Baptist Health Primary Care has expanded with a new office in Cutler Bay, located at 19225 SW 87 Avenue, in the East Ridge community. This new location is open to all Cutler Bay residents, along with East Ridge residents. The Cutler Bay community is now able to make an appointment with primary care physician Rozan Razzouk, M.D. in this convenient new location, for all their healthcare needs.

Each Baptist Health Primary Care office is focused on the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of health issues, including chronic disease management for diabetes, heart disease and hypertension; simple and complex health matters; minor emergencies; geriatric care; weight loss; health-risk assessments; and healthy lifestyle choices.

Baptist Health Primary Care makes healthcare convenient, with extended hours, minimal wait times and same-day or next-day appointments with an available physician or advanced practitioner. Patients can renew prescriptions, get test results and communicate with their care team online. And with an on-site lab, dietitian and licensed clinical social worker, it’s easy to take care of all primary care services in one visit.

“We are very excited with our recent partnership with East Ridge and bringing another location of exceptional primary care to the Cutler Bay community,” said Bernie Fernandez Jr., M.D., CEO of Baptist Health Medical Group.

To find a location near you and make an appointment with a primary care physician, please call 786-596-2464 or visit BaptistHealth.net/PrimaryCare.

Primary care sports medicine specialist Luis Rodriguez, M.D., has joined Baptist Health Medical Group, an organization of more than 180 physicians, as part of the Miami Orthopedics & Sports Medicine Institute. Dr. Rodriguez specializes in non-surgical treatments for acute, overuse and chronic orthopedic problems, with a special interest in concussions in sports, sports cardiology, musculoskeletal ultrasound and fracture care.

Dr. Rodriguez received his medical degree from the Luis Razetti School of Medicine at Universidad Central de Venezuela in Caracas, where he graduated with honors, receiving the Outstanding Performance Award by Subject. He completed an internal medicine internship and residency at Cleveland Clinic Foundation – Florida. In addition, he completed a fellowship in primary care sports medicine at UHS Wilson Memorial Hospital in Johnson City, N.Y. Following his training, he worked as an attending physician for Mercy Health Associates in Philadelphia and for UHS Orthopedics and Sports Medicine in Binghamton, N.Y. He was a clinical assistant professor at SUNY Upstate Medical University, Binghamton campus, and was the assistant program director for the UHS Wilson Memorial Hospital Primary Care Sports Medicine Fellowship Program.

“South Florida is home to a very active and athletic population, and the addition of Dr. Rodriguez to our team means that patients with an orthopedic injury that does not require surgery will have quick access to an expert,” said Bernie Fernandez Jr., M.D., CEO of Baptist Health Medical Group.

He has served as a team physician for the U.S. Ski Team, the Binghamton Senators ice hockey team, and a variety of college, high school and league sports, including baseball, basketball and football.

“Dr. Rodriguez’s experience is a significant advantage for patients in South Florida,” said John Uribe, M.D., Medical Director of Miami Orthopedics & Sports Medicine Institute. “We are fortunate to have him as part of our team.”

Dr. Rodriguez has a sports medicine Board certification from the American Board of Internal Medicine. He is a member of the American Medical Society for Sports Medicine and the American College of Sports Medicine.

About Baptist Health Medical Group
Baptist Health Medical Group, a network of primary care doctors and specialists who provide high-quality medical care to patients of all ages, 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), nearly 50 outpatient and urgent care facilities, Baptist Health Quality Network and internationally renowned centers of excellence. The not-for-profit, faith-based Baptist Health has approximately 16,000 employees and 2,300 affiliated physicians. Baptist Health South Florida has been recognized as one of the 100 Best Companies to Work For in America and as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies. For more information, visit BaptistHealth.net and connect with us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @BaptistHealthSF.

Contact: Georgi Pipkin, Phone: 786-596-6534

Primary care physician Deepa Sharma, D.O., has joined Baptist Health Medical Group, an organization of more than 180 physicians, as part of the Baptist Health Primary Care team. She will be seeing patients out of the Coral Gables office, located at 2601 SW 37 Avenue, Suite 506. Dr. Sharma specializes in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of health issues, with an interest in women’s health concerns, urgent care and chronic diseases.

