baptist health south florida - News - The Coastal Star2024-03-29T13:48:48Zhttps://thecoastalstar.com/profiles/blogs/feed/tag/baptist+health+south+floridaHealth Notes: Baptist Health Foundation promotes Bethesda’s James to vice presidenthttps://thecoastalstar.com/profiles/blogs/health-notes-baptist-health-foundation-promotes-bethesda-s-james-2022-03-01T15:51:06.000Z2022-03-01T15:51:06.000ZThe Coastal Starhttps://thecoastalstar.com/members/TheCoastalStar<div><p><strong>By Christine Davis</strong></p>
<p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}10162889280,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}10162889280,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}" width="102" alt="10162889280?profile=RESIZE_180x180" /></a>Baptist Health South Florida Foundation announced the promotion of Barbara James to vice president of development and development support. <br /> James will continue to lead the foundation’s philanthropic efforts and be responsible for its corporate philanthropy partners program, research and prospect management efforts and systemwide events team. <br /> James holds a BA in English and business management from Christian Brothers University and Lean Six Sigma and fundraising certifications from the University of California, Irvine. Additionally, she has completed management and leadership coursework at Western Governors University. <br /> She is a member of Palm Health Foundation’s board of trustees and serves on the board of the Palm Beach County Medical Society. She is a member of Impact the Palm Beaches and Impact 100 Palm Beach County, the International Women’s Forum Palm Beach and Forum Club of the Palm Beaches.</p>
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<p>Boca Raton-based <strong>JFS at Home</strong>, a nonprofit licensed home-health agency that is affiliated with Ruth & Norman Rales Jewish Family Services, has entered into a new partnership with T<strong>oby & Leon Cooperman Sinai Residences</strong>, a continuing care residential community in Boca Raton.<br /> Through the partnership, JFS at Home now offers 24-hour licensed nursing support for independent living residents at Sinai Residences.<br /> “Our mission is to promote healthy aging and we look forward to ensuring that the residents we support continue to live independently with the added security of our trusted and compassionate nurses,” said Marissa Gordon, administrator for JFS at Home.<br /> For more info, visit <a href="https://jfshome.org">https://jfshome.org</a>.</p>
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<p>As part of <strong>Florida Atlantic University’s Stiles-Nicholson Brain Institute’s</strong> “Brainy Days of 2022: A Celebration of Neuroscience,” several events are scheduled this month. The presentations and lectures aim to educate the public about the importance of brain research and wellness and reducing the stigma associated with brain disorders. Among the events:<br /> • On March 15, author John Marzluff will speak about his book Gifts of the Crow at Spanish River Library in Boca Raton.<br /> • On March 25, the Diversity in Science Festival will be hosted by NeuroSquad and Neuroscience Student Organization at FAU’s Boca campus.<br /> • On March 31, a talk on “The Past, Present and Future of Alzheimer’s Prevention” will be presented by Richard Isaacson, M.D., at the Spanish River Library. <br /> For more information, contact Nicole Baganz, director of community engagement and programming for the Stiles-Nicholson Brain Institute, at BI-outreach@fau.edu or 561-799-8100. </p>
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<p style="text-align:left;"><strong>Sollis Health</strong>, a 24/7 members-only VIP medical service, plans to open a flagship location at 324 Royal Palm Way, Palm Beach, this month. The 4,000-square-foot space, staffed with ER physicians, will offer an alternative to hospital emergency rooms and public urgent-care facilities.<br /> It will serve medical needs from ear infections to coronavirus testing, IV infusions, stitches and EKGs. It will be equipped with labs and advanced diagnostic imaging capabilities, including MRI, CT, ultrasound and X-ray. <br /> Individual pricing for Sollis Health memberships starts at $3,000 per year. Membership includes unlimited access to all Sollis Health medical centers, 24/7 consultations with physicians, telemedicine, plus expedited appointments and referrals and amenities such as house calls and travel medicine.</p>
<p> </p></div>Health & Harmony: Boca Regional chief optimistic about response to vaccine mandateshttps://thecoastalstar.com/profiles/blogs/health-harmony-boca-regional-chief-optimistic-about-response-to-v2021-09-28T14:39:21.000Z2021-09-28T14:39:21.000ZThe Coastal Starhttps://thecoastalstar.com/members/TheCoastalStar<div><p><strong>By Joyce Reingold</strong></p>
