MIAMI, FL – November 10, 2016 — Miami Cancer Institute at Baptist Health South Florida has expanded two of its signature cancer care departments, with the additions of psychosomatic psychiatrist Geetha Nampiaparampil, M.D. and psychologist Regina Melchor, Psy.D to its Cancer Patient Support Center. These physicians will focus on the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of disorders that contribute to a cancer patient’s emotional distress. The two will work closely with M. Beatriz Currier, M.D., Miami Cancer Institute’s director of Cancer Patient Support Center, to enhance quality of life and health outcomes following a cancer diagnosis.

In addition, Miami Cancer Institute’s Symptom Management & Palliative Medicine Service continues to expand with the added expertise of Suleyki Medina, M.D., who joins Mariana Khawand-Azouli, M.D, as one of the department’s two initial attending physicians.

“Having representatives of many different disciplines involved in patient care is an important part of the Institute’s mission to treat the whole individual, not just the disease,” said Michael J. Zinner, M.D., founding CEO and executive medical director of Miami Cancer Institute. “These physicians bring highly specialized skills and experience that will enable Miami Cancer Institute to deliver personalized, patient- and family-centered care from diagnosis through survivorship.”

Dr. Nampiaparampil is Board-certified in psychiatry and psychosomatic medicine. She received her medical degree from Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago, and completed her psychiatry residency at Saint Vincent’s Hospital-Manhattan/New York Medical College and St. Luke’s Roosevelt Hospital/Columbia College of Physicians and Surgeons, both in New York. She also completed a psychosomatic medicine fellowship at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center/New York Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center. She has conducted research studies related to her specialty and is published in numerous peer-reviewed journals and text books. Prior to joining Miami Cancer Institute, Dr. Nampiaparampil was an assistant professor of psychiatry at Emory University School of Medicine in Atlanta, an attending psychiatrist at Maimonides Medical Center in Brooklyn, and most recently an attending psychiatrist at JFK Medical Center in Palm Beach, Florida.

Regina Melchor, Psy.D., earned a Doctor of Psychology degree in clinical psychology from Albizu University in Miami, graduating summa cum laude. She completed a psychology residency at the Institute for Child and Family Health, also in Miami, and a fellowship in psychosomatic medicine and psycho-oncology at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center/New York Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center. She is an adjunct faculty member in the psychology departments at Albizu University and Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, and has held teaching roles at several higher education institutions. She has published numerous articles in medical journals and frequently lectures on her specialty to peers and community members. She is also affiliated with several professional associations, including the American Psychosocial Oncology Society and the International Psychosocial Oncology Society.

Dr. Medina is Board-certified in internal medicine and geriatrics and is one of two initial attending physicians of Miami Cancer Institute’s Symptom Management & Palliative Medicine service. She received her medical degree from St. George’s University School of Medicine in Grenada, West Indies, and completed a residency in internal medicine at NYU Lutheran Medical Center in Brooklyn, where she was honored with the Department of Neurology and Rehabilitation Award for Excellence. She also completed two fellowships — in geriatrics and hospice and palliative care — at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine/ Jackson Memorial Hospital. Dr. Medina is a member of the American College of Physicians, American Geriatrics Society and American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine. Dr. Medina and Dr. Khawand-Azouli will both report directly to Leonard Kalman, M.D., Miami Cancer Institute’s deputy director and chief medical officer.

Miami Cancer Institute will begin to move into its new, $430 million state-of-the-art facility on the Baptist Hospital of Miami campus early next year. Opening day for patient care is planned for January 16, 2017.

About Miami Cancer Institute
Baptist Health South Florida is developing Miami Cancer Institute into a destination cancer center known for its leading clinical care, exceptional 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 announced plans to join the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Alliance, a dynamic partnership that will ultimately enable cancer patients to access 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 seven hospitals (Baptist Hospital, Baptist Children’s Hospital, Doctors Hospital, Homestead Hospital, Mariners Hospital, South Miami Hospital and West Kendall Baptist Hospital), nearly 50 outpatient and urgent care facilities, Baptist Health Medical Group, Baptist Health Quality Network and internationally renowned centers of excellence. The not-for-profit, faith-based Baptist Health has approximately 16,000 employees and 2,300 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 and connect with us on Facebook at facebook.com/BaptistHealthSF and on Twitter and Instagram @BaptistHealthSF.

