West Kendall Baptist Hospital has achieved Magnet® recognition as a reflection of its nursing professionalism, teamwork and superior patient care. Magnet recognition is determined by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s (ANCC) Magnet Recognition Program®, which ensures that rigorous standards for nursing excellence are met. With this credential, West Kendall Baptist Hospital joins a select group of 402 entities that have achieved this honor out of nearly 6,000 U.S. healthcare organizations.

“Magnet recognition provides our community with the ultimate benchmark to measure the quality of patient care,” said Javier Hernández-Lichtl, the chief executive officer of West Kendall Baptist Hospital. “Achieving Magnet recognition reinforces the culture of excellence that is a cornerstone of how we serve the West Kendall community. It’s also the tangible evidence of our nurses’ commitment to providing the very best care to our patients. We are extremely proud to join two other Baptist Health hospitals, Baptist Hospital and South Miami Hospital, in this achievement.”

Magnet recognition has become the gold standard for nursing excellence. U.S. News & World Report’s annual showcase of “America’s Best Hospitals” includes Magnet recognition in its ranking criteria for quality of inpatient care.

To achieve Magnet recognition, organizations must pass a rigorous and lengthy process that demands widespread participation from leadership and staff. The process begins with submitting an electronic application, followed by written documentation demonstrating qualitative and quantitative evidence regarding patient care and outcomes. If scores from the written documentation fall within a range of excellence, an ANCC team makes a site visit to assess the applicant thoroughly. After this rigorous on-site review, the Commission on Magnet reviews the completed appraisal report and vote to determine the granting of Magnet recognition.

In particular, the Magnet Model is designed to provide a framework for nursing practice, research and measurement of outcomes. Through this framework, ANCC can assess applicants across a number of components and dimensions to gauge an organization’s nursing excellence. The foundation of this model is composed of various elements deemed essential to delivering superior patient care. These include the quality of nursing leadership and coordination and collaboration across specialties, as well as processes for measuring and improving the quality and delivery of care.

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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. Visit BaptistHealth.net.

About the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s (ANCC) Magnet Recognition Program®
The Magnet Recognition Program®, administered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center, the largest and most prominent nurses credentialing organization in the world, recognizes healthcare organizations that provide the very best in nursing care and professionalism in nursing practice. The Magnet Recognition Program serves as the gold standard for nursing excellence and provides consumers with the ultimate benchmark for measuring quality of care. For more information about the Magnet Recognition Program and current statistics, visit www.nursecredentialing.org/magnet.

Baptist Health ranked in the top 25 for the second year in a row.

Fortune magazine has named Baptist Health South Florida to its “100 Best Companies to Work For” list for 2015. It is the 15th time the healthcare organization has earned a spot on the annual list.

Baptist Health is the highest ranking non-profit and the top healthcare provider on the list. The organization is ranked 23rd overall. Once again, Baptist Health topped the list of employers with the most diversified staff in terms of minorities (76 percent). Additionally, Baptist Health was named to Fortune’s list of “10 Best Companies for Women,” coming in at number six. The full list is available at: http://fortune.com/bestcompanies.

“At Baptist Health, we know that our employees are among the top reasons our patients choose us when it comes to their healthcare needs,” said Brian E. Keeley, president and CEO. “It is very important to us to invest in our employees’ well-being and growth so that they continue to choose to have fulfilling careers within our organization.”

Baptist Health employees have many work/life benefits, which include on-site child care at various facilities, backup care options for loved ones of any age, free online and on-site educational offerings, benefits for first-time home buyers, a retirement plan with matching contributions and PTO cashouts, a fund that provides interest-free loans to employees who need help for an unusual or unexpected financial crisis, and an award-winning employee wellness program that includes free on-site employee clinics, free fitness centers, nationally recognized classes, a cutting-edge health management program, training clubs and fitness classes.

Fortune partners annually with Great Place to Work® to conduct the most extensive employee survey in corporate America to identify the 100 Best Companies to Work For ®. Two-thirds of a company’s survey score is based on the results of the Trust Index © Employee Survey, which is sent to a random sample of employees from each company. This survey asks questions related to employees’ attitudes about management’s credibility, overall job satisfaction, and camaraderie. The other third is based on responses to the Culture Audit ©, which includes detailed questionnaires about pay and benefit programs and a series of open-ended questions about hiring practices, methods of internal communication, training, recognition programs and diversity efforts.

