Primary care physician Rozan Razzouk, M.D., has joined Baptist Health Medical Group, an organization of more than 180 physicians, as part of the Baptist Health Primary Care team in the new South Miami office, located at 6280 SW 72 Street, Suite 410, South Miami, Florida 33143. Dr. Razzouk specializes in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of health issues, including chronic disease management for diabetes, bronchitis, sinusitis, COPD, migraines, reflux and other health concerns; simple and complex health matters; minor emergencies; women’s health issues; health-risk assessments; and healthy lifestyle choices.

Dr. Razzouk received her medical degree from the Damascus University Medical School, Damascus, Syria, where she was named Medical Student of the Year. She completed a residency in anesthesia at Harasta Medical Center in Damascus, and a residency in family practice at the University of Arkansas-Sparks Medical Center, AHEC-West, in Fort Smith, Ark., where she also received academic honors and Resident of the Month awards. She is Board-certified in family medicine.

“Dr. Razzouk has cared for patients in a variety of inpatient and outpatient settings and is comfortable working in a multi-cultural environment. She is a wonderful addition to the Primary Care team,” said Bernie Fernandez Jr., M.D., CEO of Baptist Health Medical Group.

Baptist Health Medical Group is part of Baptist Health South Florida, the largest healthcare organization in the region, with seven hospitals (Baptist Hospital, Baptist Children’s Hospital, Doctors Hospital, Homestead Hospital, Mariners Hospital, South Miami Hospital and West Kendall Baptist Hospital) and more than 30 outpatient and urgent care facilities spanning three counties. The not-for-profit, faith-based Baptist Health has more than 15,000 employees and 2,200 affiliated physicians and also includes Baptist Outpatient Services and internationally renowned centers of excellence. Baptist Health Foundation, the organization’s fundraising arm, supports services at all hospitals and facilities. Baptist Health is listed by Fortune magazine as one of the 100 Best Companies to Work For in America (#23 in the nation) and has remained on the list for 15 years. It was also recognized as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies for the fifth year in a row by the Ethisphere Institute. For more information on Baptist Health Primary Care, go to BaptistHealth.net/PrimaryCare.

Contact: Georgi Pipkin, Phone: 786-596-6534

Gartner, Inc. has named Baptist Health South Florida to its “Healthcare Supply Chain Top 25 for 2015” list. The ranking, now in its seventh year, recognizes companies across the healthcare value chain that demonstrates leadership in improving patient care and lowering costs. “Our team works hard each day to build an organizational infrastructure that focuses on more than just commercial transaction costs. We seek to focus on the total cost of ownership, including care quality,” said Suzzanne Thomson-Quintero, vice-president of supply chain management services for Baptist Health South Florida. “We are proud to be recognized and are committed to our patients, physicians and suppliers.”

“Alignment to patient outcomes, company strategy and future revenue models in healthcare are the key themes for 2015,” writes Gartner*. “We see innovation coming from mature supply chains that have stable organizations and strong talent. These organizations are most ready to successfully lead in consolidation and collaboration initiatives that will advance the healthcare value chain.”
Consistent with Gartner’s Top 25 research methodologies, the Healthcare Supply Chain Top 25 ranking is derived from two main analyses: quantitative measures and opinion. Quantitative measures provide a view into how companies have performed in the past, and establish proxy connections between financial health, performance and supply chain excellence. The opinion component offers an eye to value chain leadership and demonstrated supply chain performance — crucial characteristics of Gartner’s Top 25 ranking. These two components are combined into a total composite score. To read more, visit www.gartner.com.

*Gartner, The Healthcare Supply Chain Top 25 for 2015, Eric O’Daffer, Stephen Meyer, Lisa Callinan, Andrew Stevens, November 18, 2015

About Baptist Health South Florida
Baptist Health is the largest healthcare organization in the region, with seven hospitals (Baptist Hospital, Baptist Children’s Hospital, Doctors Hospital, Homestead Hospital, Mariners Hospital, South Miami Hospital and West Kendall Baptist Hospital) and more than 30 outpatient and urgent care facilities spanning three counties. Not-for-profit, faith-based Baptist Health has more than 15,000 employees and 2,200 affiliated physicians, and also includes Baptist Health Medical Group, Baptist Outpatient Services and internationally renowned centers of excellence. Baptist Health Foundation, the organization’s fundraising arm, supports services at all hospitals and facilities. Baptist Health was just listed by Fortune magazine as one of the 100 Best Companies to Work for in America (No. 23 in the nation) and has remained on the list for 15 years. It was also recognized as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies for the fourth year in a row by the Ethisphere Institute.

