BROWARD HEALTH FOUNDATION 12TH ANNUAL BROWARD HEALTH BALL RAISES RECORD-BREAKING $9 MILLION
Bernardo Fernandez and Shane Strum
APRIL 7, 2025- FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA – It was an exceptional evening at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood on Saturday, April 5, as the 12th annual Broward Health Ball returned and raised a record-breaking $9 million for Broward Health. With more than 1,400 community and philanthropic leaders gathered for the remarkable evening, the night celebrated Broward Health’s resurgence as the county’s healthcare provider of choice with music, dancing and entertainment.
Notable donations with naming rights within the hospital included:
$5.2 million donation from Linda Haller and the Henry E. Haller Jr. Foundation. The gift will be used to build a new electrophysiology lab at Broward Health Medical Center in downtown Fort Lauderdale and equip it with two Siemens Artis Icono systems that support electrophysiology procedures.
$2 million from Harry T. Mangurian Jr. Foundation. This gift will assist in the purchase of state-of-the-art equipment for the cardiac catheterization, electrophysiology and hybrid catheterization labs and equipment.
During the Give from the Heart call, the Foundation had additional donations of $100,000 from Mark Kent and Rita Case, who are both longtime supporters of and repeated donors to the Broward Health Foundation.
Funds were also raised through the night’s silent and live auctions, that latter of which featured incredible items, including a Florida Panthers experience that included a signed Sergei Bobrovsky game-worn helmet, trips to Europe, a safari adventure and more. Two exclusive experiences were purchased for approximately $17,000 each granting the winners a unique opportunity to spend an entire day with Broward Health Physician Group cardiothoracic surgeons Dr. Kenneth Herskowitz and Dr. Alexander Justicz, immersing themselves in the intricacies of their daily lives and gaining invaluable insights into the world of cardiothoracic surgery.
READ MORE |
|
Memorial Hospital Miramar Celebrates 20th Anniversary and Homecoming of its First Baby Out of 67,000 Born at the Hospital
APRIL 1, 2025 – Memorial Hospital Miramar celebrated two extraordinary milestones this month—its 20th anniversary and the 20th birthday of Mackenzie Cleary, the first baby born at the hospital when it opened its doors on March 17, 2005.
In a heartwarming homecoming celebration, Mackenzie returned to the hospital with her family to commemorate not just her milestone birthday, but also the hospital’s incredible journey in providing high-quality, compassionate care over the past two decades.
Since opening, Memorial Hospital Miramar has experienced remarkable growth, reflecting the dynamic expansion of the community it serves. What began as a 128-bed facility has evolved into a state-of-the-art 178-bed hospital, offering comprehensive services for both adults and children.
“We’ve come a long way since opening our doors in 2005,” said Stephen Demers, CEO of Memorial Hospital Miramar. “We’ve delivered over 67,000 babies and expanded our services to include everything from women’s wellness to pediatric care and more. With exciting plans for the future, including the upcoming expansion of cancer care services, this celebration honors not just our growth, but the families we’ve cared for and those we continue to serve.” Memorial Hospital Miramar has seen over 1.12 million adult, pediatric, and obstetrics ER visits, since 2005. Its team has more than doubled—from 600 employees and 600 physicians to more than 1,300 employees and 1,320 physicians.
The Family Birthplace at Memorial Hospital Miramar has seen remarkable growth in its maternity services. In 2005, the hospital expected to deliver 2,000 babies annually. Today, Memorial Hospital Miramar delivers over 4,100 babies per year, making it the third highest for births in the tri-county area.
Makenzie’s family reunited with the doctor, nurses, and staff who were part of her birth. “It’s great to be back here,” said Wendy Cleary – who also delivered Mackenzie’s two younger siblings at Memorial Hospital Miramar. “I had such a great experience the first time that I came back.”
READ MORE |
|
|
UPCOMING NETWORKING MEETINGS AND
EDUCATIONAL WEBINARS |
|
|
REGISTER TODAY: FOR THE NEXT ACHE 0F SF EDUCATION EVENT
APRIL 15, 2025 - VIA ZOOM 1.5 VIRTUAL CREDITS SPACE IS LIMITED REGISTER TODAY!!
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER |
| |
|
CLICK BELOW TO REGISTER FOR THIS EXCLUSIVE HEATLHCARE PROFESSIONALS NETWORKING MEETING |
| SOUTH FLORIDA HEALTH NETWORKING GROUP ZOOM MEETING APRIL 24 @ 8:00AM |
|
|
UPDATED NEWS INFORMATION FROM THE LAST THREE DAYS IN SOUTH FLORIDA |
BROWARD HEALTH MEDICAL CENTER OFFERS INTERSTIM™ X FOR BLADDER AND BOWEL CONTROL
APRIL 7, 2025 – Broward Health Medical Center is now offering the InterStim™ X system from Medtronic, a cutting-edge treatment for patients with bladder and bowel control conditions such as urinary and fecal incontinence (FI).
