Amir Mahajer, D.O., Joins Baptist Health Medical Group and Baptist Health Center for Spine Care

MIAMI, FL – January 24, 2017 — Physical medicine and rehabilitation physician Amir Mahajer, D.O., has joined Baptist Health Medical Group, an organization of more than 180 physicians, as part of Baptist Health Center for Spine Care at the Neuroscience Center. Dr. Mahajer diagnoses and treats a wide variety of disorders and injuries affecting the spinal cord, nerves, bones, joints, ligaments, muscles and tendons. He uses an integrative treatment approach to optimize a person’s recovery and restore a sense of well-being. He also performs precise, ultra-minimally invasive techniques to improve functional outcomes and quality of life. He will see patients at two locations: 13101 South Dixie Highway, Suite 400, in Pinecrest; and 8950 North Kendall Drive, Suite 410W, in Miami.

“We are pleased to welcome Dr. Mahajer to our multispecialty team,” said Bernie Fernandez Jr., M.D., CEO of Baptist Health Medical Group. “He will collaborate with the highly-skilled physicians at the Baptist Health Center for Spine Care to offer patients the latest and most optimal treatment options available today.”

Ronald Tolchin, D.O., medical director of Baptist Health Center for Spine Care, added, “Dr. Mahajer brings a unique expertise and training in the treatment of complicated spine and musculoskeletal conditions. He is committed to developing individualized treatment plans that return patients to a high-quality lifestyle with long-term success.”

Dr. Mahajer received his medical degree from Lincoln Memorial University-DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine in Harrogate, Tenn. He completed a residency in physical medicine and rehabilitation at Nova Southeastern University College of Osteopathic Medicine in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., where he served as chief resident. His postdoctoral training also included a fellowship in interventional spine and sports medicine at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York, N.Y.

Dr. Mahajer has authored numerous peer-reviewed articles, abstracts, and book chapters and presented academic lectures on the treatment of musculoskeletal conditions. He is the founding editor of the Journal of Osteopathic Physiatry. He serves as chair of the Education Committee of the American Osteopathic College of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and is a member of several other professional medical societies, including the Spine Intervention Society and the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.

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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Baptist Children’s Hospital Joins National Network of Children’s Hospitals

Miami, FL – January 17, 2018 — Baptist Children’s Hospital has been accepted for membership into the Children’s Hospital Association — the voice for more than 220 children’s hospitals nationwide. As champions for children’s health, the Association advances public policy enabling hospitals to better serve children and builds awareness of child health issues. It is the premier resource for pediatric data and analytics driving improved clinical and operational performance among its member hospitals.

“Participation in the Children’s Hospital Association offers us access to a network of institutions and people who understand the unique health care needs of children,” said Nancy Huertas Savino, Assistant Vice President of Nursing Baptist Children Hospital, OB, and Women’s Services. “We look forward to collaborating with our peers and the children’s hospital industry and adding our voice to advocate on behalf of all children.”

Baptist Children’s Hospital brings together all healthcare services for children from birth to age 18. More than 200 pediatricians including pediatric subspecialists, backed by pediatric-trained nurses and support personnel, offer their expertise in nearly every field. Among the services are a 24-hour Children’s Emergency Center with child-sized equipment; intensive care units for newborns and youngsters; pediatric orthopedics, cancer, cystic fibrosis and heart disease.

“We are pleased to welcome Baptist Children’s Hospital and look forward to its active involvement,” said Mark Wietecha, Children’s Hospital Association president and CEO. “Our hospital members are the backbone of the nation’s pediatric health care infrastructure. With them, we are committed to providing the highest quality care and developing innovative solutions to impact the future of children’s health and health care.”

Children’s hospitals represent five percent of all hospitals and provide a disproportionately large share of the nation’s pediatric acute clinical care. Children’s hospitals are also vital centers of primary and specialty pediatric medical education and are leaders in pediatric research.

