Feldman is an accomplished executive with more than 25 years of healthcare leadership experience, including more than 19 years working at Tenet.

The Excellence in Healthcare Awards recognize those in South Florida who have achieved positive results in the local community, while fostering good healthcare practices among employees. Finalists were chosen by a panel of outside advisors, as well as South Florida Business Journal staff.

"I am honored and humbled to receive this award amongst so many outstanding candidates. I want to thank my staff for nominating me and their continued support," said Feldman.

His advise to other aspiring healthcare executives is simple. The field is ever changing and complex. Prepare for shifting tides and adjust as they can. "Embrace change and surround yourself with people who have expertise in a variety of areas that healthcare organizations require", said Feldman. "Look forward and plan for the future and prioritize so that your organization can stay in the forefront.".

In just more than a year as CEO of West Boca Medical Center, a 195-bed acute care hospital in Boca Raton, Fla., Feldman has led the hospital's growth and expansion of pediatric services, including a pediatric orthopedic program, pediatric outpatient rehab program and pediatric sleep lab. Under his leadership the hospital also finalized construction to expand its Level III NICU, bringing total NICU bed count to 34, as well as developed a certified stroke center.

Boca Raton, FL  – West Boca Medical Center (WBMC), a 195-bed acute care hospital in Boca Raton, celebrated the Grand Opening of its newly constructed Adult Sleep Diagnostic Center on Aug. 13.

Boca Raton, FL--More than 50 Elves, part of the American Volunteer Corps "Santa's Cause Campaign," will make holiday spirits soar when they deploy in mass and create joy and song at West Boca Medical Center, 21644 State Road 7, at 6 pm, Tuesday, Dec. 9.

The volunteers, part of the American Elf Training School, come from all over Broward and Palm Beach Counties.  

They will be fully dressed and schooled in the fine art of Elfdom.  They've learned the codes of fun and laughter, and will exhibit wit and charm as they form the Elf Christmas Choir.  And yes, all Elves graduate with a Certificate of Achievement directly from Santa.   

Afterwards, they'll parade in uniform throughout the Hospital to deliver stuffed animals, dolls and beanie babies to all "elders in repair," touching the hearts of all they meet, under the direction of West Boca's medical staff.   <</html>

The HealthGrades Fifth Annual Report on Women's Health Outcomes in U.S. Hospitals found that best-performing hospitals had almost 51 percent fewer maternal complications among women who had vaginal births compared to poor-performing hospitals, and 76 percent fewer for women undergoing cesarean section births.

The HealthGrades study also identified West Boca Medical Center as ranking in top 5% in the nation for maternity care services for the third year in a row.

"It is a great honor for our Maternity Care physicians and nurses to be recognized for their outstanding service to our community," said Ruth Schwarzkopf, CNO.  "Achieving this award for three years in a row is a tribute to the hard work and dedication of the staff."

HealthGrades analyzed over 12.5 million hospital delivery and neonate records from 2004 through 2006 in over 1440 hospitals and found:

¥ If all hospitals had performed at the level of the best-performing hospitals, 188,673 women may have avoided developing one or more in-hospital major maternal obstetrics complications associated with vaginal or C-section delivery.

¥ The best-performing hospitals had almost 76 percent fewer maternal complications among women who had C-sections compared to poor-performing hospitals.

"Knowing the various methods of how the statistics were obtained only further strengthens the integrity and excellence of our staff," said Louise Toby-Harris, Director of Maternal Services. "This recognition proves that hard work leads to great success."

"Women account for 60 percent of all hospitalizations each year," said Samantha Collier, HealthGrades Chief Medical Officer. "The majority of them enter the hospital to give birth. Our research demonstrates the critical need for these women to evaluate the quality of maternity care provided by the hospital before making this important decision."

For its 2008/2009 ratings, HealthGrades independently analyzed the quality of maternity care at hospitals in the 17 states that publish outcomes data, objectively assessing their clinical performance and quality. HealthGrades applied the following rating system to all hospitals included in the analysis:

.  Five-star (Best) = Top 15% of all hospitals within 17 states
.  Three-star (Average) = Middle 70% of all hospitals within 17 states
.  One-star (Poor) = Bottom 15% of all hospitals within 17 states

The complete maternity care and women's health services ratings are published, free of charge, on HealthGrades Web site, www.HealthGrades.com. Ratings for 27 other medical procedures and diagnoses--including cardiac, pulmonary, vascular, stroke, orthopedics, critical care, bariatric, and gastrointestinal services--are also available on the Web site.

