Branson family, lively bidding on trip to outer space boost Baptist Health charity

“The Pulse of Innovation” benefit for Baptist Cardiac & Vascular Institute’s push for medical excellence brought $300,000 at live auction for a seat on Branson’s Virgin Galactic space plane.
MIAMI, Fla.  – Feb. 13, 2014 – Bids flew high at a lively charity auction today with a record bid on a seat to outer space on Virgin Galactic to benefit Baptist Cardiac & Vascular Institute’s $100 million building and technology expansion.
Virgin Galactic Founder Sir Richard Branson, in an unprecedented move, made available the $250,000 seat for auction in appreciation of the Institute’s doctors who performed a life saving treatment for his wife, Lady Joan Branson.
“I have been married 38 years and I hope to be married another 38 years. Today I am thanking Baptist Cardiac & Vascular Institute for saving my wife’s life,” Branson said.
Winning bidders were Constance and Mike Fernandez, who also were the hosts of one of the most exciting social events of the season at their Coral Gables Estates home. Tables on a terrace overlooking the bay were set for more than 70 guests, who paid $5,000 a seat to attend.
The Baptist Health South Florida Foundation presented the event under the leadership of committee chair Lourdes Jofré-Collett  and honorary chairs Rita Cabasés Goñi, Richard Cole, Karel Foti and Sofia and Mike Segal.
Barry T. Katzen, M.D., the Institute’s founder and medical director who has distinguished himself internationally as a leader in the development of interventional radiology, performed a life-saving cardiovascular treatment for Lady Joan who developed a blood clot while at the Branson home in the Caribbean. The team of doctors assisting with the procedure – James Benenati, M.D., and Alex Powell, M.D. – attended the event.
“We very much appreciate Richard and Joan’s support today, as the Institute embarks on an effort to develop a technologically innovative facility that will create a very unique environment here in Florida. We are very excited about the ability to align Sir Richard’s interest in innovation with the Institute’s commitment to innovation,” Dr. Katzen said.
“We are especially privileged to have the Bransons support the exciting future of Baptist Cardiac & Vascular Institute, and we are deeply appreciative of the generosity of so many who joined us for this incredible event,” said Brian E. Keeley, president and chief executive office of Baptist Health South Florida.
At Baptist Cardiac & Vascular Institute, world-renowned physicians are pioneers in less invasive techniques for treating aneurysms, stroke and heart disease, and they are international leaders in many groundbreaking research trials.
Among new programs planned by the Institute is a National Center for Aneurysm Therapy, a Center for Advanced Endovascular Therapy and a Center for Structural Heart Therapy. Most areas of the existing facility are under renovation, and four advanced endovascular procedure suites will be added.  Plans designed by HKS Architects call for a 60,000-square-foot addition and a 40,000-square-foot renovation.
The Institute’s global reputation as leaders in cardiovascular care has attracted many high-profile patients from around the world. In just the past few years, Branson is the second high-profile individual to donate support to the Institute, following performing artist and Grammy Award-winner Celine Dion. Ms. Dion gave a concert two years ago to a sellout audience at the Jackie Gleason Theater in gratitude for the life-saving procedure carried out on her husband, René Angélil, by Dr. Katzen.
It was announced this month that the premier flight on Virgin Galactic’s SpaceShipTwo will be in April. Sir Richard and his children, Holly and Sam, will travel into space as the first private passengers. More than 680 passengers have each made a $250,000 down payment to Virgin Galactic’s space plane, which will take off from the company’s “spaceport” in New Mexico. It will climb to a planned altitude of 71,000 feet to the upper edges of the atmosphere where travelers will experience weightlessness.
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, Doctors Hospital, West Kendall Baptist Hospital, Homestead Hospital, Mariners Hospital, Baptist Outpatient Services and Baptist Health Medical Group.
Baptist Health South Florida Foundation is the fundraising arm of Baptist Health South Florida.  The Foundation 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: Melissa Lichtenheld, 305-372-1234; [email protected]; Wragg & Casas Public Relations



Baptist Health South Florida and Bethesda Health Sign Agreement to Explore Affiliation

In a time when hospitals across America are facing unprecedented change, the Boards of Baptist Health South Florida, headquartered in Coral Gables, and Bethesda Health, headquartered in Boynton Beach, have signed a preliminary agreement to begin exploratory discussions about a possible affiliation. The two not-for-profit healthcare organizations have announced that they will engage in discussions to evaluate opportunities for working together in the future.

