April 15th 2021- Delray Medical Center is the first hospital in South Florida to use the Synaptive’s Modus V™ 3D exoscope. This technology is a fully automated, robotic digital microscope combining advanced optics with 3D visualization, video processing and robotic automation allowing for a more precise excision of brain tumors.  The hospital is also the first hospital in South Florida to use the Modus V™ 3D for spinal surgery.  Utilizing voice-control surgeons can maintain focus at all times on the surgical field.

 
“This new technology is designed to offer improved procedural outcomes for patients, and give us the best opportunity to safely operate on the brain and spine,” said Dr. Lloyd Zucker, medical director of neurosurgery for Delray Medical Center.  “We look forward to bringing these benefits to our patients at Delray Medical Center.  The hospital is committed to bringing this and other groundbreaking technologies to South Florida.” 
 
Unlike traditional microscopes, Modus V allows all members of the operating room team to see the magnified surgical field in 3D, which is displayed on a screen.  At the same time the surgeon is viewing it in 3D.  The Modus V provides a larger depth of field and magnification than a conventional operating microscope.  
 
The video exoscope provides the clinician with auto-focus and voice-activated controls.  This allows control of the camera position and all other camera functions hands-free, so the surgeon can keep operating at all times with better visualization and navigation.
 
“This advanced technology gives us a new option to treat patients with brain tumors, that could also enable them to have a better long-term quality of life,” said Maggie Gill, chief executive officer for the Palm Beach Health Network and Delray Medical Center. “We are always striving to bring patients in Palm Beach County the most comprehensive neurological treatment options close to home, and in a safe environment.”
 
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About Delray Medical Center
For nearly 40 years, Delray Medical Center, part of the Palm Beach Health Network, is a 523-bed acute care hospital, has served the communities of South Palm Beach County. As both a community hospital and state-designated Level I Trauma Center located on a 42-acre medical plaza, Delray Medical Center has the ability to offer several specialized services including cardiac care, orthopedics, rehabilitation, neurosciences, emergency care and more. 
For the past 14 years, Delray Medical Center has been named one of America’s 50 Best Hospitals by Healthgrades®, a leading independent healthcare ratings organization. Delray Medical Center is a recipient of the Healthgrades 2020 Patient Safety Excellence Award, a designation recognizing superior performance of hospitals preventing the occurrence of serious, potentially avoidable complications for patients during hospital stays.  The hospital is also a Five-Star Recipient for Treatment of Heart Failure for 17 years in a row (2003-2019). 
Delray Medical Center is a state-designated Comprehensive Stroke Center by the DNV-GL and received Get With The Guidelines award for advanced therapy for Thrombectomy. In addition, the hospital earned the Get With the Guidelines – Heart Failure and Stroke Gold Plus Quality Achievement Awards from the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association in 2020. Delray Medical Center was also named by Healthgrades as a Five-Star Recipient for Treatment of Stroke for 12 years in a row (2008-2020).  Pinecrest Rehabilitation and Outpatient Hospital at Delray Medical Center is a CARF accredited rehabilitation unit, and the only state designated brain and spinal cord injury rehabilitation program in Palm Beach County by the state of Florida, Department of Health. 
Delray Medical Center is actively involved in community outreach, sponsoring several events, community lectures and fundraisers. The hospital is also a smoke-free campus. For more information or for a free physician referral, please call 1-800-897-9789 or visit the website at www.delraymedicalctr.com.
 


FAU Awarded $641,818 from the Ed and Ethel Moore Alzheimer’s Disease Research Program
 
April 15, 2021 – Four researchers from Florida Atlantic University’s Schmidt College of Medicine and Charles E. Schmidt College of Science have received grants totaling $641,818 from the Florida Department of Health’s Ed and Ethel Moore Alzheimer’s Disease Research Program. Award recipients also represent the FAU Brain Institute, which advances neuroscience research, promotes neuroscience education, facilitates translational research discoveries and enhances public awareness, and the FAU Institute for Human Health and Disease Intervention (I-HEALTH), created to advance health through pioneering research and practical applications.
 
“We are excited to receive these important grants from the Ed and Ethel Moore Alzheimer’s Disease Research Program,” said Janet Robishaw, Ph.D., senior associate dean for research and chair of the Department of Biomedical Science in the Schmidt College of Medicine. “Using collaborative and multi-disciplinary approaches, our researchers are striving to understand basic biological mechanisms and cultivate new strategies to combat Alzheimer’s disease in South Florida and beyond through patient-centered research and discovery.” 
 
The Ed and Ethel Moore Alzheimer’s Disease Research Program was established to fund research aimed at preventing or finding a cure for Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Objectives include improving the health of Floridians by researching better prevention, diagnoses, treatments and cures for AD, expanding the foundation of knowledge relating to prevention, diagnosis, treatment and cures, and stimulating economic activity in Florida in areas related to AD research. 
 
