Tavernier, FL – July 17, 2019 – Mariners Hospital is proud to announce the certification of its cardiovascular and pulmonary rehabilitation programs by the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR). This certification is recognition of Mariners Hospital’s commitment to improving the quality of life of patients by enhancing standards of care.

Cardiovascular and pulmonary rehabilitation programs are designed to help people with cardiovascular problems (e.g., heart attacks, coronary artery bypass graft surgery) and pulmonary problems (e.g., chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, respiratory symptoms) recover faster and live healthier. Both programs include exercise, education, counseling and support for patients and their families.

To earn accreditation, Mariners Hospital’s cardiovascular and pulmonary rehabilitation programs participated in an application process that requires extensive documentation of the program’s practices. AACVPR Program Certification is the only peer-review accreditation process designed to review individual programs for adherence to standards and guidelines developed and published by AACVPR and other related professional societies. Each program’s application is reviewed by the AACVPR Program Certification Committee, and certification is awarded by the AACVPR Board of Directors.

In 2018, AACVPR moved to an outcomes-based process with performance measurements that represent more meaningful outcomes. Therefore, AACVPR-certified programs are leaders in the cardiovascular and pulmonary rehabilitation field because they offer the most advanced practices available and have proven track records of high quality patient care. AACVPR Program Certification is valid for three years.

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About Mariners Hospital
Mariners Hospital is part of Baptist Health South Florida, the largest healthcare organization in the region with 11 hospitals, nearly 23,000 employees, more than 4,000 physicians and more than 100 outpatient centers, urgent care facilities and physician practices spanning across Miami-Dade, Monroe, Broward and Palm Beach counties. Baptist Health has internationally renowned centers of excellence in cancer, cardiovascular care, orthopedics and sports medicine, and neurosciences. In addition, it includes Baptist Health Medical Group; Baptist Health Quality Network; and Baptist Health Care On Demand, a virtual health platform. A not-for-profit organization supported by philanthropy and committed to our faith-based charitable mission of medical excellence, Baptist Health has been recognized by Fortune as one of the 100 Best Companies to Work For in America and by Ethisphere as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies. For more information, visit BaptistHealth.net/Newsroom and connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn.

About AACVPR
Founded in 1985, the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation is a multidisciplinary organization dedicated to the mission of reducing morbidity, mortality and disability from cardiovascular and pulmonary disease through education, prevention, rehabilitation, research and disease management. Central to the core mission is improving the quality of life for patients and their families. Learn more about AACVPR at www.aacvpr.org.

MIAMI, FL – July 16, 2019 — Kenneth Spell has been named chief executive officer of Homestead Hospital, a 147-bed hospital that is part of Baptist Health South Florida, the largest not-for-profit healthcare organization in the region. He succeeds Bill Duquette, who was named chief executive officer of South Miami Hospital.

Mr. Spell has been part of the Homestead Hospital executive leadership team for 12 years. Most recently he was vice president of operations, where he oversaw all ancillary services and managed multiple physician group agreements and services. During his tenure at Homestead Hospital, Mr. Spell led the implementation of two electronic health records, expanded the Hospitalist Program and oversaw the addition of the new Pediatric Hospitalist and Laborist Programs.

Prior to that, Mr. Spell was with Baptist Health’s Strategic Planning and Business Development department, where he served as a planning officer for several Baptist Health hospitals. Among his accomplishments in that role, he supervised the expansion of Baptist Hospital of Miami’s Emergency Department and associated campus zoning, as well as the architectural design and buildout of Homestead Hospital’s existing shelled space, adding an additional 27 beds.

“Ken’s extensive experience at Homestead Hospital, combined with his deep knowledge of Baptist Health, make him distinctly qualified to lead the hospital and continue to build on the great work accomplished to date,” said Brian E. Keeley, president and chief executive officer of Baptist Health. “We are proud to see him move into this new role, bringing to it his commitment to excellence and dedication to the patients and families in the communities we serve.”

In addition to his hospital leadership role, Mr. Spell is active in the community. He is a Board member and former Chairman of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. He serves on the Board of New Hope Corps, a non-profit organization that serves the South Miami-Dade community. He also is a member of the American College of Healthcare Executives – South Florida Healthcare Executives, and the American Hospital Association – Society for Healthcare Strategy and Market Development.

Mr. Spell earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration and a master’s degree in public health from the University of Oklahoma.