<p>On Sept. 9, the Biden administration announced plans to require hospitals and health care facilities receiving Medicare and Medicaid funding to vaccinate their employees against the coronavirus. <br /> “As the Delta variant continues to spread, we know the best defense against it lies with the COVID-19 vaccine,” Chiquita Brooks-LaSure, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services administrator, said in a press release. “Data show that the higher the level of vaccination rates among providers and staff, the lower the infection rate is among patients who are dependent upon them for care. Now is the time to act.”<br /> Several hospital systems in South Florida had already done just that. In August, Baptist Health South Florida, whose hospitals include Boca Raton Regional and Bethesda East and West, announced an Oct. 31 deadline for employees, medical staff and volunteers to be immunized. <br /> By early September, Dr. Samer Fahmy, vice president and chief medical officer of Boca Raton Regional Hospital, said approximately 70% of Baptist Health South Florida employees had been vaccinated, “regardless of any policies that were put in place.”<br /> <a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9620417272,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9620417272,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9620417272?profile=RESIZE_180x180" width="102" /></a>“So that was encouraging, and we’ve seen more and more folks step up and get vaccinated over the last couple of weeks now that they know that it will be required to continue working within the Baptist Health system,” said Fahmy, who has helped lead the pandemic response for Boca Raton Regional and Baptist Health South Florida. <br /> Also prior to President Joe Biden’s announcement, some hospital systems said they would recommend but not require vaccinations. Tenet’s Palm Beach Health Network, which includes the Delray and West Boca medical centers, said in a statement, “We are strongly encouraging COVID-19 vaccinations for all of our employees. We have implemented vaccine education, a vaccine referral program and are offering on-site vaccine clinics.” <br /> In May, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission said employers may require employees to be vaccinated against COVID-19, but must make reasonable accommodations for employees who don’t get vaccinated because of a disability or a “sincerely held religious belief, practice or observance.”<br /> Baptist Health is allowing religious and medical exemptions and has committees to review employee requests. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a medical exemption would apply to people “at risk for an adverse reaction because of an allergy to one of the vaccine components or a medical condition.”<br /> Still, vaccine mandates have already been the subject of legal challenges and more will surely follow. In June, a federal judge dismissed a lawsuit brought by Jennifer Bridges and 116 other Houston Methodist Hospital employees challenging the organization’s vaccine requirement. <br /> In his ruling, U.S. District Judge Lynn N. Hughes said, “Methodist is trying to do their business of saving lives without giving them the COVID-19 virus. It is a choice made to keep staff, patients, and their families safer. Bridges can freely choose to accept or refuse a COVID-19 vaccine; however, if she refuses, she will simply need to work somewhere else.” <br /> In August, the Houston Chronicle reported that 62 former employees had sued the hospital, claiming wrongful termination. The suit was still pending in mid-September. <br /> Fahmy acknowledges staff losses are a possibility, of course, but he’s cautiously optimistic.<br /> “Is there the potential that the end of October rolls around and there are some unvaccinated employees that may be subject to termination from Baptist Health? Yes. That’s how serious we are about our vaccination efforts. You need to get vaccinated against COVID-19, not just for your own safety, but for the safety of the patients that you care for within our facilities. …<br /> “Our hope is that it doesn’t have to come to that and that we can convince the folks that are eligible to receive vaccines to get them. But if it did come to that, there are plans in place for contingency staffing, if needed,” he said.</p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">ER doctor calls mandates essential</span><br /> Dr. Bill Benda, an emergency room physician and associate professor of emergency medicine at Florida Atlantic University, said in September he was surprised by the number of hospital workers who hadn’t been vaccinated — “I can’t give you anything exact. I’m going to guess a third or possibly less, including emergency department staff” — and believes the mandates are essential.<br /> “Biden’s doing what has to be done. The military has to have it. Federal workers have to have it. These hospital systems are saying their employees have to have it,” says Benda, who lives in the County Pocket near Briny Breezes. “We tried conversation, we tried reasoning, and either people’s assumptions or their politics are getting in the way. And it’s not acceptable anymore. It’s not a big sacrifice.<br /> “My father was a farmer’s son. And in the ’40s he enlisted in the Army to go to a country halfway across the world to protect people that he had no clue who they were. And fight an evil that wasn’t a direct threat to him. And not only did he do it, but rock stars like Elvis Presley did it. Movie stars — Jimmy Stewart — did it. Athletes — Joe DiMaggio — did it. And they did it because it was the right thing to do. <br /> “People need to get off their collective asses and do the right thing … because the risk they are running is nowhere near what my dad faced. He did it because it was the right thing to do it. I don’t know how we lost that directive.”</p>
