We pride ourselves on delivering high-quality patient care. Recently, we’ve been recognized for it from national organizations. We were named as a High Performing Hospital in three specialties in U.S. News & World Report’s 2019-2020 “Best Hospitals” report, including two Top 50 national rankings. We were also recognized for patient care in two other key areas. Specifically, the oral and maxillofacial surgery program was ranked 41st nationally, and the nephrology program was ranked 45th. We were also singled out for high performance in neurology and neurosurgery and in the care of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and heart failure.

In addition, we increased our overall ranking among local and state hospitals, jumping from 22nd to 16th in Florida and from fourth to third in Jacksonville. Our No. 1 goal as an organization is to keep getting better in patient care, and these latest rankings show we continue to move in the right direction.

We were also recognized as an LGBTQ Healthcare Equality Leader by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation in its 2019 Healthcare Equality Index report. The HEI evaluates and scores health care facilities’ policies and practices related to equity and inclusion of their LGBTQ patients, visitors and employees across the nation. We received a total score of 100 points, earning HRC’s prestigious LGBTQ Healthcare Equality Leader designation. This is the first year UF Health Jacksonville has applied to be evaluated by the HRC Foundation, so it was very encouraging to receive this recognition.

To further expand on our diversity efforts, we welcome Ann-Marie Knight as our new vice president of community engagement and chief diversity officer. In this dual role, she will partner with local and state officials, community and physician leaders and agencies to strategize on improving the long-term health of the community and reducing health disparities. She will also provide vision and leadership for the diversity, inclusion and equity efforts across our enterprise.