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: Dori Alvarez; 786-596-3050; [email protected]

Baptist Health South Florida announced the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) has honored Baptist Health’s Versant RN Residency Program with an Accreditation with Distinction, the organization’s highest recognition.

“Achieving accreditation with distinction is a groundbreaking moment for our residency program,” said Marjorie Lima, R.N., Baptist Health South Florida transition program spokesperson. “The ANCC accreditation motivates us to keep improving in nursing excellence. Our program gives our graduates the confidence to enter into any clinical setting knowing they were trained with the most current, evidence-based best practices.”

Baptist Health is the only health system in the world to earn this achievement. The program began in August 2007 with 105 participants, and to date 1,186 nurses have completed the residency. The Versant program elevates nurse residency programs to the highest standards and sets the global standard for hospital residency programs that transition registered nurses into new practice settings.

“This milestone would not have been possible without the vision and leadership of Yvonne Brookes, R.N., director of Clinical Learning, and Marjorie Lima, R.N., manager of the Versant Program,” said Deborah Mulvihill, R.N., vice president and CNO. “I would also like to acknowledge the support from the entire Clinical Learning team, patient care leadership council, nursing directors, nursing managers, RN educators, preceptors, mentors, debriefers and subject matter experts. Our accomplishment reflects the efforts of the entire team.”

Baptist Health South Florida Versant RN Residency Program runs twice annually for a yearlong program. This program offers nurse residents training, competency and professional development, and support for the critical transition from graduation to clinical practice. Through supportive mentoring, coaching, and learning, RN residents develop clinical and leadership skills and are cultivated into nurse professionals who deliver high-quality patient care. This program earned ANCC accreditation with distinction.

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 fund-raising 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. 19 in the nation and No. 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.

About The ANCC Accreditation Program
The ANCC Accreditation program recognizes the importance of high-quality continuing nursing education (CNE), skills-based competency, and nurse practice transition programs. Around the world, ANCC-accredited organizations provide nurses with the knowledge and skills to help improve care and patient outcomes. Accreditation by ANCC validates that a nursing residency or fellowship program has been operationalized to meet ANCC standards, regardless of whether the curriculum is developed in-house or purchased from a provider. Use of any course(s)/material(s)/service(s) does not imply eligibility for or successful performance in the submission of credential applications, nor is it a requirement to qualify for accreditation. ANCC does not endorse any products or services.

Contact: Dori Alvarez; 786-596-3050; [email protected]

Primary care physician Coren Menendez, 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. Menendez specializes in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of health issues, including chronic disease management, simple and complex health concerns, minor emergencies and urgent care, health-risk assessments and healthy lifestyle choices.

Dr. Menendez received her undergraduate degree from Florida Atlantic University, and her medical degree from the University of South Florida College of Medicine. She completed a residency in family medicine at Bayfront Medical Center/Bayfront Family Health Center in St. Petersburg, Fla. During her residency, she also served as the family medicine residency recruiting coordinator and the intern retreat director. As the resident representative, Dr. Menendez was active on committees, including the Quality Improvement Committee and the ICU Committee.

“Dr. Menendez is an asset to our team and the community. Her hands-on experience with a wide range of patients and medical issues makes her extremely patient-focused,” said Bernie Fernandez Jr., M.D., CEO of Baptist Health Medical Group.

Dr. Menendez is Board-certified in family medicine. During her training, she was the recipient of numerous honors, being named the Outstanding Family Medicine Resident, receiving the Charles E. Aucremann, M.D., Excellence in Family Medicine award, and being inducted into the Gold Humanism Honor Society for her propensity for humanism within the field of medicine. She was a volunteer physician at the St. Petersburg Free Clinic, and volunteered on medical missions and international medical facilities in the Dominican Republic, and Malawi, Africa. She is fluent in Spanish and English.

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 was just 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 fourth year in a row by the Ethisphere Institute. For more information on Baptist Health Primary Care, go to BaptistHealth.net/PrimaryCare.

