March 23, 2026 – HCA Florida JFK Hospital is proud to announce that Cristian Baeza, M.D., a nationally and internationally recognized cardiothoracic surgeon and leading expert in complex aortic disease, has joined the hospital’s medical staff and has been appointed Medical Director of the Heart & Vascular Institute.
For nearly 40 years, HCA Florida JFK Hospital has provided comprehensive cardiovascular services to Palm Beach County, delivering advanced, life-saving heart and vascular care close to home. The addition of Dr. Baeza further strengthens the hospital’s commitment to innovation, clinical excellence, and exceptional patient outcomes.
Dr. Baeza is a highly accomplished aortic surgeon with advanced expertise in both open and endovascular techniques, specializing in complex aortic root procedures including Bentall procedures, David valve-sparing repairs, and Ross operations, as well as coronary artery bypass surgery, minimally invasive valve procedures, thoracoabdominal aneurysm repair, and structural heart interventions.
Originally from Chile, Dr. Baeza earned his medical degree from the University of Chile and completed residencies in general surgery and cardiovascular surgery before pursuing advanced cardiothoracic surgery fellowship training at the Cleveland Clinic, one of the world’s leading cardiac programs. Most recently, he served as Co-Director of the Aortic Center at University Hospitals Harrington Heart and Vascular Institute in Cleveland, where he led surgical innovation and clinical excellence, including performing the first complete endovascular Bentall procedure at University Hospitals and in the state of Ohio.
Dr. Baeza has authored more than 60 peer-reviewed publications, participated in groundbreaking clinical trials, and is widely recognized for advancing treatment options for patients with complex aortic disease.
“As medical director of the Heart & Vascular Institute, Dr. Baeza brings exceptional expertise and visionary leadership that will further elevate our cardiovascular program,” said Ken West, chief executive officer of HCA Florida JFK Hospital. “His experience in complex cardiac and aortic surgery strengthens our ability to provide highly specialized care for patients across Palm Beach County and South Florida.”
In his new role, Dr. Baeza will lead continued growth and advancement of HCA Florida JFK Hospital’s Heart & Vascular Institute, expanding access to advanced cardiovascular procedures and strengthening outcomes for patients throughout the region.
About HCA Florida JFK Hospital
Serving Palm Beach County for 60 years. HCA Florida JFK Hospital is a 516-bed acute care hospital, specializing in emergency services, heart and vascular surgery, neurosurgery, comprehensive cancer and breast institute services, comprehensive stroke services, orthopedic and spine surgery, minimally invasive and robotic surgery, weight loss surgery, inpatient physical rehabilitation, and women’s services. We provide high quality, exceptional care to Atlantis residents and the surrounding communities.
About HCA Florida Healthcare
HCA Florida Healthcare, a part of HCA Healthcare, is a family of more than 650 affiliated sites of care, including hospitals, physician practices, freestanding emergency rooms and urgent care centers. As one of the state’s leading healthcare networks, HCA Florida Healthcare’s 11,100 experienced doctors and more than 84,000 colleagues work together to deliver equitable, evidence-based collaborative care through more than 12 million patient encounters annually. HCA Florida Healthcare is committed to improving more lives in more ways and giving back to the communities it serves. In 2024, the network provided more than $1 billion in uncompensated care and contributed more than $3.7 million to community organizations across the state. In addition, HCA Florida Healthcare offers patients access to highly trained specialists, including the state’s most comprehensive cardiovascular network. A strong advocate for the next generation of healthcare professionals, HCA Florida Healthcare is a leader in training future healthcare professionals, offering 151 Graduate Medical Education (GME) programs at 27 different hospitals with more than 2,400 residents. For more information, please visit HCAFloridaHealthcare.com.
