In Memoriam
1962 – 2025
Mariny Coleman
We are saddened to share the passing of Mariny Coleman, Assistant Team Coordinator for the UF Child Protection Team. For more than 15 years, Mariny served the children and families of our community with compassion, dedication, and heart. She was a trusted colleague and friend whose warmth and wisdom touched everyone around her. Mariny will be deeply missed.
Awards & Honors
Cell & Molecular Therapy
Shannon Boye, Ph.D.
Startup company, Aetsena, given $150M in Series C funding
Pediatric Endocrinology
Desmond Schatz, MD
During the 2025 American Diabetes Association sessions in June, the Diabetes Leadership Council (DLC) released its white paper on patient choice in diabetes technology. The white paper is the result of the roundtable held in April with clinicians and patient advocacy group representatives.
Dr. Desmond Schatz serves on the DLC Board.
Genetics and Metabolism
Daniel Driscoll, MD, PhD
Will be honored at the Prader-Willi Syndrome’s Association-USA’s Journey of Hope Gala this September, celebrating 50 years of advocacy.
Child Health Research Institute
Barry Byrne, MD, PhD
Elected to the Academy of Science, Engineering and Medicine (ASEM) of Florida for his major achievements in medicine. The Induction Ceremony will be in Orlando this November.
Pediatric Cardiology/Congenital Heart Center
Jennifer Co-Vu, MD
Received the 2025 C. Richard Conti, MD, MACC, Gifted Teacher Award from the Florida Chapter of the American College of Cardiology.
Pediatric Endocrinology
Michael Haller, MD
The University of Florida TrialNet Coordinating Center approved the University of Florida to be a Type 1 Diabetes TrialNet Clinical Center for 2025 – 2030.
Child Health Research Institute | Pediatric Hospital Medicine
Eric Nelson, MD, PhD, MS
NIH R33 “Improving Performance of a Pediatric Telemedicine and Medication Delivery Service through mHealth Technology” extended.
Neurology
S. Parrish Winesett, MD
Appointed Program Director for the Child Neurology Residency by the UF Graduate Medical Education Committee.
Education Update
Welcome Class of 2028
We are excited to welcome the Pediatrics Residency Class of 2028! As you begin this important chapter in your medical journey, know that you’re joining a team dedicated to compassionate care, collaboration, and excellence in pediatric medicine. We’re excited to support you every step of the way.
Awards & Recognition
David Thomas & Emily Franco
Elected to Housestaff General Council 25-26
Becky Birnbaum
AAP delegate
Nancy Joseph, MBBS
Outstanding Faculty Award
Kathryn Sarantos, MD
Outstanding Peds After Hours Pediatrician
Outstanding Division Awards
Pediatric Hospital Medicine
Pediatric Critical Care
Taylor Rouviere, MD & Blake Windham, MD
Audrey Lincourt Schiebler Award
Emilia Guzman, MD
2024-25 Henry A. Kokomoor Award
Omama Ahmad, MD
2024-25 Douglas Barrett Academic Fellowship Award
Shelley Collins, MD
56th Annual Hippocratic Faculty Award - 3rd year in a row!
