Erika Christensen and Dr. Thomasson

Oviedo Medical Center, part of HCA Florida Healthcare, is announcing a new procedure that can help certain patients with chronic knee pain avoid or delay total joint replacement.

August 12, 2026- Erika Christensen, an operating room nurse herself, is the hospital’s first recipient of an innovative medical device called the Medial Implantable Shock Absorber Knee System. Erika had lived with constant knee pain due to osteoarthritis and a torn meniscus, even after undergoing a partial meniscectomy and arthroscopic surgery. Erika’s remaining options were a total knee replacement, or this newer alternative – the surgical implantation of a small device that acts like a shock absorber to reduce pressure on the damaged knee.

“At Erika’s young age and in an occupation that keeps her on her feet, the limitations of a total joint replacement would have been challenging,” said Oviedo Medical Center orthopedic surgeon Dr. Benjamin Thomasson. “We are grateful that the medial implantable shock absorber was an option for her. It has allowed her to return to work and life without restrictions.”

During the procedure, the surgeon attaches the device to the femur (thigh bone) and tibia (shin bone). The device goes under the skin, but outside the knee joint capsule. Most patients go home the same day after the minimally invasive procedure, and return to full weight-bearing activities within two weeks on average.

Erika returned to work about a week after the procedure. Now about two months into recovery, she’s encouraged by how far she has come.

“The care at Oviedo Medical Center was top notch,” Erika said. “I can now walk upright. I’m happy with my progression. I’m strengthening, and I feel optimistic.”

Dr. Thomasson noted the procedure allows for the implant to be removed in the future if a total knee replacement is eventually recommended.

“But for now,” Dr. Thomasson added, “Erika can be as active as she wants.”

HCA Florida Healthcare’s orthopedic specialists are committed to delivering comprehensive care for all types of conditions, from sprains and pulled muscles to chronic joint pain and complex spinal injuries. For more information on orthopedic services near you, please visit HCAFloridaHealthcare.com.

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About Oviedo Medical Center

Oviedo Medical Center, a part of HCA Florida Healthcare, is a state-of-the-art 96-bed acute care hospital that provides a full range of healthcare services to east Seminole County and surrounding communities. Services include medical and surgical inpatient units, robotic surgery, intensive care, medical cardiology, telemetry, cardiac catheterization, inpatient and outpatient surgery, women’s services including labor and delivery, cardiopulmonary services, comprehensive diagnostic imaging and 24/7 emergency care. Oviedo Medical Center is designed with the patient in mind with personalized care, all private rooms and the newest medical technology available. Oviedo Medical Center is located at the intersection of Red Bug Lake Road and State Road 426, adjacent to State Road 417 (Central Florida GreeneWay). Oviedo Medical Center offers three 24/7/365 freestanding emergency rooms in Central Florida: HCA Florida Baldwin Park Emergency, HCA Florida Alafaya Emergency and HCA Florida Maitland Emergency.

About HCA Florida Healthcare

HCA Florida Healthcare, a part of HCA Healthcare, is one of Florida’s leading healthcare networks. Its 11,200 physicians and 80,000 colleagues work together to deliver evidence-based, collaborative care through nearly 12.8 million patient encounters annually. With more than 670 connected care sites—including hospitals, physician practices, urgent care centers and freestanding emergency rooms—across the state, HCA Florida Healthcare helps expand access to the specialized care patients need. HCA Florida Healthcare hospitals are annually recognized for excellence in patient experience and clinical outcomes, including three facilities ranked in the top 2% nationally for overall clinical excellence. A leader in healthcare education, HCA Florida Healthcare supports the next generation of healthcare workers through its 153 graduate medical education programs across 29 hospitals. In 2025, the network provided more than $1.1 billion in uncompensated care and contributed more than $3.5 million to community organizations across the state. Visit HCAFloridaHealthcare.com.



With a focus on operational excellence and community impact, Thomas J. Gough will help shape the future of Northeast Florida’s most preferred health system.

 

August 12, 2026 – Following a national search, Baptist Health has named Thomas J. Gough as executive vice president and chief operating officer (COO), effective September 14, 2026.  

 

As COO, Gough will serve as a key member of Baptist Health’s executive leadership team, overseeing operations across the health system. Working closely with the President and CEO Matthew A. Zuino, MSIS, FACHE, and other members of the executive leadership team, Gough will guide efforts to advance operational excellence, strengthen quality and patient safety, enhance patient experience and support sustainable growth. He will also help align clinical and operational priorities, expand access to integrated care and ensure Baptist Health continues to meet the evolving needs of the communities it serves. 

 

“Baptist Health is entering a new chapter of growth and innovation and Gough brings the leadership experience needed to help us build for the future,” said Zuino. “By aligning strategy, operational excellence and patient-centered care, he will play a critical role in expanding Baptist Health’s impact on the communities we serve.” 