West Boca Medical Center, part of Tenet South Florida, is a 185-bed acute care hospital at 21644 State Road 7 in Boca Raton, Florida. The hospital has been serving the medical and health care needs of the community and surrounding areas for over 20 years.

West Boca Medical Center offers a broad array of services, including general medical and surgical care, cardiac and surgical intensive care, outpatient surgery services, 24-hour emergency services for adults and children, diabetes education, a cystic fibrosis program for adults and children, outpatient rehabilitation services and a sleep diagnostic center.

The hospital also offers several specialties, including a level III neonatal intensive care unit, the BirthCare Pavilion, a pediatric unit and a pediatric intensive care unit.

 It is also a recipient of the HealthGrades Maternity Care Excellence Award two years in a row (2006/2007 and 2007/2008).

West Boca Medical Center is fully accredited by the Joint Commission on the accreditation of Healthcare Organizations, the nation's oldest and largest hospital accreditation agency.

For more information about West Boca Medical Center or for physician referral, call 866-904-WBMC (9262).

Hundreds of individuals representing dozens of companies across Palm Beach County brought the color red into wardrobes, hallways and cubicles recently to fight back against heart disease, the No. 1 killer of women.

They collectively took part in the American Heart Association’s National Wear Red Day.

Participants from companies in South Palm Beach County included: Boca Raton Community Hospital, Delray Medical Center, Goldstein Lewin & Co., Laird Plastics, Promise Healthcare, Inc., Q.E.P. Co., Inc., Taylor & Francis Group and West Boca Medical Center.

Each year, National Wear Red Day is the signature day of the organization’s nationwide Go Red for Women movement, sponsored nationally by Macy’s and Merck.

Activities on National Wear Red Day marked the first of many related to the Start! Heart Walk, which will take place at Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton and the Meyer Amphitheatre in Greater West Palm Beach.

For further details on the Sept. 26 Start! Heart Walk, call 1-888-355-1060 or visit palmbeacheartwalk.kintera.org.

Maria Torres, RN, MSN, is a finalist in the Management category.  Torres is the Director of Emergency Services.   A winning attitude endears Torres to her staff and colleagues.  She listens and communicates well and encourages education, offering student nurses opportunities to observe nurses caring for patients during an acute situation. 

Duyen Le, RN, BSN, is a finalist in the Mentoring category. Le is the Charge Nurse in Telemetry.  A team player, Le anticipates the support her nurses need and provides seamless assistance so everything on the unit runs smoothly, even when that means rolling up her sleeves and taking a full assignment. 

 BOCA RATON, Fla. -- West Boca Medical Center, one of the area's leading pediatric medical providers, celebrated its growth with a novel groundbreaking.

Some former patients of West Boca's Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) toted ceremonial shovels and performed the honors to officially mark construction on a four-story addition that will expand the medical center's NICU services, as well as other areas.

The centerpiece of the new structure will be 10 state-of-the-art NICU beds housed on the first floor, increasing the facility's capacity from 24 to 34 beds.  The 3,200-square-foot NICU addition will further expand West Boca Medical Center's capacity to provide services to premature and at-risk infants. 

West Boca's NICU holds the only Level III designation in North Broward County and Boca Raton, the highest-level rating offered by the state. "We have always been known for being one of the top institutions in South Florida for treating the most vulnerable newborns, and now with this expansion, we'll be able to provide more service and save even more lives," said Walter Mickens, CEO of West Boca Medical Center. 

The complete addition will contain 8,600 square feet, and three additional floors that will house the Pharmacy and Physical Therapy Centers. Speakers included Mickens, FAU President Frank Brogan, Tony Manganello (father of a NICU graduate), and Shanna St. John from the March of Dimes.

ABOUT WEST BOCA MEDICAL CENTER

West Boca Medical Center, part of Tenet South Florida, is a 185-bed acute care hospital located at 21644 State Road 7 in Boca Raton, Florida. The hospital has been serving the medical and health care needs of the community and surrounding areas for over 20 years.

