Baptist Health Partners with The Patricia and Phillip Frost Museum of Science

Funds will Support Educational Programs at the Baptist Health People & Science Gallery in the New Museum

The Patricia and Phillip Frost Museum of Science announced today that it has received a $5 million gift from Baptist Health South Florida for educational health and wellness programming to be offered at the Baptist Health People & Science Gallery in the new Museum, currently under construction in downtown Miami.

The Gallery will encompass a 9,000-square-foot space on the main plaza level of the Museum aimed at providing a high-tech and personalized exploration of the benefits of science and technology to our daily lives. It will be located directly below the Museum’s one-of-a-kind, 500,000-gallon Gulf Stream Tank and will be visible from all levels of the Museum.

Through its gift, Baptist Health will support a series of dynamic exhibits in the Baptist Health People & Science Gallery, where students and visitors alike will learn and explore science, technology and health. In addition, the partnership will directly benefit students of Miami-Dade County Public Schools. A portion of the gift will be allocated to support transportation expenses for the students to visit the Museum.

“We could not think of a better partner for the creation of a first-of-its-kind gallery that will teach people how to make better choices for a healthy life,” said Gillian Thomas, President and CEO of the Patricia and Phillip Frost Museum of Science. “The Baptist Health People & Science Gallery will leave a lasting impression on all of the visitors to the Museum, providing them with hands-on learning experiences that will help change their way of life for the better. We are grateful to Baptist Health South Florida for its support and hope that other organizations follow their lead in supporting science education.”

“Baptist Health South Florida is proud to partner with the Patricia and Phillip Frost Museum of Science to help children, families and visitors of all ages learn and explore the world of science and gain a greater understanding of how our bodies work and of the importance of making healthy choices,” said George Foyo, executive vice president and chief administrative officer for Baptist Health South Florida. “We know that with the People & Science Gallery, we will be able to provide fun and unique educational experiences that will help improve wellness in our community and beyond.”

Visitors will begin their journey through the Baptist Health People Science Gallery by programming the Museum app or visiting the kiosk to design a “day in their life” as they move through five zones of everyday life: Learn, Eat, Exercise, Connect and Relax. Each zone will allow the visitor to experience different scenarios using technology to explore, create or investigate different lifestyle choices.

All under the theme “Life: Choose your Adventure,” each zone will offer the following experiences:

The Learn Zone features brain cognition, and learning styles. Animation of data will show brain function during activities such as laughing, solving a puzzle or making a decision.
The Exercise Zone explores cardiac output, oxygen uptake, and showcases the advanced technology of robotics for prosthetics and surgery. For example, the Energy Dance Floor will contribute to energy use in the building. Outcomes will be visible on the media screen.
The Eat Zone explores the psychology of eating, mindless eating and behavioral food choices. At the virtual restaurant, visitors will be able to manipulate caloric intake by designing a meal that an astronaut or athlete would eat , or create their own meals and see the caloric and weight outcome of their choices.
The Relax Zone delivers meditation techniques and interactive relaxation games. With electrodes placed on the forehead, measured brain activity will show ball movement relating to whether the visitor is relaxed or stressed. Here, visitors will find answers to questions such as: “what happens to the brain when you sleep?” Or “what happens to the brain when you are stressed?”
In the Connect Zone the chemistry of happiness, philanthropy, relationships, and the physiology of body language are explored, using technology that allows facial recognition and a mood meter.

Among the cutting-edge technology that will be available at the Baptist Health People & Science Gallery are: the Museum App; a kiosk allowing visitors to have results sent to their emails; an energy dance floor that allows visitors to generate energy for the building; a science bar that will showcase hydroponics and “green cooking” demonstrations; a high-tech stage and media wall; electronic tables used for activities such as genetic profiling and a 3-D view of the human body; and an aquaculture tank with tuna and cobia.

“We know the new Patricia and Phillip Frost Museum of Science will greatly complement the science curriculum taught in schools and will offer students a hands-on approach,” said Miami-Dade County Public Schools Superintendent Alberto Carvalho. “The Baptist Health People & Science Gallery will be a great place for students to see how science affects their daily lives.”

