Murdock
Murdock, FL · Health
Naples Daily News
Groundbreaking: New medical school in Naples to improve access to care
Southwest Florida is on track to have a medical school that will be a first for the region to train physicians to serve health care needs now and in the future. Dozens of leaders in business, healthcare and government were on hand July 16 to celebrate a groundbreaking for a proposed College of Osteopathic Medicine in Naples at a five-acre site at Rattlesnake Hammock Road and Collier Boulevard. The project is in application steps for accreditation with the Commission on Osteopathic College of Accreditation, COCA, and cannot be called a medical school until it achieves “candidate status,” said Dr. Wolfgang Gilliar , founding dean and chief academic officer. That is expected to happen sometime between August and December, he said. The intent is opening in summer/fall of 2028 with an inaugural class of 90 students and reaching 180 students by the third year, Gilliar said. The project is expected to go a long way toward addressing a physician shortage in Southwest Florida and serve as a catalyst for training generations of physicians, along with having a significant economic impact on the local economy . The $200 million, three-story campus will be built by the Drs. Kiran and Pallavi Patel Family
mcknightsseniorliving.com
Discovery Senior Living rolls out segmentation strategy
Bonita Springs, FL-based Discovery Senior Living is expanding its operating platform with the introduction of a fully integrated, portfoliowide segmentation and program delivery framework designed to further enhance performance, scalability and operational excellence across its independent living, assisted living and memory care communities. “This evolution of our segmentation strategy represents...
Town Chronicle
The heart of the matter
Patients can trust Dr. Kenneth Pfahler and Christiana Casanova, APRN, not only with their hearts (no pun intended) but also to provide personalized attention and exceptional care driven by a genuine love for what they do. “We had pillow talk, you know, we were lying in bed one evening, and I was, like, ‘Christy, I really love being a doctor […] The post The heart of the matter first appeared on Town Chronicle .
Tampa Bay 28
New training to improve obstetric emergency care in rural Florida counties
newsnetmedia.com
Hobdari Family Health Welcomes Dr. Ali Zreik, Expanding Primary Care Access Across Southwest Florida
Board-certified internal medicine physician joins Hobdari Family Health to expand primary care for residents of Naples, Bonita Springs, and South West Florida. BONITA SPRINGS, FL, UNITED STATES, July 14, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — Hobdari Family Health is proud to announce that Dr. Ali Zreik, a board-certified Internal Medicine physician, has joined the practice, expanding access to comprehensive primary care for residents of Naples, Bonita Springs, and the greater Southwest Florida community.
WINKNEWS.com
Experts warn LaBelle's massive sewage spill could trigger algal blooms
LABELLE, Fla. (WINK)—A massive sewage spill in LaBelle is raising questions about what's moving through Southwest Florida's waterways. The city says 450,000 gallons of raw wastewater entered a drainage ditch. Neighbors say the impact is already hard to ignore. Gary Murphy's wife didn't just smell the treatment plant. She...
Naples Daily News
Lee Health: AI – Supporting clinicians, enhancing care
From surgical robotics to advanced diagnostic tools and emerging treatment technologies, Lee Health continues to integrate innovation across its care delivery system to enhance patient outcomes. As artificial intelligence reshapes industries worldwide, our health system continues to explore new ways to use these technologies to support patients, strengthen clinical decision-making, and streamline care delivery. At Lee Health, AI is designed to enhance the work of clinical teams — not replace it — helping providers make informed decisions, improve efficiency, and spend more time focused on patient care. To help foster transparency and understanding around these efforts, the Lee Health AI and Digital Transformation team recently hosted “The Intelligence Inside: Explore AI at Lee Health” at Lee Health Coconut Point. The event welcomed both staff and community members interested in learning more about how AI is currently being used and where it is headed. “We extended an invitation to this event to community members because building trust with our patients and community is one of our top priorities,” said Wendy Victor, director of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Transformation at Lee Health. “AI is evolving rapidly, and we want to help people understand not only how we’re using it, but that we
gulfshorebusiness.com
NCH performs first Florida M3 heart valve procedure
For Naples resident Bob Dickemper, the ability to have a lifesaving heart procedure close to home — while helping pioneer a new technology — made a big difference in both his treatment and recovery. Naples Comprehensive Health made history in early June as the first healthcare system in...
gulfcoastnewsnow.com
NCH surgeon transforms heart surgery in Naples with minimally invasive method
NAPLES, Fla. — A Naples cardiac surgeon is changing the way heart surgeries are performed with a minimally invasive method that avoids cracking open the chest. Frederick Rogan, a heart patient, was keeping up with his cardiac health when his doctor delivered news he couldn't ignore. "We caught it...
