June 16, 2022 — Two UF College of Medicine faculty members were recently recognized for their commitment to research and patient care at both the state and national levels.

Naykky Singh Ospina, M.D., M.S., an associate professor in the department of medicine, has been selected as one of 11 members of the 2022 National Academy of Medicine Scholars in Diagnostic Excellence program.

As part of this leadership program in the National Academy of Medicine — which collaborates with the National Academy of Sciences and National Academy of Engineering to address critical issues in health, medicine and policy — Singh Ospina will lead a team developing a framework to better understand communication processes that lead to medical diagnoses and enhance conversations about diagnoses between clinicians and patients.

“Diagnosing is one of the most complex and important steps in clinical medicine, because an incorrect or delayed diagnosis can significantly impact treatment options and outcomes,” she said. “I am excited to come together with a group of leading experts in diagnosis and continue to grow as a leader evaluating strategies that can help patients and clinicians communicate and assure patients are heard and understood by clinicians in the diagnostic process.”

Desmond Schatz, M.D., who is a professor, medical director of the UF Diabetes Institute and the interim chair of the department of pediatrics, has been elected to the Academy of Science, Engineering and Medicine of Florida. The organization works to recognize individuals in Florida who have made major achievements in science, engineering and medicine; enhance collaborations with experts around the state; and create an international platform for the work of Florida’s universities and industries.

Schatz said the election is a testament to UF’s internationally recognized Type 1 diabetes research team, which has been part of his extended family for the past 35 years.

“I am fortunate to be part of our worldwide efforts to understand, prevent and cure Type 1 diabetes and improve the lives of all who have diabetes,” said Schatz, who joins two UF colleagues as part of the 2022 cohort of inductees. “The passion and commitment of our team and the patients and families I care for are constant sources of inspiration. Although I am the one elected, it would not have happened without this incredible group of people.”