Contact: Georgi Pipkin, 786-596-3050, [email protected]

With the beginning of open enrollment on the federal marketplace, health insurance leader Florida Blue has unveiled myBlue — a new, low cost and comprehensive product to meet the needs of South Florida’s diverse community. Florida Blue, Florida’s Blue Cross and Blue Shield plan, collaborated with Baptist Health South Florida to ensure the new product improved access to care, included generous benefits and offered the desired network of high-quality providers.

“Florida Blue and Baptist Health have enjoyed a longstanding partnership and we share a deep concern and commitment to making health care more accessible and affordable for the community,” said Penny Shaffer, market president for Florida Blue. “myBlue is the result of listening to our customers and our community, and to working together on a low-cost solution to manage health care and health costs.”

The new myBlue plan is an innovative HMO product designed for consumers under 65 who qualify for federal subsidies on the marketplace. The product is available in 10 Florida counties including Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach. myBlue offers complete health coverage from wellness checkups to serious illness, and it includes prescription drugs. Florida Blue carefully selected primary care doctors committed to working closely with individuals and families on coordinating their health care needs, helping them stay healthy and saving them money.

As the patient’s care coordinator, the myBlue primary care doctor ensures each member gets the most appropriate care. That myBlue primary care doctor can manage a member’s necessary care with Baptist’s team of physician specialists. In addition, members of myBlue in Miami-Dade and Broward counties have the option of utilizing Baptist Health hospitals and facilities. Baptist Health is the largest health care organization in South Florida, with seven area hospitals and nearly 50 outpatient and urgent care facilities.

“There are still too many South Floridians without insurance, and Baptist Health is proud that this partnership provides a new option for many people,” said Ralph Lawson, executive vice president and chief financial officer for Baptist Health. “We believe people will be drawn to an affordable solution designed to keep them healthy and which allows them access to our high-quality Baptist Health facilities and specialists.”

myBlue offers comprehensive benefits presented to members in an easy-to-understand format. Most routine services are covered with simple copays. There is no copay for preventive or primary care doctor visits, routine lab work, or for immunizations and vaccinations. In addition, there is no copay for a three-month supply of mail-order generic maintenance medications or for children’s eye exams and lenses. myBlue members also have access to 24/7 online service.

“Whether preventative or routine care, or treating a chronic condition, we must engage everyone involved in managing a patient’s care,” Shaffer said. “Florida Blue is deeply committed to innovation and collaboration on the journey to improving health care outcomes and access, and to lowering costs.”

About Florida Blue
Florida Blue, Florida’s Blue Cross and Blue Shield company, is a leader in Florida’s health care industry. Driven by its mission to help people and communities achieve better health, Florida Blue has more than 4 million health care members across the state. An additional 15.5 million people in 16 states are served through its affiliated companies. Florida Blue is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, an association of independent Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies. For more information, visit www.FloridaBlue.com.

About Baptist Health South Florida
Baptist Health is the largest healthcare organization in the region, with seven hospitals (Baptist Hospital, Baptist Children’s Hospital, Doctors Hospital, Homestead Hospital, Mariners Hospital, South Miami Hospital and West Kendall Baptist Hospital) and nearly 50 outpatient and urgent care facilities spanning three counties. The not-for-profit Baptist Health has approximately 16,000 employees and 2,200 affiliated physicians, and also includes Baptist Health Medical Group, Baptist Outpatient Services and internationally renowned centers of excellence. Baptist Health Foundation, the organization’s fundraising arm, supports services at all hospitals and facilities. Baptist Health was listed by Fortune magazine as one of the 100 Best Companies to Work For in America (#23 in the nation) and has remained on the list for 15 years. It was also recognized as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies for the fifth year in a row by the Ethisphere Institute. For more information, visit www.BaptistHealth.net.

