Sarasota Memorial Named to Newsweek's 2026 World's Best Smart Hospitals List

Sarasota Memorial Health Care System (SMH) has earned a spot on Newsweek's "World's Best Smart Hospitals" list, compiled in collaboration with global data firm Statista. The award honors healthcare organizations that integrate artificial intelligence, robotic surgery, and digital health tools into patient care, safety, and operational efficiency processes.

Sarasota Memorial achieved this technological success at a time when it transitioned to the Epic electronic medical record system. Described as the largest operational initiative in the institution's history, this transition aims to improve the patient experience and strengthen care coordination across the network. Chief Operating Officer Jeff Limbocker stated that Epic and the MyChart patient portal are critical turning points on the path to delivering more connected healthcare services.

In addition to the Epic integration, the health system continues to invest in robotics-assisted surgical tools, virtual reality for clinical simulation, and artificial intelligence technologies in diagnostic processes. Operating hospitals in Sarasota and Venice and constructing a new facility in North Port, the system stands as the largest employer in Sarasota County. The existing hospitals hold a 5-star quality rating awarded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' CMS, with the Sarasota facility holding the distinction of being one of only 11 hospitals nationwide to maintain this title since 2016.