Felice De Stefano, M.D., a colorectal surgeon with the Broward Health Physician Group, is leading the implementation of this treatment at Broward Health’s flagship hospital.
“Our goal is to help patients regain control over their lives by offering the latest advancements in treatment,” Dr. De Stefano said.
According to the National Library of Medicine, 33 million adults in the United States suffer from overactive bladder. “The system works through an implantable device by gently targeting the sacral nerves that control normal bowel function,” Dr. Stefano said. “This may help to reduce the symptoms of incontinence and trips to the bathroom.”
READ MORE |
HCA Florida JFK North Hospital Welcomes New Chief Operating Officer, Andrew Wright
March 31, 2025 – HCA Florida JFK North Hospital is proud to announce that Andrew (Drew) Wright, MBA, RN will be joining the hospital as Chief Operating Officer effective April 14, 2025.
Drew brings more than a decade of progressive healthcare leadership experience and a unique combination of clinical expertise and operational excellence. A Registered Nurse and accomplished executive, Drew has built a strong reputation for advancing patient-centered care, expanding strategic service lines, and leading with integrity and innovation.
He joins HCA Florida JFK North Hospital from HCA Florida Westside Hospital, where he served as Vice President of Operations & Ethics and Compliance Officer. In this role, Drew provided leadership for multiple departments including Cardiovascular & Interventional Radiology Services, Food & Nutrition, Environmental Services, Laboratory Services, and Cardio-Pulmonary Services. Under his leadership, HCA Florida Westside Hospital launched and grew advanced cardiovascular programs such as the Structural Heart and Watchman programs—enhancing access to life-saving treatments and driving impactful results.
Prior to his time in Florida, Drew held key leadership positions at St. Luke’s Des Peres Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri, where he directed Emergency Services, Senior Care Outpatient Clinic, and Bariatric Clinic operations. His work has consistently demonstrated a deep commitment to operational excellence, service line growth, and patient safety.
READ MORE |
Wellington Regional Medical Center Celebrates 100th Transcarotid Artery Revascularization (TCAR) Procedure
April 7, 2025 – Wellington Regional Medical Center is thrilled to announce the successful completion of its 100th Transcarotid Artery Revascularization (TCAR) procedure. This milestone highlights the hospital’s dedication to providing advanced, minimally invasive treatments for patients with carotid artery disease.
TCAR is a cutting-edge procedure designed to reduce the risk of stroke during carotid artery surgery. By utilizing a smaller incision and temporarily reversing blood flow, TCAR minimizes the risk of stroke-causing fragments reaching the brain. This innovative approach allows for quicker recovery times and improved patient outcomes.
Pam Tahan, Chief Executive Officer of Wellington Regional Medical Center, expressed her pride in this achievement:
“Reaching our 100th TCAR procedure is a significant milestone for our team and our community. This accomplishment reflects our commitment to adopting the latest medical technologies to enhance patient care. We are proud to offer TCAR as a safer, less invasive option for our patients, helping them return to their daily lives more quickly and with better outcomes.”
READ MORE |
AMRE NOUH, MD, ELECTED CHAIR OF STROKE COMMUNITY WITH AMERICAN ACADEMY OF NEUROLOGY
April 1, 2025 – Amre Nouh, MD, who serves as Chair of Neurology for Cleveland Clinic in Florida, has been elected to serve as Chair of the American Academy of Neurology (AAN) Stroke and Vascular Neurology Section. Dr. Nouh begins his two-year term in April 2025.
“We are proud to recognize Dr. Nouh in his extended role with the American Academy of Neurology,” says Conor Delaney, MD, Executive Vice President of Cleveland Clinic and President of the Cleveland Clinic Florida Market. “Dr. Nouh brings a wealth of knowledge in the field of neurology and his collaborative spirit allows him to lead by example while working harmoniously with others, much like the invaluable contributions he has made over the years – and continues to make – to our caregivers, patients and organization.”
In his role with AAN, the world’s largest association of neurologists and neuroscience professionals, Dr. Nouh will lead the online SynapseSM community on stroke and vascular neurology, fostering new and collaborative opportunities for its members.
“I am deeply grateful to Cleveland Clinic for allowing me the opportunity to continue serving as a global leader for cerebrovascular disease,” says Dr. Nouh, also a Professor of Neurology at Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine. “Over the next two years, I will prioritize advocacy for patients and caregivers, focusing on ways we can improve access to research, education and treatment, while ensuring my peers remain well-informed, supported and empowered.”
