The construction of the Al and Jane Nahmad Women’s Cancer Center has begun in Miami, aiming to revolutionize cancer care for women in the region. The facility, set to be completed by 2026, signifies Baptist Health’s commitment to providing innovative treatments and research in the fight against cancer, with a focus on addressing the unique needs of female patients.
Photo courtesy of Baptist Health South Florida
The Women's Cancer Center is designed to deliver high-quality cancer care for women, as well as pioneering research, and an exceptional patient experience — all in one unique location.
Construction has begun at the site of the new Al and Jane Nahmad Women's Cancer Center on the campus of Baptist Health South Florida's hospital in Miami, the healthcare provider announced.
A groundbreaking ceremony on Sept. 18 served to kick off the project, named in honor of Al and Jane Nahmad, longtime Baptist Health benefactors, volunteers and advocates for women's wellness and care. The couple also provided a transformational gift in support of Baptist Health Miami Cancer Institute.
Construction on the new facility is slated to be completed by the end of 2026.
Encompassing 155,000 sq. ft., the Women's Cancer Center will be housed in the hospital's new Keeley Pavilion. The facility is designed to deliver high-quality cancer care for women, as well as pioneering research, and an exceptional patient experience — all in one unique location.
Baptist Health South Florida noted that the new building will be the first of its kind in the region and represents the system's standing commitment to honoring the needs of women, who make up 65 percent of Miami Cancer Institute's current patients.
"Losing a loved one to cancer is an experience that many of us unfortunately share, but now, thanks to the extraordinary generosity of Al and Jane Nahmad, women in our community will have access to a world-class team that will walk this journey with them," said Michael Zinner, CEO and executive medical director of Miami Cancer Institute. "I am so grateful to the Nahmad family and to all those who have contributed to making this vision a reality. Together, we will provide the comprehensive, compassionate care that every patient deserves.
In addition, he noted, "The Women's Cancer Center will not only address the needs of current patients but will also help shape the future trajectory of female cancer treatment in which the disease is more widely prevented, detected earlier and treated more effectively."
Answering Demand for Innovative Cancer Treatment
The new medical facility will allow Miami Cancer Institute to expand its clinical teams, conduct more research trials, and harness the world's most innovative cancer-fighting technology to bring the best care to more patients in Florida — where demand for care is outpacing available resources — as well as patients from Latin America, the Caribbean and beyond.
"This community is growing rapidly, and so is the need for outstanding cancer care," explained Al Nahmad. "We believe the Institute's expansion will help improve patient access to top physicians and the most advanced treatment options."
In her remarks at the groundbreaking, Jane Nahmad said, "We are advocates for women's health, and supporting the Women's Cancer Center from its inception is very meaningful for our entire family."
The Nahmads have been enthusiastic supporters and volunteers of Baptist Health for over 20 years. Al Nahmad was chair of Miami Cancer Institute's Operating Board during a time of rapid growth for the Institute as it has transformed cancer care and research in South Florida since opening its doors in 2017.
"Today is an exciting day as we break ground on our new Women's Cancer Center," said Bo Boulenger, president and CEO of Baptist Health. "This represents a significant leap forward in our mission to providing comprehensive cancer care for women in our community. Thanks to the extraordinary generosity of the Nahmad family and all of our donors, we will be able to offer highly personalized treatments and expand our research capabilities, all while keeping patients close to home and to their support systems."
He believes the new Women's Cancer Center "will serve as a beacon of hope for women and their families for generations to come."
South Florida Healthcare System Still Growing
Baptist Health's focus on advancing care through research and innovation will be further accelerated by its recent clinical and academic affiliation with Miami's Florida International University (FIU). Baptist Health's current residency program will be expanded to put it on the path toward becoming a statutory teaching hospital.
Baptist Health South Florida is the largest healthcare organization in the region, with 12 hospitals, more than 27,000 employees, 4,000 physicians and 200 outpatient centers, urgent care facilities and physician practices spanning across Miami-Dade, Monroe, Broward and Palm Beach counties.
Its internationally renowned institutes have several care specialties, ranging from cancer, to brain and spine, heart and vascular, and orthopedic.
In addition, it includes the Baptist Health Medical Group, Baptist Health Quality Network, and the Baptist Health PineApp, a virtual health platform.
A not-for-profit organization supported by philanthropy and committed to its charitable mission of medical excellence, Baptist Health has been recognized by Fortune magazine as one of the 100 Best Companies to Work For in America and is the most awarded healthcare system in South Florida by U.S. News and World Report.
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