South Florida Hospital News asked healthcare providers and related affiliates throughout the region to share profiles of leaders at their institutions and businesses. We have asked these leaders to share their thoughts and experiences on everything from their philosophy of success, work habits, to their favorite book and views on challenges confronting the healthcare industry. The following are a few of the many leaders who are making a difference in our community.
 Litha Varone, RN, MSNAssociate Director/Nursing Service (Nurse Executive) West Palm Beach VA Medical Center Proudest accomplishment: Member of the pre-activation team to open the newest VA Medical Center in the nation (1995). First job: Staff Nurse (Registered Nurse) at the Miami VAMC (1973). Education: Bachelors Degree from Florida State University; Masters Degree in Nursing from University of Miami. What skills do you need to succeed in your job: Flexibility in adapting to a changing environment. Work habit you possess that you are most proud of: The ability to balance workplace demands with seriousness and lightheartedness. Most valuable lesson you learned in your career: To acknowledge and value the contributions of others. The toughest part of your job: Balancing the many competing priorities. Your philosophy of success: Staying focused on a goal, being true to yourself and believing that what I do every day makes a difference in the lives of others. One of your goals: To provide leadership to the nursing staff in a VA Medical Center. Person you most admire: Father (deceased) who lived by the philosophy where “There is no limit to the good a man can do if he cares not who gets the credit.” Favorite book: Colin Powells book on Leadership. Biggest challenge confronting healthcare: Access to care, particularly specialty care. Suggestions on how you would solve a particular problem in healthcare: Preventive healthcare should be provided under a government run system with a minimum level of specialty care access. Your predictions on the future of health care: Unless there is a change in the profit motivation of healthcare organizations/providers, health care access and quality will continue to decline. Best thing about healthcare in South Florida: There are many healthcare professionals who are dedicated to developing systems for providing and improving care to patients. Worst thing about healthcare in South Florida: Malpractice issues impacting access to care. What advice would you offer young people considering a career in healthcare: Make sure your focus is on improving the quality of peoples lives and to help them cope with complex health issues. Understand that although the work is hard, there is no profession more rewarding that one in healthcare. |
 Jean M. BrooksChief, Medical Administration Service (MAS), GS-14 West Palm Beach VA Medical Center Proudest accomplishment: To mentor and watch a staff member grow and develop into a successful leader. To give back what others have given to me. First job: Inpatient Ward Clerk, GS-3, Medical Administration Service. Education: High School Graduate Worked my way up through Medical Administration Service (MAS). What skills do you need to succeed in your job: Leadership, communication/people skills, organizational, ability to manage people and programs. Work habit you possess that you are most proud of: Ability to think globally. Most valuable lesson you learned in your career: If you support your staff, theyll support you. The toughest part of your job: Disciplinary actions. Your philosophy of success: Your attitude will determine your altitude. One of your goals: To assure that all MAS staff provides exemplary customer service every day. Person you most admire: My mother my teacher and my mentor. Favorite book: Anything by Danielle Steele. Biggest challenge confronting healthcare: Access and Resources Your predictions on the future of health care: Increased telehealth, expanded electronic medical records and increased focus on Behavioral Health and its impact on lives. Best thing about healthcare in South Florida: The VA. Worst thing about healthcare in South Florida: Lack of Specialists. What advice would you offer young people considering a career in health care: Consider a career in government (VA Healthcare), get your Masters Degree (or beyond), and dont be afraid to start at the bottom and work your way up. |
 Linda S QuickPresident South Florida Hospital & Healthcare Association First job: Legislative Aide Education: Master of Science in Management What skills do you need to succeed in your job: Written and verbal communication Work habit you possess that you are most proud of: Tenacity The toughest part of your job: Consensus building Your philosophy of success: Surest way to fail is not to try. Person you most admire: Dr. Jean Jones Perdue Biggest challenge confronting healthcare: Uninsured Best thing about healthcare in South Florida: Depth, breadth, and diversity of services and workforce. Worst thing about healthcare in South Florida: Fraud and abuse What advice would you offer young people considering a career in health care: Remember that its called medical and health “care” for a reason. |
 Gordon Leslie Johnson, M.D. Chief Pathologist & Chief of Staff Wellington Regional Medical Center Proudest accomplishment: Raising 3 boys to be fine young men Education: El Reno Jr. College in El Reno, Oklahoma Southwestern Oklahoma University, Weatherford, Oklahoma St. Louis University School of Medicine Residency St. Louis University Group Hospitals and Missouri Baptist Hospital What skills do you need to succeed in your job: Knowledge of pathology and love of people. Work habit you possess that you are most proud of: Never having missed a day of work. Most valuable lesson you have learned in your career: That a diagnosis is easy through the “retrospectro-scope.” The toughest part of your job: Rendering a difficult diagnosis then having the patient come in to pick up their pathology slides to take them somewhere in search of hope. I must look them in the eyes knowing that there is no hope. Your philosophy of success: Understanding thats its important to make time for everyone, regardless of their position. One of your goals: Taking the practice of medicine in Palm Beach County to another level. Person you admire most: My dad. Favorite book: Beginnings by Isaac Asimov Biggest challenge confronting healthcare: How to pay for the “standard of care” when technology and the new medicines (biologicals, etc.) are so expensive. Suggestions on how you would solve a particular problem in healthcare: On a local grassroots