Prominent neurosurgeon Michael McDermott, M.D., joins Baptist Health South Florida to lead Miami Neuroscience Institute

McDermott_headshotCORAL GABLES, Fla. – March 9, 2020 – Baptist Health South Florida welcomes Michael McDermott, M.D., a world-renown leader in neurosciences with clinical expertise in the field of meningioma research and gamma knife radiosurgery, as its new chief medical executive of Miami Neuroscience Institute, formerly known as Baptist Health Neuroscience Center.

Dr. McDermott, widely known for advancing neurosurgical techniques, pioneered surgical management of meningioma, a slow-growing tumor in the head that affects the brain. He is an expert in the treatment of a wide variety of neurological disorders, in addition to meningiomas, skull base tumors, brain metastases, gliomas, hydrocephalus, central nervous system infections and complex tumors of the skull base and spinal cord.

“I am delighted to have a colleague of his caliber join our organization,” said Michael Zinner, M.D., chief executive officer and executive medical director at Miami Cancer Institute, part of Baptist Health South Florida. “His expertise will help enhance our collaborative and interdisciplinary approach to research and delivery of the best cancer treatments for our patients.”

Dr. McDermott has conducted leading research that generated more than 400 peer-reviewed publications and comes from the University of California San Francisco (UCSF) Medical Center, ranked by U.S. News & World Report as third in the nation in neurology and neurosurgery, where he was co-director of the Gamma Knife and CyberKnife Radiosurgery Program and held the distinguished Wolfe Family Endowed Professorship in Meningioma Research. In addition to serving as professor and vice chairman of neurological surgery, he is an accomplished educator. As residency program director, he trained young physicians from around the world.

“The arrival of Dr. McDermott to lead Miami Neuroscience Institute represents Baptist Health’s ability to harness the collective expertise of physician leaders and to offer the most innovative, comprehensive and individualized care available to our patients,” said Jack Ziffer, PhD, M.D., executive vice president, chief clinical officer and chief physician executive for Baptist Health South Florida.

Miami Neuroscience Institute provides care at all the Baptist Health facilities, with the exception of Boca Raton Regional Hospital, home to the renowned Marcus Neuroscience Institute, and Bethesda Hospital East and Bethesda Hospital West’s neuroscience programs. For the first several months, Dr. McDermott will focus on working with clinical and administrative leadership to plan and build the infrastructure as well as clinical depth and breadth of the program and set the stage for growth as a destination for neuroscience care.

“The multidisciplinary team approach we have at Baptist Health creates a special synergy between medical specialists from various fields to provide the most advanced care to our patients. This exceptional physician and surgeon will complement the tremendous medical talent that resides within Baptist Health and will continue to grow our national leadership in the treatment of conditions of the brain, spine and nervous system,” added Dr. Ziffer, PhD, M.D.

Miami Neuroscience Institute
Miami Neuroscience Institute, formerly known as Baptist Health Neuroscience Center, offers comprehensive and compassionate treatment for neurological conditions affecting the brain, spinal cord and peripheral nervous system. From non-surgical treatments and minimally invasive procedures to complex brain and spine surgery, the Center embraces a multidisciplinary approach to patient care.

Miami Neuroscience Institute is part of Baptist Health South Florida, the largest healthcare organization in the region, with 11 hospitals, nearly 23,000 employees, more than 4,000 physicians and more than 100 outpatient centers, urgent care facilities and physician practices spanning across Miami-Dade, Monroe, Broward and Palm Beach counties. Baptist Health has internationally renowned centers of excellence in cancer, cardiovascular care, orthopedics and sports medicine, and neurosciences. In addition, it includes Baptist Health Medical Group; Baptist Health Quality Network; and Baptist Health Care On Demand, a virtual health platform. A not-for-profit organization supported by philanthropy and committed to its faith-based charitable mission of medical excellence, Baptist Health has been recognized by Fortune as one of the 100 Best Companies to Work For in America and by Ethisphere as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies. For more information, visit BaptistHealth.net/Newsroom and connect with us on FacebookInstagramTwitter and LinkedIn.

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Boca Raton Regional Hospital assistant vice president elected as vice chair of the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network

Maureen Mann headshotBOCA RATON, FL – March 3, 2020 ­– Maureen Mann, executive director of Boca Raton Regional Hospital’s Eugene M. & Christine E. Lynn Cancer Institute and Christine E. Lynn Women’s Health & Wellness Institute, has recently been elected as vice chair of the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN).

