MIAMI, FL – June 22, 2018 — Physiatrist Melissa Guanche, M.D., has joined Baptist Health Medical Group, a network of primary care doctors and specialists who provide high-quality medical care to patients of all ages, as part of Baptist Health Center for Spine Care. She specializes in physical medicine and rehabilitation that aims to enhance and restore the functional ability of patients with physical impairments or disabilities affecting the brain, spinal cord, nerves, bones, joints, ligaments, muscles and tendons. Dr. Guanche is affiliated with Baptist Hospital and South Miami Hospital and her primary office is located at 8950 N. Kendall Drive, Suite 410W, in Miami.

“Dr. Guanche designs comprehensive, patient-centered treatment plans that help maximize patients’ independence in activities of daily living and improve their quality of life,” said Bernie Fernandez Jr., M.D., CEO of Baptist Health Medical Group. “Our multidisciplinary team of specialists looks forward to collaborating with her to provide individualized therapies that address the whole person.”

Baptist Health Center for Spine Care Medical Director Ronald Tolchin, D.O., added, “With a broad range of knowledge in musculoskeletal, neurological, rheumatological and cardiovascular systems, Dr. Guanche is uniquely qualified to evaluate and treat pain and restore maximum function lost through injury, illness or disabling conditions. Our patients will benefit greatly from her expertise.”

Dr. Guanche is Board certified in physical medicine and rehabilitation. She received her medical degree from Ponce School of Medicine in Ponce, Puerto Rico. She completed an internship in internal medicine at Mount Sinai Medical Center in Miami Beach and a residency in physical medicine and rehabilitation at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia, Pa., where she served as chief resident. Her postdoctoral training also includes a fellowship in sports medicine at OSS/Sinai Hospital of Baltimore in York, Pa.

Dr. Guanche has published articles and abstracts in peer-reviewed journals and presented her clinical findings at medical conferences. She is a member of the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Association of Academic Physiatrists and International Spine Intervention Society.

About Baptist Health Medical Group
Baptist Health Medical Group, a network of primary care doctors and specialists who provide high quality medical care to patients of all ages, is part of Baptist Health South Florida, the largest healthcare organization in the region, with ten hospitals (Baptist Hospital, Baptist Children’s Hospital, Bethesda Hospital East, Bethesda Hospital West, Doctors Hospital, Fishermen’s Community Hospital, Homestead Hospital, Mariners Hospital, South Miami Hospital and West Kendall Baptist Hospital), more than 40 physician practices, 50 outpatient and urgent care facilities, Baptist Health Medical Group, Baptist Health Quality Network and internationally renowned centers of excellence spanning across Monroe, Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties. A not-for-profit organization supported by philanthropy and committed to our faith-based charitable mission of medical excellence, Baptist Health has approximately 18,500 employees and more than 3,000 affiliated physicians. Baptist Health South Florida 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 at facebook.com/BaptistHealthSF and on Twitter and Instagram @BaptistHealthSF.

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This is the only organization in Florida to receive this honor in both prematurity and pre-term labor

MIAMI – May 23, 2018 – South Miami Hospital’s Center for Women & Infants has earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval® for Prematurity and Pre-term Labor Certification for the third time since 2013. The Gold Seal of Approval® is a symbol of quality that reflects an organization’s commitment to providing safe and effective patient care. South Miami Hospital is the only organization in the State of Florida, and one of few in the nation, to earn both designations.

While carrying out a rigorous on-site review at South Miami Hospital, Joint Commission experts evaluated compliance with national disease-specific care standards as well as with prematurity- and pre-term labor-specific requirements. Clinical practice guidelines and performance measures were also assessed.

Established in 2002 and awarded for a two-year period, The Joint Commission’s Disease-Specific Care Certification evaluates clinical programs across the continuum of care and addresses three core areas:

• Compliance with consensus-based national standards;
• Effective use of evidence-based clinical practice guidelines to manage and optimize care; and
• An organized approach to performance measurement and improvement activities.

“We are truly honored to receive these designations for the third time,” said Jorge Perez, M.D., president of the medical staff and chairman for the Center for Women & Infants at South Miami Hospital. “It brings us great pride to be able to provide high-quality, personalized care for our deserving patients.”

South Miami Hospital was the sixth hospital in the U.S. to earn The Joint Commission Gold Seal of Approval for Pre-term Labor and the ninth hospital in the U.S. to earn The Joint Commission Gold Seal of Approval for Prematurity.

