October 7, 2021 – HCA East Florida is proud to announce that Natalie Ransom has assumed the position of Division Chief Nursing Executive. In her new role, Ransom will lead nursing strategy and advance the practice of nursing across HCA East Florida’s 15 hospital campuses, 7 free-standing emergency rooms and 12 ambulatory surgery centers.

Ransom has been with HCA Healthcare for 24 years where she has held a variety of leadership roles. Most recently, Ransom served as the Chief Nursing Officer for North Florida Regional Medical Center, a 523-bed full-service hospital in Gainesville, FL, where she oversaw nursing operations for more than 1,000 registered nurses. Ransom is an accomplished leader and mentor, having demonstrated both clinical and operational excellence.

“Natalie is bringing a wealth of expertise to HCA East Florida and will play an integral role in advancing our commitment to safety and healthcare excellence,” said Charles Gressle, president of HCA East Florida. “Natalie will partner with our best-in-class nursing colleagues to deliver exceptional patient experiences and move our strategic priorities forward.”

Under Ransom’s leadership, North Florida Regional Medical Center improved its overall patient experience to the number one ranked large HCA facility in Florida. She impressively led her team’s response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and is responsible for top improvements in Physician Engagement in Nursing Care in 2020. She also kept employee engagement high during an historically important time in healthcare. 

“It is a privilege to join the HCA East Florida team, I look forward to creating healthier tomorrows for our patients and their families across the region,” said Ransom. “Ensuring that our nurses have the support and resources they need to deliver the best possible care is my top priority.”

Prior to North Florida Regional Medical Center, Ransom held roles as Chief Nursing Officer and Associate Chief Nursing Officer at MountainView Hospital, Chief Nursing Officer at Southern Hills Hospital in Las Vegas, Nevada, and the Director of Medical and Surgical Services at North Florida Regional Medical Center in Gainesville, Florida.

Ransom is a 2011 HCA Healthcare Frist Award winner for her humanitarian work.  She is an active member of the American College of Healthcare Executives and the American Organization for Nursing Leadership

Ransom earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Valdosta State University in Valdosta, Georgia, a Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Phoenix in Phoenix, Arizona, and a Doctor of Nursing Practice from Capella University in Minneapolis, Minnesota.  She is also Certified in Executive Nursing (CENP) and Nurse Executive, Advanced (NEA-BC).

About HCA Healthcare East Florida Division

HCA East Florida is the largest healthcare system in Eastern Florida and an affiliate of HCA Healthcare. HCA East Florida offers multiple ambulatory surgery centers, physician practices, urgent care 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 18,800 employees and has more than 6,900 physicians on staff. For more information, visit HCAEastFlorida.com.



Michaela Gack, Ph.D., secures $5.6 million grant to support research to identify broad-spectrum antiviral drug targets

Oct. 6, 2021 – Michaela Gack, Ph.D., scientific director of Cleveland Clinic’s Florida Research and Innovation Center, has received a National Institutes of Health (NIH) Director’s Pioneer Award to support her research toward the development of broad-spectrum antiviral drugs.

The prestigious grant is part of NIH’s High-Risk, High-Reward Research Program, which funds highly innovative research with the potential for broad impact, and will provide $5.6 million over five years. This year, only 10 awardees were selected for the Pioneer Award from a national pool of applicants. Dr. Gack is the first recipient from Cleveland Clinic.

The Pioneer Award, established in 2004, challenges investigators from across all disciplines to pursue new research directions and develop groundbreaking, high-impact approaches to a broad area of biomedical, behavioral or social science.

“I am humbled to receive this award and to be part of such an esteemed group of recipients,” said Dr. Gack. “To be considered for the High-Risk, High-Reward Research Program, you need an innovative and promising idea. I am excited that NIH sees merit in our approach, particularly since our research has implications for developing broad-spectrum antivirals. This support will greatly accelerate discovery and help with this pandemic and future viral threats.”

Until now, Dr. Gack’s research has focused on how the relationship between viruses and the human immune system impacts viral infection and disease. Her work has also centered on how modifying enzymes involved in antiviral gene expression may affect the ability of human cells to detect viruses.

With this new award (grant #DP1-AI169444-01), Dr. Gack and her team will study multiple viruses, including SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19), dengue, Zika, West Nile and influenza. They will investigate whether targeting specific human enzymes which are essential for virus replication might be an effective approach to combat viral infections.

