Murdock
Murdock, FL · Health
Naples Daily News
Three women physicians leading future of heart care in SWFL | Opinion
In exam rooms, procedure suites and training programs across Naples, the future of heart care is being shaped one patient, one discovery and one young physician at a time. At the NCH Rooney Heart Institute, Shona Velamakanni, Viviana Navas and Dee Dee Wang are helping define what that future looks like. They are not simply succeeding in a specialty historically dominated by men. They are building programs, advancing science, expanding access to specialized care and creating opportunities for the physicians who will follow them. September is Women in Medicine Month, when the American Medical Association recognizes the accomplishments of women physicians and those who support their advancement. This is the first of a three-part series highlighting women who are shaping medicine in Southwest Florida. A path shaped by purpose For Velamakanni, medicine was modeled at home. Her mother is a clinical social worker, and her father’s career in cardiovascular research and nephrology showed her how science and patient care could work together.“Both of them were so powered with purpose,” Velamakanni said. “It was very inspiring.” Velamakanni trained in internal medicine and cardiology after medical school and was drawn to a field that combined science, procedures and the privilege of caring
Naples Daily News
Older adults find wellness, creativity, needed services | Opinion
Throughout September, advocates for seniors will come together to celebrate National Senior Center Month. The National Council on Aging chose “Happier Birthdays Happen Here” as this year’s theme. This month-long celebration shines a meaningful light on connection, purpose, support and community, while showcasing how senior centers across the United States improve the lives of older adults. For more than 80 years, senior centers have been doing this critical work, often quietly. Deeply rooted in their communities, their full impact isn’t always widely understood. Too often, people see only a small part of what happens inside their doors, without recognizing the full range of essential programs, services, connections and support they provide. That limited understanding can obscure the true impact: the friendships formed, the joy shared, the opportunity to learn and grow, and, for some, a vital lifeline to connection and support. The nation’s very first senior center, the William Hodson Community Center in the Bronx, New York, opened its doors in 1943. Its purpose was to reach out to people who had recently retired but needed a place to gather and stay connected to others. More than 80 years later, senior centers remain vitally important, with more than 10,000 organizations
capecoralbreeze.com
Guest Column | Why the continuum of local pediatric care matters
From first steps, first days of school, new sports, new friendships and plenty of bumps and illnesses along the way, childhood is full of milestones and surprises. When a child needs medical care, it’s essential to have trusted and compassionate care nearby. It means less time traveling, fewer missed...
WINKNEWS.com
Lee Health waives Fort Myers woman's surprise $59 doctor visit fee
FORT MYERS, Fla. (WINK) — A Lee County woman was hit with unexpected charges after a visit to the doctor and came to WINK Listens hoping we could get to the bottom of it. Judy McQuaide says she visited the Lee Health office at Medical Plaza One. It's a medical office building off Summerlin, near Health Park Hospital.
englewoodreview.com
Homegrown Healing: Dr. ‘Sunny’ Sharma Returns to Southwest Florida to Launch Coastal Gastroenterology & General Surgery
Dr. Sanskriti “Sunny” Sharma grew up in the heart of Englewood. After years of medical school and specialty training, she’s back home in Southwest Florida, where she opened Coastal Gastroenterology & General Surgery in Port Charlotte. She’s now practicing as a gastroenterologist, right in the community that helped raise her.
beckershospitalreview.com
2 HCA Florida hospitals name COO, COO-CNO
Two Florida hospitals within Nashville, Tenn.-based HCA Healthcare have appointed new COOs, including one who will also serve as chief nursing officer. J.R. Rehmann, BSN, RN, was named COO of HCA Florida Largo Hospital, according to an Aug. 21 LinkedIn post from the hospital. He began his career as a firefighter, paramedic and emergency department nurse. He most recently served as vice president of nursing operations for HCA Healthcare West Florida Division.
beckerspayer.com
‘Fundamentally different priorities’: Lee Health to go out of network for UnitedHealthcare members
Fort Myers, Fla.-based Lee Health said it would terminate hospital and physician contracts with UnitedHealthcare at the end of 2026. Beginning Jan. 1, 2027, Lee Health will be out of network for UnitedHealthcare employer-based, individual and Medicare Advantage plan members. Lee Health said UnitedHealthcare does not consider the health system to be part of the insurer’s exchange plans.
milfordfreepress.com
Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression Program Expands in Naples, FL
Feel Amazing Spine and Joint Institute has formally expanded its non-surgical spinal decompression and chiropractic rehabilitation programs at its Naples, Florida clinic, broadening access to non-invasive care for patients managing chronic back pain, herniated discs, sciatica, spinal stenosis, and related musculoskeletal conditions. The expansion, led by Dr. Richard Hiler, DC, DABCN, a board-certified Chiropractic Neurologist, reflects the clinic's commitment to delivering structured, evidence-informed treatment pathways that do not involve surgery or pharmaceutical dependency.
floridaweekly.com
Naples ENT doctor becomes SWFL’s first to treat chronic rhinitis with Neuromark
Dr. Matthew Connor, a board-certified otolaryngologist with Precision Healthcare Specialists, has become the first physician in Lee and Collier counties to treat chronic rhinitis with an innovative new system using radiofrequency technology. Connor, a U.S. Air Force veteran and fellow of the American Academy of Otolaryngic Allergy, is now treating...
nildealnow.com
NCH Says It Will Drop Cigna and Wellcare Medicare Advantage Plans in 2027, Giving Southwest Florida Patients an Enrollment Window This Fall
NAPLES, FL — Naples Comprehensive Health says it will stop accepting Cigna and Wellcare Medicare Advantage plans starting January 1, 2027. The change affects patients whose coverage is tied to those two plans and who want to keep using NCH facilities without switching care. NCH said patients can still...
groupdentistrynow.com
Aging Population Fuels Aspen Dental Expansion
The new practice plans to host its first Day of Service for local veterans on Nov. 7 as part of a broader Aspen Dental commitment to provide $100 million in donated care and community service nationwide. Today Aspen Dental has opened a new supported practice at 26280 Jones Loop Road,...