Author: cfelixcpa - Florida Hospital News and Healthcare Report

August 21, 2026– Jorge Bilbao, D.O., has joined Baptist Health Miami Neuroscience Institute as a physical medicine and rehabilitation physician whose clinical interests include musculoskeletal medicine, inpatient rehabilitation and electrodiagnostic medicine. He partners with patients to help them regain function, improve mobility and return to the activities they enjoy most through individualized rehabilitation plans tailored to their goals.

Dr. Bilbao is committed to supporting patients throughout every stage of their recovery. As a general physiatrist, he cares for patients in both inpatient and outpatient settings, allowing him to guide them through their rehabilitation journeys while building meaningful, long-term relationships. His clinical interests include acute inpatient rehabilitation, outpatient musculoskeletal care, ultrasound-guided musculoskeletal injections and electrodiagnostic studies. He is passionate about helping patients achieve their goals through individualized treatment plans that emphasize function, independence and overall well-being.

“Dr. Bilbao brings exceptional clinical training, a collaborative approach to care and a genuine commitment to helping patients achieve their highest level of function,” said Ronald Tolchin, D.O., chair of nonsurgical spine care and rehabilitation at Miami Neuroscience Institute. “His expertise in physical medicine and rehabilitation further strengthens our ability to provide comprehensive, patient-centered care for individuals recovering from injury, illness and neurologic conditions.”

Dr. Bilbao earned a Bachelor of Arts in biological sciences from the University of Chicago. He then received his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree from the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine at the University of North Texas Health Science Center in Fort Worth, Texas. He completed his residency training in physical medicine and rehabilitation at Memorial Healthcare System in Hollywood, Florida.

Throughout his training, he contributed to clinical research and scholarly publications and presented nationally on topics including traumatic peripheral neuropathy, spinal cord infarction and comprehensive rehabilitation for patients with pre-existing heart conditions.

In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Bilbao has demonstrated a commitment to education and service. He has taught medical Spanish to medical students and resident physicians, served as a mentor to premedical students and volunteered as a Spanish interpreter in community healthcare settings. His dedication to patient education and communication reflects his belief that successful rehabilitation depends on strong partnerships between physicians and patients.

“Physiatry enables me to cultivate meaningful relationships with highly motivated individuals, making it a profoundly rewarding medical specialty,” said Dr. Bilbao. “I firmly believe in the importance of continuity of care, and I look forward to supporting my patients throughout their rehabilitation journeys while helping them achieve their personal goals and return to the activities that matter most to them.”

Dr. Bilbao is fluent in English and Spanish. He will see patients at 15955 SW 96 St., Suite 406, Miami, 8950 North Kendall Dr., Suite 104W, Miami and 6201 Sunset Drive, Miami.

About Baptist Health
Baptist Health is the largest healthcare organization in the region, with 12 hospitals, more than 30,000 employees, 4,500 physicians and 200 outpatient centers, urgent care facilities and physician practices spanning across Miami-Dade, Monroe, Broward and Palm Beach counties. Baptist Health has internationally renowned institutes specializing in cancer care, brain and spine care, heart and vascular care and orthopedic care. In addition, it includes Baptist Health Medical Group; Baptist Health Quality Network; and The Baptist Health PineApp, a virtual health platform. Baptist Health South Florida is an academic and clinical affiliate of Florida International University Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine. A not-for-profit organization supported by philanthropy and committed to its faith-based charitable mission of medical excellence, Baptist Health has been recognized by Fortune as one of the 100 Best Companies to Work For in America and is the most awarded healthcare system in South Florida by U.S. News and World Report. For more information, visit BaptistHealth.net/Newsroom and connect with us on Facebook, X, Instagram, TikTok and LinkedIn.

August 20, 2026 – Board-certified family medicine physician Odaimy Cervantes, M.D., has joined Baptist Health Primary Care. Dr. Cervantes provides comprehensive primary care for patients and families, with clinical interests in preventive care, women’s health and pediatric medicine. She focuses on helping patients maintain their health through evidence-based preventive strategies, early detection of disease and lifestyle-focused interventions.

Prior to joining Baptist Health Medical Group, Dr. Cervantes completed her family medicine residency at the Florida International University-Baptist Health Family Medicine Residency, where she served as chief resident during her final year.

“We are pleased to welcome Dr. Cervantes to Baptist Health Primary Care. Her commitment to preventive care, patient education and building meaningful relationships with patients and families reflects our focus on providing comprehensive, compassionate care throughout every stage of life,” said Vedner Guerrier, vice president of operations, physician enterprise at Baptist Health.

Dr. Cervantes earned her medical degree from Florida International University Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine and completed her family medicine residency at the Florida International University-Baptist Health Family Medicine Residency. She is a member of the American Academy of Family Physicians and the Florida Academy of Family Physicians.

“My care philosophy is centered on partnership, education and prevention,” Dr. Cervantes said. “I believe in shared decision-making and take the time to ensure my patients understand their health conditions, treatment options and the reasoning behind my recommendations. I strive to empower patients to make informed decisions and take an active role in their long-term health and well-being.”