level, healthcare can become better and more standardized, and core measures and national patient safety goals can be uniformly instituted with regular meetings of the chief of the medical staffs from different hospitals. Your predictions on the future of healthcare: I predict that a two-tiered system will evolve National healthcare and a very private-pay or more expensive variety of medicine. Best things about healthcare in South Florida: Theres a tremendous opportunity to do good. Worst things about healthcare in South Florida: There are so many people who cant afford it. There is a huge burden on the system. What advice would you offer young people considering a career in healthcare: Not only will they find a career in healthcare extremely rewarding, but the demand for healthcare workers in the future (driven by aging baby-boomers) will be unprecedented. If I had it to do over, I would choose to be exactly where I am in medicine and in pathology. The cosmic sugar daddy smiles upon me. |
 David M. Soria, MD, FACEPMedical Director, Emergency Department Wellington Regional Medical Center Proudest accomplishment: Becoming Medical Director of Wellington Regional Medical Centers Emergency Department, has been the pinnacle of my career. Education: Medical School: Ohio State University Residency: MetroHealth/Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH Chief Residency: MetroHealth/Cleveland Clinic Foundation What skills do you need to succeed in your job: I have always said that being a successful leader entails 20% know-how, 80% relationships, and I think that holds true in medicine. Whether its with your patients, colleagues, nurses, staff, or anyone that you work with, they dont care how much you know until they know how much you care. Work habit you possess that you are most proud of: My tenacity to accomplish goals with diplomacy. Effecting change and having others embrace the change and champion it, rather than resist it. Most valuable lesson you learned in your career: Never think you can rest on your laurels. Medicine and leadership is a fluid entity, you always have to be on your game no matter what your past accomplishments have been. The toughest part of your job: Leading people toward change, without repercussions if they do not comply. One of your goals: To create a consistent process in the Emergency Department which yields the shortest waiting times, and highest patient and nursing satisfaction. Biggest challenge confronting healthcare: Maintaining the quality of care that we Americans deserve, while curbing over utilization and ensuring effective tort reform. Best thing about healthcare in South Florida: Highly credentialed physicians who are committed to the best quality of care. Worst thing about healthcare in South Florida: Our highly credentialed physicians do not want to be available for emergency call or inpatient care because of frivolous litigation and poor reimbursement. What advice would you offer young people considering a career in health care: Medicine is absolutely the most fulfilling career you can choose. Do not allow current issues in medicine sway your decisions about a career in medicine; it is entirely what you make of it. Nothing in a persons life is more important than their health. As physicians, we have an impact on the health and well being of our patients every day and that is extremely gratifying. |
 Natassia Orr Administrator Weston Regional HealthPark (a division of the North Broward Hospital District) Proudest accomplishment: Implementing the administrative simplification rules of HIPAA throughout the organization (NBHD). First job: Psychometrician Education: BA What skills do you need to succeed in your job: Flexibility, ingenuity, and lots of energy. Work habit you possess that you are most proud of: Collaboration, dedication, and honesty Most valuable lesson you learned in your career: Change is inevitable, you have to remain flexible and go with the change, not work against it. The toughest part of your job: Justifying the finances. Your philosophy of success: Everyone on the team needs to feel valued, never forget that it takes a team to be successful. One of your goals: To make the HealthPark as successful as I know it can be. Person you most admire: My mother Favorite book: Green Darkness Biggest challenge confronting healthcare: The landscape of healthcare is changing; retail clinics, urgent care centers, more partnerships, and less “traditional” physician/hospital relationships. We need to stay on the cutting edge or get left behind. Suggestions on how you would solve a particular problem in healthcare: The biggest challenge I face is attracting new patients. We will be focusing on advertising our services because I am sure once residents come to know us, they will tell others. Your predictions on the future of health care: Again, the landscape is changing tremendously. I think there will be even more fresh ideas in terms of access points for patients. Best thing about healthcare in South Florida: The competition ensures that patients receive top quality healthcare. Worst thing about healthcare in South Florida: Professionals continue to leave our area due to rising real estate costs so it is more difficult to recruit and retain staff. What advice would you offer young people considering a career in health care: Go into it believing in the mission; helping those in need should never be far from your sights. |
 Dianne Aleman Chief Executive Officer North Ridge Medical Center Proudest accomplishment: Raising two awesome daughters who are making significant contributions to society First job: Nurses Aide Education: BSN, MSN, MBA What skills do you need to succeed in your job: Good communication, interpersonal relationship skills, ability to multi task, ability to be a visionary and execute, sense of humor. Work habit you possess that you are most proud of: Always driving to do more Most valuable lesson you learned in your career: Always try to do what you say you are going to do and never burn bridges. The toughest part of your job: Consistently communicating the vision and trying to obtain alignment throughout the organization Your philosophy of success: Striving to continuously improve yourself and helping others reach their greatest potential One of your goals: Become a six sigma black belt Person you most admire: My children Favorite book: The Giving Tree by Phil Silverstein Biggest challenge confronting healthcare: Declining reimbursement Suggestions on how you would solve a particular problem in healthcare: Involve the people who are delivering healthcare to find the solutions Your predictions on the future of health care: We will be forced to move towards socialized medicine Best thing about healthcare in South Florida: Great physicians and clinicians Worst thing about healthcare in South Florida: High costs of malpractice insurance What advice would you offer young people considering a career in health care: Seek out any and all positions that will give you a broad range of experiences, volunteer to accept more responsibilities and projects. |
