West Kendall Baptist Hospital is First in Nation to Use World’s Smallest Surgery Stapler

West Kendall Baptist Hospital is the first hospital in the nation to use the world’s smallest stapler instrument to close incisions in the gastrointestinal region of the body.

Juan-Carlos Verdeja, M.D., completed the first surgical procedure in the United States on March 3 using the cutting and stapling device developed by Cardica called the MicroCutter XCHANGE™ 30 to perform an appendectomy. He has since performed one other appendectomy using the device.

The instrument, approved by the Federal Drug Administration in January, replaces the conventional 12mm stapler device used in minimally invasive procedures. The MicroCutter XCHANGE™ 30 already is in use in Europe.

“The availability of the MicroCutter XCHANGE 30 will allow us to change the way we perform some less invasive procedures. We will have a smaller entry point for stapling, and an added advantage is the instrument can be moved at an 80-degree angle, rather than the customary 40 degrees, giving a better reach once inside the body. The result is more flexibility, better access to tight spaces and decreased surgical trauma. It opens the door to new possibilities and I am very excited,” said Dr. Verdeja, chief of the General Surgery Division for Baptist Health Medical Group and medical director of Emergency Surgical Services for Baptist Health South Florida.

West Kendall Baptist Hospital is part of Baptist Health South Florida, 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, Mariners Hospital, Baptist Cardiac & Vascular Institute, Baptist Outpatient Services and Baptist Health Medical Group. Baptist Health Foundation, the organization’s fundraising arm, supports services at all hospitals and facilities. Baptist Health is affiliated with Florida International University’s Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine and has designated West Kendall Baptist Hospital as its academic facility.

Contact: Arianne Cento, 305-978-8143; [email protected]

South Miami Hospital Earns Redesignation as a Quality Respiratory Care Facility

South Miami Hospital once again has earned Quality Respiratory Care Recognition (QRCR) by the profession’s national organization, the American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC). The AARC, which represents more than 50,000 respiratory care health professionals nationwide, initiated the QRCR program in 2003 to help patients and families make informed decisions about the quality of respiratory services available in hospitals.

Hospitals earning the QRCR designation ensure patient safety by agreeing to adhere to a strict set of criteria governing their respiratory care services. This includes employing qualified respiratory therapists who are recognized by the state as competent to provide respiratory care services or hold the CRT (certified respiratory therapist) or RRT (registered respiratory therapist) credential. Additionally, QRCR hospitals must have respiratory therapists available 24 hours to provide care to patients.

“Our team of highly-skilled respiratory therapists is proud to once again earn this important designation,” said Mikki Thompson, director of respiratory services. “Patients who receive care at a QRCR-designated facility such as South Miami Hospital can be assured of receiving the highest standards of respiratory care.”

Respiratory therapists are specially-trained health care professionals who work under physician’s orders to provide a wide range of breathing treatments and other services to people with asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cystic fibrosis, lung cancer, AIDS and other lung or lung-related conditions. They also care for premature infants and are key members of life-saving response teams charged with handling medical emergencies.

The recognition award places South Miami Hospital in an elite membership group as only about 700 hospitals out of the 5,000 hospitals in the U.S. have been named a Quality Respiratory Care institution. A complete list of QCRC hospitals can be found at YourLungHealth.org, under the tab Finding Care.

South Miami Hospital is part of Baptist Health South Florida, the largest faith-based, not-for-profit healthcare organization in the region. It also includes Baptist Hospital, Baptist Children’s Hospital, Doctors Hospital, West Kendall Baptist Hospital, Homestead Hospital, Mariners Hospital, 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. For more information, visit BaptistHealth.net/SouthMiami and connect with BaptistHealthSF on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

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

Baptist Health South Florida Expands Physician Enterprise Leadership

Bernie Fernandez, M.D., joins Baptist Health Medical Group as Chief Executive Officer, and Jack A. Ziffer, Ph.D., M.D., promoted to Executive Vice President & Chief Medical and Clinical Transformation Officer

Baptist Health South Florida announced today an expansion of its physician leadership team with the appointments of Bernie Fernandez, M.D., as the new Chief Executive Officer of the Baptist Health Medical Group, and Jack A. Ziffer, Ph.D., M.D., to Executive Vice President and Chief Medical and Clinical Transformation Officer for Baptist Health South Florida.

