Dr. James R. Andrews, world-renowned orthopaedics and sports medicine surgeon, performs the first surgeries at the Andrews Institute for Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine

GULF BREEZE, Fla. (March 14, 2007) — Dr. James R. Andrews performed inaugural surgeries Friday, March 9 at the Andrews Institute for Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine. Conducted in the Ambulatory Surgery Center (ASC) of the Andrews Institute, the patients were residents of Northwest Florida and South Alabama, including a junior college baseball player from the Southeast.

Dr. Andrews will consult and treat individuals from throughout the region and will work with other physicians at the Andrews Institute to provide the same level of high quality care to all patients. Andrews affiliated physicians will use the newest techniques, technology and treatment for student and professional athletes as well as for anyone requiring orthopaedic and sports medicine care.

“Performing these surgeries today was the culmination of three years of hard work to create a world-class facility accessible to all patients seeking orthopaedic care,” said Dr. Andrews. “I am proud to partner with Baptist Health Care to deliver this exceptional level of care and service in a center dedicated to providing best outcomes for all of our patients – locally, regionally and nationally.”

“These surgeries are a definitive mark on Baptist Health Care’s future,” said Bob Harriman, Andrews Institute administrator. “The Andrews Institute, coupled with Dr. Andrews’ expertise and guidance, will distinguish Baptist Health Care as national leader in orthopaedics and sports medicine.”

Home to a number of clinical departments, the Institute provides convenience and improved continuum of care for patients. Services at the Institute include diagnostic imaging, rehabilitation, outpatient surgery and physician consultations. In addition, the complex is home to Athletes’ Performance Florida and the Andrews Research and Education Institute.

In addition to orthopaedic physicians, there are more than 30 doctors at the Institute that provide consultations and surgery in the following medical specialties: ear, nose and throat; general surgery; neurosurgery; optometry; ophthalmology; pain management; physical medicine; plastic surgery; primary care sports medicine; retinal care; and vascular care. As with a traditional health care facility, the Institute and physician partners accept most forms of insurance.

With the completion of the entire complex only weeks away, the Institute is preparing for its grand opening celebration. The community is invited to attend the celebration and tour the facility Saturday, April 21 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information about the event or to schedule appointments, contact the Andrews Institute at (850) 916-8700 or visit the web site: www.theandrewsinstitute.com.

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Situated in scenic Gulf Breeze, Florida, the Andrews Institute for Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine provides world-class care and service for the athlete in everyone. The one-of-a-kind center focuses on the prevention, treatment and rehabilitation of musculoskeletal injuries while using the expertise of nationally and internationally renowned orthopaedic surgeon James Andrews, M.D. Dr. Andrews is best known as physician to some of sport’s greatest professional athletes. Among his patients are Roger Clemens, Bo Jackson, Troy Aikman, Michael Jordan, Emmit Smith, Jerry Pate and Charles Barkley.

The Andrews Institute is an affiliate of Baptist Health Care, located in Pensacola, Florida. Baptist Health Care is the proud recipient of the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award, the nation’s premier award for performance excellence and quality achievement. For six consecutive years, Baptist Health Care has been named one of Fortune Magazine’s Best Places to Work. It is the only locally owned health care system in Northwest Florida that has placed on the list that recognizes the nation’s most employee friendly organizations.