SOUTH MIAMI – Feb. 1, 2018 – Jorge E. Perez, M.D., has been elected president of the medical staff at South Miami Hospital, part of Baptist Health South Florida, and Tracey C. Patricoff, M.D., has been elected vice president.

“These are two extraordinary medical practitioners who will continue a legacy of great leadership in our South Miami Hospital community. Their experience and vision are ideal for this important role within our medical staff,” said Lincoln Mendez, chief executive officer of South Miami Hospital.

Dr. Perez is medical director of South Miami Hospital’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and Neonatal Transport Team. He also serves as chairman of the hospital’s Center for Women & Infants. Dr. Perez, who is board certified in neonatology and pediatric medicine by the American Board of Pediatrics, has been working, teaching and volunteering in the field of neonatology for more than 23 years. He holds many hospital affiliations and practices as a member of Kidz Medical Services of Coral Gables.

He completed his residency in pediatrics at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago followed by a fellowship in neonatology-perinatology at Tampa General Hospital at the University of South Florida College of Medicine. Dr. Perez earned his Doctor of Medicine degree at the Universidad Central Del Este San Pedro de Macoris in the Dominican Republic.

Dr. Patricoff is the co-medical director of South Miami Hospital’s Emergency Department since 2010. She has worked in the field of emergency medicine in the South Florida area for more than 28 years, with 20 of those years at South Miami Hospital. In addition, she serves as a member of National Disaster Medical System’s Trauma and Critical Care Team South. Dr. Patricoff is board certified in internal medicine through the American Board of Internal Medicine. She is a member of the American College of Emergency Physicians and an assistant clinical professor at Florida International University’s Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine.

With a medical degree from the University of South Florida College of Medicine, Dr. Patricoff performed her residency in internal medicine at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine in affiliation with Jackson Memorial Hospital.

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.

# # #

Baptist Health was ranked #25 overall on the list and #1 in the diversity category

MIAMI, FL – February 15, 2018 – Baptist Health South Florida was ranked #25 on the list of 2018 Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For, according to global research and consulting firm Great Place to Work® and Fortune. The organization was listed #1 in diversity overall, #2 of 5 companies in the state of Florida and #3 of 11 healthcare organizations on the list.

This is the 18^th time Baptist Health has been recognized on the list, which is based on survey responses from more than 310,000 employees rating their workplace culture on 50-plus elements of the workplace. These include trust in managers, compensation, fairness, camaraderie and workplace traits linked to innovation.

This year marks the 21^st anniversary of the Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For list, and 2018 winners continue to show that a high-trust culture for all fuels better business results. Great Place to Work research shows that list winners keep outperforming the stock market, beating industry rivals when it comes to talent retention and demonstrating higher levels of productivity than peers.

“We are very proud of the great workplace we have built and continually nurture, the same way we care for the patients and families in the communities we serve,” said Brian E. Keeley, president and CEO of Baptist Health South Florida. “Our employees are expected to uphold the highest standards of clinical and service excellence, and we support them personally and professionally by fostering a culture of respect, compassion, inclusion as we work together to fulfill our mission.”

Baptist Health employees have many work/life benefits, which 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 2018 100 Best are true leaders,” said Michael C. Bush, CEO of Great Place to Work. “In the face of competition, change, and financial constraints, they consistently prioritize building the trust, pride, and camaraderie that fuels business performance. And they’re doing it at scale for everyone, regardless of who they are or what they do for the organization.”

The 100 Best Companies 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 also recognized as one of the 50 Best Workplaces for Giving Back 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 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 FORTUNE 100 Best Companies To Work For®

Great Place to Work based its ranking on a data-driven methodology applied to anonymous Trust Index™ survey responses from more than 310,000 employees at Great Place to Work-Certified organizations with more than 1,000 employees. 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 high-trust, high-performance workplace cultures. Through its certification programs, Great Place to Work recognizes outstanding workplace cultures and produces the annual Fortune “100 Best Companies to Work For®” and Great Place to Work Best Workplaces lists for Millennials, Women, Diversity, Small & Medium Companies, industries and, internationally, countries and regions. Through its culture consulting services, Great Place to Work helps clients create great workplaces that outpace peers on key business metrics like revenue growth, profitability, retention and stock performance. Learn more at Greatplacetowork.com and on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