About South Miami Hospital
South Miami Hospital is part of Baptist Health South Florida, the largest healthcare organization in the region, with 10 hospitals (Baptist Hospital, Baptist Children’s Hospital, Bethesda Hospital East, Bethesda Hospital West, Doctors Hospital, Fishermen’s Community Hospital, Homestead Hospital, Mariners Hospital, South Miami Hospital and West Kendall Baptist Hospital), more than 40 physician practices, 50 outpatient and urgent care facilities, Baptist Health Medical Group, Baptist Health Quality Network and internationally renowned centers of excellence spanning across Monroe, Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties. A not-for-profit organization supported by philanthropy and committed to our faith-based charitable mission of medical excellence, Baptist Health has more than 19,500 employees and more than 3,000 affiliated physicians. Baptist Health South Florida 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 at facebook.com/BaptistHealthSF and on Twitter and Instagram @BaptistHealthSF.

About The Joint Commission
Founded in 1951, The Joint Commission seeks to continuously improve health care for the public, in collaboration with other stakeholders, by evaluating health care organizations and inspiring them to excel in providing safe and effective care of the highest quality and value. The Joint Commission accredits and certifies more than 21,000 health care organizations and programs in the United States. An independent, nonprofit organization, The Joint Commission is the nation’s oldest and largest standards-setting and accrediting body in health care. Learn more about The Joint Commission at www.jointcommission.org.

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MIAMI, FLA. (May 21, 2018) — Miami Cancer Institute, part of Baptist Health South Florida and the state’s only member of the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Alliance, proudly announced today that it has begun treating patients with MR image-guided radiation therapy with the installation of the ViewRay MRIdian^® Linac. Miami Cancer Institute is the second site in the United States to treat patients with this treatment technology, adding to its comprehensive radiation oncology program – the only cancer center in the world to offer each of the latest radiation therapy technologies in one integrated location.

The ViewRay MRIdian Linac is the world’s first and only FDA-cleared MR image-guided radiation therapy system. It provides a unique combination of continuous magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and simultaneous radiation therapy delivery for the treatment of cancer. MRI improves tumor visibility by clearly defining the targeted tumor from the surrounding soft tissue and other critical organs. The ability to see both the tumor and surrounding organs constantly throughout radiation delivery allows physicians to personalize treatment based on changes in the shape or location of the tumor and surrounding tissues using on-table adaptive therapy. As a result, physicians can quickly respond to subtle anatomical changes observed on a daily basis and reshape the dose to better match the current contours of the tumor.

“We are pleased to now offer this leading-edge form of radiation therapy to our patients,” said Minesh Mehta, M.D., Deputy Director and Chief of Radiation Oncology at Miami Cancer Institute. “The introduction of the MRIdian Linac and MR image-guided radiation therapy to South Florida is an exciting achievement as we continue to build one of the most comprehensive and sophisticated radiation oncology programs in the country.”

Unlike MRI systems used in diagnostic radiology, the MRIdian Linac’s high-definition MR was purpose-built to address specific challenges including beam distortion, skin toxicity, and other safety concerns, which may potentially occur when high magnetic fields interact with radiation beams. MR image-guided radiation therapy is particularly effective in precisely targeting tumors that move with respiratory motion, such as those located in the lung, liver and pancreas.

“As the second site nationwide to offer patients the MRIdian Linac, we have the opportunity to improve treatment accuracy, allowing higher radiation dose to be safely delivered to tumors while minimizing overtreatment of normal tissue,” said Michael Chuong, M.D., Radiation Oncologist at Miami Cancer Institute.

Miami Cancer Institute’s comprehensive radiation oncology program also includes TrueBeam Linear Accelerators, TomoTherapy, CyberKnife, Gamma Knife, pencil-beam scanning proton therapy, and multiple brachytherapy and radionuclide therapies. The Institute unveiled its state-of-the-art pencil-beam scanning Proton Therapy Center in March 2018 – the first cancer center in the area to offer this form of radiation treatment.

“We’re excited to partner with Miami Cancer Institute in bringing the MRIdian Linac to South Florida,” said Chris Raanes, President and CEO of ViewRay. “MR image-guided radiation therapy is the future of our industry and we’re thrilled to partner with a cancer center that mirrors our commitment to offering patients the very latest in treatment technology, delivery and performance.”

To learn more about MR image-guided radiation therapy at Miami Cancer Institute, please call 786.596.2000. For images and b-roll footage of the ViewRay MRIdian Linac system, please visit our Newsroom.