READ MORE |
Cleveland Clinic-Led Trial is the First to Show a Delay in Confirmed Disability Progression in Non-relapsing Secondary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis
Results of the phase 3 HERCULES trial publish in New England Journal of Medicine and suggest the first potential treatment option for this form of the disease
APRIL 8, 2025 – A Cleveland Clinic-led clinical trial of tolebrutinib, an investigational oral Bruton’s tyrosine kinase inhibitor, a group of drugs originally developed to treat lymphomas and related blood disorders, demonstrated a 31% delay in the onset of six-month confirmed disability progression (CDP) in patients with non-relapsing secondary progressive multiple sclerosis (SPMS).
The first peer-reviewed results of the Phase 3 HERCULES trial published online today in the New England Journal of Medicine and were simultaneously presented during a clinical trials plenary session at the American Academy of Neurology 2025 Annual Meeting in San Diego, and suggest that tolebrutinib is an effective treatment for non-relapsing SPMS, a form of the disease for which there are currently no U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved treatments.
“This is the first clinical trial showing a positive effect in delaying disability progression in non-relapsing SPMS, a later form of the disease where neurological function gradually worsens over time and disability increases relentlessly,” said Robert Fox, M.D., the paper’s lead author, chair of the HERCULES Global Steering Committee and a neurologist at the Mellen Center for MS Research and Treatment at Cleveland Clinic.
READ MORE |
Conversations Today to Empower Tomorrow: VITAS Healthcare Elevates National Healthcare Decisions Day
April 7, 2025 – MIAMI, FL – Only one in three adults in the United States have a written advance directive, a document critical in providing guidance to medical teams regarding one’s end-of-life wishes. As a pioneer and national leader in hospice and palliative care, VITAS Healthcare advocates for National Healthcare Decisions Day (April 16) and advance care planning––regardless of a person’s age or health status. In recognition of healthcare professionals’ critical role in the process, VITAS offers resources to support them.
On April 16, VITAS will host a free webinar, Advance Directives and Advanced Care Planning, exploring the history, application and types of advance directives. VITAS Regional Medical Director Heather Veeder, MD, will provide practical advice to help healthcare professionals engage in difficult but necessary conversations with patients and families/caregivers.
“Although initiating the dialogue can be uncomfortable, the conversation empowers patients and removes the decision-making burden from families,” says Dr. Veeder. “If someone becomes unable to make decisions for themselves, the only way to ensure the care they receive aligns with their wishes is through an advance directive.”
READ MORE |
New study in Brain Communications finds personalized deep brain stimulation shows promise for drug-resistant epilepsy
APRIL 7, 2025 – A study published in Brain Communications highlights a new approach to treating drug-resistant epilepsy. Researchers at Mayo Clinic have developed an innovative deep brain stimulation (DBS) platform that was used to not only reduce seizures, but also improve memory and sleep — two common challenges for patients with epilepsy.
Epilepsy, a seizure disorder that affects about 50 million people worldwide, often disrupts memory, emotions and sleep. Many cases are drug-resistant, leaving people with limited treatment options. Researchers at Mayo Clinic found that low-frequency DBS not only reduced seizures, but it also improved memory and sleep.
“Using an implanted investigational device, the team continuously monitored brain activity with AI-driven seizure and sleep tracking,” says Gregory Worrell, M.D., Ph.D., Mayo Clinic neurologist and co-lead author of the study. “A cloud-based platform simultaneously assessed participants’ behavior, memory and mood at home. This real-time data enables precise tuning of stimulation settings, maximizing benefits while minimizing side effects.”
READ MORE |
Delray Medical Center Celebrates 1,000 Bariatric Surgeries
April 9, 2025 – Delray Medical Center achieves a significant milestone, completing 1000 bariatric surgeries since the program was established in 2015.
The bariatric surgery program is led by Dr. Erica Podolsky, a board-certified bariatric and general surgeon. She has committed her career to helping patients overcome obesity and its associated health challenges. Her expertise encompasses minimally invasive techniques and robotic surgery, ensuring patients receive cutting-edge care tailored to their needs.
“Dr. Podolsky and her team’s dedication to her patients and their expertise in bariatric surgery have made a profound impact on our community,” said Heather Havericak, CEO of Delray Medical Center. “Achieving this milestone is a testament to our collective skill, hard work, and focus on improving lives. We are proud of our team,”
Delray Medical Center has achieved national accreditation as a Comprehensive Center from the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP), Aetna Bariatric Institute of Quality, Blue Cross Blus Shield Bariatric Blue Distinction Center, United Healthcare Optum Bariatric Center of Excellence, and Cigna Bariatric Center of Excellence, reflecting the hospital’s commitment to delivering safe and high-quality bariatric care.
