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UPDATED NEWS INFORMATION FROM THE LAST SEVEN DAYS IN SOUTH FLORIDA |
BROWARD HEALTH: 2024 Top 10 Year in Review
December 23, 2024 – As 2024 comes to a close, Broward Health is looking back at the Top 10 moments of the year. Our system is growing and evolving to meet the healthcare needs of our vibrant community. We are proud to be part of the very fabric of Broward County and remain committed to being champions for a healthier community.
1. New leadership: Over the course of the year, Broward Health has onboarded several executive leaders to transform and expedite growth across the system. New leadership includes Manny Linares, chief executive officer of Broward Health Medical Center; Melida Akiti, chief transformation officer; Bernardo B. Fernandez, Jr., M.D., corporate physician executive; Don Eachus, president of the Broward Health Foundation; Jose L. Baez-Escudero, M.D., chief of cardiology of Broward Health Physician Group; Michele Thoman, MBA, RN, chief operating officer of Broward Health Medical Center; Jose Martinez-Elejalde, M.D., FACC, FACP, chief medical officer of Broward Health Medical Center; and Donald B. Jaffee, chief financial officer of Broward Health Medical Center.
2. New investments in technology: Broward Health continued to invest in innovative technology that supports exceptional patient care at its hospitals, including:
A new Affirm 3D stereotactic mammography unit with a stereotactic biopsy attachment at Broward Health Coral Springs.
New ophthalmic surgical equipment, including microscopes and a 3D system for superior visualization during surgery at Broward Health Imperial Point.
A StealthStationTM Surgical Navigation System for spine surgery at Broward Health Medical Center.
3. Epic goes live: Across Broward Health on Nov. 2, caregivers and administrative staff implemented Epic, a nationally recognized electronic health record system. Epic supports our patients and caregivers with streamlined daily workflows, better care coordination and a unified platform that extends to other healthcare systems that use the system. Patients can now use MyChart to check their medical records and communicate with their providers.
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70 Physicians on the Medical Staff of Nicklaus Children’s Hospital Recognized on Castle Connolly’s 2024 Top Doctors List
DECEMBER 24 2024- Representing the top 7% of physicians in the U.S., physician directory organization, Castle Connolly has named 70 Nicklaus Children’s Physicians in its 2024 Top Doctors list. From neurosurgeons, orthopedic surgeons, endocrinologists and cardiologists, physician recognition spans across almost all Nicklaus Children’s specialty areas.
“We are incredibly proud to see so many of our physicians recognized by Castle Connolly for the life-changing work they do every day,” says Dr. Marcos Mestre, senior vice president and chief clinical operations officer for Nicklaus Children’s Health System. “Being the place where children matter most, our physicians are here to provide the very best care to our patients whether it’s wellness visits for growing children to more complex cases.”
All Castle Connolly Top Doctors are nominated by their peers, after which the Castle Connolly research team evaluates specific criteria to determine who should qualify as a Top Doctor, including consideration of each nominee’s professional qualifications, education, hospital and faculty appointments, research leadership, professional reputation, disciplinary history, interpersonal skills, and outcomes data. The recognition methodology has been vetted and endorsed by the Castle Connolly Medical Advisory Board.
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NEUROSURGEON AT HCA FLORIDA UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL RESTORES MOBILITY FOR PATIENT WITH NEUROFIBROMATOSIS
December 26, 2024 – Alexandra Ibanez, a mother whose life was transformed after a complex surgery performed by Dr. Yoav Ritter, a neurosurgeon at HCA Florida University Hospital, is now walking stronger and living pain-free thanks to Dr. Ritter’s expertise and compassionate care.
Alexandra shared her story, saying “It all started with me going to the emergency room because I was feeling weakness on my left side and constantly falling. Various scans revealed a tumor pressing against my spinal cord and heading toward my brain. It explained everything I was feeling. I was admitted and that’s when I met Dr. Ritter. He made sure I knew he was with me through this and he was going to help me.”
She underwent a highly complex surgery to remove the tumor. The surgery was successful and she immediately noticed improvements. “I’m walking better, I can use my arm better, I have more strength and the pain I lived with every day is gone. I’m so grateful to Dr. Ritter and everyone who assisted during my surgery,” she expressed.
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HCA Florida Highlands Hospital donates gifts to 106 children this holiday season
SEBRING, Fla. – December 23, 2024 – The colleagues of HCA Florida Highlands Hospital, a 126-bed HCA Florida Healthcare facility, recently donated gifts to 106 children as part of Healthy Families Highlands’ annual holiday toy drive. The Healthy Families Highlands program supports parents and caregivers by providing the knowledge and tools to create safe, stable home environments, helping children thrive and succeed in school and life. This free, voluntary program offers in-home parenting support from pregnancy through the child’s first three months, with services available for up to five years based on family needs.