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

“We see a very positive cultural fit between our two organizations, which is the foundation for any partnership,” said Brian E. Keeley, president and chief executive officer of Baptist Health South Florida. “This possible affiliation would give us the opportunity to jointly develop and share best practices in order to continue improving quality and access to care for our patients. It will also allow us to better prepare for healthcare reform and the Affordable Care Act.”

Both Baptist Health and Bethesda Health have strong reputations in South Florida for being comprehensive healthcare organizations that provide high-quality, compassionate care to their respective communities. Executives anticipate the exploration process to take several months, and any final agreement would be subject to board approvals and necessary regulatory approvals.

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. Visit BaptistHealth.net.

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

Contacts:

Roymi Membiela
Corporate Vice President
Marketing & Public Relations
Baptist Health South Florida
786-596-6534

Christine Kotler
Assistant Vice President
Marketing & Public Relations
Baptist Health South Florida
786-596-6534

Lisa Kronhaus
Director
Marketing & Public Relations
Bethesda Health
561-737-7733, ext. 84320



New Miami Cancer Institute to Open In 2016

World-class comprehensive cancer center and research facility will be first in South Florida to offer proton therapy.

Baptist Health South Florida announced it is building the new $430 million Miami Cancer Institute scheduled to break ground in July. The Miami Cancer Institute at Baptist Health South Florida consolidates under one roof clinical services, a dedicated cancer research facility and signature technology platforms, including the first proton therapy center in South Florida.

“The Miami Cancer Institute at Baptist Health South Florida will be recognized as a world-class destination for providing evidence-based, individualized care for our patients. It will be a state-of-the-art facility that will be unmatched in our region in terms of clinical excellence and advanced cancer care, and we are recruiting nationally renowned experts to lead the Institute” said Brian E. Keeley, president and CEO of Baptist Health South Florida. The Miami Cancer Institute will open in 2016.

Highlights of the Miami Cancer Institute

 

  • Located on the Baptist Hospital campus, the 395,000-square-foot cancer institute will include a 305,000-square-foot clinical cancer center and a 90,000-square-foot research facility.
  • Designed especially for patients, a brand-new inpatient floor designed especially for cancer patients will connect between Baptist Hospital and the Cancer Institute.
  • The Baptist Health Breast Center.
  • Medical offices for cancer specialists.
  • There also will be two parking garages with 1,300 spaces for the convenience of patients and their families.

The stunning, four-story facility is designed by Miami-based MGE Architects and Portland-based ZGF Architects, both renowned for creating healthcare spaces that are beautiful and patient-centered. Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center are among ZGF’s many prominent healthcare clients. Construction of the Miami Cancer Institute at Baptist Health South Florida is scheduled to start in July.

The Miami Cancer Institute will be the first in South Florida – and among only a handful in the nation – to offer proton therapy, an advanced treatment that beams radiation directly to the tumor to destroy cancer cells while avoiding healthy tissues. The Miami Cancer Institute at Baptist Health South Florida will make proton therapy available not only to the South Florida community, but also to patients throughout Latin America and the Caribbean. Baptist Health is also in discussions with Miami Children’s Hospital to collaborate on proton therapy services for children. Since proton therapy is the treatment of choice for serious and difficult-to-treat cancers in children, a potential partnership will ensure that pediatric patients will have child-friendly treatment dedicated to their needs at Baptist Children’s Hospital and Miami Children’s Hospital.

“We are combining innovative, precision cancer care and the latest in clinical research with Baptist Health’s well-known high level of patient care – all in one place. This is the most exciting project related to cancer care that I have been involved with in my more than 30 years of practicing oncology in Miami,” said cancer specialist Leonard Kalman, M.D.

