BayCare named a Top Workplace
CLEARWATER – BayCare has been awarded the 2025 Top Workplaces in the USA award by USA Today and Energage for the second year in a row.
BayCare was ranked No. 30 out of the Top 100 companies recognized nationwide.
Top Workplaces USA celebrates organizations with 150 or more employees that have built great cultures. Over 42,000 organizations were invited to participate in the Top Workplaces USA survey. Winners are chosen based on employee feedback gathered through an employee engagement survey issued by Energage.
Results are calculated by comparing the survey’s research-based statements, including 15 Culture Drivers that are proven to predict high performance against industry benchmarks.
“Being named a Top Workplace again in 2025 highlights our exceptional team members and our ongoing dedication to being the best place to work,” BayCare President and CEO Stephanie Conners said. “We are grateful to our team members whose insights and dedication make this possible, continually earning us recognition in both national and local workplace awards.”
BayCare sees demand for residency programs
CLEARWATER – All of BayCare’s sponsored Graduate Medical Education programs received a 100% match for Match Day.
More than 170 health care leaders of the future, including resident physicians and fellows, have made BayCare their Graduate Medical Education home. This brings the total to nearly 300 doctors currently in BayCare Residency programs.
“We are thrilled to achieve a remarkable 100% match for our 12 BayCare-sponsored residency programs this year, including seven new programs,” said Chief Physician Executive Dr. Sowmya Viswanathan. “Choosing BayCare for their residency education ensures we can guide these students, who bring fresh perspectives about the latest medical innovations from the classroom. We are eager to welcome these resident physicians and support their educational journey.”
Bilirakis seeks to expedite veterans appeals claims
WASHINGTON, D.C.– U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis (FL-12) and Morgan McGarvey (KY-03) re-introduced March 25 the Board of Veterans’ Appeals Attorney Retention and Backlog Reduction Act.
The legislation would help the Board of Veterans’ Appeals recruit and retain the staff necessary to address the significant 200,000-case backlog it currently faces. This bill will be heard in the Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs Subcommittee this Wednesday.
“Too often, the Board of Veterans Appeals continues to be a roadblock for timely processing of VA claims,” said Rep. Bilirakis. “The Veteran Appeals backlog unnecessarily delays our nation’s heroes from accessing the benefits they’ve earned and is a concern that has been raised by many of my constituents. Our bill addresses BVA performance and staffing concerns by creating a level playing field with BVA and other federal agencies.”
Castor tries to save EPA Office of Children’s Health Protection
WASHINGTON, DC – U.S Rep. Kathy Castor (FL-14) and others reintroduced March 25 the Children’s Health Protection Act of 2025.
The legislation codifies into law the only office within the Environmental Protection Agency dedicated to children’s health, the Office of Children’s Health Protection.
This office would be responsible for rulemaking, policy, enforcement actions, research and applications of science that focus on prenatal and childhood vulnerabilities, safe chemicals management, and coordination of community-based programs to eliminate threats to children’s health where they live, learn and play.
The legislation would also make the EPA Children’s Health Protection Advisory Committee a permanent advisory committee. It aims to ensure no President will be able to remove such safeguards that help shield children from environmental harms to their health.
Hospital offers newborn support groups
LUTZ – St. Joseph’s Hospital-North, 4211 Van Dyke Road, offers free in-person support groups and classes during April about breastfeeding and newborn care.
The events are open to all no matter which hospital you delivered or plan to deliver your babies. All events are held in St. Joseph’s Hospital-North classrooms.
- Infant and Child CPR – Learning CPR and rescue skills can help parents and caregivers save a child in an emergency. The class, which is useful for parents, teachers and babysitters, includes learning choking rescue methods, CPR and home safety education based on American Heart Association guidelines. The class costs $25. Offered April 3 from 6 to 8:30 p.m.
- Breastfeeding Support Group – For breastfeeding mothers, their babies and one support person (grandmother, aunt, etc.) The group provides a place where breastfeeding mothers receive support from other breastfeeding mothers and certified breastfeeding consultants. There is no cost to attend. Offered April 10 and 24 from 10 to 11 a.m.
- Understanding Your Newborn – Provides information to the expectant mother and one support person about many aspects of safe infant care, including feeding, diapering, bathing, signs of illness and cues and communication. There is no cost to attend. Offered April 10 from 1 to 5 p.m.
- Understanding Breastfeeding – Provides information to the expectant mother and her support person about breastfeeding basics, skin-to-skin contact, tips for returning to work and when to call a health-care provider or lactation consultant. There is no cost to attend. Offered April 24 from 1 to 5 p.m.
Register by visiting BayCareEvents.org and choosing “St. Joseph’s Hospital-North” in the “Facility/Location” filter. You can also register by phone by calling 855-314-8352 and pressing the number “2” at the prompt.
SHINE offers Medicare programs
SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders) will have volunteers available to answer Medicare questions at the following dates and venues in Pasco and Pinellas counties:
- Medicare Basics: 10 a.m. April 3 at New Port Richey Library, 5939 Main St, New Port Richey. 727-853-1279
- Medicare 101: Noon April 2 at Largo Public Library, 120 Central Park Drive. Largo. 727-587-6715 ext. 2508
- Medicare 101: 10:30 a.m. April 3 at New River Library, 34043 FL-54, Wesley Chapel. 813-788-6375
SHINE counselors can be reached by calling 1-800-963-5337 or 727-217-8111.
