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Pamela Goodwin, a registered nurse at Lower Keys Medical Center for 2 years, has received a national 2025 Nursing Excellence Award. Goodwin is one of ten national winners selected across all hospitals affiliated with Community Health Systems. She was presented with the recognition during a July reception with hospital leadership where she received a crystal plaque and a symbolic check for the monetary award. Goodwin also received a plaque from Lower Keys Medical Center and a bouquet of flowers at an eve... ... Read More

According to a recent poll from the American Cancer Society, nearly two-thirds of men aged 55-69 have not been screened for prostate cancer. As a result, the rate of advanced stage prostate cancer is on the rise for the first time in decades. Norman Tingle, Jr., M.D., medical director of Keys Medical Group says those at average risk of prostate cancer should talk with their doctor about screening around age 50. “Understanding your risk factors is one of the first steps to decide whether to get screened ... ... Read More

Lower Keys Medical Center and Keys Medical Group recognized the first recipient of the Keys Medical Group O.A.R. award – Jessica Phelps, R.N., Keys Medical Group Orthopedics. The Outstanding Achievement and Recognition program celebrates employees who demonstrate exceptional commitment to patients and co-workers. Director of Keys Medical Group, Brad Lutz, said, “Congratulations to Jessica. She has been recognized by her peers for her strong work ethic, teamwork, and compassionate approach to patient car... ... Read More

The American Heart Association presents Get With The Guidelines® - Stroke Gold Plus award for proven dedication to ensuring all stroke patients have access to best practices and life-saving care. Lower Keys Medical Center has received the American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines® - Stroke Gold Plus quality achievement award for its commitment to ensuring stroke patients receive the most appropriate treatment according to nationally recognized, research-based guidelines, ultimately leading to... ... Read More

Lower Keys Medical Center thanks active participants in the annual hurricane evacuation drill held June 26, 2025, including North Carolina, Florida, South Carolina, and Mississippi Air National Guard, NAS Key West, Monroe County Emergency Management, Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, Key West Fire Department and EMS, Monroe County Fire Rescue, E-Care Ambulance, Southernmost Medical Transport, Keys Health Ready Coalition, and Florida Health – Monroe County. ... Read More

Children are often encouraged to drink milk for strong bones, but after that, bone health is largely ignored until the golden years. However, taking steps to support bone strength is important to provide structural support, protect vital organs and enhance mobility throughout our lives. According to Dr. Pasquale Dell'Api, with Keys Medical Group Family Medicine - Big Pine Key, adults reach peak bone mass in their twenties, and maintaining bone density is important to prevent osteoporosis as they age. Os... ... Read More

In collaboration with multiple national and local emergency preparedness organizations, Lower Keys Medical Center is coordinating an inpatient hurricane evacuation simulation which will be held on June 26, 2025, at multiple locations. Each year, Lower Keys Medical Center sponsors a hurricane evacuation drill to test preparedness in the event of a major hurricane which would require hospitalized patients to be evacuated to a safer area of the mainland until the storm has passed. This choreographed exerci... ... Read More

The Florida Keys offer numerous opportunities to enjoy the beautiful tropical weather and swim your way to better health. Dr. Edgardo Montemayor with Keys Medical Group Family Medicine, says swimming is easy on your joints and one of the best ways to get and stay in shape and prevent chronic disease. Cardiovascular health increases through swimming because your entire body is working against the resistance of the water, and your heart and lungs work harder to supply the necessary oxygen to your muscles.... ... Read More

A growing trend in orthopedics reveals that younger people are undergoing hip and knee replacements, raising questions about the optimal age to undergo these procedures. According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, by 2030, people younger than 65 will account for more than half of hip replacements and more than 60 percent of knee replacements. Only an orthopedic surgeon can help determine if a joint replacement is appropriate for a younger person, but they are becoming increasingly common a... ... Read More

Lower Keys Medical Center hosted a reception during Nurses Week, honoring the intensive care unit team members and April Bruggemann, R.N., quality, with the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses. The award recognizes nursing professionals for excellence in clinical care and for exceptional compassion. The nurses were nominated and selected for the award for creating a personalized environment of care for a patient. The patient was admitted to the intensive care unit through the emergency department, havi... ... Read More