As executive director of Lynn Cancer Institute, Ms. Mann has administrative responsibilities for the strategic and daily operations of one of the largest cancer centers in Florida.

In her role as vice chair, Ms. Mann will work with other leadership at the ACS CAN to leverage the power of government to end suffering and death from cancer. She will work with volunteers across the country to educate elected officials on important cancer-fighting policies that positively impact legislation by supporting cancer research, prevention and treatment.

“For more than a decade, Maureen has remained a fierce advocate for policy change that reduces the cancer burden in Florida and nationwide,” said Lisa Lacasse, president of ACS CAN. “Because of Maureen’s passion and dedication, we continue to make great strides in the fight against cancer. Maureen’s expanded leadership role as vice chair of the Board will help us excel our mission to save lives and further our organization’s impact.”

Ms. Mann previously served on the ACS CAN’s Board of Directors as treasurer. She was a leader in Florida’s successful effort to raise the state’s cigarette excise tax by $1 per pack in 2009, the first increase in more than two decades. She played a key role in defeating a proposal to cut millions from Florida’s tobacco control program earlier this year and she helped grow the South Florida Policy Forum into one of the largest ACS CAN fundraising events in the country.

About Boca Raton Regional Hospital
Boca Raton Regional Hospital is part of Baptist Health South Florida, the largest healthcare organization in the region, with 11 hospitals, more than 23,000 employees, 4,000 physicians and 100 outpatient centers, urgent care facilities and physician practices spanning across Miami-Dade, Monroe, Broward and Palm Beach counties. Baptist Health has internationally renowned centers of excellence in cancer, cardiovascular care, orthopedics and sports medicine, and neurosciences. In addition, it includes Baptist Health Medical Group; Baptist Health Quality Network; and Baptist Health Care On Demand, a virtual health platform. A not-for-profit organization supported by philanthropy and committed to its faith-based charitable mission of medical excellence, Baptist Health has been recognized by Fortune as one of the 100 Best Companies to Work For in America and by Ethisphere as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies. For more information, visit BaptistHealth.net/Newsroom and connect with us on FacebookInstagramTwitter and LinkedIn.

About American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network
The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network is making cancer a top priority for public officials and candidates at the federal, state and local levels. ACS CAN empowers advocates across the country to make their voices heard and influence evidence-based public policy change as well as legislative and regulatory solutions that will reduce the cancer burden. As the American Cancer Society’s nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy affiliate, ACS CAN is critical to the fight for a world without cancer. For more information, visit www.fightcancer.org.

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Gary J. Becker, M.D., Named to Board of Directors of Baptist Health Medical Group

Gary Becker, M.D., headshot

MIAMI February 28, 2020 – Baptist Health South Florida is pleased to announce the appointment of Gary J. Becker, M.D., to the Board of Directors of Baptist Health Medical Group, part of Baptist Health South Florida.

A retired interventional radiologist, Dr. Becker is a renowned educator, researcher, author and pioneer in the development of new vascular devices. He is an internationally recognized leader, serving as the Executive Director of the American Board of Radiology for nearly seven years. Dr. Becker served as Board Chair and President of one of the largest medical organizations in the world, the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA), receiving its Gold Medal in 2014 after serving eight years on its Board of Directors, with a focus on its scientific portfolio. With nine years on the Executive Council of the Society of Interventional Radiology (SIR), he received its Gold Medal award in 2008. SIR’s Young Investigator Award carries his name, attesting to his service as founding editor of the Journal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology and recognized leadership in research and cultivating the next generation of clinician-researchers.

Dr. Becker has held several key leadership positions at Baptist Health during his career, including Director of Interventional Radiology, Assistant Medical Director, and Medical Director of Clinical Research at Miami Cardiac & Vascular Institute. Other notable career highlights include working as branch chief of Image Guided Intervention in the Division of Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis at the National Cancer Institute as well as professor of the Interventional Section at the University of Arizona.

“We are honored to welcome Dr. Becker back to Baptist Health South Florida,” said Bernie Fernandez, Jr., M.D., CEO of Baptist Health Medical Group. “He brings a wealth of clinical skills, teaching expertise, business acumen and healthcare board leadership experience to our group.”

Bill R. Tillet, Baptist Health Medical Group board chair, added “We are confident that Dr. Becker’s vast knowledge and keen drive will serve our board well as we continue to refine and support the mission-driven vision and strategy of Baptist Health.”

