February 2015 Distinctions
Two AAMC awards for UF Health
The Association of American Medical Colleges has selected two UF Health programs to receive top awards recognizing institutions that advance medical education, enhance research opportunities and improve patient care. UF Health was the only institution recognized twice by the 2014 AAMC Learning Health System Research Awards. Consent2Share, a UF Clinical and Translational Science Institute program that allows patients receiving care to be re-contacted for future research studies, was honored with the 2014 Pioneer Award for improving the connection between researchers and willing participants. UF Health also was recognized with the 2014 Champion Award for its commitment to clinical quality and patient safety. David Nelson, M.D., accepted the award for Consent2Share, and Randy Harmatz, M.H.A., accepted the Champion Award.
College of Medicine
Mark Bleiweis, M.D., director and principal cardiothoracic surgeon for the UF Health Congenital Heart Center, was recognized by the American Heart Association’s Gainesville chapter during its recent Heart Ball. He was selected as this year’s honoree for his dedication to treating children and adults with congenital heart disease, and his devotion to their families. Bleiweis’ arrival at UF Health 10 years ago marked the opening of the Congenital Heart Center, a nationally and internationally recognized center of excellence for providing care to patients who have congenital heart disease, acquired heart disease and heart failure.
Timothy E. Morey, M.D., a professor of anesthesiology, has been appointed chair of the department of anesthesiology. “We were fortunate to have a person like Dr. Morey who possesses all of the traits that we seek in a department chair,” said Michael L. Good, dean of the college. “He is well-respected at UF and nationally as a clinical anesthesiologist, a professor, a scientist, a mentor, an entrepreneur and a leader. He has served the department extremely effectively during the search. I am particular pleased with his vision to establish the department as a national leader in anesthesia care, education, and research.”
Guy Nicolette, M.D., an assistant professor in the department of community health and family medicine, has been selected as the new director of the UF Student Health Care Center. Nicolette has served as the center’s interim director since June 2013. “Dr. Nicolette is laser focused on optimizing the health of our UF students, and quickly diagnosing and treating disease when it occurs in individuals and in populations,” said Michael L. Good, dean of the college.
College of Pharmacy
Carinda Feild, Pharm.D., an assistant dean of the St. Petersburg campus, was selected as a fellow of the American College of Critical Care Medicine in January at the 44th Critical Care Congress. She was chosen for membership based on her demonstration of excellence in collaborative practice models of critical care, program development and scholarly activities related to critical care, and leadership.
Eric Krause, Ph.D., an assistant professor of pharmacodynamics, received a five-year National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute award for $1.9 million to investigate the use of sodium in reducing the body’s response to stress. Anxiety disorders increase the risk for hypertension and cardiovascular disease, which is the leading cause of death in the U.S. This project investigates how slightly elevated body sodium levels elicit neurochemical changes that decrease the impact of psychological stress. The results may identify novel therapeutic targets to reduce anxiety and prevent hypertension and cardiovascular disease.
College of Public Health and Health Professions
Debra Shimon, Au.D., a clinical associate professor in the department of speech, language and hearing sciences, has been elected president of the Florida Academy of Audiology. The academy’s activities include professional lobbying, continuing education opportunities, professional updates and serving as a liaison with the American Academy of Audiology.
College of Veterinary Medicine
Natalie Isaza, D.V.M., a clinical associate professor, has been named the Grevior Shelter Medicine Community Outreach Professor. The professorship was created through a gift from Barbara and Arnold Grevior, a Fort Lauderdale couple who are longtime advocates for shelter medicine programs in their community as well as at UF. Through a previous donation, the Grevior Shelter Medicine Suite was established at UF in 2012.