Dr. Fernandez, who was most recently president of Cleveland Clinic Florida, will lead Baptist Health Medical Group, a network of more than 140 employed physicians in numerous locations. In a newly established role at Baptist Health, Dr. Ziffer will define the strategy and vision for the overall expansion of physician enterprise initiatives and represent physician interests at the highest levels of the organization.

“Through the combined and visionary leadership of these esteemed physician executives, Baptist Health will be able to enhance physician collaboration and integration,” said Brian E. Keeley, President and Chief Executive Officer of Baptist Health South Florida. “With doctors and hospitals working more closely together, the power of partnership means better care for our patients and the entire community. This will also allow Baptist Health to maintain a high level of clinical performance under healthcare reform.”

Dr. Fernandez, an internist who specializes in vascular medicine, oversaw Cleveland Clinic Florida’s 200 physicians, 2,000 employees and multiple locations throughout the region.

Dr. Ziffer is an internationally recognized expert in cardiac radiology and nuclear medicine and the inaugural CEO of Baptist Health Medical Group.

In 2013, Dr. Fernandez was appointed to the Florida Board of Medicine by Governor Rick Scott, and currently serves as vice chairman. He also serves on the faculty of Florida International University’s Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine and Florida Atlantic University’s Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine. Active in the South Florida community, Dr. Fernandez is a member of the Sun Sentinel’s South Florida 100 and Broward Workshop. He serves on numerous boards, including the Community Foundation of Broward, the Orange Bowl Committee and the World Presidents’ Organization.

“We are pleased to welcome Dr. Fernandez to our team. His wealth of experience in physician leadership will continue to evolve Baptist Health Medical Group and its focus on providing high-quality patient care in an integrated delivery system,” said Dr. Ziffer, who will also oversee Baptist Health Quality Network, the clinically integrated network for the health system.

A luminary physician in the field of cardiac imaging, Dr. Ziffer is a founding member and past president of the Society of Cardiovascular Computed Tomography and past vice president of the American Society of Nuclear Cardiology. He has also held numerous national leadership roles, including on the Cardiovascular Council of the Society of Nuclear Medicine and the American Board of Nuclear Medicine. In addition, he is a clinical professor of radiology at FIU’s Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine.

“Under Dr. Ziffer’s leadership, the Baptist Health Medical Group grew to encompass more than 140 specialists and primary care physicians, 600 employees and 29 locations,” said Wayne Brackin, executive vice president and chief operating officer of Baptist Health South Florida. “We’re fortunate to have Dr. Ziffer carry us into the next phase of our physician enterprise, and we welcome Dr. Fernandez’s expertise as we continue to adapt to the many changes and challenges in our industry.”

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.

Ccontact: Christina Gomez-Pina; 786-596-6534

Baptist Children’s Hospital Gives the Gift of Happy Smiles

Changing lives one smile at a time. Seven South Florida children and teens were selected to receive the gift of a happy smile during Baptist Children’s Hospital’s Day of Smiles on June 21. Doctors from various specialties, along with nurses, technologists and other staff donated their time and expertise to provide free corrective facial surgeries to children whose families could not otherwise afford the procedures.

Before the sun was up, the hospital was alive with excitement and anticipation as the young patients and their families arrived. By morning’s end, doctors had repaired cleft lips and palates, performed nose and scar revisions and completed ear reconstructions.

“It only takes a little bit of our time, but it impacts these children and their families for a lifetime,” said Joel Levin, M.D., chief of plastic surgery. “I really enjoy being part of this day.” In addition to Dr. Levin, other doctors who donated their services were John Cassel, M.D., Josh Lampert, M.D., Johnny Franco, M.D., Jhonny Salomon, M.D., Victor Gonzalez, M.D., Alfredo Fernandez, M.D., and Matthew J. Kaczmarski, M.D. More than 30 other healthcare providers also volunteered that day.

(Photo: Maria DeAragon, R.N., and Ta’niya Times, 7, playfully interact before her surgery.)

This is the 13th year the hospital has donated its facilities and performed free operations for children in need. “Baptist Children’s Hospital is committed to providing exceptional, compassionate care for children and families in our community,” said Randall Lee, chief operating officer of Baptist Children’s Hospital. “Touching a child’s life in this way brings tremendous satisfaction to everyone involved, and we are proud to provide this special day.”

