FEATURE ARTICLES FROM THIS WEEK |
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VITAS Healthcare Promotes Bryan Wysong to Chief Operations Officer
July 2, 2026 – VITAS Healthcare, the nation’s leading provider of hospice and palliative care, today announced the promotion of Bryan Wysong to chief operations officer (COO). As executive vice president and COO, Wysong will lead companywide operations across VITAS, overseeing hospice care delivery, high acuity services, operational performance, quality improvement, home medical equipment and palliative care services. He will work closely with leaders across the organization to strengthen clinical excellence, advance operational performance and support the continued growth of VITAS.
Since joining VITAS in 2014 as an internal management consultant, Wysong has held leadership roles of increasing responsibility, including senior director, vice president, head of high acuity services and senior vice president of operational performance. Throughout his tenure, he has helped strengthen operations and support the continued growth of the organization.
“Bryan is an exceptional leader who embodies the values of VITAS,” said Joel Wherley, president and chief executive officer of VITAS. “He brings a thoughtful approach to leadership and a deep commitment to the patients and families we are privileged to serve. I’m confident Bryan will continue to help VITAS grow while preserving the compassion and clinical excellence that define who we are.”
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| ACHE of South Florida July 2026 Member Spotlight: Jinu Thomas
By Lois Thomson
In answer to the “perfect storm of challenges” that today’s healthcare organizations are facing, Jinu Thomas launched Blink Agency, a company designed to help them elevate their brand’s reach and experience new growth. With more than 25 years of experience in leading strategy and marketing teams in the healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors, Jinu is aware of these challenges, “especially from healthcare marketing, and presenting your brand and your story.”
Jinu said he and his wife, Dr. Ann Thomas, discussed changes in how today’s physicians are compensated, how the complexity has increased in terms of getting referrals, and the volume of diminishing return. With those things in mind, he said, “The challenge is identifying how to reach the right audience with the right message at the right time. The risk of not doing it is that you risk losing patients.”
And that is why Jinu launched Blink Agency. Jinu uses AI to assist healthcare organizations in maximizing their marketing efforts to reach potential patients, and as he explained, “We have a proprietary AI-driven platform, which is HIPAA compliant, that contains information on more than 250 million adults, or 95 percent of America on the platform.”
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UPCOMING NETWORKING MEETINGS AND
EDUCATIONAL WEBINARS |
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SAVE THE DATE
Date: Thursday, July 23, 2026
Topic: Service-Line Development Networking 5:30-6:30PM
Panel Discussion 6:30-8PM Location: Cleveland Clinic Weston; 3100 Weston Rd. Weston, FL
ACHE IN PERSON CREDITS : 1.5 |
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Summer Networker NETWORKING WITH THE LEADERSHIP OF THE MAJOR HOSPITALS AND HEALTHCARE COMPANIES IN SOUTH FLORIDA DATE : JULY 23, 2026
LOCATION: Puttshack - Dania Point 1825 Way Pointe Place
Dania Beach,FL 33004
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER |
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JULY 2026 DIGITAL ISSUE OF SOUTH FLORIDA HOSPITAL NEWS AND HEALTHCARE REPORT IS NOW AVAILABLE - CLICK HERE |
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UPDATED NEWS INFORMATION FROM THE LAST THREE DAYS IN SOUTH FLORIDA |
SFHN&HR Leadership Interview with Wayne Brackin, CEO of KIDZ Medical Service
A conversation about Medical Tourism in Miami – Part One with Wayne Brackin, CEO of KIDZ Medical Services. Interviewed by Charles Felix, Publisher of South Florida Hospital News & HealthCare Report in June 2026.
CLICK HERE |
BROWARD HEALTH CELEBRATES SECOND FREESTANDING EMERGENCY ROOM WITH RIBBON CUTTING
New Broward Health facility will be the first ER for City of Sunrise
July 1, 2026 – – Broward Health leadership and physicians, elected officials and the community gathered yesterday to celebrate the opening of the freestanding Broward Health Sunrise Emergency Room that offers quicker access to high-quality treatment and often shorter wait times for residents in western Broward County.
This is the first freestanding emergency room in the City of Sunrise and is the second Broward Health has opened in June. The first freestanding emergency room opened in the City of Lighthouse Point earlier this month. Together, the new freestanding emergency departments reflect Broward Health’s ongoing commitment to bringing lifesaving care closer to the communities it serves.