About Baptist Health South Florida
Baptist Health South Florida is the largest healthcare organization in the region, with 11 hospitals, nearly 23,000 employees, more than 4,000 physicians and more than 100 outpatient centers, urgent care facilities and physician practices spanning across Miami-Dade, Monroe, Broward and Palm Beach counties. Baptist Health has internationally renowned centers of excellence in cancer, cardiovascular care, orthopedics and sports medicine, and neurosciences. In addition, it includes Baptist Health Medical Group; Baptist Health Quality Network; and Baptist Health Care On Demand, a virtual health platform. A not-for-profit organization supported by philanthropy and committed to our faith-based charitable mission of medical excellence, Baptist Health has been recognized by Fortune as one of the 100 Best Companies to Work For in America and by Ethisphere as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies. For more information, visit BaptistHealth.net/Newsroom and connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn.

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TAVERNIER, FL – July 9, 2019 – Mariners Hospital has earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval® for Hospital Accreditation by demonstrating continuous compliance with its performance standards. The Gold Seal of Approval® is a symbol of quality that reflects an organization’s commitment to providing safe and effective patient care.

Mariners Hospital underwent a rigorous, unannounced onsite survey and during the review, a team of Joint Commission expert surveyors evaluated compliance with hospital standards related to several areas, including emergency management, environment of care, infection prevention and control, leadership and medication management. Surveyors also conducted onsite observations and interviews.

“We are pleased to receive accreditation from The Joint Commission, the premier healthcare quality improvement and accrediting body in the nation,” said Rick Freeburg, CEO of Mariners Hospital and Fishermen’s Community Hospital in Marathon.

The Joint Commission’s hospital standards are developed in consultation with health care experts and providers, measurement experts and patients. The standards are informed by scientific literature and expert consensus to help hospitals measure, assess and improve performance.

“Joint Commission accreditation provides hospitals with the processes needed to improve in a variety of areas from the enhancement of staff education to the improvement of daily business operations,” said Mark G. Pelletier, RN, MS, chief operating officer, Division of Accreditation and Certification Operations, The Joint Commission. “In addition, our accreditation helps hospitals enhance their risk management and risk reduction strategies.”

The Joint Commission has accredited hospitals for more than 60 years. More than 4,000 general, children’s, long-term acute, psychiatric, rehabilitation and specialty hospitals currently maintain accreditation from The Joint Commission, awarded for a three-year period. In addition, approximately 360 critical access hospitals maintain accreditation through a separate program.

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About Mariners Hospital
Mariners Hospital is part of Baptist Health South Florida, the largest healthcare organization in the region with 11 hospitals, nearly 23,000 employees, more than 4,000 physicians and more than 100 outpatient centers, urgent care facilities and physician practices spanning across Miami-Dade, Monroe, Broward and Palm Beach counties. Baptist Health has internationally renowned centers of excellence in cancer, cardiovascular care, orthopedics and sports medicine, and neurosciences. In addition, it includes Baptist Health Medical Group; Baptist Health Quality Network; and Baptist Health Care On Demand, a virtual health platform. A not-for-profit organization supported by philanthropy and committed to our faith-based charitable mission of medical excellence, Baptist Health has been recognized by Fortune as one of the 100 Best Companies to Work For in America and by Ethisphere as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies. For more information, visit BaptistHealth.net/Newsroom and connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn.

About The Joint Commission
Founded in 1951, The Joint Commission seeks to continuously improve health care for the public, in collaboration with other stakeholders, by evaluating health care organizations and inspiring them to excel in providing safe and effective care of the highest quality and value. The Joint Commission accredits and certifies more than 21,000 health care organizations and programs in the United States. An independent, nonprofit organization, The Joint Commission is the nation’s oldest and largest standards-setting and accrediting body in health care. Learn more about The Joint Commission at www.jointcommission.org.

MIAMI, FL – July 8, 2019 — Seasoned healthcare executive Bill Duquette has been named chief executive officer of South Miami Hospital, a 453-bed acute-care hospital that is part of Baptist Health South Florida, the largest not-for-profit healthcare organization in the region. He succeeds Lincoln Mendez, who was named chief executive officer of Boca Raton Regional Hospital, Baptist Health’s newest affiliate.