“About 580,000 people aged 65 and older are living with Alzheimer’s disease in Florida and that number is expected to soar to 720,000 by 2025. Alzheimer’s disease is the sixth leading cause of death in Florida and more than 527,000 family caregivers bear the burden of the disease in our state,” said Randy Blakely, Ph.D., executive director, FAU Brain Institute. “These grants from the Ed and Ethel Moore Alzheimer’s Disease Research Program will help to propel our researchers’ pioneering work.” 
 
More than 5 million Americans are living with AD and as many as 16 million will have the disease in 2050. The cost of caring for those with AD and other dementias totaled about $277 billion in 2018, increasing to $1.1 trillion (in today’s dollars) by mid-century. Nearly one in every three seniors who dies each year has AD or another dementia. 
 
“Our researchers have received these grants from the Ed and Ethel Moore Alzheimer’s Disease Research Program to advance scientific research and clinical care for one of the most complex diseases that impacts our aging patient population in Florida and elsewhere,” said Gregg Fields, Ph.D., executive director, FAU I-HEALTH. “As Alzheimer’s disease and other related dementias continue to rapidly rise, research is imperative to help us understand what causes the disease, help us develop effective treatments, improve patient care, and ultimately one day find a cure.”  
 
The FAU projects supported by the Ed and Ethel Moore Alzheimer’s Disease Research Program are: 
 
•“A Novel Therapeutic Strategy for Alzheimer’s Disease” (Qi Zhang, Ph.D., research assistant professor of biomedical science, FAU’s Schmidt College of Medicine, and a member of the FAU Brain Institute): To date, clinical trials for drugs for AD based on the amyloid hypothesis have been lackluster, leading to a renewed search for alternative theories and different pathogenic factors. Extensive genome-wide association studies of sporadic AD have consistently identified genetic risk factors associated with cholesterol (Chol) metabolism and cell membrane trafficking. More and more evidence has shown that neuronal Chol deficiency, rather than surfeit, is a causative factor for aging-associated brain disorders, including AD. For this project, Zhang will focus on rebalancing brain cholesterol, especially at nerve terminals, to reduce and even reverse neurodegeneration. By combining the power of induced human pluripotent stem cells (hiPSC) and novel mouse models, this preclinical project will provide new pathological insights as well as novel therapeutic strategies for AD.
 
•“Role of Hypoxia in Triggering Alzheimer’s Disease Pathogenesis: Sulindac as a Potential Therapeutic Intervention” (Howard Prentice, Ph.D., a professor of biomedical science, FAU’s Schmidt College of Medicine, and a member of the FAU Brain Institute and FAU I-HEALTH): Oxidative damage and mitochondrial dysfunction are key factors in neuronal hypoxic injury and in development of AD; however, there is no effective therapy that targets these mechanisms. Prentice previously demonstrated that the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) sulindac protects the myocardium against hypoxia/ischemia through the mechanisms of ischemic preconditioning, independent of its NSAID activity. For this project, Prentice and his team are investigating whether sulindac will protect against A-Beta aggregation and dysfunctional tau phosphorylation using an in vitro cell culture and an in vivo transgenic mouse model of AD. If successful, these studies will be the first to show the therapeutic potential of sulindac in slowing down the progression of AD. 
 
•“The Cellular Basis for Neurodegeneration in a Drosophila Model of Alzheimer’s” (Alex Keene, Ph.D., a professor of biological sciences, FAU’s Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, and a member of FAU I-HEALTH): Powerful genetics in the fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster, allow for manipulating gene function in defined neural circuits. This project will directly address the mechanisms of neurodegeneration and will use genomic approaches and behavioral screening to identify novel genetic regulators of neurodegeneration in AD models. Given the genetic conservation associated with aging and plasticity between fruit flies and mammalian systems, these findings have potential to identify conserved regulators of AD-mediated neurodegeneration that can be further investigated in mammalian models. 
 
•“Postdoctoral Research Fellowship in Neuropsychology and Brain Biomarkers of Abnormal Aging” (Idaly Velez-Uribe, Ph.D., FAU’s Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, and Monica Roselli, Ph.D., a professor and associate chair of psychology, FAU’s Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, and a member of the FAU Brain Institute and FAU I-HEALTH): There is a scarcity of trained researchers in clinical neuropsychology who can evaluate and diagnose Hispanics in a culturally sensitive manner, including cognitively normal individuals and those presenting early signs of neurodegenerative diseases. Furthermore, standard clinical research trainings do not emphasize the role of cultural factors, quality and level of education, and language experience (i.e., bilingualism) in assessments and interventions of the progression of abnormal aging. Moreover, ethnic minorities are underrepresented as professionals within the field of neuropsychology and as faculty in doctoral programs in psychology. This FAU project has been designed to target this disparity. Velez-Uribe’s investigative work will focus on the complex interplay between bilingualism, cultural factors, cognitive decline, and biological markers of dementia. 
 