A native of Chicago, Dr. Becker earned his undergraduate and medical degrees from Indiana University, where he also completed his residency in Diagnostic Radiology and served on the faculty as Professor and Chief of the Vascular Section. Dr. Becker has served on several boards, most recently as chair of the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona’s Board of Directors. He also served on the Board of Trustees of the American Board of Radiology and the Board of Directors of the American Board of Medical Specialties. He has authored or coauthored 10 patents and cofounded a coronary stent company that maintains research, development and sales facilities around the world. He has published more than 230 journal articles, 36 book chapters and a textbook.

Dr. Becker and his wife Patricia Gallagher Becker, MD, a retired pediatrician, have three adult children and two grandchildren, and enjoy travel, book clubs and volunteering in their community.  Dr. Becker also enjoys his hobby of deep space astrophotography.

About Baptist Health South Florida
Baptist Health South Florida is the largest healthcare organization in the region, with 11 hospitals, more than 23,000 employees, 4,000 physicians and 100 outpatient centers, urgent care facilities and physician practices spanning across Miami-Dade, Monroe, Broward and Palm Beach counties. Baptist Health has internationally renowned centers of excellence in cancer, cardiovascular care, orthopedics and sports medicine, and neurosciences. In addition, it includes Baptist Health Medical Group; Baptist Health Quality Network; and Baptist Health Care On Demand, a virtual health platform. A not-for-profit organization supported by philanthropy and committed to its faith-based charitable mission of medical excellence, Baptist Health has been recognized by Fortune as one of the 100 Best Companies to Work For in America and by Ethisphere as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies. For more information, visit BaptistHealth.net/Newsroom and connect with us on FacebookInstagramTwitter and LinkedIn.

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Miami Cardiac & Vascular Institute Names Joseph T. McGinn, Jr., M.D., Chief of Cardiac Surgery

MIAMI, FL – February 26, 2020 — Miami Cardiac & Vascular Institute, part of Baptist Health and the region’s largest and most comprehensive cardiovascular facility, has named Joseph T. McGinn, Jr., M.D., chief of Cardiac Surgery. Dr. McGinn specializes in the assessment and surgical treatment of patients with coronary artery, aortic and vascular disease. A pioneer in the field of cardiothoracic surgery, he developed the minimally invasive coronary artery bypass grafting method known internationally as the “McGinn Technique.”

Dr. McGinn comes to Miami Cardiac & Vascular Institute from Sanger Heart & Vascular Institute, part of Atrium HealthCare in Charlotte, North Carolina, where he served as endowed chair of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery and professor of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery. Prior to that appointment, he was a leading cardiac surgeon in New York City and served as medical director of the Heart Institute at Staten Island University Hospital for 16 years.

“Dr. McGinn is an expert physician and surgeon and an exceptional leader who has demonstrated excellence in patient care, innovation and team building,” said Barry T. Katzen, M.D., founder and chief medical executive of Miami Cardiac & Vascular Institute. “He will complement our team of highly skilled experts, who are committed to achieving the same goals.”

Jack A. Ziffer, Ph.D., M.D., executive vice president and chief clinical officer of Baptist Health South Florida, added, “We are pleased to have Dr. McGinn join Miami Cardiac & Vascular Institute in this leadership capacity to continue his groundbreaking work and further advance the Institute’s worldwide leadership position in the delivery of cardiovascular care.”

An accomplished educator, Dr. McGinn has trained hundreds of surgeons from around the world in minimally invasive cardiothoracic surgical techniques. His clinical and research efforts have generated hundreds of presentations at scientific symposiums and publications in peer-reviewed medical journals and books. He has been recognized by the American Heart Association for excellence in medicine and received the Samuel L. Koontz Award for Clinical Excellence. He is a Fellow of the American College of Cardiology, the American College of Chest Physicians and the American College of Surgeons and a member of numerous professional societies.

Dr. McGinn earned his medical degree at the State University of New York (SUNY) Downstate Medical Center College of Medicine. He completed an internship and residency in general surgery at SUNY Downstate, serving as chief resident. He also served as chief resident during a cardiothoracic surgery residency at Long Island Jewish Medical Center. He is board certified by the American Board of Surgery, American Board of Thoracic Surgery and the American Board of Surgery, Surgical Critical Care.