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About Miami Cancer Institute

Miami Cancer Institute is a destination cancer center known for its leading clinical care, compassionate patient experience, clinical research and state-of-the-art technology – including the first proton therapy center in South Florida, Latin America and the Caribbean, and the only radiation oncology program in the world with each of the latest radiation therapies in one place. The Institute offers a robust roster of prominent physicians established in the community, in addition to renowned cancer experts, clinical researchers and genomic scientists recruited from the nation’s top cancer centers. As Florida’s only member of the Memorial Sloan Kettering (MSK) Cancer Alliance, Miami Cancer Institute is part of a deep and functional collaboration that affords patients access to innovative treatments right here at home and ensures the standards of care developed by our multidisciplinary disease management teams match those at MSK. Heralded nationally as one of the new “hybrid” cancer centers of the future, Miami Cancer Institute represents the next generation of cancer centers in the country, combining well-established, high-quality community-based cancer care with the best of an academic cancer center – offering patients innovative clinical trials tied to research and genomics and the recruitment of disease-specific surgeons, medical oncologists and radiation oncologists who are experts in their fields. For more information, visit MiamiCancerInstitute.com.

Miami Cancer Institute part of Baptist Health South Florida, the largest healthcare organization in the region, with 10 hospitals (Baptist Hospital, Baptist Children’s Hospital, Bethesda Hospital East, Bethesda Hospital West, Doctors Hospital, Fishermen’s Community Hospital, Homestead Hospital, Mariners Hospital, South Miami Hospital and West Kendall Baptist Hospital), more than 40 physician practices, 50 outpatient and urgent care facilities, Baptist Health Medical Group, Baptist Health Quality Network and internationally renowned centers of excellence spanning across Monroe, Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties. A not-for-profit organization supported by philanthropy and committed to our faith-based charitable mission of medical excellence, Baptist Health has more than 19,500 employees and more than 3,000 affiliated physicians. Baptist Health South Florida 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 at facebook.com/BaptistHealthSF and on Twitter and Instagram @BaptistHealthSF.

BOYNTON BEACH, FL – Bethesda Hospital East has been granted AABB accreditation for Transfusion Services. Accreditation follows an intensive on-site assessment by specially trained AABB assessors and establishes that the level of technical and administrative performance within the facility meets or exceeds the standards set by AABB. By successfully meeting those requirements, Bethesda Hospital East joins similar facilities located throughout the United States and around the world that also have earned AABB Accreditation.

AABB’s Accreditation Program contributes to the quality and safety of collecting, processing, testing, distributing and administering blood and cellular therapy products. The Accreditation Program assesses the quality and operational systems in place within a facility. The basis for assessment is compliance with AABB standards, Code of Federal Regulations and other federal guidance documents.

AABB grants accreditation for:
• Donor Centers – Collection, Processing, Testing and Distribution
• Transfusion Services – Testing (Pretransfusion, Compatibility) and Blood Administration
• Cellular Therapy (Hematopoietic Progenitor Cells, Cord Blood, Somatic Cells)
• Immunohematology Reference Laboratories
• Perioperative Services
• Relationship/Parentage Testing
• Molecular Testing for Red Cell, Platelet, and Neutrophil Antigens

About AABB
Established in 1947, AABB (formerly known as the American Association of Blood Banks) is an international, not-for-profit association dedicated to the advancement of science and the practice of transfusion medicine and related biological therapies. The association is committed to improving health by developing and delivering standards, accreditation and educational programs and services to optimize patient and donor care and safety.

About Bethesda Hospital East
Bethesda Hospital East is part of Baptist Health South Florida, the largest healthcare organization in the region, with 10 hospitals (Baptist Hospital, Baptist Children’s Hospital, Bethesda Hospital East, Bethesda Hospital West, Doctors Hospital, Fishermen’s Community Hospital, Homestead Hospital, Mariners Hospital, South Miami Hospital and West Kendall Baptist Hospital), more than 40 physician practices, 50 outpatient and urgent care facilities, Baptist Health Medical Group, Baptist Health Quality Network and internationally renowned centers of excellence spanning across Monroe, Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties. A not-for-profit organization supported by philanthropy and committed to our faith-based charitable mission of medical excellence, Baptist Health has more than 19,500 employees and more than 3,000 affiliated physicians. Baptist Health South Florida 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, connect with us on Facebook at facebook.com/BaptistHealthSF, and on Twitter and Instagram @BaptistHealthSF.

