Judge Audrey Moran is known for her strength and fairness in the courtroom in Florida's Duval county. But one of the most difficult cases she's faced is breast cancer that spread to the lining of her brain. 

With the help of a dedicated care team and precise treatment, Judge Moran is back on the bench, and recent scans show something remarkable. Alex Osiadacz (oh-SIGH-dus) has her story.

Watch: Back on the bench: Judge's metastatic breast cancer journey inspires hope

 Journalists: Broadcast-quality video (2:17) is in the downloads at the end of this post. Please courtesy: "Mayo Clinic News Network." Read the script.

"I work as a county court judge."

Judge Moran doesn't shy away from a challenge, whether in her legal career, solving issues in her community or even her health.

"We were treating the metastatic breast cancer in my abdomen about two years ago now. I began noticing that my balance wasn't very good, and then I started limping," she says.

Scans in early 2024 showed the cancer had spread to the lining of her brain and spine. Treatment would pose another challenge after Judge Moran developed an infection where a port would deliver chemotherapy into the lining of her brain.

"I said, 'We're going to have to figure something else out.' My wonderful oncologist, Dr. Pooja Advani, said she thought she had an idea because a new chemo had come out that she thought might be just the right thing for me," she says.

Instead of delivering treatment directly into the lining of her brain, Judge Moran's care team was able to deliver a newly approved therapy through her arm. The results were better than expected.

"The last scan I got of my brain, the results were that the brain cancer has resolved. And I got to tell you, I couldn't even believe it when I read it on my report," Judge Moran says.

"So many emotions but the biggest of gratitude, you know, to all the people that have worked as a part of her team," says Dr. Advani.

Follow-up appointments have confirmed that the treatment is still working for the metastasis in her abdomen. Beyond her diagnosis, Judge Moran remains active with her family and career.

She says, "You know, my life is back. I am at work. And I'm getting to do that work that I love."

In late September, Dr. Advani and Judge Moran had a chance to meet again.

"It almost brought me to tears to have seen how she was in 2024 when she was going through this journey and the remarkable clinical progress that she has made," Dr. Advani says.

Judge Moran adds, "I'd gotten to the point where I almost didn't want to try anything anymore, and she really helped me realize this wasn't the time to give up. It was time to keep going. And boy, I'm glad I did. I'm really, really glad I did."

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• Mayo Clinic research improves dense breast cancer screening and early detection
• Top 10 questions about breast cancer answered
• Mayo Clinic treats first person in the US with a novel radiopharmaceutical therapy for breast cancer
• Mayo Clinic Minute: MRI for dense breasts — what to know
• Mayo Clinic Q&A: How to decide which breast cancer surgery is right for you

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DEAR MAYO CLINIC: I understand surgery is often included as part of the treatment plan for breast cancer. If I'm a candidate for lumpectomy but am also considering a mastectomy, what are some things I should keep in mind? Should my breast density be a factor in my decision-making?

ANSWER: Women diagnosed with breast cancer are almost immediately confronted with treatment decisions. If your surgical oncologist gave you a choice between a lumpectomy and a mastectomy to remove a tumor, that's often because either option will lead to a similar long-term health outcome.

A lumpectomy is commonly known as breast conservation surgery because it keeps most of the breast intact, whereas a mastectomy removes the entire breast. Regardless of which procedure you choose, the risk of breast cancer recurrence is roughly the same.

Lumpectomy is a treatment option for early-stage breast cancer. Compared with a mastectomy, it's less invasive and tends to have a quicker recovery. It also can help preserve the cosmetic appearance and sensation of the breast. Your healthcare professional will recommend radiation therapy after a lumpectomy to reduce the risk of breast cancer returning in the breast.

A mastectomy removes the whole breast. In many cases, radiation therapy is not needed after mastectomy. Individuals with a genetic predisposition for breast cancer, such as the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation, may opt for a mastectomy as a preventive measure following their diagnosis.

After a mastectomy, some women choose to forgo reconstructive surgery, opting for what is called an aesthetic flat closure. There can be many reasons for this, including wanting to limit future surgeries, reducing risks and complications, and desiring a faster return to daily life and activities.

