Quality Care Close To Home
HCA Florida Palms West Hospital Trustees Work To Improve Healthcare For Everyone In The Community
By Shannon Anastasio
At HCA Florida Palms West Hospital, a board of trustees made up of community leaders, physicians and hospital officials meet regularly to provide oversight of the hospital and advice to its board of managers.
Recently, attorney and Wellington civic leader Michael “Mickey” Smith joined the board. He hopes to use his experience and connections to help improve healthcare for everyone in the community.
“I served on the Neil S. Hirsch Family Boys & Girls Club Advisory Board with Palms West Hospital CEO Jason Kimbrell,” Smith explained. “He asked me if I was interested. When I saw how excited Jason was about everything happening at the hospital, it got me excited, too.”
Smith has been practicing law for more than 40 years and has been a shareholder in the personal injury law firm Lesser, Lesser, Landy & Smith PLLC since 2004. A graduate of the Duke University School of Law, he has been involved with many local nonprofits. Aside from the Boys & Girls Club, he is a leader with the Rotary Club of Wellington and serves on the board of directors of the Central Palm Beach County Chamber of Commerce.
However, his new role at the hospital is different than the other volunteer work he has done.
“It interested me, as it was something new. It was not like other boards I had been involved with in the past. There has been a learning curve for me, but I have found it both challenging and fun,” Smith said.
Aside from the oversight work, he sees this new role as being a top cheerleader for Palms West Hospital in the community and beyond.
“Many people probably do not know that it employes over 1,000 people,” he said. “More importantly, it is providing world-class care right here in our own backyard.”
A Wellington resident for decades, Smith believes that his service will be beneficial for the hospital.
“I believe just living in the community for 33 years is quite helpful, as it provides a perspective on how much things have changed in the western communities, both in healthcare and otherwise,” he said. “Being a lawyer is helpful in analyzing the hard data. I have been extremely impressed by how well the hospital consistently does, as measured by objective metrics.”
In his time as a Floridian, Smith has seen a dramatic upgrade in the quality of hospital services across the region.
“This area has become a mecca for healthcare, with so many providers from New York and elsewhere recently opening outposts here,” he said. “That said, I am proud to say that Palms West Hospital is leading the way in providing world-class healthcare. It has deep roots right here in the community and has the backing and resources of HCA, the largest operator of hospitals in the country. Now, instead of people flying out of Palm Beach County for care, many are flying here to come to HCA Florida Palms West Hospital.”
As an example, he noted the hospital’s major focus on cutting-edge robotic surgery.
“The hospital has invested heavily in its Robotic Surgery Center of Excellence and has some of the most experienced robotic surgeons in the country, and the investment continues,” Smith noted. “An $80 million patient tower is scheduled to break ground later this year. The new tower will be home to the Surgical Suites at Palms West Hospital. This 36-bed, post-surgical unit will provide customized care for patients who undergo robotic surgery by the expert surgeons on the hospital’s staff. Palms West is a leader in robotic surgery, and this investment demonstrates its commitment to stay there.”
As a board member, he was thrilled by the opportunity to shadow Dr. James Goad during two robotic surgeries.
“It was fascinating. Dr. Goad has performed more than 3,200 procedures on the Da Vinci Robotic Surgical System,” Smith said. “The fact that a surgeon of his reputation and ability chose HCA Florida Palms West Hospital speaks volumes about the hospital’s reputation and quality.”
Smith added that engagement and outreach play a huge role in the health and success of the entire community.
“The physicians at HCA Florida Palms West Hospital frequently provide free programs to educate the public and help keep us healthy,” he said. “They do it because it is the right thing to do. I would like to be a part in spreading the word about these available resources.”
While he is proud to serve on the board, Smith noted that his goal is to support the real heroes of the community. “The hospital’s staff is second to none and saves lives daily,” he said. “They are heroes and have every reason to be proud of what they do. Without question, this hospital is the crown jewel of our community, and we are so very fortunate to have it.”
Also joining Smith as a new appointee to the Palms West Hospital Board of Trustees this year is Dr. Deborah Loney, a head and neck surgeon who has treated patients at the hospital since 2010. She received her medical degree from the Stanford University School of Medicine and completed her residency at the University of Iowa College of Medicine.
“HCA Florida Palms West Hospital is strategically located in a growing community where a variety of health services are crucial. There is thus both immense need and immense potential. I have witnessed the steady growth and improvements over the last 14 years and consider it a privilege to be asked to serve as a member of the board of trustees,” Loney said at the time of her appointment earlier this year.
Also serving on the board is CEO Jason L. Kimbrell; HCA East Florida Division President Charles Gressle; physician members Dr. Richard Giroux and Dr. Roger Duncan; and community members Tara Gallagher, School Board Member Marcia Andrews, Joey Wolffer and Wellington Councilwoman Tanya Siskind.
“This talented and committed group of professionals that make up our board of trustees is exactly what HCA Florida Palms West Hospital needs to continue to grow to meet the demands of our growing community,” Kimbrell said. “I am confident that through our collaborative leadership, Palms West will continue to be the number one hospital of choice for quality healthcare in our area.”
Serving central Palm Beach County for nearly 40 years, HCA Florida Palms West Hospital is a 206-bed full-service acute care hospital accredited by the Joint Commission. The hospital is home to the only Women’s and Children’s Center in the western communities, featuring a dedicated pediatric emergency department, pediatric services, pediatric intensive care, maternity, Level III neonatal services and a breast center. It is the first hospital in Palm Beach County to be named a Robotic Surgery Center of Excellence and provides award-winning, high-quality patient care.
HCA Florida Palms West Hospital is located at 13001 Southern Blvd. Learn more at www.palmswesthospital.com.


