August 13, 2026 –  Delray Medical Center and vascular surgeon, Dr. Joseph Ricotta, are the first hospital and physician in South Florida to use the SEISMIQ™ Intravascular Lithotripsy (IVL) system from Boston Scientific, a therapy that supports physicians in treating patients with complex calcified peripheral artery disease (PAD).

PAD is a common circulatory condition in which narrowed arteries reduce blood flow to the limbs, most often in the legs. In many advanced cases, plaque buildup in the arteries becomes calcified, making the arteries stiff and harder to treat with traditional tools. These hardened calcium deposits can prevent balloons or stents from expanding properly, making procedures less effective and more difficult to perform.

The SEISMIQ IVL system is a next-generation technology that uses laser-generated acoustic pressure waves to fracture hardened calcium within the wall of the artery. By breaking up the calcium, the SEISMIQ IVL system helps prepare the vessel for further treatment, such as balloon angioplasty or stent placement. These challenges are especially significant in patients with advanced PAD, where restoring blood flow to the lower limbs is essential for wound healing and limb preservation. The SEISMIQ IVL system is designed to modify both superficial and deep calcium, improving vessel function and enabling physicians to perform more predictable procedures without damaging soft tissue.

“The SEISMIQ IVL system represents a meaningful advancement in our ability to treat patients with lesions that are difficult to modify. It allows us to address calcium more precisely and safely, ultimately better preparing vessels for procedures,” said Dr. Ricotta, National Medical Director of Vascular Surgery and Endovascular Therapy for Tenet Healthcare, Professor of Surgery and Vascular Surgery Fellowship Program Director at Florida Atlantic University’s School of Medicine, and founder of the Prime Vascular Institute. “This is another tool in our toolbelt to provide patients with the best chance at a good outcome so they can get back faster to doing the things that they love.”

The SEISMIQ IVL system is designed to support more precise energy delivery, enabling a high level of control for physicians when treating various types of calcified lesions. The system allows users to activate specific emitters along the catheter’s length to tailor therapy based on lesion location and severity. This emitter-level control, combined with consistent acoustic pressure and real-time feedback, helps physicians make real time adjustments as needed during the procedure for more effective lesion preparation.

IVL has become an important tool in the treatment of calcified lesions, offering an alternative to traditional plaque modification techniques. Across the industry, it’s recognized for delivering high success rates, low complication risks and improvements in quality of life for patients with challenging calcified lesions, particularly those with critical limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI). The therapy is associated with high success rates, low complication risks and improved long-term outcomes by enabling better stent expansion, enhanced drug delivery and more consistent results.1

The SEISMIQ IVL system has already been evaluated in two clinical trials for the treatment of PAD and is now being investigated for coronary applications. It is currently indicated for lithotripsy-enhanced balloon dilation of calcified lesions in the peripheral vasculature, including iliac, femoral iliofemoral, popliteal and infra-popliteal arteries. It is not currently intended for use in coronary arteries, nor the carotid or cerebral vasculature.

Dr. Ricotta’s expertise in the vascular surgery field has earned him numerous accolades, including the prestigious TCAR Clinical Operator of Excellence distinction from Silk Road Medical in 2020, an award recognizing top physicians for superior outcomes in TCAR procedures. With over two decades of experience, Dr. Ricotta has also been repeatedly recognized as a National Top Doctor by Castle Connolly, voted one of America’s Best Vascular Surgeons and #1 in Florida by Newsweek Magazine, and has contributed more than 300 peer-reviewed articles to medical literature.

To learn more about our vascular treatment services, please visit: https://www.palmbeachhealthnetwork.com/services/vascular-care.

About Delray Medical Center

Delray Medical Center, part of the Palm Beach Health Network, is a 536-bed acute care hospital, spanning 30 acres, employing over 1,700 employees, 700 physicians, serving southern Palm Beach County for over 40 years. As both a community hospital and state-designated Level I Trauma Center Delray Medical Center offers several specialized services including state-of-the art cardiac and vascular facilities, orthopedics, neurosciences, emergency care, and weight-loss surgery.

