Editors’ Note

Janette Sanchez is the Corporate Vice President of Finance for Baptist Health South Florida, the largest not-for-profit healthcare organization in South Florida. Sanchez has been with Baptist Health since 2004 and has held various roles during her 20 years with the organization. She oversees numerous functions, including all accounting, financial and tax reporting for Baptist Health, accounts payable, payroll and acquisitions. She is also responsible for managing the Baptist Health risk and privacy offices. Prior to joining Baptist Health, she worked in public accounting for Deloitte as a tax manager. Sanchez holds a JD degree from the University of Miami, School of Law and a BBA degree in accountancy from the University of Miami. She is also a licensed Certified Public Accountant in Florida.

Organization Brief

Baptist Health South Florida (baptisthealth.net) is the largest healthcare organization in the region, with 12 hospitals, more than 28,000 employees, 4,500 physicians and 200 outpatient centers, urgent care facilities and physician practices spanning across Florida’s Miami-Dade, Monroe, Broward and Palm Beach counties. Baptist Health has internationally renowned institutes specializing in cancer care, brain and spine care, heart and vascular care and orthopedic care. In addition, it includes Baptist Health Medical Group; Baptist Health Quality Network; and the Baptist Health PineApp, a virtual health platform. Baptist Health South Florida is an academic and clinical affiliate of Florida International University. A not-for-profit organization supported by philanthropy and committed to its charitable mission of medical excellence, Baptist Health has been recognized by Fortune as one of the 100 Best Companies to Work For in America and is the most awarded healthcare system in South Florida by U.S. News & World Report.

How do you describe Baptist Heath’s culture and values?

At Baptist Health, our culture is the root of everything that we do; it’s what sets us apart and motivates us to strive for excellence in all areas. I strongly believe that our long-standing success in the community and industry is a direct result of our mission to always do what is right for our patients – and we believe that starts with our people. Whether it’s investing in innovative technologies, recruiting renowned physicians, expanding access to care or helping underserved communities, Baptist Health’s faith-based mission and values provide hope for patients and loved ones when they need it most.

What have been the keys to Baptist Health’s industry leadership?

Our mission is to provide high-quality healthcare for the communities that we serve. In doing so, our goal has never been to be the biggest; rather, the best and most convenient option for patients and visitors in the South Florida region. With that in mind, we focus on what we call “smart growth” and expanding access to care where our patients need it most. We are neighborhood-based in that wherever our patients live or work in South Florida, they can have the confidence that they have a trusted healthcare option nearby – whether it’s a Baptist Health hospital, urgent care center, diagnostic imaging center, physician’s office or a medical arts facility. I strongly believe that this focus, coupled with our exceptional specialties – cancer care, heart and vascular care, brain and spine care and orthopedic care – continues to set us apart in the industry.

Will you provide an overview of your role and areas of focus?

I currently serve as the Corporate Vice President of Finance for Baptist Health. In my role, I have the pleasure of supporting the finance division, which includes accounting, financial and tax reporting, payroll and acquisition services as well as privacy and risk management. I am also responsible for overseeing community benefit initiatives for the organization.

What do you see as Baptist Health’s responsibility to be engaged in its communities and a force for good in society?

As the largest healthcare system in South Florida, we view our role as more than just providing healthcare services. Rooted in compassion and access, we see ourselves as a critical piece in bettering the health and well-being of our entire community. Community benefit initiatives are crucial for not-for-profit hospitals like ours, as they fulfill the core mission of our organization – which is to serve our communities. Through ongoing community outreach efforts, local partnerships, research programs and prevention initiatives, we are continuously working to improve to better serve our patients. To us, it’s all about recognizing our responsibility and focusing on creating stronger, healthier communities for generations to come.

Will you discuss Baptist Health’s charitable efforts and community initiatives?

Baptist Health is proud to have provided more than $474 million in total charity care and community benefit in 2024 alone. As an organization, we embrace an ongoing commitment to serving patients in need regardless of their insurance status; it’s an integral part of our mission. In addition to our 12 hospitals and neighborhood-based outpatient centers, we work closely with other local organizations and with our doctors to provide free care. During the last fiscal year alone, we had 63 community benefit partnership organizations, including the Open Door Health Center in Homestead, the Good News Care Center in Florida City, the Caridad Center in Palm Beach, Good Health Clinic in Tavernier and the South Miami Children’s Clinic.

Hoes does Baptist Health engage its workforce in its community programs?

At Baptist Health, we ensure that our team members feel empowered to be actively involved in community outreach programs. By seeing that employees have opportunities to volunteer, lead health initiatives and connect with the South Florida community, our people are not only delivering exceptional patient care, but also making an impact beyond our doors. Our team shares a common goal: to strengthen our community through health and well-being, which is reflected in everything that we do.

Do you feel that there are strong opportunities for women to grow and lead in the industry?

Absolutely. Healthcare is such a diverse and vast industry with so many different roles and opportunities. Whether your interest lies in the clinical space or in administration, there are countless paths for growth and leadership. When I started my career over three decades ago, leadership roles for women in the industry were not as common, but I’m pleased to see that’s changed. Baptist Health has female CEOs leading several hospitals and the outpatient division, demonstrating a commitment to promoting women to top leadership positions. This year, Great Place To Work® and Fortune magazine also selected Baptist Health South Florida as one of the 2024 Fortune Best Workplaces for Women™, earning the #51 spot among the 100 large companies recognized.

What advice do you offer to young people beginning their careers?

My biggest piece of advice to young people starting out their careers is to never stop learning and to always be open to change. I encourage anyone – regardless of their level – to strive to be the first in the room to raise their hand for new opportunities or proactively seek out additional responsibilities. The road to success might not always be linear, but it is from the unexpected opportunities along the way that we learn the most.