Tampa General shows how health care grows smarter, not just bigger

As 2026 approaches, health care faces pressure from rising costs, flat reimbursements, and shifting political dynamics. However, one Florida hospital is demonstrating how the industry can grow smarter, not just larger, to enhance access to care and improve patient outcomes.

Tampa General Hospital, one of the nation’s leading academic health systems, serves as a blueprint for the future in an industry often stuck in the past.

Ranked the No. 1 hospital in Tampa Bay by U.S. News & World Report’s 2024-2025 Best Hospitals, TGH also boasts two medical specialties among the top 20 in the nation and eight specialties listed among the top 50 hospital programs in the United States.

Tampa General’s collaboration with the University of South Florida, a member of the prestigious Association of American Universities and the No. 1 medical school in Florida, enables it to advance clinical research and pioneer breakthrough treatments.

When John Couris became CEO eight years ago, Tampa General consisted of one hospital and 17 locations. Today, its portfolio has expanded to eight hospitals and over 150 locations across Florida, from Palm Beach County to Hernando County.

Couris emphasizes that growth is not solely about size; it’s about quality. He argues that better care coordination, improved quality, and enhanced outcomes create the real value consumers need.

“Our job is to create value,” Couris recently told Health Leaders Media.

Much of Tampa General’s expansion results from targeted acquisitions and strategic partnerships.

For example, in 2023, Tampa General acquired three hospitals in Citrus and Hernando County. The former Bravera Health locations are now TGH North. Additionally, Tampa General partnered with Palm Beach County to enhance care at Lakeside Medical Center in Belle Glade.

These initiatives enable patients to access the extensive knowledge, expertise, and experience within the Tampa General and USF Health network, improving quality of care and patient outcomes while maintaining local access to essential services.

Couris has also prioritized investments in technology and innovation at Tampa General. Through its groundbreaking partnership with Palantir Technologies, the hospital is utilizing artificial intelligence and advanced analytics to improve patient outcomes. The results are not just real; they are measurable.

Tampa General and Palantir collaborated to create a comprehensive Sepsis Hub that has been instrumental in saving over 700 lives by identifying high-risk patients and enabling earlier clinical interventions. The partnership has also led to a 30% improvement in MRI imaging turnaround time, an 83% reduction in patient placement time, and a 28% in post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) holds. Furthermore, the Sepsis Hub has contributed to a 30% reduction in sepsis patients’ length of stay, demonstrating the effectiveness of integrating intelligent software into frontline clinical operations.

Above all, Couris attributes the hospital’s transformative success to its team. During his tenure, he has focused on recruiting talent and building trust.

“When you treat people with authenticity, kindness, transparency, and vulnerability, really interesting things happen,” he says.

This philosophy has enabled the organization to adapt and innovate despite industry challenges.

“When people trust one another, organizational performance explodes — operationally, clinically, and strategically,” Couris told Health Leaders Media.