Hospital doctors, hospital board members hospital administrators, and city dignitaries recently cut a bright red ribbon for the opening of a new Cardiac Catheterization and Special Procedures Suite at Lower Keys Medical Center.

(l-r) LKMC CEO, Nicki Will; HMA Senior Vice President, Josh Putter; Key West City Commissioner, Teri Johnson; LKMC Hospital Board Member, Frank Houtman; LKMC Hospital Board Member, Dr. Robin Lockwood; Hospital District Board Member, Neil Call; LKMC Interventional Cardiologist, Dr. John Campanile; Key West Mayor, Craig Cates; LKMC Interventional Radiologist, Dr. Sandy Shultz; LKMC Medical Executive Committee member Dr. Jerome Covington; and Hospital District Board Member, Cathy Ovide. Photo credit: Mike Hentz.

This new advanced diagnostic equipment will allow physicians to perform and diagnose many items that they needed to send patients to mainland facilities before now.

LKMC Chief Executive Officer, Nicki Will announced during the ribbon cutting ceremony that it has partnered with Mount Sinai Medical Center in Miami Beach, FL for the cardiac services and other advanced care it provides. At the same time she also announced the appointment of Dr. John Campanile as the new Invasive and Interventional Cardiologist for the Key West hospital.



At VITAS Innovative Hospice Care of Palm Beach County, hospice care is a team effort. An interdisciplinary team of nurses, chaplains, social workers, physicians and aides blend their individual expertise into an integrated whole that becomes the VITAS signature: excellent, compassionate end-of-life care that meets the special needs of each patient and family. Volunteers are also part of the team at VITAS, where the role of the volunteer is especially valued and respected. VITAS, after all, began as a volunteer organization over 30 years ago, and has since evolved into the nation’s leading provider of end-of-life care.

Christie Geltz, Volunteer Services Manager at VITAS of Palm Beach County, says that while volunteering definitely provides comfort to patients and families, plus support to the healthcare team, it can also be an extraordinary experience for the volunteers themselves. “Our volunteers tell me how much they personally benefit from the experience. They describe it as deeply fulfilling and have wonderful stories. So many say, ‘This is the best thing I have ever done.’ They’re grateful for the opportunity to contribute in such a meaningful way.

“Most people have known someone who received hospice care – perhaps a family member. They may be looking for a way to give back, in gratitude. There are many ways to give back, and one of the best ways is by volunteering.”

(l-r) Suzanne Kerce with her dog Annie; Laura Souza with her dog Gianna Marie; and Gerry Cohen with his dog Casey.

Volunteers contribute an essential element to hospice care, where the emphasis is on relationships, quality of life and dignity at the end of life. They provide a warm and caring human presence, there to listen to concerns and fears, to appreciate life stories and memories, to lend a helping hand with simple, non-medical tasks and to lighten the load of a family. A VITAS volunteer might take the patient on an outing, or spend time at the bedside chatting, reading or playing cards. They perform light housekeeping chores, run errands and watch TV with the patient. Most importantly, according to Geltz, volunteers give their full attention to the patient.

“The volunteer is a friend to the patient. They aren’t family and they aren’t medical professionals. The focus is completely on the patient as a person.”

There are many ways to volunteer at VITAS, and those who do not wish to work directly with patients can participate in other ways. Geltz has developed a creative range of options that include providing clerical support to the staff, assisting with special events and mailings or making phone calls to patients. Specialty programs make it possible for even the homebound to volunteer, through a sewing program. “We have a Memory Bear program,” Geltz explains. “When a patient dies, the family gives us an article of clothing and our sewing volunteers use it to make a stuffed bear as a keepsake for the family. Volunteers donate the buttons, thread and stuffing. We have volunteers who make quilts, crocheted booties and lap blankets for patients.”

One of the most popular volunteer programs is known as Paw Pals – dogs and their owners who visit hospice patients in nursing homes, hospitals and assisted living facilities. One Paw Pal, a 3 year old Shih Tzu whose name is Gianna Marie, began her training as a therapy dog at 6 months of age. Her owner, Laura Souza, says Gianna has a sweet, outgoing personality that makes her well suited to visiting patients. “Gianna and I volunteer 30 to 40 hours a month; she loves her ‘work.’ She gives unconditional love to everyone and gets patients to laugh and talk. They look forward to her visits.” Gianna rides in a little stroller as she makes her rounds, wearing clothing from her collection of special outfits. “This brings such joy to me,” says Souza. “Gianna makes people happy. Even some who are not fully alert and oriented seem to respond to her; they somehow sense that she’s there.”