# # #

MIAMI, FL – February 12, 2018 — Cardiologist Luis Augsten, M.D., FACC, has joined Baptist Health Medical Group, an organization of more than 180 physicians in multiple specialties integrated within Baptist Health South Florida. Dr. Augsten completed a one-year residency in family medicine, three years of residency in internal medicine, and a fellowship in cardiology during his six years of postdoctoral training at Christ Hospital in Oak Lawn, III. Dr. Augsten specializes in non-invasive cardiology with emphasis on echocardiography. He will see patients at 11400 Overseas Highway, Suite 106, in Marathon, Fla. He is affiliated with Baptist Hospital, Fishermen’s Community Hospital, Mariners Hospital and South Miami Hospital.

“Dr. Augsten brings more than 35 years of experience in cardiology and 10 years of experience treating patients in the Florida Keys,” said Bernie Fernandez Jr., M.D., CEO of Baptist Health Medical Group. “We are pleased to welcome him to our multidisciplinary team and look forward to collaborating with him to meet the community’s healthcare needs in this important specialty.”

Dr. Augsten is Board certified in internal medicine and cardiovascular disease. He received his medical degree from Universidad de Valencia, Facultad De Medicina, in Valencia, Spain. Following medical school, he completed a one-year rotating internship at West Suburban Hospital in Oak Park, Ill.

Dr. Augsten is a Fellow of the American College of Cardiology and serves on the Executive Committee at Fishermen’s Community Hospital.

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.

# # #

Recognition honors those who operate with purpose and incorporate integrity into their ecosystems

MIAMI, FL – February 12, 2018 – Baptist Health South Florida has been recognized by the Ethisphere Institute, a global leader in defining and advancing the standards of ethical business practices, as one of the 2018 World’s Most Ethical Companies.

Baptist Health has been recognized for eight years in a row and is one of seven honorees in the Non-Profit Healthcare Providers category, underscoring its commitment to leading with integrity and prioritizing ethical business practices.

In 2018, 135 honorees were recognized, spanning 23 countries and 57 industries. The twelfth class of honorees had record levels of involvement with their stakeholders and their communities around the world. Measuring and improving culture, leading authentically and committing to transparency, diversity and inclusion were all priorities for honorees.

“Ethics and integrity are fundamental components of our culture and critical to our success as an organization, an employer, and a trusted healthcare provider,” said Brian E. Keeley, president and chief executive officer of Baptist Health. “It is a great honor to be recognized for the collective work of our governing boards, physicians and employees in upholding our highest ethical standards year after year.”

“While the discourse around the world changed profoundly in 2017, a stronger voice emerged. Global corporations operating with a common rule of law are now society’s strongest force to improve the human condition. This year we saw companies increasingly finding their voice. The World’s Most Ethical Companies in particular continued to show exemplary leadership,” explained Ethisphere’s CEO, Timothy Erblich. “I congratulate everyone at Baptist Health South Florida for being recognized as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies.”

Ethics & Performance
Once again, the 2018 World’s Most Ethical Companies have proven that operating with integrity leads to greater financial performance. Research has found that, when indexed, listed World’s Most Ethical Companies outperformed the U.S. Large Cap Index over five years by 10.72 percent and over three years by 4.88 percent. Ethisphere refers to this as the Ethics Premium.

Methodology & Scoring
The World’s Most Ethical Companies assessment is based upon the Ethisphere Institute’s Ethics Quotient® (EQ) framework, which offers a quantitative way to assess a company’s performance in an objective, consistent and standardized manner. The information collected provides a comprehensive sampling of definitive criteria of core competencies rather than all aspects of corporate governance, risk, sustainability, compliance and ethics.

Scores are generated in five key categories: ethics and compliance program (35 percent), corporate citizenship and responsibility (20 percent), culture of ethics (20 percent), governance (15 percent) and leadership, innovation and reputation (10 percent). All companies that participate in the assessment process receive their scores, providing them with valuable insights into how they stack up against leading organizations.