Pinecrest Rehabilitation and Outpatient Hospital at Delray Medical Center is the only state designated brain and spinal cord injury rehabilitation program in the county.  Delray Medical Center is also home to Fair Oaks Pavilion, a 53-bed adult psychiatry unit. For more information about our services, visit our website at www.palmbeachhealthnetwork.com.



FSU College of Medicine students receive hands-on clinical training as part of the university’s mission to prepare physicians to serve Florida’s communities, including rural and medically underserved areas. 

August 13, 2026 – As North Florida faces a growing shortage of healthcare providers, Florida State University is helping address the challenge through FSU Health, the university’s academic health system. By bringing together education, clinical care and research, FSU Health is preparing the next generation of healthcare professionals while expanding access to care across the region.

The need is expected to grow in the coming years. Florida’s population is expanding and aging, increasing demand for healthcare just as many physicians and nurses approach retirement.

According to the Florida Department of Health, more than one-third of Florida’s practicing physicians are age 60 or older. At the same time, Florida’s population age 65 and older is projected to reach 6.7 million by 2036, or more than a quarter of the state’s population. A workforce analysis commissioned by the Florida Hospital Association and the Safety Net Hospital Alliance of Florida projects the state could face a shortage of about 18,000 physicians and nearly 60,000 nurses by 2035.

Those challenges are especially pronounced in rural North Florida, where many communities have limited access to primary and specialty care. The Florida Department of Health’s annual Physician Workforce Report shows many Panhandle counties have among the state’s lowest physician-to-population ratios, underscoring the need to recruit and retain more healthcare professionals.

Unlike a traditional health system centered on a single hospital, FSU Health brings together the university’s colleges, research enterprise and clinical partners to educate healthcare professionals, advance research and improve patient care. Supported by investments from the Florida Legislature, the universitywide initiative spans disciplines across FSU and works with healthcare providers throughout North Florida.

“The healthcare workforce shortage isn’t something any one hospital, university or health system can solve alone,” said Jeremy Slaga, vice president and chief clinical operations officer of FSU Health. “FSU Health was created to align education, research and patient care with the strengths of our clinical partners so we can prepare more healthcare professionals, expand access to care and create lasting health benefits for communities across North Florida.”

Responding to the need

Preparing the healthcare workforce Florida will need for decades to come is central to FSU Health’s mission.

Since its founding in 2000, the FSU College of Medicine has focused on preparing physicians, physician assistants and other healthcare professionals to serve rural, medically underserved and aging populations.

“As someone who grew up in rural Gadsden County, I understand how important it is for families to have access to quality healthcare close to home,” said Alma Littles, M.D., dean of the FSU College of Medicine and president of the Florida Medical Association. “That mission has guided our college from the beginning. We’re preparing physicians and other healthcare professionals who understand the needs of these communities and are committed to serving them.”

That approach is producing results.

This year, all 120 FSU College of Medicine graduates who participated in the National Resident Matching Program matched into residency programs. Nearly half matched in Florida, while another 31% matched in neighboring Southeastern states, meaning nearly four out of five remained in the region.

Many entered specialties facing some of Florida’s greatest workforce needs, including the primary care specialties of family medicine, internal medicine and pediatrics.

Graduate medical education is another critical part of addressing Florida’s physician shortage. Because physicians are more likely to establish their practices near where they complete residency training, expanding residency opportunities can help Florida retain more doctors.

FSU’s Graduate Medical Education (GME) programs graduated a record 116 physicians this year, with 66% completing residencies or fellowships in primary care specialties. In 2026, the College of Medicine assumed sponsorship of nine additional GME programs in Tallahassee, Sarasota, Cape Coral, Pensacola and Jacksonville. The college now sponsors 32 programs training 516 physicians statewide, with more growth planned.

The university is applying the same long-term approach to nursing.

The College of Nursing recently expanded enrollment, admitting students three times each year and creating a year-round pipeline of graduates entering the workforce. More than 800 students are enrolled annually across the college’s undergraduate and graduate programs.

The college also is expanding its Bachelor of Science in Nursing program to FSU Panama City, supported by a $10 million gift from Bruce and Tracey Berkowitz and the Fairholme Foundation. The historic gift will strengthen Northwest Florida’s nursing workforce by providing scholarship support to students from Bay, Walton and Gulf counties who plan to practice in the region.