Dr. McGinn enjoys boating with his family and is an avid football fan. He has performed 1,500 MICS CABG cases.

About Miami Cardiac & Vascular Institute
Miami Cardiac & Vascular Institute is the largest and most comprehensive cardiovascular facility in the region. The team of multilingual, multidisciplinary specialists pioneered the development of minimally invasive techniques used to treat aneurysms, blockages in veins and arteries and holes in the heart. The Institute leverages the power of Baptist Health’s combined resources of experts, pioneering research, compassionate caregivers and leading-edge treatments and technology.

Miami Cardiac & Vascular Institute is part of Baptist Health South Florida, the largest healthcare organization in the region, with 11 hospitals, more than 23,000 employees, 4,000 physicians and 100 outpatient centers, urgent care facilities and physician practices spanning across Miami-Dade, Monroe, Broward and Palm Beach counties. Baptist Health has internationally renowned centers of excellence in cancer, cardiovascular care, orthopedics and sports medicine, and neurosciences. In addition, it includes Baptist Health Medical Group; Baptist Health Quality Network; and Baptist Health Care On Demand, a virtual health platform. A not-for-profit organization supported by philanthropy and committed to its faith-based charitable mission of medical excellence, Baptist Health has been recognized by Fortune as one of the 100 Best Companies to Work For in America and by Ethisphere as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies. For more information, visit BaptistHealth.net/Newsroom and connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn.

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Baptist Health South Florida named for the 10th time as one of the 2020 World’s Most Ethical Companies by Ethisphere

Recognition honors those companies that take the long view with a purpose-based strategy and strive to create positive change throughout their global communities.

 

MIAMI, FL – February 25, 2020 – Baptist Health South Florida has been recognized by Ethisphere, a global leader in defining and advancing the standards of ethical business practices, as one of the 2020 World’s Most Ethical Companies.

Baptist Health has been recognized for 10 consecutive years and is one of only 5 honorees in the Healthcare Providers category. In 2020, 132 honorees were recognized spanning 21 countries and 51 industries.

“We’re very proud to be honored by Ethisphere for the 10th year in a row for our longstanding commitment to ethical practices,” said Brian E. Keeley, president and chief executive officer of Baptist Health South Florida. “We are dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of clinical and service excellence, rooted in the utmost integrity, in caring for our patients, families and employees and in carrying out business.”

“Congratulations to everyone at Baptist Health for earning this recognition,” said Ethisphere’s Chief Executive Officer, Timothy Erblich. “This is a moment to acknowledge the leaders working to advance corporate cultures defined by integrity and affirm those companies contributing to broader societal imperatives and the greater good.”

Methodology & Scoring
Grounded in Ethisphere’s proprietary Ethics Quotient®, the World’s Most Ethical Companies assessment process includes more than 200 questions on culture, environmental and social practices, ethics and compliance activities, governance, diversity and initiatives to support a strong value chain. The process serves as an operating framework to capture and codify the leading practices of organizations across industries and around the globe. Best practices and insights from the 2020 honorees will be released in a report and webcast in March and April of this year.

All companies that participate in the assessment process receive an Analytical Scorecard providing them a holistic assessment of where their programs stand against the demanding standards of leading companies.
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Honorees

The full list of the 2020 World’s Most Ethical Companies can be found at https://worldsmostethicalcompanies.com/honorees.

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About Baptist Health South Florida
Baptist Health South Florida is the largest healthcare organization in the region, with 11 hospitals, more than 23,000 employees, 4,000 physicians and 100 outpatient centers, urgent care facilities and physician practices spanning across Miami-Dade, Monroe, Broward and Palm Beach counties. Baptist Health has internationally renowned centers of excellence in cancer, cardiovascular care, orthopedics and sports medicine, and neurosciences. In addition, it includes Baptist Health Medical Group; Baptist Health Quality Network; and Baptist Health Care On Demand, a virtual health platform. A not-for-profit organization supported by philanthropy and committed to its faith-based charitable mission of medical excellence, Baptist Health has been recognized by Fortune as one of the 100 Best Companies to Work For in America and by Ethisphere as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies. For more information, visit BaptistHealth.net/Newsroom and connect with us on FacebookInstagramTwitter and LinkedIn.