Contact: Kelli Romano; 786-596-6534

West Kendall Baptist Hospital has received recognition from the American College of Radiology (ACR) for its outstanding diagnostic imaging efficiency, safety and high-quality patient care. The hospital is the first in South Florida, and among the first in the nation, to earn ACR’s Diagnostic Imaging Center of Excellence designation.

“We have invested heavily in imaging technology and staffing over the past four years, always with the goal of improving the patient and family experience,” said Chief Executive Officer Javier Hernández-Lichtl. “Recognition as an Imaging Center of Excellence shows that we have achieved that delicate balance of ‘high tech and high touch.’”

“This designation is an incredible achievement, and we celebrate with our entire imaging department, as well as our administrators and all those involved in our hospital-wide performance improvement initiatives,” said Medical Director of Imaging Stephane Lafosse-Marin, M.D. “To meet and surpass these rigorous national benchmarks speaks volumes about the exceptional quality of our imaging team. Referring physicians, insurers, the government and others in the healthcare continuum are looking for top-quality imaging providers, and we have exceeded the standard.”

ACR’s Centers of Excellence program, introduced in 2013, provides a comprehensive assessment of participating medical imaging facilities, including department structure and patient outcomes. It offers facilities an ongoing process for self-assessment and distinguishes recognized facilities to providers, payers, patients and administrators. The designation is valid for three years.

To earn recognition as a Diagnostic Imaging Center of Excellence, an imaging facility must achieve ACR accreditation in all imaging methods for which ACR accreditation is offered. The facility must participate in ACR’s Dose Index Registry and General Radiology Improvement Database, two important initiatives that collect and aggregate testing results from imaging facilities in order to establish quality improvement benchmarks. An on-site ACR survey team also reviews all aspects of the facility’s operations, including, personnel, equipment specifications, outcomes measurement and quality control systems, safety policies, utilization reviews, facility management and patient outcomes.

About West Kendall Baptist Hospital
West Kendall Baptist Hospital, part of the not-for-profit Baptist Health South Florida family,  is a LEED Gold Certified, patient- and family-centered facility serving one of South Florida’s most vibrant and fast-growing communities. West Kendall Baptist Hospital is home to an accredited family medicine residency program through its affiliation with Florida International University’s Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine. To learn more, please visit WestKendallBaptistHospital.com.

About the American College of Radiology
The American College of Radiology (ACR) represents more than 37,000 diagnostic radiologists, radiation oncologists, interventional radiologists, nuclear medicine physicians and medical physicists. Its core functional areas — advocacy, economics, education, quality and safety, research, and membership value — are improving, promoting, and protecting the practice of radiology. Through its Imaging 3.0™ initiative, ACR is leading the transition to value-based radiological treatment and care.

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

Baptist Health South Florida has integrated its orthopedic and sports medicine services and named the program Miami Orthopedics & Sports Medicine Institute. The new name reflects Baptist Health’s team approach to providing high-quality patient care. The program, which was founded by UHZ Sports Medicine Institute, is comprised of Board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopedic physicians who are recognized locally, nationally and internationally as leaders in orthopedics and the care of athletes and treatment of sports injuries.

Included in the name change is Doctors Hospital Center for Orthopedics & Sports Medicine, which for many years has served as the hub of Baptist Health’s orthopedics and sports medicine program. Miami Orthopedics & Sports Medicine Institute will combine its resources of experienced physicians and leading-edge treatments and technology to provide advanced orthopedic and sports medicine care at five Baptist Health locations – Doctors Hospital, Baptist Hospital of Miami, Baptist Children’s Hospital, South Miami Hospital and West Kendall Baptist Hospital.

“The orthopedic and sports medicine program at Doctors Hospital has a long-standing reputation for exceptional patient care and physician leadership,” said Wayne Brackin, executive vice president and chief operating officer of Baptist Health. “As Baptist Health continues to grow, this is an opportunity to maximize the expertise within the organization and provide a seamless patient experience in an integrated network.”

“We are proud of the program we have built at Doctors Hospital, and we are excited to expand our reach to better serve patients and athletes from South Florida and around the world who come to us to receive the very best orthopedics and sports medicine care,” said Nelson Lazo, chief executive officer of Doctors Hospital and Miami Orthopedics & Sports Medicine Institute.