READ MORE |
HCA Healthcare Named One of the World’s Most Admired Companies by Fortune
33 HCA Healthcare hospitals additionally recognized on 2025 Fortune/Premier 100 Top Hospitals list
APRIL 7, 2025 – NASHVILLE, Tenn.— HCA Healthcare, Inc. (NYSE:HCA), one of the nation’s leading healthcare providers, today announced that it has been named on Fortune’s 2025 World’s Most Admired Companies list. HCA Healthcare is ranked first overall in its industry.
“It is an honor to be named a World’s Most Admired Company by Fortune again this year,” said Sam Hazen, CEO of HCA Healthcare. “Recognition on this list underscores our unwavering dedication to our colleagues and patients as we continue to find ways to innovate and improve lives in the communities we serve.”
To determine the annual list, Fortune collaborated with Korn Ferry, who has conducted the research for the World’s Most Admired Companies list since 1997, to analyze 650 companies across 51 industries and in 30 countries. The top-rated companies were rated by executives, directors and analysts on nine criteria: innovation, people management, use of corporate assets, social responsibility, quality of management, financial soundness, long-term investment, quality of products and services, and global competitiveness.
READ MORE |
HSS Studies Identify Potential Profile and Treatment Options for Mild Traumatic Brain Injury
APRIL 8 2025 – Two studies by scientists at Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) offer possible insights into treating mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), including a potential blood biomarker for injury assessment that could shed light on the role of inflammation, and evidence supporting the use of amitriptyline, historically used as an anti-depressant, but now commonly used for migraine relief, to speed recovery. The research team shared their results today at the American Academy of Neurology 2025 annual meeting.
There are currently no objective biomarkers for concussion, an invisible injury and form of mTBI, which often remains difficult to diagnose and treat. Although there are broad consensus guidelines, individual treatment decisions for this heterogeneous injury are largely left to the discretion of the physician. Previous studies have suggested a link between C-reactive protein (CRP), an inflammatory biomarker in the blood, and TBI, but the relationship is still under-explored. Because the underlying pathophysiology remains poorly understood, it remains challenging to create a treatment plan, noted Ayse Erdemir, clinical research coordinator at HSS, and first author of both studies.
READ MORE |
Ann Storck Center to Host Open House for Northwood Home, an Intermediate Care Facilities Behavior Focus Home, on April 16
APRIL 7, 2025 – Ann Storck Center – a Fort Lauderdale-based private nonprofit organization dedicated to enriching the lives of children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities – offers residential placement, an inclusive and caring solution for families who can no longer meet the support needs of a loved one with a developmental disability. For guardians seeking care for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities (ICF/IID), Ann Storck Center will host an open house for its Northwood Home, an Intermediate Care Facilities Behavior Focus Home, on Wednesday, April 16, from 3 to 6 p.m.
The Open House is an opportunity for families and community members to see how Ann Storck Center combines comfort, care and innovation to create a nurturing environment. Caregivers will have the opportunity to tour the home, meet the staff and learn more about the programming. Light refreshments will be served.
Located in Pembroke Pines, the Northwood Home has a unique home-like setting where bedrooms are individualized to likes and preferences. No two rooms are alike. The Northwood Home provides 24-hour behavioral, nursing and residential services, alongside innovative therapy, recreation and community inclusion.
READ MORE |
PACE CENTER FOR GIRLS BROWARD LAUNCHES $50,000 HEALTHY GIRLS CHALLENGE WITH INCENTIVE FROM HEAVENLY SPA BY WESTIN™ AT THE WESTIN® FORT LAUDERDALE BEACH RESORT
Donate $1,000 to support health and wellness programs for young girls and receive a $100 reward certificate
April 8, 2025 – Every girl deserves the opportunity to live a healthy and fulfilling life. That’s why Pace Center for Girls Broward has established the Healthy Girls Challenge to raise $50,000. This vital initiative will provide essential health, fitness, and wellness programs for girls aged 11-18, empowering them to lead strong, confident lives. To inspire giving, Heavenly Spa by Westin™ at The Westin® Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort, the #1 rated resort spa on TripAdvisor, is offering a special gift to Pace Center donors who contribute $1,000 or more through June 30, 2025.
“Heavenly Spa is committed to be part of the South Florida community and is especially proud to support the health and wellness of local young girls,” said Ashley Spurlock, director of Heavenly Spa by Westin. “We support the mission of Pace Center for Girls Broward, and we are delighted to thank those who make a generous donation to such a worthy cause with our exclusive services and products.”
