Atlantis, FL — HCA Florida JFK Hospital has been designated a Statutory Teaching Hospital by the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA), a distinction recognizing the hospital’s more than 30-year legacy of training physicians and advancing academic medicine in Palm Beach County and South Florida.
Under Florida law, the Statutory Teaching Hospital designation is awarded to hospitals that meet rigorous criteria in graduate medical education, physician training, and academic medicine. The designation reflects HCA Florida JFK Hospital’s more than three decades of investment in physician education, faculty development, and clinical excellence.
Since launching its first graduate medical education program in 1994, HCA Florida JFK Hospital, working closely with HCA Florida JFK North Hospital, has steadily expanded its programs. Today, it supports more than 100 residents and fellows across residencies in internal medicine, podiatric medicine and surgery, psychiatry, orthopedic surgery, and general surgery, as well as fellowships in advanced heart failure, clinical cardiac electrophysiology, interventional cardiology, cardiovascular disease, and hospice and palliative medicine.
“This designation is a tremendous achievement for our hospital, our physicians, our faculty, and our residents and fellows,” said Ken West, chief executive officer of HCA Florida JFK Hospital. “It reflects years of dedication to building a strong culture of education, mentorship, and clinical excellence. Today, our training programs not only prepare exceptional physicians but also strengthen the quality of care we provide to our community every day."
Teaching hospitals play a vital role in advancing healthcare through research, innovation, partnerships with local and regional medical schools, and the integration of education with high-quality patient care. At HCA Florida JFK Hospital, this approach strengthens the physician workforce, expands access to specialized care, and brings evidence-based practices to patients across Palm Beach County and South Florida.
“As we welcome a new class of residents and fellows, this recognition reinforces our responsibility to provide an exceptional educational experience while prioritizing physician well-being,” said Dr. Kevin King, designated institutional official (DIO) at HCA Florida JFK Hospital. “We are committed to fostering a learning environment where physicians are both challenged and supported, and where they can grow into confident, compassionate clinicians equipped to meet the evolving needs of our community.”
The designation places HCA Florida JFK Hospital among a distinguished group of institutions advancing academic medicine in Florida. Building on a foundation established more than 30 years ago, the hospital is well positioned to expand training opportunities, attract top physician talent, strengthen the regional healthcare workforce, and improve access to high-quality care throughout Palm Beach County and beyond.