Under the new name, Miami Orthopedics & Sports Medicine Institute continues to provide sports medicine services for the Miami Dolphins, Florida Panthers, Miami Heat, Florida International University athletics, Orange Bowl, Miami-Dade County Public Schools athletics, Miami Open Tennis, World Golf Championship – Cadillac Championship, and Miami Marathon and Half Marathon. The Institute’s physicians also treat professional and Olympic athletes from around the country, the Caribbean and Latin America, as well as recreational athletes and non-athletes from South Florida.

The nationally and internationally renowned orthopedic and pediatric orthopedic physicians at the Institute treat a comprehensive range of conditions, from common fractures and ligament tears to complex orthopedic injuries and chronic conditions. They remain on the cutting edge of orthopedic research and have developed new surgical techniques to repair knee, hip, ankle, shoulder, elbow and toe injuries. Equipped with state-of-the-art technology at each location, the Institute provides the latest treatments, including minimally invasive treatments and comprehensive rehabilitation programs, to reduce recovery times and get patients back to peak performance.

“With highly skilled physicians and rehabilitation specialists performing the most advanced orthopedic surgery techniques and treatments, Miami Orthopedics & Sports Medicine Institute remains the leading provider of orthopedic and sports medicine services in the region,” said John W. Uribe, M.D., medical director of the Institute and founding member of UHZ Sports Medicine Institute who also serves as team doctor for the Florida Panthers and Miami Dolphins. “And with five premier Centers of Excellence, patients can receive cutting-edge care from the world’s best doctors in a location close to home.”

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), Miami Cardiac & Vascular Institute 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 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 fourth year in a row by the Ethisphere Institute. Baptist Health Foundation, the organization’s fundraising arm, supports services at all hospitals and facilities.

Dori Alvarez, 786-596-3050, [email protected]

Celebrating the first U.S. installation of GE Healthcare’s new Revolution™ Computed Tomography (CT) scanner, GE Chair and Chief Executive Officer Jeffrey R. Immelt visited West Kendall Baptist Hospital today for a hospital tour and reception with local business leaders and Baptist Health executives.

The Revolution CT has been in operation at the hospital since September 2014. West Kendall Baptist Hospital purchased the highly advanced equipment, developed by GE Healthcare, after conducting a six-month on-site clinical trial – the first such trial in the world.

“We are grateful to West Kendall Baptist Hospital’s physicians for their collaboration and rigorous testing during the trial,” said Mr. Immelt. “A core component of GE Healthcare’s strategy is partnering with customers to understand their clinical and operational needs, and in turn develop next-
generation technology that delivers the outcomes they’re looking for. The Revolution CT was designed to be a game changer and is one of the most significant CT advancements in the last decade, providing uncompromised image quality at a very low dose.”

CT gives physicians a look inside the body at organs, soft tissues, vascular structures and bones using X-rays to generate very high-resolution images.

Other than a simple X-ray for a bone fracture, CT is likely to be the first imaging exam many patients will encounter when they are suspected of having serious disease or injury. CT is used in the emergency department and general inpatient and outpatient environments. It is also used in guiding less invasive interventional procedures such as biopsies and ablations.

With the convergence of whole-organ coverage, image quality and speed found in the Revolution CT scanner, West Kendall Baptist Hospital physicians are now able to diagnose even the most challenging patients. This innovative technology can enable clinicians to diagnose more cardiac patients with erratic or high heartbeats and provide pediatric patients with sedation-free and low-dose scanning capabilities, among other clinical advances.

“According to our physicians, patient feedback about their experience with the Revolution CT has been uniformly positive,” said West Kendall Baptist Hospital CEO Javier Hernández-Lichtl. “The advanced design definitely makes for a less intimidating, more comfortable patient experience, while yielding amazingly accurate and detailed images. The Revolution CT is truly revolutionary, and we are pleased to have had early access to this technology.”

Miami Heart Study Announced
Baptist Health South Florida’s Chief Operating Officer, Wayne Brackin, also announced the hospital’s participation in the Miami Heart Study, an important medical research project recently launched by Baptist Health South Florida. The study is designed to learn more about prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease – still the leading cause of death for both men and women in the U.S.