“Florida’s nursing shortage demands innovative solutions,” said Jing Wang, dean of the FSU College of Nursing. “By expanding enrollment, creating new educational pathwaysand strengthening partnerships across the state, we’re preparing more nurses to provide high-quality, patient-centered care where they’re needed most. Our undergraduateexpansion is just one element of our investment in the region; through pioneering efforts like our Smart Home Health Initiative, we are deepening our commitment to advancethe health, well-being and future of these communities.”

Preparing the healthcare workforce requires more than educating physicians and nurses. It also depends on professionals working across disciplines to meet patients’ physical, mental and behavioral health needs.

Across the university, FSU is preparing future physician assistants, psychologists, social workers, dietitians, exercise scientists, rehabilitation specialists, public health professionals, health informatics specialists and healthcare administrators. These disciplines help meet growing needs in primary care, behavioral health, rehabilitation, chronic disease prevention and community health.

“Today’s healthcare challenges require teams of professionals with different expertise working together to improve the health of Florida’s communities,” said Damon Andrew, dean of the Anne Spencer Daves College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences. “Across FSU, we’re preparing graduates who understand how nutrition, exercise, behavioral health, human development, education and other factors intersect to shape lifelong health and well-being. Whether in schools, clinics, or community settings, our graduates play essential roles in improving health and quality of life for individuals and families.”

Together, these programs reflect FSU Health’s team-based approach to healthcare, recognizing that improving health outcomes depends on professionals across disciplines working together to care for patients and communities.

FSU also is expanding its work directly in rural communities. The College of Medicine recently was awarded more than $19 million through the federal Rural Health Transformation Program to launch six projects addressing rural health challenges including workforce development, behavioral health, preventive care, food insecurity, telehealth and at-home care. Two projects will focus on Northwest Florida, a central hub for FSU Health, while four will serve Southwest Florida.

Building the future of FSU Health

Preparing the healthcare workforce of the future is supported by major investments in clinical partnerships, research and patient care.

The FSU Health Research and Collaboration Building under construction on the Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare campus will provide space for clinical research, laboratories and a family medicine residency clinic, creating new opportunities for education, patient care and scientific discovery.

FSU also is expanding its partnership with Tallahassee Memorial while continuing development of FSU Health Panama City Beach, where an outpatient medical office building is already serving patients and construction is underway on a new hospital.

“At the end of the day, success is about people,” Slaga said. “If more Floridians can receive the care they need closer to home because we educated the physicians, nurses and other healthcare professionals who chose to build their careers here, then we’ve accomplished what FSU Health was created to do.”



AUGUST 12, 2026 — Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) Director Sara Carter, and Housing and Urban Development Secretary Scott Turner today announced the Best Practices Toolkit: Addressing Homelessness and Addiction Through Treatment First [PDF, 2.14 MB]. This first-of-its kind resource provides communities with practical and proven strategies to help Americans transition from homelessness and addiction to recovery and self-sufficiency.

This toolkit advances a “Treatment First” model that prioritizes coordinated and accountability-driven engagement in evidence-based treatment and recovery support services to ensure access to effective, comprehensive, and evidence-based care necessary for homeless individuals.

“Treatment must come first. Recovery begins when we connect people with effective care, not leave them trapped in addiction and homelessness,” said HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. “This toolkit gives communities practical, evidence-based strategies to expand treatment, support lasting recovery, and help people reclaim their independence. Together with President Trump, Director Carter, and Secretary Turner, we are building a system that restores health, strengthens communities, and offers real hope.”

“Under President Trump’s leadership, we will not abandon those in treatment and recovery from drug addiction because every American is worth fighting for,” said ONDCP Director Carter. “This toolkit will present new, evidence-based solutions that offer hope and healing to Americans struggling with drug addiction and homelessness.”

“I have met men and women whose lives have been transformed by treatment and recovery,” said HUD Secretary Turner. “Housing is essential, but housing alone is not enough. This toolkit gives communities a practical playbook designed by experts across the country to put treatment first and help more homeless Americans achieve lasting recovery, stability, and independence.”

Data shows 75% of homeless Americans are addicted to drugs, while 78% suffer from mental illness. This toolkit was led experts nationwide who have first-hand experience and knowledge. It supports the Trump Administration’s commitment to making American cities safer, improving drug treatment and recovery through the Great American Recovery Initiative, and advancing treatment first approaches.

This announcement was made at the San Diego Rescue Mission, which has been providing meals, shelter, clothing, education and job-skills training for homeless men, women, and single parents with children since 1955.



The Emergency Nurses Association announced Muma Children’s Hospital as a Lantern Award recipient.

August 11, 2026 – Muma Children’s Hospital at Tampa General Hospital (TGH) received the 2026 Emergency Nurses Association (ENA) Lantern Award, a distinction recognizing emergency departments that demonstrate exceptional and innovative performance in leadership, practice, education, advocacy and research. The ENA Lantern Award serves as a symbol of an emergency center’s commitment to quality, safety, evidence-based practice, innovation and a healthy work environment. This marks the first time Muma Children’s Hospital has received the award, making it the only children’s hospital and academic medical center on Florida’s West Coast and one of only eight nationwide to earn the honor.

“This recognition reflects the extraordinary dedication of our emergency care team, whose commitment to evidence-based practice and compassionate care has directly improved outcomes for the children and families we serve,” said Sarah Frahn, vice president of Muma Children’s Hospital at TGH and the TGH Women’s Institute. “As a Lantern Award recipient, we know the work happening every day in our pediatric emergency department meets the highest standards in the nation.”

“Earning the ENA Lantern Award is a testament to the dedication, professionalism and teamwork our emergency nursing team brings forward every day,” said Nikki Hurley, senior director of nursing for Muma Children’s Hospital at TGH. “This award recognizes the meaningful difference for our patients, families, colleagues and organization. It also affirms that our emergency nursing team consistently leads with compassion, clinical excellence, innovation and resilience.”

Tampa General Hospital also holds verification as a Level I Trauma Center for both adults and pediatrics by the American College of Surgeons, making it one of only three hospitals in Florida with this dual designation. The pediatric emergency and trauma center operates within Muma Children’s Hospital, which provides a full spectrum of medical, surgical and rehabilitative services for infants, children and adolescents across more than 31 pediatric subspecialties.



Amox brings extensive healthcare leadership experience and is excited to continue advancing the care the hospital provides to the community.

August 10, 2026  — Mark Amox begins serving today as chief executive officer of HCA Florida Blake Hospital.

Amox joins Blake Hospital from HCA Florida North Florida Hospital, where he served as chief operating officer for the past two and a half years. During his tenure, he helped advance several major initiatives, including the launch of HCA Florida Healthcare’s first transplant and cell therapy program and served as facility lead for the construction and opening of HCA Florida Gainesville Hospital, which opened this summer.

“Mark is an accomplished healthcare leader whose operational expertise and focus on developing strong teams will help guide HCA Florida Blake Hospital into its next chapter,” said Trudy Moon, chair of the HCA Florida Blake Hospital’s board of trustees. “We are excited to welcome him to Bradenton and look forward to continuing the hospital’s positive momentum, including the national recognition our teams have recently earned for quality, safety and patient care.”

Before joining North Florida Hospital, Amox held senior leadership roles at hospitals and health systems across Arkansas, California, Nevada and Florida. As president and CEO of Unity Health in Searcy, Arkansas, he developed a Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and opened a new 29-bed acute care hospital in Jacksonville, Arkansas. He also served as hospital administrator for UF Health Shands Children’s Hospital, UF Health Shands Psychiatric Hospital and UF Health Shands Rehab Hospital in Gainesville.

“I am excited to join HCA Florida Blake Hospital and work alongside a team that places patients at the center of everything it does,” Amox said. “I look forward to partnering with our colleagues, physicians and the community to build on the hospital’s strong foundation and to continue responding to the evolving healthcare needs of Manatee County and the growing region.”

Amox earned a Master of Healthcare Administration and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Houston-Clear Lake and a Bachelor of Arts in music from Henderson State University. He is a fellow and board-certified healthcare executive with the American College of Healthcare Executives and holds board certification from the American College of Medical Practice Executives.