West Boca Medical Center offers a broad array of services, including general medical and surgical care, cardiac and surgical intensive care, outpatient surgery services, 24-hour emergency services for adults and children, diabetes education, a cystic fibrosis program for adults and children, outpatient rehabilitation services and a sleep diagnostic center.

The hospital also offers several specialties, including a level III neonatal intensive care unit, the BirthCare Pavilion, a pediatric unit and a pediatric intensive care unit.   It is also a recipient of the HealthGrades®  Maternity Care Excellence Award two years in a row (2006/2007 and 2007/2008).

HealthGrades ranks West Boca's maternity program among the top 5% five percent in the nation. West Boca Medical Center is fully accredited by the Joint Commission on the accreditation of Healthcare Organizations, the nation's oldest and largest hospital accreditation agency.

For more information about West Boca Medical Center or for physician referral, call 866-904-WBMC (9262)

The WBMC Governing Board, Medical Executive Committee and a Smoking Cessation Committee were integral in the planning and execution of this initiative. "The Surgeon General has shown that people who work in a smoke-free environment tend to have a fewer number of sick days and tend to have fewer number of respiratory diseases," said Dr. Mark Adelman, head of the respiratory department and chairman of the governing board at West Boca Medical Center.

Those who do smoke and work in a smoke-free environment tend to smoke less and many are encouraged to stop smoking all together.  "At West Boca Medical Center, our number one goal is to improve the health status of not only our patients, but our employees, physicians, visitors and the surrounding community," said Walt Mickens, CEO of WBMC. 

"We want to make quitting an obtainable goal to achieve. Of course we would like to make it as easy as possible so we are prepared to offer the tools and support needed. Protecting our visitors from harmful secondhand smoke is also a key factor to this initiative."

Secondhand smoke is classified as a "known human carcinogen" (cancer causing agent) by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the U.S. National Toxicology Program and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), a branch of the World Health Organization. 

Secondhand smoke can be harmful in many ways according to the 2006 Surgeon General's report which reached several important conclusions: Secondhand smoke causes premature death and disease in children and adults who do not smoke.  Secondhand smoke immediately affects the heart and blood circulation in a harmful way and contributes to heart disease and lung cancer.

There is no "safe" level of exposure to secondhand smoke.  Children exposed to secondhand smoke are at an increased risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and acute respiratory infections   In addition, according to the American Cancer Society, in the United States alone, secondhand smoke is responsible for 35,000 annual deaths from heart disease in non-smokers who live with smokers, and about 3,400 annual lung cancer deaths in non-smoking adults.

"In order to help our employees take the first step to a smoke free lifestyle, we are providing them with six weeks of free nicotine replacement therapy (NRT)," said Cathy McCulloch, employee health R.N.  "Employees are able to choose patches or gum.  We know choosing to quit is difficult," said McCulloch, "and it is important we continue to offer our support."

NRT works by relieving nicotine withdrawal symptoms so that the focal point is on the psychological aspect of quitting. Studies have shown that chances of successfully quitting are doubled when nicotine replacement therapy is paired with behavioral changes.  "Smoking impacts the image of the hospital as a healthy environment," said Adelman.

About West Boca Medical Center:

West Boca Medical Center, part of Tenet South Florida, is a 185-bed acute care hospital located at 21644 State Road 7 in Boca Raton, Florida. The hospital has been serving the medical and health care needs of the community and surrounding areas for over 20 years.

West Boca Medical Center offers a broad array of services, including general medical and surgical care, cardiac and surgical intensive care, outpatient surgery services, 24-hour emergency services for adults and children, diabetes education, a cystic fibrosis program for adults and children, outpatient rehabilitation services and a sleep diagnostic center.

The hospital also offers several specialties, including a level III neonatal intensive care unit, the BirthCare Pavilion, a pediatric unit and a pediatric intensive care unit.  It is also a recipient of the HealthGrades Maternity Care Excellence Award two years in a row (2006/2007 and 2007/2008). HealthGrades ranks West Boca's maternity program among the top 5% five percent in the nation. 

West Boca Medical Center is fully accredited by the Joint Commission on the accreditation of Healthcare Organizations, the nation's oldest and largest hospital accreditation agency.  For more information about West Boca Medical Center or for physician referral, call 866-904-WBMC (9262).

