All Children's Hospital to partner with Johns Hopkins

By RAY REYES | The Tampa Tribune

Published: July 20, 2010

In a collaboration expected to strengthen its research and academic medical programs, All Children's Hospital in St. Petersburg announced today it will join the Johns Hopkins Health System.

The merger gives All Children's an opportunity to "jointly shape the future of children's health care in partnership with an unparalleled leader in medical research and teaching," Claudia Sokolowski, chairwoman of the All Children's Health System board, said in a written statement.

"The potential impact for St. Petersburg, the Tampa Bay area and the state of Florida is significant and lasting," Sokolowski said.

Edward Miller, the dean and CEO of Johns Hopkins Medicine, said he and All Children's Hospital officials were in talks for a couple of years about integration.

All Children's approached Johns Hopkins because it sought to "jump up another level" in research and teaching, Miller said.

Johns Hopkins officials were impressed with All Children's doctors and how the hospital was run, which made the merger appealing to both parties, Miller said.

"They wanted the ability to invigorate their research programs," Miller said. "We thought we could match their desires with the strengths we possess."

The move marks the first time Baltimore-based Johns Hopkins will partner with an institution outside of its home state. Johns Hopkins employs more than 32,000 people and has an estimated economic impact on Maryland of about $6.4 billion annually.

Integration with Johns Hopkins will probably mean more research dollars – through grants from national medical institutions or philanthropic gifts – for All Children's, Miller said.

The collaboration allows Johns Hopkins' Baltimore-based medical staff and researchers to enhance its presence in Florida, according to a staff memorandum by George Dover, director of pediatrics at Johns Hopkins.

The merger allows the more than 750 residents in Johns Hopkins' Baltimore hospitals to train and have residencies in St. Petersburg, Miller said.

"Overall, it means more education, research and clinical opportunities for our pediatric faculty," Dover wrote.

A residency or research project in the Sunshine State is an attractive option for Johns Hopkins doctors looking to get away from harsh Northern winters, Miller said.

 

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