“We are incredibly grateful for the generosity of the hospital staff in making the holidays brighter for so many children. Their thoughtful contributions not only bring joy to families in need, but also reinforce the sense of community and support that is so vital to the well-being of our families,” said Cynthia Acevedo, program manager of Healthy Families Highlands.
This strategic partnership between the two has lasted nearly a decade. Healthy Families also holds a back-to-school drive during the summer. This year, the Highlands Hospital team donated over 1,000 individual school supplies and cleaning items.
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Lee Health Launches Hospital at Home Program so Patients Can Receive High-Level Hospital Care from the Comfort of their Home
December 24, 2024 — This holiday season, Lee Health is giving the community the gift of receiving safe, high-quality care — at a level previously only available within the hospital — from the comfort of their own home.
The health system is thrilled to announce its new Hospital at Home program, which launched at Gulf Coast Medical Center in November with plans to go live at other Lee Health hospitals in the future.
Patients who would normally stay at a hospital may have the option to rest and recover in their beds and stay home for the holidays.
To start, Hospital at Home will focus on five diagnoses, including pneumonia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), congestive heart failure (CHF), urinary tract infection requiring hospitalization and cellulitis.
Fort Myers resident Wendy Markman knows firsthand how comforting it can be to receive high-level care from the comfort of her own home.
A week before Thanksgiving, Markman fell ill during a day out and was taken by ambulance to the hospital where it was discovered that she had pneumonia.
“I thought I’d rather sleep at home,” Markman said. “My husband doesn’t drive so it would be difficult for him to come see me at the hospital. Plus, the idea that he would be with me at all times was comforting.”
Markman would become the first patient of Lee Health’s Hospital at Home program.
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Laughter is the Best Medicine
When Emmy and Peabody Award-winning comedian Paul Mecurio takes the stage at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, the audience can expect more than just laughs—they’ll experience an unforgettable evening of connection, healing, and storytelling.
Some call Mecurio’s unscripted, interactive comedy experience, Permission to Speak, “comedy therapy.” “Laughing is the best medicine,” he says. “During my show, the audience willingly shares their stories so there is an indirect mental health focus here. There’s not a show like this that can bring people together. We engage and connect with people. We have conversations that everyone can relate to. Storytelling is empowering.”
Mecurio brings audience members on stage to share their stories, breaking down barriers and revealing the connections everyone shares. “When we unbox our stories,” he explains, “we see we’re not so different after all.”
Mecurio also understands the benefits of his performance to one’s mental health:
Self-awareness: Sharing stories allows people to express themselves in a stress-free, judgment-free zone.
Empathy and healing: Storytelling fosters deeper connections and mutual understanding.
Reducing stigma: Audience members who relate to the stories often feel less shame and isolation.
Stress relief: Laughter helps alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety.
“This a blend of sociology meets pop culture meets comedy meets therapy meets serious,” Mecurio says. “This is the right show at the right time. We are more alike than we think we are. Our audience walks out happy, mentally healthier through laughter and knowing they’re not alone in their experiences, which can be very comforting”
Mecurio is known for his work on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, HBO and The Tonight Show and hosts the popular podcast Inside Out with Paul Mecurio, where he interviews icons from entertainment, politics, sports, and science.
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Andrew Santos named president/CEO of AdventHealth North Pinellas
Santos will assume leadership Jan. 12.
DECEMBER 27 ,2024 – AdventHealth has named Andrew Santos president/CEO of AdventHealth North Pinellas, effective Jan. 12.
In this role, Santos will lead operations and growth plans for the campus and will report to Jennifer Wandersleben, the regional CEO providing market leadership for Hardee, Highlands, Pasco, Pinellas and Polk counties.
“Andrew is a dedicated and compassionate servant leader who has served AdventHealth for well over a decade,” said Wandersleben. “It has been a joy to see him grow over the years, and I’m confident he will lead AdventHealth North Pinellas to new heights as the top hospital in Pinellas County for whole-person care.”
Santos most recently served as vice president and chief operating officer for AdventHealth’s Heartland Region, where he provided operational oversight for the three hospitals (AdventHealth Sebring, AdventHealth Lake Placid and AdventHealth Wauchula).
While in this role, he increased market share in key service lines and enhanced operational efficiencies and outcomes.