Dr. Sharma received her doctor of osteopathic medicine degree from Nova Southeastern University College of Osteopathic Medicine in Ft. Lauderdale. She completed an internship in internal medicine at St. Vincent Hospital at Worcester Medical Center in Worcester, Mass., and a family medicine residency at Overlook Family Practice and Overlook Hospital in Summit, N.J., where she was selected as Family Practice Resident OB Coordinator. Following her training, she worked in family medicine practices in New Jersey and later with Hawaii Permanente Medical Group in Maui. She also hosts a radio show on health-related topics that airs on Sirius XM. “

Dr. Sharma has worked with very diverse communities, from rural populations with few resources to busy medical practices,” said Bernie Fernandez Jr., M.D., CEO of Baptist Health Medical Group. “In addition, she has been involved with the implementation of technology and electronic medical records that lead to improved patient care and communication.”

Dr. Sharma is Board-certified by the American Board of Family Medicine. She has been active in a number of community service programs, volunteering to complete school sports physicals and present health education sessions and health screenings to the public.

About Baptist Health Medical Group
Baptist Health Medical Group, a network of primary care doctors and specialists who provide high-quality medical care to patients of all ages, 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), nearly 50 outpatient and urgent care facilities, Baptist Health Quality Network and internationally renowned centers of excellence. The not-for-profit, faith-based Baptist Health has approximately 16,000 employees and 2,300 affiliated physicians. Baptist Health South Florida has been recognized as one of the 100 Best Companies to Work For in America and as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies. For more information, visit BaptistHealth.net and connect with us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @BaptistHealthSF.

Contact:Georgi Pipkin, 786-596-6534

Primary care physician Rozan Razzouk, M.D., has joined Baptist Health Medical Group, an organization of more than 180 physicians, as part of the Baptist Health Primary Care team in the new South Miami office, located at 6280 SW 72 Street, Suite 410, South Miami, Florida 33143. Dr. Razzouk specializes in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of health issues, including chronic disease management for diabetes, bronchitis, sinusitis, COPD, migraines, reflux and other health concerns; simple and complex health matters; minor emergencies; women’s health issues; health-risk assessments; and healthy lifestyle choices.

Dr. Razzouk received her medical degree from the Damascus University Medical School, Damascus, Syria, where she was named Medical Student of the Year. She completed a residency in anesthesia at Harasta Medical Center in Damascus, and a residency in family practice at the University of Arkansas-Sparks Medical Center, AHEC-West, in Fort Smith, Ark., where she also received academic honors and Resident of the Month awards. She is Board-certified in family medicine.

“Dr. Razzouk has cared for patients in a variety of inpatient and outpatient settings and is comfortable working in a multi-cultural environment. She is a wonderful addition to the Primary Care team,” said Bernie Fernandez Jr., M.D., CEO of Baptist Health Medical Group.

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 is listed by Fortune magazine as one of the 100 Best Companies to Work For in America (#23 in the nation) and has remained on the list for 15 years. It was also recognized as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies for the fifth year in a row by the Ethisphere Institute. For more information on Baptist Health Primary Care, go to BaptistHealth.net/PrimaryCare.

Contact: Georgi Pipkin, Phone: 786-596-6534

Primary Care physician Agueda Hernandez, M.D., medical director of the Baptist Health Primary Care Family Medicine Center and director of the Family Residency program at West Kendall Baptist Hospital, has received the 2015 FAFP Exemplary Full-Time Educator Award from The Florida Academy of Family Physicians (FAFP).

This prestigious award was created to recognize outstanding family physicians for their dedication, expertise and ability to provide the highest quality instruction to physicians in all phases of their medical training and practice in a full-time capacity. This recognition is particularly important in Florida due to the shortage of Primary Care physicians and the lack of residency opportunities available to a younger generation. Dr. Hernandez’s comprehensive skills in health care have contributed to excellence in the provision of high quality care and demonstrated that family physicians can have an impact on improving the overall health of the nation.

“Dr. Hernandez continues to exemplify those leadership abilities that make our doctors unique at Baptist Health Primary Care,” said Bernie Fernandez Jr., M.D., chief executive officer of Baptist Health Medical Group. “Under her leadership, the Family Residency program has received well over 1,700 applications for just 4 resident positions. This award symbolizes her continued dedication to mentoring young physicians who will make lasting contributions at Baptist Health and in the South Florida community.”

The Florida Academy of Family Physicians (FAFP) is composed of more than 4,800 family medicine physicians, resident physicians, and medical students from across the state. The FAFP works to advance the specialty of family medicine by promoting excellence and improvement in the healthcare of all Floridians. Their priority is to help members become the best family physicians they can be through effective communication, legislation/regulation, education, advocacy, research and motivation. The FAFP also acts as the active voice for family medicine, advocating key issues among patients, the medical community, legislators and regulators, third-party payers, and the general public. The FAFP continually works to communicate, recognize and celebrate the issues of family medicine, while helping all Floridians to understand that having a family physician is vital to their health. For more information, visit www.fafp.org.