West Boca Medical Center CEO Walt Mickens announced that the hospital is the first in Palm Beach County to acquire the new da Vinci S Surgical System—a computer-enhanced system that puts a computer between the surgeon’s hands and the tips of electromechanically-enhanced, micro instruments.

The innovative, advanced technology enables the surgeon to perform minimally invasive surgery, thereby enabling patients to recover faster and with fewer adverse side effects. “We are very pleased to introduce robotic surgery to patients in our community and the surrounding areas,” Mickens said. “We expect this cutting-edge technique will improve patients’ experiences and become a vital tool in treatment regimes for prostate surgery and invasive gynecological surgery.”

Studies show that most patients whose surgery is performed using the daVinci system may benefit from a shorter hospital stay, reduced risk of infection, less blood loss and, in general, a quicker return to normal, daily activities.

For many patients, da Vinci prostatectomy has been shown to substantially reduce post-operative pain while hastening recovery. Studies also indicate that da Vinci prostatectomy may offer improved cancer control along with a lower incidence of impotence and urinary incontinence.
Intuitive Surgical, developers and manufacturers of the da Vinci S Surgical System, explain that during this type of robotic surgery, the surgeon is seated at a console a few feet away from the patient and views an actual image of the surgical site while operating in real-time, through tiny incisions, using electromechanically-enhanced instruments.

Key benefits of the robotic surgery over the traditional approach include:
• Greater surgical precision
• Increase range of motion
• Improved dexterity
• Enhanced visualization

• Best – Top 15% of all hospitals within 17 states
• Average – Middle 70% of all hospitals within 17 states
• Poor – Bottom 15% of all hospitals within 17 states

“These heroes are a demonstration of what it means to go above and beyond in a job,” says Walt Mickens, CEO. “Their standard of work ethic serves as motivation to us to achieve great things when serving our patients.”

Fontana, of Lake Worth, joined the WBMC team in 1994. She distinguished herself by leaving her home and returning to work after her shift one evening because she was concerned about a biopsy sample that needed to be urgently sent to a reference laboratory. When she discovered it was not retrieved by the scheduled courier she personally drove the sample to the airport.

Oster, of Boynton Beach, started at the hospital before it officially opened in 1986, transferring from another Tenet facility. He was recognized by a patient for going above and beyond his responsibilities as a nurse before Hurricane Wilma hit. Oster stayed past his shift tending to a patient who had outpatient surgery and then drove the patient home before the hurricane hit.

West Boca Medical Center employees choose the Healthcare Heroes based upon standard criterions that include: service— making everyone a customer; quality — pride and value in one’s work; and people — respect for co-workers and other members of the

hospital family.  Those who demonstrate exceptional adherence to these principles are eligible to be nominated by colleagues.  A committee then reviews nominations and chooses the two winners.  Healthcare Heroes receive $300 in addition to the honor.  They are presented award checks during ceremonies hosted by CEO Walt Mickens.

Davis, the new director of the telemetry unit comes to the hospital from Parkway Regional Medical Center where she was the director of telemetry. She has 20 years of nursing experience and has served in management roles the past 18 years.

Leibowitz, the new director of the surgical unit comes to West Boca Medical Center from Aventura Hospital where she served as director of the medical/surgical and oncology units. She has a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Adelphi University and a master’s degree in nursing from Florida Atlantic University. She is a member of the Oncology Nursing Society.

Torres, the new director of emergency services, previously served as director of the telemetry unit at West Boca Medical Center. She has 25 years of experience in emergency nursing and critical care and has served in management for the past 10 years. She has a bachelor’s degree in nursing from College of New Rochelle, New York and a master’s degree in nursing from University of Phoenix. She is a member of the Emergency Nurses Association and the American Association of Critical Care Nurses.

In addition, West Boca Medical Center’s BirthCare Pavilion was given a Silver Award for being the “Best Place to Give Birth in Palm Beach County.” 

“We are especially proud of these honors because these are ‘Readers’ Choice’ awards—voted on by our satisfied patients,” said Walt Mickens, CEO, West Boca Medical Center.  “Those are the most important accolades a hospital can receive.”

West Boca Medical Center’s pediatric emergency room, which opened in 2000, offers around-the-clock emergency care for children.  A wide range of pediatric specialists are on staff to meet patient’s needs. 