VITAS provides a comprehensive orientation program at no cost for new volunteers. The training covers such basics as confidentiality and infection control and offers an introduction to hospice philosophy and grief. In addition, volunteers may attend staff in-services/training sessions. Once the orientation is completed, Geltz matches volunteers with patients, asking for a minimum commitment of two hours, once a week. She tries to place volunteers as close to their homes as possible. “We have more than 80 volunteers, ranging in age from 20 to 80,” she says, “and we’d love to have more people join our team. In general, volunteers should be at least 18 but we make exceptions with parental permission. The volunteers are mostly women but men can do this, too, and more men are needed. Our volunteers come from all backgrounds. At VITAS, we appreciate them so much. Volunteers make a huge difference to our patients, their families and our staff. They are miracle workers.”



Chief Nursing Officer
Broward General Medical Center/Chris Evert Children’s Hospital

Proudest Accomplishment: Being part of a team with significant accomplishments: Agency elimination, agency reduction, Governor’s Sterling Award, low turnover of nursing staff, strong, cohesive, workforce.

First Job: ED Nurse at the University of Kentucky

Education: BSN, University of Kentucky, MBA, Florida Atlantic University

What skills do you need to succeed in your job: Good listener, good communicator, sense of humor.

Work habit you possess that you are most proud of: Getting everyone excited about moving toward measurable common goals and then celebrating.

Most valuable lesson you learned in your career: The true test of a person is how they perform during the tough times.

The toughest part of your job: Not having more time for everyone.

Your philosophy of success: Work towards measurable results.

One of your goals: To make an even bigger difference for nurses.

Person You Most Admire: My parents, for giving back to their community and making a difference.

Favorite Book: My Sister’s Keeper

Biggest Challenge Confronting Healthcare: Shortage of nurses, aging of nurses, shortage of nursing instructors.

Your predictions on the future of health care: Increased emphasis on technology.

Best Thing About Healthcare in South Florida: The people

Worst Thing about Healthcare in South Florida: Malpractice

What advice would you offer young people considering a career in Health Care: It’s a great choice.



Jean Wicken

In Jean Wicken’s role as Marketing and Public Relations Director at Columbia Hospital, she has the good fortune of working with both the employees of the hospital and community organizations focusing on important healthcare needs in Palm Beach County.

Each year the hospital is involved in supporting a variety of charitable organizations through event sponsorships, health fairs, and educational lectures. However, one of the most popular fundraising opportunities to raise funds on a regular basis are Denim Days at the hospital. For a donation of $5.00, employees are permitted to wear nice jeans to work, typically on a Friday .The employee receives a sticker to wear indicating the charity for that day. In 2007 alone Denim Days raised over $9,000 for 35 organizations in Palm Beach County.

Jean Wicken with Columbia Hospital’s therapy dog, Sofi

In addition, Jean’s organizational, marketing, public relations, and fundraising skills were put to use when she was asked to chair the 2008 Alzheimer’s Memory Walk held on March 8 in downtown West Palm Beach. It was a year of many challenges for the Southeast Florida Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association as a new location for the walk was selected and existing committees were expanded to increase greater awareness of Alzheimer’s and the need to raise funds for research to find a cure of this disease.

Even the hospital’s therapy dog, a shitzu poodle named Sofi, volunteered serving as chair of the Best Dressed Dog contest and proving that pet therapy is often the highlight of an Alzheimer’s patient’s day.

Thanks to the generosity of the many employees at Columbia Hospital who are willing to give up their free time as well as financial support, many health care and charitable organizations in Palm Beach County receive much-needed support and care.

Bob Anis

Bob Anis, Director of Mental Health Services at Columbia Hospital, has long been an advocate for mental health and a strong voice in our community on the plight of homelessness. Mr. Anis’ leadership in Palm Beach County has led him to serve in several community service capacities. Mr. Anis is currently the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Mental Health Association of Palm Beach County. As Chairman Mr. Anis promotes mental wellness, prevention of mental disorders, and achieving victory over mental illness through advocacy, education, research and services for children, adults, seniors and families.

