PALM BEACH GARDENS, FL – April 2, 2007 — Florida Commissioner of Education, Jeanine Blomberg, recently honored three Palm Beach County businesses at the annual Commissioner's Business Recognition Awards dinner held in St. Petersburg, Florida. Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center, the City of West Palm Beach and Wachovia were recognized for partnering with Palm Beach County schools and teachers to ensure the highest levels of academic excellence for students.

Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center has served as an integral part of the Pre-Medicine Magnet curriculum through the clinical preceptorships program for over 14 years. Students have benefited and enjoyed hands-on and observational experiences with all the Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center personnel. Magnet students participating in clinical rotations have the opportunity to work one-on-one in a variety of specialized departments at the medical center. This includes working side-by-side with physicians, nurses, x-ray technicians and respiratory therapists. With the experiences and extra funding that Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center provides, students are well prepared for post-secondary school and careers in the medical field.

Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center is a 199-bed acute-care medical and surgical facility serving the health care needs of Northern Palm Beach County and the Treasure Coast for more than 38 years. Specialty services include nationally recognized comprehensive cardiac care, orthopedics and joint replacement, 24-hour emergency services, outpatient surgery, cardiac and physical rehabilitation and diagnostic imaging. For more information about PBGMC or for physician referral, call 800-958-3638 or visit the website at www.pbgmc.com.

###