Newsroom

(Venice, FL – August 13, 2019) – Venice Regional Bayfront Health has named Danny Warren, Jr., as the hospital’s chief financial officer (CFO) and Irene Przetocki as laboratory director. Warren has more than 25 years of experience in healthcare financial oversight and management. He has served as a CFO, controller and auditor for hospitals and other healthcare facilities and systems, most recently as CFO of Heart of Florida Regional Medical Center and Lake Wales Medical Center. He is a certified public a... ... Read More

CHARLOTTE COUNTY, FL (August 8, 2019) – The public is invited to attend and we welcome participation in the following August events and observances hosted by Bayfront Health Port Charlotte and Punta Gorda. To learn more, visit www.BayfrontHealthEvents.com . Tuesday, August 13, 9:00 to 10:00 a.m. – Cardiac Diet Nutrition Class Bayfront Health Wellness & Rehab Center, 733 E. Olympia Ave., Punta Gorda Learn heart-healthy, low fat and low sodium food options. Free. Call 941-637-2450 to register. Wednesd... ... Read More

(Venice, FL – August 1, 2019) – Venice Regional Bayfront Health announced that cardiothoracic surgeon Michael Bolanos, M.D., has joined the hospital’s heart team. Dr. Bolanos focuses on heart valve repair and replacement, including minimally invasive approaches; surgical therapies for coronary artery disease, including cardiac by-pass surgery; and surgical therapies for irregular heartbeats, such as atrial fibrillation (aFib). Dr. Bolanos trained at the University of Kentucky Medical Center in integrate... ... Read More

Charlotte County, FL (July 15, 2019) – Bayfront Health Medical Group welcomes the addition of Catherine Smith, M.D. to Charlotte County. Her office is located in the Bayfront Health Medical Office Plaza on the campus of Bayfront Health Punta Gorda. Dr. Smith provides care for patients that suffer from disorders and diseases of the ear, nose and throat (ENT), with a special interest in the diagnosis and treatment of the nasal passages and sinuses. Dr. Catherine Smith is a board-certified otolaryngologist... ... Read More

CHARLOTTE COUNTY, FL (July 15, 2019) – On Friday, July 12, 2019, the first Trans-Catheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) ever performed in Charlotte County, was performed at Bayfront Health Port Charlotte. TAVR is a minimally invasive approach to treat a condition known as aortic stenosis, (narrowing of the aortic valve, which separates the main pumping chamber of the heart from the rest of the body). Now patients no longer have to travel out of the County to receive this life saving treatment. Aortic ... ... Read More

CHARLOTTE COUNTY, FL (July 9, 2019) – Thomas Johnson of North Port was Bayfront Health Port Charlotte’s 50th patient to be implanted with a Left Atrial Appendage Closure (LAAC) device. This makes Bayfront Health Port Charlotte the fastest growing program to offer this device as an alternative to the lifelong use of blood thinners for people with atrial fibrillation (AFib) not caused by a heart valve problem (also known as non-valvular AFib) in Charlotte County. “I began experiencing signs of AFib about ... ... Read More

(Venice, FL – 6/24/19) – Cardiovascular surgeon John Galat, M.D., who leads Venice Regional Bayfront Health’s heart program, has been recognized for conducting 700 implants of Carpentier-Edwards PERIMOUNT heart valves since 1991. This milestone places Dr. Galat in the top 10 percent of Southwest Florida surgeons implanting the valves, according to valve manufacturer Edwards Lifesciences. “With more than 25 years of surgical experience and as an original co-founder of Venice Regional’s heart program, Dr.... ... Read More

By Joseph Chebli, M.D. Tips for Maintaining a Healthy Weight You’ve had weight-loss surgery, and you’ve achieved a healthy weight. Now what? For people who have struggled with unhealthy weight for much of their lives, a procedure like the gastric balloon provides a new starting point. It’s not an end to the challenge. Following are some tips for life after weight-loss surgery. Avoid drinking beverages with meals. Liquids can wash food through the stomach, flushing the nutritional benefit of your food to... ... Read More

CHARLOTTE COUNTY, FL (June 24, 2019) – The public is invited to attend and we welcome participation in the following July events and observances hosted by Bayfront Health Port Charlotte and Punta Gorda. To learn more, visit www.BayfrontHealthEvents.com. Tuesday, July 2, 9:00 to 10:00 a.m. – Cardiac Diet Nutrition Class Bayfront Health Wellness & Rehab Center, 733 E. Olympia Ave., Punta Gorda Learn heart-healthy, low fat and low sodium food options. Free. Call (941) 637-2450 to register. Tuesday, Jul... ... Read More

by MK Mueller, Director of Culture Engagement Working inside Venice Regional Bayfront Health puts me in touch with many physicians specializing in an amazing array of fields. Their personal stories frequently reveal life wisdom that can benefit patients as much as their medical knowhow. Recently, I spoke with James Dana Kondrup, M.D., an internationally known specialist in women’s health who once didn’t think himself smart enough to be a doctor. Dr. Kondrup moved to the Venice area from New York state. ... ... Read More