Media Contact: Georgi Pipkin, Corporate Manager, 786-596-3309, [email protected]; Doug Bartel, Senior Director of Media Relations, 305-921-7007, [email protected]

Primary Care physician Agueda Hernandez, M.D., medical director of the Baptist Health Primary Care Family Medicine Center and director of the Family Residency program at West Kendall Baptist Hospital, has received the 2015 FAFP Exemplary Full-Time Educator Award from The Florida Academy of Family Physicians (FAFP).

This prestigious award was created to recognize outstanding family physicians for their dedication, expertise and ability to provide the highest quality instruction to physicians in all phases of their medical training and practice in a full-time capacity. This recognition is particularly important in Florida due to the shortage of Primary Care physicians and the lack of residency opportunities available to a younger generation. Dr. Hernandez’s comprehensive skills in health care have contributed to excellence in the provision of high quality care and demonstrated that family physicians can have an impact on improving the overall health of the nation.

“Dr. Hernandez continues to exemplify those leadership abilities that make our doctors unique at Baptist Health Primary Care,” said Bernie Fernandez Jr., M.D., chief executive officer of Baptist Health Medical Group. “Under her leadership, the Family Residency program has received well over 1,700 applications for just 4 resident positions. This award symbolizes her continued dedication to mentoring young physicians who will make lasting contributions at Baptist Health and in the South Florida community.”

The Florida Academy of Family Physicians (FAFP) is composed of more than 4,800 family medicine physicians, resident physicians, and medical students from across the state. The FAFP works to advance the specialty of family medicine by promoting excellence and improvement in the healthcare of all Floridians. Their priority is to help members become the best family physicians they can be through effective communication, legislation/regulation, education, advocacy, research and motivation. The FAFP also acts as the active voice for family medicine, advocating key issues among patients, the medical community, legislators and regulators, third-party payers, and the general public. The FAFP continually works to communicate, recognize and celebrate the issues of family medicine, while helping all Floridians to understand that having a family physician is vital to their health. For more information, visit www.fafp.org.

About Baptist Health South Florida

Baptist Health is the largest healthcare organization in the region, with seven hospitals (Baptist Hospital, Baptist Children’s Hospital, Doctors Hospital, Homestead Hospital, Mariners Hospital, South Miami Hospital and West Kendall Baptist Hospital) and more than 30 outpatient and urgent care facilities spanning three counties. The not-for-profit, faith-based Baptist Health has more than 15,000 employees and 2,200 affiliated physicians, and also includes Baptist Health Medical Group, Baptist Outpatient Services and internationally renowned centers of excellence. Baptist Health Foundation, the organization’s fundraising arm, supports services at all hospitals and facilities. Baptist Health was listed by Fortune magazine as one of the 100 Best Companies to Work For in America (#19 in the nation and #1 in Florida) and has remained on the list for 14 years. It was also recognized as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies for the third year in a row by the Ethisphere Institute. For more information on Baptist Health Primary Care, go to BaptistHealth.net/PrimaryCare.

CONTACT: Sahyli Hartney; PHONE: 786-596-6534

Zoo Miami again will host a 5K race it can call its own! Zoo Miami Foundation (formerly Zoological Society of Florida) and West Kendall Baptist Hospital have partnered to offer two fun, wild events on November 14, 2015.

Unlike other 5Ks and walks held at the zoo, this event will offer benefits that only the team at the zoo can offer, running through the Zoo Miami exhibit path and bringing back memories of the renowned Jungle Jog run that started 31 years ago and ended in 2002.

The ZooRun5K presented by Gilly Vending, which sold out the last two years, is for folks of every speed – from cheetah to tortoise – so no matter your pace, come out for fun and exercise. This 3.1 mile timed race is walker-friendly and will take place around the entire zoo. The ZooKidsDash presented by Kidz Medical Services is a race for kids ages 2 – 9. This race 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 being 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 is thrilled to partner with Zoo Miami in hosting this 5K race. This event is an extension of our multi-year partnership focused on the health of our environment and our community. With the Healthy Zoo, Healthy You initiative, part of the Healthy West Kendall coalition, we hope to inspire our community to make healthy living a priority,” said Michelle Mejia, AVP, at West Kendall Baptist Hospital. “What better way than to get outdoors and run with the animals.” The ZooRun5K presented by Gilly Vending pre-sale price of $30 is valid today through October 30 and increases to $35 from October 31 through November 13. Registration fees will increase to $45 on race day. The ZooKidsDash presented by Kidz Medical Services pre-sale price of $10 is valid today through October 30 and increases to $15 from October 31 to November 13. Race day fee for kids ages 2-9 is $20. An additional processing fee will be added per transaction. The first 4,000 5K and 1,000 Kids Dash registrants will receive free admission to Zoo Miami, a premium t-shirt, themed finisher medal, post race food and a race unlike any in South Florida. As if all of this weren’t enough, race registrants can purchase Zoo Miami tickets for friends and family with a 50% discount on race day!