About the Ethisphere Institute
The Ethisphere® Institute is the global leader in defining and advancing the standards of ethical business practices that fuel corporate character, marketplace trust and business success. Ethisphere has deep expertise in measuring and defining core ethics standards using data-driven insights that help companies enhance corporate character and measure and improve culture. Ethisphere honors superior achievement through its World’s Most Ethical Companies recognition program and provides a community of industry experts with the Business Ethics Leadership Alliance (BELA). More information about Ethisphere can be found at: https://ethisphere.com.

 

Media Contacts

Baptist Health South Florida Media Contact:
Georgi Morales Pipkin
786-596-6534
[email protected]

Ethisphere Media Contact:
Clea Nabozny
+1 (480) 397-2658
[email protected]




Jean Blechman makes generous commitment to name Surgical Intensive Care Unit at Boca Raton Regional Hospital

Jean Blechman

BOCA RATON, FL – February 25, 2020 Jean Blechman, co-founder of Twinlab Corporation, has made a significant financial commitment to Keeping the Promise… the Campaign for Boca Raton Regional Hospital to name the Jean and David Blechman Surgical Intensive Care Unit.

“Jean’s commitment throughout the years has been remarkable and enhances vital care for all. We are very appreciative of her generosity,” said Lincoln Mendez, CEO of Boca Raton Regional Hospital. The $250 million Keeping the Promise… The Campaign for Boca Raton Regional Hospital is the largest in the hospital’s history. The campaign is supporting plans to reimagine the hospital campus, shaping the future of unprecedented, world-class medical sophistication that Boca Regional envisions. The project includes construction of the Gloria Drummond Patient Tower, the Toby and Leon Cooperman Medical Arts Pavilion, an expansion of the critically acclaimed Marcus Neuroscience Institute and Christine E. Lynn Cardiovascular Institute, new operating rooms, renovation of the existing facility to create an all private patient room environment, and the recently opened Schmidt Family Parking Facility.

Jean has been a longtime supporter of Boca Raton Regional Hospital and has given generously for many years. She has a special interest in supporting cardiology programs at the hospital. When she named the Jean & David Blechman Center for Preventive Cardiology, Jean felt for many years that cardiac care for women was badly neglected. Consequently, it became known that cardiac disease is the number one killer of women, which is still true today.

With this fact it mind, Jean felt it was very important to provide a service that would educate women on the prevention of cardiac disease. Jean has had an extended interest in supporting healthcare. As co-founder of Twinlab Corporation, one of the nation’s largest manufacturers of nutritional supplements, she long believed in the importance of exercise, vitamins, eating well and taking responsibility for her own health. Jean and David founded Twinlab in 1966 with one product. Mr. Blechman was fond of saying, “Jean and I started Twinlab with one protein formula and a dream.” With their five sons, Twinlab eventually had three manufacturing facilities and 300 products sold in over 30 countries.

Jean has been a passionate committed philanthropist to Boca Regional. Her donations created the Jean and David Blechman Center for Women’s Specialty Care and Preventive Cardiology in the Christine E. Lynn Women’s Health & Wellness Institute. The center offers clinical services, including risk assessments and screenings, and employs a team of clinical support practitioners with expertise and special interest in caring for women. Specialties for the program include breast health, cardiology, and general and robotic surgery. Jean also named the Jean & David Blechman Cardiac Intensive Care Unit in the main hospital; the Jean & David Blechman Cardiac Catheterization Unit in the main hospital; the Jean & David Blechman Waiting Area in the Women’s Institute; the Jean & David Blechman Conference Center in the Eugene M. & Christine E. Lynn Cancer Institute; and the Jean & David Blechman Care Center in the Wold Family Center for Emergency Medicine.

Jean has also given generously to numerous health programs in New York, including New York University Langone Medical Center. At the Jean and David Blechman Cardiac and Vascular Center, cardiologists use the most advanced non-surgical techniques to improve blood flow to the heart. Also at New York University Langone, Jean funded the Jean and David Blechman Professorship in Cardiology. As with Boca Regional, she was especially interested in supporting cardiac programs. Today, Jean prefers to support causes that she feels a personal connection with, whether it is children’s health programs, hospice, cardiac care or women’s health. “Knowing that I’ve been able to improve people’s lives is my greatest pleasure in life,” explained Jean Blechman.

“Having a good hospital in our community is a necessity, and by supporting Boca Regional philanthropically, I’m also doing something for myself and my loved ones. People in the community stop and thank me, and I am so pleased and proud to hear that,” says Jean Blechman.