According to Dr. Gack, this treatment approach may have several benefits over the traditional antiviral approach, which targets the virus directly. “We believe that multiple related viruses often utilize or interact with the same enzymes, so developing a single antiviral that targets those shared enzymes could be truly broad spectrum,” she said. “Additionally, every time a virus is directly targeted, it has the potential to mutate. Developing an antiviral drug that targets human enzymes may help prevent this.”

“We are extremely proud that Dr. Gack has been given this award in recognition of her innovative approach to studying and developing solutions to combat the viral outbreaks that have devastated our communities worldwide,” said Conor Delaney, M.D., Ph.D., CEO and President of Cleveland Clinic’s Florida Region. “This award will further Cleveland Clinic’s efforts to bring new therapies from the laboratory to the bedside and impact the health of our nation and our world.”

Dr. Gack will collaborate with researchers from across the Cleveland Clinic enterprise, including those at its main campus in Cleveland. She will work closely with other researchers from Cleveland Clinic’s Global Center for Pathogen Research & Human Health, part of the Cleveland Innovation District, which is focused on broadening understanding of viral pathogens and the immune response to prepare and protect against COVID-19 and future public health threats. 

“It is a remarkable honor for Dr. Gack to be selected for the NIH Director’s Pioneer Award, which recognizes her work as a pioneering scientist who is finding solutions for our patients,” said Serpil Erzurum, M.D., Cleveland Clinic Chief Research & Academic Officer. “Her innovative research embodies the spirit of Cleveland Clinic and stands to have important benefits for this pandemic and future viral threats.”

Funding for the awards comes from the NIH Common Fund, National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS), National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), and the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS).

“The science put forward by this cohort is exceptionally novel and creative and is sure to push at the boundaries of what is known,” said NIH Director Francis S. Collins, M.D., Ph.D. “These visionary investigators come from a wide breadth of career stages and show that groundbreaking science can happen at any career level given the right opportunity.”

About Cleveland Clinic

Cleveland Clinic – now in its centennial year – is a nonprofit multispecialty academic medical center that integrates clinical and hospital care with research and education. Located in Cleveland, Ohio, it was founded in 1921 by four renowned physicians with a vision of providing outstanding patient care based upon the principles of cooperation, compassion and innovation. Cleveland Clinic has pioneered many medical breakthroughs, including coronary artery bypass surgery and the first face transplant in the United States. U.S. News & World Report consistently names Cleveland Clinic as one of the nation’s best hospitals in its annual “America’s Best Hospitals” survey. Among Cleveland Clinic’s 70,800 employees worldwide are more than 4,660 salaried physicians and researchers, and 18,500 registered nurses and advanced practice providers, representing 140 medical specialties and subspecialties. Cleveland Clinic is a 6,500-bed health system that includes a 173-acre main campus near downtown Cleveland, 19 hospitals, more than 220 outpatient facilities, and locations in southeast Florida; Las Vegas, Nevada; Toronto, Canada; Abu Dhabi, UAE; and London, England. In 2020, there were 8.7 million total outpatient visits, 273,000 hospital admissions and observations, and 217,000 surgical cases throughout Cleveland Clinic’s health system. Patients came for treatment from every state and 185 countries. Visit us at clevelandclinic.org. Follow us at twitter.com/ClevelandClinic. News and resources available at newsroom.clevelandclinic.org.



October 5, 2021 – Family and friends of Lenny Schelin, Jr. recently presented Cleveland Clinic Martin Health with a gift in the amount of $50,000. The funds will continue to help support research into glioblastoma, an aggressive form of malignant brain tumor. 

Schelin Jr. passed away in 2018 at the age of 33 from glioblastoma. An avid fisherman, The Lenny Schelin Jr. Memorial Tournament helps keep his legacy alive. 

“Lenny always wanted to be remembered and I can’t think of a better way than to provide relief and hope for the ones that are afflicted with this horrible disease,” said his mother, Debbie Johnston. 

Following a check presentation at Cleveland Clinic Tradition Hospital, neurosurgeon Oszkar Szentirmai, MD, provided an update on the glioblastoma research taking place,, including new cellular research. 

“This is a big stride in treatment and finding opportunities to lengthen the life of so many,” Johnston said. “Hopefully this will lead to a cure. We couldn’t be more happy that this is part of Lenny’s legacy.” 