<p><br /> <em>Joyce Reingold writes about health and healthy living. Send column ideas to joyce.reingold@yahoo.com.</em></p></div>Boca Raton: Hospital merger a done dealhttps://thecoastalstar.com/profiles/blogs/boca-raton-hospital-merger-a-done-deal2019-07-03T17:25:52.000Z2019-07-03T17:25:52.000ZThe Coastal Starhttps://thecoastalstar.com/members/TheCoastalStar<div><p><strong>By Sallie James</strong></p>
<p>Boca Raton Regional Hospital has finally officially merged with Baptist Health<br />South Florida.<br />The official merger was announced on July 1, more than a year after Boca Regional began<br />discussions with Baptist in hopes of elevating the hospital’s position as an academic referral<br />center in South Florida.<br />It was the final step in growing up for a beloved community hospital born out of tragedy in 1967.<br />The poisoning deaths of two young children became the impetus for its funding. The town had<br />about 10,000 residents at that time and a devoted group of volunteers with a mission.<br />The new partnership ensures both not-for-profit organizations will continue to meet their mutual<br />missions and commitments to elevate health care within the communities they serve in an area<br />that reaches across four South Florida counties.<br />“Our organizations share the same calling to improve the health and well-being of individuals<br />and deliver compassionate healthcare to our patients at the highest standards of excellence and<br />safety. We foresee an exciting future at Boca Regional Hospital that will cement its title as the<br />preeminent healthcare provider in the community,” said Brian E. Keeley, president and CEO at<br />Baptist Health.</p></div>Boca Raton: Hospital’s new CEO comes from partner in planned mergerhttps://thecoastalstar.com/profiles/blogs/boca-raton-hospital-s-new-ceo-comes-from-partner-in-planned-merge2019-05-29T16:31:31.000Z2019-05-29T16:31:31.000ZThe Coastal Starhttps://thecoastalstar.com/members/TheCoastalStar<div><p><strong>By Sallie James</strong></p>
<p>Nearly a year after Boca Raton Regional Hospital said it would merge with Baptist Health South Florida, the hospital has named its new chief executive officer: Lincoln S. Mendez, the former CEO of South Miami Hospital, a Baptist property.<br /><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}7960876496,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}7960876496,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-left" alt="7960876496?profile=original" /></a>Mendez will replace Jerry Fedele, president and CEO of Boca Regional Hospital, when Fedele retires in August. Fedele has served as CEO of the hospital for the past 11 years.<br /> The two hospitals also announced they have signed an agreement regarding a strategic partnership between the two organizations, solidifying their plans for affiliation. In December 2018, Boca Raton Regional and Baptist Health South Florida agreed on a letter of intent for the partnership.<br /> “We are excited about this significant step in the journey we embarked on in 2017. The agreement was enthusiastically endorsed by a unanimous vote of our board, and we are looking forward to continuing with Baptist Health on the path toward elevating the health care we provide for our communities,” Fedele said in a written statement. “Our organizations share similar cultures, values and expectations for excellence that are essential for a great partnership that is focused on increasing access to high quality care across South Florida.”<br /> Boca Regional, at 800 Meadows Road, began discussions with Baptist more than a year ago with the hope of elevating the hospital’s position as an academic referral center in South Florida. Baptist, headquartered in Coral Gables, is the largest not-for-profit health care organization in the region, with 10 hospitals and more than 100 physician and outpatient locations from Palm Beach County to the Florida Keys.<br /> Today, Boca Regional has grown into a regional treatment complex, with about 2,800 employees, 1,200 volunteers and approximately 800 doctors on staff. <br /> The Debbie-Rand Memorial Service League has provided more than $31 million to the hospital since the league’s formation in 1962.<br /> The beloved community hospital, once known as “The Miracle on Meadows Road,” was born out of tragedy in 1967. The poisoning deaths of two young children and the absence of a local medical center became the impetus for its founding. The town had about 10,000 residents and a group of volunteers with a mission.<br /> Board member Pat Thomas, also past president of the Debbie-Rand Memorial Foundation, said Mendez will serve Boca Regional well.<br /> “I am very excited. I think it’s going to be a great partnership for both of us,” Thomas said. “He has an outstanding résumé, he’s been in the hospital industry for several years and was recently a CEO at a Baptist Hospital in South Florida.”