The gift from Baptist Health South Florida adds to the fundraising momentum for the Patricia and Phillip Frost Museum of Science. Construction continues for the new facility in downtown Miami’s Museum Park. The 250,000-square-foot complex, which will be among the world’s most innovative and sustainable science museums, is set to open in 2016. It is expected to attract an estimated 600,000 visitors each year.

For a virtual video tour of the future museum, click here.

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 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 consecutive 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 Patricia and Phillip Frost Museum of Science
Patricia and Phillip Frost Museum of Science aims to make a difference in people’s lives by inspiring them to appreciate the impact that science and technology can have on every facet of our world. For nearly 65 years, the Museum’s award-winning educational programs, family-focused exhibits, historic planetarium, and rehabilitative Wildlife Center and Clinic have enriched locals and tourists alike. In 2016, the Museum will continue to inspire visitors in a new state-of-the-art facility designed by Grimshaw Architects currently under construction at Museum Park, in the heart of downtown Miami. The Museum will be structured around a lushly landscaped indoor and outdoor Living Core Aquarium of terrestrial and aquatic environments, featuring a Gulf Stream tank experience totaling over 500,000 gallons of salt water. The facility will also feature a state-of-the-art full dome Planetarium, the Knight Learning Center, Innovation Center and Cafe, and an Exploration Center featuring permanent interactive exhibits: Feathers to the Stars and The River of Grass. The Museum is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, is an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution and a member of the Association of Science and Technology Centers. The Patricia and Phillip Frost Museum of Science is funded with the support of Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs and Cultural Affairs Council, the Miami-Dade County Mayor and Board of County Commissioners. Learn more at miamisci.org or call (305) 646-4200.

Patricia and Phillip Frost Museum of Science is located at 3280 South Miami Avenue, Miami, FL 33129. The Museum is open every day from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. Admission is free for members and children under 3; students (with valid ID), seniors (62+) and children 3 – 12, $10.95; adults are $14.95. Parking is free.

Contact: Dori Alvarez, Baptist Health, 786-596-3050, [email protected]

Baptist Health Chief Operating Officer Wayne Brackin Honored As Healthcare Industry ‘Fire Starter’

Studer Group, a Gulf Breeze, Fla.-based healthcare outcomes firm, has announced that Wayne Brackin, executive vice president and chief operating officer of Baptist Health South Florida, is one of five healthcare executives selected for 2014 induction into the firm’s Fire Starter Hall of Fame.

Each year Studer Group recognizes individuals known as Fire Starters – people who make a difference in their organization and community. These men and women ignite the flames of passion, guide and support an organization’s commitment to excellence and influence the lives of employees, physicians, patients, families and students.

Mr. Brackin began his healthcare career in 1985 as an administrative resident at South Miami Hospital, rising to become the hospital’s president and chief executive officer. He also served as administrator of Homestead Hospital, guiding the hospital through the devastation of Hurricane Andrew in 1992. He assumed his current system-wide position with Baptist Health in 2007 and has been instrumental in launching the Miami Cancer Institute, which will consolidate Baptist Health’s cancer research, outpatient clinical services and advanced technologies under one roof. Groundbreaking for the $400 million facility, to be located on the campus of Baptist Hospital, is scheduled for Aug. 8.

A member of the American College of Health Care Executives, Mr. Brackin received a master’s in health service administration from George Washington University and a bachelor of science degree from Southern Illinois University. He has served as chair and board member of numerous professional and philanthropic organizations.

The American Hospital Association, in partnership with the Florida Hospital Association, named Mr. Brackin its 2014 Grassroots Champion for Florida, in recognition of his exceptional leadership in generating grassroots and community activity in support of hospitals in the state.