Honorees
The full list of the 2018 World’s Most Ethical Companies can be found at https://worldsmostethicalcompanies.com/honorees

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 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.

# # #

Program is the first in Florida, one of 27 in the U.S., and one of 30 in the world to achieve this accreditation

MIAMI, FL – February 9, 2018 – The Baptist Health Neuroscience Intraoperative Monitoring (IOM) Department received accreditation from the Neurophysiologic Intraoperative Monitoring Laboratory Accreditation Board (LAB-NIOM) of ABRET. The accreditation recognizes the high standards and excellent results of Baptist Health’s IOM team which provides support and feedback to surgeons aimed at preserving nerve function during complex and prolonged surgeries.

The IOM Department is the first program in Florida, one of 27 in the U.S., and one of 30 in the world to receive this accreditation. “We are very proud to be recognized as the only one in Florida,” says Kunal Patel, MS, CNIM, IOM Supervisor, Baptist Health Neuroscience Center. “A close working relationship between the IOM team, the anesthesiologist and the surgeons is key to the success of the program.”

IOM is an integral part of many surgical procedures and is utilized to help minimize neurological damage during surgery. The use of monitoring helps detect intraoperative injuries to prevent significant postoperative impairments.

“Being accredited shows compliance with the well respected ABRET program and validates the integrity of Baptist Health’s program,” says Mr. Patel. “Receiving the accreditation ensures that policies and procedures are in place and meet the standards of care which provides a source of comfort to our patients and surgeons.”

ABRET, has a 50-year history of credentialing technologists and evaluating competency. The organization promotes quality technical and clinical standards world-wide and recognizes through a peer review process, Neurophysiologic Intraoperative Monitoring (NOIM) Laboratories that comply with established standards and guidelines; have policies and procedures in place that meet its standards of care; and support professionalism and quality patient care.

About Baptist Health Neuroscience Center
Baptist Health Neuroscience Center, a Baptist Health Center of Excellence, 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.

Baptist Health Neuroscience Center 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

# # #

MIAMI – Feb 9, 2018 – Baptist Health South Florida and the New World Symphony, America’s Orchestral Academy (NWS), have entered into a dynamic partnership.

In today’s digital world, patient relationships and methods of audience engagement are being redefined. Baptist Health South Florida and the New World Symphony are at the cutting edge of this revolution. The two institutions have formed a partnership with a goal of serving the South Florida community in new and inventive ways, focusing on the intersections of wellness and music.

Baptist Health’s Miami Cancer Institute is a Platinum Sponsor of NWS’s 30th Anniversary Gala on February 10. Chaired by Sarah Arison and her husband Thomas Wilhelm, the Gala celebrates achievements in music education, community and audience engagement, and artistic excellence.

NWS Fellows will be performing for patients and families at Baptist facilities throughout the community. In the Fall, NWS and Baptist Health will stage a Day of Wellness at the New World Center. Eighteen NWS Fellows were also sponsored by Baptist to run in the recent Fitbit Miami Marathon, and a group of Fellows provided musical motivation for 25,000 runners as they passed by SoundScape Park in front of New World Center. More events to benefit the community will be announced in the coming months.

“We are excited to be supporting the New World Symphony and for its Fellows to participate in our programs and events. After all, as they say, music is good for your health,” said Joe Natoli, executive vice president and chief administrative officer of Baptist Health South Florida.

New World Symphony chairman Edward Manno Shumsky said, “Our partnership with Baptist Health is powerful as we are both in the business of community building, world class innovation, and extraordinary leadership and training. Together we are making Miami a better place.”

Baptist Health South Florida
Baptist Health South Florida is 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.

New World Symphony
The New World Symphony, America’s Orchestral Academy (NWS), prepares graduates of music programs for leadership roles in professional orchestras and ensembles. In the 30 years since its co-founding by Artistic Director Michael Tilson Thomas and Lin and Ted Arison, NWS has helped launch the careers of more than 1,050 alumni worldwide.