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 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. For more information on Baptist Health Primary Care, go to BaptistHealth.net/PrimaryCare.

CONTACT: Sahyli Hartney; PHONE: 786-596-6534

Primary care physician Jose Soza, M.D., has joined Baptist Health Medical Group, an organization of more than 180 physicians, as part of the Baptist Health Primary Care team. Dr. Soza specializes in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of health issues, including chronic disease management for diabetes, bronchitis, sinusitis, migraines, reflux and other health concerns; simple and complex health matters; minor emergencies; geriatric care; weight loss; health-risk assessments; and healthy lifestyle choices.

Dr. Soza received his medical degree from the National Autonomous University of Nicaragua in Leon, Nicaragua, and completed a residency in the Saint Mary and Saint Elizabeth Family Medicine Residency Program in Chicago. Before joining Baptist Health, he was a primary care physician in pediatric, adolescent, adult and geriatric medicine, in Kissimmee, Fla. He is Board-certified in family medicine and speaks English and Spanish.

“Dr. Soza’s experience with patients who range in age from children to adults well into their senior years makes him a wonderful addition to the Primary Care team,” said Bernie Fernandez Jr., M.D., CEO of Baptist Health Medical Group.

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 is listed by Fortune magazine as one of the 100 Best Companies to Work For in America (#23 in the nation) and has remained on the list for 15 years. It was also recognized as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies for the fifth year in a row by the Ethisphere Institute. For more information on Baptist Health Primary Care, go to http://BaptistHealth.net/PrimaryCare.

Contact: Alicia Vigil; 786-596-6534

Primary care physician Melissa Franco, D.O., MPH, has joined Baptist Health Medical Group, an organization of more than 180 physicians, as part of the Baptist Health Primary Care team. Dr. Franco specializes in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of health issues, with an interest in urgent care and chronic diseases.

Dr. Franco received her doctor of osteopathic medicine and master of public health degrees from Nova Southeastern University in Ft. Lauderdale. She completed a family practice internship and residency at Suncoast Hospital/Largo Medicine Center, Largo, Fla., where she also was co-chief resident. Prior to joining Baptist Health, she was a scholar of the National Health Service Corps., part of the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services devoted to providing care in largely underserved communities. As such, she worked as a family medicine physician at Valley-Wide Health Systems in Monte Vista, Colo. She also was a member of Cleveland Clinic Florida’s Family Medicine Department.

“Dr. Franco’s work within very diverse communities is a bonus for South Florida residents,” said Bernie Fernandez Jr., M.D., CEO of Baptist Health Medical Group. “Her experience in urgent care and walk-in emergency care is an asset to our team and to the community.”

Dr. Franco is Board-certified in family medicine by the American Osteopathic Board of Family Physicians. She has been active in a number of community service programs, volunteering to complete school physicals for the Largo community, and volunteering at organizations such as the DOCARE International Guatemalan Medical Mission, the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians Health Clinic and the Good News Migrant Health Care Center.

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 is listed by Fortune magazine as one of the 100 Best Companies to Work For in America (#23 in the nation) and has remained on the list for 15 years. It was also recognized as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies for the fifth year in a row by the Ethisphere Institute. For more information on Baptist Health Primary Care, go to http://BaptistHealth.net/PrimaryCare.

Contact: Alicia Vigil, 786-596-6534

Primary care physician Lester Carrodeguas, M.D., has joined Baptist Health Medical Group, an organization of more than 180 physicians in multiple specialties, as part of the Baptist Health Primary Care team. Dr. Carrodeguas specializes in simple to complex health concerns, including asthma, diabetes, heart disease, internal medicine, disease prevention, health-risk assessments and healthy lifestyle choices.

Dr. Carrodeguas received his undergraduate degree from the University of Georgia, and his medical degree from the Universidad Autόnoma de Guadalajara School of Medicine, in Guadalajara, Mexico. He held post-doctoral research fellowships at Ohio State University Hospital and Arthur James Comprehensive Cancer Institute. He completed a clinical research fellowship at The Bariatric Institute – Cleveland Clinic Florida and a family medicine residency at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, Hoboken University Medical Center.

“Research and patient care have both been vital to Dr. Carrodeguas,” said Bernie Fernandez Jr., M.D., CEO of Baptist Health Medical Group. “With his broad range of interests, he is well prepared to assist the South Florida community.” Dr. Carrodeguas has performed research in the areas of immunology, transplantation and obesity. He is an assistant professor of medicine at Florida International University’s Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine. He is fluent in English and Spanish.