# # #

MIAMI, FL – November 8, 2016 — Primary care physician Barbara Socha, M.D., FACP, has joined Baptist Health Medical Group, an organization of more than 180 physicians, as part of the Baptist Health Primary Care team. She will see patients in the Tavernier office, located at 91550 Overseas Highway, Suite 215. Dr. Socha is one of only a few primary physicians servicing patients in the Florida Keys. She will focus on wellness and prevention and provide the community with much-needed continuity of care — the foundation of the patient-doctor relationship and a fundamental characteristic of high-quality medical care.

She specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of health issues, including simple and complex health conditions, chronic disease management and the coordination of specialty care. She also focuses on wellness and prevention to help patients prevent disease, decrease disability and maintain good health.

Dr. Socha earned her medical degree at Akademia Medyczna we Wroclawiu, in Wroclaw, Poland. She completed a residency in in internal medicine at Saint Agnes Hospital, in Baltimore, where she served as chief resident. She is Board-certified in internal medicine, and fellow of the American College of Physicians.

Prior to joining Baptist Health Medical Group, Dr. Socha was a primary care physician at Atlantic General Health System in Ocean View, Delaware, and served as a volunteer clinical instructor of medicine at the University of Maryland School of Medicine in Baltimore. Dr. Socha has been a participating contributor to numerous clinical trials in the area of cardiovascular disease.

“Primary care physicians, like Dr. Socha, are the backbone of healthcare because they have the most consistent contact with patients,” said Bernie Fernandez Jr., M.D., CEO of Baptist Health Medical Group. “Patients in the Florida Keys have not had easy access to primary care and our goal along with Mariners Hospital clinical partners is to be part of the solution. We are proud to have Dr. Socha providing the Tavernier community with continuity of care, which is critical to achieving the best health outcomes.”

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 seven hospitals (Baptist Hospital, Baptist Children’s Hospital, Doctors Hospital, Homestead Hospital, Mariners Hospital, South Miami Hospital and West Kendall Baptist Hospital), nearly 50 outpatient and urgent care facilities, Baptist Health Quality Network and internationally renowned centers of excellence. The not-for-profit, faith-based Baptist Health has approximately 16,000 employees and 2,300 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 and connect with us on Facebook at facebook.com/BaptistHealthSF and on Twitter and Instagram @BaptistHealthSF.

# # #

MIAMI, FL – November 2, 2016 — Primary care physician Nathalie Regalado, M.D., has joined Baptist Health Medical Group, an organization of more than 180 physicians, as part of the Baptist Health Primary Care team. She will see patients in the Palmetto Bay office, located at 8750 SW 144 Street, Suite 207.

Dr. Regalado specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of health issues, including chronic disease management, minor emergencies, non-operative musculoskeletal problems, women’s health, urgent care and the coordination of specialty care. She also practices preventive medicine, helping patients take measures to prevent disease, decrease complications from existing disease and increase quality of life.

After graduating cum laude with a Bachelor of Science degree in biology from the University of Miami, Dr. Regalado earned her medical degree at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine as a Henry King Stanford Scholarship recipient. She completed an internship and a residency in primary care and internal medicine at the University of California – San Francisco Medical Center. Dr. Regalado has lectured extensively to physician peers on a variety of health topics and has a special interest in the evolving field of resistance training and its clinical effects.

“Dr. Regalado is committed to delivering high-quality, evidence-based primary care that reduces future illnesses,” said Bernie Fernandez Jr., M.D., CEO of Baptist Health Medical Group. “Patients will benefit from her comprehensive preventive medicine approach, which includes educating patients and helping them take measures to support good health.”