About West Kendall Baptist Hospital

West Kendall Baptist Hospital provides patient- and family-centered care to one of South Florida’s most vibrant and fast-growing communities. Recognized as a Magnet® organization for its rigorous standards of nursing excellence, the hospital also earned LEED Gold certification for its sustainable construction and operating practices. Its ACGME-accredited family medicine residency program operates in partnership with Florida International University’s Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine. West Kendall Baptist Hospital is part of the not-for-profit, faith-based Baptist Health South Florida family. Visit http://WestKendallBaptistHospital.com.

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 www.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.

Contacts: Vanessa Ramos, 305-793-0241 and Cindy Castelblanco, 305-328-8811

Purdue Old Masters program brings distinguished alumni to campus to share experiences with current students.

Purdue University has selected George W. Foyo, Baptist Health’s executive vice president and chief administrative officer, for inclusion in the 2015 Purdue Old Masters program. Created in 1950, the program is a unique and longstanding Purdue tradition that each year invites 10 exceptional individuals, all outstanding in their respective fields, to campus to share their life and work experiences with students.

Mr. Foyo graduated from Purdue with a master of science in Industrial Engineering. Prior to joining Baptist Health, he served as market president for Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida, president of DIRECTV Latin America and president and managing director for AT&T’s Caribbean and Latin American Division. Among his many recognitions, he was inducted into the Hispanic Engineer Hall of Fame and was recognized as Executive of the Year by the Latin Chamber of Commerce of the United States.

“I am proud to be a beneficiary of the limitless opportunities available to Purdue University graduates in engineering and other technical disciplines who seek not just to work in, but also to lead, world-class organizations,” said Mr. Foyo. “I look forward to the opportunity to reminisce and share ideas with Purdue’s student body, the leaders of the future.”

The Old Masters program has been a Purdue University tradition since 1950, celebrating distinguished alumni and others while inspiring students to embody the value of the Boilermaker experience. Past Old Masters have included Jim Miller, vice president of worldwide operations, Google Inc.; Jack Calhoun, president of Banana Republic ; and Mitchell E. Daniels Jr., senior vice president for corporate strategy and policy, Eli Lilly & Co. and current Purdue president; Justice Brent E. Dickson, Indiana Supreme Court Justice; Lewis H. Young, Editor-in-Chief of Business Week; Greg Wasson, former CEO, Walgreens and Virginia Jacko, CEO, Miami Lighthouse for the Blind.

Purdue University, located in West Lafayette, Indiana, is the flagship university of the six-campus Purdue University system. Purdue’s programs in engineering continue to be ranked among the 10 best in the country in U.S. News & World Report’s graduate school rankings. Purdue alumni have achieved recognition in a range of areas, particularly in the science, engineering, and aviation industries.

About Baptist Health South Florida

Baptist Health is the largest healthcare organization in the region, with seven hospitals (Baptist Hospital, Baptist Children ‘s Hospital, Doctors Hospital, Homestead Hospital, Mariners Hospital, South Miami Hospital and West Kendall Baptist Hospital) and more than 30 outpatient and urgent care facilities spanning three counties. The not-for-profit, faith-based Baptist Health has more than 15,000 employees and 2,200 affiliated physicians, and also includes Baptist Health Medical Group, Baptist Outpatient Services and internationally renowned centers of excellence. Baptist Health Foundation, the organization ‘s fundraising arm, supports services at all hospitals and facilities. Baptist Health is listed by Fortune magazine as one of the 100 Best Companies to Work For in America (#19 in the nation and #1 in Florida) and has remained on the list for 14 years. It was also recognized as one of the World ‘s Most Ethical Companies for the third year in a row by the Ethisphere Institute. Visit BaptistHealth.net.