The 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. AMS is part of a nationally recognized network of community-based oncology practices that leverage technology, share best practices and use evidence-based approaches to customize cancer care for individual patients.

The Miami Cancer Institute plans to offer comprehensive clinical services, such as bone marrow transplant, diagnostic imaging, infusion chemotherapy and radiation therapies, including standard radiation, tomotherapy, gamma knife stereotactic radiosurgery and proton therapy. The Institute will also 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 in dedicated areas throughout the cancer center.

The Institute’s expansive research facility is designed to accommodate space for principal investigators, researchers and staff to pursue clinical trials and translational research. The focus will be on providing patients with access to sophisticated, groundbreaking treatments and cutting-edge clinical trials.

The Miami Cancer Institute at Baptist Health South Florida will transform cancer care throughout the region. The bold and visionary plan will offer an extraordinary opportunity for philanthropy. The Baptist Health South Florida Foundation will invite the public and private sector to participate in the creation of the Miami Cancer Institute by investing in its construction and infrastructure through philanthropic giving. It will be seeking philanthropic partners to join forces with renowned physicians and visionary leaders to create an iconic, highly visible center that will contribute significantly to the future of cancer care and bring world-class, innovative cancer treatment to Miami.

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 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.

 



Diane Amado-Tate, R.N., Named Chief Nursing Officer at Doctors Hospital

Doctors Hospital has named Diane Amado-Tate, R.N., chief nursing officer. Ms. Amado-Tate takes over the position from Sandy Hyatt, R.N., who retired after 18 years of service with Baptist Health South Florida.

An accomplished leader with 22 years of nursing experience, Ms. Amado-Tate most recently served as assistant vice president of nursing at South Miami Hospital, where she oversaw nursing staff and patient care in the South Miami Hospital Heart Center, Emergency Center, Critical Care Unit and Respiratory and Pulmonary departments. She also helped lead the development and construction of South Miami Hospital’s new Emergency Center, which opened in December 2012.

“We are thrilled to welcome Diane Amado-Tate to the Doctors Hospital family,” CEO Nelson Lazo said. “With her expertise, she will help guide us as we continue to provide the highest-quality care to our patients.”

Ms. Amado-Tate joined Baptist Health in 1997 as a registered nurse at South Miami Hospital. She holds a bachelor’s degree in nursing, graduating cum laude from Hunter College in New York, where she began her nursing career at NYU Medical Center. She earned a master’s degree in nursing from the University of Phoenix and a master’s degree in health services administration from Barry University.

Ms. Amado-Tate is a member of the American Organization of Nurse Executives and Delta Sigma Theta sorority, and serves in a leadership position for the local chapter of Jack and Jill of America, an organization dedicated to providing social, cultural and educational opportunities for children. A resident of Palmetto Bay, Ms. Amado-Tate and her husband, Samuel Tate Jr., have two children.

Contact: Kelli Romano, 786-596-6534; [email protected]



Robert Hill Named Assistant Vice President of Baptist Health Enterprises

Robert HillBaptist Health Enterprises, the entity managing Baptist Health South Florida’s real estate and development arm, has appointed Robert Hill assistant vice president of operations.

In his new role, Mr. Hill will oversee property management, building engineering and construction supervision, safety and security, and security communications and monitoring.

“Mr. Hill’s experience in hospitality property management is vast and he shares our commitment of offering the utmost in customer service,” said Ana Lopez-Blazquez, chief executive officer of Baptist Health Enterprises.

Mr. Hill served as general manager for 15 years with the Marriott Corporation. He is an alumnus of Florida International University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in finance and international business, and a master’s degree in hospitality management.

“I look forward to strengthening operations and further ensuring that our service-oriented core principles and goals are exemplified in our relationships with our customers and partners,” Mr. Hill said.

Baptist Health Enterprises manages more than 1.6 million square feet of space in 70-plus locations in Miami-Dade, Broward and Monroe counties, including Baptist Health’s medical and business offices, outpatient diagnostic, urgent care, surgery, sleep and endoscopy centers, and an apartment building. It operates a full-service real estate and development company responsible for acquisitions and leasing, property management and accounting, engineering, maintenance and construction oversight, and security and surveillance.

