If you’ve spent any time navigating the maze of medical plazas in Central Florida, you’ve definitely seen the name. It’s everywhere. But honestly, most people are kinda confused about what the Sharon Morse Medical Center actually is. Is it a hospital? Is it just a bunch of doctor offices?
Technically, it's the Sharon L. Morse Medical Office Building, and it sits right in the heart of The Villages, Florida. It’s located at 1400 North US Highway 441, tucked behind the UF Health Spanish Plaines Hospital.
People often roll in thinking they can just walk into an ER here. You can't. It’s a specialized hub. Basically, if you need a specific specialist—like a cardiologist who knows their way around a valve or an oncologist who uses the latest immunotherapy—this is where you end up.
The Specialist Hub You Didn’t Know You Needed
The building isn't just one clinic. It’s a massive collection of high-level medical groups that share a roof. You’ve got heavy hitters like UF Health and Florida Cancer Specialists operating out of different suites.
It's weirdly convenient. You can get an MRI on the first floor and then head upstairs to talk to a vascular surgeon. No driving across town. No fighting for a new parking spot.
Speaking of UF Health, their presence here is huge. They have specialized wings for:
- Heart and Vascular Surgery (Suite 524)
- General Surgery and Surgical Oncology
- Ophthalmology and Eye Care (through Lake Eye)
I’ve talked to folks who traveled from Ocala or Leesburg just to see the specialists here. It has that "big city medicine" feel without the nightmare of driving into Orlando.
Why Lake Medical Imaging is the Big Draw
One of the most frequent reasons people walk through those doors is for Lake Medical Imaging. They take up a significant chunk of Suites 510 and 511.
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They aren't just a standard X-ray lab. They were actually the first outpatient imaging center in the whole country to get the "Diagnostic Imaging Center of Excellence" award from the American College of Radiology. That’s a mouthful, but it basically means their tech is top-tier.
If you’re there for an MRI, they do this cool thing where they offer you music to relax. It sounds small, but if you’re claustrophobic or nervous about a scan, it makes a massive difference. They handle everything from 3D mammograms to PET scans and interventional radiology.
Cancer Care: The Villages Cancer Center
Florida Cancer Specialists (FCS) runs the Villages Cancer Center on the first floor (Suite 540). Honestly, it's one of the most comprehensive setups in the region.
They don't just do chemo. The facility is packed with:
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- Radiation Oncology (They recently earned ACR accreditation for this).
- Hematology for blood disorders.
- Clinical Trials that give patients access to drugs that aren't even widely available yet.
It’s a heavy place, but the staff there—doctors like Dr. Maen Hussein and Dr. Jennifer Cultrera—are local legends for a reason. They manage to keep the atmosphere from feeling "clinical" or cold.
Logistics: Parking, Pavements, and Golf Carts
Let’s talk about the actual experience of going there. Because it’s in The Villages, the parking situation is... unique.
Yes, there is plenty of free onsite parking. But here’s the kicker: it’s a massive lot. If you have mobility issues, the walk from the back of the lot to the front door can feel like a marathon.
Pro tip: Use the drop-off area at the front. If you’re driving a golf cart (which, let’s be real, half of you are), there are dedicated spots, but they fill up fast during the morning rush.
The building itself is fully handicap accessible. Wide elevators, gender-neutral restrooms, and free Wi-Fi throughout. It’s modern. It doesn't smell like a 1970s hospital basement.
What to Do Before Your Appointment
Don't just show up.
Because so many different groups (UF Health, FCS, Lake Medical Imaging) operate here, they all have different billing systems. If you get an X-ray at Lake Medical Imaging and then see a surgeon at UF Health, you are going to get two different bills.
It’s annoying. I know.
Make sure you bring your physical ID and insurance card. Even if you "sent it over" last time, their systems don't always talk to each other perfectly.
Actionable Steps for Patients
- Verify the Suite: Double-check your appointment reminder. This building is big. Suite 510 is nowhere near Suite 810.
- Billing Contacts: If you have questions about a UF Health bill, call (352) 323-5040. For Lake Medical Imaging questions, use (352) 787-5858.
- Arrive Early: Give yourself 20 minutes just for the parking lot and the elevator wait.
- Release of Information: If you need your records sent elsewhere, Lake Medical Imaging has an online form generator that speeds things up significantly.
The Sharon Morse Medical Center isn't just a building with a name on it; it's the backbone of specialized healthcare for the tri-county area. Whether you're there for a routine scan or a major consultation, knowing which suite you're headed to and how the different providers overlap will save you a massive headache.