Weight-loss Surgery Program Recognized as a Comprehensive MBSAQIP-accredited Center

South Miami Hospital’s Weight-loss Surgery Program has earned re-accreditation from the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP), a joint program of the American College of Surgeons and the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery. MBSAQIP accredits inpatient and outpatient bariatric surgery centers in North America that have undergone an independent, voluntary and rigorous peer evaluation in accordance with nationally recognized bariatric surgical standards. The program recognizes facilities that implement defined standards of care, document outcomes and participate in regular reviews to evaluate bariatric surgical programs.

In addition, the Adolescent Bariatric Program has been designated as a MBSAQIP Accredited Comprehensive Center with Adolescent Qualifications. The adolescent program provides an individualized treatment plan for young adults ages 14-18.

“South Miami Hospital’s Weight-loss Surgery Program offers patients who struggle with obesity the most advanced surgical options and medically supervised weight loss, as well as the nutritional and psychological support they need,” said Carmen Rodriguez, R.N., assistant vice president. “This accreditation demonstrates the level of commitment, safety and quality care our multidisciplinary healthcare team provides to patients every day.”

To learn more, visit SouthMiamiWeightloss.com or call 786-662-8745.

South Miami Hospital Names Harold Girado Assistant Vice President of Cardiac, Vascular and Critical Care

South Miami Hospital has appointed Harold Girado, R.N., assistant vice president of Miami Cardiac & Vascular Institute at South Miami Hospital. In his new position, Mr. Girado will oversee the operations of and patient care provided in the hospital’s Cardiac, Vascular and Critical Care departments.

Mr. Girado joined South Miami Hospital in 1997 as an EMT in the Emergency Center and has held several positions of increasing responsibility, most recently serving as director of nursing for vascular and interventional services. In 2010, he was named the hospital’s Leader of the Year.

“Mr. Girado is a proven effective leader in our organization,” said Carol Biggs, R.N., vice president of Miami Cardiac & Vascular Institute at South Miami Hospital. “I am confident that in this expanded role he will guide our team to continue delivering the highest quality care for patients and their families.”

Mr. Girado earned a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Florida International University and a master’s degree in nursing from the University of Phoenix. He is a member of the American Organization of Nurse Executives and serves the local community through active involvement in the American Heart Walk, American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life, Autism Speaks and Habitat for Humanity.

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 fourth year in a row by the Ethisphere Institute. Visit BaptistHealth.net.

Contact: Shannon Zemantauski, 786-662-5015

Robotic Surgery Comes to West Kendall Baptist Hospital

State-of-the-art da Vinci robot debuts with three procedures

An advanced robotic surgery system recently installed at West Kendall Baptist Hospital is slated to go into action today, when surgeons perform three surgical procedures using the equipment.

The da Vinci Si system combines the benefits of minimally invasive surgery, meaning fewer and smaller incisions, with the incredibly detailed movements of computer-guided equipment. Surgeons worldwide use the da Vinci robot on patients diagnosed with many complex conditions, including cancers of the prostate, cervix, uterus, lung, colon and rectum, as well as heart disease and fibroid tumors.

“The da Vinci system installation is a very significant investment in the health of our West Kendall community,” said Javier Hernández-Lichtl, CEO of West Kendall Baptist Hospital. “Our goal is to provide our patients with the least invasive, most precise surgical options available, allowing them to get back to their everyday activities as quickly as possible.”

During a da Vinci procedure, the surgeon is in complete control of the robotic-assisted system, which translates the surgeon’s hand movements into smaller, highly precise movements of tiny instruments inside the patient’s body. The da Vinci’s system also features a magnified, 3-D, high-definition vision system that enables the surgeon to operate with greatly enhanced vision and precision. In the past decade, surgeons using the da Vinci surgical system have performed more than 1.5 million operations worldwide.

In the May 5 demonstration of the da Vinci Si’s versatility, four West Kendall Baptist Hospital robotic surgery specialists will perform three surgical procedures using the equipment:

Julio Arronte, M.D. – Hysterectomy
Troy Gatcliffe, M.D. – Ovarian Cystectomy

“The da Vinci equipment allows us to operate through a single or multiple tiny incisions – only half an inch long, in some cases – instead of one large opening,” said Ricardo Estape, M.D., medical director of Baptist Health’s Center for Robotic Surgery. “Because the incisions are so small, they cause less trauma to the body. Patients tend to have less discomfort, fewer infections, shorter hospital stays and quicker recovery times than with traditional surgery.” The Center for Robotic Surgery surgeons perform more than 3,500 robotic procedures annually, employing 10 machines at four hospitals.