About Baptist Children’s Hospital
Baptist Children’s 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 the Children’s Hospital Association
The Children’s Hospital Association is the national voice of more than 220 children’s hospitals, advancing child health through innovation in the quality, cost and delivery of care.

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VIDEO: Baptist Health in the News 2017




Orthopedic surgeon Derek Papp, M.D., Joins Baptist Health Medical Group

MIAMI, FL – January 9, 2018 — Orthopedic surgeon Derek Papp, 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 Miami Orthopedics & Sports Medicine Institute.

Dr. Papp is Board certified in orthopedic surgery with a subspecialty Board certification in orthopedic sports medicine. His areas of expertise include management of the baseball/throwing athlete, shoulder and elbow disorders, knee ligamentous injuries, and hip preservation/arthroscopy. He provides orthopedic care to athletes of all skill levels, including professional, collegiate, high school, and recreational athletes. He currently serves as a Consultant for the Baltimore Orioles, and formerly served as Head Team Physician for their minor league affiliate, the Aberdeen Ironbirds before moving to Key Largo. He has served as a Major League Baseball (MLB) Venue Physician during the 2016 World Baseball Classic Qualifier in Mexicali and during the 2017 Tournament in Seoul, South Korea. As a fellow, he helped provide medical care for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Florida Panthers, Florida International University athletics and Miami-Dade County Public Schools Athletics.

His primary office is located at 975 Baptist Way, Suite 202, in Homestead, Fla. He is affiliated with Homestead Hospital and Mariners Hospital in Tavernier, Fla.

“The addition of Dr. Papp to our multidisciplinary team means patients with musculoskeletal conditions in the Homestead area and the Keys will have a more robust referral network and a streamlined healthcare experience from injury through recovery,” said Bernie Fernandez Jr., M.D., CEO of Baptist Health Medical Group.

Dr. Papp received his medical degree from Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in Baltimore, MD, and completed his residency in orthopedic surgery at Johns Hopkins Hospital. He continued his postdoctoral training at Doctors Hospital – UHZ Sports Medicine Institute in Coral Gables, Fla., completing a sports medicine fellowship under the direction of Program Director John Uribe, M.D. “We are thrilled that Dr. Papp has returned to South Florida to join Miami Orthopedics & Sports Medicine Institute,” said Dr. Uribe, who serves as the Institute’s medical director. “He brings unique expertise and training, and he shares our mission and vision to deliver outstanding, comprehensive orthopedic, sports medicine and physical and rehabilitation services to meet the unique needs of patients in this region.”

After fellowship, Dr. Papp returned to Baltimore where he served as a part-time assistant professor of orthopedic surgery in the Department of Orthopedic Surgery at Johns Hopkins Hospital. He provides clinical and surgical instruction to residents and fellows. Dr. Papp has published numerous scientific articles in peer-reviewed journals and has presented at national and international meetings. He currently serves on the editorial board of Current Orthopaedic Practice. He is an active member of several professional societies, including the MLB Team Physicians’ Association, the American Orthopedic Society for Sports Medicine and the Arthroscopy Association of North America.

About Miami Orthopedics & Sports Medicine Institute
Miami Orthopedics & Sports Medicine Institute offers comprehensive services for athletes and non-athletes – from physical and cognitive evaluation to rehabilitation and surgical reconstruction. Additionally, Miami Orthopedics & Sports Medicine Institute is the sports medicine provider for the Miami Dolphins, Miami HEAT, Florida Panthers, Florida International University athletics, Orange Bowl, Miami Open Tennis, Miami Marathon and Half Marathon and Miami-Dade County Public Schools.

Miami Orthopedics & Sports Medicine 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 Orthopedics & Sports Medicine Institute and Pinecrest Physical Therapy Announce Partnership

MIAMI, FL – January 8, 2017 – Today, Miami Orthopedics & Sports Medicine Institute, part of Baptist Health South Florida, and Pinecrest Physical Therapy announced a partnership adding five outpatient physical therapy locations to the Institute’s rehabilitation program. With this addition, Baptist Health patients will have access to a total of 10 outpatient physical therapy locations spanning from Monroe to Miami-Dade County.