About Boca Raton Regional Hospital – Advancing the boundaries of medicine.
Boca Raton Regional Hospital is an advanced, tertiary medical center (BRRH.com) with 400 beds, 2,800 employees and more than 800 primary and specialty physicians on staff. The Hospital is a recognized leader in Oncology, Cardiovascular Disease and Surgery, Minimally Invasive Surgery, Orthopedics, Women’s Health, Emergency Medicine and the Neurosciences, all of which offer state-of-the-art diagnostic and imaging capabilities. The Hospital is a designated Comprehensive Stroke Center by the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA). BRRH is recognized in U.S. News & World Report’s 2019 – 2020 Best Hospitals listing as a Top Ranked Regional Hospital, for the fourth consecutive year, and the highest ranked hospital in Palm Beach County. Boca Raton Regional Hospital is a part of Baptist Health South Florida.

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Healthy West Kendall and West Kendall Baptist Hospital recognized with tribute in the Florida House of Representatives

Healthy West Kendall TributeMIAMI ―February 20, 2020 ― Healthy West Kendall and West Kendall Baptist Hospital have been honored with a Tribute on the floor of the Florida House of Representatives. Rep. Ana Maria Rodriguez (District 105) formally recognized the organizations recently for their work to improve the health and wellness of the community.

Launched in 2013, Healthy West Kendall began as an initiative to make West Kendall the blueprint for a healthy, thriving community. West Kendall Baptist Hospital serves as the anchor organization of the initiative, which includes partnerships with area schools, local government, business and religious leaders, universities, law enforcement and transportation experts. Together, the group is tackling issues from all sectors of the community, including health, safety, economics, education and more.

The Tribute calls attention specifically to free health screenings offered daily in the hospital lobby and at special events and the Walking School Bus project, that brings school children, their parents, community leaders and hospital employees together as they discover the benefits of walking to school. These are just two examples of numerous projects ― from economic and mental health studies to a free food and school-supply pantry at local schools with a high population of underserved children to an annual water safety event ― that involve many area residents.

Healthy Hub at West Kendall Baptist Hospital“To solve our community’s biggest challenges, Healthy West Kendall is harnessing the strengths and expertise of a variety of organizations to work toward a common goal. We have made great progress on our journey,” said Michelle Mejia, assistant vice president of Health Promotion & Strategic Partnerships at West Kendall Baptist Hospital. Ms. Mejia accepted the Tribute from the House of Representatives on behalf of the organizations.

Healthy West Kendall also supports the Communities of Excellence 2026 initiative, a national program that is determined to improve health, educational outcomes and economic conditions for residents by 2026, the 250th anniversary of our nation’s founding. West Kendall Baptist Hospital has advanced to the third level of the program that follows the Baldrige Performance Excellence Framework.

About West Kendall Baptist Hospital
West Kendall Baptist Hospital is part of Baptist Health South Florida, the largest healthcare organization in the region, with 11 hospitals, more than 23,000 employees, 4,000 physicians and 100 outpatient centers, urgent care facilities and physician practices spanning across Miami-Dade, Monroe, Broward and Palm Beach counties. Baptist Health has internationally renowned centers of excellence in cancer, cardiovascular care, orthopedics and sports medicine, and neurosciences. In addition, it includes Baptist Health Medical Group; Baptist Health Quality Network; and Baptist Health Care On Demand, a virtual health platform. A not-for-profit organization supported by philanthropy and committed to its faith-based charitable mission of medical excellence, Baptist Health has been recognized by Fortune as one of the 100 Best Companies to Work For in America and by Ethisphere as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies. For more information, visit BaptistHealth.net/Newsroom and connect with us on FacebookInstagramTwitter and LinkedIn.

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Baptist Health South Florida Named One of the 2020 Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For® by Great Place to Work® and Fortune

This Marks the 20th Time Baptist Health Has Made the List

 

MIAMI, FL – February 18, 2020 – Great Place to Work and Fortune have honored Baptist Health South Florida as one of the 2020 Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For®. This is the 20th time Baptist Health has been recognized on the list, and this year Baptist Health earned the #54 spot. Once again, Baptist Health ranked highest among the 100 Best Companies in terms of its percentage of minorities.

To determine the Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For® list, Great Place to Work® analyzed responses from more than 650,000 employees at Great Place to Work-CertifiedTM organizations across the country.

