Timely News From UF Health Jacksonville: Winter 2020
Dear Colleagues and Heroes,

Well wishes for the holidays to you and yours from UF Health Jacksonville. 

This year has been like no other. A global pandemic, an economic recession and social unrest continue to rock the country, impacting our health system in various ways. We have had to reimagine academic medicine, reorganizing and retooling some of our approaches as we to continue provide exceptional patient care, while effectively teaching the next generation of practitioners and engaging in leading-edge research.

These are challenging times, no doubt. As we take care of our patients, let’s make sure we’re taking care of ourselves and each other, too. Check on each other, and please reach out for assistance if you are in need. Let’s help everyone.

This update from our campus is intended to provide you with some insights on how we are continuing to move medicine forward.

People in the News
Dr. Haley Named to State and National Boards

Leon L. Haley Jr., MD, MHSA, CEO of UF Health Jacksonville and dean of the University of Florida College of Medicine – Jacksonville, was recently named to a statewide board, and to another at the national level.  

Haley was appointed to the Florida Hospital Association’s board of trustees through September 2021. Additionally, he will serve on the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education’s board of directors for three years. ACGME is an independent, not-for-profit, physician-led organization that sets and monitors the professional educational standards essential in preparing physicians to deliver safe, high-quality medical care.

Haley is an active board member of the Jacksonville Electrical Authority, Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce, Jacksonville Civic Council, Florida Safety Net Hospital Alliance, American Board of Emergency Medicine, Shady Side Academy Board of Visitors and the Griffith Leadership Center at the University of Michigan. He is also a member of the Omega Psi Phi and Sigma Pi Phi fraternities.
Elizabeth DeVos, MD, MPH, Wins UF’s Top International Educator Award

Congratulations to Elizabeth DeVos, MD, MPH, an associate professor of emergency medicine at the UF College of Medicine – Jacksonville, who recently received the university’s 2020 Senior Faculty International Educator of the Year award. She was honored during a virtual ceremony on Nov. 16. Click here to read the full article.
Jeremy Coleman, MD, named 40 Under 40 Honoree by the Jacksonville Business Journal

We would like to congratulate Jeremy Coleman, MD, medical director of UF Health Family Medicine – Wildlight and UF Health Family Medicine and Pediatrics – St. Marys, on being selected as one of the Jacksonville Business Journal’s 2020 Class of “40 Under 40” honorees. 

Click here to read the full article.
Forging a Brighter Future

Madeline M. Joseph, MD, FAAP, FACEP

During this time of racial tension, our commitment to inclusion, diversity and equity has become even more intentional and focused. Click here to read the full article.
Pediatrics Maintains Steadfast Dedication to Quality Care Amid Unprecedented Challenges

Mark Hudak, MD
 
Like most others at the UF College of Medicine – Jacksonville, the department of pediatrics has faced many challenges amid a global pandemic that has tested our reserve and sense of well-being.
  
Throughout this crisis, our team of dedicated physicians, advanced practice providers, ancillary staff and administrative support staff has demonstrated remarkable perseverance, commitment and innovation to ensure that we will continue to provide leading-edge treatments and lifesaving therapies. We have focused our efforts on strengthening access to care and prevention efforts and on reducing the burden of chronic diseases among children who are the most vulnerable and at risk for illness and injury Click here to read more.
A Warm Farewell to the Kerwins

On Tuesday, Dec. 8, the UF College of Medicine – Jacksonville and the department of surgery hosted a virtual celebration to thank Dr. Kerwin and wish him well in his next chapter after nearly 20 years of passionate service to UF Health. Dr. Kerwin has accepted a new position with Regional One Health, home to the Elvis Presley Trauma Center. Dr. Kerwin joined the College of Medicine in 2001 and has been chief of the division of acute care surgery since 2009. The trauma program has grown and thrived under his leadership. Many alumni sent video tributes thanking Dr. Kerwin for his mentorship. The event also paid tribute to his wife, Tammy Kerwin, who spent countless hours as chair of the “A Night for Heroes” gala and president of the TraumaOne Heroes Executive Council. Together, they helped elevate UF Health in the philanthropic community and raise essential funds for UF Health TraumaOne. They will surely be missed! 