Baptist Health is the largest faith-based, not-for-profit healthcare organization in the region. It includes Baptist Outpatient Services and Baptist, Baptist Children’s, South Miami, Doctors, Homestead, Mariners and West Kendall Baptist Hospitals, along with Baptist Cardiac & Vascular Institute and Baptist Health Medical Group. 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.

 



Baptist Health South Florida Names Rev. William White Chairman of the Board of Trustees

Rev. Dr. William White was named Chairman of the Board of Baptist Health South Florida, the largest faith-based not for-profit healthcare organization in the region.  Mr. White serves as Senior Pastor of the 5000+ member, multi-cultural, Christ Journey Church in Miami.
“Rev. White is a respected leader who has served Baptist Health for many years in a variety of Board positions,” said Brian E. Keeley, Baptist Health President and CEO. “He epitomizes the culture at Baptist Health and is uniquely qualified to lead our volunteer Board members to guide our mission of caring for the community.”
Rev. White has been a member of the Baptist Health Board for numerous years serving on an array of committees including: Executive, Compensation, Human Resources, Long Range Planning, Miami Baptist Association Liaison Committee and the Physician Relations & Medical Academic Affiliations Committee.
In addition, he served on the board of Baptist Hospital as Secretary of the Executive Committee, in addition to the Governance Committee, Joint Conference Committee, Nominating Committee and as a Representative on Baptist Health Ethics Committee.
Rev. White received a Bachelor of Arts degree from William Jewell College and a Master of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry degrees from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He has served as Senior Pastor of Christ Journey Church since 1994, leading its facility renovation and ministry rejuvenation and expansion into multiple campuses. Dr. White’s ministry has taken him to Rwanda, Lebanon, Brazil, India, Egypt, Israel, Nicaragua, Guatemala, France, England, Haiti and The Bahamas.
Over the years, Rev. White has served on the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce Ethics Committee, the Miami-Dade County Mayor’s Religious Advisory Committee, the Greater Miami Religious Leaders Coalition and the Mission Miami Leadership Team. He has been a lifelong member of Rotary International, and nationally, has been part of the Baptist Center for Ethics Advisory Council, the Religious Liberty Council, and the Baptist World Alliance. Other local not-for-profit ministries he serves include the Agape Network, Touching Miami with Love, Open House Ministries and Feed Miami.
Members of all Baptist Health Boards serve voluntarily and without compensation and comply with a rigorous conflict of interest policy. The organization is the largest private employer in Miami-Dade County with more than 15,000 employees and 2,200 physicians.
Baptist Health South Florida is 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 Hospital, 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, connect with BaptistHealthSF on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

 

Contact: Jorge Martinez/Stephanie Rojas; The Conroy Martinez Group 305-445-7550



Baptist Health South Florida Ranks 19th on 2014 Fortune ‘100 Best Companies To Work For®’ List

Ranked No. 1 Overall in Florida and No. 1 for Percentage of Minority Staff

Baptist Health South Florida has been named one of the “100 Best Companies to Work For” by Fortune magazine for 2014. Ranked 19th on the list, it is the 14th time the healthcare organization has earned a spot on the list.

Baptist Health is ranked as the number-one employer in Florida and number two overall in the healthcare industry. Baptist Health also claims the number-one position on the list once again as the employer with the largest percentage of minorities.

“Baptist Health is honored to be included in these esteemed rankings for the 14th year,” said Brian E. Keeley, president and CEO. “Our employees continue to demonstrate a collective commitment to excellence that truly makes this a great place to work.”

Baptist Health employees have an extensive menu of work/life benefits, which include on-site child care, back-up care options for family members of any age, free online and on-site educational offerings, an award-winning employee wellness program with free fitness centers, one week of paid parental leave, a $10,000 adoption benefit, and “LifeWorks,” which offers employees and their families 24/7 access to information and help with a wide range of issues.

