Hospital Board — At Large, Seat 2: Miglena Entcheva

Age: 57

Hometown: Sarasota

Occupation: Medical Writer

Previous political offices: None

About: I have more than 30 years of experience working as a medical professional. I spent 13 years as a physician in internal medicine in Bulgaria. Since moving to the United States with my husband and two daughters in 1999, I’ve held a variety of positions including lead research coordinator, IRB manager and program manager at the Cardiovascular Center of Sarasota. I’m an American Society of Hypertension Fellow and a member of the European Society of Cardiology, the American College of Cardiology, the Society of Clinical Research Professionals and the American Heart Association. Healthcare is my passion. I hope to serve on the SMH Board because I want to ensure that the hospital focuses on providing the highest standard of care for all patients.

Why do you want to serve on the hospital board?

I would like to serve on the hospital board because I believe hospitals should focus on providing the highest standard of care for all patients. As a physician, I've seen first-hand the importance of quality patient care. The staff, administration and the board should work together to provide the best medical services to our community. Working as a medical professional for more than 30 years has given me the knowledge and skills to be a valuable asset to the hospital board.

What qualifies you to oversee the fiscal health of the Sarasota Memorial Health Care System?

I believe I am qualified because I have more than 30 years of experience working as a medical professional. I understand the importance of ensuring the hospital operates efficiently and continues to provide quality, affordable health care to all patients.

If elected, what do you believe should be the top priority of the board during your term?

I believe the top priorities should be:

1. Patient care. I believe everyone should have access to affordable, quality health care. 

2. Prevention. Supporting preventive care programs to help keep our community healthy. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in the United States and around the world. More emphasis should be put on CVD prevention and education, including minorities who are often at highest risk. 

3. Research. Support research and ensure that it is done in an ethical way for the benefit of the community.

A proposed hospital in Venice is just one of the ways SMH has attempted to grow over the past few years. Do you favor or oppose pursuing a hospital in Venice? Why?

What is your position on building a hospital in Sarasota County's largest city, North Port?

I believe everyone should have access to affordable, quality health care. The growth in population in North Port and the Venice area demonstrates the need for extending SMH services there.

What is your position on doing what Venice and other communities have done — selling and privatizing the hospital system and using the proceeds in a community foundation?

I firmly believe that Sarasota Memorial Hospital should continue to operate as a publicly owned hospital.