 Michael D. MainHospital Compliance Officer and Privacy Officer North Ridge Medical Center Proudest accomplishment: Fatherhood First job: Tennis Instructor (Age 15) Education: MBA Healthcare Management, BA Political Science What skills do you need to succeed in your job: Be organized, organized, organized Work habit you possess that you are most proud of: Being organized Most valuable lesson you learned in your career: Be nice and professional to everyone because one day you might see them again The toughest part of your job: Not enough hours in the day Your philosophy of success: Pleases and thank yous go a very long way One of your goals: Complete a triathlon Person you most admire: Robert F. Kennedy Favorite book: Death in Midsummer and other stories by Yukio Mishima Biggest challenge confronting healthcare: Insurance coverage for all Suggestions on how you would solve a particular problem in healthcare: I would solve it by an interdisciplinary review and find a consensus Your predictions on the future of health care: Universal healthcare Best thing about healthcare in South Florida: Everyone knows everybody Worst thing about healthcare in South Florida: Everyone knows everybody What advice would you offer young people considering a career in health care: Look into every aspect of healthcare because it is very far reaching and find what you have a passion for |
 Manny LinaresChief Executive Officer North Shore Medical Center Proudest accomplishment: Becoming a CEO First job: I worked at a dry cleaner when I was in high school. Education: Bachelors in Electrical Engineering, which led to a position as Director of Plant Operations at a hospital with no intention of staying in health care. That position led me to pursue a Masters in Health Services Administration, and I became hooked. What skills do you need to succeed in your job: Definitely being a people person and the ability to develop relationships Work habit you possess that you are most proud of: I have an open door policy and I take the time to talk with all of my employees from the person who cleans the floors to the surgeon in the operating room. Most valuable lesson you learned in your career: Be honest about what you do The toughest part of your job: Financial constraints Your philosophy of success: Honesty One of your goals: To improve the delivery of healthcare by making it more accessible for everyone. Person you most admire: My mother Favorite book: Angels & Demons by Dan Brown Biggest challenge confronting healthcare: Providing care to the uninsured and underinsured Suggestions on how you would solve a particular problem in healthcare: Universal health care coverage for all Your predictions on the future of health care: Theres a lot of pessimism out there, but Im optimistic that in the future it will become feasible to provide coverage for all Best thing about healthcare in South Florida: Qualified, well-trained professionals that we work with Worst thing about healthcare in South Florida: Lack of licensed healthcare professionals such as physicians, nurses, pharmacists, etc. What advice would you offer young people considering a career in health care: You have to care about each patient and the way you deliver that care is what will make the difference. |
 Dino M. Gavazza C.H.E. Director of Plant Operations Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center Proudest accomplishment: Volunteer work at Golfcoast hospital in Mississippi after Katrina. First job: Paper boy Education: College at New York Institute of Technology What skills do you need to succeed in your job: Flexibility, good humor and compassion Work habit you possess that you are most proud of: Working with and alongside my staff. Most valuable lesson you learned in your career: Patients matter most. The toughest part of your job: Understanding I can not do it all. Your philosophy of success: Able to look in a mirror and know you do your very best always. One of your goals: To have a profound and positive impact on patient care. Person you most admire: My daughter Jennifer Favorite book: Actually two King of Torts and Echo Park Biggest challenge confronting healthcare: Building expansion and ability to ascertain cutting edge technology. Suggestions on how you would solve a particular problem in healthcare: Concentrate on the best not the biggest, establish a formula for funds take not all give some back, re-invest in facilities and staff. Your predictions on the future of health care: Managed care will change, there will be more restrictions on the delivery of healthcare. Best thing about healthcare in South Florida: I can only base this on the people I work with and the compassion they have to provide the best they can. Worst thing about healthcare in South Florida: Hurricanes What advice would you offer young people considering a career in health care: Volunteer in different aspects of healthcare, see where your compassion lies, pursue that compassion in school and in life and start from the bottom learn all aspects of the job. Know those disciplines that your job must depend on and those disciplines that depend on your job. |
 Cyndi Shamy, RNDirector of Surgical Services Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center Proudest accomplishment: Being a mom First job: Publix Bakery Education: BSN from Carson-Newman College in Jefferson City, TN What skills do you need to succeed in your job: Being able to understand the needs of my staff. Work habit you possess that you are most proud of: Organized, focused and fair Most valuable lesson you learned in your career: Be honest and admit what you dont know. The toughest part of your job: Controlling staffing versus volume and saying no. Your philosophy of success: Be honest, be fair and be consistent. Expect the best. One of your goals: Help Palm Beach Gardens grow and become simply the best hospital. Person you most admire: My parents Favorite book: Nurse Managers Survival Guide Biggest challenge confronting healthcare: Nursing shortage Suggestions on how you would solve a particular problem in healthcare: Offer more incentives for nurses to help with recruitment and retention. Offer more work/life balance solutions such as day care, sick care for children and concierge services. What advice would you offer young people considering a career in health care: Always remember you are going into this field because you love to help people and stay focused on that goal. |