 

Gough succeeds Zuino in the role following Zuino’s transition from EVP and COO to President and CEO earlier this year.

 

Gough brings nearly four decades of executive leadership experience and spent the last decade at a nationally recognized health system in North Carolina. As EVP and COO at WakeMed Health and Hospital System in Raleigh, he led the health system through a period of significant growth and transformation. During his tenure, the organization expanded access to cancer care, opened new care locations, improved patient safety and quality outcomes, and advanced innovative approaches that enhanced both patient experience and operational performance. His leadership also contributed to national recognition for clinical excellence, workplace culture, diversity and maternity care, while supporting the system’s commitment to expanding access and serving vulnerable communities.

 

Prior to his tenure at WakeMed, Gough held senior leadership roles in operations and performance excellence with Care New England, Memorial Hospital of Rhode Island and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care. He earned his Master of Science in Healthcare Administration from the University of Minnesota and his Bachelor of Science in Health Planning and Administration from Pennsylvania State University. 

 

“Baptist Health has an outstanding reputation for clinical excellence and a deep commitment to the communities it serves,” said Gough. “What impressed me most was the incredible team who brings the mission to life every day. I’m honored to join an organization with such a strong legacy in serving Northeast Florida. I look forward to working alongside Matt, the leadership team and team members across the system as we build on that foundation and help shape an even stronger future for the patients and communities who count on Baptist Health.” 

 

Gough has served on several health system, foundation and community boards focused on advancing health care quality, innovation and community well-being, including the North Carolina Healthcare Association Board of Trustees and the national Board Advisory Council for Premier, a technology-driven health care improvement company with more than 4,250 member hospitals. A former Academic All-American in Track and Field at Pennsylvania State University, he has remained active in athletics and youth mentorship throughout his career.

 

 

About Baptist Health

Based in Jacksonville, Florida, Baptist Health is a community-based health system focused on making health care easier to access while working to improve health and well-being. As the area’s only locally governed, faith-based, not-for-profit health system, Baptist Health delivers a full spectrum of preventive and specialty care through its 200+ ambulatory locations, six acute care hospitals, home health and virtual care offerings. Through its comprehensive approach to whole-person health for children and adults, Baptist Health provides the area’s largest network of primary care, urgent care and behavioral health care, as well as many specialty services and several wellness centers. Destination centers of excellence include Baptist MD Anderson Cancer Center, Baptist Heart Hospital, Baptist Neurological Institute, and Wolfson Children’s Hospital, the only full-service children’s hospital serving the region. To help people get the care they need when and where they need it, the health system leverages digital technology to enhance the delivery of its high-quality, seamless, patient-centered care. Baptist Health is vital to the community, caring for more patients in Northeast Florida than any other provider. The health system has been consistently ranked as “most preferred” for more than 30 years and has been named one of “America’s Greatest Workplaces in Health Care” by Newsweek magazine. To learn more, visit BaptistJax.com.



Aug. 12, 2026 – Lee Health Foundation has welcomed Caroline Vives-Vietri as associate director of development, bringing a strong background in donor engagement, alumni relations, volunteer management and nonprofit leadership.

In her role, Vives-Vietri will identify, cultivate and steward major donors while advancing philanthropic support for Lee Health’s strategic priorities. She will manage relationships with donors and prospects, collaborate with Foundation leadership and community partners, and help drive fundraising efforts that support exceptional healthcare throughout Southwest Florida.

Caroline joins Lee Health Foundation from the Florida Gulf Coast University Alumni Association. In addition to her fundraising and relationship-building experience, she has a longstanding record of community involvement throughout Southwest Florida. She currently serves as a board member for Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast.

Vives-Vietri earned a Doctor of Education in Applied Learning Sciences and Behavior from the University of Miami, a Master of Science in Nonprofit Management and Public Administration from the University of Central Florida, and a Bachelor of Arts in Communication from Florida Gulf Coast University. She is also a Certified Nonprofit Professional and holds a graduate certificate in fundraising.

For more information about Lee Health Foundation and opportunities to support innovative healthcare programs and services, visit LeeHealthFoundation.org.

About Lee Health Foundation

Lee Health Foundation raises philanthropic support on behalf of community-focused nonprofit Lee Health to establish, expand, and enhance lifesaving and preventive programs in Southwest Florida. Contributions to the Foundation benefit all five Lee Health hospitals and specialty services. In the past year, the Foundation provided $34+ million in funding to enhance patient care throughout the region. Please visit LeeHealthFoundation.org for more information about the role of Lee Health philanthropy in Southwest Florida.



Miami, FL – August 11, 2026 –  Health Choice Network (HCN) has been recognized with the 2026 KLAS Arch Collaborative Pinnacle Award for Physician EHR Experience, becoming the first Health Center Controlled Network (HCCN) in the nation to receive this prestigious distinction.

