HCA Florida Pasadena and St. Petersburg Hospitals Celebrate Women in Medicine
St. Petersburg, Fla. — As we celebrate Women’s History Month, we recognize the exceptional women who serve on the Boards of Trustees at HCA Florida Pasadena Hospital and HCA Florida St. Petersburg Hospital. These remarkable physicians bring not only their expertise in medicine but also their passion for community health, leadership and mentorship. Their dedication to improving healthcare and strengthening the community is an inspiration to us all.
Dr. Christina Marsalisi McCoy, DO, FAAFP
For as long as she can remember, Dr. Christina Marsalisi McCoy has wanted to be a physician. To her, being called “my doctor” by a patient is a sacred trust—one that carries both humility and the profound responsibility of offering care during some of life’s most challenging moments. A St. Petersburg native, Dr. McCoy was inspired to enter medicine by her deep desire to improve both the quality and quantity of life for others, especially after experiencing personal loss.
When offered the opportunity to join the hospital board, she saw it as an extension of her lifelong purpose: to elevate healthcare in the very community that raised her.
“It is an honor to serve on the board with other dedicated members who share the same goal,” she says. “With the current leadership, I am confident we will improve the health of our community for generations to come.”
Dr. Priyadarshini Rao, DO
For Dr. Priya Rao, the path to medicine was paved by the strong female role models in her life—her mother, an accomplished physician, and her sister, a surgeon. Witnessing their impact firsthand made the decision to pursue medicine an easy one. Today, as a board member, she values the opportunity to gain insights beyond the clinical setting, collaborating with professionals from various backgrounds to enhance hospital operations and, ultimately, the patient experience.
“There isn’t a single aspect of being a physician that I love most,” she shares. “From patient care to collaborating with my colleagues to learning from every department in the hospital—each piece is meaningful. Patient care is at the forefront, but what truly enhances that experience is the teamwork across all areas of the hospital.”
“At the end of the day, if one does not have their health, then there is no quality of life,” she says. “We want quality of life for our community so they can truly enjoy every experience life has to offer.”
Dr. Christine Jeanette Weot, MD
Dr. Christine Weot’s passion for medicine was influenced by the time she spent with her grandparents and great-grandparents, one of whom lived to be 104. Her firsthand experience caring for aging family members, coupled with a deep interest in neurology and rehabilitation, led her to pursue a career in physiatry.
As a board member, Dr. Weot values the opportunity to hear directly from community members about their perception of the hospital and to serve as an advocate for the rehabilitation program. “Rehabilitation is unique in that we work as a team to help patients on their journey to recovery after life-changing events,” she explains. “The longer length of stay in rehabilitation, allows us to really get to know our patients and their families, making our role even more meaningful.”
She emphasizes the importance of community health and preventive care, stating, “A healthier community means a higher quality of life. Preventive care and education help reduce the risk of illness. And when a healthcare crisis does occur, it is comforting to know that the HCA Healthcare network in this community provides exceptional, compassionate care.”
Honoring the Legacy of Women in Medicine
The contributions of these extraordinary physicians extend far beyond the walls of the hospital. Their leadership, compassion and dedication to healthcare make a lasting impact on the lives of those they serve. This Women’s History Month, we celebrate their commitment to improving community health and thank them for their invaluable service.
HCA Florida Pasadena Hospital and HCA Florida St. Petersburg Hospital are proud to have such strong, compassionate leaders guiding our mission to provide exceptional care to our community. Thank you, Dr. McCoy, Dr. Rao and Dr. Weot, for your unwavering dedication to medicine and to the well-being of our patients and families.