Hospital pumps up new partner

SARASOTA — Sarasota Memorial Hospital launched a partnership with Columbia University Medical Center's heart surgery division, an effort to bring newer treatment options and medical training to the region.

Sarasota Memorial physicians will be able to consult with New York-based Columbia's surgery faculty and researchers on active cases under the arrangement. SMH doctors will also have access to new training, research and clinical trials. Columbia's cardiac division was ranked sixth nationwide for cardiovascular care by U.S. News & World Report.

“This collaboration brings together the best of both worlds - one of the nation's top academic medical centers and one of the nation's best community hospitals,” said Dr. Ricardo Yaryura, medical director of Sarasota Memorial's cardiology services, in a release. “The collaborative training opportunities will allow us to further build our program and accelerate Sarasota Memorial's ability to pioneer new technology and provide local patients and physicians with the latest innovations and treatment options in cardiac care.”