For other patients, having a breast mound is part of how they identify as women. Multiple types of breast reconstruction procedures are available following either a lumpectomy or mastectomy. Breast reconstruction surgery can occur at the same time as breast cancer surgery, or you can plan your reconstruction weeks, months or years after treatment.

The surgical technique and cosmetic outcomes after mastectomy and reconstruction have improved over the past 20 years. More women can keep their nipple and areolar complex and, in many cases, a procedure can be performed to help improve sensation to the nipple and areolar complex.

Breast density also could be a factor in your decision-making. About half of people who have screening mammograms have dense breasts. Dense breast tissue is harder to see through on a mammogram image. Having dense breast tissue should not affect one's decision to undergo a mastectomy or lumpectomy.

However, dense breast tissue may influence the need for additional tests before surgery, such as an MRI. An MRI looks for abnormal blood flow within the breast and can "see through" dense tissue. This may help surgeons better determine the extent of disease and guide them in the removal.

Ultimately, determining the option that is best for you is a nuanced decision that can be based on a variety of factors, including cancer-based reasons, family history and genetics, and peace of mind. Choosing which surgical route to take is deeply personal, and there is no one "best choice" for every woman. After careful consideration and consultation with your healthcare team, you should make the decision that you determine is best for you, based on the specifics of your cancer and your individual needs and preferences. — Sarah McLaughlin, M.D., Surgical Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida

Related posts:

• Mayo Clinic leads 4 decades of advances in breast cancer care
• Mayo Clinic research improves dense breast cancer screening and early detection
• Top 10 questions about breast cancer answered
• Mayo Clinic treats first person in the US with a novel radiopharmaceutical therapy for breast cancer
• Mayo Clinic Minute: MRI for dense breasts — what to know

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On Oct. 1, the Hilton Jacksonville at Mayo Clinic welcomed its first guests with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The eight-story, 252-room hotel is located on the Mayo Clinic in Florida campus, offering a premier hospitality experience with convenient access to the hospital.

The modern, 148,000-square-foot property was built by Concord Hospitality Enterprises, an award-winning hotel management and development firm, and Whitman Peterson, in partnership with Mayo Clinic. It is the first new full-service hotel to open in Jacksonville in nearly two decades.

"We're proud to welcome the Hilton Jacksonville at Mayo Clinic to our Florida campus," says Dr. Kent Thielen, CEO of Mayo Clinic in Florida. "This new hotel strengthens our commitment to providing a healing environment that extends beyond clinical care."

Whether guests are patients and their families, visiting physicians and scientists, or leisure travelers, the hotel is designed to offer a restful, resort-style experience. Surrounded by ponds and trees, the property includes a wellness-focused restaurant called Coastal Kitchen, guest rooms with nature and water views, an outdoor pool and 21,000 square feet of event space. 

"For our patients and their families, it offers a warm, supportive place to stay just steps away from the care they need," says Dr. Thielen. "And for Jacksonville, it contributes to economic growth and deepens our connection to the community. Together, we are creating an environment where care, comfort and community come together in a meaningful way."

The ribbon cutting followed a community unveiling event on Sept. 30, where the hotel announced a partnership with the DONNA Foundation, which supports people affected by breast cancer in Northeast Florida. 

Along with Hilton, Concord Hospitality and Whitman Peterson, Mayo Clinic contributed to the foundation's financial aid fund for local families in treatment — some of whom were among the hotel's first guests, receiving a complimentary two-night stay. 

The new hotel is located at 4745 Transformation Way in Jacksonville. 

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As Mayo Clinic in Florida celebrates the opening of the Duan Family Building, a state-of-the-art facility that will house seven MRI machines, the need for highly trained imaging professionals is greater than ever. In response, Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences is expanding its Radiography Technologist Program to meet the moment and build the workforce of the future.

Beginning in January 2026, the program will welcome an expanded cohort of 20 students, doubling its original class size. The expansion reflects Mayo's commitment to proactive workforce development.