Florida Department of Health Selected UF Health Jacksonville as One of Five Hospitals to Receive First Shipment of COVID-19 Vaccine   

UF Health Jacksonville was selected as one of the first five hospitals in Florida to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. UF Health administered the first dose of vaccines to physicians and staff Dec. 16–22. The hospital will also assist other Jacksonville hospitals with vaccinating their employees. Click here to learn more.
UF Jacksonville Launches Clinical Trial to Address Life-threatening Blood Clots in COVID-19 Patients

Dr. Dominick Angiolillo is leading a clinical trial at UF Health Jacksonville to find treatment for patients recovering from COVID-19 at home. Angiolillo said patients in and out of the hospital must be treated early and aggressively for potential blood clotting. Click here to read more.
UF Health Jacksonville Receives Jacksonville Business Journal’s Community Impact Award

UF Health Jacksonville has been singled out for its focus on providing outstanding care during the COVID-19 pandemic, receiving an inaugural Community Impact Award from the Jacksonville Business Journal. 

Click here read more.
Funding Increases as Niche Centers and Revamped Programs Propel Research at the UF College of Medicine – Jacksonville

A record amount of research funding and the success of recently created niche centers highlight the research-related strides made over the past fiscal year. Click here to read more.
ADDITIONAL PUBLICATIONS AND RESOURCES
Grand Rounds at the UF College of Medicine – Jacksonville 

The University of Florida College of Medicine is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

STAND UP AND HOLLER!

Let’s do it again! Last year, in a unified show of Gator goodness, thousands of University of Florida alumni, students, faculty, staff, friends and families set a UF record during Stand Up & Holler, the second annual Gator Nation Giving Day. On Feb. 18, 2021, we call upon Gators everywhere to once again stand up for UF by making a gift of any size to the college, unit, research area or program that means the most to you. Our goal this year is ambitious — 17,500 gifts in 24 hours — but every donation supports UF’s far-reaching work and our drive to the Top 5 of public universities.
At the UF College of Medicine – Jacksonville, philanthropy has been the bedrock for thriving research, excellence in patient care and extraordinary educational leadership. Contributions at the individual and corporate levels have propelled the mission of the college forward to national prominence. 
 
The UF College of Medicine is recruiting you and other alumni and friends to join our team. As medical school expenses in this country continue to rise at a rapid pace, your commitment to our students will leave a lasting legacy for future generations. Your gift supporting scholarships helps the best students obtain the world-class educations they need and deserve.

If you’d like to learn more about establishing a scholarship, or talk with a gift officer about making a contribution, please reach out to our office by emailing [email protected].
Thank you for everything you do as we continue to pursue our vision of being the region’s most valued health care asset.
 
Sincerely, with hope for a happy New Year,
 
Leon L. Haley Jr., MD, MHSA, CPE, FACEP
CEO, UF Health Jacksonville
Dean, College of Medicine – Jacksonville
Vice President for Health Affairs, University of Florida

P.S. I’d like to invite you to support and attend a special gala.
FOURTEENTH ANNUAL
A Night for Heroes Virtual Gala

In 2020, UF Health Jacksonville commemorated our 150th year of caring for our community amid a global pandemic. It was a grueling year for all of us, especially for our front-line health care workers.
 
On Feb. 6, A Night for Heroes will celebrate all of our heroes at UF Health Jacksonville. As safety is top-of-mind, UF Health will hold a virtual gala and encourage sponsors and participants to tune in for an evening of impact, or host a small watch party, if it is safe to gather. We’re moving forward with passionate determination and great hope, and we invite you to come along with us.
 
Please help us meet our goal of raising essential funds to ensure that UF Health can continue to provide quality critical care to everyone in our community when they need us most.

UF Health Jacksonville | UFHealthJax.org
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