Private delivery rooms are a popular feature of the BirthCare Pavilion at West Boca Medical Center.  For newborns who need extra care, the facility also offers the only Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) in North Broward and Boca Raton.   

Sherman has more than 15 years of experience in human resource leadership most recently serving as interim director and human resources manager at Delray Medical Center and Pinecrest Rehabilitation Hospital. The former cardiology practice administrator has her bachelor’s degree in business and education and her master’s degree in business and education from State University of New York – Albany. She is a member of the American Society for Healthcare Human Resources Administration and the Society for Human Resource Management.

The winners are selected by West Boca Medical Center employees who submit physicians they believe consistently demonstrate the qualities of service, compassion and respect.

Dr. Awonusonu, of Weston, is a neonatologist who has been at the hospital since 2000 and the first “two-time” winner of the award. Dr. Awonusonu also won in 2005.  One of the comments employees made was, “This physician is a dedicated, conscientious and caring individual who extends himself to those in need. He is a true gentleman who respects the nurses’ opinions.”

Dr. Dabbah, of  Boca Raton, is a plastic surgeon who has been at the hospital since 1995. Employees who nominated him describe him as someone who has a kind disposition. “He is polite and caring not only to patients but also to the hospital staff. He is a “model” for what surgeons should emulate.”

Dr. Friedman, of Boca Raton, is an obstetrician who has been on staff at WBMC since 1998. Those who nominated her state, “She is always professional but personable and friendly, a team player, down to earth, adorable, courteous and fair. She has a very soothing bedside manner and the patients adore her.”

Dr. Rigaud, of Boca Raton, is a urologist who has been on staff at the hospital for the past two years. Employees who nominated him state, “This physician is very compassionate to his patients as well as employees. He provides excellent care to all his patients and always puts (them) first.”

Physicians who are chosen receive a plaque of recognition.  In addition, West Boca Medical Center makes a $500 donation in the physician’s name to the charity of their choice. The charities the physicians selected include, World Vision, the Alzheimer’s Association, the Foundation for Independent Living and Hospice by the Sea.

            Louise Toby-Harris, RNC, MA, is the hospital’s new director of maternity services.  She has more than 30 years of nursing experience and has worked at West Boca Medical Center since 1989.  She previously served as clinical manager of the maternity unit.  Toby-Harris has a bachelor’s degree in health science and a master’s degree in community health from Brooklyn College, as well as a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Lynn University.  In 2002, West Boca Medical Center named her its Healthcare Hero of the Year.  Toby-Harris is a member of the Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses.

            Abica Jagarnauth, RN, is the new director of pediatrics/NICU/PICU.  She has nine years of nursing experience and has worked at West Boca Medical Center since 1997.  Jagarnauth most recently served as charge nurse for the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).

Wolynski was one of 12 high school seniors in the country to receive this scholarship, given annually to qualifying children of Tenet employees.  The scholarship is renewable each year based on academic performance. 

“West Boca Medical Center congratulates Michael on his accomplishments and is proud to offer scholarships to children of our employees through the Tenet Healthcare Foundation,” said Walt Mickens, CEO of West Boca Medical Center. 

Tenet Healthcare Foundation is a charitable foundation sponsored by Tenet Healthcare Corporation.  Endowed by Tenet, the Foundation directs most of its grants to help unmet health care needs in the communities served by facilities owned by Tenet subsidiaries.  The Foundation also provides grants to various educational, social services, civic and humanities supporting organizations nationwide.

The Circle of Excellence honors those Tenet hospitals that have performed at the highest levels in the past year in the areas of quality, service and operation performance.  Key factors involved in the process include patient, physician and employee satisfaction scores, clinical quality scores and financial performance. 

“West Boca Medical Center made 2005 a memorable year through the efforts of its employees and staff,” said Reynold Jennings, Tenet’s chief operating officer.  “The hard work and dedication to excellence of this team showed their commitment to their profession and their community.”

Jennings also praised the hospital executive team, led by chief executive officer Walt Mickens, for their leadership in the past year.  “Health care is a demanding and competitive industry, and it takes quality leadership to achieve results.  The executive team at West Boca Medical Center performed admirably this past year, and I congratulate them on their success.”

Mickens and chief nursing officer Ruth Schwarzkopf helped lead the hospital to high balanced scorecard metrics for quality and high scores for patient satisfaction.