A laboratory for the way music is taught, presented and experienced, the New World Symphony consists of 87 young musicians who are granted fellowships lasting up to three years. The fellowship program offers in-depth exposure to traditional and modern repertoire, professional development training and personalized experiences working with leading guest conductors, soloists and visiting faculty. NWS Fellows take advantage of the innovative performance facilities and state-of-the art practice and ensemble rooms of the Frank Gehry-designed New World Center, the campus of the New World Symphony, and home of the Knight New Media Center.

# # #

MIAMI, FL – February 8, 2018 – Physiatrist Adrian Cristian, M.D., MHCM, has joined Miami Cancer Institute at Baptist Health South Florida, the region’s premier cancer treatment and research destination and the state’s only member of the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Alliance. With more than 20 years of experience in the field, Dr. Cristian is double Board-certified in pain medicine and physical medicine and rehabilitation. He specializes in patient rehabilitation following cancer, stroke, traumatic brain injury and concussion, enhancing and restoring the functional ability of patients with physical impairments or disabilities affecting the brain, spinal cord, nerves, bones, joints, ligaments, muscles and tendons.

Dr. Cristian earned his medical degree at Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York, N.Y. He completed an internship in internal medicine at Long Island Jewish Medical Center in Queens, N.Y., and a three-year residency in rehabilitation medicine at Mount Sinai School of Medicine, where he served as chief resident. He also earned a master’s degree in health care management at Harvard University School of Public Health in Boston, Mass., and received extensive training in acupuncture.

“Dr. Cristian’s knowledge of the musculoskeletal system and his extensive training and experience allow him to focus on the effects that cancer has on nerves, muscles, bones, joints and the brain,” said Michael J. Zinner, M.D., founding CEO and executive medical director of Miami Cancer Institute. “His addition to the multidisciplinary team of specialists in the Institute’s Patient Support Center demonstrates our commitment to providing patients with comprehensive cancer care that addresses symptom management and recovery.”

Prior to joining Miami Cancer Institute, Dr. Cristian was chair of physical medicine and rehabilitation at Northwell Health’s Glen Cove Hospital in Glen Cove, N.Y. Dr. Cristian currently serves as associate professor of rehabilitation medicine at Hofstra Northwell School of Medicine in Hempstead, N.Y. He is widely published in numerous medical books and journals and is an invited guest lecturer at scientific conferences. He has received several awards for clinical excellence and teaching.

About Miami Cancer Institute
Baptist Health South Florida is developing Miami Cancer Institute into a destination cancer center known for its leading clinical care, compassionate patient experience, advanced clinical research and state-of-the-art technology – including the first proton therapy center in South Florida, Latin America and the Caribbean. To accelerate its mission of hope, caring and innovation, Miami Cancer Institute has joined the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Alliance, a meaningful partnership that affords patients with cancer access to potential breakthrough therapies in South Florida. For more information, visit MiamiCancerInstitute.com.

Miami Cancer 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.

# # #

$40 million investment includes goal of $15 million in philanthropic support

Coral Gables, Fla. – February 5, 2018 – Baptist Health South Florida – the region’s largest not-for-profit healthcare organization – has announced plans to design and build an entirely new Fishermen’s Community Hospital in Marathon. Construction of the $40 million facility is anticipated to begin during the first half of 2019, with a goal of raising $15 million of that total through philanthropy.

“This plan reflects our vision for improving and investing in the health of our communities with an emphasis on compassion,” said Baptist Health South Florida President and CEO Brian E. Keeley. “We look forward to continuing to implement that vision as we construct a new, state-of-the-art facility to serve the Middle Keys community.”

Fishermen’s Community Hospital, which was initially built in 1959, joined the Baptist Health family in July 2017 as an all-purpose, critical access hospital offering a 24/7 emergency room, inpatient and outpatient surgery, diagnostic imaging, lab testing, and physical and occupational therapy. But the hospital has been closed since September 10, when Hurricane Irma devastated the surrounding community.

To ensure the Middle Keys community had access to care in the wake of the storm, Baptist Health opened a field hospital on the Fishermen’s Community Hospital grounds. Considering it a temporary solution to the community’s longer-term needs, Baptist Health confirmed it would make a $3 million investment to replace the field hospital with a custom-designed modular hospital in the same location, with expanded capabilities and staffing that will remain in place until the entirely new facility opens.