To be eligible for Day of Smiles, patients must meet certain surgical and financial guidelines. Participants must be 18 years of age or younger and residents of Miami-Dade, Broward or Monroe County. For more information about financial guidelines for Day of Smiles 2015, please call Pastoral Care at 786-596-6577.

Baptist Children’s Hospital is part of Baptist Health South Florida, the largest faith-based, not-for-profit healthcare organization in South Florida. It also includes Baptist Hospital, South Miami Hospital, Doctors Hospital, West Kendall Baptist Hospital, Homestead Hospital, Mariners Hospital, Miami Cardiac & Vascular Institute and Baptist Outpatient Services.

Contact: Damaris Zabala; 786-596-6534

Baptist Health Announces April 11 Public Reception for ‘The Art Of Nursing’ Photo Exhibition

Photo series celebrates South Florida nurses’ call to the profession

Devoted. Resilient. Compassionate. These words, and so many others, only begin to describe the thousands of women and men who pursue nursing careers in the 21st century.

Baptist Health South Florida, the region’s largest provider of expertise in nursing practice, shines a spotlight on these hometown heroes in “The Art of Nursing,” a compelling exhibition of black-and-white photography coming to the Wirtz Gallery at the First National Bank of South Miami. A public reception will be held April 11.

“These images are my way of honoring our work, and they express my gratitude for being part of such a noble profession,” said Yvonne Brookes, R.N., a Baptist Health nursing executive who conceived and curated the photo series. The photos capture the admirable traits of real-life Baptist Health nurses, who work in a variety of specialties and range from novices to experts in their profession.

Photographer Fareed Al-Mashat used a cinematic eye to capture the realities of life as a nurse. “Because of the limitations of shooting in a hospital setting, patient privacy issues and the ever-changing daily challenges facing nurses, using a true photojournalistic approach was not feasible,” he said. “Instead, I envisioned these images as a split second in a film sequence and worked hand-in-hand with Baptist Health nurses to create scenes that feel as authentic as if they were shot by a photojournalist.”

WHAT:
Public reception for “The Art of Nursing,” a series by photographer Fareed Al-Mashat, presented by Baptist Health South Florida

WHEN:
Friday, April 11 – 6-9 p.m.

WHERE:
Wirtz Gallery at the First National Bank of South Miami, 5750 Sunset Drive, South Miami, FL 33143 (Gallery entrance is at SW 57 Court and SW 73 Street)

COST:
Admission is free of charge and open to the public

PARKING:
Free parking is available on SW 73 Street, behind the bank

MORE INFO:
Kathy Barbour, Baptist Health South Florida, [email protected] / tel. 786-596-6534

The “Art of Nursing” photo exhibition will be on display April 2-29. The gallery’s regular hours of operation are Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., and Friday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. On Friday, April 11, the gallery will be open until 9 p.m.

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.

Contact: Kathy Barbour, APR, [email protected]; 786-596-6534

Baptist Children’s Hospital to Perform Corrective Facial Surgeries for South Florida Children – Free of Charge

A child’s smile is one of the greatest joys of life. Unfortunately, some children in the United States are born with a facial deformity. For the 13th year, Baptist Children’s Hospital will donate its facilities and charitable funds to perform corrective facial surgeries and other clinically needed reconstructive procedures for South Florida children. These operations will be provided at no cost for children whose families are unable to pay for these types of services.

A screening to identify children who may be candidates for surgery will take place on Saturday, May 31, at Baptist Children’s Hospital. The surgeries will take place on Saturday, June 21.

Types of facial deformities that can be corrected include: cleft palates, cleft lips, scars, tumors, burns, ear deformities, port wine birthmarks and congenital hand deformities.

Baptist Children’s Hospital doctors from various specialties, including plastic surgery, dentistry and anesthesiology, will also donate their time and expertise for this cause.

To be eligible, patients must meet certain surgical and financial criteria. Patients must be 18 years old or younger and residents of Miami-Dade, Broward or Monroe County.

A detailed financial screening must take place before the clinical screening on May 31. To make an appointment for the financial screening, call Baptist Children’s Hospital at 786-596-3673.