Baptist Health Medical Group is part of Baptist Health South Florida, the largest healthcare organization in the region, with seven hospitals (Baptist Hospital, Baptist Children’s Hospital, Doctors Hospital, Homestead Hospital, Mariners Hospital, South Miami Hospital and West Kendall Baptist Hospital) and more than 30 outpatient and urgent care facilities spanning three counties. The not-for-profit, faith-based Baptist Health has more than 15,000 employees and 2,200 affiliated physicians and also includes Baptist Outpatient Services and internationally renowned centers of excellence.

Baptist Health Foundation, the organization’s fundraising arm, supports services at all hospitals and facilities. Baptist Health is listed by Fortune magazine as one of the 100 Best Companies to Work For in America (#23 in the nation) and has remained on the list for 15 years. It was also recognized as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies for the fifth year in a row by the Ethisphere Institute. For more information on Baptist Health Primary Care, go to BaptistHealth.net/PrimaryCare.

Contact: Alicia Vigil; 786-596-6534

Primary care physician Hanif Williams, M.D., has joined Baptist Health Medical Group, an organization of more than 180 physicians, as part of the Baptist Health Primary Care team.

Dr. Williams has been in private practice in South Florida since 1985 and specializes in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of health issues, including chronic disease management for diabetes, heart disease and hypertension, and other health concerns; simple and complex health matters; minor emergencies; weight loss; health-risk assessments; and healthy lifestyle choices.

Dr. Williams received his undergraduate and medical degrees from the University of the West Indies in Jamaica. He completed mixed rotating internships in internal medicine and pediatric medicine at the University Hospital of the West Indies, in Ob/Gyn at the Victoria Jubilee Hospital, and in thoracic surgery at the National Chest Hospital, all in Kingston, Jamaica. In addition, he completed a fellowship in family medicine at the University of Miami/Jackson Memorial Hospital, where he was chief resident in family medicine.

During his years in private practice, Dr. Williams has served as Chief of the Family Medicine departments at Baptist and South Miami Hospitals. He also served as a consulting physician to Vitas Healthcare and Medical Director of the Adolescent Chemical Abuse Center of Kendall.

“Dr. Williams is a very experienced physician, and his years spent working with South Florida patients make him especially well-suited for our team,” said Bernie Fernandez Jr., M.D., CEO of Baptist Health Medical Group.

Dr. Williams is Board-certified in family medicine. He is clinical assistant professor in family medicine at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. He is a member of the American Academy of Family Physicians and the Florida Academy of Family 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 is listed by Fortune magazine as one of the 100 Best Companies to Work For in America (#23 in the nation) and has remained on the list for 15 years. It was also recognized as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies for the fifth year in a row by the Ethisphere Institute. For more information on Baptist Health Primary Care, go to BaptistHealth.net/PrimaryCare.

Contact: Alicia Vigil; 786-596-5432

West Kendall Baptist Hospital has appointed Agueda Hernandez, M.D., director of its Family Medicine Residency program. Dr. Hernandez was formerly associate director of the program and continues to serve as medical director of the Baptist Health Primary Care Family Medicine Center at West Kendall Baptist Hospital, which serves as the residents’ principal training ground.

“Dr. Hernandez has been instrumental in successfully expanding the Family Medicine Residency program since its inception two years ago,” said Bernie Fernandez, M.D., chief executive officer of Baptist Health Medical Group. “Under her leadership, the Baptist Health Primary Care Family Medicine Center at West Kendall Baptist Hospital is proud to have been matched with a diverse and talented group of residents this year. We are sure these young physicians will make lasting contributions at Baptist Health and in the South Florida community.”

Dr. Hernandez succeeds Dr. David Brown, chair of family medicine at West Kendall Baptist Hospital and chief of family medicine at Florida International University’s medical school, who was founding director of the residency program. “We are grateful for Dr. Brown’s vision and leadership in launching the program,” said Javier Hernández-Lichtl, chief executive officer of West Kendall Baptist Hospital. “We are continuing on the path Dr. Brown set by developing a culture of innovation, collaboration, and excellence.”

The Family Medicine Residency program at West Kendall Baptist Hospital, an academic affiliate of Florida International University’s Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, is fully accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME). The program, established in 2013, now has a full cohort of 12 residents. The 2015 class of four residents was selected from a pool of 1,948 applicants.

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 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.

Contact: Arianne Cento; 305-978-8143