May 1, 2019 — The UF College of Medicine class of 2019 hosted the annual Hippocratic Award ceremony May 1 among the flowering bushes and swaying trees of Wilmot Gardens. The award honors a clinical faculty member who serves as an exemplary clinician, mentor and role model to students.

Gabriel Daniels, academic chair of the class of 2019, announced Christopher Giordano, M.D., as the 2019 Hippocratic Award recipient to an audience of students, faculty members, friends and family. Giordano is an associate professor of anesthesiology, division chief of liver transplantation and director of the anesthesiology and critical care clerkship program. Daniels said Giordano has made it his mission to teach students “more than just the science of medicine.”

“Dr. Giordano’s commitment to mentoring students extends beyond the walls of the classroom and operating room,” Daniels said. “He has taken it upon himself to coach students, not only on being thoughtful and knowledgeable clinicians, but also good team members, respectable leaders and better people.”

Joseph A. Tyndall, M.D., interim dean of the UF College of Medicine, opened the ceremony with remarks about the lasting impact of his own mentor when he was a medical student. He noted that the Hippocratic Award recognizes several key characteristics that comprise a good mentor.

“This is not just about being able to teach exquisitely well. It’s about the lasting impact and relationships you have,” Tyndall said. “The award is more than a celebration of an individual’s achievements. It’s a reminder they have to keep going and furthering that impact they leave.”

Joseph Fantone, M.D., senior associate dean for educational affairs for the UF College of Medicine, closed the ceremony by sharing the personal inspiration he receives from watching the next generation of faculty rise to excellence.

“To see Dr. Giordano develop as an educator into an exceptional clinician and a role model is inspirational,” Fantone said.

After the ceremony, Giordano shook hands and snapped photos with the students who nominated him for this award, which has been honored annually at the UF College of Medicine since 1969.

“There are some days I walk into the simulation lab, and I just don’t feel like doing it. I’m tired. But every day when I leave work, I feel valued and that I have a purpose. I have my students to thank for that,” Giordano said.