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Holy Cross Health Opens $41 Million Deerfield Beach Center and Breaks Ground in Fort Lauderdale
The second freestanding emergency department and multispecialty health center on Sunrise Blvd. is on pace for a Spring 2027 grand opening.
June 30 ,2026 – Holy Cross Health is at the forefront of one of the hottest emergency department (ED) trends by embedding freestanding EDs and multispecialty health centers in communities they didn’t previously have a presence. When a patient is experiencing a medical episode, time is of the essence and can be the difference between life and death. The closer to home they can seek emergency treatment, the greater the chances of survival and recovery.
Holy Cross Health has strategically chosen to invest in neighborhoods that have seen population growth and an aging population. Those factors, among others, increase the demand for high-level, quality health care.
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HCA FLORIDA AVENTURA HOSPITAL NAMES KRISTEN LINDENBOOM AS CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
July 1, 2026 – HCA Florida Aventura Hospital is pleased to announce the appointment of Kristen Lindenboom as its new chief operating officer. In this role, Lindenboom will oversee hospital operations, support strategic growth initiatives and collaborate with physicians, colleagues and community partners to advance the hospital’s mission of delivering high-quality, patient-centered care. Her leadership will help guide the hospital’s continued commitment to operational excellence, innovation and exceptional patient outcomes.
“I am honored to join HCA Florida Aventura Hospital and work alongside such an exceptional team,” said Lindenboom. “I look forward to partnering with our physicians, colleagues and community to build on the hospital’s strong foundation of clinical excellence while continuing to provide outstanding care for every patient we serve.”
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HCA Florida Woodmont Hospital names Alexis Bustamante as vice president of human resources
JUNE 30, 2026 – HCA Florida Woodmont Hospital has appointed Alexis Bustamante, MSHRM, PHR, as vice president of human resources.
Alexis joins HCA Florida Woodmont Hospital from HCA Florida Aventura Hospital, where she has served as senior human resources business partner supporting the 493-bed facility and its approximately 1,600 colleagues. In her role, she led initiatives focused on colleague engagement, recognition, leadership development and workplace safety.
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AHA: Statement of the American Hospital Association for the United States House of Representatives Committee on Ways and Means “Tax-Exempt Hospital Transparency Act”
July 1, 2026 – On behalf of our nearly 5,000 member hospitals, health systems and other healthcare organizations, as well as our clinician partners — including more than 270,000 affiliated physicians, 2 million nurses and other caregivers — the American Hospital Association (AHA) appreciates the opportunity to comment on H.R. 9504, the “Tax-Exempt Hospital Transparency Act.” Our comments reflect a review of the language we received last night as part of the Notice of Meeting for the Committee’s markup scheduled for July 1, 2026.
The AHA acknowledges the House Ways and Means Committee’s engagement and willingness to revise key provisions of the original discussion draft of the Tax-Exempt Hospital Transparency Act. While improved from the prior draft, we believe the bill, as written, does not yet strike the right balance.
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AHA: CMS proposes increases to Medicare hospital outpatient department payment rates, site-neutral and 340B changes
JULY 2, 2026 – The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services July 2 issued a proposed rule that would increase Medicare hospital outpatient prospective payment system rates by a net 2.4% in calendar year 2027 compared to 2026. This includes a proposed 3.2% market basket update, offset by a 0.8 percentage point cut for productivity.
In a statement shared with the media, Ashley Thompson, AHA senior vice president of public policy analysis and development, said, “America’s hospitals and health systems continue to operate under growing financial challenges that threaten their ability to provide care. At the same time, CMS’ proposed outpatient policies would further reduce resources available, including another insufficient reimbursement update, an excessive productivity adjustment, and additional payment reductions affecting key hospital services.”
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Baptist Health Cancer Care to Present Research on Precision Radiation Therapy Across Complex Cancers at ASTRO 2026
MIAMI, FL & BOSTON, MA – July 2, 2026 – Experts across Baptist Health Herbert Wertheim Cancer Institute and Eugene M. & Christine E. Lynn Cancer Institute will present new radiation oncology research and clinical expertise at the 2026 Annual Meeting of the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO), September 26-30, 2026, in Boston. The presentations will highlight emerging approaches in MR-guided adaptive radiation therapy, radiopharmaceutical therapy, proton therapy, stereotactic radiosurgery, and treatment timing across a range of complex cancers.
