most Entertaining Award

  • Edward McGookin, MD, MHCDS, FAAP, Chief of Primary Care, Brown Health Medical Group Primary Care

  • Amy Nunn, ScD, Chief Executive Officer, Rhode Island Public Health Institute

  • Stephanie Ros Saposnik, MD, MSCI, Women & Infants, Brown University. Winner: Most Technical Award

  • Allan Tunkel, MD, PhD, MACP, Brown University Health, Former Senior Associate Dean for Medical Education,The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University. Winner: People’s Choice Award

  • Eric F. Walsh, MD, Ortho Rhode Island, The Foundry, Providence. Winner: Most Technical Award​

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