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 seven hospitals (Baptist Hospital, Baptist Children’s Hospital, Doctors Hospital, Homestead Hospital, Mariners Hospital, South Miami Hospital and West Kendall Baptist Hospital), nearly 50 outpatient and urgent care facilities, Baptist Health Quality Network and internationally renowned centers of excellence. The not-for-profit, faith-based Baptist Health has approximately 16,000 employees and 2,300 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 and connect with us on Facebook at facebook.com/BaptistHealthSF and on Twitter and Instagram @BaptistHealthSF.

# # #

The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS NSQIP®) has recognized Homestead Hospital as one of 60 ACS NSQIP participating hospitals that have achieved meritorious outcomes for surgical patient care. As a participant in ACS NSQIP, Homestead Hospital is required to track the outcomes of inpatient and outpatient surgical procedures and collect data that directs patient safety and the quality of surgical care improvements.

The ACS NSQIP recognition program commends a select group of hospitals for achieving a composite meritorious outcome related to patient management in eight clinical areas: mortality, unplanned intubation, ventilator > 48 hours, renal failure, cardiac incidents (cardiac arrest and myocardial infarction); respiratory (pneumonia); SSI (surgical site infections-superficial and deep incisional and organ-space SSIs); or urinary tract infection. The 60 hospitals commended achieved the distinction based on their outstanding composite quality score across the eight areas listed above. Risk-adjusted data from the July 2016 ACS NSQIP Semiannual Report, which presents data from the 2015 calendar year, were used to determine which hospitals demonstrated meritorious outcomes.

ACS NSQIP is the only nationally validated quality improvement program that measures and enhances the care of surgical patients. This program measures the actual surgical results 30 days postoperatively as well as risk adjusts patient characteristics to compensate for differences among patient populations and acuity levels. The goal of ACS NSQIP is to reduce surgical morbidity (infection or illness related to a surgical procedure) and surgical mortality (death related to a surgical procedure) and to provide a firm foundation for surgeons to apply what is known as the “best scientific evidence” to the practice of surgery. Furthermore, when adverse effects from surgical procedures are reduced and/or eliminated, a reduction in health care costs follows. ACS NSQIP is a major program of the American College of Surgeons and is currently used in over 770 adult and pediatric hospitals.

The American College of Surgeons is a scientific and educational organization of surgeons that was founded in 1913 to raise the standards of surgical practice and to improve the care of the surgical patient. The College is dedicated to the ethical and competent practice of surgery. Its achievements have significantly influenced the course of scientific surgery in America and have established it as an important advocate for all surgical patients. The College has more than 78,000 members and it is the largest organization of surgeons in the world.

About Homestead Hospital
Homestead Hospital is part of Baptist Health South Florida, the largest healthcare organization in the region, with seven hospitals (Baptist Hospital, Baptist Children’s Hospital, Doctors Hospital, Homestead Hospital, Mariners Hospital, South Miami Hospital and West Kendall Baptist Hospital), nearly 50 outpatient and urgent care facilities, Baptist Health Medical Group, Baptist Health Quality Network and internationally renowned centers of excellence. The not-for-profit, faith-based Baptist Health has approximately 16,000 employees and 2,300 affiliated physicians. Baptist Health South Florida has been recognized as one of the 100 Best Companies to Work For in America and as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies. For more information, visit BaptistHealth.net and connect with us on Facebook at facebook.com/BaptistHealthSF and on Twitter and Instagram @BaptistHealthSF.

MIAMI, FL – October 20, 2016 — Marcio Fagundes, M.D., and Michael Chuong, M.D., have joined Miami Cancer Institute at Baptist Health South Florida’s unique and integrated Radiation Oncology department, which will offer both standard photon therapy and, beginning in 2017, the region’s first proton therapy center. Dr. Fagundes will serve as the department’s medical director and vice chair, and Dr. Chuong as lead physician for proton therapy – a highly advanced form of radiation technology that targets cancer cells with pencil-beam scanning precision while sparing the surrounding healthy tissue. The physicians, both experts in the two forms of radiation, will work alongside internationally renowned radiation oncologist Minesh Mehta, M.D., Miami Cancer Institute’s deputy director and chief of Radiation Oncology, to provide innovative cancer care and conduct clinical trials designed to help find new and innovative ways to treat cancer with radiation therapy.