READ MORE |
NCH Rooney Heart Institute Performs First Thoracic Branch Endoprosthesis Procedure, Bringing Another Cutting-Edge Innovation to Naples
April 8, 2025 – The NCH Rooney Heart Institute has successfully performed its first thoracic branch endoprosthesis procedure, marking another major advancement in cardiac and vascular care at Naples Comprehensive Health (NCH). The procedure was performed by Alvaro Zamora, MD and Santiago Chahwan, MD, leading vascular specialists at NCH, using the innovative FDA approved GORE® TAG® Thoracic Branch Endoprosthesis (TBE).
The GORE® TAG® TBE is a groundbreaking technology designed for minimally invasive repair of complex aortic conditions, such as aneurysms, dissections and trauma. This state-of-the-art device preserves blood flow to the left subclavian artery (LSA), eliminating the need for separate revascularization surgical procedures. The LSA is a major artery that supplies blood to the left arm and parts of the brain.
READ MORE |
Sylvester – New Clinical Trial for Patients with High-Grade Neuroendocrine Cancer
April 9, 2025 – A clinical trial for patients with high-grade neuroendocrine tumors is now open for enrollment at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, part of the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine.
High-grade neuroendocrine cancer is a complex and aggressive condition that has seen few medical advances, in part because its rarity has subdued research investment. Patients have few options beyond conventional chemotherapy.
The new trial, headed by Aman Chauhan, M.D., leader of the Neuroendocrine Tumor Program at Sylvester, offers a fresh approach. Patients will receive a combination of immunotherapy drugs and a tumor-busting “oncolytic” virus injected directly into the tumors.
Tumors In Any Organ, at Any Age
Neuroendocrine tumors originate from cells found throughout the body and can affect most organ systems. They most often attack the lungs, gastrointestinal tract, gynecological tract and prostate.
About one-sixth of neuroendocrine tumors are classified by pathologists as high grade. Survival rates from high-grade cancer vary with the site of disease, but most patients succumb within a year or two, said Dr. Chauhan. People older than 60 account for the majority of cases, but these aggressive tumors can strike people of any age.
Victims of high-grade disease include Sean Stone, an emerging Hollywood producer who passed away last March at only 26 years of age, and Nichole Borchard, a vibrant mother of two young children who died in September 2024 at age 39. Her family established the Nichole Borchard Foundation to honor the legacy of “an extraordinary woman who fought like hell to live and get better.” And Stone’s family founded the Sean Stone’s Neuroendocrine Carcinoma Fundraiser, which supports research at Sylvester.
READ MORE |
Ave Maria and NCH Announce Latest Milestone in Enhancing Access to Quality Care
April 9, 2025 – In Southwest Florida, the Ave Maria community is announcing the latest important milestone along the arc of its continuing journey. Naples Comprehensive Health (NCH) is collaborating with Barron Collier Companies (BCC) to bring first-rate healthcare to Ave Maria and eastern Collier County.
As eastern Collier County continues to grow, the collaboration between NCH and BCC will bring a 6,000 square-foot immediate care clinic to Midtown Plaza in Ave Maria to fill in the gap in healthcare services in the eastern portion of the County. The location will be staffed by board-certified emergency physicians, physician assistants and nurses and will provide treatment for non-life-threatening illnesses and injuries.
“Together, we’ve reached a remarkable milestone that reflects both of our organizations commitment to prioritizing health and wellness for the residents of Ave Maria and eastern Collier County,” said Blake Gable, BCC Chief Executive Officer. “We welcome NCH and their medical professionals to the community and look forward to continuing to enhance the healthcare options within the town.”
READ MORE |
Skilled Nursing Center Receives National Awards as 2025 Best Nursing Home
April 9, 2025 – West Palm Beach, FL – The Health Care District of Palm Beach County’s Skilled Nursing Center (formerly Healey Center) has earned three prestigious distinctions for nursing home excellence:
1. CNewsweek’s “America’s Best Nursing Homes 2025”
2.U.S. News & World Report’s highest honor for both short-term rehabilitation and long-term care
3.2024 Silver National Quality Award from the American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL)
The Health Care District’s Skilled Nursing Center is home to a younger adult population than most nursing facilities, with an average resident age of 65, many of whom have experienced traumatic injuries, strokes, or debilitating illnesses. The center’s healthcare team is dedicated to helping residents achieve and maintain optimal levels of physical and social function. With five hours of nurse staffing per resident per day, significantly exceeding the state average of three hours and 52 minutes and the national average of three hours and 46 minutes, the center ensures a high level of care. Research shows that higher nurse staffing levels are linked to improved safety and better overall health outcomes for residents.
“It’s an honor to receive the Silver National Quality Award and be recognized by Newsweek and U.S. News & World Report as one of America’s ‘Best Nursing Homes,’” said Darcy J. Davis, President and CEO of the Health Care District. “These distinctions reflect our team’s dedication to providing compassionate, high-quality care. Whether residents are with us for short-term rehabilitation or long-term care, we are here to support them when they need us most.”
