The Shands at UF stroke team, from left, Andrea Gabrielli, M.D.; LIbby Brooks; Brian Hoh, M.D.; David Decker, M.D.; Michael Waters, M.D., Ph.D.; Bayard Miller, M.D.; Chris Firment, M.D. Photo by Sarah Kiewel

Shands at the University of Florida has been designated as a comprehensive stroke center, one of 15 in the state and the only one in North Central Florida.

The Agency for Health Care Administration designation lasts for two years. It identifies Shands at UF as a hospital actively participating in the full range of stroke care and research.

Stroke is the third-leading cause of death in the U.S., according to the American Stroke Association. Each year about 700,000 people nationwide experience a new or recurrent stroke.

The Shands at UF stroke program is dedicated to preventing diagnosing and treating strokes, providing the latest technology and medications, and treating the stroke patient’s entire needs. Care is coordinated from the first point of contact with the patient, whether through the emergency department, the stroke program’s inpatient or outpatient services or the rehabilitation ward.

Michael Waters, M.D., Ph.D., director of the stroke program and assistant director of neurology at the College of Medicine, has brought together a multidisciplinary team of neurologists, neuroradiologists, neurosurgeons, vascular surgeons, critical care physicians, emergency department physicians, rehabilitation specialists, nurse specialists and pharmacists who have a special interest and expertise in stroke and cerebrovascular disease.