<br /> She called the merger between the two hospitals a “good marriage” and said the hospital’s future looks bright. <br /> She also commended Fedele on his years of dedicated service. “Jerry Fedele did wonderful things for our hospital and we owe him a mountain of gratitude,” Thomas said.<br /> Mendez’s background is notable. During his tenure, South Miami Hospital earned national accolades for quality, innovation and clinical excellence, while experiencing significant growth in its facilities, technology and programs.<br /> Christine E. Lynn, Boca Raton Regional Hospital Board chair, said that Mendez “provides the depth of experience and executive skill sets that are tailor-made to lead Boca Regional in its continued ascent to becoming one of the premier, tertiary academic medical centers in Florida.”<br /> She also expressed confidence “in his ability to continue the most positive momentum and trajectory of our hospital that was established and sustained by Jerry Fedele.”<br /> Joan Wargo, 89, who’s been volunteering at Boca Regional for more than 50 years, was delighted to hear of the progress.<br /> “They have been working on this for a long, long time. They chose the CEO after many, many meetings. The people that were on the committee were all very satisfied. I have not met the man, but the people I know and trust and respect are very happy with him,” Wargo said. “We are looking forward to having him here.”<br /> Brian E. Keeley, president and CEO of Baptist Health, said the collaboration between the two hospitals “reinforced our common vision for carrying out our mission of delivering compassionate, exceptional care to our patients and families.”<br /> “Baptist Health has grown strategically in recent years to meet the needs of our communities, and (this) announcement brings us one step closer to completing our much-anticipated affiliation with Boca Raton Regional Hospital,” Keeley said. “With Lincoln’s leadership, we believe this partnership will be mutually beneficial to our respective organizations and, most of all, for the many people we serve across four counties.”</p></div>Boca Raton: Baptist Health, Boca Regional fulfill key first step in merger talkhttps://thecoastalstar.com/profiles/blogs/boca-raton-baptist-health-boca-regional-fulfill-key-first-step-in2019-01-02T17:14:44.000Z2019-01-02T17:14:44.000ZThe Coastal Starhttps://thecoastalstar.com/members/TheCoastalStar<div><p><strong>By Sallie James</strong></p>
<p>The beloved community hospital once known as “The Miracle on Meadows Road” is another step closer to a merger with Baptist Health South Florida.<br /> Boca Raton Regional Hospital and Baptist Health South Florida agreed in December on a letter of intent regarding a strategic partnership between the two health care organizations.<br /> “This is an important first step. There is lot to be done yet,” said Thomas Chakurda, vice president of marketing for Boca Regional. “The partnership will provide substantial and positive changes in terms of clinical depth, facilities and other beneficial advances for the hospital and those it serves.”<br /> A letter of intent clarifies key points in the relationship and is considered an announcement that the sides are moving toward a definitive agreement. That agreement should be hammered out early this year and officials expect to finalize the affiliation by summer.<br /> Boca Regional, at 800 Meadows Road, began discussions with Baptist more than a year ago with the hope of elevating the hospital’s position as an academic referral center in South Florida. Baptist is headquartered in Coral Gables.<br /> Baptist is the largest not-for-profit health care organization in the region, with 10 hospitals and more than 100 physician and outpatient locations from Palm Beach County to the Florida Keys.<br /> “We are most pleased to have achieved this milestone in our discussions with such a prestigious and high-quality health care organization,” said Jerry Fedele, president and CEO of Boca Raton Regional Hospital. “It is an exciting development for our hospital and our community and reflects the hard work and thoughtful interactions of our ad hoc partnership steering committee, our board and Baptist Health leadership.”<br /> The pending merger is a huge marker of change for a community-minded hospital born out of tragedy in 1967. <br /> The horrific poisoning deaths of two young children and the absence of a local medical center became the impetus for its construction. The town had about 10,000 residents and a group of volunteers with a mission.<br /> Volunteer Joan Wargo, 88, who has been volunteering at Boca Regional since 1962, was delighted to hear of the forward progress.<br /> “I think it’s great for our community with all the changes in the health care field. I think we have to go forward, and I think that Baptist South is a very good choice,” said Wargo, a member of the Boca Raton Regional Hospital Foundation. “[Baptist] is well organized and forward thinking, as we are. I think it will be great for the people in this community. We are well-established and highly ranked, and they are too.”