By Vanessa Orr
In early 2027, the Al and Jane Nahmad Women’s Cancer Center will open on the campus of Baptist Health Baptist Hospital within the new, four-story Brian and Susan Keeley Pavilion. While cancer services will still be offered at all Baptist Health Cancer Care locations, the new facility will serve as an expansion of existing services with a dedicated focus on breast and gynecological cancers.
“The community in South Florida is growing rapidly, and so is the need for world-class cancer care,” explained Steve Holan, vice president of operations and planning, Baptist Health Miami Cancer Institute. “Women currently make up 65 percent of patients being seen at Baptist Health Miami Cancer Institute, and once completed, the center will be specifically tailored to this demographic, offering a comprehensive range of high-quality services all in one location.”
The center will include centralized, multidisciplinary clinics staffed by breast and gynecologic cancer specialists, as well as on-site infusion therapy suites designed for patients’ comfort and convenience. Women will have access to fertility preservation services integrated into their care planning as well as clinical trial programs and precision medicine tailored specifically to women’s cancers.
The center is named in honor of Al and Jane Nahmad, who provided a transformational gift in support of Baptist Health Miami Cancer Institute.
“Al and Jane Nahmad’s extraordinary generosity transformed what was once just a vision into a reality,” said Holan. “As longtime champions of women’s health, their support reflects a deep belief in the groundbreaking work of our physicians and cancer care support teams.”
When the Women’s Cancer Center opens, breast, gynecologic oncology, plastics and reconstruction, dermatology/MOHs, and breast imaging physicians and staff will move into the facility. The health system plans to backfill the space at Miami Cancer Institute with increased capacity for GU, GI, thoracic, neuro, and head and neck disease sites, hiring physicians and staff incrementally to meet these needs.
Leading the charge at the Al and Jane Nahmad Women’s Cancer Center is one of Baptist Health’s newest hires, Dr. Anastasia Tousimis.
“Dr. Tousimis’ vision and enthusiasm for this new facility brings us all much excitement,” said Holan. “With her renowned expertise in breast surgery, her commitment to advancing women’s cancer care, and her passion for innovation, she is helping shape the Women’s Cancer Center into a destination where patients will find not only world-class treatment, but also hope, compassion, and support at every step.”
He notes that the health system’s vision is to expand imaging modalities so women have access to the full spectrum of breast cancer imaging options, including mammograms, contrast-enhanced mammography (CEM), ultrasounds, and additional advanced technologies. In line with the model at Baptist Health Miami Cancer Institute, the system plans to integrate on-site lab services, giving patients the convenience of receiving both treatment and laboratory care in one location.
Clinical trials focusing on breast cancer, gynecological cancer and melanoma will also be available to patients at the Women’s Cancer Center.
“Baptist Health Cancer Center has continued to expand its clinical trial program to enroll patients in the most innovative trials so as to support our mission: ‘No one has to leave South Florida for world-class cancer care,’” said Holan.
In addition, the health system is committed to broadening its Arts in Medicine program, recognizing the transformative impact these programs have on the well-being and healing journey of cancer patients. It also hopes to enhance dietary services, ensuring patients have access to nutritious, high-quality meal options throughout their time at the Women’s Cancer Center.
