Patrick Duff, M.D., is a professor in the department of obstetrics and gynecology and associate dean for Student Affairs. In his more than 30 years at UF, Dr. Duff has provided extraordinary service as a physician and educator. He has demonstrated unwavering commitment and effectiveness as a mentor, guiding undergraduate and medical students, residents and colleagues during his career. Additionally, Dr. Duff has helped advance research in the field of OB-GYN, primarily in the area of infectious disease. He has published over 130 manuscripts, 90 review articles, nine textbooks and 46 book chapters.

Said Tammy Eulianao, M.D., a professor of anesthesiology and obstetrics and gynecology: Dr. Duff’s decision-making, expertise and compassion are truly unparalleled. One thing that sets him apart is he accepts input from anyone — from the medical students, nurses, anesthesia attendings and patients. Everyone feels comfortable asking questions and offering suggestions. He makes the environment for patient care truly excellent.

Elizabeth Shenkman, Ph.D., is a professor and chair in the department of health outcomes and biomedical informatics and associate director of community outreach and engagement with the UF Health Cancer Center, director of the Institute for Child Health Policy and co-director of the Clinical and Translational Science Institute. Dr. Shenkman is a renowned health outcomes researcher whose work focuses on determining which combinations of health care delivery, community and patient factors influence quality and outcomes of care and on developing and testing corresponding evidence-based strategies to reduce disparities in health outcomes among underserved populations. In addition to leading transformative research efforts, she has developed enabling research infrastructure that has catalyzed the research of many investigators at UF and throughout Florida.

Said Dr. Duane Mitchell, M.D., Ph.D., director of the CTSI: Dr. Shenkman is an exemplary leader with a strong passion for her research and a clear vision on how to build large-scale collaborative research endeavors.

Jennifer Light, M.D., is a clinical assistant professor in the department of emergency medicine. Dr. Light established pediatric emergency medicine at UF Health and was instrumental in the building of the UF Health Pediatric Emergency Room at UF Health Shands Children’s Hospital. Dr. Light is well known for her expertise in pediatric emergency care and highly respected by the housestaff, as evidenced by her receiving the department of pediatrics annual teaching award eight times. Her leadership and collaborative style led to positive clinical quality changes, improved communications with community pediatricians and an engaged nursing staff.

Said Suzanne Phillips, M.S.N., R.N.-B.C., pediatric emergency department nurse manager: Dr. Light has dedicated herself to making a positive impact on those she has had the opportunity to care for as well as those who will provide care to others. What she does is much more than a career; it is a lifestyle for her.

Maureen Novak, M.D., is a professor in the department of pediatrics. Over the last 24 years, Dr. Novak has served as program director for the pediatric residency, pediatric clerkship director, vice-chair of pediatric education and College of Medicine associate dean for medical education. She has mentored countless students, residents and faculty, and with the 2021 Society of Teaching Scholars Lifetime Achievement Award, she has received every teaching honor that the College of Medicine can bestow on a faculty member.

Said Erik Black, M.D., associate professor of pediatrics: Imagine being able to effortlessly juggle a squiggling child, a medical student, a resident and a clueless father while at the same time teaching us something new — individualized to our very different developmental needs and understandings? One could be convinced that this blend of skills is magical.