Tampa General Focuses on Deeper Partnerships Over Expansion in Rural Hospital Acquisitions

Academic health system emphasizes cultural alignment and mission-driven growth over footprint expansion

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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As financial pressures continue to strain rural and community hospitals, academic health systems like Tampa General Hospital are increasingly stepping in as operators, affiliates or strategic partners. Tampa General's approach emphasizes cultural alignment and deeper partnerships over expanding footprints in rural hospital acquisitions. The system plans to assume operations of DeSoto Memorial Hospital, a 49-bed rural facility in Arcadia, Florida, with a commitment to invest at least $45 million in the hospital.

Why it matters

This case highlights how academic medical centers are navigating the tightrope between maintaining their tertiary care capabilities and expanding access to rural communities. For Tampa General, the goal is to strengthen the healthcare safety net by stabilizing rural providers, while also preserving the system's academic mission and referral pipelines.

The details

Tampa General plans to invest in infrastructure upgrades, expand service lines, grow the workforce and build a helicopter station to improve access to advanced care at DeSoto Memorial. The 49-year lease agreement, set at $10 per year, includes an option to buy the facility. DeSoto Memorial reported a $538,432 operating loss (-1.2% margin) in fiscal 2024 and derives roughly 65% of its revenue from Medicare and Medicaid. Like many rural hospitals, it faces staffing shortages, aging infrastructure and heavy reliance on government reimbursement.

  • In the past 14 months, 22 academic health systems have acquired — or announced plans to acquire — community hospitals or smaller independent systems.
  • Tampa General plans to assume operations of DeSoto Memorial Hospital in Arcadia, Florida.

The players

Tampa General Hospital

A six-hospital system in Florida that is expanding its footprint into rural communities.

DeSoto Memorial Hospital

A 49-bed rural hospital facility in Arcadia, Florida that is facing financial pressures and will be acquired by Tampa General Hospital.

Mark G. Moseley, MD

President of USF Tampa General Physicians and executive vice president of Tampa General Hospital.

John Couris

President and CEO of Tampa General Hospital.

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What they’re saying

“I think the modern academic health system has to be better at partnerships. One of our key focus areas is being a good partner — but that might mean having fewer partnerships that go deeper.”

— Mark G. Moseley, MD, President of USF Tampa General Physicians and Executive Vice President of Tampa General Hospital (Becker's Healthcare Podcast)

“With this agreement, Tampa General is making a long-term commitment to provide world-class care to rural communities in the Peace River Valley region. We're making a significant investment to strengthen the facilities, grow the team and expand the services to ensure that residents can access exceptional care close to home.”

— John Couris, President and CEO of Tampa General Hospital (Becker's Hospital Review)

What’s next

Tampa General plans to invest at least $45 million to upgrade infrastructure, expand services, and grow the workforce at DeSoto Memorial Hospital. The 49-year lease agreement includes an option for Tampa General to eventually purchase the facility.

The takeaway

Tampa General's approach to rural hospital acquisitions emphasizes cultural alignment and deeper partnerships over simply expanding its footprint. This strategy aims to strengthen the healthcare safety net by stabilizing rural providers, while also preserving the system's academic mission and referral pipelines.