"The decision to increase our Radiography Technologist Program from 10 to 20 students per cohort wasn't just about growth; it was a strategic response to staffing challenges and future expansion, including the Duan Family Building," says David Ausejo, director of education at Mayo Clinic in Florida. "By offering affordable education and launching a focused MRI internship, we're creating a reliable, well-trained pipeline that directly supports our imaging needs and helps retain talent within Mayo Clinic Florida."

The program offers hands-on experience and training in diagnostic imaging, preparing participants to step into high-demand roles across the enterprise. To further strengthen the pipeline, Mayo has developed a five-month, post-primary MRI internship, designed to help graduates prepare for the MRI registry exam. The internship includes a stipend and benefits, making it a well-supported and accessible pathway into a critical specialty.

The Radiography Technologist Program expansion mirrors the success of Mayo's interventional radiology internship, which currently boasts a 100% hiring rate. Together, these programs offer a practical way to help current staff grow their skills while also tackling the nationwide shortage of imaging professionals. According to a 2024 survey from the American Society of Radiologic Technologists, the vacancy rate for radiologic technologists has surged to 18.1%, nearly tripling from just three years ago.

In addition to growing its own program, Mayo Clinic in Florida has opened clinical rotation slots for students from local universities, recognizing that many of Mayo's current diagnostic radiology technologists are graduates of local schools that have collaborated with Mayo in the past.

As the Duan Family Building opens its doors, Mayo Clinic is ensuring that the right people are in place to deliver world-class care. The expansion of the Radiography Technologist Program is a clear example of how Mayo is investing in its learners, its workforce and its future.

About Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences 
Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences educates allied healthcare professionals to meet Mayo Clinic's staffing needs and to train the healthcare workforce of the future. Part of Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, the School of Health Sciences has more than 1,900 students enrolled annually in more than 210 allied health programs that offer transformational training and education, innovation and a commitment to excellence in patient-centered care. For more information, visit Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences.   

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After a career dedicated to caring for patients with cancer, Nancy Drourr expected retirement to be the start of a new chapter. However, when troubling health issues emerged, she had to put her plans on hold.

Nancy turned to Mayo Clinic, where a care team uncovered a rare and complex disease called sarcoidosis. Now, with answers, Nancy has resumed the pursuit of a lifelong goal and wrote a letter to her care team thanking them for giving her hope.

Watch: Science of angels': A mother's thankful letter for team who diagnosed rare disease

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"I invested in a very rewarding career taking care of cancer patients. I believed that a big part of my life included service above self," says Nancy.

After retiring in 2022, Nancy noticed changes in her health. A lingering rash, fatigue and short-term memory challenges led to two years of tests and appointments with physicians near her home in Tampa, Florida.

"Being a patient was a new position for me," says Nancy. "I took care of patients, and I take care of people. I felt I needed more support than what I was getting."

When bloodwork in 2024 suggested Nancy may have a severe kidney condition, she turned to Mayo Clinic.

"When I saw the MRI and the results, there was a concerning finding, which was bone lesions and spleen lesions, and to the radiologist, it was concerning," says Dr. Fouad Chebib, a Mayo Clinic nephrologist. "We needed to figure out in a timely manner the source, if it's cancer, but otherwise it could be an infectious process or other autoimmune disease."

Sarcoidosis diagnosis

A biopsy ruled out cancer, but did confirm a diagnosis of sarcoidosis, an inflammatory disease that affects approximately 200,000 people in the U.S.

"In the case of Nancy, it was quite severe with multiple organs being involved, from skin to bone to spleen to many other organs, and it significantly affected her life," says Dr. Chebib.

Treatment plan

While there is no known cure for sarcoidosis, Nancy's care team, including experts in rheumatology, oncology, infectious diseases and other areas, developed a treatment plan to manage her disease.

"It was within my power now to navigate this disease and not give up on the things that brought me such joy in this life," says Nancy. "Dr. Chebib was my angel, and he made sure I had everything I needed to get answers."

"I'm passionate about making sure that the disease does not dictate the lives of my patients, getting to the bottom of the problem, and making sure we get the answers to things that potentially have not been answered elsewhere," says Dr. Chebib.

Nancy receives weekly treatment and regular follow-ups to measure progress. She's also given more thought to her textile design business. The dream influenced by her grandmother decades ago was put on hold to focus on her health. 