Contact:Georgi Morales Pipkin;(786) 596-6534; [email protected]

MIAMI, Fla. – Nov. 9, 2015 – Michael J. Zinner, M.D., a world-renowned and highly respected cancer surgeon and researcher, has been named founding CEO and executive medical director of Miami Cancer Institute at Baptist Health South Florida, announced Brian E. Keeley, president and CEO of Baptist Health South Florida.

“Dr. Zinner’s credentials are indicative of the sophistication and high-quality medical care that Miami Cancer Institute will provide,” Keeley said. “Under his leadership, the Institute will deliver leading-edge cancer treatment via state-of-the-art technology, including South Florida’s only proton therapy center. We will also engage in innovative research that will accelerate discovery.”

An expert in pancreatic-hepatobiliary diseases, Dr. Zinner joins Miami Cancer Institute from Dana-Farber/Brigham and Women’s Cancer Center in Boston, where he was Clinical Director, and Surgeon-in-Chief at the Brigham and Women’s Hospital. He is also the Moseley Professor of Surgery at Harvard Medical School and founder of Harvard’s Center for Surgery and Public Health.

Dr. Zinner is co-founder and co-director of the Gastrointestinal Cancer Center at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, a multidisciplinary clinical program of surgeons, oncologists, radiation therapists, radiologists and pathologists. The author of more than 230 academic papers, Dr. Zinner is a member of the editorial boards of Annals of Surgery, Journal of Gastrointestinal Surgery and the Journal of the American College of Surgeons.

“With Dr. Zinner at the helm, along with our other highly regarded experts, Miami Cancer Institute will provide world-class, precision cancer care throughout the region, including South Florida, Latin America and the Caribbean,” said Wayne Brackin, executive vice president and chief operating officer at Baptist Health South Florida.

From 2008 to 2010, Dr. Zinner was the Chairman of the Board of Governors of the American College of Surgeons (ACS), which has more than 80,000 members, and he is now a Vice Chair of the Board of Regents of the College. Additionally, he is Chairman of the Health Policy and Advocacy Committee for the American College of Surgeons.

“Throughout his distinguished career, Dr. Zinner has been widely recognized for his extraordinary clinical accomplishments, his contributions to cancer treatment and research, and his mentorship to students, physicians and researchers worldwide,” said Jack Ziffer, Ph.D., M.D., executive vice president and chief physician executive, Baptist Health South Florida. “Dr. Zinner’s esteemed reputation will help us attract and retain the best and brightest experts in cancer care, who will deliver evidence-based treatments to our patients.”

“We are delighted that Dr. Zinner will be joining us at a pivotal moment in Baptist Health’s history,” said S. Lawrence Kahn III, founding chairman of the board of directors for Miami Cancer Institute.

A Miami native, Dr. Zinner received his M.D. degree from the University of Florida and did his surgical residency at Johns Hopkins Hospital.

About Miami Cancer Institute

Contact: Christine Kotler, 786-596-6534

Five Baptist Health Hospitals Receive “A” Grades on Leapfrog Group’s Most Recent Hospital Safety Score; Three Baptist Health Hospitals Receive “Straight A’s” for Consistent Performance

All eligible hospitals operated by Baptist Health South Florida have been recognized by a healthcare industry watchdog group for their dedication to patient safety. Baptist Hospital, Doctors Hospital, Homestead Hospital, South Miami Hospital and West Kendall Baptist Hospital each received an “A” grade in the Leapfrog Group’s Fall 2015 Hospital Safety Score, which rates how well hospitals protect patients from preventable medical errors, injuries and infections within the hospital. As a critical-access hospital, Mariners Hospital, which is also operated by Baptist Health, is not eligible to participate in the survey.

Baptist Health is one of the few healthcare systems in the country to have multiple hospitals earn consistent Straight A’s for eight report cards in a row. Baptist Hospital, Doctors Hospital and Homestead Hospital have earned Straight A’s since the spring of 2012, the first time these ratings were released. Only approximately five percent of graded hospitals nationwide have consistently maintained an “A.”

Thinh Tran, M.D., MBA, corporate vice president and chief medical and quality officer for Baptist Health South Florida, says these scores are a validation of the Baptist Health team’s commitment to patient safety. “It is part of the culture at Baptist Health South Florida to provide the safest care and best outcomes for our patients and that is reflected in these grades,” he said. “It really is a celebration and recognition for our doctors, nurses, staff and the entire health care team. I am very proud of our teams across the system.”

Launched in 2012, the Hospital Safety Score assigns A, B, C, D and F grades to more than 2,500 U.S. hospitals twice per year. It is calculated by top patient safety experts, peer-reviewed, fully transparent and free to the public. For more information about the Hospital Safety Score or to view the list of state rankings, please visit www.hospitalsafetyscore.org.

About Baptist Health South Florida
Baptist Health is the largest healthcare organization in the region, with seven hospitals (Baptist Hospital, Baptist Children’s Hospital, Doctors Hospital, Homestead Hospital, Mariners Hospital, South Miami Hospital and West Kendall Baptist Hospital) and more than 30 outpatient and urgent care facilities spanning three counties. The not-for-profit, faith-based Baptist Health has more than 15,000 employees and 2,200 affiliated physicians, and also includes Baptist Health Medical Group, Baptist Outpatient Services and internationally renowned centers of excellence. Baptist Health Foundation, the organization’s fundraising arm, supports services at all hospitals and facilities. Baptist Health was listed by Fortune magazine as one of the 100 Best Companies to Work For in America (#23 in the nation) and has remained on the list for 15 years. It was also recognized as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies for the fifth year in a row by the Ethisphere Institute.

About The Leapfrog Group
Founded in 2000 by large employers and other purchasers, The Leapfrog Group is a national nonprofit organization driving a movement for giant leaps forward in the quality and safety of American health care. The flagship Leapfrog Hospital Survey collects and transparently reports hospital performance, empowering purchasers to find the highest-value care and giving consumers the lifesaving information they need to make informed decisions. Hospital Safety Score, Leapfrog’s other main initiative, assigns letter grades to hospitals based on their record of patient safety, helping consumers protect themselves and their families from errors, injuries, accidents, and infections.

Georgi Morales Pipkin, Baptist Health South Florida (786) 596-6534; [email protected]

MIAMI, FL – October 29, 2015 –Pediatric oncologist and hematologist Doured Daghistani, M.D., has been named president of medical staff for Baptist Hospital, part of Baptist Health South Florida. Dr. Daghistani succeeds outgoing President Michael Fili, M.D.

Prior to this appointment, Dr. Daghistani served a four-year term as vice president of medical staff at Baptist Hospital. He also has held the role of secretary-treasurer. In addition to serving as chairman of Baptist Children’s Hospital Executive Board, Dr. Daghistani is the medical director of pediatric hematology and oncology at Baptist Children’s Hospital and chief of pediatric hematology and oncology at Miami Cancer Institute.

Dr. Daghistani is Board-certified in pediatrics with a subspecialty in pediatric hematology and oncology. He earned his medical degree at the University of Damascus, Syria, and completed his residency and fellowship at the University of Miami.

Joining Dr. Daghistani as officers on the Baptist Hospital medical staff is obstetrician and gynecologist Maria Victoria Lopez-Beecham, M.D., who was elected vice president, pediatric neonatologist Ernesto Valdes, M.D., who was elected secretary-treasurer, and cardiothoracic surgeon, Niberto Moreno, M.D. who was named member at large.

Dr. Lopez-Beecham is Board-certified in obstetrics and gynecology. She received her medical degree from the University of Florida, College of Medicine. She completed her residency at the Women and Infants Hospital, Brown University Medical School.

Dr. Valdez served a four two-year terms as chief of pediatrics at Baptist Children’s Hospital. He earned his medical degree at Universidad Central del Este in the Dominican Republic with a Fifth Pathway Certificate from College of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (CMDNJ). He completed his residency at University of Miami School of Medicine and a fellowship in neonatal and perinatal medicine at Texas Children’s Hospital/Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas. He is Board-certified in neonatal and perinatal medicine.

