About Us
BayCares, Inc. is comprised of a group of experienced and compassionate professionals who bring a diverse range of skills and backgrounds to the table. We provide high-quality healthcare referral services to the community, connecting patients to specialists who care.
Our Story
BayCares, Inc. has been serving the community since 1991 when it was established by the Bay Medical Society (now the Emerald Coast Medical Association) and the Bay County Florida Department of Health. Originally formed to address the lack of accessible medical specialty services in Bay County, the organization ensures uninsured residents can receive life-saving care. Over the years, BayCares has grown to provide specialty care services to underserved populations in surrounding counties, expanding its reach and impact.
In 2016, BayCares, Inc. became a part of Pancare of Florida, Inc. while maintaining its individual 501(c)(3) status. This move allowed the organization to collaborate with a broader network while staying true to its mission of providing high-quality specialty care to those in need. The dedication of volunteer physician specialists has been crucial to BayCares' success, with many medical providers generously offering their services to support the organization's noble cause.
Meet The Team
Alexis Balbuena
Executive Director | 850-624-1239
Alexis Balbuena joined BayCares in January of 2025 as the Executive Director. She was previously the Community Health Educator for Behavioral Health at PanCare since December of 2023. In August of 2023, she graduated Suma Cum Laude with her Masters of Public Health in Community Health Sciences from the Tulane School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine. Previously she graduated from The Scholars College at Northwestern State University with a Bachelors in Liberal Arts and a Concentration in Scientific inquiry. Alexis has lived in Bay County for two years and has been very active in the community. She attends multiple community meetings and events where she is able to make valuable connections. Alexis is very passionate about health disparities and health inequities and coming up with innovative solutions to address these complex issues. Her position as the Executive Director allows her to connect the most vulnerable population of her community with crucial care.
Board Members
Chairwoman:
Vivian Mohamed, Clinic Coordinator
Avicenna Free Clinic
1838 Frankford Ave
Panama City, FL 32405
Vice Chairwoman:
Beverly Bond, APRN
St. Andrews Community Medical Center
3101 W HWY 98
Panama City, FL 32401
Robert Thompson, CEO
PanCare of Florida, Inc.
403 E 11th Street
Panama City, FL 32401
Michelle Flaat, Executive Director
Emerald Coast Medical Association
2352 Lisenby Ave
Panama City, FL 32405
Cecily Smith, Physician Relations Manager
Ascension Sacred Heart Bay
615 N. Bonita Ave
Panama City, FL 32401
Holly Durrance, Communications Director
HCA Gulf Coast Medical Center
449 W 23rd Street
Panama City, FL 32405
Our Partners
