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Gastro Florida Partners with Tampa General Hospital

Gastro Florida, recognized for its expertise in digestive diseases and GI clinical research for over 15 years, is proud to announce its strategic partnership with Tampa General Hospital (TGH) aimed at broadening the reach of top-notch gastroenterology and hepatology services in the Tampa Bay area. This collaboration between a leading independent gastrointestinal medical group and one of the nation's foremost academic health systems heralds a transformative approach to patient care for residents in multiple counties in Florida.

For John Couris, president and CEO of Tampa General Hospital, this initiative represents a commitment to increasing access to high-quality, academically driven healthcare. “By welcoming Gastro Florida into the Tampa General Provider Network, we are not just increasing service capacity; we are marrying exceptional gastroenterological expertise with the robust resources of our academic health system,” Couris stated. He further confirmed that this union is focused on delivering coordinated and patient-centered care effectively.

Gastro Florida will continue to serve patients across the area under the visionary leadership of Seena Salyani, CEO, and Gourisankar (Shankar) Degala, MD, president and chairman of the board. The strategic collaboration is set to benefit communities in Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, Hernando, and Polk counties, offering enhanced treatment pathways for complex gastrointestinal conditions.

“This partnership opens up a new chapter for Gastro Florida and our patients,” Salyani expressed. “Aligning with an institution of such academic prestige allows us to widen our offerings, including advanced diagnostics and personalized medicine that leverages predictive analytics and AI technology. We anticipate that this relationship will not only improve patient outcomes but will also draw innovative partners and leading gastroenterologists looking to collaborate within a premier network.”

According to Dr. Degala, the partnership is fundamentally about improving care quality for patients dealing with complex gastrointestinal issues. “Joining the Tampa General Provider Network enables us to work more closely with academic specialists, allowing us to adopt the latest clinical developments and ensure our patients experience a seamless journey through their treatment, including timely oncological interventions,” he emphasized. “We sought a partner known for its community commitment, dedication to academic achievement, and forefront innovation, and we are enthusiastic about fostering a collaborative environment that uplifts patient care and aids in clinical education.”

Dr. Abraham Schwarzberg, executive vice president and chief of oncology at TGH, commented on the partnership's significance, stating, “Bringing Gastro Florida into our network enhances our commitment to delivering expert, academic-backed care. Their dedication to clinical excellence aligns perfectly with our mission, strengthening our service capabilities across the Tampa Bay region.”

Enhanced Patient Access to Broader Services

The affiliation between Gastro Florida and Tampa General Hospital offers a streamlined approach for patients seeking comprehensive medical services. Now, patients at Gastro Florida can access the cutting-edge advancements of Tampa General's academic health system. This includes collaborative treatment plans aligned with expert specialists through the TGH Digestive Diseases Institute.

Moreover, patients who require complex procedures at Tampa General will have the convenience of returning to their local Gastro Florida provider for follow-up care, thus ensuring consistent, high-quality healthcare delivery. This partnership could significantly improve the quality and efficiency of patient treatments within the region.

With this move, Tampa General strengthens its position within the healthcare landscape, evidenced by its ranking as the 21st best hospital in the nation for gastroenterology and GI surgery in the recently released U.S. News & World Report rankings.

Gastro Florida's practice locations within Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, and Polk counties will remain unchanged, ensuring accessibility for current and future patients. To search for a location or physician, interested individuals can visit the practice's website at gastrofl.com.

About Tampa General Hospital

Tampa General Hospital represents an integral part of the Tampa Bay region as the only academic health system in the area. With 1,530 beds, it spans across various services ranging from trauma and burn care to community health education. The hospital has been recognized for its high-quality care, contributing significantly to the community with a recent net community benefit of over $289 million, which includes caring for underinsured patients. Tampa General continues to lead through technological advancements and a commitment to excellence, ensuring patients receive the fastest, safest care possible.

This partnership stands as a promising development for the future of gastroenterology care in Tampa Bay, as Gastro Florida integrates its expertise into the broader academic framework of Tampa General Hospital.