“The addition of Drs. Fagundes and Chuong to Miami Cancer Institute is another critical step for us as we position ourselves as the region’s top destination for leading-edge radiation treatment,” said Michael J. Zinner, M.D., founding CEO and executive medical director of Miami Cancer Institute. “Thanks to the pinpoint accuracy of pencil-beam scanning, our newest experts will utilize proton therapy to treat some of the most challenging tumors we’ll see, offering more patients in this region access to a precise form of radiation treatment with reduced risk of side effects.”

Dr. Fagundes is Board-certified in radiation oncology and has extensive experience in proton therapy. He has conducted significant research and presented research results showing the advantages of proton therapy for prostate cancer, breast cancer and head and neck cancer at numerous meetings of the Particle Therapy Co-Operative Group and the American Society of Therapeutic Radiation Oncologists. He also has published dozens of articles in peer-reviewed journals, including the Journal of Clinical Oncology, the International Journal of Particle Therapy and the International Journal of Radiation Oncology. Dr. Fagundes received his medical degree from Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul in Porto Alegre, Brazil, and completed a radiation oncology residency at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine/Jackson Memorial Hospital – Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center. He also completed a fellowship in radiation oncology at Harvard Medical School/ Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. He gained teaching experience as an assistant professor of radiation oncology at Tufts University School of Medicine in Boston, and currently trains his peers on an innovative treatment protocol for prostate cancer. Before joining Miami Cancer Institute, Dr. Fagundes was medical director of the Provision Center for Proton Therapy in Knoxville, Tenn.

Dr. Chuong is Board-certified in radiation oncology. As a faculty member at the Maryland Proton Treatment Center, he developed clinical practice guidelines for using proton therapy across disease sites. His clinical specialty and research focus is on the use of radiation therapy to treat gastrointestinal cancers and lymphomas. Dr. Chuong has received numerous awards for his work, including the Conquer Cancer Foundation Merit Award from the American Society of Clinical Medicine and the Clinical Research Award from the Moffitt Cancer Center Research Symposium. He received his medical degree from the University of South Florida College of Medicine in Tampa. He completed his residency in radiation oncology at the University of South Florida/H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, also in Tampa, where he served as chief resident. Before joining Miami Cancer Institute, he was an assistant professor of radiation oncology at the University of Maryland School of Medicine in Baltimore.

Miami Cancer Institute will begin to move into its new, $430 million state-of-the-art facility on the Baptist Hospital of Miami campus early next year. Opening day for patient care is planned for January 16, 2017.

About Miami Cancer Institute
Baptist Health South Florida is developing Miami Cancer Institute into a destination cancer center known for its leading clinical care, exceptional 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 announced plans to join the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Alliance, a dynamic partnership that will ultimately enable cancer patients to access 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 seven hospitals (Baptist Hospital, Baptist Children’s Hospital, Doctors Hospital, Homestead Hospital, Mariners Hospital, South Miami Hospital and West Kendall Baptist Hospital), nearly 50 outpatient and urgent care facilities, Baptist Health Medical Group, Baptist Health Quality Network and internationally renowned centers of excellence. The not-for-profit, faith-based Baptist Health has approximately 16,000 employees and 2,300 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 and connect with us on Facebook at facebook.com/BaptistHealthSF and on Twitter and Instagram @BaptistHealthSF.

# # #

Mariners Hospital is proud to announce the certification of its Cardiovascular Rehabilitation Program by the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR). The hospital was recognized for its commitment to improving quality of life by enhancing standards of care.

Cardiovascular programs are designed to help people with heart disease live longer, control symptoms, stop or reverse damage, lessen the physical and emotional effects, and improve stamina, strength and confidence. For people with cardiac problems such as heart attack, angina, cardiac surgery, and heart failure, individualized treatments plans include exercise, nutrition education, stress management, and encouragement and support for patients and their families.

The hospital’s Cardiovascular Rehabilitation Program participated in an application process that required extensive documentation of the program’s practices. AACVPR Program Certification is the only peer-review accreditation process designed to review individual programs for adherence to standards and guidelines developed and published by AACVPR and other professional societies. Each program is reviewed by the AACVPR Program Certification Committee, and Certification is awarded by the AACVPR Board of Directors.

