“BayCare health system is the largest integrated health delivery system in West Central Florida. We lead this entire health system with the highest level of quality, clinical excellence, and compassionate care,” said Dr. Sowmya Viswanathan, Chief Physician Executive for BayCare.
An integrated health system operating 16 not-for-profit hospitals in West Central Florida, BayCare is one of the largest employers in the Tampa Bay area, with nearly 32,000 team members and a $10 billion economic impact on the region and state annually. BayCare’s extensive network includes behavioral health and pediatric services, an ambulatory division including laboratories, imaging, surgical centers, urgent care locations, and one of Florida's largest home care agencies.
“Wherever patients have access to care, BayCare has invested in setting up the infrastructure,” Dr. Viswanathan said. “Not just brick and mortar, but people, resources, and also capabilities from an innovation and technology standpoint.”
To attract the best talent to its facilities and serve a growing Tampa Bay region, BayCare plans to expand its graduate medical education programs to 650+ residents in the next three years. Named one of America’s fastest growing cities, Tampa’s population has experienced significant shifts in the last few years as young demographics continue to flock to the region. As the population grows, so too does the need for medical professionals to keep them healthy.
“When people move from other states to Tampa, they are not bringing their physicians with them,” Dr. Viswanathan said. “We are looking forward to amplifying the next generation of physicians who are going to be our caregivers in the community by training and teaching them.”
With its stellar reputation and commitment to patients, BayCare is perfectly positioned to attract and empower the next generation of physicians serving Tampa Bay.
BayCare’s commitment to quality and clinical excellence has been recognized by numerous organizations such as the American Heart Association, The Leapfrog Group, an independent national nonprofit for patient safety, and it has also received numerous 5-star ratings for exceptional performance from Healthgrades.
BayCare has also received awards for its positive and uplifting workplace culture. These recognitions include being designated a Top Workplace both locally and nationally in 2024 and named in People’s Companies that Care list in 2023.
“BayCare’s true north is quality and clinical excellence. We don’t chase awards, we don’t chase recognitions,” Dr. Viswanathan said. “Everybody wants to do the right thing for the patient. Each one is treated with respect, dignity, and a care that they would provide for their own siblings. Patients feel the care.”
A Chamber Member Company since 1963, BayCare is a valued partner, serving on the Chamber’s Board of Directors and supporting various areas of programming as sponsors, guest speakers, mentors, etc. “The Chamber is an unbelievable asset to BayCare,” Dr. Viswanathan said. “It brings us together with likeminded people and also helps us to learn what’s happening in the landscape around the Tampa Bay area.”