Santos also served as the administrator for AdventHealth Lake Placid, fostering a collaborative culture, improving employee engagement and achieving a Top Teaching Hospital designation from The Leapfrog Group.
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SMH Employees Named 2024 Patient Care Honorees by HealthCare Chaplaincy Network
SARASOTA, Fla. December 19, 2024 – Five Sarasota Memorial Health Care System employees have been named 2024 Patient Care Honorees by the HealthCare Chaplaincy Network (HCCN), a global nonprofit organization promoting a holistic approach to healthcare that emphasizes spiritual care and compassion for those facing illness and grief. Honorees are recognized for excellence in patient care and extraordinary service that goes beyond the physical and exemplifies “Caring for the Human Spirit.”
This year’s 19 honorees come from across the United States, from California to Florida, as well as British Columbia.
SMH employees celebrated this year as 2024 Patient Care Honorees include:
From left to right: Carmella Backis, Yulonda Greene, Luis E. Llerena, MD, Alycia Williams, John Rutkowski, MD
Carmella Backis – Registered Nurse
Yulonda Greene – Director of Patient Care Services
Luis E. Llerena. MD – Trauma Surgeon
Alycia Williams – Registered Nurse
John Rutkowski, MD – Palliative Care Physician
All honorees were recognized at the nonprofit’s annual Wholeness of Life Gala this past November at The Knickerbocker Hotel.
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Florida Blue enhances cancer care for thousands of members
New program aims to improve patient outcomes, experience, and quality of life by streamlining access to affordable and high-quality oncology care.
December 18, 2024 – Florida Blue, the state’s leading health insurer, has launched a new comprehensive oncology care model designed to provide faster access to high-quality cancer care for its myBlue members. This patient-centric program, jointly developed by Florida Blue, Sanitas Medical Centers, and The Oncology Institute (TOI), is available in select areas across Florida and may grow over time to reach more communities in the state.
The Oncology Institute, one of Florida Blue’s trusted in-network providers and the leading value-based oncology group in the U.S., offers high-quality cancer care in 14 locations in Central and South Florida. Sanitas Medical Centers provides value-based, comprehensive primary care for nearly half a million Florida Blue members, through their 60 Florida Blue | Sanitas Medical Center locations across Florida.
Through this new program, myBlue members diagnosed with cancer will be quickly connected with their own TOI oncology team, which will develop personalized, evidence-based treatment plans based on the patients’ needs and preferences and will partner with their Sanitas primary care provider to actively support each patient’s overall health and mental well-being. This collaborative approach ensures seamless communication and coordination between primary care physicians, oncologists and patients and their family members for more comprehensive and integrated care.
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Agency for Health Care Administration Advances Florida’s Health Care System in 2024
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – December 27, 2024 – The Agency for Health Care Administration today showcased its achievements over the past year in advancing health care across Florida. These efforts include introducing new training opportunities, expanding access to healthcare services, and promoting healthy living. The Agency remains committed to supporting Governor DeSantis’ vision of making Florida the freest and healthiest state in the nation.
“At the close of this year, we take pride in our accomplishments, from enhancing health care through innovative training opportunities to improving access to essential services and fostering healthier living for our communities, said Agency for Health Care Administration Secretary Jason Weida. These efforts reflect our commitment to creating a stronger, healthier future for all.”
Key accomplishments by the Agency in 2024 include:
Enhancing Medicaid Managed Care
The Agency completed re-procurement of the Medicaid managed Care program contracts this year and will begin the third iteration of the program on February 1, 2025. The newest contracts emphasize utilization of the Hope Florida program, new health plan structure to keep families together and support them, introduce significant ways to improve enrollee health, and implement a new quality incentive structure to motivate the health plans and providers to continually improve over the life of the contract.
Opening Access for Training the Next Generation of Health Practitioners
The Florida Legislature, in conjunction with State’s health agencies passed legislation reinvigorating the health education landscape in the state of Florida by supporting graduate education for physicians, nurses, and behavioral health professionals. Additionally, the Live Healthy act included financial support to physicians and dentists who participate in the Medicaid program to assist with the repayment of student loans.
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OFFICIAL SPONSOR OF LEADERSHIP INTERVIEWS |
EXCLUSIVE HOSPITAL LEADERSHIP INTERVIEWS BY
SOUTH FLORIDA HOSPITAL NEWS & HEALTHCARE REPORT |
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 K. Scott Wester, FACHE, President & CEO of Memorial Healthcare System 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.
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Start the year with a comprehensive print and digital marketing program.
