Melissa Franco, D.O., MPH, Joins Baptist Health Medical Group

Primary care physician Melissa Franco, D.O., MPH, has joined Baptist Health Medical Group, an organization of more than 180 physicians, as part of the Baptist Health Primary Care team. Dr. Franco specializes in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of health issues, with an interest in urgent care and chronic diseases.

Dr. Franco received her doctor of osteopathic medicine and master of public health degrees from Nova Southeastern University in Ft. Lauderdale. She completed a family practice internship and residency at Suncoast Hospital/Largo Medicine Center, Largo, Fla., where she also was co-chief resident. Prior to joining Baptist Health, she was a scholar of the National Health Service Corps., part of the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services devoted to providing care in largely underserved communities. As such, she worked as a family medicine physician at Valley-Wide Health Systems in Monte Vista, Colo. She also was a member of Cleveland Clinic Florida’s Family Medicine Department.

“Dr. Franco’s work within very diverse communities is a bonus for South Florida residents,” said Bernie Fernandez Jr., M.D., CEO of Baptist Health Medical Group. “Her experience in urgent care and walk-in emergency care is an asset to our team and to the community.”

Dr. Franco is Board-certified in family medicine by the American Osteopathic Board of Family Physicians. She has been active in a number of community service programs, volunteering to complete school physicals for the Largo community, and volunteering at organizations such as the DOCARE International Guatemalan Medical Mission, the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians Health Clinic and the Good News Migrant Health Care Center.

Baptist Health Medical Group is part of Baptist Health South Florida, the largest healthcare organization in the region, with seven hospitals (Baptist Hospital, Baptist Children’s Hospital, Doctors Hospital, Homestead Hospital, Mariners Hospital, South Miami Hospital and West Kendall Baptist Hospital) and more than 30 outpatient and urgent care facilities spanning three counties. The not-for-profit, faith-based Baptist Health has more than 15,000 employees and 2,200 affiliated physicians and also includes Baptist Outpatient Services and internationally renowned centers of excellence. Baptist Health Foundation, the organization’s fundraising arm, supports services at all hospitals and facilities.

Baptist Health is listed by Fortune magazine as one of the 100 Best Companies to Work For in America (#23 in the nation) and has remained on the list for 15 years. It was also recognized as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies for the fifth year in a row by the Ethisphere Institute. For more information on Baptist Health Primary Care, go to http://BaptistHealth.net/PrimaryCare.

Contact: Alicia Vigil, 786-596-6534