Baptist Children’s Hospital is part of Baptist Health South Florida, the largest faith-based, not-for-profit healthcare organization in the region. Baptist Health includes Baptist Cardiac & Vascular Institute, Baptist Hospital, Baptist Health Medical Group, Baptist Outpatient Services, Doctors Hospital, Homestead Hospital, Mariners Hospital, South Miami Hospital and West Kendall Baptist Hospital. Baptist Health Foundation, the organization’s fundraising arm, supports services at all hospitals and facilities affiliated with Baptist Health. For more information, visit BaptistHealth.net and connect with BaptistHealthSF on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.
Contact: Damaris Zabala, 786-596-6534, [email protected]

Miami HEAT player James Jones named honorary co-chair of American Cancer Society Relay for Life on March 15

Baptist Hospital will host the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life of East Kendall — a survivors’ celebration, camp-out and relay-style walk around the hospital campus lake. Miami HEAT forward James Jones has been named honorary co-chair of this year’s event.

The fundraiser, which begins at 12 noon, Saturday, March 15, and ends the next morning, benefits cancer research, education and patient services.

Mr. Jones will address the 300-plus cancer survivors, their families and friends at the Survivor Ceremony scheduled for 4 p.m. He will also offer basketball tips to fans, take pictures and sign autographs.

More than 3,000 participants are expected to pitch tents and raise awareness and funds for the cause, at Baptist Hospital, 8900 North Kendall Drive. Teams are made up of 10 to 15 people who walk relay-style around the lake during the day and throughout the night to communicate the message that cancer never sleeps.

This year’s Relay will feature special appearances by the Miami Dolphins Cheerleaders and T.D., the Miami Dolphins mascot. Participants will enjoy food and entertainment, play games, buy silent auction items and learn how to lower their risk of developing cancer.

Cancer survivors are given special T-shirts and are invited to take the first lap around the lake at 4 p.m. They will be treated to a special dinner and other gifts. A candlelight ceremony will be held at 9 p.m. to honor people battling cancer and those who have died from the disease.

Registration is $10 per person. Teams may also collect from pledges and hold fundraisers to support the cause.

Last year’s Relay for Life at Baptist Hospital raised more than $235,000 for the American Cancer Society, the second highest amount raised in Florida. The American Cancer Society holds dozens of Relay for Life fundraisers throughout the region each year.

The event is supported by Baptist Health South Florida and it has been held at Baptist Hospital for nine years. Baptist Health’s staff and patients participate in the event. “We are proud to host this event again with the American Cancer Society to support raising funds for a cure while celebrating and honoring those people who battled the disease,” said Baptist Hospital CEO Bo Boulenger. “Our commitment to excellence in cancer care is a top-priority, which is why this year Baptist Health will break ground on a new $400 million comprehensive cancer institute that will bring cancer services under one roof on the Baptist Hospital campus.”

For more information and to register, call Marcela Gomez at the American Cancer Society at 305-763-9351, send an email to [email protected] or go to http://relayforlife.org/ekfl.

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

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

Contact: Damaris Zabala, 786-596-8351, [email protected]

Baptist Health Names Jane Alonso to Board of Trustees

Baptist Health South Florida, the largest faith-based, not-for-profit healthcare organization in the region, has named Jane Alonso, R.N., to the Board of Trustees. Members of all Baptist Health Boards serve voluntarily and without compensation.

Ms. Alonso has worked as an operating room nurse in hospitals in New York and Florida. Most recently, she worked at Doctors Hospital, phoning discharged patients to monitor their conditions and ensure their satisfaction with their medical care.

“Jane Alonso brings a unique perspective to our leadership. As the first nurse to serve as a member of the Board of Trustees, she offers expertise and experience in hands-on patient care,” said Brian E. Keeley, Baptist Health president and chief executive officer. “We understand the vital role that nurses play in our mission, and Ms. Alonso will work with other volunteer Board members to guide us as we provide the highest-quality care for the community.”

In addition to her role on the Baptist Health Board, Ms. Alonso’s community involvement has included volunteering at Doctors Hospital, Palmer Trinity School and St. Thomas Episcopal School. She was a member of the Unit Practice Council and the Family Resource Room Task Force at Doctors Hospital. She also has served on the boards of the Miami Ballet Company and Maximum Dance Guild.

Ms. Alonso graduated from the Muhlenberg Hospital School of Nursing in Plainfield, New Jersey, and earned a B.S. in health services administration from Florida International University. A resident of Coral Gables, she has six children and six grandchildren. Her late husband, Tony, was a civic leader, banker and businessman who helped spearhead the building of West Kendall Baptist Hospital, where he served as founding Board chairman.

