SARASOTA, Fla. (August 7, 2025) – Sarasota Memorial Health Care System is proud to announce that two First Physicians Group cardiothoracic surgeons have been named to Newsweek’s 2025 list of “America’s Leading Doctors.”
Jonathan Hoffberger, DO, director of minimally invasive cardiac surgery at SMH, ranked #20 in the nation for cardiothoracic surgery, earning top ratings for heart valve surgery and coronary artery bypass graft surgery. Jeffrey Sell, MD, chief of cardiothoracic surgery at SMH, was also honored among the top cardiothoracic surgeons in the U.S. He earned top ratings in coronary artery bypass graft surgery.
This recognition is part of an annual ranking developed by Newsweek in collaboration with global data firm Statista, highlighting the nation’s leading physicians across 15 specialties. Rankings are based on a combination of physician performance data, peer recommendations, quality of care assessments, and board certifications.
“We’re proud to have our cardiothoracic leaders recognized among the nation’s top doctors — it’s a testament to their exceptional skill and strength of our entire team,” said David Verinder, CEO of Sarasota Memorial Health Care System.
The SMH heart program offers the most advanced cardiac care in the region. Comprised of cardiologists, interventional cardiologists, interventional radiologists, electrophysiologists, critical care specialists, cardiac surgeons, cardiothoracic surgeons, vascular surgeons, cardiopulmonary rehabilitation therapists, other specialists and specially trained support staff, the SMH heart team provides life-saving care to thousands of patients each year with outstanding outcomes.
To see the full list of recognized physicians and specialties, visit rankings.newsweek.com/americas-leading-doctors-2025.
To learn more about the heart team at SMH visit smh.com/heart.
About Sarasota Memorial Health Care System
Sarasota Memorial Health Care System is a regional medical center offering Southwest Florida’s greatest breadth and depth of care, with 2,500 physicians and advanced practice providers and nearly 2 million patient visits a year across its network of care. Sarasota County’s largest employer, the community-owned health system includes two full-service hospitals in Sarasota and Venice, freestanding ERs in North Port and Lakewood Ranch, a rehabilitation hospital, behavioral health hospital, skilled nursing facility and comprehensive network of outpatient centers, urgent care clinics and physician practices. Founded in 1925, SMH is celebrating its 100-year anniversary in 2025 and encouraging community members to visit smh.com/100 throughout the year for centennial events and updates.