Aug. 5, 2026 — Rafael Alvarez has been appointed chief executive officer of Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Miami. The 60-bed inpatient rehabilitation hospital is located at 20601 Old Cutler Road and serves patients following life-changing events, such as strokes, brain or spinal cord injuries or complex neurological conditions. Alvarez has 17 years of experience at Encompass Health Miami, where he has progressed through various leadership roles. Alvarez previously spent seven years as the hospital’s chief nursing officer.
“It is an honor to step into the CEO role at Encompass Health Miami,” Alvarez said. “I am proud of the excellent patient outcomes we’ve achieved, and I know we will continue to provide the very best rehabilitative care for this community. Our patients will continue to be our top priority.”
Alvarez was a physician in Cuba before immigrating to the United States where he began his career with Encompass Health as a therapy aide. With Encompass Health Miami, he has held leadership roles as a charge nurse, nurse supervisor and nurse manager before becoming chief nursing officer. Alvarez most recently assumed regional responsibilities, supporting other Encompass Health hospitals in Florida. At Encompass Health Miami, Alvarez contributed to the hospital’s outstanding results in patient safety, quality and employee engagement. He also successfully led the hospital through regulatory surveys and in meeting rigorous compliance standards.
“Rafael is one of the strongest leaders I have had the honor to work with in my career,” said Lori Bedard, president of Encompass Health’s Southeast region. “He inspires others to set lofty goals and achieve excellence with integrity. I am so proud to see Rafael continue to grow with the organization with his promotion to the CEO role in Miami. I am confident he will lead the Miami team to continued excellence.”
Alvarez earned a doctorate of nursing practice from Grand Canyon University and holds the Certified Rehabilitation Registered Nurse credential. He is a member of the Association of Rehabilitation Nurses.
Encompass Health Miami opened to patients in 1994.