Baptist MD Anderson Cancer Center

Congratulations to our very own Callie Soltero, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, on receiving the 2024 Freddie Webster RN Award for Nursing Excellence from We Care Jacksonville, Inc.! ?? An accolade that truly reflects her dedication and expertise in the field - your dedication is truly inspirational. #BaptistProud

LOOK WHO STOPPED BY! ?? Big shoutout to Tyler Lacy and the Jacksonville Jaguars for bringing joy and delivering messages of hope from the incredible Jags fan base! Each message from the Crucial Catch game is packed with hope, encouragement and all the #DUUUVAL spirit to bring strength and smiles to our patients. Tyler’s mother is a 16-year breast cancer survivor, inspiring him every day with her strength and resilience. Because of her journey, today’s visit holds special meaning. Thank you, Tyler and Jacksonville, for reminding us just how powerful community can be! ??

Honoring service and sacrifice this #VeteransDay, Robby Ventura reflects on his journey of nearly two decades of military and medical service. ?????? Growing up in Honolulu, Robby went on school-sponsored field trips to the USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor, one of the island’s most visited historic sites. A powerful reminder of heroism and human sacrifice, the memorial’s overall significance didn’t hit home for Robby until he enlisted in the U.S. Navy in December 2004. “It didn’t occur to me to join the military until my junior year when I realized going to college would be a challenge, financially,” he said. “After learning about the Navy’s educational benefits, I decided to leave home and see the world. My plan was to do just one enlistment. Now, I’m going into my 20th year.” A hospital corpsman in the Navy, Robby went on to complete field medical training at Camp Pendleton, California, and served as a “greenside” corpsman in Okinawa, Japan, and with a Marine Corps unit in Iraq from 2007 to 2008. As a Fleet Marine Force corpsman, he served shore duty at Naval hospitals in San Diego, Pensacola and Jacksonville and at the Marine Corps Air Station at Cherry Pont, North Carolina. A varsity volleyball player in high school, Robby found time to coach the indoor sport on the high school and travel team level while stationed in Pensacola and New Bern, North Carolina. While serving a three-year hitch in the emergency room at Naval Hospital Jacksonville, Ventura was introduced to his now wife, Sarah Griffis, APRN, a nurse practitioner at Baptist MD Anderson Cancer Center. The couple married in May 2019 and recently celebrated the birth of their first child, a daughter. “What got me interested in being a hospital corpsman was the fast pace of emergency room medicine and trauma cases,” he said. “But the older you get, the harder it is to keep up with that pace.” So, in November 2020, after 16 years of active-duty service, Robby decided to transition into the Navy Reserves. He joined Baptist MD Anderson Cancer Center in June 2021 and currently supports orthopedic surgeon Robert Wilson, MD. As a Navy reservist, Robby serves one weekend a month at Naval Hospital Jacksonville and two weeks a year with a Marine Corps unit in the New England area. He is also studying for a bachelor’s degree in health science and is contemplating a career in sports medicine, occupational therapy or as a physician’s assistant. “I’m intrigued by the oncology side of orthopedics and the relationships you build with your patients,” said Ventura. “Working with my Baptist MD Anderson team members reminds me of the camaraderie I enjoyed in the Navy,” he said. “It’s a family-like bond.” Thank you, Robby! Your commitment to both our nation and patients is an inspiration to us all. We are honored to have you on our team. This Veterans Day, we extend our deepest gratitude to all veterans for their service, sacrifice and unwavering strength. #BaptistProud

Today, on Veterans Day, we honor the incredible men and women who’ve served our country with courage and commitment. We’re especially grateful for our Baptist Health team members who are veterans—your skills and experiences make us stronger every day. #BaptistProud Please join us in expressing our deepest thanks to all veterans for their service and dedication to our country. ????

Congratulations to Brittany Merritt on her recent LOTUS award! ?? Brittany works on our colorectal team at Baptist MD Anderson Cancer Center and was nominated by a fellow team member: “Brittany demonstrates such a high level of continuity of care with our patients. I was out of the clinic recently and Brittany was able to keep our clinic running smoothly for all patients and team members. She is knowledgeable on symptom management, is cross-trained in multiple departments, and is always a team player for other clinics to make sure all patients are taken care of. Patients love her and have many wonderful things to say about her. Brittany came to colorectal with prior experience and has even taught me certain things about procedures. Brittany never complains no matter how much work she is presented with, she is always there to give a helping hand and always offers any help she can give to lighten up the load on others. She also makes things easy to navigate in colorectal by assessing the flow of the clinic. When I am away I know the clinic is in great hands. I can not imagine this clinic not having her! Brittany is top-notch and is so deserving of this award and so much more.” Thank you, Brittany, for your unwavering leadership and dedication. We’re #BaptistProud to have you on our team!