READ MORE
|
CMS Finalizes 2026 Payment Policy Updates for Medicare Advantage and Part D Programs
APRIL 7, 2025 – Today, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released the Calendar Year (CY) 2026 Rate Announcement for the Medicare Advantage (MA) and Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Programs that finalizes the payment policies for these programs. This release — combined with the CY 2026 MA and Part D final rule that was released on April 4 — makes annual routine and technical updates to the MA and Part D programs.
The actions taken by CMS help protect beneficiaries and taxpayers from waste, fraud, and abuse, while also driving access to high-quality, affordable healthcare through Medicare Advantage. By finalizing these payment policies, CMS is ensuring that Medicare Advantage continues to offer access to critical services in an efficient, accountable manner, further strengthening the program’s ability to serve beneficiaries.
Payments from the government to MA plans are expected to increase on average by 5.06% from 2025 to 2026. This is an increase of 2.83 percentage points since the CY 2026 Advance Notice, which is largely attributable to an increase in the effective growth rate. The method for setting the effective growth rate is set in statute and represents the average expected change in the benchmarks, used to determine payment for MA plans, based on the growth in Medicare per capita costs. The effective growth rate is 9.04%, which is higher than the estimate of 5.93% in the CY 2026 Advance Notice. This change is primarily due to the inclusion of additional data on fee-for-service (FFS) expenditures, including payment data through the fourth quarter of 2024, which was not included on account of the early Advance Notice publication.
READ MORE |
Twins grow more slowly in early pregnancy than previously thought
NIH findings could lead to more efficient monitoring of twin pregnancies.
APRIL 7, 2025 – Twins—smaller at birth, on average, than singletons—start out smaller in pregnancy than was previously known, according to a study by researchers at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The ultrasound study revealed that twins have less fat tissue and less muscle mass than singletons beginning at 15 weeks of pregnancy. If results are confirmed by additional research, the findings could provide information to guide physicians in monitoring and managing twin pregnancies.
Researchers analyzed data from previous ultrasound studies of fetal development in the uterus. Included in the analysis were 3D ultrasound scans of 2,604 singleton pregnancies and 315 twins. All twin pairs had individual placentas. Twin pairs who shared a placenta were not included in the analysis.
READ MORE |
Scientists map unprecedented detail of connections and visual perception in the mouse brain
NIH-funded project helps unraveling the brain’s wiring, giving clues to how we see the world.
April 9, 2025- In a massive scientific(link is external) effort funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), hundreds of researchers have helped to map the connections between hundreds of thousands of neurons in the mouse brain and then overlayed their firing patterns in response to visual stimuli. This breakthrough is a critical piece of foundational science to build toward understanding how our brains process visual information to reconstruct the images we see every day.
Information processing in the human brain occurs via electrical firing of 86 billion neurons that make trillions of connections with each other. The secrets of how our brain enable us to think, feel, and act lie hidden in the complexity of its wiring diagram and the barrage of electrical signals that move across it in millisecond time frames. While the current findings focus on a tiny fraction of the brain, they reveal the complex connections between the cells and show how those connections are wired to produce functional responses. This information, which was previously beyond our reach, could help us understand how the brain functions normally and offer a guide to what goes wrong as the result of various disorders or injuries.
READ MORE |
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.
CLICK HERE
See More Interviews - Click Here |
CLICK ON THE IMAGE ABOVE TO EXPLORE ACHA DATA IN FLORIDA.
DATA FROM 2016 TO 2024 IS AVAILABLE.
CLICK HERE TO SAMPLE THIS DATA FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL CHARLES FELIX AT 954-605-4785. |
Please Like Us on FaceBook by clicking on the FaceBook Logo.
Thank you |
| 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
MAY 2025 will focus on the following topics: Annual Salute to Nurses - Special Pricing
National Hospital Week Nursing Trends & Challenges
Financial Institutions & Healthcare Outsourcing, Billing and Collections for Hospitals and Doctors
Greater Miami Chamber Healthcare Heroes – Special Section Program
This issue also will be distributed to all Attendees at the Healthcare Heroes Event on Thursday, May 15, 2025 at Jungle Island
Selling and Buying Medical Practices
DISCOUNTED BUNDLED
PRINT AND DIGITAL MESSAGING PROGRAMS
Call today to find out how to qualify for a FREE Company Bio with any size ad.
