Bower Lyman Center » Department of Pediatrics » College of Medicine

The Bower Lyman Center in the department of pediatrics at the University of Florida College of Medicine – Jacksonville is dedicated to improving health outcomes for adolescents and young adults with chronic medical conditions, disabilities, and special health care needs as they transition from pediatric to adult-oriented healthcare systems. Through specialized transition services, care coordination, education, and advocacy, our team helps patients and families navigate one of the most important periods in their healthcare journey.

Rita Nathawad M.D.

Associate Professor; Associate Program Director, Pediatric Residency; Medical Director, Jacksonville Health And Transition Services (JaxHATS); Medical Director, Bower Lyman Center for Medically Complex Children

Our center works closely with pediatric and adult healthcare providers, community organizations, schools, and support services to promote continuity of care and empower young adults to successfully manage their health and wellness. Using a patient- and family-centered approach, we focus on building the knowledge, skills, and confidence necessary for lifelong engagement in healthcare.

In addition to clinical care, the center is committed to advancing education, research, advocacy, and systems improvement related to healthcare transition and the needs of youth with chronic conditions and disabilities. Faculty and trainees participate in initiatives focused on population health, health equity, child and family advocacy, healthcare access, transition readiness, and policy development that supports children, adolescents, and young adults with special health care needs.

The center provides meaningful educational opportunities for pediatric residents, medical students, and other trainees through clinical experiences, scholarly projects, community engagement activities, and quality improvement initiatives focused on improving systems of care for youth transitioning to adulthood.

Through clinical innovation, scholarship, and community partnerships, the center works to create a seamless bridge between pediatric and adult healthcare systems while helping young people achieve their fullest potential for health, independence, and quality of life.

Patient Care

The Bower Lyman Center for Medically Complex Children serves as a collaborative program dedicated to improving the lives of children, adolescents, and young adults with chronic and complex health conditions. Through specialized clinical services, care coordination, transition planning, education, and advocacy, the center supports patients and families across the continuum of care.

The center’s programs include the Medically Complex Care Program and the JaxHATS (Jacksonville Health and Transition Services) clinic. Together, these programs provide coordinated support from childhood through the transition to adult healthcare, helping patients and families navigate complex medical needs while promoting independence, continuity of care, and improved long-term health outcomes.

Jacksonville Health and Transition Services (JaxHATS) clinic

Bower Lyman Center for Medically Complex Children

Research

The University of Florida College of Medicine – Jacksonville is committed to fostering research by the faculty and residents. This institution has been engaged in clinically applied research for many years and is enriched by the presence of faculty who have demonstrated excellence in performing research and in training new investigators.

The division’s faculty are well published and present at local and national meetings. For details about individual faculty research interests, please view their bios on the faculty page.