<br /> Today, this hospital has grown into a regional treatment complex with about 2,800 employees, 1,200 volunteers and approximately 800 doctors on staff. The Debbie-Rand Memorial Service League has provided more than $31 million to the hospital since the league’s formation in 1962.<br /> “Both organizations are not-for-profit with a culture of compassion and putting the patient first,” Chakurda said. “Our cultures and missions are aligned, as are our philosophies of care and excellence. Baptist has great respect for our history, its commitment to our community that was at the heart of our founding, and our extraordinary volunteerism and philanthropic support.”<br /> Pat Thomas, a member of the Boca Regional Hospital Board, a volunteer for 35 years for the Debbie-Rand Memorial Service League, a member of the Boca Raton Regional Hospital Foundation and a member of the ad hoc committee, said the merger is necessary to position the hospital for success in the future.<br /> “I think it is not only a good thing but it’s a necessary thing,” Thomas said. “We are in a very good position right now, we are finally stable, and we have a good credit rating. We figured before something happened with Medicare/Medicaid we better position ourselves to be strong like we are now.”<br /> She said Baptist agreed not to change the structure Boca Regional has with its doctors — some are private practice, some on staff — and will allow any money raised by the Boca Raton Regional Hospital Foundation to remain with Boca Regional, even though it will be part of the larger Baptist network.<br /> “The community has received the news very well,” Thomas said. “They understand we are doing this because we need to be part of a strong organization for bargaining power and insurance rates. There is strength in numbers.”<br /> The proposed merger would place the 400-bed Boca Raton Regional Hospital in partnership with the neighboring 400-bed Bethesda Hospital East in Boynton Beach — once a rival of sorts. Bethesda Hospital, with medical centers in east and west Boynton Beach, merged with Baptist over a 24-month period after officials signed an agreement in 2015.<br /> Fedele, who planned to retire in 2018, has agreed to stay on through August 2019 to assist with the transition. Fedele has served as CEO of Boca Regional for 10 years.<br /> “Our goal was to use our success in recent years to attract other providers and establish a partnership that would enhance our capabilities and mitigate the challenges of a stand-alone hospital in a complex and evolving health care industry,” Fedele said.<br /> The merger, when complete, is not expected to affect jobs, Chakurda noted.<br /> “It is not expected to have any immediate changes. In fact, with the partnership’s intent to accelerate and elevate our position as the preeminent academic referral center in the region with a resultant increase in utilization, employment opportunities could increase,” Chakurda said.<br /> Boca Regional narrowed its list of potential suitors to five in spring 2018 and then selected Baptist Health South Florida for further discussions.<br /> “We have now advanced closer to a most important evolution for our hospital, one that will accelerate and elevate our position as a preeminent academic regional medical referral center,” said Christine E. Lynn, chairman of the hospital board. “It will serve to both secure our goals and objectives and those of Baptist Health South Florida.”<br /> Added Chakurda, “By any metric, Boca Regional has evolved into one of the outstanding health care providers in the state of Florida. Yet there is another level to which we aspire, and this partnership will most certainly facilitate our ability to reach our full potential. It certainly is an exciting opportunity for us and importantly, the patients that turn to us for care.”<br /> A 2018 report to Baptist’s bondholders showed that the nonprofit health care system earned $405.6 million for the fiscal year ending Sept. 30, up from $244.3 million in the prior fiscal year. The 2018 total included a non-operating gain of $254 million from its merger with Bethesda Health.</p></div>Health Notes: ‘All Health, All the Time’ provides 24/7 access to medical expertshttps://thecoastalstar.com/profiles/blogs/health-notes-all-health-all-the-time-provides-24-7-access-to-medi2018-08-28T18:41:06.000Z2018-08-28T18:41:06.000ZMary Kate Leminghttps://thecoastalstar.com/members/MaryKateLeming769<div><p class="p1">South Florida PBS and Baptist Health South Florida have joined forces to launch a new health channel, “All Health, All the Time,” which is on the air 24 hours a day, seven days a week.</p>
<p class="p3">The channel, launched in August, offers quick and easy access to Baptist Health medical experts, who can answer questions on health and wellness concerns. Issues addressed include child psychology, care for the aging, health insurance, breast cancer, orthopedic and sports injuries, medical breakthroughs and heart health.</p>
<p class="p3">“Nationwide, there is increasing concern about access to medical experts and information,” said Dolores Sukhdeo, CEO and president of South Florida PBS. “Our diverse and growing South Florida communities are particularly impacted by this concern. As a community-supported nonprofit organization whose mission is to serve the interests and needs of South Florida, we are dedicating an entire digital TV channel to offer credible and trustworthy information about health, medicine and wellness.”</p>