CLICK HERE FOR INFORMATION FLYER
Call me today to discuss editorial and advertising 954-605-4785 |
PLAN YOUR
2025 ANNUAL SALUTES TO YOUR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS 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%. |
Upcoming Healthcare
Events are Listed Below |
The Marcus Neuroscience Institute Brain and Spine Symposium is a two-day academic event designed to assist attendees in expanding their knowledge of the latest advances in the field of neuroscience through didactic lectures, interactive panel discussions and case-based presentations. Thursday & Friday, May 15 & 16 Boca Raton Marriott at Boca Center 5150 Town Center Circle Boca Raton, FL 33486 CLICK HERE TO REGISTER OR LEARN MORE |
United Way of Broward County’s Commission on Behavioral Health & Drug Prevention, in collaboration with the Broward Behavioral Health Coalition and Florida Department of Children and Families will host the 10th Annual South Florida Behavioral Health Conference: The Power of Prevention on Wednesday, May 21 and Thursday, May 22 at the Greater Fort Lauderdale Broward County Convention Center to promote community awareness and support of behavioral health and substance use prevention.
The two-day Conference is for professionals in the behavioral and mental health fields to share insights, research, and best practices in promoting mental health and well-being. The Conference will feature renowned subject matter experts ranging from psychologists, behavioral health clinicians, professors, trauma and grief specialists, and prevention specialists who will provide crucial continuing education seminars, workshops and keynote sessions. Licensed Clinicians and Certified Professionals can earn CEU credits. For more information and to register/purchase tickets, please visit: https://www.unitedwaybroward.org/event/bhc2025/. |
Encompass Health, Hanger Clinic, Strive Recreational Therapy, and Broward Parks would like to invite you and your patients with limb loss and limb difference to join us for our Get Unstuck: Spring Into Your Next Step! Saturday, April 26, 2025 9:30 AM – 2:00 PM Location: Sunrise Athletic Complex: 11501 NW 44th St. Sunrise, FL 33323
Event is Free and includes all meals and activities. Participants will break through limitations, build momentum, try new activities, discover the power of shared experiences, and support from an uplifting community and expert healthcare professionals in South Florida. We will offer: - Personalized assessment clinic - Balance and Fall Recovery - Yoga / Stretching - Pickleball - Adaptive Cycling - And more!!! Attached is more information for you to share with any patients who might be interested. Please click link below to register:
https://forms.office.com/r/vh4SLmZdND Please register no later than April 14, 2025.
Please email Luzcategui@hanger.com if you have any questions. Together we can help people with limb loss/difference achieve their best outcomes! |
UNITED WAY OF BROWARD COUNTY CELEBRATES 85 YEARS OF IMPACT DURING ANNUAL MAYORS’ GALA ON SATURDAY, APRIL 26, 2025 AT SEMINOLE HARD ROCK HOTEL & CASINO
The Annual Mayors’ Gala will shine a spotlight on United Way of Broward County’s 85-year legacy of impact, celebrating its commitment to strengthening lives and transforming the community.
This prestigious evening brings together influential leaders, philanthropists, and changemakers dedicated to building a stronger, more resilient Broward County.
The program will showcase United Way of Broward’s far-reaching impact, including more than 130 programs offered annually and an extraordinary contribution of over half a billion dollars to the community over the past 85 years.
WSVN Local 7 Anchor and Emmy Award winning journalist Lynn Martinez will serve as the evening’s emcee.
All proceeds from the event will benefit United Way of Broward County to help support its mission.
WHEN:
Saturday, April 26, 2025
6 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.
WHERE:
Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
1 Seminole Way
Hollywood, Florida 33314
DETAILS: Individual tickets are $500.
READ MORE |
Below you will find a list of educational and social events we have available this month to support your rehabilitation process and ensure you have the resources and activities you need to reconnect and/or live a full life with limb loss/difference. These AMPOWER/Hanger Clinic events are also open to your families and loved ones! Healthcare professionals are also invited and encouraged to join us to celebrate our accomplishments as we are moving forward together and embracing life!
Please mark your calendars now and RSVP by emailing me at luzcategui@Hanger.com to know which events you will be attending to make plans accordingly: Friday, April 11 @ 6:00 PM: Sunset at Pompano Beach –The weather is getting warmer! It is time to return to our Sunsets at the beach! Start your weekend at the beach with us! Don’t forget to bring your blankets and/or beach chairs! Please see attached flyer for more details. Please call or text to RSVP. Saturday, April 26 @9:30 AM: Get Unstuck: Spring into Your Next Step! At Sunrise Athletic Complex 11501 NW 44th St Sunrise, FL 33323. You do not want to miss this event!! Join us to break through limitations, build momentum, try new activities, discover the power of shared experiences, and support from an uplifting community and expert healthcare professionals in South Florida. This event is FREE and includes all meals and activities. See flyer attached for me details. REGISTRATION IS LIMITED & REQUIRED. Please register no later than Monday April 14.
Monday, April 28, @ 11:30 AM: AMPOWER Support Group Meeting at Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital in Sunrise, located at 4399 N Nob Hill Rd, Sunrise FL 33351. Group discussion.