Great Place to Work, a global people analytics and consulting firm, evaluated more than 60 elements of team members’ experience on the job. These included the extent to which employees trust leaders, the respect with which people are treated, the fairness of workplace decisions, and how much camaraderie there is among the team. Rankings are based on employees’ feedback and reward companies who best include all employees, no matter who they are or what they do for the organization.

“We are proud of our culture of caring for people, and it is truly an honor to be recognized once again for our unwavering dedication to our employees who deliver excellent care to our patients and families in the communities we serve,” said Brian E. Keeley, president and CEO of Baptist Health South Florida. “We are focused on the overall wellbeing of our people, which drives our decisions to provide opportunities, programs and benefits that will enhance their personal and professional lives.

Baptist Health’s work/life benefits include on-site child care at various facilities, free online and on-site educational offerings, a retirement plan with matching contributions, paid time off cash-outs, a fund that provides interest-free loans to employees who need help for an unusual or unexpected financial crisis, and an award-winning employee wellness program that includes free on-site employee clinics, free fitness centers, a cutting-edge health management program, training clubs and fitness classes.

“The 100 Best show the way forward,” said Michael C. Bush, CEO of Great Place to Work. “These companies have created Great Places to Work For All—for everyone, no matter who a person is or what they do for the organization. As a result, they have built a path to realize the promise of artificial intelligence, gain strength from a diversity of perspectives, and thrive during downturns.”

The Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For® list, is one of a series of rankings by Great Place to Work and Fortune based on employee feedback from Great Place to Work-Certified™ organizations. Baptist Health was also named among the Best Workplaces for Women, Best Workplaces in Healthcare, and Best Workplaces for Diversity by Great Place to Work and Fortune.

About Baptist Health South Florida
Baptist Health South Florida is the largest healthcare organization in the region, with 11 hospitals, more than 23,000 employees, 4,000 physicians and 100 outpatient centers, urgent care facilities and physician practices spanning across Miami-Dade, Monroe, Broward and Palm Beach counties. Baptist Health has internationally renowned centers of excellence in cancer, cardiovascular care, orthopedics and sports medicine, and neurosciences. In addition, it includes Baptist Health Medical Group; Baptist Health Quality Network; and Baptist Health Care On Demand, a virtual health platform. A not-for-profit organization supported by philanthropy and committed to its faith-based charitable mission of medical excellence, Baptist Health has been recognized by Fortune as one of the 100 Best Companies to Work For in America and by Ethisphere as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies. For more information, visit BaptistHealth.net/Newsroom and connect with us on FacebookInstagramTwitter and LinkedIn.

About the Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For® list
Great Place to Work based its ranking on a data-driven methodology applied to anonymous Trust Index™ survey responses from more than 650,000 employees at Great Place to Work-Certified organizations across the country. To learn more about Great Place to Work Certification and recognition on Best Workplaces lists published with Fortune, visit Greatplacetowork.com.

About Great Place to Work
Great Place to Work® is the global authority on workplace culture. They help organizations quantify their culture and produce better business results by creating a high-trust work experience for all employees. Emprising®, their culture management platform, empowers leaders with the surveys, real-time reporting, and insights they need to make data-driven people decisions. They use their unparalleled benchmark data to recognize Great Place to Work-Certified™ companies and the Best Workplaces™ in the US and more than 60 countries, including the 100 Best Companies to Work For® list published annually in Fortune.

To learn more, visit greatplacetowork.com, listen to the podcast Better by Great Place to Work, and read “A Great Place to Work for All.” Join the community on LinkedInTwitter, and Instagram.

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Boca Raton Regional Hospital assistant vice president recognized as Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society Chapter Leader of the Year

Pua Cooper headshotBOCA RATON, FL – February 18, 2020 ­– Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS) has announced Pua Cooper as recipient of the Chapter Leader of the Year Award for 2020.

The Chapter Leader of the Year Award recognizes an individual who demonstrates significant leadership; extraordinary contributions to HIMSS Chapters and the Society; and a commitment to the health information and technology industry. The goal of this award is to highlight exemplary chapter leaders and recognize their hard work in driving concept leadership within the health and technology industries in their geographical area, and their dedication to the chapter program as a whole.

Pua Cooper is the assistant vice president, chief clinical informatics officer for Boca Raton Regional Hospital, where she oversees the operations of the Quality Department, Clinical Informatics, and Infection Prevention department for this 400-bed academic medical center.

