Panama City physician will oversee teams in Leon County and Panama City while supporting continued growth across Northwest Florida
Big Bend Hospice has welcomed Dr. Roman Nation as a hospice physician, strengthening the organization’s clinical leadership in Leon County, Panama City and communities throughout Northwest Florida.
In his new role, Nation will oversee two Big Bend Hospice care teams — one serving Leon County and one based in Panama City — while supporting the organization’s continued growth throughout Florida’s 2A hospice service area. The six-county area includes Bay, Calhoun, Gulf, Holmes, Jackson and Washington counties.
With experience in hospice and family medicine, including previous work with VITAS Healthcare, Nation will provide physician oversight and clinical guidance while working alongside nurses, social workers, chaplains, certified nursing assistants and other members of Big Bend Hospice’s interdisciplinary teams.
“Dr. Nation brings extensive clinical experience, strong ties to Panama City and a genuine commitment to helping patients and families understand their care options,” said Bill Wertman, CEO of Big Bend Hospice. “As we continue expanding access across Northwest Florida, his knowledge and leadership will help us strengthen our local teams and provide the compassionate, high-quality care every community deserves.”
Education will be an important part of Nation’s work as he helps patients, families and health care providers better understand the purpose and possibilities of hospice care.
“I have built my life and career in Panama City, and I am honored to help expand access to compassionate hospice care in a community I love,” Nation said. “Through education and open conversations, we can challenge misconceptions about hospice and help families understand the comfort, dignity and hope it can provide.”
Before entering medicine, Nation served in the U.S. Air Force as an astronautical engineer. He earned a degree in aerospace engineering from the University of Southern California and spent six years as a satellite and test engineer before attending medical school at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences. He later completed a family medicine residency at Travis Air Force Base in California.
A board-certified family medicine physician, Nation has lived and practiced in Panama City since 2007. His background combines traditional family medicine, hospice care and a personalized approach that encourages patients to take an active role in their health.
The appointment supports Big Bend Health’s continued investment in clinical leadership as Big Bend Hospice expands its presence throughout the 2A service area. Big Bend Hospice now serves 14 North Florida counties, providing nonprofit hospice, palliative care and home health services wherever patients call home.
“Expanding into a new community requires more than opening an office,” Wertman said. “It requires trusted local relationships and clinicians who understand the people and communities they serve. Dr. Nation brings that understanding to our team, and we are proud to welcome him to Big Bend Hospice.”