University of Florida (UF) Health is expanding its presence in Northeast Florida, consolidating multiple hospitals into a regional system and appointing three senior vice presidents to lead operations. This move strengthens UF Health’s commitment to providing top-tier medical care while supporting the region’s growing healthcare needs.
As part of the reorganization, UF Health Jacksonville and UF Health St. Johns will be integrated into a single Northeast Florida system. Three regional presidents—Russ Armistead for UF Health Jacksonville, Joseph Mitrick for UF Health St. Johns, and Wayne Marshall for UF Health Central Florida—will oversee the system’s hospitals and services, ensuring efficient operations and high-quality patient care.
“This transformation will help us continue to grow and deliver outstanding patient care across Northeast Florida,” said David R. Nelson, M.D., senior vice president for health affairs at UF and president of UF Health. “By uniting our hospitals under one system and bringing in experienced leadership, we are better positioned to meet the healthcare needs of our communities.”
UF Health’s expansion comes amid increasing demand for medical services in Florida, where the population is projected to grow by nearly 1,000 residents per day through 2030. The system already provides care for over 3 million patients annually and employs more than 30,000 staff members statewide.
With the restructuring and leadership appointments, UF Health aims to enhance collaboration between facilities, expand specialized services, and improve access to care throughout the region. The move aligns with the organization’s broader strategy to position itself as a leader in Florida’s rapidly evolving healthcare landscape.
