The year 2020 is one for the history books, and what a year it has been! Those working in the healthcare industry in Central Florida have faced new and unique challenges with poise, determination, and true grit to provide the best in healthcare to area residents. Explore all of the new hires, achievements, awards, openings, and new services that have been happening at a hospital, clinic, or doctor’s office near you!
GESSLER CLINIC
In new employee news, Gessler Clinic announced the addition of Dr. Yerania Rodriguez-Naveda to its team of accomplished physicians. Dr. Rodriguez specializes in Rheumatology and is accepting new patients.
WATSON CLINIC
In new employee news, Watson Clinic welcomed two new expert audiologists to the team. Logan H. Bonadio, AuD, ABAC, and Lindsey Moder, AuD, CCC-A, will both offer their services from the Watson Clinic Hearing Center at the Bella Vista Building location in Lakeland and the Highlands location in Lakeland Watson Clinic also welcomed registered nurse practitioners Brooke Livingston, APRN, FNP-C, Bertha Harley, APRN, Heidi H. Cook, APRN, M. Allison Fojtik, APRN, William D. Keeler, APRN, and Sara Stephen, APRN. Livingston will be working alongside board-certified family medicine physician Rony J. Alvarado, MD at the Watson Clinic Highlands location; Harley treats patients exclusively at Lakeland Regional Health; Cook serves cardiology patients from the Watson Clinic Main location in Lakeland; Fojtik will be assisting cardiology patients from Watson Clinic Main in Lakeland; Keeler serves patients of board-certified Family Medicine physician Dr. Jason Saylor from the Watson Clinic Highlands location in south Lakeland, and Stephen works alongside boardcertified urologist Dr. Mark Swierzewski from Watson Clinic Main in Lakeland.
In community outreach news, November saw the donation of shipments of sanitizer and personal protective equipment (PPE) to students and faculty at the Winston Academy of Engineering in Lakeland by the Watson Clinic Foundation (WCF). According to a Watson Clinic press release, the donation was made in partnership with the Adopt-a-School program, which was devised by the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce and the Love Lakeland non-profit organization. The Adopt-a-School program encourages local businesses and organizations to “adopt” a school of their choice by sponsoring shipments of sanitation and PPE supplies to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.
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ON THE PULSE
Healthcare professionals across the area finish 2020 on a strong note with accomplishments and awards
RESOLUTIONS OF RESILIENCE
Seven Habits for Healthcare Workers On the Edge of Burnout
Glaucoma and Dry Eyes
Eye doctors are excited this year with 2021 rolling in. It’s an excellent opportunity for us to shine some light on eye care topics that we would like to highlight. January is Glaucoma Awareness Month.
CARE AFTER CRISIS
Watson Clinic’s Dr. Kathleen Haggerty Opens Post-COVID Care Clinic
A NEW ANGLE FOR HEALTHCARE CAREERS
Florida Polytechnic University Offers New Health Systems Engineering Program
Basics for Patient Experience and Retention
It’s easy to understand how the focus on improving patient experiences and shoring up retention efforts may have fallen by the wayside this year. We all know that medical practices are stretched thin as staff members work to accommodate social distancing measures and other COVID concerns.
Protecting Our Elderly
Psychologist Explains Dynamic of Suicide Among Seniors and Lists Precautions Doctors and Family Can Take
The Cutting Edge
Dr. Haq Brings His Expertise in Robotic Cardiothoracic Surgery to Bostick Heart Center
On the pulse
Our Healthcare Specialists Are Working Harder Than Ever! Don’t Miss Out on All the Exciting Awards and Recognition
The $uccess Formula
For Medical Practices, Lease Negotiations Go Beyond Location
AGRISHOPPER
Fun Projects Can Help Youth Get Interested in Agriculture
SEPARATING FACT FROM FICTION
Dr. Haight Dispels COVID-19 Myths and Explains Why He Trusts Vaccine
BATTLING OBESITY
Lakeland Regional Health Unveils New Weight Loss Institute
THE COMPETITION CONTINUES
Every spring, Frank Tiano’s Top Gun Scale Invitational has heralded the beginning of the flying season, offering builders an opportunity to show off their projects in Lakeland, Florida after a winter spent finishing them in their workshops.
UPLIFTING EXPERIENCE
Thread Lifts Offer Less Invasive, More Affordable Option for Facial Rejuvenation
The Journey & Beyond
How One Woman’s Breast Cancer Brought Her New Perspective
Polk Schools Offer Array of Medical Programs to Prepare Students for Booming Healthcare Fields
THE HEALTHCARE SECTOR IS BOOMING, and people all across the country are taking note. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) says that from 2006 and 2016, 2.8 million jobs were added to the health sector. That’s almost seven times faster than the rest of the economy! Jobs in healthcare settings grew more than 20 percent, outpacing jobs in other areas of the economy. Better yet, BLS expects the growth of jobs in the healthcare sector will continue to grow at a rate of 6 percent during the next decade.
The Vaccination Question
Doctor Explains Why Immunizations Are So Critical, Even During Pandemic
Staying Connected
Peace River Center Navigates The ‘New Normal’ During Pandemic
THE IMPORTANCE OF MENTAL HEALTH
MENTAL HEALTH ILLNESSES are common in the United States. In fact, nearly one in five adults is living with a mental health illness. Each year, we set aside the August edition of Central Florida Health News to focus on mental and behavioral health.