Excellence in Pediatric Medical Student Education
Student recognized faculty, hourstaff, or resident that greatly impacted clinical rotation
Residents:
- PGY-1: David Thomas and Hope Lund
- PGY-2: Harrison Strang, Keren Fishman, Carter Gay, Henry Nicholas, Morgan Bradley, Samur Bahadir, and Amelia Hansen
- PGY-3: Salma Anis, Megan Goldammer, Melissa Siegert Ospina, Erin Perez (graduated), Abigail Stallman,and Laura Hernandez Garcia
- Child Neuro: Alisha Allen
Faculty: Angelina Bernier, Cameron Busk, Jessica Capote, Dima Ezmigna, Melissa Fitzgerald, Zack Gohsman,Michael Haller, Nancy Joseph, Stephanie Kirkconnell, Sarah Marsicek, David Matsibekker, Molly Posa,Desmond Schatz, Meryl Shychuk, Kendall Steadmon, Mori Stern, Puneet Tung, Mary Valetta, and Jade Walter
Scholarly Activity
- Salma Anis, MD presented at the World Transplant Congress
Title: Personalizing Tacrolimus Regimen for Pediatric Heart Transplant Recipients: Powered by GatorPGx - Rycki Ebert, MD presented at the Pediatric Hospital Medicine Conference
Title: A 15 yo with cerebral palsy and a VP shunt presenting with progressive weakness and numbness - Anagha Sadasivan, DO presented at the Future Pediatric Practice 2025
Title: The significance of early diagnosis and intervention in Lemierre’s disease to prevent life-threatening complications - Connor Chambers, MD presented at the Future Pediatric Practice 2025
Title: Vaginal Clear Cell Carcinoma in a 14 year old Female with Suspected Herlyn-Werner-Wunderlich Syndrome and CHEK2 Mutation - Vanessa Uzcategui Munoz, MD presented at the Future Pediatric Practice 2025
Title: One in a Million. A case report of Factor X deficiency. - Melissa Huddleston, MD presented at the Future Pediatric Practice 2025
Title: A Term Neonate with severe persistent metabolic acidosis and cardiac dysfunction
11th Annual FCAAP Medical Student Research Forum
The Department of Pediatrics sponsored the 1th Annual Pediatrics Medical Student Research Forum on August 30, 2025, at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort in Orlando.This was truly a national stage, with over 60 students across the country and beyond, providing a platform for showcasing innovative pediatric research. The depth, quality, and creativity reflected in the presentations were truly inspiring.
We extend our sincere gratitude to our keynote speaker, Dr. Laura Jacobsen, Associate Professor of Pediatrics at the UF College of Medicine, for delivering an uplifting and motivational message to the students. We are also deeply appreciative of our dedicated UF faculty judges — Drs. Molly Posa, Maria Kelly, Kristin Dayton, Laura Jacobsen, Puneet Tung, Tim Foster, and Renee Modica — whose time, expertise, and thoughtful feedback were essential in supporting and inspiring our participants.
Oral Presentation Awards
- First Place: Sarrinah Saif, University of Florida
- Second Place: Ashley Pietra, University of Colorado
- Third Place: Ruiyang Huang, University of Miami
- Third Place: Savannah Zettler, University of Florida
Power Talk Presentation Awards
- First Place: Jessica Munck, University of Connecticut
- First Place: Heushler Moise, University of Florida
- Second Place:Erjola Toska, Nova Southeastern University
- Third Place: Kalie Nuss, Florida State University
- Third Place: Kelly Arnold, University of New Mexico
Research Update
Research Portfolio Summary
Breakdown of FY25 award fundings by Sponsor type
Breakdown of FY25 award funding by division
Proposals submitted by division
UF COM Faculty Wellness Update
WIMS & Wellness Faculty Book Club
Want to get better at handling discussions when opinions vary, stakes are high, and emotions run strong?
Pick up our next book selection:
“Crucial Conversations”
Discussion begins October 29 @12pm
Faculty Lounge (M-125 ) or Zoom: https://ufl.zoom.us/j/95474341315
Building Lasting Relationships Program
Looking for a way to improve your marriage on your own time?
This program offers unique insights into the problems couples face and how they can overcome them to create a happier and more satisfying relationship.
Free to UF Employees through EAP
7 session online, on-demand program
Modules range from 15-60 minutes each
Grounded in evidence-based Gottman Method
Offered by marriage and family therapist Devin Shorey, LMHC, LMFT
On-Demand Primary Care
Available to all GatorCare members in Gainesville & Jacksonville
GatorCare Tier 1 providers
Telehealth services
Accessed through MyChart
Choose the appointment time that works for you
Same-day appointments available
GatorPerks Discounts
UF employees have the opportunity to save at various businesses and retailers located across Florida. From travel to entertainment, health and wellness and much more, explore available discounts!