Nancy's journey also inspired her to write a letter to her care team titled "The Science of Angels," in which she shares her gratitude for the diagnosis and treatment options.

"I will forever remember how deeply the science of angels impacted my life and those of my loving sons," Nancy reads. "Thank you for instilling hope and a medical path forward in the treatment of my rare and complex disease."

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Before the sun rises at his home near Orlando, Florida, Rakesh Parekh, M.D., is already making the most of the day. He reviews patient notes and exercises before joining his wife, Tejal Parekh, in preparing their children for school. Time means a great deal to Dr. Parekh.

In 2020, he was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) after muscle weakness began to affect his movement. ALS is a nervous system disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. Worsening over time, ALS affects control of the muscles needed to move, speak, eat and breathe.

Watch: Dr. Rakesh Parekh's story

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"You get this diagnosis, and, you know, within three to five years, you're no longer," says Dr. Parekh.

He was familiar with the disease long before his own diagnosis.

"My father lived with ALS," says Dr. Parekh. "I know time is of the essence."

Initially working with a care team closer to home, Tejal and Dr. Parekh were determined to find a way forward to preserve his quality of life and possibly help others, including their children, who have a chance of inheriting the gene mutation. The couple began messaging physicians, researchers and friends around the world. That's when they learned about the work of Dr. Bjorn Oskarsson, a Mayo Clinic neurologist.

"Dr. Oskarsson was recommended to us by a friend, and it was like finding a diamond in the rough," says Tejal Parekh.

A personalized approach

Dr. Oskarsson and colleagues at Mayo Clinic have spent their careers looking for answers and options for people diagnosed with ALS. A multidisciplinary care team met with Dr. Parekh in May 2021 and began tests to determine the best way forward.

"We worked with our outside partner to develop an individualized treatment made just for him," says Dr. Oskarsson.

The therapy aims to stop protein production by targeting the gene mutation and halting the progression of the disease. After nearly two years of testing and preparations, Dr. Parekh's first treatment was an injection in his spine in April 2024.

"He is the first person in the world to have received this treatment," says Dr. Oskarsson.

He would repeat the trip from Orlando to Jacksonville for the next two months, then placed on a three-month dosage.

"More than just ourselves, this would be a step forward for all the other people getting diagnosed with ALS; it would be something for them, hope," says Tejal.

One year after treatment started, the results are exciting to the Parekhs and Dr. Oskarsson.

"This is something that is truly new, and one day we will get there for everyone," says Dr. Oskarsson. "And when that happens, there's nothing that compares. It's a beautiful thing."

Back home, Dr. Parekh reflects on how this treatment has changed his outlook. His 25 years working in healthcare did not prepare him for what it would be like to receive care, let alone a therapy that may benefit his children one day.

"Not only has it made an impact on our lives, but honestly, it's made an impact on the way I practice because I realize now what patients need beyond healthcare," says Dr. Parekh.

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JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Mayo Clinic's pioneering exploration of stem cell-based therapies for bone loss is headed to space. Abba Zubair, M.D., Ph.D., is medical director of Transfusion Medicine and Stem Cell Therapy at Mayo Clinic in Florida.

He is leading research exploring how bone-forming stem cells behave in microgravity in hopes of developing novel treatments for diseases that cause bone loss, including osteoporosis. 

Dr. Zubair's research is one of several science experiments selected by NASA as part of the 33rd SpaceX Commercial Resupply Mission to the International Space Station.

The SpaceX Dragon spacecraft on a Falcon 9 rocket is targeted for 2:45 a.m. EDT, Sunday, Aug. 24, from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida.

In addition to the science experiments, the Dragon spacecraft will deliver 5,000 pounds of supplies, including food and equipment to the crew at the orbital laboratory.

"For this project, our goal is to really understand how gravity affects bone formation and bone loss, particularly in relation to mesenchymal stem cells and other bone-forming cells," says Dr. Zubair.

"This is going to be significant because it will help us better understand the mechanisms of bone loss during vital times such as in menopausal women or people who are bedridden for extended amounts of time." 