AACVPR-certified programs are recognized as leaders in the field of cardiovascular and pulmonary rehabilitation because they offer the most advanced practices available. AACVPR Program Certification is valid for three years. Mariners Hospital’s Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program also is accredited.

Mariners Hospital Cardiac Rehabilitation services are available Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Patients must have a prescription from their physician. For more information, call 786-434-1632.

About Mariners Hospital
Mariners Hospital is part of Baptist Health South Florida, the largest healthcare organization in the region, with seven hospitals (Baptist Hospital, Baptist Children’s Hospital, Doctors Hospital, Homestead Hospital, Mariners Hospital, South Miami Hospital and West Kendall Baptist Hospital), nearly 50 outpatient and urgent care facilities, Baptist Health Medical Group, Baptist Health Quality Network and internationally renowned centers of excellence. The not-for-profit, faith-based Baptist Health has approximately 16,000 employees and 2,300 affiliated physicians. Baptist Health South Florida has been recognized as one of the 100 Best Companies to Work For in America and as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies. For more information, visit BaptistHealth.net and connect with us on Facebook at facebook.com/BaptistHealthSF and on Twitter and Instagram @BaptistHealthSF.

About AACVPR
Founded in 1985, the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation is a multidisciplinary organization dedicated to the mission of reducing morbidity, mortality and disability from cardiovascular and pulmonary disease through education, prevention, rehabilitation, research and disease management. Central to the core mission is improvement in quality of life for patients and their families.

Contact: Jennifer Pages, [email protected], 305-434-1020

MIAMI, FL – October 17, 2016 – Orthopedic surgeon Vivien Fongué, D.O., has joined Baptist Health Medical Group, an organization of more than 180 physicians, as part of the Miami Orthopedics & Sports Medicine Institute. Dr. Fongué specializes in the non-surgical and surgical treatment of general, acute and chronic orthopedic conditions affecting the bones, joints and soft tissues, complex fractures, non-union and mal-union, posttraumatic reconstruction of upper and lower extremities, pelvic and actabulum fractures, and periprosthetic fractures. He has special training in orthopedic trauma surgery, ranging from simple isolated fractures to multiple musculoskeletal injuries.

Dr. Fongué earned a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree from Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences, College of Osteopathic Medicine, in Kansas City, Missouri. He completed a residency in orthopedic surgery at Grandview Medical Center in Dayton, Ohio and a fellowship in orthopedic trauma surgery at the University of Missouri School of Medicine in Columbia, Missouri. Before joining Baptist Health, Dr. Fongué was an orthopedic trauma surgeon at United Health Service Wilson Medical Center in Binghamton, New York.

“Dr. Fongué brings unique expertise and training in orthopedic trauma surgery, and his addition to our team means that patients with complex orthopedic injuries will have quick access to an expert,” said Bernie Fernandez Jr., M.D., CEO of Baptist Health Medical Group.

Dr. Fongué has authored peer-reviewed articles and presented research on his specialty. He is a member of the American Osteopathic Academy of Orthopedics, the Orthopedic Trauma Association and AO North America.

“Orthopedic trauma cases require specialized care to promote healing and achieve excellent outcomes,” said John Uribe, M.D., medical director of Miami Orthopedics & Sports Medicine Institute. “Our patients certainly will benefit from the comprehensive care Dr. Fongué will provide.”

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 seven hospitals (Baptist Hospital, Baptist Children’s Hospital, Doctors Hospital, Homestead Hospital, Mariners Hospital, South Miami Hospital and West Kendall Baptist Hospital), nearly 50 outpatient and urgent care facilities, Baptist Health Quality Network and internationally renowned centers of excellence. The not-for-profit, faith-based Baptist Health has approximately 16,000 employees and 2,300 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 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, World Golf Championship-Cadillac Championship, 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 seven hospitals (Baptist Hospital, Baptist Children’s Hospital, Doctors Hospital, Homestead Hospital, Mariners Hospital, South Miami Hospital and West Kendall Baptist Hospital), nearly 50 outpatient and urgent care facilities, Baptist Health Medical Group, Baptist Health Quality Network and internationally renowned centers of excellence. The not-for-profit, faith-based Baptist Health has approximately 16,000 employees and 2,300 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 and connect with us on Facebook at facebook.com/BaptistHealthSF and on Twitter and Instagram @BaptistHealthSF.