Instead of standing over the patient, as in traditional surgery, the surgeon sits at a nearby da Vinci computer console equipped with an array of video, audio and motion controls.

“The system translates our hand movements into much more highly precise actions and can even bend and rotate the surgical instruments with far more flexibility than our own hands and wrists,” said Juan-Carlos Verdeja, M.D., founding president of the hospital’s medical staff. “With the 3-D, high-definition video screen, we have total visual immersion in the surgical site – far better than if we were actually at the patient’s side.”

The da Vinci system is manufactured by Intuitive Surgical Inc., a global technology leader in minimally invasive robotic-assisted surgery.

About Baptist Health South Florida

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: Arianne Cento; 305-978-8143

Baptist Health integrates heart and vascular services under one name – Miami Cardiac & Vascular Institute

Baptist Health South Florida announced today it has a new name for its heart and vascular services – Miami Cardiac & Vascular Institute. Baptist Cardiac & Vascular Institute (located at Baptist Hospital), South Miami Heart Center (located at South Miami Hospital), as well as cardiovascular services at its other hospitals and outpatient centers will be re-branded with the new name.

The name change reflects the power of Baptist Health’s combined resources of experienced physicians and leading-edge treatments and technology to bring the most advanced heart and vascular care to South Florida. “A global destination like Miami deserves unparalleled cardiovascular services and breakthrough research, which Miami Cardiac & Vascular Institute offers to patients in our community and those who travel here for care,” said Brian E. Keeley, president and chief executive officer of Baptist Health.

“Miami Cardiac & Vascular Institute is on a journey that will transform it into a national leader in cardiac and vascular care. As Baptist Health continues to grow, it is essential to integrate our services to ensure seamless care for our patients across the system,” said Barry T. Katzen, M.D., founder and executive medical director of the Institute.

For more than 50 years, each of the hospitals affiliated with Baptist Health has provided excellent heart and vascular care to the community. This long history has benefited hundreds of thousands of patients with leading-edge prevention, innovative treatments and pioneering research.

“Our doctors, nurses and technologists work as a team combining their experience to provide the highest level of care and compassion for our patients and their families,” said Harry Aldrich, M.D., chief of cardiology of the former South Miami Heart Center.

“Baptist Health has a national reputation for high-quality patient care. This is an opportunity to leverage the expertise and outcomes within Baptist Health and remain the quality leader for cardiovascular services in our region,” said Jonathan Fialkow, M.D., medical director of clinical cardiology at the Institute and executive medical director of Baptist Health Quality Network.

Part of Baptist Health’s commitment to the community is a $100 million expansion project that is underway on the Baptist Hospital campus and will transform the Institute, including the development of unique programs for aneurysms and structural heart disease. The systemwide integration affords us with exciting opportunities and expands upon the Institute’s longstanding commitment to multidisciplinary cooperation that has served as a national model of success,” said Bo Boulenger, executive champion for the Institute and chief executive officer of Baptist Hospital.

As Miami Cardiac & Vascular Institute’s newly appointed chief operating officer, Carol Mascioli will oversee all cardiac and vascular services at Baptist Health hospitals and outpatient facilities.

“This is a natural step forward as we continuously strive to improve care and the overall patient experience,” said Mascioli, who brings extensive experience to her new role. Previously, Mascioli served as vice president at Baptist Hospital.

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 fourth year in a row by the Ethisphere Institute. Visit BaptistHealth.net.

Yeisel Barquin, M.D., Joins Baptist Health Medical Group

Internist Yeisel Barquin, M.D., has joined Baptist Health Medical Group, an organization of more than 140 employed physicians integrated within Baptist Health. Dr. Barquin is a family physician who specializes in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of health issues, including simple and complex health concerns, obesity, women’s health, chronic disease management, disease prevention and healthy lifestyle choices.

“Dr. Barquin is an excellent addition to our team,” said Bernie Fernandez Jr., M.D., CEO of Baptist Health Medical Group. “She is a compassionate physician able to care for the needs of the entire family and is familiar with the South Florida community.”

Dr. Barquin received her undergraduate degree from the University of South Florida in Tampa, where she also worked as a research assistant in the Neurology Department. She is a graduate of the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, where she was named the American College of Physicians Outstanding Medical Student for Excellence in Internal Medicine. Dr. Barquin completed a residency at the University of Miami/Jackson Memorial Hospital. Prior to joining Baptist Health, Dr. Barquin worked at Graves-Gilbert Clinic in Bowling Green, Ky.