Naples Daily News
Lee Health: Community is stronger than cancer
It has been nearly a year since the Cancer Support Community at the Lee Health Cancer Institute opened, and in that time, it has become a lifeline for people across Southwest Florida affected by cancer. Nearly 175 members, including patients, survivors, and caregivers, now rely on the program for support at every stage of their cancer journey. Located on the fourth floor of the Lee Health Regional Cancer Center, the program brings together a wide range of services under one roof, all completely free. “We offer services for anybody impacted by cancer, including current patients, survivors, and caregivers,” said Melissa Sommers, LCSW, manager of the Cancer Support Community at Lee Health. “Our services include support, healthy lifestyle activities, education, social connections, resources, and navigation.” The Cancer Support Community focuses on overall health and well-being through: Support: Licensed professionals lead weekly groups to help provide guidance, comfort and connection. Education: Participants learn from experts on a wide range of cancer-related topics, helping them stay informed and empowered. Healthy living: Participants explore nutrition, movement, expressive arts and mind-body practices like yoga to support overall well-being. Social connection: Engaging clubs and activities bring joy and build community. Resources and referrals: Participants have access
gulfcoastnewsnow.com
NCH simulation center trains future medical professionals with advanced technology in Naples
NAPLES, Fla. — The NCH simulation center in Southwest Florida is among the most advanced medical training facilities in the world, featuring state-of-the-art technology to prepare the next generation of health care professionals. The center includes five patient rooms, two operating rooms, and a control room where instructors manipulate...
Naples Daily News
Lee Health: Training the next generation of physicians, pharmacists
This July, Lee Health proudly welcomes its largest class of resident physicians, who will begin training through Florida State University College of Medicine programs in Internal Medicine (established in 2022), Family Medicine (established in 2012), and newly launched programs in Transitional Year and Obstetrics and Gynecology (OB/GYN). After graduating from medical school—either allopathic (M.D.) or osteopathic (D.O.)—physicians must complete residency training in their chosen specialty before practicing independently. These programs provide hands-on clinical experience and are essential in preparing physicians to deliver safe, high-quality care. Welcoming new residents is always an exciting and important milestone for Lee Health. Our teams take great pride in supporting physicians as they grow into skilled clinicians, and many go on to remain within our health system or continue practicing elsewhere in Florida after completing training. These residency programs play a key role in addressing physician shortages across our region, and we anticipate this positive impact will continue. “We are thrilled to welcome this exceptional and diverse group of resident physicians to Lee Health,” said Alfred Gitu, M.D., Chief Academic Officer for Lee Health. “Training the next generation of outstanding clinicians is at the heart of our mission, and we are grateful to our community
extendedreachusa.com
Ground Broken on New VA Clinic in North Port, Expanding Healthcare Access for Southwest Florida Veterans
NORTH PORT, FL — Construction has officially begun on a new state-of-the-art Veterans Affairs outpatient clinic in North Port, marking a significant investment in healthcare infrastructure for the region’s growing veteran population. Local leaders, representatives from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, and community stakeholders gathered on June 16 to celebrate the groundbreaking of the facility, which is expected to open in 2027.
floridaweekly.com
Dr. Cathy Carr receives award for quality and patient safety
Dr. Cathy Carr, market vice president of Quality and Patient Safety for HCA Florida Fawcett Hospital and HCA Florida Englewood Hospital, has been named the recipient of the 2026 Vice President of Quality & Patient Safety Award, recognizing her exceptional leadership and commitment to advancing healthcare quality, patient safety and clinical excellence.