Thursday, November 12, 2026
Twenty-five years ago, Physicians Regional began a journey to transform healthcare in Southwest Florida. What began as a 70-bed acute care hospital on Pine Ridge Road has grown into a comprehensive healthcare system serving thousands of patients and families throughout our community.
As we celebrate 25 years of providing acute care services, I find myself reflecting not only on how far we have come, but also on the people, partnerships, and shared commitment that made this remarkable journey possible.
Perhaps our most important contribution has been something that every patient deserves: choice.
When we introduced acute care services in 2001, Southwest Florida residents had limited options for inpatient hospital care. Our arrival provided another destination for emergency treatment, surgical procedures, and overnight hospitalization. Equally important, physicians gained additional opportunities to practice medicine and provide exceptional care.
That commitment to expanding healthcare choices remains central to our mission today.
Almost 20 years ago, we opened our 100-bed Collier Boulevard hospital, improving access for residents of East Naples and Marco Island. Subsequent investments added conveniently located new facilities, such as our Marco Clinic on Barfield and San Marco, and advanced surgical technologies, including the da Vinci robotic surgical system and Mako robotic technology for orthopedic procedures.
In July 2020, despite the extraordinary challenges presented by COVID-19, we launched our open-heart surgery program, expanding our cardiovascular capabilities. In 2021, we opened our North campus, further strengthening our orthopedic and musculoskeletal services.
Today, Physicians Regional Healthcare System operates three Naples hospitals with 357 licensed beds and more than 800 physicians recognized within their fields. We provide advanced medical care across more than 45 specialties and subspecialties, including 24-hour emergency care, cardiology, vascular disease, digestive diseases, orthopedics, spine care, neurosurgery, and women’s services.
Our objective remains straightforward: more healthcare options and improved access for Southwest Florida residents and visitors.
Of course, buildings and technology tell only part of our story.
Consider Dr. Anthony Vernava, a colorectal surgeon who joined our organization in 1999, when the Pine Ridge campus was still under construction. He remembers seeing bulldozers clear the land before the hospital’s foundation was even laid.
Board-certified in colorectal and general surgery, Dr. Vernava has witnessed extraordinary advances in surgical techniques and patient care throughout his career.
“We brought world-class colorectal surgery to Southwest Florida,” he recalls, identifying one of his proudest professional accomplishments.
His expertise encompasses robotic and minimally invasive procedures and the treatment of complex colorectal conditions, including cancer and inflammatory bowel disease.
What impresses me most, however, is his unwavering commitment to patients.
“It’s a great honor to have a patient ask you to take care of them,” Dr. Vernava says.
That sentiment speaks volumes.
Throughout my previous columns, I have enjoyed recognizing the extraordinary individuals who make Physicians Regional special. From physicians and nurses to technicians, administrative professionals, environmental services employees, and countless others, our success depends on a diverse team of skilled professionals who share the goal of caring for you.
Dr. Vernava shares that appreciation for our colleagues who passionately support patient care every day.
“We rely on those individuals tremendously for doing what we need to do to take care of patients, and we couldn’t take care of patients without them.”
I couldn’t agree more.
I was fortunate to be part of this organization 25 years ago, helping move boxes into our new facility. Today, I have the privilege of leading a remarkable team whose dedication continues to inspire me.
Anniversaries naturally encourage us to look backward. I believe they should also inspire us to look forward.
As Southwest Florida continues growing, so will the need for accessible, innovative, compassionate healthcare. We intend to meet that challenge through continued investment, collaboration, and an unwavering commitment to quality patient care.
To our physicians, employees, community partners, and, most importantly, our patients: thank you for trusting us throughout these 25 years.
Your choice has made our progress possible. Your trust will shape our future.
For more information about Physicians Regional Healthcare System, visit www.physiciansregional.com.
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