Compassion and innovation hand in hand

What are the biggest changes you’ve seen in the industry in your 13 years at Baptist Health?

The healthcare industry has transformed significantly, particularly in technology and patient care. At Baptist Health, advancements like telemedicine, minimally invasive procedures and artificial intelligence (AI) in diagnostics have emerged. The focus on patient-centred care has grown, emphasising compassion and personalised treatment. Additionally, the importance of a multicultural and multilingual staff has increased, helping us better serve our diverse international patients.

Baptist Health was established over 60 years ago. Can you tell us why you think it has been and continues to be so successful?

Baptist Health’s enduring success can be attributed to its commitment to excellence, compassion and innovation. As the largest notfor-profit healthcare system in South Florida, we have built a reputation for clinical and service excellence. Our continuous investment in stateof-the-art facilities, cutting-edge technology and strategic partnerships, such as those with Florida International University and Florida Atlantic University, keeps us at the forefront of medical research and education. Additionally, we have some of the best physicians in the world, further securing our position as a trusted healthcare provider.

Why is having multicultural and multilingual staff such an important factor when it comes to international patient care?

Baptist Health International’s Coordination of Care team’s ability to speak multiple languages and understand various cultures is a significant advantage in catering to our diverse patient population. It allows us to communicate clearly and empathetically so that patients feel understood and respected, and enhances the patient experience by fostering trust and satisfaction. Our Coordination of Care team is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, ready to assist international patients. 

Baptist Health has four centres of excellence. Can you tell us about them and why international patients are attracted to them at your facility?

Our centres of excellence are institutes specialising in cancer care, heart and vascular care, orthopaedic and sports medicine care, and brain and spine care. Patients from around the world are drawn to these centres for their renowned expertise.

Baptist Health Miami Cardiac & Vascular Institute is nationally recognised and offers access to advanced clinical trials and treatments. The institute features such world-renowned doctors as Jane E. Mendez, M.D., a surgical oncologist and chief of breast surgery; John P. Diaz, M.D., a gynaecologic oncologist and leader in robotic surgery; and Murugesan Manoharan, M.D., an innovator in urologic oncology.

Miami Cardiac & Vascular Institute includes global leaders in minimally invasive surgeries, such as Tom C. Nguyen, M.D., an internationally recognised minimally invasive valve surgeon; Joseph T. McGinn, Jr., M.D., a pioneer in minimally invasive cardiac surgery; and Mehrdad Ghoreishi, M.D., a specialist in aortic surgery.

Baptist Health Miami Neuroscience Institute benefits from world-renowned neuroscience leaders such as Michael McDermott, M.D., a neurosurgeon with clinical expertise in meningioma surgery and Gamma Knife radiosurgery; and Diego Torres-Russotto, M.D., an expert in movement disorders.

Among the renowned physicians at our Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Institute are John Uribe, M.D., an orthopaedic surgeon, and team physician for major professional sports teams; and John E. Zvijac, M.D., and Keith Hechtman, M.D., who specialise in arthroscopic surgery of the shoulder, elbow, knee, and ankle.

This combination of expertise, innovation and comprehensive care makes our centres of excellence highly attractive to international patients. 

Why do you think the international patient market has grown so much, and what’s next for Baptist Health?

The international healthcare market has grown due to advancements in medical technology, the reputation of specialised facilities and global patient mobility. Baptist Health attracts patients with its comprehensive, personalised services and seamless travel coordination. We plan to further expand international operations, enhance research and education, and strengthen partnerships. Our goal is to remain a global leader in healthcare, offering hope and exceptional care worldwide.