 
 
About Florida Atlantic University: 
Florida Atlantic University, established in 1961, officially opened its doors in 1964 as the fifth public university in Florida. Today, the University serves more than 30,000 undergraduate and graduate students across six campuses located along the southeast Florida coast. In recent years, the University has doubled its research expenditures and outpaced its peers in student achievement rates. Through the coexistence of access and excellence, FAU embodies an innovative model where traditional achievement gaps vanish. FAU is designated a Hispanic-serving institution, ranked as a top public university by U.S. News & World Report and a High Research Activity institution by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. For more information, visit www.fau.edu. 
 
 


 Results from Abbott’s Rapid COVID-19 Molecular Test are ready in as little as 15 minutes
 
April 14 2021 – Fort Lauderdale area residents now have access to Rapid COVID-19 Molecular testing at our Holy Cross Urgent Care locations at 3481 N. University Drive in Coral Springs and 1115 S. Federal Highway in Fort Lauderdale. The Abbott Rapid COVID-19 Molecular Test not only delivers test results in minutes, the test is also accurate and convenient for the patient. This is a change from prior procedure because swabs collected at the Urgent Care Centers will no longer be sent to the main lab for PCR testing. Anyone that qualifies under CDC guidelines can have the same-day test. 
 
The Rapid COVID-19 Molecular Test from Abbott has been deemed both safe and effective. Test samples are processed with the same innovative technology used to diagnose patients with the flu and strep throat. 
 
Open 7 days a week, walk-ins are always welcome at Holy Cross Urgent Care’s two conveniently located centers at 3481 N. University Drive in Coral Springs and 1115 S. Federal Highway in Fort Lauderdale. 
 
In addition to Rapid COVID-19 testing, Holy Cross Urgent Care continues to deliver the highest level of care for non-life-threatening injuries and illnesses including:
•Ear and eye infection
•Minor cuts
•Sprains and strains
•Simple fractures
•Sore throat, fever, aches
•Minor skin infections
•Vomiting and diarrhea 
 
 
Holy Cross Urgent Care is committed to maintaining CDC-recommended COVID-19 protocols. Below is a list of some of the processes in place to keep patients safe at Holy Cross Urgent Care centers: 
• Virtual Care 
• Enhanced cleaning and disinfection 
• No-touch sign-in 
• Pre-visit temperature checks 
• Social distancing 
• Masking 
 
Holy Cross Urgent Care locations are open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. M-F, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sat. and Sun. from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. 
 
 
 
About Holy Cross Urgent Care 
Holy Cross Urgent Care centers are modern, state-of-the-art facilities providing walk-in care for minor illnesses and injuries seven days a week, including holidays. Licensed providers are available to perform procedures like splinting and suturing, in addition to being equipped with x-ray capabilities, laboratory services, and an electronic medical records (EMR) system. Occupational Health services are also available for the treatment of workplace injuries, DOT/Non-DOT Physicals, Blood Analysis, Return-to-Work Exams and Drug Testing. Holy Cross Urgent Care operates as a seamless extension of Holy Cross Health which is backed by the outstanding resources and reputation of Trinity Health. Holly Cross Urgent Care centers are accredited by the Urgent Care Association demonstrating the urgent care network’s commitment to providing the highest level of treatment available in an on-demand care setting. If you are experiencing a life-threatening medical emergency, dial 911 or go to the nearest hospital emergency room.
 


April 15, 2021 – Orthopedic surgeons and the medical staff at St. Lucie Medical Center are the first team on the Treasure Coast to offerthe ROSA® Knee System robotic technology to help perform total knee replacement surgery. ROSA Knee is a robotically-assisted surgical system that assists with complex decision-making and enables surgeons to use computer and software technology to control and move surgical instruments, allowing forgreater precision and flexibility during procedures.
 
The robotic technology was first used on a patient this week at St. Lucie Medical Center and the procedure highlights St. Lucie Medical Center’s commitment to invest in new technology to betterserve our community.
 
“For everyone involved – surgeons, medical staff and, most importantly, patients – ROSA Knee has the potential to offera numberof key benefits and advantages,” Orthopedic Surgeon Dr. Daniel Jones said. “Total knee replacement is one of the most commonly performed elective surgical procedures in the United States and this system will lead to an enhanced patient experience.”
 
For surgeon and patient interviews please contact Tiffany Woods, PR Director at  tiffany.woods2@hcahealthcare.com or 804-868-0415.
 
 
   
 
Pictured above: Dr. Jones and team performing surgical procedure with new robotic technology.
 
