HCA Florida JFK Hospital honored as a Panther Partner

Palm Beach State College recognized HCA Florida JFK Hospital with a Panther Partner Award during a ceremony on Wednesday, April 1, at the hospital in Atlantis. 

 The recognition honors JFK’s Hospital’s commitment to advancing education, workforce development and community engagement, as well as its impact on preparing students for future careers. JFK is the third company to be honored as a Panther Partner.

“We are honored to receive the Panther Partner Award from Palm Beach State College,” said Kenneth West, president and chief executive officer of HCA Florida JFK Hospital. “Palm Beach State plays a critical role in training the next generation of healthcare professionals, and it’s vital that we partner with institutions like PBSC to ensure students gain meaningful, real-world experience. Together, we’re helping build a stronger, more skilled healthcare workforce that will continue to serve our community with excellence.”

The hospital was also recognized for:

• Serving as a key clinical site for PBSC students, providing hands-on training in real healthcare settings  
• Reinforcing the importance of well-trained, qualified healthcare professionals through direct student engagement and clinical experience  
• Supporting nursing and allied health students with practical experience that prepares them for the workforce  
• Engaging with PBSC through hiring, recruitment, and student-facing opportunities  
• Working with faculty to help ensure programs stay aligned with current healthcare needs  
• Playing an important role in developing local talent and strengthening the healthcare workforce in Palm Beach County   

The PBSC Panther Partner initiative was created earlier this year to recognize Palm Beach County’s businesses and top companies dedicated to student success and advancing workforce innovation and community impact through internships, apprenticeships, career development, employment opportunities, student scholarships and investments in education. 

HCA Florida JFK Hospital was originally named John F. Kennedy Hospital as the first memorial to our nation's 35th president in 1966. Growing with the community, JFK Hospital has evolved from a 150-bed hospital into a 516-bed acute care/medical surgical facility with two free-standing emergency rooms in Boynton Beach and Palm Beach Gardens. The hospital is home to the most comprehensive cardiovascular program in Palm Beach County providing award-winning, patient centered care across a wide range of medical specialties.