Lower Keys Medical Center held its annual medical staff leadership election, selecting Dr. Lawrence W. Blass, a general surgeon, as president/chief of staff. The volunteer, one-year leadership position serves as a liaison between hospital administration and medical staff, overseeing the quality of clinical care and physician performance.
Blass, a native of the Florida Keys, is a graduate of University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, where he also completed his residency and served as chief resident. He is board certified by the American Board of Surgery and is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. Blass replaces Dr. John Norris.
“We appreciate Dr. Norris and Dr. Blass for their continued service to Lower Keys Medical Center. These are volunteer roles and we are grateful to them and the full medical executive committee for their commitment to our patients, our staff and the community,” said hospital CEO Drew Bigby.
Other members of the Medical Executive Committee for the 2026–2027 term are:
Norris, vice president.
Dr. Melanie Youshak, secretary/treasurer.
Dr. David Perry, chief of surgery.
Dr. Ayden Atilla, chief of medicine.
Dr. Stanley Santiago, member at large.
Dr. William Schnapp, member at large.