# # #

MIAMI, FL – October 14, 2016 – West Kendall Baptist Hospital was named one of nine winners in the GE HealthyCities Leadership Academy Open Innovation Challenge. This winning project aims to enhance the role of the Healthy Hub, a free, one-stop screening and referral-to-care kiosk.

The Healthy Hub project is a collaboration between West Kendall Baptist Hospital, Healthy West Kendall and LifeWallet, a corporate partner. The Hub uses the American Heart Association’s Life’s Simple 7 assessment to generate a health score using biometric information gathered by a nurse. Currently, many of the Hub visitors are at risk for diabetes. This project intervenes with those pre-diabetic patients to improve both their clinical and personal health outcomes.

“We are proud to be named a winner in the GE HealthyCities Leadership Academy Open Innovation Challenge and we are excited that this opportunity will further support our commitment to enhancing the health and quality of life of our community,” said Javier Hernandez Lichtl, chief executive officer for West Kendall Baptist Hospital. This collaboration with LifeWallet, and the other key community partners on the Healthy West Kendall Coalition, will continue to support our collective vision to create the Healthiest Community in Florida,” added Hernandez Lichtl.

West Kendall Baptist Hospital will receive an initial award of $25,000 in prize money to help develop population health improvements through partnerships with public and private entities, and will be eligible for a final prize award of $250,000 after a year of collaborative learning and support.

“We are proud to be part of this innovative collaboration where clinical excellence and innovative technology come together to transform the way we can provide healthcare,” said Edwin Rivera, LifeWallet’s Healthcare Evangelist. “Identifying at-risk populations in our community and providing access to early intervention is part of our mission. Therefore, we are proud to be part of an initiative that promotes population health through risk assessment with the use of our products.”

Additional Healthy West Kendall Coalition partners on the Miami Team include the Florida Department of Health in Miami-Dade, Florida International University, Health Foundation of South Florida and Health Council of South Florida.
“It is a great honor to have the Healthy Hub recognized by an esteemed panel of judges and GE. This innovative model of preventative care has demonstrated a positive impact in our community. With GE’s support, we can do a more intensive intervention for people whose blood sugar is above normal range and help reverse the trend and prevent the development of diabetes,” said Theodore Feldman, MD., Medical Director of the Healthy Hub.

A part of GE’s healthymagination commitment, the HealthyCities Leadership Academy is a new program to mentor and support leaders in their communities as they develop and support new strategies to tackle population health challenges. The goal of the initiative is for community and business leaders to work together to help the cities, towns and communities where they live and work to address significant health challenges.

Winning communities were determined after a thorough evaluation of all eligible entries based on their ability to demonstrate a clear potential to improve the health of all socioeconomic strata of the targeted community. Selections were determined by a panel of distinguished judges who have expertise in the fields of population health, public health, and healthcare.

As part of the program, the nine winning communities will participate in a year-long learning collaborative that formally kicked off with a two-day, in-person workshop at GE’s Global Leadership Institute in Crotonville, New York, on October 11-12, 2016. Activities that follow include in-person and virtual training sessions by experts in the field of health and the broader determinants of population health, site visits by many of these experts and GE to provide peer support and mentorship around the winning community program being implemented, and other opportunities to create connections, partnerships and innovations that incubate and scale their ideas. At the conclusion of the program in 2017, the most successful communities will compete for additional funds from a total pool of $250,000.

For more information and to read about the challenge process, visit www.healthycitiesleadership.com.