Dr. Zubair believes the research also will provide hope for hundreds of millions of people worldwide affected by osteoporosis, the disease that weakens bones and increases the risk of fractures.

Dr. Zubair's research also is aimed at improving the health of astronauts. Astronauts lose measurable bone density while living in space.

Dr. Zubair's team has identified a protein in the body called IL-6 that can send signals to stem cells to promote bone formation or bone loss. Dr. Zubair's research will investigate whether a new compound can block IL-6 signals and reduce bone loss while in space. 

"If this compound we are testing is able to block the impact of microgravity to slow or stop bone loss, then we can find a treatment for the bone loss in space, and that might also give us a clue into how we may treat people on Earth," says Dr. Zubair.

For more than 20 years, Dr. Zubair has led the Stem Cell Laboratory on Mayo Clinic's Florida campus, developing safe, clinical-grade cell therapy products. His broader research focus aims to harness stem cells to treat degenerative diseases and engineer immune cells to enhance therapeutic outcomes and meet regulatory standards. 

Dr. Zubair's research could potentially advance treatments for brain injury, lung disease, stroke and neurological recovery, cancer, blood stem cell therapies, and epilepsy.

His newest research on bone loss will be his fourth space project selected by NASA at the space station. In recognition of his work, Dr. Zubair received an Exceptional Scientific Achievement Medal from NASA.

From an early age in Nigeria, Dr. Zubair was captivated by space, spending countless hours gazing at the night sky and dreaming of becoming an astronaut. His work as a physician-scientist conducting research in space to improve humanity allows him the best of both worlds.

"I love it. It will be my fourth time attending a launch at the space center. I always get a thrill and wish I was on that rocket heading out," says Dr. Zubair. "It is an unbelievable experience."

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About Mayo Clinic
Mayo Clinic is a nonprofit organization committed to innovation in clinical practice, education and research, and providing compassion, expertise and answers to everyone who needs healing. Visit the Mayo Clinic News Network for additional Mayo Clinic news.  

Media contacts:

• Tia Ford, Mayo Clinic Communications, newsbureau@mayo.edu
• Marty Velasco Hames, Mayo Clinic Communications, newsbureau@mayo.edu

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For years, cancer researchers have been trying to halt a type of molecule that's involved in several cancers. The molecules — enzymes known as trypsins — split proteins that help tumors grow and spread.

Mayo Clinic cancer biologist Evette Radisky, Ph.D., previously found that one trypsin, called mesotrypsin, plays a role in breast, prostate, pancreatic and lung cancer. Like other enzymes, the molecule has an active site that kicks off reactions with other molecules. Researchers have tried to block the active site but haven’t found a molecule with a specific enough lock-and-key fit to jam the active region.

Recently, however, Dr. Radisky's lab at Mayo Clinic in Florida discovered a new way to block mesotrypsin. They found a "hidden pocket" in the molecule.

"The hidden pocket is separate from the active site, but we found that blocking it has a similar effect of locking the enzyme in an inactive state," says Dr. Radisky, principal investigator of the study that appeared in Science Advances. The team now is taking steps to discover drugs that fit the hidden pocket.

A mystery in the data

"It was a serendipitous finding," says the study’s lead author, Mathew Coban, of the pocket's discovery. As a research technologist in the Radisky lab and a master's degree student at Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Coban had aimed to understand the structure of mesotrypsin through X-ray crystallography.

The complex technique, which records scattered X-rays as shadows, can describe the overall folds of amino acids in the enzyme and suggest complementary molecules that fit like a puzzle. While reviewing the X-ray crystallography results, Coban noticed a segment of the enzyme that looked out of place. The research team thought it might be an error in the data and set the results aside.

But Coban continued to wonder about the strange area. He had the idea to begin looking for alternate nooks in the mesotrypsin enzyme that could potentially contribute to a stable, non-active enzyme.

What Coban found was a site that was hidden. The team dubbed it a "cryptic pocket." The pocket, adjacent to the active site, opened at moments when mesotrypsin stabilized itself. The next step was clear. "If the pocket is there some of the time, maybe a drug would be able to bind at that site and trap the enzyme in its inactive state," he says.

