MIAMI – The late Dr. Sanjiv Bhatia, esteemed pediatric neurosurgeon, was honored with a street renaming ceremony at Nicklaus Children's Hospital on Wednesday, July 9. Dr. Bhatia's wife, Dr. Rita Ghose Bhatia and the couple's children, along with former patients and colleagues of the beloved doctor were joined by Miami-Dade County Commissioner Rebeca Sosa to dedicate Southwest 60 Court and 30 Street as "Dr. Sanjiv Bhatia Way."

The ceremony opened with a touching tribute by former patient Lacy Jerome, who underwent lifesaving neurosurgery in the care of Dr. Bhatia. Lacy and her parents joined a group of 70 of Dr. Bhatia's former colleagues, including doctors, nurses and staff, who attended the event to pay homage to his legacy. Commissioner Sosa also presented the Bhatia family with a proclamation designating July 9, 2019 as Dr. Sanjiv Bhatia Day.

Dr. Bhatia served as Chief of the Department of Surgery and Medical Director of the Operating Room at Nicklaus Children's Hospital. He dedicated his life to healing children and was a renowned leader in surgical treatment of children with complex medical conditions. Dr. Bhatia was also an advocate for bringing world-class neurosurgical care to children in developing nations. He participated since 2003 as a volunteer with Project Medishare and Haiti Healthy Kids on numerous humanitarian mission trips to Haiti to evaluate and operate on children with hydrocephalus.

The Bhatia family, Commissioner Rebeca Sosa and members of the hospital leadership.

Lacy Jerome and her mother Jaime.