Mr. Duquette brings to this new role nearly three decades of experience with Baptist Health’s Homestead Hospital, where he served as chief executive officer for the past 13 years. Prior to that role, he held various administrative positions, including vice president of operations, administrative director of laboratory services and performance improvement coordinator.

Under Mr. Duquette’s leadership, Homestead Hospital earned prestigious accreditations and was named three times to the Leap Frog Group’s Top Hospital list for excellence in hospital quality, patient safety and efficiency. Mr. Duquette led efforts to open Baptist Health Follow-Up Care, a clinic that provides continuity of care to patients and reduces hospital admissions. He also collaborated with his team to establish the Grow2Heal garden, a community garden that provides farm-to-hospital organic produce and educational opportunities. Other innovative patient care initiatives launched during his tenure include a laborist program and a robust hospitalist program, as well as a routine infectious disease screening program for patients being treated in the hospital’s Emergency Center — a first in Florida.

“Bill’s wealth of experience and vast knowledge of Baptist Health will position him well for this new role,” said Brian E. Keeley, president and chief executive officer of Baptist Health. “He is committed to Baptist Health’s mission and vision and his leadership drives our organization to exceed the expectations of our patients and improve the overall health of the communities we serve. He will undoubtedly continue the positive momentum at South Miami Hospital that was sustained by Lincoln Mendez.”

In addition to his hospital leadership role, Mr. Duquette is active in the community. He is a Board member and former Chairman of the South Dade Chamber of Commerce. He serves on the Boards of the South Florida Hospital and Healthcare Association and South Florida Evaluation and Treatment Center. He also is an advisory Board member of Nova Southeastern University and a member of the Rotary Club of Homestead.

Mr. Duquette earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Miami and a master’s degree in public health from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He and his wife, Gladis, live in the Redland and have an adult daughter.

About Baptist Health South Florida
Baptist Health South Florida is the largest healthcare organization in the region, with 11 hospitals, nearly 23,000 employees, more than 4,000 physicians and more than 100 outpatient centers, urgent care facilities and physician practices spanning across Miami-Dade, Monroe, Broward and Palm Beach counties. Baptist Health has internationally renowned centers of excellence in cancer, cardiovascular care, orthopedics and sports medicine, and neurosciences. In addition, it includes Baptist Health Medical Group; Baptist Health Quality Network; and Baptist Health Care On Demand, a virtual health platform. A not-for-profit organization supported by philanthropy and committed to our faith-based charitable mission of medical excellence, Baptist Health has been recognized by Fortune as one of the 100 Best Companies to Work For in America and by Ethisphere as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies. For more information, visit BaptistHealth.net/Newsroom and connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn.

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MIAMI/BOCA RATON, Fla. – July 1, 2019 – Today, Baptist Health South Florida announced the completion of its partnership with Boca Raton Regional Hospital. With this, Boca Raton Regional Hospital is now operating as part of Baptist Health South Florida.

The new partnership ensures both not-for-profit organizations will continue to meet their mutual missions and commitments to elevate healthcare within the communities they serve in an area that reaches across four South Florida counties.

“Our organizations share the same calling to improve the health and well-being of individuals and to deliver compassionate healthcare to our patients at the highest standards of excellence and safety. We foresee an exciting future at Boca Raton Regional Hospital that will cement its title as the preeminent healthcare provider in the community,” said Brian E. Keeley, president and CEO of Baptist Health.

In May, Boca Raton Regional Hospital announced the appointment of Lincoln S. Mendez as its new chief executive officer to succeed Jerry Fedele when he retires in August. Mendez formerly was CEO at Baptist Health’s South Miami Hospital in Miami-Dade County.

“Today’s announcement concludes a process that will elevate our position as an advanced, tertiary academic center,” said Christine E. Lynn, Board Chair at Boca Raton Regional Hospital. “I thank everyone who participated in this process, both at Boca Regional and Baptist Health, for this exciting outcome.”

In 2017, Baptist Health merged with Bethesda Hospital East and Bethesda Hospital West in Boynton Beach. With the addition of Boca Raton Regional Hospital, it brings the number of Baptist Health hospitals to 11.

Baptist Health is the largest healthcare organization in the region situated across four counties, with nearly 23,000 employees, more than 4,000 physicians and operates more than 100 outpatient centers, urgent care facilities and physician practices. In addition, Baptist Health has centers of excellence in cancer, cardiovascular care, orthopedics and sports medicine, and neurosciences.