The research spans several areas of significant clinical need, including brain metastases, prostate cancer, pancreaticobiliary cancer, colorectal cancer, breast cancer, oropharyngeal cancer, anal cancer, and pediatric and young adult lymphoma. Among the studies are analyses of PSMA PET-derived biomarkers in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer, early intracranial radiotherapy for breast cancer brain metastases, ablative MR-guided adaptive radiotherapy for anatomically challenging tumors, and outcomes following proton craniospinal irradiation for solid tumor leptomeningeal metastasis.
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A Decade of Lifesaving Care: Sarasota Memorial Trauma Center Celebrates 10 Years of Service to the Community
Sarasota County’s only trauma center has treated nearly 50,000 patients since opening
July 1, 2026 – Sarasota Memorial Health Care System (SMH) is celebrating the 10th anniversary of its Level II Trauma Center, a milestone that reflects a decade of growth, innovation and lifesaving care for patients throughout Sarasota County and the surrounding region.
Since opening in May 2015 and receiving full state designation in July 2016, the SMH trauma team has treated 47,735 injured patients, including 22,871 trauma team activations to address the most critically injured patients transported by emergency medical teams to the nearest trauma center.
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The Pride Center at Equality Park Opens New No-Cost Sexual Health Clinic, Expanding Access to Comprehensive Community Care
July 2, 2026 – The Pride Center at Equality Park celebrated the grand opening and ribbon cutting of its new Sexual Health Clinic today, expanding access to no-cost, judgment-free sexual healthcare for everyone in South Florida through its Wellness at The Center program.
Community members, local leaders and healthcare professionals gathered to commemorate the opening of the clinic, which offers comprehensive sexual health services in a welcoming, inclusive environment where care meets community.
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Mahi’s 4th Birthday Celebration at Holtz Children’s Hospital
June 2, 2026 – Today, we celebrated the 4th birthday of our beloved facility dog, Mahi, at Holtz Children’s Hospital. Since she is turning 4, we threw her a Fourth of July-themed birthday party with our patients, families, and staff.
Mahi plays an important role in bringing comfort, smiles, and emotional support to our young patients, and today’s celebration was a fun way to recognize the joy she brings to the hospital every day.
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PUPPY FROM MAKE-A-WISH HELPS MEND TEEN’S BROKEN HEART
June 30, 2026 – Even though some time has passed, the emotional wound is still raw and the pain palpable for 17-year-old Gavyn Davis. It’s why when Make-A-Wish® Southern Florida presented a world full of possibilities for the wish it would grant him, he knew what the choice had to be.
“We had a dog before that we really loved but someone took her and I was heartbroken,” said Davis, a Port St. Lucie resident. “I really wanted another dog.”
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Mayo Clinic study identifies new brain targets for individualized epilepsy treatment
JULY 1, 2026 — Mayo Clinic researchers have created a detailed map of the pulvinar, a deep brain region that could help doctors more precisely target brain stimulation therapies for people with drug-resistant epilepsy.
The findings, published in the Journal of Neuroscience, reveal that brain regions separated by only a few millimeters connect to entirely different brain networks. The discovery provides a blueprint for placing electrodes more precisely during deep brain stimulation, an emerging treatment for epilepsy.
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Governor Ron DeSantis Approves Budget, Investing $49B in Healthcare Delivery
The signed budget invests in the healthcare workforce, expansion of rural and maternal health, and care for vulnerable residents across Florida
JUNE 29, 2026 – Tallahassee, Fla. — Governor Ron DeSantis today signed the state budget for fiscal year 2026-2027, investing $49 billion in Florida’s health care delivery system.
Florida’s healthcare system is critical infrastructure. Strengthening its framework better positions hospitals and healthcare systems to meet the rising demand for high-quality care as the state’s population grows and ages.
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NIH’s All of Us Research Program is now the largest integrated genomics and health database in the world
Data from more than 747,000 participants is now available to scientists, powering next-generation discoveries in precision medicine.
JUNE 30 ,2026 – The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has issued the most expansive data release in the history of its All of Us Research Program, making available data from more than 747,000 participants and establishing All of Us as the world’s largest integrated genomic and electronic health record (EHR) database. The latest data release includes more than 535,000 whole genome sequences linked to nearly 482,000 electronic health records, a combination of genomic depth and clinical breadth unmatched by any research program in the world.
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HHS Secretary Kennedy Signs COVID-19 Emergency Use Authorization Declaration Terminations
JUNE 30, 2026—The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) today announced that Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. has signed determinations terminating the COVID-19 Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) declarations for drugs and biological products and for medical devices, concluding that the circumstances that justified these emergency authorities no longer exist.
