BayCare recognized for keeping burnout at bay
CLEARWATER – BayCare has earned the bronze-level recognition in 2025 from the American Medical Association as a Joy in Medicine organization.
The recognition honors health systems, hospitals and medical groups that prioritize proven methods to reduce burnout and enhance the professional fulfillment of doctors that comes from patient care.
“We take tremendous pride in prioritizing the well-being of our physicians,” said Dr. Sowmya Viswanathan, chief physician executive at BayCare. “This milestone is a clear reminder that wellness-focused leadership is critical. When we focus on the well-being of our physicians, they can focus on the joy of providing compassionate care that is aligned with their talents and our mission, vision and values.”
Burnout among U.S. physicians peaked at 62.8% in 2021 during the COVID pandemic, according to a recent study. But with system-level efforts to address burnout, the national physician burnout rate declined to 45.2% in 2023.
“Joy in Medicine-recognized organizations are leading the gains made against the physician burnout crisis and help clinicians rediscover the deep rewards and joy that comes from helping patients,” AMA President Bobby Mukkamala said.
Hospital to hosti Women’s Health Expo
LUTZ – St. Joseph’s Hospital-North is hosting a free Women’s Health Expo on Oct. 6 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Discover the wide range of services available at St. Joseph’s Hospital-North, with a special highlight on women’s health including mental health, breast health, pelvic floor care, skin care and fitness.
Learn about the Hinks and Elaine Shimberg Breast Center and take advantage of free health screenings including glucose, blood pressure and BMI. Shop for unique items at curated pop-up shops, enjoy light refreshments and have fun at a festive photo booth.
Walk-ins are welcome but registration is encouraged at this free event. Register by visiting BayCareEvents.org and choosing “St. Joseph’s Hospital-North” in the “Facility/Location” filter and scrolling to the Oct. 6 class listing. Register by phone by calling 855-314-8352 and pressing the number “2” at the prompt.
Call -855-269-4777 for details about the event.
BayCare releases reports on physicians
CLEARWATER – BayCare Health System released Vital Impact, its 2024 Physician and Provider Annual Report.
The report highlights the work of BayCare’s physicians and clinical teams serving West Central Florida.
Among the notable milestones in 2024:
- For the Provider as Customer Survey, a 4.35 engagement score places BayCare at the 79th percentile nationally, reflecting a highly committed workforce.
- Year-over-year growth in engagement signals improvement and a commitment to provider satisfaction.
- Collaboration with its physicians helped 10 of BayCare’s eligible acute-care hospitals receive an “A” grade from Leapfrog, the patient safety group’s highest rating.
- The launch of our BayCare Clinical Institutes.
BayCare is continuing to expand its academic medicine and research programs. BayCare is also on track to expand its graduate medical education residency positions to more than 650 by 2029, to continue bringing top-notch physicians to the region.
AdventHealth to expand emergency care access in Punta Gorda
PUNTA GORDA – AdventHealth is bringing a state-of-the-art emergency department to Punta Gorda.
Located at the southeast corner of Jones Loop Road and Mac Ever Street, the new facility will provide 24/7 emergency care, advanced technology and whole-person care minutes away for families across Charlotte County.
This project comes at a critical time for the community. After recent hurricanes damaged and closed a local hospital, many residents have faced longer travel times to receive emergency treatment.
“We want families in Punta Gorda and surrounding areas to feel confident that help is close by in an emergency,” said Adam Johnson, president/CEO of AdventHealth Port Charlotte. “This new emergency department is the first step in a long-term commitment to bringing more health care services back home to this community.”
Florida marks fifth straight year of clean air
TALLAHASSEE – The Florida Department of Environmental Protection announced that Florida has met all federal air quality standards for the fifth consecutive year.
Florida is the most populous state in the nation to achieve this distinction.
The Clean Air Act requires the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to set National Ambient Air Quality Standards for six criteria air pollutants that can harm human health and the environment: carbon monoxide, lead, nitrogen dioxide, ozone, particle pollution and sulfur dioxide. Florida’s industrial emissions have declined 78% since 2000, and ozone levels – the most widespread air pollutant – have fallen by nearly half over the past 20 years.
Florida maintains one of the nation’s most comprehensive air quality monitoring networks, with 180 monitors at 90 sites across the state. The network meets or exceeds federal requirements and ensures accurate, real-time data for residents and communities.
Floridians can track daily Air Quality Index conditions in their area through floridadep.gov or AirNow.gov.