Dr. Szentirmai is grateful for the trust they have placed in the research at Cleveland Clinic Martin Health. “Without their support, we could not have made the progress we have in learning more about this disease.” 

The Lenny Schelin Jr. Memorial Tournament is an annual fundraising effort in its second year. Martin Health Executive Director of Philanthropy Delesa Morris is thankful for their continued support. 

“This event is helping to provide hope for the future by funding research into this deadly disease,” she said. 

About Cleveland Clinic Florida Region 

The Cleveland Clinic Florida region is a nonprofit, multi-specialty healthcare provider that integrates clinical and hospital care with research and education. The Florida region now includes Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital, Cleveland Clinic Martin Health, and Cleveland Clinic Weston Hospital, with five hospitals and numerous outpatient centers in Broward, Palm Beach, Martin and St. Lucie Counties. The Florida region is an integral part of Cleveland Clinic in Ohio, where providing outstanding patient care is based upon the principles of cooperation, compassion and innovation. Physicians at Cleveland Clinic are experts in the treatment of complex conditions that are difficult to diagnose. For more information about Cleveland Clinic Florida, visit www.clevelandclinicflorida.org. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook. 

About Cleveland Clinic Martin Health
Cleveland Clinic Martin Health is part of the Cleveland Clinic Florida region. It features three hospitals with 521 total beds, a free-standing emergency center, and numerous outpatient centers and clinics across Martin and St. Lucie counties on Florida’s east coast. Cleveland Clinic Martin Health offers preventive, primary and acute hospital care, as well as cancer care, a heart center, wellness and rehabilitation services, and much more. Learn more at clevelandclinic.org/martinhealth. 



September 27, 2021 – Timothy O’Connor, M.D., joins Marcus Neuroscience Institute, part of Baptist Health, as the director of minimally invasive surgery and robotic spine surgery. Dr. O’Connor specializes in minimally invasive, robotic and complex deformity surgery.

“I’m delighted to welcome Dr. O’Connor to Marcus Neuroscience Institute,” said Frank Vrionis, M.D., Institute director at Marcus Neuroscience Institute. “His extensive training and experience in the latest innovations in minimally invasive spine surgery will be an asset to our team and patients.”

Founded at Boca Raton Regional Hospital, Marcus Neuroscience Institute has expanded its services to Bethesda Hospital East and Bethesda Hospital West.

“Marcus Neuroscience Institute has always set the standard for innovative neurologic and neurosurgical care locally and regionally,” said Nelson Lazo, chief executive officer at Bethesda Hospital East and Bethesda Hospital West. “By expanding its comprehensive services to Bethesda Hospital East and West, we are widening its footprint and impact on the community to make the most cutting-edge technology and renowned team of experts even more accessible.”

Dr. O’Connor joins Marcus Neuroscience Institute from the University at Buffalo, where he completed a CAST-accredited complex spine surgery fellowship.

While completing his complex spine fellowship, he was awarded the AO Discovery and Innovation Young Investigator grant by the AO Spine Foundation for his biomechanical research in junctional tethers. He was invited to join the AO Knowledge Forum, a leading group of surgeons around the world to collaborate on solving some of the greatest challenges in modern spine surgery.

Dr. O’Connor has written peer-reviewed technical manuscripts on robotic spine systems and minimally invasive approaches. He has been invited to present at multiple national and international conferences, including the Global Spine Congress, the International Spinal Deformity Symposium and the Congress of Neurological Surgeons.

He received his medical degree from the University of Florida, where he graduated with honors in research and academic excellence. During medical school, he was invited to join the University of Florida Medical School admissions committee and was elected into the Alpha Omega Alpha honor society. He received the resident of the year award and the highest neurosurgery board score award at University at Buffalo Neurosurgery during residency.

He will see patients at two convenient locations in the Boca Raton and Boynton Beach communities: 2800 S. Seacrest Blvd., Suite 160 in Boynton Beach (across from Baptist Health’s Bethesda Hospital East) and 800 Meadows Road in Boca Raton.

About Marcus Neuroscience Institute
Marcus Neuroscience Institute, a part of Baptist Health South Florida, is an innovative nexus for neurologic and neurosurgical care. From non-surgical treatments and minimally invasive procedures to complex brain and spine surgery, the Institute embraces a multidisciplinary approach to patient care. Marcus Neuroscience Institute’s highly skilled staff is comprised of neurosurgeons, neurologists, pain management physicians and neuro-oncologists. With locations in Boca Raton, Boynton Beach and Deerfield Beach, Marcus Neuroscience Institute is making breakthrough neurological care more accessible for patients seeking comprehensive treatment for conditions affecting the brain, spine and peripheral nervous system.