“The addition of Pinecrest Physical Therapy will expand our footprint and complement our already robust physical therapy program,” said Edward Garabedian, assistant vice president, Miami Orthopedics & Sports Medicine Institute. “Rehabilitation is a vital component of our orthopedics and sports medicine program and we look forward to collaborating with their state-of-the-art clinics, best-in-class therapists and convenient locations.”

Pinecrest Physical Therapy has four locations in Miami-Dade including Pinecrest, Doral, Coconut Grove, Key Biscayne and one international location in the Dominican Republic. Baptist Health has existing locations in Coral Gables, West Kendall, Kendall, Homestead and the Upper Florida Keys.

“Together, we will continue to provide the very best in orthopedic care to our community,” added Ron Yacoub, president, Pinecrest Physical Therapy.

Miami Orthopedics & Sports Medicine Institute offers comprehensive services for athletes and non-athletes including physical and cognitive evaluations, rehabilitation and surgical reconstruction. The Institute’s physicians specialize in advanced orthopedics, foot and ankle, trauma, joint replacement, pediatric orthopedics, sports medicine and spine care using minimally invasive treatments and technology.

About Miami Orthopedics & Sports Medicine Institute
Miami Orthopedics & Sports Medicine Institute offers comprehensive services for athletes and non-athletes – from physical and cognitive evaluation to rehabilitation and surgical reconstruction. Additionally, Miami Orthopedics & Sports Medicine Institute is the sports medicine provider for the Miami Dolphins, Miami HEAT, Florida Panthers, Florida International University athletics, Orange Bowl, Miami Open Tennis, Miami FC, Miami Marathon and Half Marathon and Miami-Dade County Public Schools.

Miami Orthopedics & Sports Medicine 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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Mariners Hospital Swing Bed/Extended Care Rehabilitation Helps Patients Transition from Hospital to Home

MIAMI, FL – January 4, 2017 — Mariners Hospital Swing Bed/Extended Care Rehabilitation program provides an extended care option for patients who are unable to care for themselves at home while recovering from surgery, an illness or injury. A patient’s customized care plan is designed with one goal in mind –– to help patients heal and gain strength in a safe environment so they can return home. Patients recovering from orthopedic surgery, such as joint replacement, or cardiac or respiratory illnesses or those needing IV antibiotic therapy for wound care may benefit from this service.

Patients and their family members are encouraged to participate in the recovery process by partnering with the care team, which may include professionals from a variety of clinical areas such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, respiratory therapy, nursing care, wound care and dietary. Comfort is an important element in the healing environment. Patients stay in a private hospital room, wear their own clothing and are encouraged to participate in a variety of recreational and social activities. Therapists guide patients through a rehabilitation program that helps them perform daily life activities. The caring staff also provides support and education throughout a patient’s stay.

“Swing bed services provide continuity of care for patients needing additional monitoring and rehabilitation therapy, and it does so in a familiar environment with the same doctors, nurses and therapists they already know and trust,” said Rick Freeburg, chief executive officer of Mariners Hospital and Fishermen’s Community Hospital. “Our highly skilled staff is dedicated to safely transitioning patients from hospital to home.”

Medicare and many private insurance plans often cover Swing Bed/Extended Care. The staff at Mariners Hospital will check a patient’s insurance coverage prior to admission. For more information about Mariners Hospital Swing Bed/Extended Care Rehabilitation services, call the Care Coordination department at 305-434-1625 or 305-434-1658 or visit BaptistHealth.net/MarinersHospital.

About Mariners Hospital
Mariners 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.