 Wayne C. Jones, FACHE Chief Business Development Officer Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center Proudest accomplishment: There are actually three: a. Working with a great team to turnaround the operations of a Facility and to become a Circle of Excellence awardee. a. Adolescent: Riding in a van to pickup/deliver dry cleaning. |
 Patrick J. MaloneyCEO Coral Springs Medical Center Proudest accomplishment: My family! I have been blessed with a great wife, Lynn and we have two wonderful children, Collin and Leeza First job: Newspaper delivery boy Education: Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, M.B.A. in Finance June 1994; Widener University, Chester, Pennsylvania, B.S. in Accounting May 1990 What skills do you need to succeed in your job: The ability to reason, communicate and distinguish perception from reality. Work habit you possess that you are most proud of: Accessibility / Responsiveness Most valuable lesson youve learned in your career: Our employees are our most important asset. The toughest part of your job: Exceeding everyones expectations. Your philosophy for success: Treat everyone as you would want to be treated. One of your goals: To make Coral Springs Medical Center the hospital of choice in its community. Person you admire the most: My wife Lynn as she is a great wife and an unbelievable mom. Favorite book: Death by Meetings Biggest challenge confronting healthcare: A shortage of physicians willing or able to cover emergency room call and the growing population of the uninsured. Suggestion on how to solve a particular problem in healthcare: Offer physicians some type of partial immunity when voluntarily acting in an emergency situation. As for the uninsured, we need to ensure that patients have some access to affordable coverage. Your prediction on the future of healthcare: With increased public reporting of Hospital quality indicators, I believe we will see a safer and more effective healthcare system. Best thing about healthcare in South Florida: Patients have a large variety of healthcare options. Worst thing about healthcare in South Florida: The gaps in ER physician specialist coverage since those gaps create delays in treatment and could further complicate patient care. Advice for young people considering a career in healthcare: Put the needs of others before your own, be flexible, be willing to learn, have a very positive attitude, know your audience, and be willing to put in a lot of hard work. |
 Maria A. Suarez, MSN, ARNP-BC Corporate Director Scholars Program Baptist Health South Florida It is with great pride and enthusiasm that Miami Dade College recognizes Maria Suarez. As the Corporate Director of the Scholars program at Baptist Health South Florida, she has been instrumental in the success of the scholars program. The scholars program was developed between Miami Dade College and Baptist Health Systems to address the Nursing shortage by establishing scholarships for nursing students. Through Marias ability to inspire and motivate others with her passion and dedication to the Nursing profession, she has contributed to the academic success of each scholar. She takes the time to mentor the students and provides them with excellent role models as they transition from students to nurses. Marias commitment to education is evident through her educational accomplishments as she started her career as LPN and continued her studies to earn an Associate of Science in Nursing from Miami Dade College, her bachelors from Florida International University and an MSN-Acute Care Nurse Practitioner from Barry University. Without hesitation, we salute Maria Suarez for her commitment to education and her dedication to healthcare in South Florida. Submitted by Kathie Sigler, Interim President, Miami Dade College, Medical Center Campus Proudest accomplishment: The success and growth of the BHSF Scholar Program and being able to share our success with other organizations. First job: Staff Nurse (in a respiratory step-down unit) at Baptist Hospital of Miami Education: Robert Morgan LPN Program 1990, MDC Associate Degree in Nursing Transitional Program 1993, FIU RN to BSN Program 2001, Barry University MSN-Acute Care Nurse Practitioner 2006. What skills do you need to succeed in your job: good communication skills, prioritizing, mentoring/coaching skills, good interpersonal skills, staying focused, being able to look at things from different perspectives, being able to work well under pressure and managing the financial resources of the organization. Work habit you possess that you are most proud of: Result and goal oriented driven. Most valuable lesson you learned in your career: Despite any obstacles you may face continue to work towards your career goals. The toughest part of your job: Not being able to admit qualified students and BHSF employees into the BHSF scholarship program due to limited space and faculty shortages in accredited schools of nursing. Your philosophy of success: Determination, disciplined, humility and compassion for others. One of your goals: To obtain a PhD in Nursing. Person you most admire: My Barry University professor Dr. Kathleen Papes Favorite book: Many Lives, Many Masters by Dr. Brian Weiss Biggest challenge confronting healthcare: The nursing shortage Suggestions on how you would solve a particular problem in healthcare: Stop the duplication of healthcare services. Your predictions on the future of health care: More healthcare organizations will partner with schools of nursing in an effort to address the nursing shortage. Best thing about healthcare in South Florida: Magnet Hospitals in Nursing, resources, technology, large number of physician specialists. Worst thing about healthcare in South Florida: The staggering number of the uninsured middle aged population. What advice would you offer young people considering a career in health care: Nursing school may be very challenging but the rewards are well worth it. |