To pick the 100 Best Companies to Work For, Fortune partners with the Great Place to Work Institute to conduct the most extensive employee survey in corporate America; 257 firms participated in this year’s survey. More than 252,000 employees at those companies were surveyed by the institute, a global research and consulting firm operating in 45 countries around the world. Two-thirds of a company’s score is based on the results of the institute’s Trust Index survey, which is sent to a random sample of employees from each company.

The survey asks questions related to their attitudes about management’s credibility, job satisfaction and camaraderie. The other third is based on responses to the institute’s Culture Audit, which includes detailed questions about pay and benefit programs and a series of open-ended questions about hiring practices, methods of internal communication, training, recognition programs and diversity efforts. After evaluations are completed, if news about a company comes to light that may significantly damage employees’ faith in management, the institute may exclude it from the list. Any company that is at least five years old and has more than 1,000 U.S. employees is eligible.

The complete 2014 Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For® list is available at greatplacetowork.com.

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.

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



Javier Hiriart, M.D., Joins Baptist Health Medical Group

Javier-Hiriart-MDInternist Javier Hiriart, M.D., has joined Baptist Health Medical Group, an organization of more than 120 physicians in multiple specialties integrated within Baptist Health. Dr. Hiriart is Board-certified in both internal and pediatric medicine. He specializes in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of health issues in adults, children and teens, including simple and complex health concerns, internal medicine, chronic disease management, minor emergencies and urgent care and the coordination of care with specialists.

Dr. Hiriart received his medical degree from the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. He completed a combined residency in internal medicine and pediatrics at the University of Miami/Jackson Memorial Hospital, where he was honored as Medicine Attending of the Year in 2010.

“With his experience in working with both children and adults, Dr. Hiriart brings a very valuable and broad prospective toward caring for patients,” said Jack Ziffer, M.D., Ph.D., Executive Vice President & Chief Physician Executive for Baptist Health South Florida. “He develops long-term relationships with families and is uniquely qualified to care for patients through all phases of life.”

Prior to joining Baptist Health, Dr. Hiriart was director of primary care services for Camillus House, part of Camillus Health Concern. He was responsible for the daily operation of primary and pediatric health services delivered to homeless and indigent patients. He is a voluntary clinical assistant professor of medicine at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine and a voluntary clinical assistant professor of medicine at Florida International University’s Wertheim College of Medicine. He has been recognized with numerous awards for his teaching and leadership roles — by the American Academy of Family Physicians, the University of Miami School of Medicine and the American Medical Association.

Dr. Hiriart is fluent in English and Spanish, and proficient in French. He is a member of the American Medical Association, the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American College of Physicians.

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. Visit BaptistHealth.net.

 

Contact: Kelli Romano; 786-596-6534



Local Physician to Bike Across Country to Raise Money for Liver Health

Dr. Neal RakovWe all remember how much fun it was to ride a bicycle when we were young. But what if riding a bike could make a difference and help Keys residents suffering from liver disease?

Dr. Neal Rakov, a gastroenterologist at Mariners Hospital, will embark on a 3,300-mile cross-country bicycle journey March 1 in San Diego.  He anticipates finishing April 20 at Mariners Hospital in Tavernier, Fla.  His goal: To help increase awareness of liver disease and to raise $50,000 for Mariners Hospital’s liver health program.

(Photo: Dr. Neal Rakov turns into the Mariners Hospital parking lot as he finishes one of his preparation rides for his cross-country bicycle ride.  Dr. Rakov, a gastroenterologist at Mariners Hospital, is undertaking a 3,300-mile cross-country bicycle journey to help increase awareness of liver disease and to raise $50,000 for Mariners Hospital’s liver health program.)

Liver disease is the fourth leading cause of death in people between the ages of 45 and 54 in the United States. “People with liver disease are often stigmatized, because liver disease is often associated with poor lifestyle choices,” said Dr. Rakov. “Many people assume that liver disease is caused primarily by alcohol and drug abuse.  While alcohol and drug abuse continue to be one of the causes, the truth is that liver disease can occur for many other reasons including the mounting obesity rate in the United States.” There are more than 100 liver diseases affecting 30 million Americans, or one in 10 U.S. residents, of every age and ethnicity from every social and economic background.