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MIAMI, FL, May 3, 2018 – The Sugar Smart for Life program — a collaborative, technology-based diabetes prevention program by West Kendall Baptist Hospital and LifeWallet (LifeWallet.com) — has been named a “Promising Practice” by the prestigious Healthy Communities Institute, which provides a national database of more than 2,200 practices that improve community health and quality of life.

Along with the “Promising Practice” designation, the Sugar Smart for Life program is featured as a best practice on the Health Council of South Florida’s Miami Matters website, a dynamic site that provides health, environmental and other quality of life indicators for Miami-Dade County residents. According to the website, “… this technology-based intervention is well-received by patients at high risk for developing diabetes in terms of satisfaction, delivering appropriate health education and supporting and encouraging positive health behavior changes.”

Sugar Smart for Life is the first lifestyle intervention program launched from the Healthy Hub, a free, one-stop screening and referral-to-care kiosk located at West Kendall Baptist Hospital. Powered by the product suite at LifeWallet, a healthcare technology company at the forefront of diabetes prevention, the Healthy Hub generates a visitor’s health score from biometric information gathered by a nurse. Visitors who are at high-risk for diabetes are eligible to participate in the six-month Sugar Smart for Life program, which includes individual wellness plans that provide guidance on diet, exercise and glucose monitoring.

“Now more than ever, healthcare providers are challenged to find ways to help patients — and their entire community — get and stay healthy,” said Javier Hernandez-Lichtl, chief executive officer at West Kendall Baptist Hospital. “This program enables our team to scale health impacts from our programs across the West Kendall community.”

Norberto Menendez, founder of LifeWallet, said, “Being named a ‘Promising Practice’ highlights the role technology like ours can play in the fight against diabetes as well as other chronic diseases. The Sugar Smart for Life program shows that technology can foster the level of patient engagement needed to combat costly, chronic diseases and have a tremendous impact on health outcomes.”

In the initial Sugar Smart for Life program, participants between the ages of 25 and 77 recorded and monitored their progress by connecting digital wearables and Bluetooth-connected devices to LifeWallet’s popular HealthBook app. The app, says Evangelist Edwin Rivera of LifeWallet, is more than a simple data collection point; it is a motivational and engagement tool that gets people actively involved in their own healthcare and guides them through the steps necessary to accomplish their goals. The Healthy Hub team monitored participants using Engage, LifeWallet’s remote monitoring platform. The wearable’s connectivity proved popular with program participants, with more than half using the app daily. Of those who completed the program, more than 80 percent rated the app either four or five stars and 90 percent “agreed” or “strongly agreed” that the app is likely to increase their motivation to address prediabetes.

Michelle Mejia, assistant vice president of Health Promotion Strategic Partnerships at West Kendall Baptist Hospital, says Sugar Smart for Life goes beyond simply educating patients about the state of their health. “Sugar Smart for Life goes beyond simply educating patients about the state of their health,” she said. “We are empowering people to act on their health information using a combination approach of high touch and high tech. “By combining information, engagement and accountability, we are shaping a path for better health. It’s a powerful solution made possible through our partnership with LifeWallet.”

The 18 participants who completed the program walked a total of 6,313,843 steps, a daily average of 1,948 steps per person, and logged 284,960 total minutes of activity, a daily average of 88 minutes per person. The group’s average A1c dropped from 6.0 to 5.8, a 3.3 percent reduction. Using estimates from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, these improvements translate to an annual healthcare cost savings of $163,129, or $9,063 per participant.

“The drop in the group’s A1c is substantial,” said Rivera. “Getting people actively involved in their own healthcare is vital in the battle against type 2 diabetes, which costs Americans $322 billion dollars a year. Engagement combined with a great clinical partner like West Kendall Baptist Hospital are the keys to success.”

About West Kendall Baptist Hospital
West Kendall Baptist Hospital is part of Baptist Health South Florida, the largest healthcare organization in the region, with ten hospitals (Baptist Hospital, Baptist Children’s Hospital, Bethesda Hospital East, Bethesda Hospital West, Doctors Hospital, Fishermen’s Community Hospital, Homestead Hospital, Mariners Hospital, South Miami Hospital and West Kendall Baptist Hospital), more than 40 physician practices, 50 outpatient and urgent care facilities, Baptist Health Medical Group, Baptist Health Quality Network and internationally renowned centers of excellence spanning across Monroe, Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties. A not-for-profit organization supported by philanthropy and committed to our faith-based charitable mission of medical excellence, Baptist Health has approximately 18,500 employees and more than 3,000 affiliated physicians. Baptist Health South Florida 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 at facebook.com/BaptistHealthSF and on Twitter and Instagram @BaptistHealthSF.