Presented by the KLAS Arch Collaborative, the Pinnacle Award recognizes organizations that have achieved the highest levels of physician satisfaction with their electronic health record (EHR) experience, as measured directly through physician feedback. The award honors organizations that have demonstrated a sustained commitment to improving the clinician experience through thoughtful technology design, workflow optimization, and continuous collaboration.

For HCN, the recognition represents more than an organizational achievement, it reflects years of partnership with its health centers, whose physicians, clinical leaders, executive teams, and staff have worked alongside HCN to create an EHR experience centered on supporting clinicians and improving patient care.

“While the award bears HCN’s name, this achievement belongs to every health center across our network,” said Alex Romillo, President & CEO of Health Choice Network. “Over the past six years, we have been on an incredible journey together. We have challenged one another, learned together, celebrated successes, worked through obstacles, and never lost sight of our shared mission: making technology work better for clinicians so they can provide the very best care to their patients.”

The award also recognizes the physicians whose feedback helped shape the experience. Through ongoing participation in the KLAS Arch Collaborative EHR Experience Survey, clinicians across the network have provided valuable insights that have guided meaningful improvements to workflows, usability, and technology performance.

HCN also recognizes the extraordinary contributions of the teams whose expertise made this achievement possible. Clinical leadership ensured every enhancement remained focused on the needs of providers and patients. Application specialists, solution architects, and Epic subject matter experts continually optimized workflows and user experience. Infrastructure, cybersecurity, data, and technology operations teams delivered the secure, reliable, and high-performing environment that clinicians depend on every day. Together, these efforts created the foundation for an exceptional physician EHR experience.

As HCN celebrates this historic achievement, the organization remains focused on continuous improvement. The next KLAS Arch Collaborative EHR Experience Survey will be conducted September 7 through October 2, 2026, providing physicians and clinicians across the network another opportunity to share their experiences and help shape the future of the EHR experience.

About Health Choice Network

Health Choice Network, Inc. (HCN) is the first funded health center-controlled network, a successful nationwide collaboration among health centers, health center-controlled networks and partners. By providing key business services in financial, managed care, and billing support, strategic initiatives, and the latest in health information technology, participants can improve patient outcomes through increased efficiencies and more accessible care in underserved communities. Operating in eighteen states and Puerto Rico, HCN is recognized as a leader in the integration of health information technology among health centers and safety net providers.



August 11, 2026- Broward Health has earned national recognition from the American Heart Association for delivering high quality, evidence-based stroke care, with all four of its hospitals receiving the 2026 Get With The Guidelines® Stroke Gold Plus Award.

The honor recognizes Broward Health Medical Center, Broward Health North, Broward Health Coral Springs and Broward Health Imperial Point for consistently maintaining the highest standard of stroke care, following the latest research-driven treatment guidelines to improve outcomes for stroke patients and providing rapid treatment when every minute matters.

“This national recognition is a credit to our neurology teams and every caregiver who supports this lifesaving work,” said Barry Gallison, vice president of Clinical Quality and Risk Management Services. “When someone experiences a stroke, every second counts. We’re proud that each Broward Health hospital is prepared to respond with the rapid treatment needed to save lives, reduce disability and support recovery.”

In addition to earning the Gold Plus Award, Broward Health hospitals received several specialized recognitions for excellence in stroke programs:

  • Broward Health Imperial Point earned the Target: Stroke Honor Roll Elite designation for achieving rapid treatment times with clot dissolving therapy for eligible stroke patients.
  • Broward Health Medical Center, Broward Health North and Broward Health Coral Springs each received the Target: Stroke Honor Roll Elite Plus designation for even faster treatment times, as well as the Target: Stroke Advanced Therapy recognition for rapidly providing advanced clot removal procedures for patients experiencing severe strokes.
  • All four Broward Health hospitals also earned the Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll, recognizing their commitment to delivering high quality stroke care for patients with Type 2 diabetes, who often face additional health risks.

Collectively, these recognitions underscore Broward Health’s commitment to ensuring patients have timely access to advanced care at all Broward Health hospitals during one of the most time-sensitive medical emergencies.

According to the 2026 Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics Update released by the American Heart Association, stroke remains one of the leading causes of death in the U.S.

 About Broward Health                                                                                                         

Broward Health, founded in 1938 and headquartered in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, ranks among the 10 largest public healthcare systems in the United States. Nationally recognized for its focus on high-quality care for the residents of Broward County and beyond, Broward Health boasts four hospitals, two trauma centers, was the county’s first statutory teaching hospital and has an ever-growing graduate medical education program. It includes more than 50 health centers and physician practices covering virtually every healthcare specialty.

Broward Health never stops working toward its mission of Exceptional Care, Extraordinary Compassion and Everyday Excellence. Driven by more than 11,000 talented employees and physicians who deliver care to all patients, regardless of their ability to pay, Broward Health is one of the largest employers in Broward County with an operating budget of over $2 billion and annually provides over $554 million in charity and uncompensated care.

For more information about Broward Health, visit BrowardHealth.org.