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Baptist Health South Florida Selects Cota, Inc. to Advance Personalized Cancer Treatment and Research

Miami Cancer InstituteMiami Cancer Institute at Baptist Health will leverage Cota’s data, nodal address and analytics to deliver precision medicine and enable the best treatments at the highest quality of care for patients

NEW YORK – (January 3, 2018) – Cota Inc., a healthcare data and analytics company bridging precision medicine to population health, and Baptist Health South Florida, the largest healthcare organization in the region, today announced a multi-year agreement to advance cancer treatment and clinical research at the new Miami Cancer Institute. Cota will enhance Miami Cancer Institute’s ability to deliver superior care and drive the most effective treatment for every type of cancer.

Miami Cancer Institute is improving patient access to the latest and most effective cancer treatment advances through its role in the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Alliance (MSK). The Institute offers leading clinical cancer services, cutting-edge technology and a superior patient experience, in addition to leveraging Cota’s market-leading Provider Solution to identify unwarranted variances at the physician and practice-level. Cota recently announced a multi-year partnership with MSK with the goal of improving patient care, advancing world-class research efforts and reducing the total cost of oncology care with actionable data and analytical insights.

The Cota Provider solution is an end-to-end oncology analytics suite comprised of real-world analytics, decision support and value based tracking. Leveraging the patented Cota Nodal AddressTM (CNA), a precision patient classification system, and Cota Real-World Evidence (RWE), the industry’s leading collection of oncology patient data, the Cota Provider solution improves quality and outcomes in cancer care, increases oncology margins in fee-for-service and value-based arrangements and assists practices looking to transition to value-based care.

“Miami Cancer Institute is committed to combining the latest technology and innovation to enable personalized medicine in cancer care. That is why we selected Cota, a market leader in data and analytics. By using their Provider Solution and CNA we’ll be able to generate critical insights from our data to continually improve the quality of care we deliver to our patients,” said Michael J. Zinner, M.D., founding chief executive officer and executive medical director of Miami Cancer Institute.

“With the ability to see genomic-level data alongside cost and historical clinical data, Cota will help accelerate our journey to value-based care,” said Leonard Kalman, M.D., executive deputy director and chief medical officer of Miami Cancer Institute. “This not only increases the level of precision in our patients’ treatment journey, but it also ensures that every individual receives the highest quality of care possible which increases the odds of survivorship.”

Miami Cancer Institute is the third member of the MSK Cancer Alliance, a transformative initiative that enhances the quality of cancer care and the lives of cancer patients by bringing Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center’s standards of care, state-of-the-art treatments and clinical trials to the community cancer center setting. This meaningful partnership will further augment Miami Cancer Institute’s position as the primary destination for cancer patients in the southeastern United States, Latin America and the Caribbean.

“The benefits of leveraging the CNA will result in reducing unwarranted variation in treatments, costs and outcomes and lead to treatment standardization and notable operational improvement on a practice and physician level, setting Miami Cancer Institute apart from other providers,” said Andrew Norden, M.D., chief medical officer at Cota. “The use of Cota through the lens of the CNA enables physicians and other health care professionals to deliver care resulting in optimal clinical outcomes for every individual patient and to reduce the total cost of care for the population being served.“

Cota has partnered with organizations like Miami Cancer Institute across the country and continues to rapidly grow their provider network with recent additions across a mix of academic, community and non-academic institutions. To learn more about Cota’s provider solutions and how Cota can work with your organization contact [email protected].

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About Cota
Cota is a healthcare data and analytics company that enables providers, payers and life science companies involved in diagnosing and treating complex diseases to optimize the outcomes of individual patients and lower the overall cost of the patient population served. It is powered by the patented Cota Nodal Address™ (CNA) system, a unique digital classification methodology built by leading physicians and data scientists. The CNA is the first and only system that precisely categorizes patient factors, their diseases and intended therapies, enabling precision medicine at scale.

Cota’s technology enriches medical records to create research-grade data and joins it with a suite of analysis, visualization and management tools. This enables providers, payers and life science companies to analyze, report on and research outcomes, costs, treatments and quality at any granularity and stage of the patient journey. The result is a constantly improving system that merges technology and medicine to improve the lives of patients everywhere. For more information, go to www.cotahealthcare.com

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.