Dr. Cervantes will see patients at Baptist Health Primary Care | Family Medicine Center, 15955 SW 96th Street, Suite 200, Miami, FL 33196.

Gift Establishes the Baptist Health Innovations Collaborative Innovation Fund to Accelerate Early-Stage Solutions and Strategic Partnerships

August 19, 2026 – Baptist Health Foundation announced a $2 million gift from the Argosy Foundation to establish the Baptist Health Innovations Collaborative Innovation Fund, a new philanthropic initiative designed to accelerate promising healthcare innovations and expand strategic collaborations that improve patient care and community health. The gift builds upon the Argosy Foundation’s longstanding support of Baptist Health Innovations and its commitment to advancing practical, patient-centered solutions in healthcare.

The new fund will provide flexible seed funding to help move high-potential ideas from concept to validation and implementation, while also supporting collaboration with Florida International University, Florida Atlantic University and other leading academic institutions and mission-aligned organizations focused on healthcare technology, applied artificial intelligence and care delivery innovation.

“On behalf of Baptist Health Foundation, we are deeply grateful to the Argosy Foundation for this extraordinary investment in the future of healthcare,” said Alex Villoch, chief executive officer of Baptist Health Foundation. “Innovation is essential to advancing patient care, and this gift creates opportunities to accelerate promising ideas, foster meaningful collaborations and bring new solutions to patients and communities more quickly. The Argosy Foundation’s vision and generosity will have a lasting impact on healthcare innovation throughout South Florida and beyond.”

Since its founding, Baptist Health Innovations has focused on transforming ideas into impactful healthcare solutions by empowering physicians, clinicians and staff with the resources, expertise and partnerships necessary to innovate. The Collaborative Innovation Fund will further strengthen that mission by supporting initiatives that address real-world clinical challenges and emerging opportunities identified by physicians, caregivers and healthcare innovators across Baptist Health. It is designed to provide the nimble, early-stage funding often unavailable through traditional research grant mechanisms, helping innovative concepts advance toward measurable outcomes and real-world application.

“The Argosy Foundation’s partnership has been instrumental in helping Baptist Health Innovations grow into a catalyst for transformative healthcare solutions,” said Barry T. Katzen, M.D., chief medical innovation officer for Baptist Health. “This generous gift will enable us to accelerate the development of innovative ideas, support groundbreaking collaborations in areas such as artificial intelligence and digital health, and create a stronger pathway for turning promising concepts into solutions that improve patient outcomes and experiences.”

The Argosy Foundation is a private family foundation dedicated to improving the quality of life for individuals and communities through strategic philanthropy. Guided by a commitment to advancing opportunity and meaningful impact, the foundation supports initiatives in healthcare, education, conservation, human services and community development. Through thoughtful investments and collaborative partnerships, the Argosy Foundation helps organizations develop innovative solutions that strengthen communities and create lasting, measurable change.

About Baptist Health Foundation

The mission of Baptist Health Foundation is to inspire philanthropy and build extraordinary donor relationships in support of excellence, innovation, community wellness and global leadership in healthcare at Baptist Health South Florida. Through philanthropy, the Foundation supports and expands Baptist Health’s ability to provide outstanding patient care and bring the latest treatments to patients and families affected by a serious illness. Donor contributions also allow the Foundation to assist Baptist Health facilities in keeping pace with technology and equipment advances, perform cutting-edge research and offer continuing education opportunities to medical staff. Learn more at BaptistHealth.net/Foundation and connect with us on Facebook and Instagram.

About Baptist Health

Baptist Health South Florida is the largest healthcare organization in the region, with 12 hospitals, more than 29,000 employees, 4,500 physicians and 200 outpatient centers, urgent care facilities and physician practices spanning Miami-Dade, Monroe, Broward and Palm Beach counties. Baptist Health has internationally renowned institutes specializing in cancer care, brain and spine care, heart and vascular care and orthopedic care. In addition, it includes Baptist Health Medical Group; Baptist Health Quality Network; and the Baptist Health PineApp, a virtual health platform. Baptist Health South Florida is an academic and clinical affiliate of Florida International University. A not-for-profit organization supported by philanthropy and committed to its charitable mission of medical excellence, Baptist Health has been recognized by Fortune as one of the 100 Best Companies to Work For in America and is the most awarded healthcare system in South Florida by U.S. News & World Report. For more information, visit BaptistHealth.net/Newsroom and connect with us on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, TikTok and LinkedIn.

AUGUST 21, 2026 – Following a national search, HSS is pleased to announce the appointment of Pam Teufel as Chief People Officer (CPO) effective September 8. Pam brings to HSS three decades of healthcare human resources experience ranging from academic medical centers to community health systems to private equity-backed start-ups. A 2025 recipient of the HR Lifetime Achievement Award, she has enabled several organizations to achieve higher performing, more resilient cultures, and national recognition for HR excellence. Pam will report to HSS president and CEO Bryan T. Kelly, MD, MBA.

