U.S. News & World Report
Nationally Ranked in Six Specialties
UF Health Shands Children’s Hospital again ranks among the nation’s best, with three pediatric specialties recognized as the top programs in Florida by U.S. News & World Report. Cardiology and Heart Surgery (#15 nationally, #1 in Florida), Pulmonology and Lung Surgery (#22 nationally, #1 in Florida), Cancer (#36 nationally, #1 in Florida), Neonatology (#38 nationally), Diabetes and Endocrinology (#42 nationally). UF Health’s pediatric behavioral health is also recognized nationally as a top 50 specialty. Behavioral health specialties are either in the top 50 or not, without a numerical ranking.
Awards, Honors, and Recognitions
Angelina Bernier, MD
Published in JAMA Pediatrics:
Efficacy and Safety of GLP – 1 RAs in Children and Adolescents With Obesity or Type 2 Diabetes
Mark Bleiweis, MD
Elected as Second Vice President and 2028 President of the
Southern Thoracic Surgical Association (STSA), which is the second oldest cardiothoracic surgical organization in North America.
Diane Howell, MD
Selected as a recipient of the 2024-2025 MD-PhD Clinical Educator Award of Distinction.
This honor celebrates exceptional commitment to mentoring and educating UF’s MD-PhD Scholars and recognizes the qualities that make one an extraordinary educator.
Brittany Bruggeman, MD
Selected to participate in the American Pediatric Society-
Society for Pediatric Research Journeys & Frontiers in Pediatric Research Program for 2025-2026.
This program selects nominated early-career pediatric researchers with demonstrated potential in research and academic pediatrics, with attention to diversity and research accomplishments.
Michael Haller, MD
Following formal candidate presentations and a vote by
TrialNet investigators, Dr. Haller was elected to a five-year term as Chair of the NIH-T1D TrialNet.
Selected for membership in The American Society for Clinical Investigation (ASCI), a prestigious honorary society for physician-scientists, established in 1908, focused on advancing human health through research, supporting physician-scientist education, and publishing in leading journals like the Journal of Clinical Investigation (JCI) and JCI Insight.
Desmond Schatz
Received the 2026 Pediatric Endocrine Society’s Senior
Investigator Award.
This award recognizes Dr. Schatz for his exceptional and
sustained contributions to pediatric endocrinology through
impactful research, leadership, and service.
Paul Castillo Caro, MD
Received 2025 Hyundai Hope on Wheels Bridge 2 K Grant Award of $165,000.00 for “Unlocking CAR T cell Activity Against Metastatic Osteosarcoma Using Systemic RNA Vaccination”.
Dr. Nahla Zaghloul, MD and Diomel de la Cruz, MD
Elected to Society for Pediatric Research (SPR) Membership.
Being elected into the Society for Pediatric Research is a
significant honor that recognizes outstanding contributions and commitment to advancing pediatric health through rigorous, impactful research.
Daniel Valladares, MD
Accepted by the American College of Cardiology (ACC) and the Health Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Team into the 2025–2026 ACC Internal Medicine and Pediatric Cardiology Pathway Program.
Molly Posa, MD
Elected to the Gold Humanism Honor Society by UF residents and students.
This society recognizes students, residents and faculty who are exemplars of compassionate patient care and who serve as role models, mentors, and leaders in medicine.
Its members have a responsibility to model, support, and advocate for compassionate, patient-centered care throughout their careers.
Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH) Recognition!
ALL of the UF Health Primary Pediatrics Sites achieved Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH) Recognition!
Tioga, Tower Square, Magnolia Parke, Ocala, and the G.L. Schiebler CMS Center
Commitment to delivering comprehensive, coordinated, and accessible healthcare services that prioritize the needs and preferences of their patients.
Aligns with initiatives from payors to promote value-based care and showcases the strong infrastructure within the UF Health Pediatrics clinics that will set their team up for success as healthcare continues to focus more on integration and quality care.
Boo to the Flu
Thank you to Gopi Patel, Taylor Edwards, Melissa Brown,
Nellie Elizabeth Crlenjak, Olivia Herrmann, Annabelle L. Kuhne, Joshua Florence, Alexandra Noble, Anila Asad Zainab, Klea Gjoka, Kimberly Colson, Teresa Kuhne, and Mori Stern for volunteering at the 2nd Annual Boo to the Flu night , helping our community and individual patients and families decrease the burden of Flu and COVID.
2025 Exemplary Teacher Awardees:
- Genie Beasley
- Brittany Bruggeman
- Leandra Woolnough
- Angelina Bernier
- Cameron Rosenthal
- Kristin Dayton
- Dima Ezmigna
- