Primary care physician Jose Soza, M.D., has joined Baptist Health Medical Group, an organization of more than 180 physicians, as part of the Baptist Health Primary Care team. Dr. Soza specializes in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of health issues, including chronic disease management for diabetes, bronchitis, sinusitis, migraines, reflux and other health concerns; simple and complex health matters; minor emergencies; geriatric care; weight loss; health-risk assessments; and healthy lifestyle choices.

Dr. Soza received his medical degree from the National Autonomous University of Nicaragua in Leon, Nicaragua, and completed a residency in the Saint Mary and Saint Elizabeth Family Medicine Residency Program in Chicago. Before joining Baptist Health, he was a primary care physician in pediatric, adolescent, adult and geriatric medicine, in Kissimmee, Fla. He is Board-certified in family medicine and speaks English and Spanish.

“Dr. Soza’s experience with patients who range in age from children to adults well into their senior years makes him 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 http://BaptistHealth.net/PrimaryCare.

Contact: Alicia Vigil; 786-596-6534

Primary care physician Melissa Franco, D.O., MPH, has joined Baptist Health Medical Group, an organization of more than 180 physicians, as part of the Baptist Health Primary Care team. Dr. Franco specializes in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of health issues, with an interest in urgent care and chronic diseases.

Dr. Franco received her doctor of osteopathic medicine and master of public health degrees from Nova Southeastern University in Ft. Lauderdale. She completed a family practice internship and residency at Suncoast Hospital/Largo Medicine Center, Largo, Fla., where she also was co-chief resident. Prior to joining Baptist Health, she was a scholar of the National Health Service Corps., part of the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services devoted to providing care in largely underserved communities. As such, she worked as a family medicine physician at Valley-Wide Health Systems in Monte Vista, Colo. She also was a member of Cleveland Clinic Florida’s Family Medicine Department.

“Dr. Franco’s work within very diverse communities is a bonus for South Florida residents,” said Bernie Fernandez Jr., M.D., CEO of Baptist Health Medical Group. “Her experience in urgent care and walk-in emergency care is an asset to our team and to the community.”

Dr. Franco is Board-certified in family medicine by the American Osteopathic Board of Family Physicians. She has been active in a number of community service programs, volunteering to complete school physicals for the Largo community, and volunteering at organizations such as the DOCARE International Guatemalan Medical Mission, the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians Health Clinic and the Good News Migrant Health Care Center.

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 http://BaptistHealth.net/PrimaryCare.

Contact: Alicia Vigil, 786-596-6534

Baptist Health South Florida elects S. Lawrence Kahn III as chair, Phil Conway as secretary and Ron Shuffield as treasurer

Baptist Health South Florida today announced the election of S. Lawrence Kahn III as chair of the founding board of directors for Miami Cancer Institute, a world-class clinical and research facility, which is part of Baptist Health. Joining Mr. Kahn will be Phil Conway, managing director and U.S. southeast region head of the J.P. Morgan Private Bank, as secretary, and Ron Shuffield, president of EWM Realty International, as treasurer.

Mr. Kahn is president and founder of Coral Gables-based Lowell Homes. He serves on the board of directors for both Baptist Hospital and Baptist Health Medical Group. He proudly served on the design committee for Miami Cancer Institute’s brand new, state-of-the-art facility scheduled to open in 2016.

He was instrumental in helping to ensure that the new facility was designed with patients’ needs in mind. Elements essential to the patient experience include an emphasis on building private, comfortable rooms, offering convenient parking and designing bright, welcoming lobbies, waiting areas and treatment spaces. The Cancer Institute will incorporate peaceful gardens and natural light throughout, showcased in an environment that promotes healing.

“Mr. Kahn has long provided Baptist Health with his vision and expert stewardship of numerous board endeavors, and we are thrilled to see him assume the role of chair for Miami Cancer Institute,” said Brian E. Keeley, president and chief executive officer of Baptist Health. “He will help fulfill a personal and institutional commitment to our mission of giving cancer patients in South Florida the peace of mind that they and their families will never again need to travel outside of Miami to receive the absolute best in care. I have every confidence that Mr. Kahn’s dedication to this mission will be carried out daily through his leadership of our founding board of directors.”

Mr. Kahn graduated from Amherst College and earned his MBA from Harvard Business School. He served as U.S. Navy Lieutenant in Japan and Vietnam. He is a trustee emeritus at Florida International University and a past member of the FIU Foundation. Mr. Kahn serves on the board of governors for the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce and on the board of directors for the Chapman Partnership for the Homeless. He has previously headed or served on the boards of the Builders Association of South Florida, WPBT Channel 2, Miami Downtown Development Authority, South Dade Chamber of Commerce and Brickell Area Association.

Phil Conway, the incoming secretary of Miami Cancer Institute, currently serves on the board of directors for Baptist Health Medical Group and is a member of the Baptist Health Community Benefit Committee. Mr. Conway holds a Bachelor of Science degree in business management from McNeese State University in Lake Charles, La. He was recognized as the university’s 19th distinguished alumnus and is a member of its College of Business Hall of Fame. He holds an MBA from Louisiana State University.

As managing director and U.S. southeast region head for the J.P. Morgan Private Bank, Mr. Conway oversees the firm’s private banking business in Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Tennessee, Alabama, North Carolina, South Carolina and Puerto Rico. He previously served as the firm’s head of capital advisory for the United States and Europe.

Mr. Conway has been active in a variety of community endeavors throughout his career, including serving on the boards of the Perez Art Museum Miami, Houston Salvation Army (past chairman), University of Texas Health Science Center (past chairman), United Way of Dallas, Houston Grand Opera, Dallas Symphony Orchestra, Richardson YMCA, North Texas Commission and the Southwest Louisiana March of Dimes.

Ron Shuffield, the incoming treasurer of Miami Cancer Institute, holds several board positions with Baptist Health, including vice chair of Baptist Health Enterprises and Baptist Health Outpatient Services, secretary of the Doctors Hospital board of directors and trustee of the Baptist Health board of directors. He sits on the Baptist Health Long Range Planning and Facilities Committees, as well as the Executive Committees for Baptist Health Enterprises, Baptist Outpatient Services and Doctors Hospital.

Mr. Shuffield is president of EWM Realty International, a general real estate brokerage firm with 10 offices across South Florida. He serves on the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce board of directors, is a founding board member of the Beacon Council, a member of the Rotary Club of Coral Gables and was past chairman of the Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce and the Coral Gables Community Foundation. In 1996, he received the Robert B. Knight Outstanding Citizen Award for his involvement in the Coral Gables community. The Florida Council on Economic Education inducted Mr. Shuffield into the South Florida Business Hall of Fame in 2003.

He is a member of the board of directors for Florida International University Foundation, and has been a member of University Baptist Church of Coral Gables since 1976, where he is a past chairman of deacons.

Members of all Baptist Health boards serve voluntarily and without compensation. They must abide by a rigid conflict-of-interest policy that prevents them or their family members from doing business with Baptist Health or any of its subsidiaries.

About Miami Cancer Institute
Miami Cancer Institute offers comprehensive cancer services and is expanding its clinical services, clinical trials and state-of-the-art technology, including offering the first proton therapy treatment in South Florida, Latin America and the Caribbean. The Cancer Institute, designed to be a world-class clinical center and research facility, will move into its new spectacular facility in 2016. 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) and nearly 50 outpatient and urgent care facilities spanning three counties. The not-for-profit, faith-based Baptist Health has more than 16,000 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 fourth year in a row by the Ethisphere Institute. Visit BaptistHealth.net.

Contacts: Georgi Morales Pipkin, [email protected] or Victoria Seremeta, [email protected], 786-596-6534

Baptist Health South Florida, headquartered in Coral Gables, and Bethesda Health, headquartered in Boynton Beach, have signed an agreement to merge, pursuant to a 24-month transition period culminating on September 30, 2017. During the transition period, both organizations will collaborate to enhance effectiveness in their operations and share best practices to address the ongoing evolution of the healthcare industry.

“While significant challenges are ahead in healthcare, it is essential to forge partnerships that can ensure our organizations remain on the leading edge as providers of quality medical care,” said Roger L. Kirk, FACHE, president and chief executive officer of Bethesda Health. “As not-for-profit hospitals, we share similar missions and a common vision for improving the health of our respective communities that can be significantly strengthened by this affiliation.”

“We are very optimistic about the steps we are taking to affiliate with Bethesda Health,” said Brian E. Keeley, president and chief executive officer of Baptist Health South Florida. “Our organizations share similar values, and together we will develop and share best practices that can only enhance our commitment to our patients, employees and the communities we serve. Additionally, as the healthcare industry changes, it is essential for progressive healthcare organizations to adjust their operations to remain accountable and strong.”

Both Baptist Health and Bethesda Health have longstanding reputations in South Florida for being comprehensive healthcare organizations that provide high-quality, compassionate care to their respective communities. Both organizations will be actively collaborating over the next two years. Full affiliation is scheduled to occur on October 1, 2017, subject to compliance with contractual provisions and regulatory requirements.

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.
Visit BaptistHealth.net.

About Bethesda Health, Inc.

Bethesda Health is comprised of two not-for-profit hospitals, Bethesda Hospital East and Bethesda Hospital West, which are supported by the generosity of philanthropic community members through the Bethesda Hospital Foundation. Through our community support, we have grown to 670 physicians and more than 2,500 employees. Bethesda Health includes Bethesda Health Physician Group, Bethesda Heart Hospital, Bethesda Orthopaedics Institute, Cornell Institute for Rehabilitation Medicine, the Center for Women and Children, which includes Level III neonatal intensive care and pediatric intensive care, the Bethesda College of Health Sciences and accredited centers for Stroke, Chest Pain and Heart Failure. Visit BethesdaWeb.com.

Contacts: Baptist Health South Florida, Roymi Membiela or Christine Kotler, 786-596-6534; Bethesda Health, 561-737-7733, ext.84320

Baptist Health Medical Group has been honored by the Medical Group Management Association with the Fred Graham Award for Innovation in Improving Community Health. The award recognized the medical group for its innovative approaches to patient care, including the primary care medical home, patient portal, improved communication lines between patients/families and their care team, telehealth, electronic medical records and free health screenings.

“This award reflects the effort of our entire team to fulfill our mission of providing the community with the highest quality care. As a medical group, we are leading the way in delivering programs that enhance the patient experience,” said Bernie Fernandez Jr., M.D., CEO of Baptist Health Medical Group. “Our efforts at transforming how we care for our patients — from providing primary care services conveniently under one roof to improving access to medical services ― are having a lasting impact on our community.”

The Medical Group Management Association is a national organization that represents more than 33,000 medical practice administrators and executives in practices of all sizes, types, structures and specialties. By focusing on best practices, education, advocacy, networking and resources, it helps its members build successful medical practices.

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 http://BaptistHealth.net/PrimaryCare.

Contact: Sahyli Hartney; 786-527-9074

Ana Lopez-Blazquez, chief executive officer of Baptist Health Enterprises, was named executive vice president and chief strategy & transformation officer of Baptist Health South Florida.

With the projected changes in the healthcare industry, Ana Lopez-Blazquez will be responsible to lead the transformation of Baptist Health South Florida and prepare the organization to focus on value-based, consumer-centric care through a broad-based, data-driven initiative that will evaluate physician-lead clinical reengineering and a top to bottom analysis of all administrative functions and cost structures. In addition to her new role, Ana will continue to lead Baptist Health Enterprises (BHE) as chief executive officer, spearheading all Baptist Health’s real estate holdings. BHE Real Estate and Development Corp. currently owns and/or manages a diverse portfolio of about 1.8 million square feet of space including a variety of clinical, physicians and office tenants. Furthermore, Lopez-Blazquez will continue to serve as the lead strategic advisor to the President/CEO of Baptist Health, as well as to other Baptist Health executives and board members on issues of long-term impact to the organization and the healthcare industry.

Lopez-Blazquez joined Baptist Hospital of Miami in 1987 as Director of Planning, and has led the strategic planning and business/market development functions of Baptist Health since then. Prior to joining Baptist, Ana worked at Orlando Regional Medical Center as an administrative resident while completing her graduate studies. She also worked at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida as a Medicare compliance auditor and audit supervisor.

“In her 28 year tenure with Baptist Health South Florida, Ana Lopez-Blazquez has made major contributions that have shaped our organization’s growth strategy and strong market position,” said Brian E. Keeley, president and chief executive officer of Baptist Health. “Her strong business and analytical skills have been at the forefront of significant business endeavors at Baptist Health, such as the conceptualization and development of our Baptist Health Medical Plazas, centers that provide outpatient urgent care and diagnostic imaging services throughout Miami Dade and Broward County, as well as leading the legislative due diligence and logistics that set Baptist Health on course to build West Kendall Baptist Hospital, the first brand new hospital built in Florida in several decades. Lopez-Blazquez holds a Master of Business Administration and Master of Health Science from the University of Florida, and a Bachelor of Business Administration – Accounting from Florida International University. She currently serves on the board of the Miami Foundation and La Liga Contra el Cancer.

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.

Baby-Friendly USA, Inc. has designated West Kendall Baptist Hospital a Baby-Friendly facility for its commitment to encouraging new mothers to breastfeed their babies. West Kendall Baptist Hospital is the first facility in South Florida and one of only 286 hospitals and birthing centers in the United States to earn the designation.

The term Baby-Friendly, a registered certification mark, is reserved exclusively for facilities that have passed an on-site assessment confirming that the facility has implemented the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative’s Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding program. An abundance of scientific evidence points to lower risks for certain diseases and improved health outcomes for both mothers and babies who breastfeed.

“Providing exceptional patient- and family-centered care, with the incorporation of Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding, has been hardwired into our practices by the physicians, leadership and staff here on the Beautiful Beginnings Birthing Suites,” said Ann Mullings, R.N., director of Nursing Services at West Kendall Baptist Hospital. Baby-Friendly USA is the accrediting body and the national authority for the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative in the United States. A global program of the World Health Organization and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the initiative assists hospitals in giving all mothers the information, confidence and skills necessary to successfully initiate and continue breastfeeding their babies or feeding formula safely, and gives special recognition to hospitals that have done so.

“Breastfeeding education is one of the foundations of our Beautiful Beginnings Birthing Suites program for expectant mothers and their families, which has been a hallmark of our hospital since we opened in 2011,” said CEO Javier Hernandez-Lichtl. “Congratulations to all of our obstetrical physicians, nurses and staff on this significant accomplishment.”

“Recognition as a Baby-Friendly-designated facility demonstrates our team’s commitment to providing evidence-based maternity care with the goal of achieving optimal infant feeding, as well as strengthening the bond between mother and baby,” said Denise Harris, R.N., chief nursing officer of West Kendall Baptist Hospital. “The Baby-Friendly assessment team’s rigorous review of our program is another confirmation that we are delivering the highest standard of care to our new mothers.”

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 Baby-Friendly USA, Inc.
Baby-Friendly USA, Inc. (BFUSA) is the nonprofit accrediting body and the national authority for the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) in the United States. Its mission is to assess, accredit and designate birthing facilities that meet the BFHI criteria for implementing the Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding and follow the International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk. BFHI is a global initiative of the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). Visit http://BabyFriendlyUSA.org.

Contact: Arianne M. Cento; 305-978-8143

Breast surgeon Starr Mautner, M.D., has joined Miami Cancer Institute, a world-class clinical and research facility that is part of Baptist Health South Florida. Dr. Mautner, who will be on the staff of Baptist Health Breast Center at Miami Cancer Institute, an integral part of the Cancer Institute, specializes in oncologic surgery including breast-conserving lumpectomy, mastectomy, lymph node dissection and biopsy.

Dr. Mautner received her undergraduate degree from the University of Miami and her medical degree from the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. She completed her general surgery training at St. Vincent’s Hospital ― Manhattan, and at New York Presbyterian Hospital – Weill Cornell Medical College in New York City, where she was chief resident. Following her residency and a research fellowship at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and Weill Cornell Medical College, she completed a breast surgical oncology fellowship at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.

During her training, she was the recipient of numerous honors and scholarships for achievement in the field of breast cancer. As a research fellow, she investigated the safety and efficacy of nipple-sparing mastectomy, the accuracy of sentinel lymph node biopsy after neoadjuvant chemotherapy and the molecular genetics of LCIS.

“Dr. Mautner’s surgical experience at one of the most renowned cancer centers in the nation ― along with her interest in research ― makes her an extremely valuable addition to Miami Cancer Institute,” said Leonard Kalman, M.D., deputy director and chief clinical officer of the Cancer Institute. “Additionally, as a native of South Florida, she is familiar with our community and the Latin American and Caribbean areas we serve.”

Dr. Mautner is a member of the American College of Surgeons, the Society of Surgical Oncology and the American Society of Breast Surgeons – Association of Women Surgeons.

Miami Cancer Institute offers comprehensive cancer services and is expanding its clinical services, clinical trials and state-of-the-art technology, including offering the first proton therapy treatment in South Florida, Latin America and the Caribbean. The Cancer Institute, designed to be a world-class clinical center and research facility, will move into its new spectacular facility in 2016. 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) and nearly 50 outpatient and urgent care facilities spanning three counties.

The not-for-profit, faith-based Baptist Health has more than 16,000 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 fourth year in a row by the Ethisphere Institute.

Contact: Muriel Sommers; 786-596-6534

Primary care physician Lester Carrodeguas, M.D., has joined Baptist Health Medical Group, an organization of more than 180 physicians in multiple specialties, as part of the Baptist Health Primary Care team. Dr. Carrodeguas specializes in simple to complex health concerns, including asthma, diabetes, heart disease, internal medicine, disease prevention, health-risk assessments and healthy lifestyle choices.

Dr. Carrodeguas received his undergraduate degree from the University of Georgia, and his medical degree from the Universidad Autόnoma de Guadalajara School of Medicine, in Guadalajara, Mexico. He held post-doctoral research fellowships at Ohio State University Hospital and Arthur James Comprehensive Cancer Institute. He completed a clinical research fellowship at The Bariatric Institute – Cleveland Clinic Florida and a family medicine residency at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, Hoboken University Medical Center.

“Research and patient care have both been vital to Dr. Carrodeguas,” said Bernie Fernandez Jr., M.D., CEO of Baptist Health Medical Group. “With his broad range of interests, he is well prepared to assist the South Florida community.” Dr. Carrodeguas has performed research in the areas of immunology, transplantation and obesity. He is an assistant professor of medicine at Florida International University’s Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine. He is fluent in English and Spanish.

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: Alicia Vigil; 786-596-6534

Free Flu Shots, Screenings and More at Doctors Hospital Senior Health Fair

Education, medical screenings and the mind-body connection are all part of staying healthy. Doctors Hospital and the City of Coral Gables Adult Activity Center are hosting a free Senior Health Fair Wednesday, Sept. 16, 10 a.m.-1 p.m., at the War Memorial Youth Center, 405 University Drive, in Coral Gables. This is the sixth year the hospital has partnered with the city to offer the community event.

The first 100 participants at the health fair will receive free flu shots. Medical professionals will be on hand to perform health screenings for osteoporosis, blood sugar, blood pressure, cholesterol, hearing loss and body mass index (BMI). Experts also will be available to answer general health questions, discuss medications and diet and teach women how to properly perform a breast self-exam. Attendees will enjoy complimentary chair massages, exercise demonstrations, giveaways and a nutritious lunch.

The Senior Health Fair is free and open to the public. Complimentary valet parking will be available at the Youth Center. For more information, visit BaptistHealth.net/Wellness.

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. For more information, visit BaptistHealth.net.