“Americans deserve a regulatory system that is transparent, accountable, and rooted in the rule of law,” said HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. “By ending these COVID-19 emergency use authorization declarations, we’re reinforcing public confidence that emergency authorities are temporary and targeted.”
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OTHER CURRENT NEWS ARTICLES CAN BE FOUND AT SFHN&HR WEBSITE UNDER "SF STAT" CLICK HERE
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OFFICIAL SPONSOR OF LEADERSHIP INTERVIEWS |
EXCLUSIVE HOSPITAL LEADERSHIP INTERVIEWS BY
SOUTH FLORIDA HOSPITAL NEWS & HEALTHCARE REPORT |
Interview with Wayne Brackin, CEO of KIDZ Medical Services CLICK HERE
Interview with Brent Lucas, CEO of Envoy Medical, Inc. CLICK HERE
Interview with Dr. Rachel Docekal, CEO of The Hanley Foundation CLICK HERE
Interview with John D. Couris who is President and CEO of Florida Health Sciences Center and Tampa General Hospital CLICK HERE
Interview with Shane Strum President/CEO of Broward Health by Charles Felix from South Florida Hospital News and Healthcare Report - February 2023 CLICK HERE Interview with Matthew Garner CEO of Broward Health North by Charles Felix from South Florida Hospital News and Healthcare Report in February 2023.
CLICK HERE
See More Interviews - Click Here |
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| UPCOMING MEETINGS & EVENTS AND MARKETING OPPORTUNITIES |
MARKETING AND PUBLIC RELATIONS CAMPAIGNS
SHOULD BE USING THE RESOURCES OF SFHN&HR
Start the year with a comprehensive print and digital marketing program.
NOW ACCEPTING
ARTICLES AND ADS FOR THE
AUGUST 2026
“Profiles in Leadership & Administration”
Including our Annual Salute to Healthcare Leadership
(Call for special discounted prices for advertising)
"Education Update – New Programs in Healthcare Education"
“Healthcare Professionals Associations”
“Outsourcing Update”
“Revenue Cycle Software Trends”
“Using AI in Diagnosing & Patient Data”
“Using Population Health in Patient Care”
“Disability & Long-Term Care Insurance Products” “CALL TODAY TO ARRANGE A STRATEGIC MARKETING MEETING
FOR 2026/2027” DISCOUNTED BUNDLED
PRINT AND DIGITAL MESSAGING PROGRAMS
Call today to find out how to qualify for a FREE Company Bio with any size ad.
Call me today to discuss editorial and advertising 954-605-4785 |
HEALTHCARE EDUCATION FOCUS CLICK ON IMAGE FOR FLYER |
PLAN YOUR 2026 ANNUAL SALUTES TO YOUR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS
August – Salute to Leadership September - Salute to Mental Health Therapists
October – Salute to Case Management November – Salute to Hospice and Palliative Care November - Salute to IT Directors and Managers The pricing for ads in these issues are discounted by 40%. |
Upcoming Healthcare
Events are Listed Below |
An Evening of Hope Celebrating 25 Years of Compassion and Saving Lives
For 25 years, A Safe Haven for Newborns has stood as a beacon of hope for mothers in crisis and a lifeline for vulnerable newborns. What began as Nick’s deeply personal journey to heal a broken heart and honor the memory of his beloved wife, Gloria, following her tragic passing, has grown into an internationally recognized organization dedicated to preventing infant abandonment and providing support, counseling, and critical resources to women facing the overwhelming reality of an unplanned pregnancy. From its beginnings, the mission has been rooted in compassion, dignity, and love — offering hope, protection, and a path forward during life’s most difficult moments.
Over the past quarter century, countless lives have been touched through the organization’s unwavering commitment to offering safe, legal, and anonymous options for mothers seeking help. Through advocacy, education, community partnerships, and around-the-clock support, A Safe Haven for Newborns has continued to remind women that they are never alone. To date, 441 newborns have been given a chance at life — 431 in Florida; nine in other states, and one in Honduras.
This milestone anniversary is more than a celebration of years — it is a celebration of lives, second chances, and the power of compassion to change the future. We invite you to join us in celebrating our Silver Jubilee by visiting our website and selecting a sponsorship opportunity. Or, contact Nick Silverio at safehaven@asafehavenfornewborns.com; 305-882-1304 x103 for more information.
