SMH Today
HEALTH & WELLNESS UPDATES FROM SARASOTA MEMORIAL
SMH Today
News and advice from Sarasota Memorial Health Care System
Sarasota Memorial is a communityowned health system governed by the nine-member elected Sarasota County Public Hospital Board.
SARASOTA MEMORIAL HEALTH CARE SYSTEM
David Verinder - President & CEO
SARASOTA COUNTY PUBLIC HOSPITAL BOARD MEMBERS
Sarah Lodge – Chair
Brad Baker
Pam Beitlich, DNP, APRN
Gregory Carter
Kevin Cooper
Sharon Wetzler DePeters, APRN
Bridgette Fiorucci, BSN, RN
Patricia Maraia, BSN, RN
Victor Rohe
SMH Today is a semi-annual publication produced by Sarasota Memorial Health Care System and Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation. For more SMH news and contact information, visit smh.com/news.
S arasota Memorial Hospital’s story began 100 years ago, in a time before penicillin, when the only facility for emergency care on the Suncoast was a 5-room, converted bungalow and tent for tuberculosis patients.
Sarasota was a small but inspired town poised for growth as flocks of Northerners fled the snow, slush and sleet to establish seasonal homes on the Suncoast.
It was in this diverging state of affairs that Sarasota’s early leaders found purpose. Rallying residents and businesses alike—through sheer grit and a whole lot of fundraising—they built the community’s first modern hospital.
The 32-bed Sarasota Hospital opened its doors to patients on Nov. 2, 1925 with a dozen physicians and 10 nurses and caregivers to provide around-the-clock care. At the dedication ceremony, the local newspapers called the community-owned hospital a “model of medical institutions” and the “greatest philanthropic undertaking which this county has ever known.”
A Century of Sarasota Memorial Celebrates
That pioneering spirit and community-wide act of philanthropy laid the foundation for everything Sarasota Memorial Health Care System is today. The health system marked its century of service on Oct. 30, with a special reception held in the courtyard of its flagship Sarasota hospital. With approximately 200 guests that included past and present hospital board members, local and state elected officials, community leaders, physicians and staff, SMH CEO David Verinder reflected on SMH’s historic milestone.
“From Day 1, the dedication of the people who work here have set this organization apart,” Verinder said. “Our outstanding physicians, employees, volunteers and leaders, and our philanthropic and community partners have built the health system into the nationally recognized institution it is today.”
Chief Medical Officer James Fiorica, MD, noted at the time SMH opened in 1925, penicillin had yet to be discovered, and insulin was emerging as a new treatment for diabetes. He added: “Today, we have state-of-the-art treatments ranging from advanced genetic therapies to robotic surgical procedures. We have a robust research institute that ensures our community has access to the latest treatments.”
SMH was built over the decades by dedicated caregivers and generous donors, and SMH leaders took the opportunity to honor the health system’s longest serving physicians, staff and supporters.
David Verinder Sarasota Memorial President & CEO
Chief Medical Officer James Fiorica, MD, recognized Bruce Fleegler, MD, and Harold “Hesch” Kulman, MD, SMH’s longest serving active physicians with distinguished 50-year careers at the hospital.
Caring
Its 100th Anniversary
Sarasota Mayor Liz Alpert presented a proclamation from the City of Sarasota, commending SMH for a century of care. The original Sarasota Hospital was deeded to the city and renamed Sarasota Municipal Hospital shortly after opening. It was renamed Sarasota Memorial Hospital in the 1950s to honor the veterans of World I and II. SMH expanded its name to Sarasota Memorial Health Care System during the 2000s to reflect its growing network of outpatient centers, medical offices and community services.
SMH wrapped up its centennial week celebrating another milestone, the groundbreaking of SMH-North Port on Nov. 7 (see page 5).
“Throughout the decades, the hospital has grown with our community,” Verinder said. “But as we’ve grown, some things haven’t changed. At the heart of our mission is a commitment to educating and empowering the next generation of healthcare professionals ... expanding access to life-saving care ... and ensuring that everyone who needs us, across the entire region, receives the world-class, compassionate care they deserve.”
Visit smh.com/100 to view our 100-year celebration video and learn more about SMH’s storied history.
Ginny Rosenhaus, one of the longest serving volunteers, has given more than 10,000 hours to SMH the past 25 years.
Clara Rock, RN, was honored as SMH’s longest-serving employee. Rock started her career at SMH in 1976, first as a high school nursing assistant, later becoming an RN and Labor & Delivery nurse who has helped deliver more than 5,000 babies.
Sarasota Memorial Unveils Plans for New Rehabilitation Pavilion at Venice Campus
S arasota Memorial Health Care System is advancing plans for a new, $82.5 million Rehabilitation Pavilion at its Venice campus, bringing its nationally recognized inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation services into south Sarasota County. Locating the pavilion on the Venice hospital campus will ensure a seamless, more convenient transition from the hospital to the new inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation facility.