Miami Cancer Institute Celebrates One Year Anniversary of Joining the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Alliance

Miami Cancer InstituteInstitute currently serves as South Florida’s premier hybrid academic-community cancer center

MIAMI, FL – Dec. 28, 2017— Miami Cancer Institute, part of Baptist Health South Florida, proudly celebrates its one year anniversary of joining the Memorial Sloan Kettering (MSK) Cancer Alliance. Miami Cancer Institute marries the best elements of a community hospital with the clinical benefits of a research institution, and its membership in the MSK Cancer Alliance ensures a new level of expert care for cancer patients in South Florida, Latin America, the Caribbean, and beyond.

A recent paper appearing in the peer-reviewed journal ADC Review examined several cancer center models throughout the U.S. – including Miami Cancer Institute’s – and found that hybrid academic-community cancer centers have become a burgeoning sector of the healthcare industry in recent years. According to the paper, facilities that qualify as hybrid academic-community cancer centers must adhere to the following criteria: must recruit respected, academic-clinician leaders from National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer centers; must be established at large, well-respected, financially secure not-for-profit regional community hospital systems; must infuse greater academic rigor into their programs, develop translational research programs, enroll more patients from their respective communities into clinical trials, and provide the best cancer care to populations not served by traditional academic centers; and finally, must have adapted existing resources through collaborative efforts.

“We’re delighted to bring this innovative cancer care model to South Florida as we continue to build one of the nation’s leading cancer centers,” said Michael J. Zinner, Founding CEO and Executive Medical Director of Miami Cancer Institute. “It is our mission to provide the community with the most cutting-edge technology, clinical research, and expert care possible to ultimately make all cancer a manageable and treatable disease.”

As a member of the prestigious MSK Cancer Alliance, Miami Cancer Institute has integrated leading community oncology practices in South Florida with MSK’s standards of care, resources, capabilities, and clinical trials – further bolstering South Florida’s emerging reputation as a sought-after cancer treatment destination. Fundamental to the MSK Cancer Alliance is a strong system to support the opening of new clinical trials at Miami Cancer Institute, which expands access to investigational therapies for cancer patients in the Miami area. The MSK Cancer Alliance also provides the opportunity for Miami Cancer Institute physicians to counsel with MSK physicians on complex cancer cases and treatment offerings.

“The enhanced treatments and clinical care we have been able to provide our patients through our collaboration with Memorial Sloan Kettering has been critical in our pursuit of unmatched care,” added Zinner. “We look forward to continuing to strengthen our relationship with this world-class cancer center as we redefine the standards of excellence in cancer care available to not only the South Florida community, but to our regional neighbors in Latin America and the Caribbean.”

To learn more about Miami Cancer Institute, please visit www.miamicancerinstitute.com.

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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.

About the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Alliance
The Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Alliance is an initiative designed to collaboratively guide community providers toward state-of-the-art cancer care. Its overarching goal is to improve the lives of cancer patients through dynamic partnership with local care providers. For more information about the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Alliance, go to www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/msk-alliance.




Mariners Hospital Outpatient Rehabilitation Provides Essential Services to Keys Community

MIAMI, FL – Dec. 27, 2017 — Mariners Hospital Rehabilitation Center, located in the Tassell Medical Arts building on the Mariners Hospital campus in Tavernier, is the largest outpatient physical therapy clinic in the Upper Keys and the only hospital-based outpatient speech-language pathology facility in the Keys. The center’s highly skilled therapists utilize a variety of manual techniques, treatment modalities, advanced technologies and evidence-based programs to help patients achieve their rehabilitation goals.

