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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

Over two-thirds of potentially cancerous lung masses are located in the periphery of the lungs where bronchi are too narrow to allow a typical diagnostic tool to pass. At Venice Regional Bayfront Health, doctors now have an innovative technology that allows them to target, biopsy and treat tumors in the periphery of the lungs. Called “navigational bronchoscopy,” the system combines sensor technology with real-time, three-dimensional CT images. The system provides targeted access for diagnostic biopsy an... ... Read More

American Heart Association Award recognizes Bayfront Health Port Charlotte’s commitment to quality stroke care. CHARLOTTE COUNTY, FL (June 21, 2019) – Bayfront Health Port Charlotte has received the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s Get With The Guidelines® Target: Stroke Honor Roll Silver Plus Quality Achievement Award. The award recognizes the hospital’s commitment to ensuring stroke patients receive the most appropriate treatment according to nationally recognized, research-bas... ... Read More

Yesterday I listened as my friend described her mom’s situation in an exclusive care facility in another state. It was painful to hear. And it deepened my appreciation for nurses like Grace Marty, a Registered Nurse at Venice Regional Bayfront Health. I learned about Grace when she recently received the DAISY Award, bestowed by the not-for-profit DAISY Foundation to recognize the extraordinary, compassionate nursing care that honorees provide to patients and families every day. Like the hospital’s other... ... Read More