The four other 2014 Fire Starter Hall of Fame inductees are:

Barbara Blevins, MHA, FACHE, chief operating officer, Hospital Based Services, TeamHealth, Knoxville, Tenn.
Leonard H. Friedman, Ph.D., MPH, FACHE, professor & director of Master of Health Administration Programs & interim chair of the Dept. of Health Services Management and Leadership, Milken Institute School of Public Health at the George Washington University, Department of Health Services Management and Leadership, Washington, D.C.
Dr. Jack Kitts, president & chief executive officer, The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Jerry Moeller, FACHE, president & chief executive officer, Stillwater Medical Center, Stillwater, Okla.

“These Hall of Fame inductees have the kind of passion, commitment and knowledge that will make healthcare better and better,” said Quint Studer, founder of Studer Group. “It is a privilege to work with men and women who operate at this level.”

The Fire Starter Hall of Fame induction ceremony takes place Aug. 8, during the 12th annual What’s Right in Health Care conference in Chicago.

Studer Group, a recipient of the 2010 Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award, is an outcomes-based healthcare performance improvement firm that works with more than 850 healthcare organizations in the U.S., Canada, New Zealand and beyond, teaching them how to achieve, sustain and accelerate exceptional clinical, operational and financial results. Visit StuderGroup.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 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.

Contact: Kathy Barbour, 786-596-6534

Doctors Hospital, Our Lady Of Lourdes Academy Announce Sports Medicine Partnership

Doctors Hospital Center for Orthopedics & Sports Medicine, in conjunction with Baptist Health South Florida and Our Lady of Lourdes Academy (OLLA), today announced a partnership under which Doctors Hospital will be the exclusive provider of a comprehensive sports medicine program for student athletes at OLLA.

Doctors Hospital Center for Orthopedics & Sports Medicine treats professional and Olympic athletes from around the country, the Caribbean and Latin America, as well as recreational athletes in South Florida. The Center provides comprehensive orthopedic services using innovative techniques including minimally invasive treatments. Through this partnership, Doctors Hospital will provide a program of injury prevention, education, physical screening examinations and evaluations for OLLA’s athletes.

“The Center for Orthopedics & Sports Medicine is South Florida’s premier facility for sports medicine, and we are honored to be able to care for the top-rate student athletes at OLLA,” said Nelson Lazo, CEO of Doctors Hospital. “The care, preventive medicine and education that they receive today will be vital in laying the foundation for a healthy future.”

OLLA was founded in 1963 for high school girls in the Archdiocese of Miami. The school’s mission is to educate young women to face the future strengthened by their faith, prepared and confident in their abilities to achieve their goals and committed to their Catholic and American heritages.

As the only all-female private school playing Class 8A, the athletic program at OLLA offers 10 interscholastic sports: basketball, cheerleading, cross country, golf, soccer, softball, swimming, tennis, track and field and volleyball.

“Our aim is to provide our students with first-rate resources, both in and out of the classroom,” said OLLA Principal Sister Kathryn Donzé. “Our partnership with Doctors Hospital is an extension of our efforts to offer our students the very best.”

In addition to providing sports medicine services to the athletes at OLLA, Doctors Hospital, in conjunction with Baptist Health, is pleased to announce that the athletic training room at OLLA will be named the Doctors Hospital Athletic Training Room.

Aside from serving the student athletes at OLLA, the nationally recognized Doctors Hospital Center for Orthopedics & Sports Medicine also serves the Miami HEAT, Miami Dolphins, Florida Panthers, Florida International University athletics, Discover Orange Bowl, Miami-Dade County Public Schools athletics, Sony Open Tennis, World Golf Championship – Cadillac Championship and the Life Time Miami Marathon & Half Marathon.

About Our Lady of Lourdes Academy
Founded in 1963, Our Lady of Lourdes Academy is an all-girl, archdiocesan high school that seeks “to educate young women to face the future strengthened by their faith, prepared and confident in their abilities to achieve their goals and committed to their Catholic and American heritages.” The school proudly boasts a history of strong academics, competitive athletics, spiritual service and extracurricular achievement.