About LifeWallet
LifeWallet, which is transforming the healthcare delivery model by connecting patients and care providers to assess and manage chronic conditions, is one of the country’s leading healthcare technology companies. Comprised of a dedicated and experienced team of software developers, including several former Apple developers, LifeWallet’s user-friendly apps and platform empower people and communities to gain control of their health by integrating wearables, apps and medical devices with wellness plans with remote monitoring.

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MARATHON, FL – April 25, 2018 – Fishermen’s Community Hospital announced today the conceptual vision for a $40 million building to replace its medical facility in Marathon that was devastated last year by Hurricane Irma.

The new one-story structure will be built to withstand hurricanes and designed to meet the medical needs of the community within a 35-mile radius, the distance to the nearest hospital in the Florida Keys.

“We are excited to announce our dream for reconstructing Fishermen’s Community Hospital into a sophisticated medical center that will provide all the customary services that residents and tourists expect,” said Rick Freeburg, CEO of Fishermen’s Community Hospital and Mariners Hospital.

“We sincerely hope the conceptual rendering will light the imagination of the public and help us reach our goal of raising $15 million in private philanthropy toward the total cost,” Freeburg added. “We’re committed to delivering high quality healthcare to the community, but as a not-for-profit organization, we can’t do it alone.”

The new hospital will be sized to fit the community and will provide round-the-clock emergency care in addition to inpatient care, surgery services, endoscopy, lab and pharmacy. A helipad will be constructed to enable emergency transport.

Fishermen’s, which was first built in 1962, received severe water damage from Hurricane Irma when it struck Sept. 10 in the Florida Keys. Medical personnel immediately began working out of a mobile field hospital, which will soon be an interim modular hospital.

Individuals interested in making a difference through the “Our Community, Your Hospital” campaign are encouraged to contact Wendy Reilly Gentes, [email protected], or Kim E. Gregory, [email protected], or call the Baptist Health Foundation offices at 786-467-5400.

About Fishermen’s Community Hospital
Fishermen’s Community Hospital is part of Baptist Health South Florida, the largest healthcare organization in the region, with 10 hospitals (Baptist Hospital, Baptist Children’s Hospital, Bethesda Hospital East, Bethesda Hospital West, Doctors Hospital, Fishermen’s Community Hospital, Homestead Hospital, Mariners Hospital, South Miami Hospital and West Kendall Baptist Hospital), more than 40 physician practices, 50 outpatient and urgent care facilities, Baptist Health Medical Group, Baptist Health Quality Network and internationally renowned centers of excellence spanning across Monroe, Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties. A not-for-profit organization supported by philanthropy and committed to our faith-based charitable mission of medical excellence, Baptist Health has more than 19,500 employees and more than 3,000 affiliated physicians. Baptist Health South Florida 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 at facebook.com/BaptistHealthSF and on Twitter and Instagram @BaptistHealthSF.

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MIAMI, FL – April 19, 2018 — Miami Cardiac & Vascular Institute, part of Baptist Health South Florida and the region’s largest and most comprehensive cardiovascular facility, announces its integration with South Florida’s premier cardiology group, HeartWell, LLC. The strategic alignment includes the addition of 24 physicians to the Institute’s team of cardiovascular specialists and six practice sites to its portfolio of locations.

“The integration of Miami Cardiac & Vascular Institute and HeartWell accelerates the strategic development of the Institute’s clinical services,” said Jack A. Ziffer, Ph.D., M.D., executive vice president and chief clinical officer of Baptist Health South Florida. “It brings together the best and brightest minds in medicine and science to provide our patients with the most comprehensive cardiovascular care.”

Continuing the tradition of excellence established when renowned interventional radiologist Barry T. Katzen, M.D., founded Miami Cardiac & Vascular Institute in 1987, the newly expanded physician group offers innovative diagnostic and treatment approaches to effectively manage cardiovascular disease and conducts advanced clinical research to discover new therapies. The Institute’s highly skilled physicians trained at some of the country’s finest facilities and pioneered many of today’s newest technologies and techniques, including minimally invasive options.

“This integration further strengthens the Institute’s leadership position in the delivery of cardiovascular care,” said Jonathan Fialkow, M.D., FACC, FAHA, chief population health officer of Baptist Health South Florida, executive medical director of Baptist Health Quality Network, and founding managing partner of HeartWell, LLC. “Our continued focus on excellence and innovation will lead to outstanding outcomes and exceptional experiences for our patients.”