About West Kendall Baptist Hospital
West Kendall Baptist Hospital is part of Baptist Health South Florida, the largest healthcare organization in the region, with seven hospitals (Baptist Hospital, Baptist Children’s Hospital, Doctors Hospital, Homestead Hospital, Mariners Hospital, South Miami Hospital and West Kendall Baptist Hospital), nearly 50 outpatient and urgent care facilities, Baptist Health Medical Group, Baptist Health Quality Network and internationally renowned centers of excellence. The not-for-profit, faith-based Baptist Health has approximately 16,000 employees and 2,300 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 and connect with us on Facebook at facebook.com/BaptistHealthSF and on Twitter and Instagram @BaptistHealthSF.

About GE
GE (NYSE:GE) is the world’s Digital Industrial Company, transforming industry with software-defined machines and solutions that are connected, responsive and predictive. GE is organized around a global exchange of knowledge, the “GE Store,” through which each business shares and accesses the same technology, markets, structure and intellect. Each invention further fuels innovation and application across our industrial sectors. With people, services, technology and scale, GE delivers better outcomes for customers by speaking the language of industry. www.ge.com

About GE’s healthymagination commitment
GE’s healthymagination commitment is about better health for more people. We continuously develop and invest in innovations that deliver high-quality, more affordable healthcare to more people around the world. For more information about our healthymagination commitment, visit www.gesustainability.com.

# # #

MIAMI, FL – For the fourth consecutive year, West Kendall Baptist Hospital and Zoo Miami will host a 5K race at Zoo Miami on October 2, 2016. The Felix Sabates Chevrolet Cadillac ZooRun5K is for folks of every speed – from cheetah to tortoise. The 3.1-mile timed race is walker-friendly and will take place around the entire zoo.

Additionally, Kidz Medical Services will host a ZooKidsDash for kids ages 2 – 9, and will include a range of distances from 100 to 525 meters and opportunities to interact with Gigi, Kaz and Pio – the popular Zoo Squad mascots. Participants are also asked to dress or accessorize like their favorite animal to win prizes at the costume contest.

“We are delighted to be working with our partners at West Kendall Baptist Hospital again to bring back our very own 5K! With over 4,000 race participants last year, we know that children and families want to be at Zoo Miami to experience this amazing park. Come take a walk (or run!) on the wild side” said, Ron Magill, Zoo Miami Communications and Media Relations Director.
“West Kendall Baptist Hospital, through our Healthy West Kendall initiative, looks to inspire our community to live healthier lives,” said, Michelle Mejia, AVP at West Kendall Baptist Hospital. “We are proud to partner with Zoo Miami to host a 5K race, as this event is an extension of our multi-year partnership called Healthy Zoo, Healthy You. We are able to lead by example through programs like these, where we can exercise, spend time outdoors, and enjoy the wonderful zoo with our friends and family.”

The first 4,000 5K and 1,000 ZooKidsDash registrants will receive free admission to Zoo Miami, a premium t-shirt, themed finisher medal, and entrance to the Finish Festival. Race registrants can also purchase Zoo Miami tickets for friends and family with a 50 percent discount on race day. To register, visit ZooMiami.org/Run.

About West Kendall Baptist Hospital
West Kendall Baptist Hospital is part of Baptist Health South Florida, the largest healthcare organization in the region, with seven hospitals (Baptist Hospital, Baptist Children’s Hospital, Doctors Hospital, Homestead Hospital, Mariners Hospital, South Miami Hospital and West Kendall Baptist Hospital), nearly 50 outpatient and urgent care facilities, Baptist Health Medical Group, Baptist Health Quality Network and internationally renowned centers of excellence. The not-for-profit, faith-based Baptist Health has approximately 16,000 employees and 2,300 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 and connect with us on Facebook at facebook.com/BaptistHealthSF and on Twitter and Instagram @BaptistHealthSF.

About Zoo Miami Foundation
The Zoo Miami Foundation, formerly The Zoological Society of Florida, founded in 1956, is the non-profit support organization for Zoo Miami. Today it is one of the largest membership organizations in South Florida, with more than 60,000 members. Its activities and programs include fundraising, marketing, volunteer services, educational programs, special events and member programming. Its mission is to encourage an appreciation for the world’s wildlife and to help conserve it for future generations. For more information, please visit ZooMiami.org under Support Zoo Miami or call (305) 255-5551.