Baptist Health includes Baptist Hospital, South Miami Hospital, Doctors Hospital, Homestead Hospital, Baptist Children’s Hospital, Mariners Hospital, Baptist Cardiac & Vascular Institute, West Kendall Baptist Hospital, Baptist Health Medical Group, Baptist Outpatient Services and Baptist Health Enterprises. Baptist Health Foundation, the organization’s fundraising arm, supports services at all hospitals and facilities affiliated with Baptist Health. For more information, visit BaptistHealth.net and connect with BaptistHealthSF on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

Contact: Christine Kotler, 786-596-6534

Baptist Health South Florida Names New Chief Human Resources Officer

Adriene McCoy Named Chief Human Resources Officer and Corporate Vice President

Baptist Health South Florida has named Adriene McCoy chief human resources officer and corporate vice president. In her new role, Ms. McCoy will oversee all areas of Baptist Health’s human resources, including benefits and compensation, employee and leadership development, talent management and recruitment.

“Adriene is a highly respected human resources leader,” said George Foyo, Baptist Health’s executive vice president and chief administrative officer. “Her dedication and passion will ensure that Baptist Health continues to provide a workplace environment that focuses on employee engagement and professional development.”

Ms. McCoy brings more than 20 years of experience in healthcare human resources management to her position. She joined Baptist Health in 2007 as assistant vice president of Human Resources, with responsibilities for the organization’s business partners, employee communications and talent management. In recent years, she led several initiatives, including employee engagement and leadership development strategies. Prior to joining Baptist Health, Ms. McCoy was regional director of employee relations at Tenet Healthcare, where she provided support to senior executives on employee relations, labor relations and workforce compliance.

Ms. McCoy holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration and management and a master’s degree in human resources development from Barry University in Miami, Florida. She is certified as a Senior Professional in Human Resources. She lives in Miramar, Florida, with her family.

Baptist Health is the largest 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, Baptist Health Medical Group 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.

Miami Cardiac & Vascular Institute Joins WomenHeart National Hospital Alliance

(Miami, FL) (2/114/13) – Miami Cardiac & Vascular Institute announced that it has joined the WomenHeart National Hospital Alliance, a program of WomenHeart: The National Coalition for Women with Heart Disease. The alliance brings together hospitals throughout the country that are committed to advancing women’s heart health. Heart disease continues to be the leading cause of death in American women, and more women than men have died from heart disease.

”With our partnership with WomenHeart, Miami Cardiac & Vascular Institute takes a leadership role in supporting women living with heart disease,” said Carol Mascioli. “We will be at the forefront of educating our community on heart health and bringing the latest information on diagnoses and treatments to our patients.”

By joining the WomenHeart National Hospital Alliance, the Institute will be part of the WomenHeart Support Network – the nation’s only peer led support network for women living with heart disease. Women heart patients who are trained at the annual WomenHeart Science & Leadership Symposium at Mayo Clinic will work alongside the Institute team to bring important messages of prevention, early and accurate diagnosis and proper treatment to all South Florida women. Additionally, WomenHeart will support the Institute’s programs for women heart patients, including health screenings and fairs, discharge counseling and staff development.

“WomenHeart is thrilled to welcome Baptist Cardiac & Vascular Institute to the National Hospital Alliance,” said Lisa M. Tate, Chief Executive Officer of WomenHeart. “This membership represents a real commitment to advancing women’s heart health in South Florida by teaming with WomenHeart to bring free education and support services to their women heart patients.”

For more information about Miami Cardiac & Vascular Institute’s WomenHeart Support Network for women living with heart disease, visit BaptistHealth.net/MCVI.

Miami Cardiac & Vascular Institute is part of Baptist Health South Florida, the largest faith-based, not-for-profit healthcare organization in the region. It also includes Baptist Hospital, Baptist Children’s Hospital, South Miami Hospital, Homestead Hospital, Doctors Hospital, West Kendall Baptist Hospital, Mariners Hospital and outpatient locations in Miami-Dade, Broward and Monroe counties. Baptist Health Foundation, the organization’s fundraising arm, supports services at all hospitals and facilities affiliated with Baptist Health.

Contact: Damaris Zabala, 786-596-6534, [email protected]