Back in September, the APP ERG hosted its 2nd Annual APP Research & Quality Fall Symposium! ?? This symposium provides a dynamic space for experienced APPs to serve as role models and mentors, while supporting and motivating new APPs and students stepping into practice and research. Across the Baptist Health system, we encouraged providers to nominate standout APPs for recognition during National APP Week. We’re thrilled to celebrate these incredible awardees (pictured below): ?? Baptist Health’s APP Rising Star: Candace Gordon, APRN ?? Baptist Health’s APP of the Year: Heather Augustyniak, DNP, APRN ?? Baptist Health’s APP Emerging Leader: Meghan Hall, PA-C The weekend was filled with fellowship, education and well-deserved celebration! We're #BaptistProud of each and every one of these crucial team members.

Happening TOMORROW! Don’t miss out on this free event. Ever thought about controlling a device with just your thoughts? ??? Join us for the 2024 Farthing Lecture at WJCT Public Media and explore the world of brain-computer interfaces (BCIs)—where mind meets machine. BCIs allow your brain signals to control devices, opening doors to revolutionary possibilities in healthcare and beyond. ?? Hear from Kurt Haggstrom, Chief Commercial Officer at Synchron as he delves into how neurotechnology can help us overcome physical barriers in new and exciting ways. ** Networking, beverages and heavy hors d’oeuvres are included during the Welcome Reception. There is no cost to attend—but spots are filling fast! Reserve yours today and be part of the future of mind-powered technology: go.baptistjax.com/40vClgQ

ACCOUNTABILITY IN ACTION: Baptist Physician Partners (BPP), Baptist Health’s clinically integrated hospital-physician network, was recently named to Becker's Hospital Review list of “44 Accountable Care Organization’s (ACOs) to Know” for 2024! The network, which provides high-quality, value-based care to communities throughout Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia, is one of just two ACOs in Florida to make the prestigious list for the past two years. “Success in value-based care is paramount to our entire organization, and this recognition is an honor and testament to the work of our ACO and clinically integrated network,” said Mary Leen, DNP, ARNP, vice president of clinical operations for BPP, who leads care coordination teams at Baptist Health. “Fostering collaboration among health care providers ensures patients receive comprehensive and seamless care whatever their health care need. It also empowers patients to confidently navigate their health care journey, assured that their providers are collaborating for their best interests.” Accountable Care Organizations are groups of clinicians, hospitals and other health care providers who work together to provide highly coordinated, patient-centered care. Care coordination teams help to ensure continuity of care throughout a patient’s health care journey. This collaborative approach promotes value-based care, which emphasizes quality over quantity in the delivery of health care. In addition, many ACOs such as BPP also focus on improving provider well-being and reducing burnout by addressing the needs of the care team as well as the patient and family. Through the use of evidence-based practices, standards and analytics, ACOs have been proven to reduce unnecessary hospital admissions, improve chronic disease management, and help create healthier communities. “We are proud to be recognized for the strength and quality of our clinically integrated network,” said Timothy G. Groover, MD, MBA, CPE, FACHE, senior vice president and chief medical officer of Baptist Health. “Quality over quantity is the right choice for us and our patients. Efficiently providing high-quality care results in better patient outcomes and allows us to reinvest in technology and services, maintaining the availability of health care services for the community.” READ MORE: https://lnkd.in/enKchSgP #BaptistProud

While many of us were with loved ones at home during Hurricane Milton, we want to recognize the incredible team members who spent their time at our hospitals and Emergency Centers, caring for our patients. To our facilities, clinical and support staff who worked tirelessly through the storm - thank you for your dedication and selflessness. We are #BaptistProud to have such amazing individuals leading the way at Baptist Health. To everyone feeling the full impact of Hurricane Milton, please know that our thoughts are with you. ??

WEATHER UPDATE - WEDNESDAY 10/9: Baptist Health continues to closely monitor Hurricane Milton, and is making operational updates to prioritize the safety of our patients, team members and providers. Please see below for location-specific updates for tomorrow. THURSDAY 10/10: ?? All emergency centers remain open ?? Baptist Clay, Baptist Nassau & Baptist South remain open & operating as normal ?? Baptist Jacksonville, Baptist Beaches & Wolfson Children’s Hospital: elective surgeries & procedures scheduled for 10/10 are being rescheduled; outpatient labs will be closed ?? Baptist MD Anderson Cancer Center San Marco will be closed ?? Primary Care Offices will be closed ?? Specialty Care Offices will be closed ?? HealthPlace at Fleming Island will be closed (EXCEPTION: Baptist MD Anderson at this location will be open) ?? HealthPlace at Nocatee will be closed ** Please note: If your scheduled appointment or procedure is affected, please call your provider’s office. Thank you for your patience. ** VISITATION: All restrictions have been lifted as of 10/10 FRIDAY 10/11: ?? We expect all facilities & offices to resume normal operations As always, your health and safety are our top priorities. As Milton approaches, we encourage you to allow extra time for travel and exercise caution when driving to our locations. If there are any other changes to the forecasted storm impact or Baptist Health operations, we will provide real-time updates on our social media pages and our website: go.baptistjax.com/milton --- 24/7 VIRTUAL CARE: HealthPlace on Demand offers virtual care from the same trusted, board-certified emergency and family physicians available at our Baptist ERs. Speak to a Baptist Health provider from the comfort of your home—or wherever you may be. Get started by visiting go.baptistjax.com/OnDemand.