In December, Baptist Health and Boca Raton Regional Hospital announced they had signed a letter of intent to form a partnership. Boca Raton Regional Hospital first announced its intent to seek a strategic partner in 2017. Boca Regional narrowed its list of suitors, including some of the nation’s foremost healthcare systems, to five in the spring of 2018 and selected Baptist Health as its preferred partner.

“Establishing our partnership with Baptist Health represents an important milestone in the history of Boca Regional,” said Jerry Fedele, president and CEO of Boca Raton Regional Hospital. “It is one that continues the positive momentum and trajectory of Boca Regional as the premier healthcare provider in South Florida.”

Visit the multimedia page or click here for PHOTOS.

About Boca Raton Regional Hospital – Advancing the boundaries of medicine
Boca Raton Regional Hospital is an advanced, tertiary medical center (BRRH.com) with 400 beds, 2,800 employees and more than 800 primary and specialty physicians on staff. The Hospital is a recognized leader in Oncology, Cardiovascular Disease and Surgery, Minimally Invasive Surgery, Orthopedics, Women’s Health, Emergency Medicine and the Neurosciences, all of which offer state-of-the-art diagnostic and imaging capabilities. The Hospital is a designated Comprehensive Stroke Center by the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA). BRRH is recognized in U.S. News & World Report’s 2018 – 2019 Best Hospitals listing as a Top Ranked Regional Hospital, for the fourth consecutive year, and the highest ranked hospital in Palm Beach County.

About Baptist Health South Florida
Baptist Health South Florida is the largest healthcare organization in the region, with 11 hospitals, nearly 23,000 employees, more than 4,000 physicians and more than 100 outpatient centers, urgent care facilities and physician practices spanning across Miami-Dade, Monroe, Broward and Palm Beach counties. Baptist Health has internationally renowned centers of excellence in cancer, cardiovascular care, orthopedics and sports medicine, and neurosciences. In addition, it includes Baptist Health Medical Group; Baptist Health Quality Network; and Baptist Health Care On Demand, a virtual health platform. A not-for-profit organization supported by philanthropy and committed to our faith-based charitable mission of medical excellence, Baptist Health has been recognized by Fortune as one of the 100 Best Companies to Work For in America and by Ethisphere as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies. For more information, visit BaptistHealth.net/Newsroom and connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn.

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MIAMI ― June 24, 2019 ― With the growth of Baptist Health South Florida’s Miami Cancer Institute, two renowned physicians critical to its formation and expansion have been promoted.

Medical oncologist Leonard Kalman, M.D., has been promoted to executive deputy director and chief medical officer. A member of the Baptist Health medical staff since 1982, Dr. Kalman has been instrumental in the vision and mission of Miami Cancer Institute, being named to its executive leadership team prior to its opening in 2017. He has been responsible for recruiting and developing physicians and staff and helping define the Institute’s clinical components. A graduate of Duke University School of Medicine, Dr. Kalman completed internships at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and Brigham and Women’s Hospital/Massachusetts General and a residency at Drexel University College of Medicine. Prior to coming to Baptist Health, he completed an oncology fellowship at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York. In Miami, he joined what would become Advanced Medical Specialties (AMS), a diversified oncology practice in Miami-Dade and Monroe Counties. He was appointed Chairman of the practice’s Board of Managers, leading AMS’ strategic planning, quality and growth initiatives. The group became the founding oncologists of Miami Cancer Institute.

“Dr. Kalman has played a vital role in the development of Miami Cancer Institute, ensuring that patient needs were at the center of the facility’s design and helping plan the services that would be offered,” said Michael J. Zinner, M.D., CEO and executive medical director of the Institute. “He has brought in preeminent physicians from the nation’s top cancer centers to lead our sophisticated programs and further develop innovative treatments for patients.”

An internationally renowned expert in the application of both autologous and allogeneic stem cell transplantation in the treatment of leukemia, myelodysplastic syndrome, multiple myeloma and other lymphoproliferative diseases, Guenther Koehne, M.D., Ph.D., has been named deputy director and chief of Stem Cell Transplantation, Hematologic Oncology and Benign Hematology. Dr. Koehne joined Miami Cancer Institute in 2017 from Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, where he was one of the leading physicians in the adult bone marrow transplantation service. He has led the development and growth of the Institute’s outpatient and inpatient blood and bone marrow transplant program and is involved in numerous clinical trials. A physician-scientist, Dr. Koehne received his medical degree and Ph.D. from Medical University of Hamburg, Germany, where he also trained as a resident in internal medicine. He completed an additional internal medicine residency at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago. His medical oncology/hematology fellowship training took place at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and he completed an additional research fellowship in the Immunology Program at the Sloan Kettering Institute for Cancer Research, Allogeneic Bone Marrow Transplantation Service, where he also served as a research associate.