Hospital officials approved the project this fall and are working with architects Gresham Smith, who designed the rehabilitation pavilion on SMH’s Sarasota campus, and general contractor Deangelis Diamond to design and build the 83,000-square-foot facility. Construction is expected to take roughly two years, with the pavilion opening for patient care in early-2028.
The four-story pavilion will offer inpatient and outpatient services. Levels two and three will be dedicated inpatient rehabilitation units with 50 private patient suites, advanced therapy gyms, mobility-training areas, and therapy tools and spaces that replicate real-life activities and environments, including an apartment, kitchen, car and grocery store, to support recovery and independent living. The first level will provide outpatient rehabilitation therapy and administrative space, while a shelled fourth floor will allow for future expansion. To accommodate the structure, campus parking in front of the facility will be reconfigured but preserved.
“This pavilion reflects our long-term commitment to providing comprehensive rehabilitation for people of our community,” said Maria DeCarlo, SMH Vice President of Post-Acute & Rehabilitation. “It will mirror the nationally recognized programs and amenities at our Sarasota campus while offering care closer to home to residents in the growing south county community.”
The Rehabilitation Pavilion at SMH-Sarasota has been operating at or near full capacity since it opened in 2017, and was expanded from 44 to 54 beds in 2018 and to 60 beds in 2022. Last month, the hospital board also approved $5.6 million to expand the Sarasota campus rehabilitation pavilion by seven more beds, bringing the total to 67. That expansion will begin next spring with the new wing opening in early 2027.
SMH’s Rehabilitation Pavilion in Sarasota is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) for its comprehensive Medical Rehabilitation Program, along with an additional Stroke Specialty Certification recognizing excellence in stroke rehabilitative care. It has consistently been recognized for superior patient outcomes and care by several independent rating organizations, including U.S. News & World Report and Newsweek.
Maria DeCarlo
SMH Breaks Ground on North Port Hospital
From left: Sarasota County Public Hospital Board members Greg Carter and Sharon Wetzler DePeters; State Representative James Buchanan; North Port Mayor Phil Stokes; U.S. Congressman Greg Steube; North Port City Manager Jerome Fletcher; SMH-North Port President Jeff Wesner; Sarasota Memorial Health Care System CEO David Verinder; Hospital Board members Pam Beitlich and Sarah Lodge; SMH-Venice/South County Hospital Operations President Sharon Roush; Hospital Board member Victor Rohe; State Representative Vanessa Oliver; and Hospital Board members Bridgette Fiorucci and Patricia Maraia.
A s Sarasota Memorial Health Care System begins clearing land for North Port’s first full-service hospital, SMH leaders are already planning the future expansion of the south county campus.
At a groundbreaking ceremony on Nov. 7, SMH officials unveiled plans for the $507 million hospital campus on a 32-acre site the health system owns in the 4800 block of North Sumter Boulevard. It will be the city’s first acute-care hospital, and the third hospital SMH has built in its 100-year history.
“This is a historic milestone for our health system, North Port and the south county region, and we couldn’t be happier to celebrate this landmark moment than during the week of Sarasota Memorial’s centennial,” Sarasota Memorial CEO David Verinder told a crowd of about 200 hospital and community leaders, SMH staff and physicians, elected officials and planning, design and construction teams who gathered on the construction site for the groundbreaking ceremony.
When completed in 2028, Sarasota Memorial Hospital-North Port will be nine stories tall, with an adjacent 3-story medical office building. The hospital will initially open with 100 beds but will include three floors of finished shell space, which will allow SMH to quickly double capacity to 208 beds. The campus design is flexible with capacity to increase to more than 400 beds in the future.
Building a hospital in North Port has been part of Sarasota Memorial’s growth plan for many years. In January, the health system’s governing board approved $507 million to build and equip the hospital. The campus will offer a comprehensive
range of emergency, medical, surgical and specialty care, a full complement of diagnostic services, as well as onsite outpatient services and physician practices.
“Right now, we are surrounded by empty land and equipment. But I’d like you to envision a beautiful medical campus with a state-of-the-art, full-service hospital right here where we’re standing,” said Jeff Wesner, president of SMH-North Port.
U.S. Congressman Greg Steube, who represents Sarasota County, attended the event to celebrate the milestone. He noted that since North Port is one of the fastest growing cities in the nation, the city is fortunate that SMH is bringing “this gem” to its backyard. “I personally have used SMH and can attest to the professionalism and healthcare you receive,” he said, referring to a serious accident he had a couple of years ago.
Phil Stokes, mayor of North Port, thanked the health system for investing in North Port’s future.