About Zoo Miami
Zoo Miami is located at 12400 SW 152 Street, Miami, FL 33177. General zoo admission is $19.95 per adult and $15.95 per child (3-12), plus tax. Children under two and zoo members enter free; parking is free. On weekends and holidays, Zoo Miami’s hours are 9:30 am – 5:30 pm; ticket booths close at 4 pm. On weekdays, Zoo Miami’s hours are 10 am – 5 pm; ticket booths close at 3:30 pm. For more information, please visit www.zoomiami.org or call (305) 251-0400.

###

MIAMI, FL – September 28, 2016 – Miami Cancer Institute, part of Baptist Health South Florida, announced today a partnership with celebrity Chef Cindy Hutson. The star chef, restaurateur, author and now Culinary Ambassador for the Institute is developing a collection of innovative healthy foods for cancer patients during and after treatment and throughout survivorship.

“We are thrilled to have Chef Cindy join our team,” said Michael J. Zinner, M.D., founding CEO and executive medical director of Miami Cancer Institute. “The food we eat plays a role in the development of cancer, and once cancer is diagnosed, appropriate nutritional support really helps patients recover from their treatment.”

The partnership was announced in front of Miami Cancer Institute patients, doctors and administrators at Hutson’s famed Coral Gables restaurant Ortanique on the Mile. Dr. Zinner – a Board-certified surgeon whose culinary interests have included cooking beside some of the country’s most renowned chefs as an apprentice – joined Hutson and two patients in preparing a gourmet salad and bisque made with some of the healing ingredients Hutson will use in her culinary creations for the Institute. Scientific evidence has shown the minerals, vitamins and phytochemicals in ginger, garlic, squash, kale, pomegranate and other similar foods can help fight cancer.

“This project is close to my heart because my mother battled cancer,” Hutson said. “Through her, I learned to create cancer-fighting foods with emphasis on high antioxidants, low fat and high fiber while still keeping it fresh and tasting great. We are going to do the same for patients, including educating them and inviting them to participate in programs about how to prepare nutritious foods.” Hutson’s mother is a colon cancer survivor.

Leonard A. Kalman, M.D., deputy medical director and chief clinical officer of Miami Cancer Institute, echoed the enthusiasm for the culinary alliance. “It’s exciting that our patients will have the advantage of having wonderful food that looks and tastes great,” he said.

Miami Cancer Institute is scheduled to open later this year and treat its first patients in January 2017.

About Miami Cancer Institute
Baptist Health South Florida is developing Miami Cancer Institute into a destination cancer center known for its leading clinical care, exceptional 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 announced plans to join the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Alliance, a dynamic partnership that will ultimately enable cancer patients to access 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 seven hospitals (Baptist Hospital, Baptist Children’s Hospital, Doctors Hospital, Homestead Hospital, Mariners Hospital, South Miami Hospital and West Kendall Baptist Hospital), nearly 50 outpatient and urgent care facilities, Baptist Health Medical Group, Baptist Health Quality Network and internationally renowned centers of excellence. The not-for-profit, faith-based Baptist Health has approximately 16,000 employees and 2,300 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 and connect with us on Facebook at facebook.com/BaptistHealthSF and on Twitter and Instagram @BaptistHealthSF.

About Cindy Hutson Cuisine
Chef Cindy Hutson and life/business partner Delius Shirley have built a successful culinary empire since opening their first Caribbean restaurant, Norma’s on the Beach, in Miami in 1994. The dynamic duo now run several concepts, including: their 17-year-old Ortanique on the Mile in Coral Gables, Florida, which opened with Esquire and Bon Appétit acknowledging it as one of the “Best New Restaurants” and Condé Nast Traveler awarding it as one of their “Hot Table” concepts; the newly opened Zest and Zest MRKT in the Southeast Financial Center in Downtown Miami; and a second Zest location at The Cliff Hotel in Negril, Jamaica. Hutson’s first cookbook, From the Tip of My Tongue (Story Farm), was recently awarded the 2015 Gourmand World Cookbook Award for “Best Woman Chef Cookbook in the United States.” For more information, please visit www.cindyhutsoncuisine.com.

# # #