While our practice plan — University of Florida Jacksonville Physicians — continues to expand its footprint, key enhancements are being made to existing locations, including UF Health Family Medicine – Crossroads in Macclenny.

The practice in nearby Baker County originally featured 2,400 square feet of space to accommodate two providers. There are now three additional exam rooms, an extra provider office and an expanded lobby. Overall, the area has been increased to 3,600 square feet. The renovations were completed in July.

Lynn Waters Jr., D.O., has rejoined the practice as medical director. He worked there in that capacity in 2012 and 2013. The practice now has one full-time physician and two advanced practice providers.

In other developments, we will open UF Health Family Medicine – Crystal Springs on Jacksonville’s Westside in December. Sofia Muenyi, M.D., will be the medical director. And next year, we will begin expansion work at UF Health Family Medicine – Amelia Island, where Holly Hamilton, M.D., is medical director.

In addition, we will open the UF Health Imaging Center – Baymeadows, which will be managed by the department of radiology. Also, an outpatient endoscopy unit is being planned at the UF Health Emerson Medical Plaza. More information about these projects will be shared in the coming months.

WILDLIGHT UPDATE

At UF Health Wildight in Nassau County, a private ribbon-cutting ceremony is set for Nov. 22 to mark the opening of the medical office building there. A public open house, complete with tours, will be held the following day.

The practice, which opens for service Dec. 6, features 40,000 square feet of office and medical space for primary care, using a patient-centered model focused on prevention and early diagnosis. It will include urgent care staffed by emergency medicine faculty, imaging services, pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology, mental health services, dentistry and a laboratory.

In related news, we will be closing our family medicine and women’s specialists practice in Yulee and moving those operations over to Wildlight. The shift makes logistical sense, as we’re positioning Wildlight as the epicenter of health care for residents in that part of Nassau County and surrounding communities.

FUTURE UPDATES

The next UFJP article in Academic Matters will feature information on the practice plan’s finances and performance for fiscal year 2019 and the budget for fiscal year 2020. It will also include insight into our Financial Affordability and Sustainability Plan.