University of Miami and HSS Partnership to Revolutionize Musculoskeletal Care in South Florida

Partnership for Advanced Musculoskeletal Care

The University of Miami Health System (UHealth) has established a groundbreaking collaboration with the Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS)—recognized globally as the premier institution in orthopedic medicine. This partnership aims to elevate the standard of musculoskeletal care available to patients across South Florida, setting the stage for a remarkable transformation in orthopedic services.

The new alliance is particularly focused on UHealth’s upcoming facility, UHealth SoLé Mia, in North Miami, which is scheduled to open in the fall of 2025. Combining HSS's esteemed expertise with UHealth’s robust team of orthopedic surgeons and specialists, the collaboration intends to create a comprehensive program integrating top-tier orthopedic services, advanced imaging, ambulatory surgeries, and rehabilitation.

"As a leader in orthopedics, HSS has a long history of innovation that will enhance our existing capabilities at UHealth," said Dipen J. Parekh, M.D., chief operating officer of UHealth. This cooperation promises to provide a unique opportunity for the communities served by both organizations, enhancing access and patient outcomes. UHealth and HSS aim to integrate HSS’s renowned pathways and care models into UHealth’s existing service structure, further amplifying the quality of orthopedic treatment available to patients.

Leading Figures in Orthopedics

The initiative is being steered by Francis J. Hornicek, Jr., M.D., Ph.D., who heads UHealth's Department of Orthopaedics. This department also encompasses the University of Miami Sports Medicine Institute, the dedicated provider for local professional sports teams like the Miami Hurricanes and Miami Marlins. UHealth stands out as South Florida's only multidisciplinary academic orthopedic program, a role it fulfills through a commitment to research and innovation in areas such as stem cell therapy, advanced surgical techniques, and the treatment of complex musculoskeletal diseases.

Sheeraz Qureshi, M.D., M.B.A., chief medical officer of HSS Florida, emphasized that the goal of this collaboration is to improve accessibility without compromising quality. He remarked, "By joining forces with UHealth, we can develop new and more effective models of care that can manage a range of conditions from routine to complex cases."

Comprehensive Services and Increased Access

The collaboration is set to establish a musculoskeletal program within the new facility that encompasses various essential services—from imaging and physician consultations to outpatient surgeries and rehabilitation programs. The focus will be on providing cohesive, high-quality care tailored to the community’s needs.

Additionally, the partnership will seek to recruit specialized orthopedic surgeons who can offer advanced methodologies and insights to patients at SoLé Mia. This essential workforce enhancement is expected to further strengthen the breadth of services delivered through the new facility.

Embarking on this innovative collaboration represents a significant elevation in the standards of musculoskeletal care in the region. A dedicated task force, led by UHealth’s executive strategy team, will work to sustain a high level of care that prioritizes enhanced patient experience and treatment outcomes.

A Shared Vision for the Future

Both UHealth and HSS will also contribute to the 9th Annual Winter Technology Innovation in Orthopedics Symposium. Scheduled to take place in Fort Lauderdale, this symposium will bring together specialists to discuss cutting-edge advancements in fields such as joint replacement and spinal surgery.

In summary, the union between UHealth and HSS signifies not only a commitment to delivering superior orthopedic care but also a shared vision of enhanced health outcomes for the community of South Florida. As the teams prepare for the opening of UHealth SoLé Mia, both institutions are enthusiastic about the potential to collectively influence orthopedic healthcare in the region and beyond. This initiative embodies the confluence of expertise and innovation, dedicated to improving mobility and enriching the quality of life for all patients.