 Pamela (Pam) Douglass Hardesty, Ph.D., RN, CNAA, BCChief Nursing Officer Aventura Hospital and Medical Center Pam Hardesty, Ph.D., RN, CNAA, BC, is a published author, lecturer and expert in the field of nursing, Dr. Hardestys healthcare experience spans over 25 years. Dr. Hardesty has been the Chief Nursing Officer, at Aventura Hospital and Medical Center since February of 2006. She previously served as the Chief Nursing Officer for Florida Medical Center and North Broward Medical Center, and as Director of Nursing for Mount Sinai Medical Center and Prince Georges Medical Center. Dr. Hardesty also worked in the capacity of Senior Vice President with Nursing Spectrum. Dr. Hardestys passion for healthcare and patient care was evident early on in her career, as she moved swiftly through the nursing field ranks after college graduation, having begun as a night staff nurse on an oncology unit at Scott and White Hospital in Texas and quickly becoming head nurse and charge nurse for facilities in Maryland and Texas. Dr. Hardestys professional dedication to patient care and nursing issues is mirrored through her civic involvement and community outreach efforts, having served on numerous advisory boards, including the Florida International University School of Nursing, Florida Atlantic University Institute for Nursing Leadership and School of Nursing, and the City College School of Nursing boards. Dr. Hardesty served held executive level positions with the American Organization of Nurse Executives, the Florida Organization of Nurse Executives, the South Florida Organization of Nurse Executives and the South Florida Nursing Shortage Consortium. Dr. Hardesty was also a member of the Maryland Organization of Nurse Executives. For her service in these recognized organizations, Dr. Hardesty has received numerous accolades, including Outstanding Nurse Leadership Award, Administrator of the Year Award and several scholarship awards. As Chief Nursing Officer of Aventura Hospital and Medical Center, Dr. Hardesty oversees the management of all nursing services, including the intensive care units, cardiovascular ICU, telemetry, emergency services, surgical services, and others in the 407-bed facility. Her proudest accomplishment is knowing that she has influenced nurses to further their education and their career in nursing. According to Dr. Hardesty passion for patient care and the nursing profession, a positive approach to problem solving, courage to do the right thing, visibility and good communication skills, attention to detail, ability to execute strategic plans, a clear vision of the future and high energy are essential skills needed in a nursing leadership role. She is also driven and goal oriented and stays on top of projects until they are running smoothly. According to Dr. Hardesty the most valuable lesson learned in her career is you cannot over communicate. Her philosophy of success is hard work and constantly striving to learn and to improve is the formula that her father gave her. Her father taught her to never give up and to never be satisfied with yourself unless you know you gave it your best effort. It has proven to be true. The best thing about healthcare in South Florida is Diversity. The advice that I would offer young people considering a career in health care is the opportunities are endless. It is important that young people still in high school choose the sciences and other courses that will help prepare them for what they will need for their college courses in healthcare. Health care offers an opportunity to serve. The work is rewarding and challenging. Those with passion to serve their fellow man and who apply themselves with hard work are those who succeed in this field. In addition, Dr. Hardesty the biggest challenge confronting healthcare is an aging healthcare workforce and current and well as future labor shortages and the funds and new ideas to deal effectively with the growing crisis. One of her goals is to one day to be able to retire to the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee. She admires the most her daughters and husband. Her favorite books are the Harry Potter series. Dr. Hardesty earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Mary Hardin Baylor in Belton, Texas, a Masters Degree in Nursing from Marymount University in Arlington, Virginia, and a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Nursing from Barry University in Miami Shores, Florida. |
 MaryJo McPhail, PT Director Human Motion Institute JFK Medical Center First job: Staff Physical Therapist- Kessler Rehabilitation Institute, West Orange, NJ Education: Bachelor of Science Physical Therapy- Daemen College, Amherst NY What skills do you need to succeed in your job: In order for me to continue to be successful in my position as Director of the Human Motion Institute at JFKMC I must possess the following skills: – Effective communication skills, which includes good listening skills. I have learned to step back and listen before jumping in to solve an issue. – The fine art of delegation. It is impossible to do everything yourself and be successful. – Empowering and coaching. It is easy to hire someone for a position but it takes talent to empower and coach someone to succeed. Work habit you possess that you are most proud of: My work ethic. Do what you say you are going to do and do it with spirit. Most valuable lesson you learned in your career: Don’t wear your heart on your sleeve. Not everyone you encounter will be supportive and enthusiastic about your successes. The toughest part of your job: Balancing the budget … I want to be able to give my staff resources for them to continue to learn and improve their skills. Your philosophy of success: Always look to see the silver lining. There are positives in every situation regardless of the size of the challenge. One of your goals: To create the busiest musculoskeletal institute in south Florida through the talent and dedication of our Human Motion Institute’s executive management team, employees and physicians. Person you most admire: My mother Favorite book: One Mind at a Time Biggest challenge confronting healthcare: Reimbursement. In order for a hospital to hire qualified and talented individuals, be compliant with JCAHO and Federal Safety guidelines, and keep current with technology, reimbursement needs to come up. Suggestions on how you would solve a particular problem in healthcare: Palm Beach County needs a support system for their healthcare similar to Broward County. Your predictions on the future of health care: Our society is becoming sicker, larger and will drain our resources if this trend continues. We need to focus on how to incentive our society to become healthy and well, especially our children who are our future. Best thing about healthcare in South Florida: Consumer’s choice. There are many healthcare institutions, physicians, therapy practices that are healthy for competition Worst thing about healthcare in South Florida: Limited long term care specialty hospitals to help care for patients who need on going specialty care What advice would you offer young people considering a career in health care: The ability to care and make a difference in someone’s life after a major surgery, trauma and or disease process is extremely rewarding. Pursue this only if you truly desire to put your all into what you do to make a difference in someone’s life. |