Contacts: Dori Alvarez, Baptist Health South Florida, 786-596-6534; Olga Martinez, Our Lady of Lourdes Academy, 305-667-1623 ext. 248.

Baptist Health South Florida Recognized Among Health Care’s Most Wired

Honor highlights accomplishments in information technology

Baptist Health South Florida has been listed among “Health Care’s Most Wired” hospitals and health systems in an annual survey conducted by Hospitals & Health Networks, the flagship publication of the American Hospital Association. The survey, now in its 16th year, highlights hospitals’ use of information technology (IT) to improve care through better documentation and the reduction of errors using computerized physician order entry; provide patients with better access to healthcare information and their medical records; and improve operational performance.

Baptist Health also received a special Innovator Award for its “Take Your Meds!” program, which will be featured in H&HN’s August issue. Innovator Awards recognize achievement of business objectives, creativity and uniqueness of concept, scope of solution and impact on the organization. The “Take Your Meds!” telehealth program provides medication therapy management for home care patients with congestive heart failure. These patients receive counseling and encouragement, via in-home videoconference, from a Baptist Health “ePharmacist” in collaboration with a home care nurse.

The Most Wired survey, administered between Jan. 15 and March 15, asked hospitals and health systems nationwide to answer questions regarding their information technology initiatives. Respondents completed 680 surveys, representing 1,901 hospitals, or roughly 33 percent of all U.S. hospitals. This year’s list recognizes 445 healthcare organizations in four categories: Most Wired, Most Wired – Advanced, Most Improved and Most Wired – Small and Rural. Detailed survey results are featured in the July issue of H&HN and online at HHNMag.com.

“The Most Wired data show that shared health information allows clinicians and patients to have the information they need to promote health and make the most-informed decisions about treatments,” says Rich Umbdenstock, president and CEO of the American Hospital Association. “Hospitals, their clinicians and their communities are doing tremendous work to enhance their IT systems in ways that support care and delivery improvement and patient engagement goals.” Among the survey’s key findings:

Nurses and physicians share best practices for patient safety and use checklists at more than 90 percent of Most Wired organizations.
To help consumers make better decisions about their healthcare, standard measures of individual hospital quality performance are reported and publicly available. Nearly half of Most Wired organizations share this information on their websites and 86 percent provide quality scores to clinical leaders on a regular basis as part of their performance improvement initiatives.
36 percent of Most Wired hospitals aggregate data from patient encounters to create a community health record.
71 percent of Most Wired hospitals manage care transitions, compared with 57 percent of all responding organizations.
43 percent of Most Wired organizations integrate clinical and claims data so that they are accessible, searchable and reportable across the care community.

“Advanced information technology permeates every aspect of our operations across seven hospitals and dozens of outpatient and urgent care facilities,” said Brian E. Keeley, president and chief executive officer of Baptist Health. “From our basic infrastructure to our business and administrative management processes to our clinical quality and safety measures, we rely on our IT professionals to support and enhance our work. Recognition as a Most Wired organization is a powerful affirmation of our IT team’s excellence.”

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 recently 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: Kathy Barbour; 786-596-6534

Miami Cancer Institute Groundbreaking Ceremony Set for Aug. 8

Comprehensive cancer center and research facility will be first in South Florida to offer proton therapy

Construction of the $430 million state-of-the-art Miami Cancer Institute at Baptist Health South Florida will get underway at 10 a.m. Friday, Aug. 8, with a groundbreaking ceremony at 8900 N. Kendall Drive in Miami.

A featured part of the event will include a signing of a steel beam sculpture that will be installed in the completed Miami Cancer Institute.

The 395,000-square-foot Cancer Institute to be located on the Baptist Hospital campus is scheduled to open in 2016. The four-story facility consolidates the following components: clinical services, cancer research, and technology platforms, including the first proton therapy center in South Florida. In addition, a brand-new inpatient floor designed especially for cancer patients will connect between Baptist Hospital and the Cancer Institute.