Board-certified in internal medicine, Dr. Barquin is a member of the American Medical Association. She enjoys culinary art, movies and fitness. She speaks 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.

Contact: Kelli Romano; 786-308-3787; [email protected]

Mariners Hospital Aids Ecosystem Studies

Just as the rings of a tree can help scientists reconstruct past climate conditions, so can ocean sediment cores reveal the history of what has taken place in the marine ecosystem.

For over eight years, Anna Wachnicka, PhD, a research faculty member at Florida International University’s Southeast Environmental Research Center, in collaboration with a team of scientists from the United States Geological Survey (USGS) lead by Lynn Wingard, PhD, has been analyzing sediment cores from the estuaries and coastal regions surrounding South Florida and the Florida Keys. Since 2013, Dr. Wachnicka has brought cores collected from the Marquesas Keys to Mariners Hospital for CT scanning. Recently she brought four cores from the Florida Bay’s mangrove islands.

“I contacted Mariners Hospital about the possibility of using their CT machine to create three-dimensional images of the cores, because the hospital is part of this neighborhood that includes our marine environment,” Dr. Wachnicka said. “The information revealed by the 3D images from the CT provides significant clues to the impact of climate change on the marine ecosystem. The CT images offer a much better view of the sediment layering than the X-rays we had been using. That helps tremendously in recovering the rich data embodied in the sediment.”

Dr. Wachnicka explained that the CT’s high resolution can reveal details of the core structures that cannot be detected by X-rays or visual logging. The CT images also help the scientists to discriminate between drill core artifacts and natural structures.

With the information extracted from the cores, Dr. Wachnicka and the USGS scientists can reconstruct what has taken place in South Florida and the Keys over the last few thousand years. One centimeter of core can yield from one to a few years of data, providing many insights into the effects of global climate change, sea level rise and human effect on coastal and marine environments.

“Every sedimentary layer that we can see on the CT images tells us a story about past environmental conditions. Our paleoenvironmental studies will provide data that will be used to model and predict both current and future environmental conditions under different climate change scenarios,” said Dr. Wachnicka.

She started her studies to determine how human alterations such as digging canals and home and road construction can affect water quality in the ecosystem in Florida Bay, Biscayne Bay and the Keys. She later expanded the study to include the impact of climate changes on the marine ecosystem. “It’s like a jigsaw” she said. “Closer to the coast, we see the human influence on marine ecosystems. Further away, such as Marquesas Keys and Dry Tortugas, we gather information about the effect of climate change.”

She and the USGS team are now collecting cores from mangrove islands, which provide information about island development, impact of sea level rise on the island and climate change-driven precipitation changes. “Using the 3D images from Mariners 64-slice CT scan have helped tremendously with our work, moving it along faster than if we had continued to use only X-rays,” she said.

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, 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. Baptist Health recently 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 also was recognized as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies for the fourth year in a row by the Ethisphere Institute. Visit BaptistHealth.net.

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

South Miami Hospital Earns Third Consecutive Magnet® Designation

South Miami Hospital, for the third consecutive term, has achieved Magnet® recognition for excellence in nursing services by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s (ANCC) Magnet Recognition Program®. The designation is the nation’s highest form of recognition for nursing excellence and a benchmark for the quality of care patients receive.

South Miami Hospital joins the ranks of elite clinical-care institutions in the nation with its Magnet Recognition Program status. Only 18 hospitals in Florida and less than 7 percent of the hospitals in the nation have achieved Magnet recognition. Less than 3 percent of this group has earned re-designation and less than 1 percent has been designated a third time. South Miami Hospital first received Magnet recognition in 2004 and was re-designated in 2008.

“To retain Magnet status for the third consecutive time is a tremendous achievement,” said Lincoln Mendez, the hospital’s chief executive officer. “It confirms what our patients and families tell us every day – that the nurses at South Miami Hospital provide exceptional and compassionate care.”

Magnet designation is widely accepted as the gold standard of nursing excellence. The Magnet Recognition Program recognizes excellence and professionalism in nursing, which results in enhanced quality of care and patient safety. Applicants undergo a rigorous evaluation that includes extensive interviews and a review of nursing services. An organization seeking to reapply for Magnet recognition must provide documented evidence of how Magnet concepts, performance and quality were sustained and improved over the four-year period.

“Re-designation as a Magnet facility recognizes the outstanding work our nurses do each day in caring for their patients and each other, and reflects the commitment of our entire staff to provide the highest quality care possible for the people of our community,” said Kathy Sparger, R.N., vice president and chief nursing officer of South Miami Hospital. “This is recognition we all share, and I am very proud of this honor.”