<p class="p3">The health channel may be found on over-the-air (free TV) Channel 2.3 and Comcast Cable Channel 205 or 1193 in Palm Beach County.</p>
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<p class="p3">Lawrence Toll, Ph.D., a professor of biomedical science in Florida Atlantic University’s College of Medicine and a member of the college’s Brain Institute, secured a $1.8 million grant from the National Institutes of Health for the project “Mixed NOP/MU Compounds and the Involvement of Their Receptors in Analgesia.”</p>
<p class="p3">Toll, the principal investigator for the grant, has focused his research on the management of pain and drug addiction through pharmacology and new drug discovery. He is recognized as the co-discoverer of the endogenous neuropeptide nociception, which is involved in regulating reward and motivation pathways related to substance misuse, and regulating pain pathways from the spinal cord to the brain.</p>
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<p class="p3">Melissa Durbin, vice president and chief nursing officer at Boca Raton Regional Hospital, was appointed president of the Nursing <a href="{{#staticFileLink}}7960806259,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}7960806259,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="99" class="align-left" alt="7960806259?profile=original" /></a>Consortium of South Florida.</p>
<p class="p3">She will lead the organization in uniting community leaders to address the region’s shortage of qualified nursing staff.</p>
<p class="p3">Her responsibilities include increasing interest in nursing among middle and high school students, improving the public perception of nursing, and advocating for greater funding for nursing education.</p>
<p class="p3">After graduating from<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span> nursing programs in Florida, candidates to be registered nurses and licensed practical nurses must pass the National Council Licensure Examination.</p>
<p class="p3">Florida Atlantic University’s Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing placed in the No. 1 spot in Florida because all 71 graduates of its Bachelor of Science in Nursing program passed the licensure examination, performing above the national average passage rate of 90.05 percent.</p>
<p class="p3">“Achieving a 100 percent passage rate by our graduates is a testament to our innovative and rigorous program, as well as our highly accomplished faculty and scholars who are instrumental in ensuring that the next generation of nurses in Florida succeed,” said Marlaine Smith, Ph.D., dean of FAU’s College of Nursing.</p>
<p class="p4"><span class="s1"><span class="Apple-converted-space"> <a href="{{#staticFileLink}}7960806657,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}7960806657,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="196" class="align-center" alt="7960806657?profile=original" /></a></span></span>Joshua Chalkley, D.O., M.S., and Timothy Miller Jr., M.D., M.S., have been appointed to the medical staff of the Marcus Neuroscience Institute and BocaCare Physician Network. Chalkley is board certified in psychiatry and neurology. His special areas of interest include autoimmune diseases of the nervous system, infusion therapies, multiple sclerosis, neurological infections and neuromyelitis optica. Miller is board eligible in neurosurgery. His specialties include brain surgery, functional neurosurgery and spine surgery.</p>
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<p class="p3">Boca Raton Regional Hospital appointed Dr. Brian M. Snelling to the medical staff of the Marcus Neuroscience Institute and <a href="{{#staticFileLink}}7960806666,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}7960806666,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="100" class="align-right" alt="7960806666?profile=original" /></a>BocaCare Physician Network. Snelling is board-eligible in neurosurgery and endovascular neurosurgery with special areas of interest in cerebrovascular neurosurgery, cranial neurosurgery and endovascular neurosurgery.</p>
<p class="p3">The medical center was also recognized as a top-ranked regional hospital in <i>U.S. News & World Report</i>’s 2018–2019 annual review of its Best Hospitals. It is currently ranked 13th out of approximately 300 hospitals in Florida. The annual Best Hospitals rankings aim to assist patients and their doctors in making informed decisions about where to receive care. Its methodologies are based on risk-adjusted survival and readmission rates, volume, patient experience, patient safety and quality of nursing, among other care-related indicators.</p>
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<p class="p3">HJ Sims, a privately held investment bank and wealth management firm headquartered in Fairfield, Conn., has announced its 2018 partnership with Boca Raton-based Gift of Life Marrow Registry, marking the inaugural year of Sims’ corporate social responsibility program.</p>