“Baptist Health South Florida is dedicated to providing the best care for cancer patients, and the world-class Miami Cancer Institute will be unmatched in our region in terms of clinical excellence and advanced cancer care. It will transform cancer care in our community and across the globe,” said Brian E. Keeley, president and CEO of Baptist Health South Florida.

Miami Cancer Institute will provide patients from the community and throughout Latin America and the Caribbean with access to sophisticated treatments and clinical trials. It will be among a handful of centers in the nation and the first in South Florida to offer proton therapy, which beams radiation directly to a tumor to destroy cancer cells while avoiding healthy tissue.

“The new Miami Cancer Institute allows us to combine innovation and precision in cancer care – from detection and treatment to clinical research and prevention – in one place under the umbrella of Baptist Health’s well-known high quality patient care,” said Leonard Kalman, M.D., who will serve as deputy director for Miami Cancer Institute.

Miami Cancer Institute at Baptist Health South Florida will work closely with Advanced Medical Specialties (AMS) and leading academic cancer centers to provide the most advanced cancer treatment available.

“We are pleased to have such an esteemed group of cancer specialists joining this initiative and Baptist Health Medical Group as founding medical oncologists,” said Wayne Brackin, chief operating officer, Baptist Health South Florida.

Miami Cancer Institute plans to offer comprehensive clinical services, including:

diagnostic imaging
infusion chemotherapy
bone marrow transplant
radiation therapies, including standard radiation, gamma knife, tomotherapy and proton therapy.

The Cancer Institute will leverage Baptist Health’s nationally renowned robotic surgery program, with special emphasis on gynecology-oncology and thoracic surgery. Baptist Health’s highly regarded Breast Center also will be a part of the Institute, allowing for the expansion of services while maintaining a highly personalized approach to breast cancer patients. In addition, the Institute will provide special programs and support for patients’ friends and family members.

Miami Cancer Institute’s 90,000-square-foot research facility is designed to accommodate space for principal investigators, researchers and staff to pursue clinical trials and translational research.

A capital campaign is underway to support the construction and infrastructure of Miami Cancer Institute. To learn more, email [email protected] or call the Baptist Health South Florida Foundation office at 786-467-5400.

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 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 consecutive years. It was also recognized as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies for the third year in a row by Ethisphere Institute.

Contact: Melissa Lichtenheld, Wragg & Casas, 305-372-1234, [email protected]

Jobi Whiting, M.D., Joins Baptist Health Medical Group

Neurosurgeon Jobi Whiting, M.D., has joined Baptist Health Medical Group, an organization of more than 140 employed physicians integrated within Baptist Health. Dr. Whiting specializes in endovascular neurosurgery, complex spine surgery and general neurosurgery, and is part of Baptist Health Neuroscience Center.

“Dr. Whiting is an accomplished surgeon,” said Bernie Fernandez Jr., M.D., CEO of Baptist Health Medical Group. “Her experience in caring for patients with a wide array of neurological issues is an asset to Baptist Health and the South Florida community.”

Dr. Whiting received her undergraduate degree from Bowdoin College in Brunswick, ME. She obtained her medical degree from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and completed an internship in general surgery at the University of Florida, followed by a residency in neurosurgery. During her residency, she received numerous honors, including the Charles “Chuck” Shank Award in Neurosurgical Excellence and the Sherry Apple Resident Travel Award for an outstanding resident abstract at the Congress of Neurological Surgeons Annual Meeting. In addition, Dr. Whiting completed a fellowship in endovascular surgery at the University of Florida.

Prior to joining Baptist Health, Dr. Whiting was in private practice in Orlando. Board-eligible, Dr. Whiting previously was an assistant professor of clinical neurosurgery at Columbia University. She is a member of the Congress of Neurological Surgeons and the American Association of Neurological Surgeons. She has lectured and presented research findings at medical meetings and published in medical journals.

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.