The Magnet Recognition Program® administered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), the largest and most prominent nurses credentialing organization in the world, recognizes health-care organization 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 NurseCredentialing.org/Magnet.

Contact: Tanya R. Walton; 786-662-4577; [email protected]

Nicholas Lambrou, M.D., Named Medical Director of Minimally Invasive Gynecological Surgery at South Miami Hospital

Nicholas Lambrou, M.D., gynecologic oncologist, has been named medical director of minimally invasive gynecological surgery at South Miami Hospital’s Center for Women & Infants. The appointment comes on the heels of the hospital’s recent accreditation as a Center of Excellence in Minimally Invasive Gynecology (COEMIG) from the American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists (AAGL), the leading association promoting minimally invasive gynecologic surgery among surgeons worldwide.

As an expert in minimally invasive gynecologic surgery, Dr. Lambrou is one of the physicians who championed South Miami Hospital’s COEMIG designation efforts. Facilities designated as Centers of Excellence are recognized for having the most effective diagnostic and therapeutic techniques and providing less invasive treatments for gynecologic conditions through the integration of clinical practice, research and innovation.

“COEMIG designation and the appointment of Dr. Lambrou as the COEMIG medical director reinforce the Center’s role as a national and international leader in innovative healthcare for women and infants, and validates our dedication to caring for our patients with advanced practices,” said Denise M. Woods, R.N., vice president of South Miami Hospital’s Center for Women & Infants. “We look forward to working with Dr. Lambrou as he leads minimally invasive gynecological surgery at our hospital to new levels.”

Dr. Lambrou is a Board-certified in gynecologic oncology, obstetrics and gynecology and is a Fellow of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. He earned his medical degree from Boston University School of Medicine, completed an obstetrics/gynecology residency at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore and then a fellowship at The University of Miami/Jackson Memorial Hospital.
Dr. Lambrou is published in medical textbooks and scientific journals and lectures internationally about surgical techniques – including the latest advances in robot-assisted surgery – about the treatment of endometrial, cervical and ovarian cancers. He also has participated in laboratory research on the human papillomavirus (HPV) and cervical cancer prevention and in clinical research about the treatment of gynecological cancers. Dr. Lambrou is a member of the Society of Gynecologic Oncology, the Howard A. Kelly Gynecologic and Obstetric Society and Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society.

About South Miami Hospital’s Center for Women & Infants
South Miami Hospital’s Center for Women & Infants offers an array of services for women and infants, including specialized maternal-fetal care for high-risk pregnancies and unborn babies; minimally-invasive robotic surgery and fibroid and cancer treatment; pelvic health and incontinence testing and therapy; infertility and reproductive medicine; a Child Development Center to evaluate and treat infants and children as they grow and develop; cosmetic, breast reconstruction and weight-loss surgery; radiation therapy; and diagnostic imaging, including digital mammography and PET/CT scans to detect breast and other cancer, fetal MRI to detect problems in unborn babies, ultrasound, coronary artery imaging and bone density testing. Each year, more than 4,200 babies are born at South Miami Hospital’s Center for Women & Infants, which also houses one of the area’s largest Level II and III neonatal intensive care units. The Center is specially accredited by the Joint Commission for pre-term labor and prematurity. For more information, visit CenteredOnMe.com or call 786-662-8585.

About Baptist Health South Florida
South Miami Hospital is part of Baptist Health South Florida, the largest faith-based, not-for-profit healthcare organization in the region. Baptist Health also includes Baptist Hospital, Baptist Children’s Hospital, Doctors Hospital, West Kendall Baptist Hospital, Homestead Hospital, Mariners Hospital in Tavernier, Baptist Cardiac & Vascular Institute, Baptist Outpatient Services, Baptist Health Medical Group and Baptist Health Enterprises. Baptist Health Foundation, the organization’s fundraising arm, supports services at all hospitals and facilities affiliated with Baptist Health. Connect with BaptistHealthSF on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

Contact: Tanya Racoobian Walton; 786-662-5015; [email protected]

Baptist Health Acquires Eye Surgery Center

Baptist Health South Florida recently completed the acquisition of the Foundation for Advanced Eye Care, now known as Baptist Eye Surgery Center, making this the eighth Baptist Health location in Broward County.