“Dr. Koehne’s role in discovering new and improved methods of treating blood cancers and in employing immunotherapeutic techniques to fight cancer has made it possible for patients to receive the most advanced care available,” said Dr. Zinner. “He will continue to grow our programs so that patients from South Florida never have to leave the region for the best care.”

About Miami Cancer Institute
Miami Cancer Institute, part of Baptist Health South Florida, is a next-generation cancer treatment destination known for its leading clinical care and research, compassionate patient experience and state-of-the-art technology – including the first proton therapy center in South Florida, Latin America and the Caribbean, and the only radiation oncology program in the world with each of the latest radiation therapies in one place. The Institute offers an impressive roster of established community oncologists and renowned cancer experts, clinical researchers and genomic scientists recruited from the nation’s top cancer centers. As Florida’s only member of the Memorial Sloan Kettering (MSK) Cancer Alliance, Miami Cancer Institute is part of a deep and functional collaboration that affords patients access to innovative treatments right here at home and ensures that the standards of care developed by our multidisciplinary disease management teams match those at MSK. Heralded nationally as one of the “hybrid” cancer centers of the future, Miami Cancer Institute combines high-quality community-based cancer care with the best of an academic cancer center, including innovative clinical trials tied to research and genomics and disease-specific surgeons, medical oncologists and radiation oncologists who are experts in their fields. For more information, visit MiamiCancerInstitute.com.

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Institute becomes first to offer the Ingenia Ambition in the United States

MIAMI, FL ― May 28, 2019 ― Miami Cardiac & Vascular Institute, the largest and most comprehensive cardiovascular center in the South Florida region, announced today the implementation of Philips’ Ingenia Ambition 1.5T MR, the world’s first magnetic resonance system to enable helium-free operations. The technology offers cutting-edge imaging techniques that deliver high-quality images faster while providing an improved, more comfortable experience for patients. With the implementation of this new technology, Miami Cardiac & Vascular Institute becomes the first to offer the Ingenia Ambition in the United States.

The Ingenia Ambition incorporates the Philips Compressed SENSE acceleration technique, which speeds up 2D and 3D scans by up to 50% with virtually equivalent image quality, even for challenging patients. The device also features technology that significantly improves patients’ experience during MRI exams, enhancing comfort and compliance. Patients are guided throughout the process through an immersive audio-visual experience, helping them feel at ease and resulting in smoother, faster exams, which contributes to reduced rescans and patient sedation.

“This breakthrough technology means a significant benefit for patients. Those who require an MRI exam, which is often accompanied by feelings of stress and discomfort, can now look forward to a more seamless and pleasant experience,” said Constantino Pena, M.D., medical director of vascular imaging, Miami Cardiac & Vascular Institute. “At the same time, the added speed with uncompromised quality allows us to conduct exams more efficiently, reducing unnecessary wait times that can lead to delayed diagnoses and increased costs.”

The Ingenia Ambition is based on Philip’s BlueSeal fully-sealed magnet, which uses a micro-cooling technology that requires a negligible amount of liquid helium (less than 0.5% of volume, compared to the Ingenia 1.5T ZBO magnet). This reduces potential helium-related issues of classic magnet designs and eliminates dependency on the scarce commodity. The magnet also employs an adaptive intelligence system aimed at minimizing downtime in the event of operational issues, ultimately allowing practitioners to conduct testing with greater efficiency and confidence.

Miami Cardiac & Vascular Institute offers a range of cardiovascular services and is continuously introducing new and advanced technology to better treat patients and further understand the complexity of disease, injury and congenital or acquired abnormalities.

“The incorporation of Ingenia Ambition represents a significant addition to our robust offering of diagnostic services. With this new capability, we can reinforce the delivery of consistent, high-quality care that leads to better outcomes for patients,” stated Dr. Pena.

Click here for photos and video files or visit the Baptist Health Newsroom multimedia page.

