A Conversation with Dr. Anjali Vyas: Leading the Future of Women's Health

We recently sat down with Anjali Vyas, MD, senior vice president, Orlando Health, and the new president of Orlando Health Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women and Babies, to learn more about her background, her vision for the hospital, the broader Orlando Health Women’s Institute, which provides care for the unique healthcare needs of women with a focus on reproductive and breast health, and the vital role philanthropy plays in caring for women and babies in Central Florida.

What drew you to healthcare?

My mother is a physician, and my father is a healthcare executive, so I spent time in their practices from a young age, witnessing firsthand the impact of patient care. My mother served as the department chair for family medicine at Orlando Health Orlando Regional Medical Center (ORMC), so I grew up observing Orlando Health’s physician-forward culture.

What are some of your guiding principles at work?

Many of my values came from my parents and how their long-standing staff became like family. A driving principle for me now is supporting other physicians. Whether they want to pursue leadership roles or focus solely on patient care, I want to provide mentorship and partnership.

What excites you most about leading Orlando Health Winnie Palmer

This is such a special place. I had both my children here, so I know firsthand. What excites me is the incredible team and the culture focused on supporting patients and each other. We care for women through low and high-risk pregnancies, gynecological and breast surgeries for oncology care, plus we manage a 142-bed neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) for some of the tiniest, most vulnerable babies. There’s a palpable level of expertise and compassionate care here that I am excited to be a part of.

Many consider Orlando Health Winnie Palmer to be just a “baby hospital,” but it is so much more. How has its role in our community evolved?

The Orlando Health Women’s Institute has expanded access for labor and delivery to our community hospitals, offering the “Winnie Way” closer to home through services at Orlando Health Lake Mary Hospital and Orlando Health South Lake Hospital. This allows the downtown hospital to focus on higher acuity deliveries, NICU care, outpatient chemotherapy and advanced surgical services. With nearly 13,000 oncology patient visits and up to 7,000 advanced surgeries annually, women’s health care throughout Orlando Health facilities has been transformed. The institute also includes outpatient services such as the Winter Park Women’s Pavilion, OBGYN practices, specialized urogynecology, minimally invasive GYN surgery, maternal-fetal medicine and the incredible Fetal Care Center.

What are your top priorities for the hospital right now?

First, maintaining and growing the unique culture of quality, outcomes and teamwork is essential. Second, enhancing patient education, especially for new parents heading home, is crucial. (Even as a physician, those first days at home with a baby are a lot!) Third, we must continue evolving the services downtown while ensuring the broader Orlando Health Women’s Institute provides coordinated outpatient access across Central Florida.

How does philanthropy support the work at Orlando Health Winnie Palmer and across the women’s institute?

Philanthropy is not just helpful — it’s essential. To take the best care of babies, we must provide excellent care for mothers, with prenatal care being key. Many of our families face high-risk pregnancies, rare fetal diagnoses or long NICU journeys. Philanthropic support allows us to offer cutting-edge equipment, life-saving programs and ensures that every family has access to the expert care they need during some of the most vulnerable moments in their lives.

Can you tell us something people might be surprised to know about you?

While I'm very structured at work, I'm much more laid-back at home. With my family, it’s all about creative exploration and fun. Also, I danced most of my life, starting with Indian classical dance at age eight, then Bollywood dancing — I even performed at Hard Rock Live.

Congratulations to Suzanne Worthington! As former president of Orlando Health Winnie Palmer, Suzanne Worthington led teams to national recognition in patient care, safety and innovation. After nearly three decades of driving excellence throughout Orlando Health, Suzanne has been named Chief Quality Officer for the entire health system. In her new role, she’ll continue to advance quality outcomes across all of Orlando Health.

Fun Facts

Currently reading?

Outlive by Peter Attia. For those who prefer audio, he has a podcast called The Drive about health span and lifespan.

Favorite type of food?

I love sushi, but would consider myself a foodie. I love all types of food.

Favorite band or singer?

Coldplay.

How do you spend your free time?

I have a three- and a nine-year-old, so family time. I love doing things with them.