“Through the Miami Heart Study, our physicians will look for new connections between factors such as genetics and lifestyle behaviors, discover new risk factors and validate information about the risk factors we already know,” said Mr. Hernández-Lichtl.

The study seeks 4,000 volunteer participants in South Florida. Participation requires a commitment of one day (four to six hours) of testing and examinations at West Kendall Baptist Hospital, as well as responses to periodic follow-up surveys over the next five years. Volunteer qualifications and other details are available at MiamiHeartStudy.com.

“Healthy Hub” Introduced
Mr. Hernández-Lichtl invited the public to experience a new preventive healthcare tool, the Healthy Hub, now available in the hospital’s main lobby. This high-tech, walk-up healthcare station offers a fast, free assessment of blood pressure, blood glucose, blood cholesterol, body fat percentage, body fat index and heart score from the American Heart Association’s MyLifeCheckTM. Users receive a printed report, a referral for any necessary follow-up care and information from Healthy West Kendall about community resources.

The Healthy Hub is sponsored by Healthy West Kendall, a community-wide initiative developed by West Kendall Baptist Hospital and supported by the hospital’s community partners. “Getting and staying healthy is easier when you can track your progress,” said Mr. Hernández-Lichtl. “The Healthy Hub is an easy, free way to check your vital statistics, and the whole process takes only about 15 minutes.” MyLifeCheck is a trademark of the American Heart Association

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 just 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.

About GE Healthcare
GE Healthcare provides transformational medical technologies and services to meet the demand for increased access, enhanced quality and more affordable healthcare around the world. GE (NYSE: GE) works on things that matter – great people and technologies taking on tough challenges. From medical imaging, software and IT, patient monitoring and diagnostics to drug discovery, biopharmaceutical manufacturing technologies and performance improvement solutions, GE Healthcare helps medical professionals deliver great healthcare to their patients.

Contact: Arianne Cento; 305-978-8143

Physicians from one of the largest hematology and oncology practices in the region, Advanced Medical Specialties, have joined Baptist Health Medical Group – an organization of more than 180 physicians integrated within Baptist Health – as the founding physicians of Miami Cancer Institute.

These cancer specialists offer a wide range of treatments, including outpatient chemotherapy, hormonal therapy and new targeted therapies, outpatient radiation therapy, including brachytherapy, tomotherapy, partial breast irradiation and expanded access to clinical trials.

The physicians and their staff will be integral to the development of Miami Cancer Institute, a $430 million, 395,000-square-foot facility on the Baptist Hospital campus, set to open in 2016. The Institute consolidates Baptist Health clinical cancer services, research and technology platforms, including the first proton therapy center in South Florida.

Leonard Kalman, M.D., longtime leader of Advanced Medical Specialties, has accepted a position as Deputy Director of Miami Cancer Institute.
“We are enthusiastic about joining Miami Cancer Institute and Baptist Health Medical Group as the founding physicians of the Institute,” he said, “and look forward to continuing to provide high-quality, evidence-based cancer care, while developing new and exciting therapies for our patients through this partnership.”

“As Baptist Health prepares for the future of cancer care with the opening of Miami Cancer Institute, these well-respected, compassionate, skilled doctors, who offer the most up-to-date therapies with customized treatment plans, will be crucial to the development of the Institute,” said Bernie Fernandez Jr., M.D., CEO of Baptist Health Medical Group.

The physicians provide personalized and comprehensive oncology services to adults and children at a variety of locations in South Florida. The doctors and their specialties are:

Medical Oncologists

• Federico Albrecht, M.D. – lung cancer, ovarian and other gynecologic malignancies, leukemia and benign hematology
• Santiago Aparo, M.D. – gastrointestinal cancer, lung cancer, ovarian and other gynecologic malignancies, sarcoma, melanoma and benign hematology
• Frances Behrmann, M.D. – breast, ovarian and other gynecologic malignancies and benign hematology
• Peter Citron, M.D. – hematologic malignancies, including lymphoma, myelodysplasia, multiple myeloma and myeloproliferate diseases, leukemia and benign hematology
• Doured Daghistani, M.D. – pediatric oncology
• Fernando de Zarraga Jr., M.D. – gastrointestinal and genitourinary cancer and benign hematology
• Sara Garrido, M.D. – breast cancer
• Victor Guardiola, M.D. – breast and brain/CNS cancer, leukemia and benign hematology
• Leonard Kalman, M.D. – ovarian and other gynecologic malignancies and brain/CNS cancer
• Paul Kaywin, M.D. – lung cancer and benign hematology
• Antonio Muiña, M.D. – genitourinary cancer and benign hematology
• Lisa Reale, M.D. – head and neck cancers, hematologic malignancies including lymphoma, myelodysplasia, multiple myeloma and myeloproliferate diseases, leukemia and benign hematology
• Michael Troner, M.D. – head and neck cancers, genitourinary cancer and benign hematology
• Antonio Ucar, M.D. – gastrointestinal cancer, leukemia and benign hematology
• Siddhartha Venkatappa, M.D. – breast, ovarian and other gynecologic malignancies, head and neck cancers, sarcoma, melanoma, leukemia and benign hematology
• Grace Wang, M.D. – breast cancer

Radiation Oncologists

• Andre Abitbol, M.D. – lung cancer, head and neck cancers, and brain/CNS cancers
• Alan Lewin, M.D. – breast cancer
• Steven Olszewski, M.D. – genitourinary cancers, ovarian and other gynecologic malignancies
• Maria-Amelia Rodrigues, M.D. – breast cancer, genitourinary cancer, ovarian and other gynecologic malignancies

Hospital Oncologists/Hematologists

• Steven Fein, M.D.
• Alberto Larcada, M.D.

Baptist Health Medical Group includes more than 180 physicians who provide comprehensive, high-quality medical care to patients of all ages. The group includes heart and chest surgeons, neurosurgeons, orthopedic surgeons, sports medicine specialists, cardiologists, gastroenterologists, oncologists/hematologists, physical medicine and rehabilitation specialists, hospitalists and primary care physicians.

Miami Cancer Institute, a world-class clinical center and research facility, will offer South Florida’s only proton therapy treatment (scheduled to open in 2016) 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 was just 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 fourth year in a row by the Ethisphere Institute.

Contact: Kelli Romano; 786-527-9059

Mariners Hospital has been named one of the nation’s top hospitals by the Leapfrog Group, an independent, quality-review organization. This is the third time Leapfrog Group has recognized Mariners as a Top Rural Hospital.

Mariners was one of a group of 94 standout hospitals honored at a recent ceremony in Washington, D.C.  The list included 24 Top Rural Hospitals, 61 Top Urban Hospitals and nine Top Children’s Hospitals.  Mariners Hospital is one of two rural hospitals in the state to make the list.

The Leapfrog Top Hospital distinction, which is given to less than seven percent of all eligible hospitals, recognizes hospitals that deliver the highest quality of care by preventing medical errors, reducing mortality for high-risk procedures and reducing hospital readmissions for patients being treated for conditions such as pneumonia and heart attack.

Selection is based on the results of The Leapfrog Group’s annual hospital survey, which measures hospitals’ performance, focusing on three critical areas of hospital care: how patients fare, resource use and management structures established to prevent errors. The Leapfrog Group describes the Top Hospital designation as the most competitive national hospital quality award in the country.

“The Leapfrog survey is recognized as the gold standard for comparing hospital performance,” said Mariners Hospital CEO Rick Freeburg.  “This award was given to Mariners Hospital in recognition of its exceptional quality, patient outcomes and efficiency.  I am extremely proud of receiving this designation a third time.  Our commitment to patient safety and quality care is our top priority. This award confirms that we truly are performing at exceptional standards.”

“Leapfrog’s Top Hospital award is widely acknowledged as one of the most prestigious distinctions any hospital can achieve in the United States. It recognizes institutions for their excellence in quality of care and patient safety, as well as their commitment to transparency. By achieving Top Hospital status, Mariners Hospital has proven it’s a premier institution and deserves to be recognized for its dedication to the families and patients in the Upper Keys,” said Leah Binder, president and CEO of The Leapfrog Group.