Finding a drug that binds

The team worked with a colleague, Thomas Caulfield, Ph.D., a former Mayo researcher and drug discovery expert, to conduct a computational screen of potential drug compounds that might fit in the cryptic pocket. They found a single molecule that could bind in the cryptic pocket and inhibit the activity of mesotrypsin.

Importantly, the researchers note, the molecule blocks mesotrypsin selectively, without affecting other trypsins. This could mean less toxicity or fewer side effects for a patient. The finding also means that other cryptic pockets may exist in other trypsin molecules related to cancer, presenting new potential drug targets.  

The team is continuing to look for drug molecules that fit mesotrypsin even better. "Based on the structural information of mesotrypsin that we have now, we've been able to do more computational prediction to identify additional, more potent compounds that we’re now testing in the laboratory," says Dr. Radisky.

"This has been an important step in the understanding of this key enzyme. Our next steps will be to start testing how well our candidate drug molecules fit the cryptic pocket and block cancer invasion and metastasis in models of disease," she says.

The study was funded by grants from the National Institutes of Health, Mayo Clinic Medical Scientist Training Program and Department of Energy Office of Science User Facility.  The authors declare that they have no competing interests.

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Dr. Shennen Mao, a Mayo Clinic transplant surgeon, says having a diverse pool of organ donors will help serve a growing wait list of those in need.

Watch: The Mayo Clinic Minute

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In the U.S., about 17 people die every day while waiting for an organ transplant.

Nearly 60% of people on transplant waiting lists come from minority communities, while about 30% of donors are people of color.

"Blood types and certain HLA, or antibodies, tend to correlate with various ethnic groups," says Dr. Mao. "So it is not directly related to a particular minority group; however, organs will end up with someone of a similar background because the better matched an organ is, the more longevity that organ has."

Higher rates of heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes are present in minority communities, contributing to more organ failures.

"The more people we can help the sooner through transplant, the better," says Dr. Mao.

She says living donors do not experience a change in their quality of life after surgery, but a recipient's life can change for the better almost immediately.

"If somebody is approved to be a living donor, we expect they will live a full and normal life following their donation process," says Dr. Mao.

In most states, signing up to be a donor after death can be done online or when registering for a driver's license or identification card. For a living donation, contact the recipient's care team or a transplant center for more information.

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JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Mayo Clinic is ranked the No. 1 hospital in metro Jacksonville in U.S. News & World Report's "Best Hospitals" 2025-2026 rankings. Mayo Clinic in Florida achieved significant gains in the publication's rankings, earning national recognition in 10 specialties and ranking as the top provider in six specialties within Florida.

"We are proud to once again be recognized as top-ranked in more specialties than any other hospital in Florida by U.S. News & World Report," says Kent Thielen, M.D., CEO of Mayo Clinic in Florida. "This recognition is a testament to our teams' unwavering commitment – day in and day out – to providing innovative, differentiated patient care of the highest quality."

Mayo Clinic in Florida ranked nationally among the top 50 hospitals in these 10 specialties; an asterisk indicates the ones in which it is top-ranked in Florida:

• Cancer
• Cardiology, Heart & Vascular Surgery
• Diabetes and Endocrinology
• Ear, Nose and Throat
• Gastroenterology and GI Surgery*
• Geriatrics*
• Neurology and Neurosurgery*
• Orthopedics*
• Pulmonology and Lung Surgery*
• Urology*

Mayo Clinic in Florida provides diagnosis, medical treatment, surgery and care for more than 175,000 patients each year in 50 specialty areas.

In 1986, Mayo Clinic brought its team approach to caring from Rochester, Minnesota, to the Southeast when it opened a clinic in Jacksonville. Today, the 602-acre campus offers a medical destination for patients who travel from all 50 states and more than 80 countries. Its Florida operation has more than 10,000 staff members.

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About Mayo Clinic
Mayo Clinic is a nonprofit organization committed to innovation in clinical practice, education, and research, and providing compassion, expertise and answers to everyone who needs healing. Visit the Mayo Clinic News Network for additional Mayo Clinic news.   

Media contact:

• Tia Ford, Mayo Clinic Communications, newsbureau@mayo.edu

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