We would like to congratulate two of our faculty who have been selected as departmental nominees for College of Medicine awards to be announced later this spring! Their nominations reflect their outstanding contributions and dedication to advancing medicine and improving lives. Please join us in celebrating their excellence in research and clinical care.
🔹 Andres Pumariega, MD, has received the Clinical Excellence Award, a distinction given to faculty members who exemplify outstanding patient care, lead in clinical innovations, and make a lasting impact on patients, staff, and trainees.
Dr. Pumariega’s work to improve access to pediatric mental health care in Florida with the creation of the UF Behavioral Health Hub, the implementation of innovative suicide screening protocols across UF Health and his ability to teach and mentor the next generation of child and adolescent psychiatrists has made him a wonderful recipient of this award.
🔸 Kerri Peters, PhD, has been honored with the Rising Star Award, which recognizes exceptional research achievement and highlights early-career faculty members making significant contributions to their fields.
Dr. Peters is being recognized for her instrumental role in establishing the UF Health Center for Autism and Neurodevelopment (CAN), dramatically reducing wait times for care. Her leadership also extended to developing the challenging behaviors consultation service for the Shands hospitals and her tireless advocacy which led to UF CAN’s selection as the lead partner in a new state legislative initiative to improve autism care across Florida.
These awards reflect their dedication and contributions to advancing medicine and improving lives. Please join us in congratulating Dr. Pumariega and Dr. Peters on these well-deserved honors!