About Miami Cardiac & Vascular Institute
Miami Cardiac & Vascular Institute is the largest and most comprehensive cardiovascular facility in the region. The team of multilingual, multidisciplinary specialists has pioneered the development of minimally invasive techniques used to treat aneurysms, blockages in veins and arteries and holes in the heart.

Miami Cardiac & Vascular Institute is part of Baptist Health South Florida, the largest healthcare organization in the region, with 10 hospitals (Baptist Hospital, Baptist Children’s Hospital, Bethesda Hospital East, Bethesda Hospital West, Doctors Hospital, Fishermen’s Community Hospital, Homestead Hospital, Mariners Hospital, South Miami Hospital and West Kendall Baptist Hospital), more than 40 physician practices, 50 outpatient and urgent care facilities, Baptist Health Medical Group, Baptist Health Quality Network and internationally renowned centers of excellence spanning across Monroe, Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties. A not-for-profit organization supported by philanthropy and committed to our faith-based charitable mission of medical excellence, Baptist Health has more than 19,500 employees and more than 3,000 affiliated physicians. Baptist Health South Florida has been recognized by Fortune as one of the 100 Best Companies to Work For in America and by Ethisphere as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies. For more information, visit BaptistHealth.net/newsroom and connect with us on Facebook at facebook.com/BaptistHealthSF and on Twitter and Instagram @BaptistHealthSF.

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Lincoln S. Mendez Named CEO of Boca Raton Regional Hospital

MIAMI/BOCA RATON, FL – May 24, 2019 – Boca Raton Regional Hospital and Baptist Health South Florida today announced that they have signed a Definitive Agreement regarding a strategic partnership between the two organizations. This agreement solidifies their plans for affiliation, which is expected to be completed by early summer.

Both Boca Raton Regional Hospital and Baptist Health are not-for-profit organizations with a long history of compassion and commitment to the communities they serve.

“We are excited about this significant step in the journey we embarked on in 2017. The agreement was enthusiastically endorsed by a unanimous vote of our Board, and we are looking forward to continuing with Baptist Health on the path toward elevating the healthcare we provide for our communities,” said Jerry Fedele, President and CEO of Boca Raton Regional Hospital. “Our organizations share similar cultures, values and expectations for excellence that are essential for a great partnership that is focused on increasing access to high-quality care across South Florida.”

In addition, officials at Boca Regional Hospital announced the appointment of Lincoln S. Mendez as its new chief executive officer following the retirement of Jerry Fedele in August of this year. A seasoned and accomplished healthcare executive, Mr. Mendez comes to his new position after serving as chief executive officer at South Miami Hospital, part of Baptist Health.

During his tenure, South Miami Hospital earned national accolades for its quality, innovation and clinical excellence. South Miami Hospital also witnessed significant growth in its facilities, technology and programmatic offerings. Mr. Mendez is also well-respected by Board members, physicians, employees and his peers.

“Mr. Mendez provides the depth of experience and executive skill sets that are tailor-made to lead Boca Regional in its continued ascent to becoming one of the premier, tertiary academic medical centers in Florida,” said Christine E. Lynn, Boca Raton Regional Hospital Board Chair. “We are supremely confident in his ability to continue the most positive momentum and trajectory of our Hospital that was established and sustained by Jerry Fedele.”

“Our collaboration has reinforced our common vision for carrying out our mission of delivering compassionate, exceptional care to our patients and families,” said Brian E. Keeley, President and CEO of Baptist Health. “Baptist Health has grown strategically in recent years to meet the needs of our communities, and today’s announcement brings us one step closer to completing our much-anticipated affiliation with Boca Raton Regional Hospital. With Lincoln’s leadership, we believe this partnership will be mutually beneficial to our respective organizations and, most of all, for the many people we serve across four counties.”

In December 2018, Baptist Health and Boca Raton Regional Hospital announced they had signed a Letter of Intent to form a partnership. Boca Raton Regional Hospital first announced its intent to seek a strategic partner in 2017. After issuing a Request for Proposal and receiving responses from some of the nation’s foremost healthcare systems, Boca Regional narrowed its list of suitors to five in the spring of 2018 and then selected Baptist Health South Florida as its preferred partner.