To support the major initiative, Baptist Health Foundation – the fundraising division of Baptist Health South Florida – will launch the “Our Community, Your Hospital” campaign to achieve the philanthropic goal for Fishermen’s.

“As a not-for-profit organization, we need philanthropic support to bring this ambitious project to fruition,” said Fishermen’s Community Hospital and Mariners Hospital CEO, Rick Freeburg. “Baptist Health has incurred substantial losses due to the closure of Fishermen’s and the maintenance of a costly 24/7 field hospital. We are committed to providing high-quality healthcare to the Middle Keys community and are pleased to make significant investments in order to do so, but we can’t do it alone.”

“Baptist Health and its physicians, staff and volunteers need community support to make this happen,” said Fishermen’s Community Hospital Board Chair, Jay Hershoff, Esq. “Through the generosity of the community and that of Baptist Health, the dedicated staff at Fishermen’s can continue to provide the high-quality, compassionate care that they have delivered for the last six decades.”

Individuals interested in making a difference through the “Our Community, Your Hospital” campaign are encouraged to contact Wendy Reilly Gentes, [email protected], 305-522-0411, or Kim E. Gregory, [email protected], 305-393-5720.

About Baptist Health South Florida
Baptist Health South Florida is 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.

# # #

MIAMI, FL – Jan. 31, 2018 – Minor illnesses and injuries are being treated at the new Baptist Health Express Care at 15721 SW 152nd St. in the Corsica Shopping Center just a flu season is upon us.

The walk-in clinic is open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. – no appointment is necessary. Prices of services are provided before treatment. Care is provided by registered nurse practitioners, physician assistants and a team of clinical support staff well qualified to treat most minor illnesses and injuries.

“Our team of medical professionals in Country Walk provides top-quality care for general symptoms and minor injuries. We welcome all to walk in for a quick diagnosis and walk out in many cases with medication in hand,” said Patricia Rosello, CEO, Baptist Outpatient Services.

Reasons to visit:
– Common cold and flu
– Fever
– Earache
– Sore throat
– Simple strains and sprains
– Minor cuts and wounds
– Non-severe asthma attacks
– Painful or burning urination
– Rashes and minor allergic reactions

When experiencing chest pain or a possible heart attack, severe injury or another life-threatening problem, call 911 or head to the nearest hospital emergency room.

“We know our consumers want quick, compassionate, convenient and affordable healthcare and we are confident that our new Express Care in Country Walk will deliver on all fronts,” said Luis Bellmas, vice president, Baptist Outpatient Services.

Baptist Health has plans to open additional Express Care locations in the near future in Miami-Dade and Broward counties.

About Baptist Health South Florida
Baptist Health South Florida is 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.

# # #

MIAMI, FL – Jan. 26, 2018 – Baptist Health South Florida congratulates Nelson Lazo, chief executive officer of Doctors Hospital, for being identified as a 2018 South Florida Power Leader.

Lazo, who also serves as chairman of the Miami-Dade Beacon Council, joins the South Florida Business Journal’s “roster of the region’s top business leaders who are shaping our biggest industries.”

“These Power Leaders not only steered their companies to prosperity, but they’ve helped the region thrive,” reported the South Florida Business Journal. Lazo is among the 57 new additions to the 157-name list.

Lazo told the South Florida Business Journal that the success of his career has been drawn from “hard work, perseverance and great mentors.” When asked what defined him as a leader, he responded, “I strive to be a good listener who’s also fair, collaborative and inclusive.”

As CEO at Doctors Hospital, he is responsible for the administrative and operational management of the 281-bed, acute-care hospital and more than 1,000 employees. In addition, he oversees the Miami Orthopedics & Sports Medicine Institute, a Baptist Health Center of Excellence that provides world-class orthopedics and sports medicine care at eight locations.

Lazo and his wife, Olga, live in Coral Gables. They are the parents of two grown children and have one grandson. He is an avid sportsman, enjoying activities such as fishing, boating and tennis.