Dr. Lewis S. Nelson, the new dean of the Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine at Florida Atlantic University, started on the job in January.
Nelson previously served as professor and inaugural chair of the department of emergency medicine and chief of the Division of Medical Toxicology and Addiction Medicine at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School in Newark. He also served as chief of the emergency department at University Hospital of Newark.
Nelson is board certified in emergency medicine, medical toxicology, and addiction medicine. His research and scholarship focus on the medical and social consequences of substance use, including opioid overdose and withdrawal, alcohol withdrawal, and alternative pain-relief strategies.
First free-standing ER planned in Boca Raton
The first free-standing emergency room in Boca Raton, temporarily being called the East Boca Emergency Room, is being planned for 1001 E. Telecom Drive, next to Boca Raton Innovation Campus.
The project was recently advanced by the city’s planning board. A full vote by the City Council will follow later.
The emergency room will offer identical services at the same level of care as a traditional emergency room. Patients may be transported by ambulance or arrive another way. In keeping with Florida statutes, the emergency room will be affiliated with a licensed hospital operator. In this case, it will be HCA, Hospital Corporation of America.
“This is the first free-standing emergency room in the city,” said Eoin Devlin, Boca Raton’s senior city planner. “It’s separate from the actual hospital — it’s going to be its own emergency room. And we have conditions in the resolution that would prevent it from having any overnight stays or outpatient services. This is going to be an emergency room. … If you need further care, they will transport you to the hospital.”
Boynton emergency center is ranked among top 5%
HCA Florida Boynton Beach Emergency, a free-standing emergency room that is affiliated with HCA Florida JFK Hospital, was named a 2024 Human Experience Guardian of Excellence Award winner in Press Ganey Associates’ annual ranking of the top hospitals and health systems in the country. That put the center, located at Woolbright and Jog roads, in the top 5%.
“HCA Florida Boynton Beach Emergency is setting the standard for excellence in patient experience,” said Patrick T. Ryan, CEO and chairman at Press Ganey. “They are leading the way by turning words into action and creating a culture where every interaction is an opportunity to make a positive impact. It’s clear they’re committed to making a difference.”
Press Ganey through its surveys works with more than 41,000 health care facilities in its mission to reduce patient suffering and enhance caregiver resilience.
Delray Medical Center receives national honors
Delray Medical Center received 25 accolades from Healthgrades and was named as one of the best 250 hospitals in the country. Healthgrades is a site that helps people who are searching online for a doctor or hospital.
Among the accolades the hospital garnered, Delray Medical Center received America’s 100 Best Hospitals for Pulmonary Care Excellence Awards, placing among the nation’s top 5% for overall pulmonary services. The hospital also earned Healthgrades 2025 Critical Care Excellence Award, placing in the top 5% in the nation for critical care.
Ultrasound system offers incisionless treatment
Delray Medical Center has acquired the Exablate Prime system, a technology that offers incisionless treatment for movement disorders such as essential tremor and Parkinson’s disease. This system uses focused ultrasound guided by MRI to precisely target and remove affected areas in the brain.
“The precision and safety of the Exablate Prime system represent a significant advancement in neurosurgery,” said Dr. Lloyd Zucker, chief of neurosurgery at Delray Medical Center. “By offering an outpatient, incisionless procedure, while utilizing some of the latest technologies, we can improve patient outcomes and reduce recovery times for those battling conditions like essential tremor.”
Health screenings offered as part of Hadassah fair
The public is invited to the Hadassah Florida Atlantic Health Fair, a free event on Feb. 11 that offers health screenings as well as the opportunity to gather information from health-related vendors.
Event highlights include lectures by Drs. David Watson, a neuropsychologist and founder of the Alzheimer’s Research and Treatment Center, and Scott R. Sobieraj, a cardiologist with NYU Langone. Iris Sandberg, a member of Hadassah’s National Assembly, will speak about the organization’s contributions.
The event is scheduled for 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Abbey Delray South, 1717 Homewood Blvd., Delray Beach. Registration is necessary. To register, visit https://events.hadassah.org/FARHealthFair25.
Hadassah Florida Atlantic Region is part of Hadassah, The Women’s Zionist Organization of America Inc.
Send health news to Christine Davis at cdavis9797@gmail.com.
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