About Boca Raton Regional Hospital – Advancing the boundaries of medicine
Boca Raton Regional Hospital is an advanced, tertiary medical center (BRRH.com) with 400 beds, 2,800 employees and more than 800 primary and specialty physicians on staff. The Hospital is a recognized leader in Oncology, Cardiovascular Disease and Surgery, Minimally Invasive Surgery, Orthopedics, Women’s Health, Emergency Medicine and the Neurosciences, all of which offer state-of-the-art diagnostic and imaging capabilities. The Hospital is a designated Comprehensive Stroke Center by the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA). BRRH is recognized in U.S. News & World Report’s 2018 – 2019 Best Hospitals listing as a Top Ranked Regional Hospital, for the fourth consecutive year, and the highest ranked hospital in Palm Beach County.

About Baptist Health South Florida
Baptist Health South Florida is the largest healthcare organization in the region, with 10 hospitals (Baptist Hospital, Baptist Children’s Hospital, Bethesda Hospital East, Bethesda Hospital West, Doctors Hospital, Fishermen’s Community Hospital, Homestead Hospital, Mariners Hospital, South Miami Hospital and West Kendall Baptist Hospital), more than 40 physician practices, 50 outpatient and urgent care facilities, Baptist Health Medical Group, Baptist Health Quality Network and internationally renowned centers of excellence spanning across Monroe, Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties. A not-for-profit organization supported by philanthropy and committed to our faith-based charitable mission of medical excellence, Baptist Health has more than 19,500 employees and more than 3,000 affiliated physicians. Baptist Health South Florida has been recognized by Fortune as one of the 100 Best Companies to Work For in America and by Ethisphere as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies. For more information, visit BaptistHealth.net/newsroom and connect with us on Facebook at facebook.com/BaptistHealthSF and on Twitter and Instagram @BaptistHealthSF.

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MIAMI – May 22, 2019 – Dr. Michael J. Zinner has been named professor and chair of the Department of Surgery at the Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine (HWCOM).

Zinner, a world-renowned cancer surgeon, medical educator, and researcher, is CEO and executive medical director of the Miami Cancer Institute, part of Baptist Health South Florida.

“It is an immense honor and privilege for our college of medicine to have a world-recognized leader in surgery take the helm of educating our students in this key aspect of medical practice,” said Dr. Robert Sackstein, HWCOM dean and senior vice president for Health Affairs. “Personally, I worked with Dr. Zinner for over two decades at Harvard Medical School, and our partnership there allowed us to gain a greater understanding of cancer biology and yielded new therapeutic options for people affected by gastrointestinal cancers. In addition, we joined in training the next generation of surgeons at Harvard and now have the opportunity to do so at FIU.”

Prior to joining the Miami Cancer Institute, Zinner was clinical director and surgeon-in-chief at Dana-Farber/Brigham and Women’s Cancer Center in Boston, the Moseley Professor of Surgery at Harvard Medical School, the Crowley Family Distinguished Chair in the Department of Surgery at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, and founder of Harvard’s Center for Surgery and Public Health.

“I have always placed tremendous value in the teaching and mentoring of future generations of medical students, researchers and academics as they embark on their careers,” Zinner said. “The future of medicine is wide open for those trained on the treatment options and scientific breakthroughs that will impact our world for years to come. I look forward to being a part of their journey, and to Baptist Health’s continued collaboration with FIU as we partner to shape the landscape of surgical education here in South Florida.”

An expert in pancreatic-hepatobiliary diseases, Zinner is the editor for Maingot’s Abdominal Operations, a textbook and atlas of gastrointestinal surgery used worldwide that is in its fourth edition.

Zinner, a Miami native, received his medical degree from the University of Florida and performed his surgical residency at Johns Hopkins Hospital.

About Miami Cancer Institute
Miami Cancer Institute is a next-generation cancer treatment destination known for its leading clinical care and research, compassionate patient experience and state-of-the-art technology – including the first proton therapy center in South Florida, Latin America and the Caribbean, and the only radiation oncology program in the world with each of the latest radiation therapies in one place. The Institute offers an impressive roster of established community oncologists and renowned cancer experts, clinical researchers and genomic scientists recruited from the nation’s top cancer centers. As Florida’s only member of the Memorial Sloan Kettering (MSK) Cancer Alliance, Miami Cancer Institute is part of a deep and functional collaboration that affords patients access to innovative treatments right here at home and ensures that the standards of care developed by our multidisciplinary disease management teams match those at MSK. Heralded nationally as one of the “hybrid” cancer centers of the future, Miami Cancer Institute combines high-quality community-based cancer care with the best of an academic cancer center, including innovative clinical trials tied to research and genomics and disease-specific surgeons, medical oncologists and radiation oncologists who are experts in their fields. For more information, visit MiamiCancerInstitute.com.