 Tim A. Thompson, Pharm.D., MBA Director of Pharmacy JFK Medical Center Proudest accomplishment: Pharmacy Expansion – ER and Staffing First job: JFK Medical Center Pharmacist – 1987 Education: BS – Pharmacy University of Cincinnati – 1987, Doctorate in Pharmacy – NSU – 1993 MBA – NSU – 2003 What skills do you need to succeed in your job: The desire to continually strive for excellence. Realize that with teamwork anything is possible and that patient care is priority one. Work habit you possess that you are most proud of: The desire to make a difference. Most valuable lesson you learned in your career: To achieve what is desired, realize that it does take time, planning, persistence and focus on the goal. The toughest part of your job: The challenges associate with managing a large department with a variety of individuals. Your philosophy of success: Treat others as you would like to be treated. Respectful, professional and allow those to grow with you. Empowerment is the key to success. One of your goals: To continually move the Pharmacy up and forward – upstream to create the best possible pharmaceutical care department. Person you most admire: Our executive management staff at JFK. Biggest challenge confronting healthcare: Insurance cost and availability of healthcare coverage for all. Suggestions on how you would solve a particular problem in healthcare: Provide Health Care District for Palm Beach County for the less fortunate – similar to North Broward Hospital District. Your predictions on the future of health care: We will continue to seek creative means to provide healthcare coverage for all individuals through our network of providers. We strive to provide quality, cost-effective care for everyone. Best thing about healthcare in South Florida: South Florida is progressive and on the cutting edge of technology. Worst thing about healthcare in South Florida: Availability for health care to everyone can be challenging. What advice would you offer young people considering a career in health care: The health care profession is rewarding and offers a variety of work. For Pharmacy, the options are vast and include: hospital, retail, industry, nuclear and mail order. Job opportunities are abundant and personal satisfaction is unlimited. |
 Cindy Pingolt Assistant Vice President of Professional Services Martin Memorial Health Systems As the assistant vice president of professional services for Martin Memorial Health Systems, Cindy Pingolt has helped shape three areas critical to patient care: cancer treatment, diagnostic imaging and pharmacy. They are also three areas of health care that face numerous challenges and opportunities, which keeps Pingolt focused on the future. “One of the biggest challenges is staying in touch with technology,” Pingolt said. “Part of it is trying to gauge how it will improve patient care, determining what the market will be and then making sure it is complementary to your services. Its always a balancing act, especially when many of these new technologies are so expensive.” As a not-for-profit community hospital, Martin Memorial relies heavily on philanthropy to incorporate many of those new technologies. For example, the Martin Memorial Foundation helped raise funds for a 64-slice CT scanner that will benefit the year-old Frances Langford Heart Center, as well as digital mammography units one of the first on the Treasure Coast to provide that service. Philanthropy has also paid for technologies for radiation therapy that many other community hospitals cannot provide. In September, Martin Memorial will begin using the Trilogy Tx system that will provide stereotactic radiosurgery for cancer patients, including those with brain, spine, lung and liver lesions. The decision to purchase the technology came after months of research and input from numerous sources to determine if there was a need, and what modality would best fit at Martin Memorial. “If better technology provides a better source of treatment, we do what we have to do to provide it,” Pingolt said. “But we want to make sure the technology is demonstrated to be a significant improvement over what is currently out there before we make that investment.” Pingolt has seen patients benefit tremendously from the health systems philosophy of investing in technology. However, there often isnt much time to enjoy those accomplishments because something new is always on the horizon and the pace of modern medicine moves quickly. For example, Martin Memorial is already looking into the potential role of robotics as the future of packaging medications in the pharmacy and continuing to work with the H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center on clinical trials that are advancing cancer care. “We want to plan for the future,” Pingolt said. “Change happens quickly and constantly in health care, so you have to be ready to meet those opportunities.” |
 Mark E. RobitailleSr. Vice President/Chief Operating Officer Martin Memorial Health System Proudest accomplishment: Privilege of being in a leadership role in the continuing success of Martin Memorial Health System First Job in health care: Copying medical records at Shands Hospital in Gainesville, FL Education: BA-Political Science/MBA-MHA, University of Florida What skills do you need to succeed in your job: Strong verbal and written communication skills and strong financial management. Work habit you possess that you are most proud of: Straight forward, honest communication Most valuable lesson you learned in your career: Your reputation will ultimately be based on your ethics and honesty. The toughest part of your job: Adjusting operations to constantly fluctuating service volumes due to seasonality and uncertainty of reimbursements. Your philosophy of success: Work hard, be positive and put Faith first, Family second and Job third. One of your goals: Never forget my philosophy of success. People you most admire: My wife and my parents Favorite book: The Bible Biggest challenge confronting healthcare: Declining reimbursements and increasing shortage of physicians, especially primary care. Suggestions on how you would solve a particular problem in healthcare: Base your decision on hard facts and good research and dont be afraid to use what has worked for others. Your predictions on the future of health care: We will have higher quality at more cost and more problems with access. Best thing about healthcare in South Florida: Excellent workforce. Worst thing about healthcare in South Florida: Wide variations in inpatient and ancillary services due to seasonality. What advice would you offer young people considering a career in health care: Its a great profession and you will be blessed with the opportunity to serve your community and work with many very dedicated professionals. |