<p class="p3">As part of the firm’s effort to support Gift of Life, Sims held its first Virtual Swab event for its employees on July 25. The company connected via VIDYO technology, along with the Gift of Life team, to learn more about the donor process and to hear CEO and founder Jay Feinberg’s story.</p>
<p class="p3">After Feinberg was diagnosed with leukemia almost 30 years ago, he and his parents launched a years-long drive to find a marrow match; the very last and 60,000th donor was the person who saved his life. This process inspired him to start Gift of Life.</p>
<p class="p3">“All it takes is one person to perform a painless, life-saving swab to discover a potential match for someone suffering from blood cancer — and a cure,” Feinberg said. The Gift of Life Marrow Registry is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. For more information, visit <a href="http://www.giftoflife.org">www.giftoflife.org</a>.</p>
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<p class="p3">Delray Medical Center is a five-star recipient for hysterectomies from Healthgrades, an online resource for information about doctors and hospitals.</p>
<p class="p3">“With more options than ever on where to receive care, consumers need to do their homework,” said Dr. Brad Bowman, chief medical officer for Healthgrades.</p>
<p class="p3">“Hospitals that have received a five-star rating have shown dedication and expertise, resulting in high-quality outcomes for patients.”</p>
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<p class="p6"><i>Send health news to Christine Davis at cdavis9797@gmail.com.</i></p></div>Along the Coast: Boca Regional Hospital aims to merge with Baptist Healthhttps://thecoastalstar.com/profiles/blogs/along-the-coast-boca-regional-hospital-aims-to-merge-with-baptist2018-08-01T16:36:33.000Z2018-08-01T16:36:33.000ZThe Coastal Starhttps://thecoastalstar.com/members/TheCoastalStar<div><p><strong>By Sallie James</strong></p>
<p>A little more than a year after Boca Raton Regional Hospital celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2017, the medical facility once known as the “Miracle on Meadows Road” has announced it will enter discussions to merge with health care giant Baptist Health South Florida.<br /> The hospital said in a statement that the decision culminates an initiative that began more than a year ago to elevate the hospital’s position as an academic referral center in South Florida. Baptist is headquartered in Coral Gables.<br /> “We are pleased with the board’s decision to move forward with Baptist,” said Jerry Fedele, president and CEO of Boca Raton Regional Hospital. “While this was a most difficult choice, one that was between two of the finest health care providers in the country, our trustees believe Baptist is the best fit for Boca Regional.”<br /> <a href="{{#staticFileLink}}7960802862,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}7960802862,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-left" width="203" alt="7960802862?profile=original" /></a>The proposed merger is a huge marker of change for a community-minded hospital born out of tragedy in 1967. The horrific poisoning deaths of two young children and the absence of a local medical center became the impetus for its construction. The town had about 10,000 residents and a group of volunteers with a mission.<br /> “The goal always is to be better,” said Joan Wargo, 88, who has logged more than 35,000 volunteer hours there over the past 50 years. “We have an expansion planned we have been working on for over a year. We are planning on building a new tower. I just hope people will understand … how much more progressive it’s going to be for the residents of Boca Raton. I think it’s great.<br /> “I would not say it’s an end of an era. I say it’s the beginning of another one. We are not ending Boca Raton Regional Hospital by any means.”<br /> In a May 2017 interview, Fedele spoke of the hospital’s close link to the community and its residents.<br /> “We are really the sweet spot of medicine. We are big enough to provide the best care but small enough to still have that community atmosphere,” Fedele told <em>The Coastal Star.</em><br /> Today, this hospital has grown into a regional treatment complex with about 2,800 employees, 1,200 volunteers and approximately 800 doctors on staff. The Debbie-Rand Memorial Service League has provided more than $31 million to the hospital since the League’s formation in 1962.<br /> The proposed merger would place the 400-bed Boca Raton Regional Hospital in partnership with the neighboring 400-bed Bethesda Hospital East in Boynton Beach — once a rival of sorts. Bethesda Hospital, with medical centers in east and west Boynton Beach, merged with Baptist over a 24-month period after an agreement was signed in 2015.<br /> Fedele, who had planned to retire in 2018, has agreed to stay on through August 2019 to assist with the transition. Fedele has served as CEO of Boca Regional for the past 10 years.