Pam comes to HSS from Main Line Health, where she has been Chief Human Resources Officer since 2021; she held that role previously at Saint Peter’s Healthcare System and at Thomas Jefferson University and Hospitals. At Jefferson, she was the first functional leader hired to combine human resources across the university, the hospitals, and the physician practice plan. At Main Line, she built the organization’s first comprehensive workforce strategic plan and helped that institution earn ‘Great Place To Work’ certification for five consecutive years.

HSS is excited to welcome Pam, who’s expertise and leadership will help further our commitment to being the best place for all professionals in our field to advance their career and drive the future of musculoskeletal care.

About HSS

HSS is the world’s leading academic medical center focused on musculoskeletal health. At its core is Hospital for Special Surgery, nationally ranked No. 1 in orthopedics (for the 17th consecutive year), No. 3 in rheumatology by U.S. News & World Report (2026-2027), and the best pediatric orthopedic hospital in NY, NJ and CT by U.S. News & World Report “Best Children’s Hospitals” list (2025-2026). HSS is the worlds most awarded hospital in orthopedics by Newsweek each year since the “World’s Best Specialized Hospitals” survey was introduced in 2020. Founded in 1863, the Hospital has the lowest readmission rate in the nation, and among the lowest infection and complication rates. HSS was the first in New York State to receive Magnet Recognition for Excellence in Nursing Service from the American Nurses Credentialing Center six consecutive times. An affiliate of Weill Cornell Medical College, HSS has a main campus in New York City and facilities in New Jersey, Connecticut and in the Long Island and Westchester County regions of New York State, as well as in Florida. In addition to patient care, HSS leads the field in research, innovation and education. The HSS Research Institute comprises 20 laboratories and 300 staff members focused on leading the advancement of musculoskeletal health through prevention of degeneration, tissue repair and tissue regeneration. In addition, more than 200 HSS clinical investigators are working to improve patient outcomes through better ways to prevent, diagnose, and treat orthopedic, rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases. The HSS Education Institute is a trusted leader in advancing musculoskeletal knowledge and research for physicians, nurses, allied health professionals, academic trainees, and consumers in more than 165 countries. The institution is collaborating with medical centers and other organizations to advance the quality and value of musculoskeletal care and to make world-class HSS care more widely accessible nationally and internationally. www.hss.edu.

August 21, 2026 – John, 11, was enjoying the summer break with his family and twin brother, Raymond, when he started to feel his stomach hurting and it would not go away. What initially seemed to be something minor like constipation turned into an emergency when his mother noticed his eyes were bright yellow while swimming with him in the backyard pool. The pain was so severe that John, who typically does not like to go to the doctors, asked his mom to take him immediately.

Living in Palm Beach County, John’s family rushed to the nearest ER where the medical team explained his liver was enlarged and would need further specialized care. At that point, John was rushed via LifeFlight ambulance to Nicklaus Children’s Hospital Miami.

Once admitted, Dr. Maria Lopez Gonzalez, Nicklaus Children’s pediatric gastroenterologist who specializes in advanced endoscopies, alongside the gastroenterology team, performed an Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). As the only pediatric children’s hospital in South Florida offering this procedure, Dr. Lopez Gonzalez and team were able to detect John not only had an enlarged liver but also gallstones causing an enlarged gall bladder. The yellowing in John’s eyes was caused by the gallstone traveling into the common bile duct, which blocked the normal flow of bile.

An ERCP diagnoses and treats issues in the bile ducts, gallbladder and pancreatic ducts. During the procedure, a doctor guides a thin and flexible endoscope through the mouth, down the esophagus, through the stomach and into the first part of the small intestine. The endoscope is then able to identify blockages, gallstones or narrowed ducts. In John’s case, a gallstone the size of a small button was found, and the team was able to remove it during the ERCP using a small instrument passed through the endoscope.

After being closely monitored following the procedure, John’s gallbladder remained enlarged. With a fear of compromising the liver if the inflammation persisted, the gastroenterology team along with John’s family decided to remove his gallbladder.

Pediatric Surgeon and Director of the Nicklaus Children’s Colorectal Center, Dr. Juan L Calisto, surgically removed John’s gallbladder using a minimally invasive technique in which a Laparoscope, a tiny camera is inserted, allowing the surgeon to see inside the abdomen on a monitor. The gallbladder is then carefully separated from the liver and bile ducts. Compared to traditional surgical techniques, the laparoscopic removal offered John less post-operative pain, smaller incisions and a faster recovery.

“John’s incident happened in what felt like an instant, one moment we were in an ER by our home and the next we were being rushed to Nicklaus Children’s,” says Christina, John’s mother. “While it was nerve-wracking to see the medical team act so urgently to find an answer to John’s case, it was also so telling how much the doctors, nurses and experts at the hospital cared for my son and his health.”

While his gallbladder stole a couple of his days in the summer sun, John is back to playing in the backyard pool with Raymond and his family. He is excited to start 5th grade this fall!