 Steven D. SonenreichPresident/CEO Mount Sinai Medical Center For Steven D. Sonenreich, returning to Mount Sinai Medical Center in 2001 to be the hospitals president and CEO was like coming home. He spent the first 19 years of his career at the landmark Miami Beach teaching hospital then came back to lead the institution through a dramatic operational turnaround. With financial stability now secured, Sonenreich has structured a comprehensive expansion plan to enable the medical center to meet the increasing demand for patient care while continuing its mission to advance education and research. His success as CEO is as much about vision as it is about culture. From the start, Sonenreich put together an organized, focused leadership team and established a culture of integrity throughout the hospital. “I think you have to lead by example with your work ethic and demonstrate integrity, good judgment, professional pride and confidence.” One of the most difficult parts of the job, Sonenreich explains, is trying to be visible and communicate with the many constituencies in a large medical center, including board members, physicians, employees and donors. He meets this challenge by providing a great deal of transparency in the management of the hospital. “It has always been very important to me to be accessible to all of the people who are a part of this medical center,” Sonenreich says. As CEO, he continually strives to improve patient and employee satisfaction at the medical center. The key, according to Sonenreich, “is to maintain a passion for excellence. That will drive you to exceed your expectations.” |
 Emelyn Salamorin, RN, BCMount Sinai Medical Center For Emelyn Salamorin, R.N., B.C., being a nurse fulfills her passion for taking care of people. Being a nursing director in a 53-bed telemetry unit at Mount Sinai Medical Center gives her the opportunity to mentor those who share her passion. Emelyn excels at maintaining a positive, professional, team-oriented environment. Her leadership style is based on mutual respect. “The most valuable lesson Ive learned in my career,” according to Emelyn, “is that respect for self and for others precedes all other attributes.” In her role, she continually strives to increase employee satisfaction and improve the recruitment and retention of gifted clinicians. During her 24 years as a nurse, she has kept pace with the latest advances in medicine and continues to look for new and innovative ways to assist her patients and her staff. Ask Emelyn for the secret to her success and shell quickly point to her team. “Success is best when it is shared,” she says. |
 Stephan Campanelli, RNMount Sinai Medical Center Stephan Campanelli, R.N., is nursing director of a busy medical surgical/telemetry unit at Mount Sinai Medical Center. His team, which specializes in caring for patients after cardiac catheterization and bariatric surgery, has been recognized for delivering excellent patient care and outstanding customer service. The key to this success, Campanelli says, is a focus on being proactive and anticipating needs, rather than reacting to them. Its a philosophy he employs as a nursing leader. He keeps long hours, arriving early to work and staying late, to keep the lines of communication open with caregivers on all shifts. A hands-on director, he participates directly in patient care and seizes the opportunity to learn and grow along with his team. On the staff at Mount Sinai since 1994, Campanelli demonstrates a passion and commitment to his fellow nurses that, in turn, has a positive impact on the quality of patient care. |
 Tanira Ferreira, M.D. Medical Director, Pulmonary Medicine Miami Jewish Home and Hospital Dr. Tanira Ferreira directs the 40-bed unit for ventilator-dependent patients at the Miami Jewish Hospital and Home at Douglas Gardens. The ventilator unit accepts patients that few nursing homes admit because of the tremendous amount of resources and highly specialized care that such patients require. The key to Dr. Ferreiras Ventilator Units success is the multi-disciplinary approach taken combined with the quality of its specialized staff, which includes pulmonary specialists, respiratory therapists, physical therapists, specially trained nurses and CNAs, psychotherapists and spiritual counselors. The Vent Unit at MJHH has become known for its success in weaning patients from ventilator dependence. “Our number one goal is always to get patients off of ventilators and reintegrated into society whenever possible,” Dr. Ferreira explained. “When that isnt possible, our focus turns to providing them with quality time.” Ventilator patients are taken out-of-doors for garden visits and other activities something rarely done elsewhere, but most welcome to patients tied to machines. Other activities designed to lighten the mood and refresh the spirits of ventilator patients include pet therapy and music therapy. When, despite all efforts, a patient is dying, Dr. Ferreiras unit coordinates care with Douglas Gardens Hospice to allow them to die on the ventilator under the best circumstances that can be provided. Brazilian-born Dr. Ferreira is one of five generations of doctors in her family, but her first love was surfing. Ranked the number one professional surfer in Brazil from 1984 to 1987, she earned the rating of twelfth best surfer in the world at the International Surfing Competition held in Puerto Rico in 1988. The demands of medical school eventually superseded her surfer girl lifestyle, however. Dr. Ferreira received her MD in 1991 from the Pontifical Catholic University in Porto Alegre, and received her Pulmonary Medicine training at the University of Miami, where she is currently an Assistant Professor of Medicine. She came to the Miami Jewish Home and Hospital on a part-time basis in 2004 and set up the Ventilator Unit. With its remarkable success her role expanded to a full-time position in May 2006. Dr. Ferreira still surfs while on vacation in places like Hawaii and Costa Rica. “Unfortunately, theres not a whole lot of vacation going on in my life right now,” she smiled. |
