Memorial Healthcare System has installed the Siemens NAEOTOM Alpha, positioning itself as the first healthcare system in South Florida to dedicate a photon-counting CT scanner exclusively to cardiac imaging. Located at Memorial Hospital West in Pembroke Pines, the scanner utilizes photon-counting technology to capture individual X-ray photons, producing high-resolution images intended to reveal tiny coronary arteries and plaque with greater clarity than conventional CT systems.

The new technology addresses limitations associated with traditional CT scanners, such as calcium deposits appearing larger than reality and difficulties evaluating small vessels or metal stents. By delivering sharper images, the system aims to help physicians identify heart disease before it causes permanent damage. Additionally, the scanner operates using lower radiation levels compared to many conventional systems.

Memorial combines this hardware with HeartFlow FFRCT, an AI-enabled tool that transforms scans into personalized three-dimensional models of coronary arteries. This integration allows physicians to assess whether blockages are limiting blood flow, potentially aiding in decisions between invasive interventions and medical therapy.

Clinical Applications

The NAEOTOM Alpha supports the diagnosis and management of various cardiovascular conditions beyond coronary artery disease. Its applications include:

• Congenital heart disease
• Structural heart conditions
• Valve disease
• Evaluation of bypass grafts and coronary stents
• Pre-procedural planning for minimally invasive cardiac surgeries

Shane Strum, interim CEO of Memorial Healthcare System, stated that the investment aligns with the organization's commitment to providing advanced care. Dr. Vamsi Pavuluri, medical director of cardiac imaging operations, likened the image quality improvement to the transition from standard-definition television to ultra-high-definition displays.

The South Broward Hospital District Board of Commissioners, the governing body for Memorial Healthcare System, unanimously re-elected its officers during its July 22 board meeting. The leadership continuity ensures stable oversight for one of Florida’s largest public healthcare systems. Shane Strum, Interim CEO of Memorial Healthcare System, stated that the board provides thoughtful leadership and strategic oversight guiding the system’s mission to deliver exceptional care.

Elizabeth Justen was re-elected chair, Steven Harvey was re-elected vice chair, and Douglas Harrison was re-elected secretary/treasurer. The board also includes commissioners Brad Friedman, Violet Lowrey, Laura Raybin Miller, and Diana Taub.

Board Leadership Profiles

Justen serves as chair of the South Broward Hospital District Board of Commissioners. Appointed by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis in 2020 and reappointed in 2025, she has been elected chair by fellow commissioners annually since 2023. She also serves as executive director of the Sheriff’s Foundation of Broward County. Justen holds a bachelor’s degree in finance and marketing from St. Edward’s University and a master’s degree in complex health systems from Nova Southeastern University.

Harvey continues his role as vice chair. Appointed by Governor DeSantis in 2020, he serves as assistant dean of operations and administration at Nova Southeastern University, overseeing program administration, operations, and student affairs. He earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in business administration from Nova Southeastern University.

Harrison returns as secretary/treasurer, having previously held the role of chair. Appointed by then-Governor Rick Scott in 2013, he is an attorney with over 30 years of experience and serves as general counsel of Blue Mountain Analytics. He holds a bachelor’s degree in political science and a Juris Doctor from the University of Florida.

Additional Commissioners

Brad Friedman, appointed by Governor DeSantis in 2020, is president and owner of Artisan Foods Catering, Inc., which has managed more than 10,000 events since 1975.

Laura Raybin Miller, appointed by then-Governor Jeb Bush in 2000, is a private advisor and senior vice president with Suskind Ripple Halliwell Wealth Partners at Rockefeller Global Family Office. She holds a Bachelor of Science in hospitality management from Florida International University and a fellowship certification from the National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD).

Violet Lowrey, appointed by Governor DeSantis in 2025, recently served as director of student and career services at Keiser University. She holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in business administration from Nova Southeastern University.

Diana Taub, also appointed by Governor DeSantis in 2025, is an education consultant who retired from Miami-Dade County Public Schools after serving as a teacher, school administrator, and district director. She currently serves as chair of the Florida State Retirement Commission.

What the Numbers Show

The unanimous re-election of all three officer positions signals strong internal cohesion within the South Broward Hospital District Board of Commissioners. With two new members, Lowrey and Taub, appointed in 2025, the board retains experienced leadership while integrating recent appointees into its governance structure. This stability supports consistent strategic oversight for Memorial Healthcare System during a period of interim CEO leadership under Strum.