Prior to his appointment as member at large, Dr. Moreno served ex-officio member of Baptist Hospital medical staff. In addition to serving on the medical staff, Dr. Moreno is chief of cardiothoracic surgery for Baptist Health Cardiac & Thoracic Surgical Group and Baptist Health Medical Group. He is Board-certified in thoracic and cardiac surgery.

Baptist Health is the largest healthcare organization in the region, with seven hospitals (Baptist Hospital, Baptist Children’s Hospital, Doctors Hospital, Homestead Hospital, Mariners Hospital, South Miami Hospital and West Kendall Baptist Hospital) and more than 30 outpatient and urgent care facilities spanning three counties. The not-for-profit, faith-based Baptist Health has more than 15,000 employees and 2,200 affiliated physicians, and also includes Baptist Health Medical Group, Baptist Outpatient Services and internationally renowned Centers of Excellence. Baptist Health was just listed by Fortune magazine as one of the 100 Best Companies to Work For in America and has remained on the list for 15 years. It also was recognized as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies for the fifth year in a row by the Ethisphere Institute. Baptist Health Foundation, the organization’s fundraising arm, supports services at all hospitals and facilities. Visit BaptistHealth.net.

MIAMI, FL – October 26, 2015 – Barry T. Katzen, M.D., founder of Miami Cardiac & Vascular Institute, was named chief medical executive of the Institute, which is part of Baptist Health South Florida.

With the need for significantly greater executive leadership spanning the system-wide clinical domain, Dr. Katzen becomes a full-time executive with Baptist Health. In this role, he is responsible for providing clinical leadership and expertise to the cardiovascular physicians throughout Miami Cardiac & Vascular Institute, which has more than 25 locations of integrated heart and vascular services across South Florida. In addition to his expanded leadership responsibilities, Dr. Katzen will continue to practice vascular and interventional radiology and care for patients.

“Building and maintaining a high-quality, innovative cardiovascular service line requires visionary leadership,” said Jack Ziffer, M.D., Ph.D., executive vice president and chief physician executive for Baptist Health. “Dr. Katzen’s important contributions to research and cutting-edge treatments for heart and vascular conditions, combined with his many years of success leading the Institute’s skilled physicians in a collaborative manner, have been and will continue to be extremely valuable to our organization.”

Dr. Katzen, who founded Miami Cardiac & Vascular Institute in 1987, has played a vital role in developing interventional radiology as a specialty of medicine. He has been a national site principal investigator for many clinical trials in the study of aneurysms, carotid artery disease, and peripheral vascular disease and has been involved in the development of numerous devices for less invasive vascular therapy. Dr. Katzen has been recognized globally as a leader in advancing cardiovascular medicine.

“We are fortunate to have a nationally and internationally renowned pioneer in his field as one of our physicians and leaders,” said Brian E. Keeley, president and chief executive officer of Baptist Health. “His unwavering passion and expertise will continue to pave the way for the future of world-class cardiovascular care for our community and beyond.”

Dr. Katzen is joined on the leadership team by Carol Mascioli, chief operating officer for Miami Cardiac & Vascular Institute, and Bo Boulenger, chief executive officer of Baptist Hospital, who is Baptist Health’s executive champion for the Institute. Also, Dr. Katzen will serve as the first Chairman of the Board for the Institute’s newly formed management group.

Miami Cardiac & Vascular Institute is currently undergoing a $100 million expansion on the Baptist Hospital campus that will feature the development of unique programs for aneurysms and structural heart disease.

About Baptist Health South Florida
Baptist Health is the largest healthcare organization in the region, with seven hospitals (Baptist Hospital, Baptist Children’s Hospital, Doctors Hospital, Homestead Hospital, Mariners Hospital, South Miami Hospital and West Kendall Baptist Hospital) and nearly 50 outpatient and urgent care facilities spanning three counties. The not-for-profit, faith-based Baptist Health has approximately 16,000 employees and 2,200 affiliated physicians, and also includes Baptist Health Medical Group, Baptist Outpatient Services and internationally renowned centers of excellence. Baptist Health Foundation, the organization’s fundraising arm, supports services at all hospitals and facilities. Baptist Health was listed by Fortune magazine as one of the 100 Best Companies to Work For in America (#23 in the nation) and has remained on the list for 15 years. It was also recognized as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies for the fifth year in a row by the Ethisphere Institute.