 Dana RyderDirector of the New Beginnings Program Miami Jewish Home and Hospital Dana Ryder is the Director of New Beginnings at the Miami Jewish Home and Hospital at Douglas Gardens. New Beginnings is a program designed for seniors who are 55 or over and experiencing mental health difficulties. Although they can remain in the community, they require frequent support and stabilization. Ryder is a Nationally Certified Addictions Counselor who has specialized in older adults with mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and dementia. At New Beginnings, he heads a multi-disciplinary team that evaluates patients and develops individualized treatment care plans under the ongoing supervision of the Medical Director. Services include psychiatric evaluations, medication management, group psychotherapy, family therapy, individual therapy, psychological testing and assessments. Prior to a patients discharge, the staff recommends aftercare treatment, follow-up services, and community integration options. “While there are challenges at all stages of life, senior adults in particular have unique needs,” Ryder explained. “They face significant changes in living situations, cope with deteriorating medical conditions, and suffer devastating loss. Dealing with these issues without caring, professional support may feel overwhelming. At New Beginnings, we offer a more structured and intense treatment program than is available through periodic outpatient therapy. We give people the opportunity to recover from very difficult illnesses.” Ryder described the trajectory that brought him to New Beginnings: “I started my career in behavioral health as an addiction counselor in 1992. I was just out of the military and I took some aptitude testing that pointed me to healthcare or counseling. That started the chain of events that led me here. When I interviewed at New Beginnings I noticed that the staff is very passionate about what they do. So am I. I saw an opportunity to grow and evolve the program, to propel it forward.” What has most impressed Ryder about New Beginnings is the level of commitment and enthusiasm of the staff. “All the staff members have a can do attitude,” he said. “No matter what the problem, they look for a solution. We dont live in problems, here; we live in solutions.” |
 Luciana Loureiro Director of Therapeutic Recreation Miami Jewish Home and Hospital As Director of Therapeutic Recreation at Miami Jewish Home and Hospital, Luciana Loureiro leads a team of dedicated professionals working together to provide the finest recreational services possible for the Homes 462 elderly residents. Loureiros latest major project has been the creation of the Homes recently unveiled Multi-Sensory Environment (MSE) room. Incorporating 30 pieces of equipment including projectors, an aroma machine, a surround sound system, vibrating chairs and couches, and all manner of sensory items and effects, the MSE room should prove to be an invaluable asset, especially in treating depression. “In Europe MSE is huge,” Loureiro explained, “although there its used mainly in public schools for autistic or mentally retarded children. I adapted the technology for our residents. The focus is on having fun and alleviating depression. When you have somebody sitting in a wheelchair, theres not much in the way of sensory stimulation and interest. If you take someone like that into an environment where they can explore all their senses, it can really enhance attitude and function. Loureiro hails originally from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. A professional volleyball player in her native country, she won a volleyball scholarship that allowed her to graduate from Florida International University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Therapeutic Recreation. Subsequently, Loureiro became a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) and brought the same drive and energy that characterized her earlier athletic and academic success to the Miami Jewish Home when she joined the staff five years ago. Asked to name the most satisfying aspect of her work, Loureiro said, “There are many, but the most satisfying of all is the reward that I get from seeing the smiling faces of my residents. Through my programs, I can give them the chance to be a child again, to be happy again, to be empowered again, to feel those emotions. What I try to tell my residents through my work is: Youre here to be happy. Im going to provide you with the best quality of life that you can have.” |
 Betty Rice Bel, RNAssociate General Manager VITAS Innovative Hospice Care® of Miami-Dade and Monroe Counties Proudest accomplishment: My children. My son, who is 25, just graduated from Law School at Florida State University (FSU); and my daughter, 21, is a senior at FSU, majoring in English. First job: Working in the mail room at my fathers office during the summer. I was 13 years old, and he worked at the Grand Bahamas Development Company in Miami. Education: RN from Miami Dade Community College; BS in Healthcare Services; MS in Healthcare Services Administration from Nova Southeastern University. What skills do you need to succeed in your job: In clinical management and especially in healthcare, where problem-solving and critical thinking skills are musts we often forget that the most important and basic skill is communication. Effective communication skills are crucial to help employees, managers and organizations meet their objectives, but basic communication (i.e., talking with employees and clients) is often overlooked. Work habit you possess that you are most proud of: I will not leave my office until I have returned all my phone calls for the day. Most valuable lesson youve learned in your career: Nothing stays the same. Ive often compared my job to the man in the circus who spins plates on top of poles. He usually has 10 plates spinning at a time, and when hes finished with the last plate, he has to start spinning the first plate again, and so on The toughest part of your job: Dealing with death and dying for our pediatric patients and their families. Your philosophy of success: Remain true to yourself. One of your goals: To obtain a PhD in Healthcare Services Administration. I believe healthcare is in major transition, with the graying of America, the nursing shortage and the nations health-funding crisis. We must be armed with the best possible tools to meet t  Recent Posts               |