“A hospital of this scale will transform the quality of life here. For our residents, this means fewer long drives for care, more convenience and improved access to top-tier medical services right here in North Port,” he said. “We look forward to being long-term partners, to celebrating many future successes together and to witnessing the positive ripple effects this campus will have for generations.”
For future updates on SMH-North Port, visit: smh.com/NorthPortUpdates
UPCOMING
SMH Earns Federal 5-Star Quality Rating
S arasota Memorial Hospital received the federal government’s highest quality rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) today, setting a 10-year benchmark for 5-star care in Florida and the nation. Of more than 4,000 U.S. hospitals evaluated each year, SMH-Sarasota is the only hospital in Florida – and among less than 20 nationwide – to receive a 5-star rating every year since CMS began the overall hospital quality star ratings in 2016.
Childbirth Education
Sarasota Memorial offers in-person and online childbirth education classes and Mother-Baby Support Groups, as well as 1-on-1 lactation counseling and support. For more information or to register for a class, visit smh.com/ childbirth-education.
Weight Loss & Wellness Coaching
The overall hospital quality star ratings summarize a variety of measures across five areas of quality into a single star rating for each hospital. The five categories focus on mortality, safety, readmissions, patient experience, and timely and effective care. SMH is the only hospital in the Tampa Bay region to earn 5 stars this year.
SMH Ranks Among Best Hospitals
U.S. News & World Report ranked Sarasota Memorial in its list of 50 best hospitals for obstetrics/gynecology and among the nation’s top performers in 22 medical specialties, procedures and conditions
Sarasota Memorial weight and wellness specialists offer the following programs to help people lose weight and reduce their risk factors for heart disease and stroke, without medications or surgery:
• RENEW (Restore and Empower through Nutrition, Exercise and Wellness), a semi-virtual, 6-week lifestyle program that combines professional health coaching group activities, meal feedback, exercise monitoring, and unlimited peer support to help you achieve your personal weight and wellness goals. Learn more or apply at smhRENEW.com
• Dr. Ornish’s Program for Reversing Heart Disease, a nineweek program focused on four scientifically proven life style strategies: a low-fat, plant-based diet; 30 minutes of daily exercise; stress management; and social support. Learn more or apply at smh.com/ornish
Of nearly 5,000 hospitals evaluated each year by U.S. News, SMH has remained the only hospital in the Suncoast region ever to earn a spot on U.S. News’ 50 Best Hospitals list. The 2025-2026 edition of Best Hospitals includes regional awards of 504 hospitals that have demonstrated superior outcomes. SMH continues to rank #1 in the Suncoast region and among the top 10 in Florida.
Forbes Ranks SMH Among America’s Best Employers
Sarasota Memorial is pleased to be recognized in Forbes’ inaugural list of America’s Best Employers for Healthcare Professionals for 2025.
Forbes, in collaboration with Statista, produced the list of America’s Best Employers for Healthcare Professionals 2025 following an independent survey of more than 17,000 U.S. employees working for healthcare and social welfare providers. Ultimately, 250 healthcare organizations, including SMH, made the list. It was one of the top five healthcare employers in Florida and only healthcare employer recognized on the Suncoast. With nearly 11,000 employees, SMH is the largest employer in the region. Visit smh.com/careers to explore a wide range of opportunities to join Team SMH.
Pregnancy Care Team at SMH
Supporting you –and your growing family
Pregnancy Care & Support
Pregnancy can be a time of excitement and challenges. If you are feeling overwhelmed or having trouble accessing prenatal care, contact SMH’s Pregnancy Care Team. Our OB nurse navigators can help guide you to the services and support you may need throughout your pregnancy, including assisting you in finding a prenatal care provider, ensuring care coordination, and connecting you and your family with community resources. To access the free pregnancy support, call 941-917-MOMS (6667).
Health Lectures & Education Events
Check out our community calendar each month for a list of free, informative lectures by Sarasota Memorial physicians and specialists, and other SMH-sponsored events. Hear directly from the experts about the latest treatments and emerging technologies giving patients more options than ever before. Visit smh.com/calendar or call 941- 917-7777 for information.
Classes & Support Groups
Visit smh.com/calendar for our monthly calendar of events.
Call 941- 917-7777 or visit smh.com/healthline for help finding a doctor, services and support groups.
For health tips and advice, visit smh.com/blog.
Check out our podcast for a healthy dose of information from experts you can trust. Visit smh.com/podcast, or download on your favorite streaming app
Follow us on social media for the latest news and real-time conversations.
1515 S. Osprey Ave., Suite B4 Sarasota, FL 34239
Our Story
Sarasota Memorial has been taking care of this community for a century. We’ve seen our landscape shift, technology evolve, and our children grow up. Through astonishing medical advances and generations of change, one thing has remained constant: Our commitment to your well being.
It has always been our greatest pride to serve as your community hospital. And it is an honor to share our story with you.
Because our story is your story.
smh.com/100