As a seasoned nurse leader with over 30 years of leadership and clinical experience, she uses her strong understanding of clinical practice to leverage technology integration to improve organizational performance. She holds a Master’s of Science in Nursing with a specialty in Nursing Informatics and as of this year is a Certified Healthcare Information Technology Executive through the College of Healthcare Information Management Executives.

Pua Cooper will be recognized during the 2020 HIMSS Global Conference & Exhibition, held March 9-13, 2020 in Orlando, Florida at the Orange County Convention Center. HIMSS20 brings together 45,000+ health information and technology professionals, clinicians, executives and vendors from around the world. Exceptional education, excellent speakers, cutting-edge health information and technology products and powerful networking are hallmarks of this industry-leading conference.

“I am honored and privileged to be recognized by this esteemed organization for my contributions to HIMSS. I would like to recognize the South Florida HIMSS Board of Directors who supported me and my vision, as well as the amazing mentors I have been privileged to work with throughout my career.”

About Boca Raton Regional Hospital
Boca Raton Regional Hospital is part of Baptist Health South Florida, the largest healthcare organization in the region, with 11 hospitals, more than 23,000 employees, 4,000 physicians and 100 outpatient centers, urgent care facilities and physician practices spanning across Miami-Dade, Monroe, Broward and Palm Beach counties. Baptist Health has internationally renowned centers of excellence in cancer, cardiovascular care, orthopedics and sports medicine, and neurosciences. In addition, it includes Baptist Health Medical Group; Baptist Health Quality Network; and Baptist Health Care On Demand, a virtual health platform. A not-for-profit organization supported by philanthropy and committed to our faith-based charitable mission of medical excellence, Baptist Health has been recognized by Fortune as one of the 100 Best Companies to Work For in America and by Ethisphere as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies. For more information, visit BaptistHealth.net/Newsroom and connect with us on FacebookInstagramTwitter and LinkedIn.

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Baptist Health South Florida launches Rx Now in Urgent Care centers

High-tech vending machines often eliminate trip to pharmacy for patients

 

MIAMI – February 17, 2020 – Rx Now, offered at Baptist Health South Florida Urgent Care facilities in Miami-Dade and Broward counties and Baptist Health Emergency Care in West Kendall, provides patients with immediate, on-site access to the medications most commonly prescribed to treat their illnesses, oftentimes alleviating the need to travel to a pharmacy.

Baptist Health has partnered with InstyMeds to offer the convenient service, which dispenses many familiar prescription medications through a vending machine right after a patient receives a diagnosis, treatment plan and prescription.

“For many patients, a trip to the pharmacy is challenging because they are busy or feeling ill or in pain,” said Michael Decoske, Assistant Vice President of Ambulatory Pharmacy Services at Baptist Health. “Rx Now enables patients to receive their medications right at the point of care, start treatment right away and start feeling better sooner.”

Once the patient visit has concluded, a facility staff member accompanies the patient to the Rx Now vending machine, usually located in the waiting room. The patient enters a personalized code provided by the care team, and the medication is conveniently dispensed for a small cost.

InstyMeds was launched in 1999 and has dispensed more than 3 million prescription medications to patients around the world. The company reports that 94 percent of InstyMeds prescriptions are filled at the point of care, significantly exceeding the healthcare industry medication compliance of 70 percent when patients are required to obtain their prescription at a pharmacy. Studies show that when patients fill their prescriptions and take their medications, they recover faster and have better health outcomes.

Rx Now is offered at almost all Baptist Health Urgent Care locations and the Baptist Health Emergency Care in West Kendall. For a complete list of Urgent Care locations, visit BaptistHealth.net/UrgentCare.

About Baptist Health South Florida
Baptist Health South Florida is the largest healthcare organization in the region, with 11 hospitals, more than 23,000 employees, 4,000 physicians and 100 outpatient centers, urgent care facilities and physician practices spanning across Miami-Dade, Monroe, Broward and Palm Beach counties. Baptist Health has internationally renowned centers of excellence in cancer, cardiovascular care, orthopedics and sports medicine, and neurosciences. In addition, it includes Baptist Health Medical Group; Baptist Health Quality Network; and Baptist Health Care On Demand, a virtual health platform. A not-for-profit organization supported by philanthropy and committed to its faith-based charitable mission of medical excellence, Baptist Health has been recognized by Fortune as one of the 100 Best Companies to Work For in America and by Ethisphere as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies. For more information, visit BaptistHealth.net/Newsroom and connect with us on FacebookInstagramTwitter and LinkedIn.

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