BayCare’s Winter Haven Hospital has become the only hospital in Central Florida to earn electrophysiology (EP) accreditation from the American College of Cardiology (ACC), a milestone that highlights BayCare’s growing strength in advanced cardiovascular care.
The accreditation recognizes the quality, safety and consistency of care provided to patients who need specialized heart rhythm services like catheter ablation, pacemakers or implantable cardioverter-defibrillators. Part of the BayCare Heart and Vascular Institute, Winter Haven Hospital is only the fifth hospital in Florida to receive this honor.
"ACC accreditation is a testament to the commitment of our entire cardiovascular team,” said Dr. Rod Bolanos, medical director of the electrophysiology lab at the Bostick Heart Center at Winter Haven Hospital. “It reflects a shared dedication to evidence-based medicine, clinical excellence and exceptional patient outcomes, advancing cardiovascular care and delivering the highest standards of treatment close to home.”
With the new accreditation, Winter Haven Hospital becomes the first BayCare facility to earn three ACC distinctions: electrophysiology, cardiac catheterization and transcatheter valve.
“Our cardiovascular team has worked hard to deliver the highest quality care across the entire spectrum of cardiac care services we offer. We’re proud to be recognized by the American College of Cardiology for our efforts and will continue to deliver world-class care right here in Polk County,” said Kim Waeger, director of cardiovascular services at Winter Haven Hospital.
This designation further strengthens Winter Haven Hospital’s role as a cardiovascular care leader in the region and marks an important step in the continued growth of BayCare’s EP services.
A leader in Heart and Stroke Care, BayCare heart and vascular surgery programs achieved the highest 3-star rating in five of six categories from the Society for Thoracic Surgeons in 2025, placing
BayCare in the top 12% of programs in the nation. In 2025, St. Joseph’s Hospital was identified as one of the nation’s 50 Top Cardiovascular Hospitals® based on a balanced scorecard provided by Premier, Inc. It was the sixth time the hospital was named to the list.
Learn more: BayCare Heart and Vascular Institute