The ambulatory surgery center, located at 3737 N. Pine Island Road in Sunrise, specializes in cataract surgery and intraocular lens implants, femtosecond laser (optimizes the precision, safety and control of traditional cataract surgery), YAG laser procedures, cornea transplants, blepharoplasty/eyelid revision procedures and retina procedures.

The Center’s physician leadership and staff have expressed excitement about their partnership with one of the best healthcare organizations in the nation – as well as one of South Florida’s largest employers – as they continue to provide outstanding healthcare services to the community.

The acquisition furthers Baptist Health’s commitment to bring diverse and convenient outpatient services to the Broward community. “We are pleased not only to offer top-quality eye surgery services, but also to welcome the Foundation for Advanced Eye Care staff to the Baptist Health family,” said Patricia Rosello, chief executive officer of Baptist Outpatient Services.

Baptist Health South Florida is committed to medical and service excellence that ranks it among the best healthcare organizations in the nation, with more than 17,000 employees, physicians and volunteers. As it continues to grow in Broward County, it’s bringing the same level of medical excellence and personalized care to its outpatient experience. Whether it’s diagnostic imaging, urgent care, endoscopy, sleep diagnostics and now eye surgery services, Baptist Health’s outpatient centers are conveniently located in Coral Springs, Davie, Pembroke Pines, Weston, Sawgrass and Sunrise.

For more information about Baptist Eye Surgery Center, visit BaptistEyeSurgery.com or call 954-837-1100 for additional information about other Baptist Health locations in Broward County.

Baptist Outpatient Services is a 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 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 fourth year in a row by the Ethisphere Institute.

Contact: Katherine Chavez; 786-596-7282; [email protected]

Baptist Health Recognized as One of 2014 World’s Most Ethical Companies

Ethisphere Institute honors Baptist Health for fourth straight year

The Ethisphere Institute, an independent research center that promotes best practices in corporate ethics and governance, today announced that it has named Baptist Health South Florida one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies for the fourth straight year. The list highlights organizations that continue to raise the bar on ethical leadership and corporate behavior. This year’s honorees span 41 industries, 22 countries and five continents.

Baptist Health’s focus on ethical practices includes a detailed code of ethics covering standards and values and outlining specific regulations and procedures, a strict conflict-of-interest policy and a vendor relations policy. It has a corporate compliance program, in place for more than 16 years, with a chief compliance officer who reports directly to the board of directors.

“Through their everyday interactions, our Board members, employees, physicians, donors and volunteers hold themselves to the highest ethical standards for our patients and the communities we serve, said Brian E. Keeley, president and chief executive officer of Baptist Health South Florida. “They simply do the right thing, and they deserve this prestigious recognition.”

For this eighth annual listing of the World’s Most Ethical Companies, the Ethisphere Institute assessed companies’ performance based on its “Ethics Quotient” framework, generating scores in five key categories: ethics and compliance program (25%), reputation, leadership and innovation (20%), governance (10%), corporate citizenship and responsibility (25%) and culture of ethics (20%). The Ethics Quotient framework and methodology were determined, vetted and refined with expert advice and insights gleaned from Ethisphere’s network of thought leaders and from the World’s Most Ethical Company Methodology Advisory Panel.

“The entire community of World’s Most Ethical Companies believes that customers, employees, investors and regulators place a high premium on trust and that ethics and good governance are key in earning it,” said Ethisphere Chief Executive Officer Timothy Erblich. “Baptist Health is part of an exclusive community committed to driving performance through leading business practices. We congratulate everyone at Baptist Health for this extraordinary achievement.”

View the full list of the 2014 World’s Most Ethical Companies.

Baptist Health is the largest faith-based, not-for-profit healthcare organization in the region. It includes Baptist Hospital, Baptist Children’s Hospital, South Miami Hospital, Doctors Hospital, Homestead Hospital, West Kendall Baptist Hospital, Mariners Hospital, Baptist Cardiac & Vascular Institute and Baptist Outpatient Services. Baptist Health Foundation, the organization’s fundraising arm, supports services at all hospitals and facilities.

For more information, connect with BaptistHealthSF on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

The Ethisphere Institute is an independent center of research and thought leadership that promotes best practices in corporate ethics and governance and enables organizations to improve compliance, mitigate risk, and enhance relationships with employees, business partners, investors and the broad regulatory community. Ethisphere evaluates and benchmarks compliance and governance programs, honors superior achievement through its World’s Most Ethical Companies recognition program and publishes Ethisphere Magazine. For more information, visit Ethisphere.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. In addition to being recognized as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies for the past four years, 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.

Contact: Kathy Barbour; 786-596-6534