St. Lucie Medical Center is a facility of HCA East Florida. HCA East Florida is the largest healthcare system in Eastern Floridaand an affiliate of HCA Healthcare (HCA). HCA East Florida has 14 hospitals, multiple ambulatory surgery centers, urgent care centers, physician practices, imaging centers and free standing emergency care facilities, as well as a supply chain center and an integrated regional lab. Together, HCA East Florida employs more than 18,000 employees and has more than 6,600 physicians on staff. For more information, visit HCAEastFlorida.com.
 
HCA EAST FLORIDA
Aventura Hospital and Medical Center+ Highlands Regional Medical Center + JFK Medical Center+JFK Medical Center North Campus + Kendall Regional Medical Center+ Lawnwood Regional Medical Center + Mercy Hospital + Northwest Medical Center+ Palms West Hospital + Plantation General Hospital + Raulerson Hospital + St. Lucie Medical Center + University Hospital & Medical Center+ Westside Regional Medical Center
 
 
 
 


April 6, 2021  – NCH Healthcare System (NCH) announced that Dr. Robert J.Cubeddu has joined the organization as its new President of the NCH Heart Institute. This ispart of NCH’s strategy and commitment to transform its cardiovascular services into a premier destination center for South Florida and beyond.

Dr. Cubeddu is a world-renowned cardiologist who comes to NCH from Cleveland Clinic Florida where he led the organization since 2015 as Chairman of Cardiovascular Medicine and Regional Director of Structural Heart Disease. He brings to NCH a reputation of clinical excellence, exemplary leadership and outstanding patient quality outcomes.

Dr. Cubeddu received his medical education, and was valedictorian of his graduating class, at the Universidad Central de Venezuela. He completed his post-graduate training as honorary Chief Resident and Cardiovascular Fellow at Mount Sinai Medical Center in Miami. Subsequently, Dr. Cubeddu finalized his advanced training in Interventional Cardiology and Structural Heart Disease, becoming one of the first in the nation to pursue this subspecialty at the Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School.

Over his career he has effectively established a robust academic practice and international reputation by means of his unique minimally invasive transcatheter skills to treat a multitude of valvular, structural and congenital heart conditions, including: TAVR, Mitraclip, transcatheter mitral valve replacement, PVL closure, ASD, PDA and PFO closure, Watchman among others, providing patients a safe and attractive alternative to open heart surgery.

His academic attributes are best reflected by his involvement in numerous scientific publications including original manuscripts, abstracts and book chapters. Having been involved as Principal Investigator in a multitude of nationally recognized clinical trials and the early development of cutting-edge technology, Dr. Cubeddu plans to expand and endorse the important foundations of research, education and innovation to uniquely position NCH. Dr.Cubeddu continues to serve on the editorial board of major peer-review journals, and as expert field panelist in a multitude of international cardiovascular meetings.

“At the NCH Heart Institute, physicians and staff have worked hard to build a strong foundation,” said Paul Hiltz, President and CEO, NCH Healthcare System. “Last year, the NCH Heart Institute earned the distinguished three-star rating from The Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) for its patient care and outcomes in isolated coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) procedures, which places NCH among the elite programs for heart bypass surgery in the United States and Canada.”

NCH was also named one of America’s 100 best for cardiac care six years in a row by Healthgrades (2016-2021) as well as being ranked by U.S. News & World Report as eleventh in the state of Florida.

“We are excited and looking forward to having Dr. Cubeddu build upon our foundations and advancing our cardiac services,” said Paul Hiltz. “His patient experience scores are practically perfect, and his reputation and recruitment resources will unquestionably establish NCH for growth. Dr. Cubeddu will lead us to become a top destination for cardiac care in the nation.” Dr. Cubeddu will lead a team of nearly two dozen highly specialized cardiac providers currently at the NCH Heart Institute with future plans calling for more.

“Meaningful growth requires focusing on collaborative relationship and building the formation of a strong multidisciplinary heart team,” said Dr. Cubeddu. “I’m excited for the opportunity to lead a world-class cardiac institute with the goal of becoming the preferred destination for cardiac care in Florida and the U.S. The key to providing exceptional outcomes and patient experience begins with the trust and collaboration of our patients, their families, and an extraordinary clinical team committed to better health and wellness.”

Dr. Cubeddu will assume the role in June, 2021. To read more about Dr. Cubeddu’s impressive background, please visit: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/staff/20274-robert-cubeddu#locations.

About NCH Healthcare System
The NCH Healthcare System is a not-for-profit, multi-facility healthcare system located in Naples, Florida, and is a member of the Mayo Clinic Care Network. The System is more than just two hospitals (referred to as the NCH Baker Hospital and NCH North Naples Hospital) with a total of 713 beds. NCH is an alliance of 775 physicians and medical facilities in dozens of locations throughout Collier County and southwest Florida that offers nationally recognized, quality health care to our community. Our mission is to help everyone live a longer, happier, healthier life. For more information, visit www.NCHmd.org.