Each of the four physical therapists at Mariners Hospital Rehabilitation Center is licensed by the state of Florida and has more than 25 years of experience. Two team members have special training and certification in the McKenzie Method of Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy and Kinesio Taping. Working closely with a patient’s referring physician, the therapists assess a patient’s condition and create a customized treatment program. One-on-one, personalized therapy sessions can help patients relieve pain, increase mobility, strength and stability and regain independence. The physical therapy team has extensive experience treating such conditions as head, neck and back dysfunction; elbow and shoulder injuries, including rotator cuff repair; foot, ankle, knee, hip, wrist and hand problems; sports-related injuries, including ligament, muscle and tendon injuries; vertigo and balance problems; total joint rehabilitation; and stroke recovery.

Mariners Hospital Rehabilitation Center also offers one-on-one therapies to help patients with swallowing dysfunctions and impaired speech due to physical or neurological changes or other complications causing difficulty with cognition and communication. The center’s certified speech-language pathologist has more than 28 years of experience treating children, adolescents and adults. After conducting a comprehensive assessment, a personalized treatment plan is developed to improve a patient’s ability to communicate or eat safely.

“Rehabilitation is a vital step in a patient’s recovery after surgery, an illness or injury, as it improves the overall health outcome and quality of life,” said Rick Freeburg, chief executive officer of Mariners Hospital and Fishermen’s Community Hospital. “We are proud to offer our community easy access to these essential services delivered by highly skilled practitioners who strive to help patients return to the activities of daily life.”

For more information on the services offered at Mariners Hospital Rehabilitation Center, call 305-434-3702 or visit www.BaptistHealth.net/MarinersHospital.

About Mariners Hospital
Mariners 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.

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Orthopedic Surgeon Juan C. Suarez, M.D., Joins Baptist Health Medical Group

MIAMI, FL – Dec. 27, 2017 — Orthopedic surgeon Juan C. Suarez, M.D., has joined Baptist Health Medical Group, an organization of more than 180 physicians, as part of Miami Orthopedics & Sports Medicine Institute. He specializes in adult hip and knee joint replacement surgery, including revision joint replacement and minimally invasive surgical techniques. He is Board certified in orthopedic surgery and has more than 16 years of experience in his specialty.

Dr. Suarez has made numerous symposium presentations on the efficacy of surgical methods utilized in hip and knee reconstructive surgery. He also is widely published in such scientific publications as the Journal of Arthroplasty and the American Journal of Orthopedics. He serves as an affiliate assistant professor at Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine and on the editorial board of Arthroplasty Today. He is a member of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons and the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons.

“Dr. Suarez is an excellent addition to our team,” said John Uribe, M.D., Medical Director of Miami Orthopedics & Sports Medicine Institute. “His skillset and experience will enhance our already robust joint replacement program.”

“Dr. Suarez will be an outstanding complement to our program that strives to excel in outcomes, quality and patient centered care,” adds Alexander van der Ven, M.D., orthopedic joint replacement surgeon with Miami Orthopedics & Sports Medicine Institute and Associate Medical Director, Joint Replacement Services, Baptist Health Medical Group.

Dr. Suarez received his medical degree from the University of Puerto Rico, School of Medicine in San Juan, P.R., and was inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society. He completed a residency in orthopedic surgery at Jackson Memorial Hospital, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine in Miami, Fla., and a fellowship in adult hip and knee reconstruction at OrthoCarolina in Charlotte, N.C. Prior to joining Miami Orthopedics & Sports Medicine Institute, Dr. Suarez was affiliated with Cleveland Clinic Florida in Weston.

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.

About Miami Orthopedics & Sports Medicine Institute
Miami Orthopedics & Sports Medicine Institute offers comprehensive services for athletes and non-athletes – from physical and cognitive evaluation to rehabilitation and surgical reconstruction. Additionally, Miami Orthopedics & Sports Medicine Institute is the sports medicine provider for the Miami Dolphins, Miami HEAT, Florida Panthers, Florida International University athletics, Orange Bowl, Miami Open Tennis, Miami Marathon and Half Marathon and Miami-Dade County Public Schools.

Miami Orthopedics & Sports Medicine 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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