Since 2004 he has been the President of the Homeless Coalition of Palm Beach County. The Homeless Coalition concentrates on raising community awareness about homeless issues, increasing collaboration among service providers, and obtaining resources for programs aimed at helping Palm Beach County’s homeless population to transition out of homelessness and into self-sufficiency. Additionally, Mr. Anis serves on numerous County and District Advisory Boards, providing his over 35 years of experience and expertise in mental health.

Sharon Tarlow

Columbia Hospital has been very involved in working with the School District of Palm Beach County. Specifically, business partnerships have been developed with Palm Beach Lakes Community High School and with Indian Ridge School for many years.

Sharon Tarlow, the Education Coordinator of Youth Services, oversees the hospital’s volunteer programs within the schools. Her dedication, devotion and commitment to helping the students resulted in her being awarded ‘Corporate Mentor’ for the State of Florida Department of Education. She volunteers her time and is a board member or member of many children’s organizations throughout the community. For example:

  • VSA Arts of Florida / Vice Chair
  • School Health Advisory Council
  • Exceptional Student Education Advisory Committee
  • RAMS Health Clinic at Palm Beach Lakes High
  • School Advisory Council at Indian Ridge School
  • Baker Act Task Force of Palm Beach County
  • Palm Beach County Coalition for Children (former Vice President/Treasurer)
  • Safe and Drug Free Schools Advisory Council
  • SEDNET Executive Committee
  • Mental Health Association

Sharon coordinates managers and employees as they volunteer their time and expertise tutoring students academically, proctoring FCAT testing, and in their membership on the School Advisory Councils (SAC).

Columbia Hospital employees who volunteer at Palm Beach Lakes Community High School and/or Indian Ridge School area (l-r) Oon Soo Ung, Sharon Kelly, Isabel Finelli, Carol Jones, Lee Fucci, Donna Boyle, Jan Howlett, Sharon Tarlow, Martha Stinson, and Denise Williams-Harvey.

Indian Ridge School is the only center school serving severely emotionally and behaviorally disordered children district wide. The program is highly structured with a therapeutic component that addresses the academic, social and emotional needs of students K-12.

The hospital has won numerous ‘Gold Medal’ awards, the highest level of achievement in distinction given by the Superintendent of Schools. Columbia was also honored and recognized for outstanding business partnership endeavors with the selection and receipt of the School District ‘Wall of Fame’ award.

Having the opportunity to work with the children of Palm Beach County and helping them attain successful goals are among the many highlights of working at Columbia Hospital.



These are busy times for the legal representatives of hospitals and medical practitioners in the state of Florida.

The three state constitutional amendments on the November 2004 ballot that dealt with healthcare all passed and have already been challenged by opponents of those measures. Other issues, such as how much self-pay patients can be charged vs. insured patients, are being debated on a national level as well.

While the legal battles are already heating up, there could be little relief in sight said Robert L. Lord, Jr., Esq., Vice President of Legal Services and Chief Legal Officer for Martin Memorial Health Systems based in Stuart.

“We’ve got to balance the quality and financial side of healthcare in this country,” Lord said. “It is going to fall on the state and federal legislative bodies to find solutions that our citizens are going to accept.”

Battle lines have already been drawn, both in this state and on a national level, with the primary combatants being hospitals and physicians facing off against trial lawyers. In Florida, an injunction has already been implemented for Amendment 8, the so-called “three strikes” law that would cause physicians to lose their Florida medical licenses after a third malpractice incident, and more litigation is already in the works on the remaining two amendments.

The primary problem with the new amendments, Lord said, is the vagueness of the laws and how they will be instituted.

“The courts are not there to make policy, they are there to interpret the law,” he said. “I see a lot of ambiguity in the new amendments and there are many questions left unanswered about how they will work in the real world. I think the courts will look to the legislature to say how these amendments should be implemented and enforced.”

Lord said he believes healthcare will be a primary focus for both the state and federal legislative bodies in the upcoming year. Healthcare was an important issue at many levels of the November elections, and as America’s sizable baby boomer generation gets older, it will continue to be a critical – if not contentious – debate for years to come.

“The tort reform issue is still out there. The malpractice crisis still exists,” Lord said. “Malpractice insurance costs are extraordinarily high compared to where they were three or four years ago. At the end of the day, that bill is paid for by the patient.”