The Top Hospital award is not given to a set number of hospitals, but rather, to all urban, rural and children’s hospitals that meet the high standards defined in each year’s Top Hospitals Methodology.

To see the full list of institutions honored as a 2014 Top Hospital, please visit LeapfrogGroup.org/TopHospitals.

Mariners Hospital is part of Baptist Health, the largest healthcare organization in the region. In addition to Mariners Hospital, Baptist Health includes Baptist Hospital, Baptist Children’s Hospital, Miami Cardiac & Vascular Institute, Doctors Hospital, Homestead Hospital, South Miami Hospital and West Kendall Baptist Hospital as well as 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 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.

The Leapfrog Group (LeapfrogGroup.org) is a national nonprofit organization using the collective leverage of large purchasers of healthcare to initiate breakthrough improvements in the safety, quality and affordability of healthcare  for Americans. The flagship Leapfrog Hospital Survey allows purchasers to structure their contracts and purchasing to reward the highest performing hospitals. The Leapfrog Group was founded in November 2000 with support from the Business Roundtable and national funders and is now independently operated with support from its purchaser and other members. The Hospital Safety Score (HospitalSafetyScore.org) is an initiative of The Leapfrog Group.

Contact: Sheila Konczewski, 305-434-1020, [email protected]

Baptist Hospital of Miami, in partnership with Baptist Health Neuroscience Center, has received certification as a Comprehensive Stroke Center from The Joint Commission and the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association.

Baptist Hospital is the first hospital in South Florida, the second in the state and one of only a few nationwide to receive this esteemed distinction. Comprehensive Stroke Center status is the nation’s highest level of accreditation. It is earned only by those hospitals that have state-of-the-art infrastructure, staff and training necessary to treat patients with the most complex strokes.

“This advanced certification is an important recognition of the skills, experience and teamwork that have been developed at Baptist Hospital and Baptist Health Neuroscience Center,” said neurosurgeon Sergio Gonzalez-Arias, M.D., medical director of Baptist Health Neuroscience Center. “Our talented team of physicians, nurses, technologists, therapists, pharmacists and staff are dedicated to providing the highest quality of care to patients with the most severe and challenging types of strokes and cerebrovascular disease.”

To achieve its status as a certified Comprehensive Stroke Center, Baptist Hospital volunteered to undergo a rigorous onsite review by Joint Commission experts. The hospital was shown to have the necessary requirements, including highly skilled specialists such as neurologists, neurosurgeons and interventional neuroradiologists; advanced imaging capabilities; 24/7 availability of a neurointensive care unit with dedicated beds for stroke patients; and clinical staff with the unique education and competencies to care for patients with the most complex cases of stroke.

Stroke – a “brain attack” that cuts off vital blood flow and oxygen to the brain – is the fourth-leading cause of death in the United States and a leading cause of serious, long-term adult disability. Approximately 795,000 Americans experience a stroke each year. It can happen to anyone at any time, regardless of age, sex or ethnicity. Stroke is a condition that must be treated quickly for the best chances of recovery and survival. Two million brain cells die every minute during a stroke, increasing the risk of permanent brain damage, disability or death. However, recognizing symptoms and getting medical treatment quickly can limit disabilities and save lives.

“By achieving this advanced national certification, Baptist Hospital has demonstrated that it is equipped to provide specialized stroke care that can lead to better outcomes for patients,” said Bo Boulenger, chief executive officer of Baptist Hospital. “Our highly skilled, multidisciplinary team is committed to elevating the standard of care for the community we serve.”

Baptist Hospital is part of Baptist Health South Florida, the largest faith-based, not-for-profit healthcare organization in the region. In addition to Baptist Hospital, Baptist Health includes Baptist Hospital, Baptist Children’s Hospital, Miami Cardiac & Vascular Institute, South Miami Hospital, Homestead Hospital, Doctors Hospital, West Kendall Baptist Hospital, Mariners Hospital and Baptist Outpatient Services. Baptist Health Foundation, the organization’s fundraising arm, supports services at all hospitals and facilities affiliated with Baptist Health. For more information, visit https://BaptistHealth.net/Stroke or connect with BaptistHealthSF on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

Contact: Anne Smith, 786-596-6654, [email protected]