A Year in Review: Most loved stories from UF Health

The last 12 months can be described in many ways, but certainly not dull.

From new research breakthroughs to heart-warming stories of hope, UF Health shared remarkable stories about hope, healing and the ingenuity of the brightest minds in the country. Here are the five most shared posts from UF Health.

5. Unbreakable: Christina’s Journey

Christina, an avid dancer, lived a healthy, active life, until shortness of breath and fatigue during a family vacation led her to seek medical attention. She was diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy, a disease that weakens heart muscle, and began her wait for a new heart.

4. A Fighting Chance: Jerry’s Story

When a mild heart attack lead to a fight for his life, Jerry Arnette and his family turned to ShandsCair Flight Team to transport him to UF Health Shands Hospital for live-saving treatment. Learn more about the symbol that Jerry’s wife, Christina, holds as a reminder of the fateful day that shaped their lives.

3. UF Health Shands Hospital makes list of best workplaces in health care

When Becker’s Healthcare editorial team recognized UF Health Shands Hospital as one of the country’s best places to work in health care, Timothy Flynn,M.D., chief medical officer, wasn’t surprised. He credited the faculty, nurses, residents and staff for creating a “rich and rewarding experience” for employees and patients alike.

2. UF Health Shands Hospital tied for top in state in 2016 U.S. News hospital rankings

Thanks to an unwavering dedication to providing high-quality care and a focus on continually evolving the standard of care, UF Health Shands Hospital rose from seven ranked medical specialties to eight — seven of which are the highest-ranked in Florida — in the annual U.S. News and World Report hospital rankings.

1. Conjoined twins connected at the heart and liver successfully separated at UF Health

Throughout the world, twins born conjoined with a cardiac connection are rarely separated successfully, but when conjoined twin girls connected by the heart and liver were born at UF Health Shands Hospital in April, Mark Bleiweis, M.D., and Jennifer Co-Vu, M.D., were up for the challenge. In August, the girls’ parents, Jacquelyn and Mark, presented their successfully separated girls to the world.

Visit UF Health’s Hope & Healing blog for up-to-the-minute tips on healthy living, inspirational stories and the latest health care advances.