Wednesday, April 30 @ 5:30 PM: AMPOWER Virtual Session: Join us for a group discussion. Once you RSVP, I will send you the link to join this virtual meeting.
LOOKING FOR MORE VIRTUAL SESSIONS? Join Hanger Clinic’s Director of Patient Advocacy & Education, Leslie Green, for Limb Loss Education Series. Please see attached or follow the link below for a complete list of virtual sessions. There are sessions everyday of the week! https://www.balancedamputee.com/communities-1 |
A Safe Haven for Newborns, will host its annual fundraising golf event on Friday, May 16, 2025, on the manicured greens of the Red Tiger golf course at the Trump National Doral Golf Resort in Doral, Florida, with a one o’clock shotgun start. This year marks the eighth charity golf tournament, Tee Off for a Cause, benefiting the Foundation’s mission to end infant abandonment. Funds raised will go toward the many programs offered to the distressed teen or woman who is facing an unexpected pregnancy and feels she has no one to turn to for help.
Register your foursome and preview our sponsor brochure by clicking on the link. Sponsors receive exclusive benefits and opportunities.
|
.FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT FUTURE EVENTS
CLICK HERE |
Nursing Consortium of Florida’s next conference set for June 2025 at St. Pete Beach
Make plans to join us at the TradeWinds Resort on St. Pete Beach on the 27th and 28th of June 2025 for our next educational conference Empowering Nurses at the Bedside & Beyond: Moving towards improved outcomes & satisfaction through greater mental health. Please click here to be among the first to register to attend and save with our best rates including discounted member rates for individuals and groups of ten or more!
We are now accepting abstracts addressing programs, research, scholarly projects, and process improvement exemplars that have succeeded in advancing staff and student mental health and contributed to strong workplace cultures or learning environments that have measurably improved staff or student retention in either practice or academic settings, contributed to improved team interaction, interaction with patients or students, and improved patient or student outcomes and experiences
READ MORE |
Tampa General Hospital Hosting Free Community Event Focused on Lung Health
Tampa General continues its lecture series, “Caring for Ourselves and Our Planet – Together,”
in collaboration with Loggerhead Marinelife Center.
Juno Beach, Fla. – April 9, 2025 – Tampa General Hospital (TGH) invites the community to a free public event, “Every Breath You Take: Clearing the Air on Lung Health.” The panel will feature a Tampa General pulmonologist, an oncologist, and a thoracic surgeon, who will separate fact from fiction when it comes to lung health. Guests will learn about both common and complex lung issues, the latest advances in treatment, and overall lung wellness.
WHAT: “Every Breath You Take: Clearing the Air on Lung Health”
WHEN: Wednesday, April 30, 2025, 4 p.m.-6 p.m.
WHERE: Loggerhead Marinelife Center, 14200 U.S. Highway 1, Juno Beach, FL 33408
WHO: Dr. Luis Peña-Hernández is board certified in both internal and pulmonary medicine. He treats many pulmonary conditions, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and sleep apnea at TGH Pulmonary Care & Sleep Institute.
Dr. Sujal Shah is a board-certified medical oncologist with TGH Cancer Institute. He treats patients with multiple cancers, with a focus on lung, and head and neck cancers.
Dr. Marcus Eby is a board-certified thoracic surgeon with the TGH Cancer Institute. He specializes in lung cancer and other multiple complex thoracic conditions via advanced thoracoscopic and robotic techniques.
An RSVP is required to attend. To RSVP, call 561-339-2508 or scan the provided QR code. READ MORE |
CALL CHARLES FELIX TO ADVERTISE YOUR JOB OPENINGS - 954-605-4785 STARTING AS LOW AS $50 |
APRIL 9, 2025
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.”
READ MORE
|
Over
907,000
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 APRIL 4, 2025 BY THE NUMBERS Qualified Patients: (Active ID Card)
Apr 04 2025- 907,575 Mar 28 2025- 905,556 Mar 21 2025- 905,006
Mar 14 2025- 903,790 Mar 07 2025- 902,566 Feb 28 2025- 902,647
Patients Added Last Week: 2,019 Qualified Ordering Physicians:
2,391
New Doctors added Last Week: 0
Reporting Period: MAR 28 - APR 3, 2025
Amount of Medical Marijuana Dispensed - (mgs THC) 400,000,348
Amount of Low-THC Cannabis Dispensed - (mgs CBD ) 33,195
-Amount of Marijuana in a Form for Smoking (oz) 133,999.886 Approved Dispensing Locations: 713 Added Last Week: 2 COOKIES - ORGANGE PARK
MUV - NEW SMYRNA BEACH |
|
|
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 |
|
| |