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.FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT FUTURE EVENTS
CLICK HERE |
CALL CHARLES FELIX TO ADVERTISE YOUR JOB OPENINGS - 954-605-4785 STARTING AS LOW AS $50 |
JUNE 17, 2026
READ THE CURRENT NEWSLETTER FROM
CANNABIS NEWS FLORIDA |
Over 933,000
Patients in Florida are using Cannabis as their Medicine FOR LATEST OMMU REPORTS FROM OFFICE OF MEDICAL MARIJUANA USE IN THE STATE OF FLORIDA HERE
Highlights from
JUNE 26, 2026 BY THE NUMBERS Qualified Patients: (Active ID Card) Jun 26 2026- 933,183 Jun 19 2026- 932,670
Jun 12 2026- 931,252 Jun 05 2026- 930,513 May 29 2026- 929,360 May 22 2026- 928,262 Patients Added Last Week:
+513
Qualified Ordering Physicians:
1,848
New Doctors added Last Week: 0
Reporting Period: JUNE 19 - JUNE 25, 2026
Amount of Medical Marijuana Dispensed - (mgs THC) 412,248,211
Amount of Low-THC Cannabis Dispensed - (mgs CBD ) 1,825
Amount of Marijuana in a Form for Smoking (oz) 145,910.779 Approved Dispensing Locations: 767 Added Last Week: 0 |
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RECENT EDUCATION SEMINARS HOSTED BY THE
SOUTH FLORIDA HOSPITAL NEWS NETWORK DISABILITY INSURANCE EDUCATION WEBINAR Understanding the Disability Insurance Market in Florida with Howard Wolkowitz and Michael Tyler.
June 27, 2024
CLICK HERE TO VIEW VIDEO
Presented by Mirza Healthcare Law How Experienced Physicians Protect their Assets. May 21, 2024
CLICK HERE TO VIEW VIDEO
Presented by Dabdoub Law Firm PHYSICIAN DISABILITY INSURANCE WEBINAR – TIMING IS EVERYTHING – PART 2
MAY 21, 2024
CLICK HERE TO VIEW VIDEO Presented by Mirza Healthcare Law How to start your Healthcare Practice? March 19, 2024
CLICK HERE TO VIEW VIDEO Presented by Coleman Consulting Physician Practice Management - Managing Pit Falls in your Practice - Recorded on Feb 13, 2024.
CLICK HERE TO VIEW VIDEO Presented by Dabdoub Law Firm PHYSICIAN DISABILITY INSURANCE WEBINAR – WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW – PART 1
CLICK HERE TO VIEW VIDEO Presented by Mirza Healthcare Law "HOW TO HANDLE COLLECTION CHALLENGES OF WORKING WITH HEALTH PLANS"
CLICK HERE TO VIEW VIDEO
Presented by Mirza Healthcare Law "How Experienced Physicians Protect their Assets"
CLICK HERE TO VIEW VIDEO
Presented by Mirza Healthcare Law "How to Minimize the Risk of Malpractice Lawsuits"
CLICK HERE TO VIEW VIDEO
Presented by Mirza Healthcare Law "So, I Signed a Non-Compete, Now What?"
CLICK HERE TO VIEW VIDEO Presented by Mirza Healthcare Law "How to Approach and Do Business With Large Healthcare Systems"
CLICK HERE TO VIEW VIDEO
Presented by Mirza Healthcare Law "How Mergers & Acquisitions in Healthcare are Done!"
CLICK HERE TO VIEW VIDEO
Presented by Mirza Healthcare Law "How to Navigate - Hospital Medical Executive Committees, Peer Reviews, Investigations, and Bylaws"
CLICK HERE TO VIEW VIDEO
Presented by Mirza Healthcare Law "How Experienced Physicians Negotiate Employment Agreements"
CLICK HERE TO VIEW VIDEO
Presented by Mirza Healthcare Law “ASSESSING LIABILITY RISKS: HOW TO PROTECT YOUR PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE AND REPUTATION”
CLICK HERE TO VIEW VIDEO
Presented by Mirza Healthcare Law "So, I Signed a Non-Compete, Now What?"
CLICK HERE TO VIEW VIDEO
Presented by Mirza Healthcare Law Stark Law - How can Physicians and Hospitals Avoid Problems and Still Work Together
CLICK HERE TO VIEW VIDEO
CLICK HERE VIEW ADDITIONAL WEBINARS |
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