The heart of the Institute is located at Boca Raton Regional Hospital. The 57,000-square-foot facility houses a 20-bed Neuro Intensive Care and Step-Down Unit, four dedicated operating rooms — including one equipped with intraoperative MRI and two with intraoperative CT capability — and a biplane angiography suite, a crucial component in the diagnosis and care of neurological conditions.

Marcus Neuroscience Institute is training the next generation of neurologists and neuroscientists in conjunction with Florida Atlantic University’s Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine and its residency program. The Institute earned the Gold Seal of Approval® for Spinal Surgery Certification from The Joint Commission, which reflects commitment to the highest standards of excellence and safety in patient care, and the Institute is a DNV Certified Comprehensive Stroke Center, which is the nation’s highest level of stroke accreditation.

About Boca Raton Regional HospitalBoca Raton Regional Hospital is part of Baptist Health South Florida, the largest healthcare organization in the region, with 11 hospitals, nearly 23,000 employees, more than 4,000 physicians and more than 100 outpatient centers, urgent care facilities and physician practices spanning across Miami-Dade, Monroe, Broward and Palm Beach counties. Baptist Health has internationally renowned centers of excellence in cancer, cardiovascular care, orthopedics and sports medicine, and neurosciences. In addition, it includes Baptist Health Medical Group; Baptist Health Quality Network; and Baptist Health Care On Demand, a virtual health platform. Baptist Health has been recognized by Fortune as one of the 100 Best Companies to Work For in America and by Ethisphere as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies.

Boca Raton Regional Hospital is supported by philanthropy to strengthen its mission to deliver the highest quality patient care, satisfaction and safety. If you would like to learn more about supporting the mission of Boca Raton Regional Hospital, visit our website at donate.brrh.com.

For more information, visit BRRH.com and connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn.



September 27, 2021 – Matthew Goldman, MD, is now a practicing family medicine physician at Cleveland Clinic Florida Coral Springs.

Dr. Goldman is a board-certified family physician, who has been with Cleveland Clinic in Ohio since 2017. Dr. Goldman has a history of building rapport with his patients and assuring their long-term care.

“As we are expanding our world class care to Coral Springs, Parkland and surrounding communities, we are excited for Dr. Goldman to join this growing team as the first family medicine physician at our Coral Springs location,” said Rodolfo J. Blandon, MD, MBA, President of Cleveland Clinic Florida’s Weston Hospital. “We are committed to bringing talented physicians to keep our communities healthy.”

Prior to joining Cleveland Clinic in Florida, Dr. Goldman was a family medicine physician at Cleveland Clinic Medicine Institute in Cleveland, Ohio. Additionally, he is a Clinical Affiliate Assistant Professor at Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine in Florida, as well as an Assistant Professor at the Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine in Ohio.

Dr. Goldman earned his medical degree at Ross University School of Medicine in Miramar. He completed his residency in family medicine at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland.

Dr. Goldman is an active member of the American Medical Association (AMA), American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), American Board of Family Medicine (ABFM) and the Academy of Medicine of Cleveland and Northern Ohio (AMCNO).

About Cleveland Clinic Weston
Cleveland Clinic Weston, part of Cleveland Clinic’s Florida region, is a nonprofit, multi-specialty, academic medical center that integrates clinical and hospital care with research and education. With locations in Weston, Fort Lauderdale, Coral Springs, Parkland, West Palm Beach, Wellington, and Palm Beach Gardens, Cleveland Clinic Weston has more than 250 physicians with expertise in 55 specialties. The medical campus is fully integrated and includes diagnostic centers, outpatient surgery and a 24-hour emergency department located in the state-of-the-art hospital. Cleveland Clinic’s Florida region now includes Cleveland Clinic Indian River and Cleveland Clinic Martin Health and has hospitals and outpatient centers in Broward, Palm Beach, Martin and St. Lucie Counties. The Florida region is an integral part of Cleveland Clinic in Ohio, where providing outstanding patient care is based upon the principles of cooperation, compassion and innovation. Physicians at Cleveland Clinic are experts in the treatment of complex conditions that are difficult to diagnose. For more information about Cleveland Clinic Florida, visit www.clevelandclinicflorida.org. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.