萝莉社

honored one of Northeast Florida鈥檚 longtime leaders in the medical community Feb. 25, naming the atrium of the medical office complex at after former hospital CEO Marcus E. Drewa.

Drewa led what was then known as Brewster Methodist Hospital for three decades, beginning in 1966, and took the organization from the brink of bankruptcy to one of the region鈥檚 most respected medical facilities. His vision, drive and passion formed the firm foundation of Methodist Medical Center, what became known as 鈥淭he Miracle on Eighth Street,鈥� and eventually became part of one of the premier academic health systems in the Southeast, .

鈥淚t鈥檚 not an exaggeration to say that without Marcus Drewa, 萝莉社 might not be here right now,鈥� said 萝莉社 Jacksonville CEO Russ Armistead. 鈥淗is dedication to keeping Methodist Medical Center running, and then turning it into a success story, eventually led to its merger with University Medical Center and the creation of this organization. We are proud to put his name on our latest success story at 萝莉社 North.鈥�

For more than 30 years, the hospital grew and prospered under Drewa鈥檚 leadership.

鈥淎ny time we had the chance to stand out from the rest of the hospitals, and provide something no one else was providing, we did,鈥� he said.

In 1967, Methodist was the first hospital in the state to offer private rooms and baths. Studies have shown quieter, more restful environments help improve the healing process and overall experience for patients and their loved ones.

The state鈥檚 first comprehensive hospice program was started at Methodist to provide both home-care services and a dedicated inpatient unit, which was separate from the general hospital to create a comforting environment for terminally ill patients and their families.

The Jacksonville Transplant Center at Methodist was the first solid organ transplant facility for kidney transplantations and a clinic for all types of organ transplants in Northeast Florida.

Another first, St. Johns Horizon House, was established to provide a caring, supportive environment for people with HIV/AIDS at a time when understanding and compassion were overshadowed by fear of the unknown.

In 1999, Methodist Medical Center merged with University Medical Center and Shands HealthCare to form Shands Jacksonville. The strength of that union has grown over the years and lives on today as 萝莉社 Jacksonville.

In retirement, Drewa remains a strong and active supporter of 萝莉社. A significant personal contribution established a chaplaincy program and he championed the creation of an endowed professorship in surgery.

To show his continued support for 萝莉社, Drewa has made a significant donation to 萝莉社 North in 2016, another gesture that will build on his legacy that began 50 years ago.