<br /> Baptist Health South Florida said in a statement that “Boca Raton Regional Hospital aligns strategically with our organization and our plans to improve access to quality health care in our region. We share not-for-profit values of exceptional quality and service for our patients, high physician and employee engagement and a commitment to the communities we serve. We look forward to continuing to work with Boca Raton Regional Hospital through this process.” <br /> In May, Boca Regional officials, looking to form a partnership, narrowed down talks to two potential partners, Miami-based Baptist Health and Cleveland Clinic.<br /> The hospital is growing, and a $260 million program will transform the main building and add a parking garage and power plants.<br /> Wargo can’t wait to see the results. “I am anxious to get to work,” she said. “Let’s go!”<br /> Officials hope to complete the merger by the end of the year.</p></div>Health Notes: Bethesda and Baptist Health South Florida merger finalizedhttps://thecoastalstar.com/profiles/blogs/health-notes-bethesda-and-baptist-health-south-florida-merger-fin2017-10-04T15:39:08.000Z2017-10-04T15:39:08.000ZThe Coastal Starhttps://thecoastalstar.com/members/TheCoastalStar<div><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}7960751282,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}7960751282,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-center" width="600" alt="7960751282?profile=original" /></a>Delray Medical Center honors hospital volunteers with Quilts of Valor for their military service. (l-r) Ron Price, Julio Mastrovito, Russell Sultenfuss, Mel Fishman and Charles Carroll. Photo provided</p>
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<p>By Christine Davis</p>
<p> <strong>Bethesda Health</strong>, headquartered in Boynton Beach, and <strong>Baptist Health South Florida</strong>, headquartered in Coral Gables, have officially merged their organizations as of Oct. 1, following 21/2 years of due diligence. With their merger, Baptist Health expands to 10 hospitals, more than 40 physician practices and approximately 50 outpatient facilities and centers in Monroe, Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties. Through their partnership, both organizations will achieve an expanded level of care in Palm Beach County.<br /> “Hospitals across the country are positioning themselves to strengthen their capabilities in patient care and enhance their resources,” said Bethesda Health Chief Executive Officer Roger Kirk. “This partnership with Baptist Health gives our community expanded access to healthcare services.”<br /> “Our organizations share similar values and a steadfast commitment to providing quality healthcare to our patients,” said Brian E. Keeley, president and chief executive officer of Baptist Health.</p>
<p> “Together, as not-for-profit mission-driven organizations, we will enhance our capabilities and carry out our common goal of providing compassionate, patient-focused comprehensive care to our community.” <br /> <br /> <strong>Delray Medical Center</strong>’s local chapter of the Quilts of Valor Foundation honored five Delray Medical Center volunteer veterans with handmade quilts in patriotic colors. They were Ron Price, Navy, Vietnam War; Julio Mastrovito, Navy, Korean War; Russ Sultenfuss, Army, Vietnam War; Mel Fishman, Army, Korean War; and Charles Carroll, Army, World War II.<br /> <br /> <strong>Florida Atlantic University Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine</strong> students and Delray Medical Center recently collaborated on research that consisted of three projects aimed at potential treatments for trauma patients. The projects were about palliative care treatment, case studies on rib fractures, and evaluating pain management options in orthopedic trauma patients. Trauma medical director Dr. Ivan Puente, trauma director Maggie Crawford and trauma research director Alexander Fokin led the team.<br /> <br /> <strong>Boca Raton Regional Hospital’s Eugene M. & Christine E. Lynn Cancer Institute</strong> now has a new method to biopsy suspected prostate tumors. The method fuses MRI images with information derived through ultrasound. The procedure is more efficient and effective. “Specific lesions of the prostate, especially very small ones, cannot always be captured by ultrasound due to its poor resolution,” said David Taub, MD, MBA, FACS, a urologist at the Lynn Cancer Institute who specializes in the treatment of malignancies of the prostate, kidney and bladder.<br />“In the final analysis, MRI/TRUS fusion biopsy is better than conventional approaches in finding tumors we need to treat and allows us to pass on areas that we should not have to worry about,” said Dr. Taub. <br /> <br /> In recognition of <strong>Breast Cancer Awareness Month</strong>, Boca Raton Regional Hospital’s Christine E. Lynn Women’s Health & Wellness Institute board chair and donor Christine Lynn unveiled lighting that will illuminate the Institute’s building pink for the entire month of October. <br /> <br /> <strong>Toby & Leon Cooperman Sinai Residences</strong> of Boca Raton, a continuing care retirement community, hired <strong>Linda Nelson</strong> as director of nursing at its Health Center. Nelson, a registered nurse since 1983, has worked in numerous nursing management positions in both skilled nursing and rehabilitation. <br /><br /> <em>Send health news to Christine Davis at cdavis9797@gmail.com.</em></p></div>