Contact: Kelli Romano; 786-596-6534

Justin Sporrer, M.D., Joins Baptist Health Medical Group

Neurosurgeon Justin Sporrer, M.D., has joined Baptist Health Medical Group, an organization of more than 140 employed physicians integrated within Baptist Health. Dr. Sporrer specializes in general neurosurgery, functional neurosurgery and deep brain stimulation for movement disorders. He is a part of Baptist Health Neuroscience Center.

“Dr. Sporrer is a highly commended young neurosurgeon,” said Bernie Fernandez Jr., M.D., CEO of Baptist Health Medical Group. “Our community is fortunate he has joined us at Baptist Health.”

Dr. Sporrer received his undergraduate degree from Georgetown University, where he received the Barrett Award for Excellence in Humanities, the Department of Physics Award and the Chapman Award in Biology. He obtained his medical degree from the University of Florida, receiving numerous accolades, including the Academic Perfection Award and the AMA Educational Research Foundation Award. Dr. Sporrer completed an internship and residency in neurological surgery at the University of Florida. During his residency, he received the Charles “Chuck” Shank Award in Neurosurgical Excellence and the Resident Teacher Award. He also served as chief resident. In addition, Dr. Sporrer was a clinical research fellow at the UF Center for Movement Disorders.

Prior to joining Baptist Health, Dr. Sporrer was a clinical lecturer and staff neurosurgeon at UF Health. He is a member of the Congress of Neurological Surgeons and the American Association of Neurological Surgeons. He has lectured and presented research findings at medical meetings and published in medical journals.

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; 786-596-6534

Baptist Hospital of Miami Named Top Ranked Full-Service Hospital in South Florida by U.S. News & World Report

Baptist Health South Florida Hospitals Receive Highest Regional Ratings in Nine Medical Specialties

Baptist Health South Florida is recognized by U.S. News and World Report for the fourth consecutive year as one of the highest performing hospital systems in the country, with Baptist Hospital of Miami ranked as the top full-service hospital in the South Florida region that encompasses Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties.

The study looked at 5,000 hospitals and graded them for safety, reputation, patient volume, staffing levels and other factors. Baptist Health South Florida hospitals, including Baptist Hospital, Doctors Hospital, Homestead Hospital and South Miami Hospital, received a combined total of 24 coveted national high-performing medals, more than any other regional health care system. The new West Kendall Baptist Hospital and Mariners Hospital in Monroe County were not eligible for the rankings.

“It is an honor once again to be singled out by U.S. News & World Report as the most decorated healthcare provider in the region,” said Brian E. Keeley, president and CEO of Baptist Health South Florida. “Credit goes to our world-class physicians, nurses and staff members who continuously reach beyond the high standards Baptist Health has in place to accomplish the best quality care for our patients.”

Baptist Health hospitals were rated No. 1 in South Florida for nine specialties: cardiology and heart surgery, neurology and neurosurgery, diabetes and endocrinology, pulmonology, geriatrics, gynecology, orthopedics, urology and nephrology.

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 consecutive 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.

Contact: Melissa Lichtenheld, 305-372-1234; [email protected]

National Business Group on Health Honors Baptist Health With ‘Best Employers for Healthy Lifestyles Award’

Baptist Health receives Platinum recognition for 10th consecutive year.

The National Business Group on Health, a Washington, D.C.-based, nonprofit association of large U.S. employers, today honored Baptist Health South Florida for its ongoing commitment and dedication to promoting a healthy work environment and encouraging its workers and their families to maintain healthy lifestyles.

Baptist Health was among 63 U.S. employers receiving the 2014 Best Employers for Healthy Lifestyles award at the Leadership Summit sponsored by the Institute on Innovation in Workforce Well-being, a program of the National Business Group on Health. Baptist Health received a Platinum Award for its Wellness Advantage program, which helps employees achieve their personal health goals through such initiatives as free employee clinics and fitness centers, healthy menus and vending selections, innovative disease management, best-practice workers’ compensation management, safe patient handling and return-to-work programs.