Dr. Katzen, founder and chief medical executive of Miami Cardiac & Vascular Institute, added, “We are pleased to welcome HeartWell’s highly skilled physicians to the Institute’s team. We have had a long-standing relationship with these exceptional physicians, who share our commitment to delivering high-quality, evidence-based and high-value care.”

Among the many services and specialties offered at the Institute’s locations, including the newly integrated HeartWell offices, located primarily in Kendall and Coral Gables, are state-of-the-art cardiovascular diagnostic services, arrhythmia management, coronary disease management, heart failure prevention and treatment, cardiac catheterization, interventional cardiology, implantation of pacemakers and defibrillators, cardiac rehabilitation, smoking cessation strategies and lifestyle counseling.

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 has pioneered the development of minimally invasive techniques used to treat aneurysms, blockages in veins and arteries and holes in the heart.

Miami Cardiac & Vascular Institute is part of Baptist Health South Florida, the largest healthcare organization in the region, with ten hospitals (Baptist Hospital, Baptist Children’s Hospital, Bethesda Hospital East, Bethesda Hospital West, Doctors Hospital, Fishermen’s Community Hospital, Homestead Hospital, Mariners Hospital, South Miami Hospital and West Kendall Baptist Hospital), more than 40 physician practices, 50 outpatient and urgent care facilities, Baptist Health Medical Group, Baptist Health Quality Network and internationally renowned centers of excellence spanning across Monroe, Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties. A not-for-profit organization supported by philanthropy and committed to our faith-based charitable mission of medical excellence, Baptist Health has approximately 18,500 employees and more than 3,000 affiliated physicians. Baptist Health South Florida 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 at facebook.com/BaptistHealthSF and on Twitter and Instagram @BaptistHealthSF.

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MIAMI, FLA. (April 11, 2018) — Miami Cancer Institute at Baptist Health South Florida, the state’s only member of the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Alliance, welcomes medical oncologist  Lauren Carcas, M.D., to its multidisciplinary team of breast cancer specialists. Dr. Carcas is a triple Board-certified specialist in medical oncology, hematology and internal medicine. She specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer, and has extensive experience in conducting clinical trials for breast cancer treatment.

Dr. Carcas received her medical degree from the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine and completed a residency in internal medicine at Jackson Memorial Hospital/University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, where she served as chief resident. Her post-doctoral training included a fellowship in hematology-oncology at Jackson Memorial Hospital/University of Miami Miller School of Medicine.

“As a breast medical oncologist, Dr. Carcas has the important role of serving as the patient’s primary cancer care specialist,” said Michael J. Zinner, M.D., founding CEO and executive medical director of Miami Cancer Institute. “She monitors a patient’s progress, provides supportive care and coordinates treatment provided by other specialists. Our patients will benefit greatly from Dr. Carcas’ compassion and extensive training and experience in breast medical oncology.”

Dr. Carcas comes to Miami Cancer Institute from Florida Cancer Care, located in Plantation, Fla. She has conducted numerous clinical trials, most notably in breast cancer, to improve care and outcomes for cancer patients. She has published her clinical results in medical journals and has presented at numerous symposiums. She is a member of several professional societies, including the American Society of Clinical Oncology, the American Society of Hematology and the American College of Physicians.

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About Miami Cancer Institute

Miami Cancer Institute is a destination cancer center known for its leading clinical care, compassionate patient experience, clinical research and state-of-the-art technology – including the first proton therapy center in South Florida, Latin America and the Caribbean, and the only radiation oncology program in the world with each of the latest radiation therapies in one place. The Institute offers robust roster of prominent physicians established in the community, in addition to renowned cancer experts, clinical researchers and genomic scientists recruited from the nation’s top cancer centers. As Florida’s only member of the Memorial Sloan Kettering (MSK) Cancer Alliance, Miami Cancer Institute is part of a deep and functional collaboration that affords patients access to innovative treatments right here at home and ensures the standards of care developed by our multidisciplinary disease management teams match those at MSK. Heralded nationally as one of the new “hybrid” cancer centers of the future, Miami Cancer Institute combines well-established, high-quality community-based cancer care with the best of an academic cancer center – subspecialty-trained surgeons, radiation oncologists and medical oncologists who are national experts and innovators in their fields. For more information, visit MiamiCancerInstitute.com.