About FIU
Florida International University is Miami’s public research university and in less than five decades has become a top 100 public university, according to U.S. News & World Report’s Best Colleges. FIU is focused on student success and research excellence, with nearly $200 million in annual research expenditures. The Next Horizon campaign is furthering FIU’s commitment to providing students Worlds Ahead opportunities. Today FIU has two campuses and multiple centers, including sites in Qingdao and Tianjin, China, and supports artistic and cultural engagement through its three museums: Patricia & Phillip Frost Art Museum, the Wolfsonian-FIU, and the Jewish Museum of Florida-FIU. FIU is a member of Conference USA, with more than 400 student-athletes participating in 18 sports. The university has awarded more than 330,000 degrees to many leaders in South Florida and beyond. For more information about FIU, visit www.fiu.edu.

Magnet recognition is the highest national honor for nursing excellence

MIAMI, FL — May 17, 2019 — Doctors Hospital has achieved Magnet recognition as a reflection of its nursing professionalism, teamwork and superiority in patient care. The American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Magnet Recognition Program® distinguishes organizations that meet rigorous standards for nursing excellence.

With this credential, Doctors Hospital joins the global community of Magnet-recognized organizations. Just 492 U.S. health care organizations out of over 6,300 U.S. hospitals have achieved Magnet recognition.

“Magnet recognition provides our community with the ultimate benchmark to measure the quality of patient care,” said Diane Amado-Tate, chief nursing officer, Doctors Hospital. “Achieving Magnet recognition reinforces the culture of excellence that is a cornerstone of how we serve our community. It’s also tangible evidence of our nurses’ commitment to providing the very best care to our patients, of which we are extremely proud.”

Research demonstrates that Magnet recognition provides specific benefits to health care organizations and their communities, such as:

• Higher patient satisfaction with nurse communication, availability of help and receipt of discharge information
• Lower risk of 30-day mortality and lower failure to rescue rates
• Higher job satisfaction among nurses
• Lower nurse reports of intentions to leave their positions

To achieve Magnet recognition, organizations must pass a rigorous and lengthy process that demands widespread participation from leadership and staff. This process includes an electronic application, written patient care documentation, an on-site visit, and a review by the Commission on Magnet Recognition.

Magnet recognition is the gold standard for nursing excellence and is a factor when the public judges health care organizations. U.S. News & World Report’s annual showcase of “America’s Best Hospitals” includes Magnet recognition in its ranking criteria for quality of inpatient care.

The Magnet Model provides a framework for nursing practice, research, and measurement of outcomes. Through this framework, ANCC evaluates applicants across a number of components and dimensions to gauge an organization’s nursing excellence.

About Doctors Hospital
Doctors Hospital is part of Baptist Health South Florida, the largest healthcare organization in the region, with 10 hospitals (Baptist Hospital, Baptist Children’s Hospital, Bethesda Hospital East, Bethesda Hospital West, Doctors Hospital, Fishermen’s Community Hospital, Homestead Hospital, Mariners Hospital, South Miami Hospital and West Kendall Baptist Hospital), more than 40 physician practices, 50 outpatient and urgent care facilities, Baptist Health Medical Group, Baptist Health Quality Network and internationally renowned centers of excellence spanning across Monroe, Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties. A not-for-profit organization supported by philanthropy and committed to our faith-based charitable mission of medical excellence, Baptist Health has more than 19,500 employees and more than 3,000 affiliated physicians. Baptist Health South Florida has been recognized by Fortune as one of the 100 Best Companies to Work For in America and by Ethisphere as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies. For more information, visit BaptistHealth.net/newsroom and connect with us on Facebook at facebook.com/BaptistHealthSF and on Twitter and Instagram @BaptistHealthSF.

About ANCC’s Magnet Recognition Program
The Magnet Recognition Program — administered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center, the largest and most prominent nurses credentialing organization in the world — identifies health care organizations that provide the very best in nursing care and professionalism in nursing practice. The Magnet Recognition Program is the highest national honor for nursing excellence and provides consumers with the ultimate benchmark for measuring quality of care. For more information about the Magnet Recognition Program and current statistics, visit www.nursecredentialing.org/magnet.

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