“This honor reflects our organization’s unwavering commitment to our people,” said Thinh H. Tran, M.D., corporate vice president and chief medical and quality officer for Baptist Health. “We believe wellness is the key to every success Baptist Health enjoys – whether it’s the ability to care for our patients, to balance our personal and professional lives or to focus on our mission to improve the health and well-being of individuals in the communities we serve.”

Now in its 10th year, the Best Employers for Healthy Lifestyles awards recognizes those employers that have responded to the urgent need to improve their employees’ health, productivity and quality of life. Baptist Health is the only organization to have received the Platinum Award for 10 consecutive years.

Baptist Health also received a special award, Best Program for Diverse Populations, based on the success of its My Unlimited Potential (MyUP) program, implemented to reduce the incidence of chronic disease in Baptist Health’s ethnically and racially diverse employee population. MyUP participants show a significant improvement in risk factors — weight loss, reductions in A1C (blood glucose) levels, body fat percent, blood pressure, lipid levels and improved overall physical fitness.

Maribeth Rouseff, Baptist Health’s assistant vice president for Employee Health Services and Wellness Advantage, said, “By targeting our employees who are at risk of chronic illness and offering consistent, caring support, we improve their quality of life and enhance their value as part of our workforce.”

Brian Marcotte, president and CEO of the National Business Group on Health, said, “Baptist Health is among an elite group of organizations that are leading the way to promote healthy workplaces and lifestyles. Baptist Health and its management team should be proud of their efforts and we congratulate them on receiving this award.”

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.

About the National Business Group on Health
The National Business Group on Health is the nation’s only nonprofit membership organization of large employers devoted exclusively to finding innovative and forward-thinking solutions to their most important healthcare and related benefits issues and to being the voice for large employers on national healthcare issues. The Business Group, whose 392 members include 69 of the Fortune 100, identifies, develops and shares best practices in health benefits, disability, health and productivity, related paid time off and work/life balance issues. Business Group members provide health coverage for more than 55 million U.S. workers, retirees and their families. Visit BusinessGroupHealth.org.

Contact: Kathy Barbour, 786-596-6534

Baptist Health South Florida Wins 2014 PRSA Silver Anvil Award, Gaining National Recognition for Innovation and Creativity

Baptist Health South Florida won the Public Relations Society of America’s prestigious Silver Anvil for events and observances, and a Silver Anvil Award of Excellence in integrated communications for its Baptist Health Goes Pink campaign.

The month-long endeavor, featuring ‘Embrace Tomorrow’ creative messaging developed by partner advertising agency, República, promoted breast cancer awareness. The campaign was also awarded Bronze Anvils for its advertorial series and social media initiatives.

“By winning our profession’s most esteemed award, the Silver Anvil, Baptist Health South Florida joins an exclusive group of professionals whose work exhibits outstanding achievement in the public relations industry,” said PRSA 2014 National Chair Joe Cohen, APR.

Baptist Health South Florida developed a multifaceted, bilingual consumer marketing program around the issue of breast health after research suggested an opportunity to expand its outpatient diagnostic testing services. As a result, the concept of the campaign focused on caring for a healthier tomorrow by getting a mammogram today.

The campaign resulted in a significant increase in the number of mammograms performed throughout the Baptist Health network in October 2013 from the previous year. The program encouraged women to visit Baptist Health diagnostic facilities for mammograms and reinforced Baptist Health’s reputation as the premier regional cancer care provider.

In addition, for the first time in Baptist Health South Florida’s history, its iconic green pineapple logo appeared in pink throughout October and many of the health system’s hospitals and other facilities were lit in pink to commemorate those whose lives have been touched by breast cancer. The pink logo change firmly aligned its brand in the consumer’s mind with diagnosis and treatment of this disease. It encouraged everyone, including employees, to participate in the Baptist Health Goes Pink movements.

“We are honored to be recognized among nationally reputable brands,” said Roymi Membiela, corporate vice president & chief marketing officer of Baptist Health South Florida. “It is great to know that our marketing success is making an impact in our community, aligning with Baptist Health’s mission of caring for the community in which it serves.”

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 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: Katherine Chavez, 786-596-7282