Miami Cancer Institute part of Baptist Health South Florida, the largest healthcare organization in the region, with 10 hospitals (Baptist Hospital, Baptist Children’s Hospital, Bethesda Hospital East, Bethesda Hospital West, Doctors Hospital, Fishermen’s Community Hospital, Homestead Hospital, Mariners Hospital, South Miami Hospital and West Kendall Baptist Hospital), more than 40 physician practices, 50 outpatient and urgent care facilities, Baptist Health Medical Group, Baptist Health Quality Network and internationally renowned centers of excellence spanning across Monroe, Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties. A not-for-profit organization supported by philanthropy and committed to our faith-based charitable mission of medical excellence, Baptist Health has more than 19,500 employees and more than 3,000 affiliated physicians. Baptist Health South Florida 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 at facebook.com/BaptistHealthSF and on Twitter and Instagram @BaptistHealthSF.

CHICAGO and MIAMI – April 10, 2018 – Navigant (NYSE: NCI) and Baptist Health South Florida today announced the signing of an operating agreement to create a new joint venture entity to provide revenue cycle management (RCM) services to healthcare provider organizations. The joint venture will initially manage the revenue cycle operations of Baptist Health South Florida, but plans to expand in the future.

“We are committed to improving the patient experience and developing more consumer-friendly systems,” said Brian E. Keeley, president and CEO of Baptist Health South Florida. “We selected Navigant, and its subsidiary Navigant Cymetrix, to partner with us because they bring deep industry knowledge, scale, and expertise in process and technology, such as machine learning and artificial intelligence, which will enable us to achieve efficiencies and create a more seamless experience for our patients. Baptist Health has remained fiscally sound, mission-driven, and an innovative leader as we continue to transform the way we deliver care. We believe this new organization will also provide opportunities for team members to grow in their careers and will bring new jobs to our local community.”

Julie Howard, chairman and CEO of Navigant, commented, “As healthcare providers transition to a value-based payment system, there is a critical need for innovative solutions. Our move to create a new commercial entity with Baptist Health South Florida is a perfect example of our deep commitment to partnering with our clients, and to identifying unique pathways to add value. By relying on the services provided by this new venture, health systems will have the ability to direct their focus where it is needed most, on their patients and the health of their communities.”

The new company will combine Baptist Health South Florida’s highly skilled staff and Navigant’s industry-leading RCM expertise, innovative processes and technology tools. The new entity is expected to be operational in summer 2018. Further details regarding the joint venture will be provided at a later date as the transition to the new company progresses.

“With the challenges and changes happening across healthcare, Baptist Health South Florida is focused on remaining financially strong and continuously exploring innovative partnerships,” said Ralph Lawson, executive vice president and chief financial officer of Baptist Health South Florida.

“We look forward to the opportunities this joint venture will afford both of our organizations,” said Dave Zito, managing director and Navigant’s Healthcare segment leader. “The new company will be committed to driving performance improvement as measured by key performance indicators in the categories of revenue, cash flow, and cost of collection.”

Navigant has extensive experience in management of comprehensive revenue cycle solutions.
Navigant Cymetrix manages the revenue cycle for hospitals and physicians of other organizations across the country, and is recognized with industry accolades for its services and solutions. The company has received five Best in KLAS awards since 2012, including being named as a top revenue cycle provider in 2017 and 2018.

About Baptist Health South Florida
Baptist Health South Florida is the largest healthcare organization in the region, with 10 hospitals (Baptist Hospital, Baptist Children’s Hospital, Bethesda Hospital East, Bethesda Hospital West, Doctors Hospital, Fishermen’s Community Hospital, Homestead Hospital, Mariners Hospital, South Miami Hospital and West Kendall Baptist Hospital), more than 40 physician practices, 50 outpatient and urgent care facilities, Baptist Health Medical Group, Baptist Health Quality Network and internationally renowned centers of excellence spanning across Monroe, Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties. A not-for-profit organization supported by philanthropy and committed to our faith-based charitable mission of medical excellence, Baptist Health has more than 19,500 employees and more than 3,000 affiliated physicians. Baptist Health South Florida 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 at facebook.com/BaptistHealthSF and on Twitter and Instagram @BaptistHealthSF.