Like the rest of the nation, Monroe County, Fla., where Dr. Rakov practices medicine, is seeing an ever-increasing number of people with liver diseases such as hepatitis C, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and liver cancer. Of the 67 Florida counties, Monroe ranks third in the number of deaths from liver disease.

Statistics on the prevalence of liver disease are startling:
Up to 5.4 million Americans have chronic hepatitis B or hepatitis C infection. About 65 percent and 75 percent of the infected populations are unaware that they are infected with HBV and HCV, respectively;

  • Up to 25 percent of Americans may have non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, a condition that can cause life-threatening liver damage;
  • Primary liver cancer is one of the few cancers on the rise in the United States; and
  • Chronic liver disease/cirrhosis is the 12th leading cause of death in the United States.

“Many of the patients I see in my office have liver disease,” Dr. Rakov said.  “I decided to do this cross-country bicycle ride not only to raise awareness but to raise money so that Mariners Hospital could offer more services to people with liver disease.  For example, I would love to be able to do pre-transplant liver evaluations here in the Keys, so patients wouldn’t have to drive to Miami for that service.  We have about 10 to 15 patients a year who are on the transplant list.

“Many liver diseases are preventable or reversible and nearly all are less expensive to treat if detected early,” Dr. Rakov said.  “Part of the money I raise will go to education and awareness.  If I can help one person live a longer, fuller life as a result of this ride, it will be worth every pedal stroke.”

If you are interested in contributing to Rakov’s Ride, you can visit BaptistHealth.net/RakovsRide or contact Wendy Gentes, development officer for the Mariners Hospital Foundation, at [email protected].

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

Contact: Sheila Konczewski, 305-434-1020



Baptist Health Receives 2013 Hospital Website Transparency Award with Distinction

BaptistHealth.net recognized for providing helpful, user-friendly safety and quality information to consumers

Baptist Health South Florida’s website, BaptistHealth.net, has received a 2013 Hospital Website Transparency Award with Distinction from two national organizations that promote healthcare quality and safety.

The honor recognizes outstanding hospital websites that promote transparency of quality measures in a manner that is helpful, practical and user-friendly for consumers. The Leapfrog Group and URAC (formerly known as the Utilization Review Accreditation Commission) presented the award to Baptist Health and two other hospitals at the Leapfrog Group’s annual meeting in Crystal City, Va., on Dec. 3.

“URAC commends Baptist Health for its true initiative in protecting consumers through transparency and quality reporting,” said Kylanne Green, URAC president and CEO. “We are celebrating these hospitals who exhibit innovations and best practices, and it is encouraging to see these hospitals that are committed to informing, protecting and serving the community.”

“We view our corporate website, BaptistHealth.net, as a critical tool in our delivery of high-quality, compassionate care to the patients and families we serve,” said Thinh H. Tran, M.D., corporate vice president and chief medical and quality officer, Baptist Health South Florida. “When we share detailed information online about our performance, we help consumers make smart decisions about their healthcare and feel comfortable about the trust they place in our professionals.”

The Leapfrog group and URAC developed the Hospital Website Transparency Awards program criteria in accordance with the National Quality Forum’s guidelines for consumer-focused, Internet-based public reporting of health performance data as well as the Model Public Report Elements prepared for the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. More information about the awards program can be found at urac.org/education-and-events/conferences-and-awards/hospital-web-site-transparency-awards.

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, Baptist Health Medical Group and Baptist Outpatient Services. Baptist Health Foundation, the organization’s fundraising arm, supports services at all hospitals and facilities.

About The Leapfrog Group
The Leapfrog Group is a voluntary program aimed at mobilizing employer purchasing power to alert America’s health industry that big leaps in health care safety, quality and customer value will be recognized and rewarded. Leapfrog works with its members to encourage transparency and easy access to healthcare information and to recognize hospitals that have a proven record of high-quality care.

About URAC
URAC is a national accreditation leader, offering over 30 highly regarded healthcare industry accreditation programs that are created and updated by independent, industry-spanning experts to address the latest market trends and needs. For more information, visit urac.org.

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