Puerto Rican leaders declare Florida Hospital physicians ‘heroes’

Fla., March 15, 2018 — ORLANDO, Fla., March 15, 2018 — Referring to them as “heroes,” Puerto Rican lawmakers honored a group of Florida Hospital emergency physicians for their selfless acts following Hurricane Maria.

In a declaration recently issued, the island’s leaders stated: “…A group of heroes arrive in the island, and set aside their work obligations to be able to volunteer and treat patients in various communities…The House of Representatives thank you for your aid and interest displayed for the wellbeing of all Puerto Ricans ...”

Florida Hospital sent multiple teams of physicians to Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands after Hurricane Maria ravaged the islands. The emergency physicians were the first to receive provisional licenses to practice medicine in Puerto Rico — their license numbers 001, 002, 003, 004 and 005, respectively.

On Thursday, Florida Hospital CEO Daryl Tol presented the declarations to the physicians.

“It is an honor to receive this recognition, and I want to thank the hospital for all its support,” said Dr. Katia Lugo, who led the first response team. “Without it, our endeavors wouldn’t have had the same reach.”

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