About Navigant
Navigant Consulting, Inc. (NYSE: NCI) is a specialized, global professional services firm that helps clients take control of their future. Navigant’s professionals apply deep industry knowledge, substantive technical expertise, and an enterprising approach to help clients build, manage, and/or protect their business interests. With a focus on markets and clients facing transformational change and significant regulatory or legal pressures, the firm primarily serves clients in the healthcare, energy, and financial services industries. Across a range of advisory, consulting, outsourcing, and technology/analytics services, Navigant’s practitioners bring sharp insight that pinpoints opportunities and delivers powerful results. More information about Navigant can be found at navigant.com.

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MIAMI, FLA. (March 27, 2018) — Miami Cancer Institute at Baptist Health South Florida, the  state’s only member of the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Alliance, has announced that  Geoffrey Young, M.D., Ph.D., will serve as chief of the division of Head and Neck Cancer Surgery. Dr. Young specializes in the surgical treatment of cancers affecting the head and neck region, including melanomas of the skin occurring above the clavicles. He has special expertise and experience in trans oral robotic surgery and trans oral laser microsurgery — the advanced procedure that utilizes a robotic surgical system that leads to fewer complications and quicker recoveries for his patients. With the Institute’s multidisciplinary care paradigm, Dr. Young will collaborate with other clinical experts in head and neck cancer to provide patients with comprehensive, individualized treatment.

Dr. Young received his medical degree from the University of Alabama School of Medicine in Birmingham, Ala., and a Doctor of Philosophy degree in molecular and cellular pathology from the University of Alabama. He completed a residency in general surgery at Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey in New Brunswick, N.J. His post-doctoral training included a fellowship in head and neck surgery at The Johns Hopkins Hospital, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine in Baltimore, Md. Dr. Young comes to Miami Cancer Institute from Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Fla., where he served as assistant professor of otolaryngology at Mayo Clinic School of Medicine.

“Dr. Young brings specialized expertise in the treatment of head and neck cancers and is well prepared to lead the development of clinical and research initiatives that seek to improve treatment options and patient outcomes,” said Michael J. Zinner, M.D., founding CEO and executive medical director of Miami Cancer Institute. “Our patients will benefit from his skills and experience in the treatment of head and neck cancers, as these tumors are some of the rarest in the United States and many doctors have little to no experience treating these difficult cancers.”

Dr. Young’s research efforts focus on cancer immunology and molecular biology to further the understanding of disease processes and improve methods for diagnosis, prevention and treatment of disease. He has presented his clinical findings at numerous national and international scientific conferences. He serves on the editorial review Board of The Scientific Pages of Head and Neck Surgery and as a trainer for the Academy of Communication in Healthcare. He is a member of several professional medical organizations, including the American College of Surgeons, the American Head and Neck Society and the American Thyroid Association.

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About Miami Cancer Institute

Miami Cancer Institute is a destination cancer center known for its leading clinical care, compassionate patient experience, clinical research and state-of-the-art technology – including the first proton therapy center in South Florida, Latin America and the Caribbean, and the only radiation oncology program in the world with each of the latest radiation therapies in one place. The Institute offers robust roster of prominent physicians established in the community, in addition to renowned cancer experts, clinical researchers and genomic scientists recruited from the nation’s top cancer centers. As Florida’s only member of the Memorial Sloan Kettering (MSK) Cancer Alliance, Miami Cancer Institute is part of a deep and functional collaboration that affords patients access to innovative treatments right here at home and ensures the standards of care developed by our multidisciplinary disease management teams match those at MSK. Heralded nationally as one of the new “hybrid” cancer centers of the future, Miami Cancer Institute combines well-established, high-quality community-based cancer care with the best of an academic cancer center – subspecialty-trained surgeons, radiation oncologists and medical oncologists who are national experts and innovators in their fields. For more information, visit MiamiCancerInstitute.com.

Miami Cancer Institute, part of Baptist Health South Florida, the largest healthcare organization in the region, with 10 hospitals (Baptist Hospital, Baptist Children’s Hospital, Bethesda Hospital East, Bethesda Hospital West, Doctors Hospital, Fishermen’s Community Hospital, Homestead Hospital, Mariners Hospital, South Miami Hospital and West Kendall Baptist Hospital), more than 40 physician practices, 50 outpatient and urgent care facilities, Baptist Health Medical Group, Baptist Health Quality Network and internationally renowned centers of excellence spanning across Monroe, Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties. A not-for-profit organization supported by philanthropy and committed to our faith-based charitable mission of medical excellence, Baptist Health has more than 19,500 employees and more than 3,000 affiliated physicians. Baptist Health South Florida 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 at facebook.com/BaptistHealthSF and on Twitter and Instagram @BaptistHealthSF.