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“Cardiology & Heart Health Month”
“Education Update – Evolving Opportunities in Healthcare for 2025”
“Malpractice Products & Challenges for 2025”
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2025 ANNUAL SALUTES TO YOUR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS Feb – Salute to Cardiology Mar – Salute to Doctors April – Salute to Healthcare Volunteers May – Salute to Nurses
June – Salute to Emergency Department July – Salute to Financial Directors and Managers Aug – Salute to Leadership
Sept - Salute to Mental Health Therapists Oct – Salute to Case Management Nov – Salute to Hospice and Palliative Care Nov - Salute to IT Directors and Managers The pricing for ads in these issues are discounted by 40%. |
FOCUS IN FEBRUARY HEALTHCARE EDUCATION PROGRAMS IN SOUTH FLORIDA |
Upcoming Healthcare
Events are Listed Below |
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Cleveland Clinic Florida's 7th Annual Best of San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium (SABCS®) Saturday, January 18, 2025 The Margaritaville Hollywood Beach Resort, Hollywood, Florida You Don’t Want to Miss This Activity
The San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium® (SABCS®) is the premiere breast cancer conference in the U.S. and the world for breast disease. The Symposium aims to achieve a balance of clinical, translational, and basic research, providing a forum for interaction, communication, and education for a broad spectrum of researchers, health professionals, and those with a special interest in breast cancer. The SABCS® is celebrating its 47th anniversary in 2024.
This Official Best of SABCS®, sponsored by Cleveland Clinic Florida, reviews the highlights originally presented at SABCS® 2024 in a one-day program. This symposium will provide oncologists and other healthcare professionals with a wide range of information related to new and well-established topics in breast cancer, including, but not limited to: State-of-the-art information on Breast Cancer Surgery and Local Management
Hormone Receptor-Positive Breast Cancer Advances in HER2 Positive Breast Cancer Triple-negative and BRCA-related Breast Cancer Updates on Radiation and Local Therapies Breast Cancer Prevention, Quality of Life and Survivorship Care
Addressing Toxicities of Novel Therapy Biomarkers and Molecular Profiling in Breast Cancer Late-breaking Abstracts and Research in the Pipeline This important educational activity also provides a forum for interaction between individuals involved with all aspects of breast cancer care and the opportunity to converse with colleagues and key opinion leaders. Our target audience includes physicians and other healthcare professionals, who are involved with the treatment of breast cancer, including those in the fields of Oncology, Internal Medicine & Subspecialties, Radiology, Endocrinology, Women’s Healthcare and Pharmacology. CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION |
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DECEMBER 18, 2024
READ THE CURRENT NEWSLETTER FROM
CANNABIS NEWS FLORIDA |
FLORIDA MEDICAL CANNABIS CONFERENCE & EXHIBITION
The 8th Florida Medical Cannabis Conference & Exhibition (FMCCE 2025) will be held May 30- June 1, 2025, at the Rosen Centre Hotel in Orlando, Florida. This conference is a networking and educational forum on the subject of medical cannabis.
This conference is designed for attendees who are active or interested in the medical cannabis industry.
For medical professionals and entrepreneurs, the conference will cover a range of topics, all relevant to the medical cannabis industry, as it pertains to the State of Florida, including but not limited to:
•An Introduction to the Endocannabinoid System and Medical Cannabis
•Florida Medical Cannabis Legislative Update
•A Review of Qualifying Conditions Case Studies
•Medical Cannabis Dosing and Public Health Issues
•Medical Cannabis Research
•State of Florida Medical Cannabis Regulatory and Program Update •The Business of Medical Cannabis: How to Make Sure Your Practice is Successful
“Education is the key to raising awareness of the clinical uses for medical cannabis.” said Eugene Jones, Executive Director of Can-Ed, Inc. “This conference will provide a forum for industry leaders to expand their social capital, and healthcare professionals to expand their knowledge about medical benefits and applications.”
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Over
894,000
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 DECEMBER 27, 2024
BY THE NUMBERS Qualified Patients: (Active ID Card)
Dec 27 2024- 894,668 Dec 20 2024- 893,949 Dec 13 2024- 891,804
Dec 06 2024- 890,402 Nov 29 2024- 886,772 Nov 22 2024- 887,032
Patients Added Last Week: 719 Qualified Ordering Physicians:
2,460
New Doctors added Last Week: -2
Reporting Period: Dec 20 - Dec 26 2024
Amount of Medical Marijuana Dispensed - (mgs THC) 409,412,466
Amount of Low-THC Cannabis Dispensed - (mgs CBD ) 99,566
-Amount of Marijuana in a Form for Smoking (oz) 129,772.039 Approved Dispensing Locations: 702 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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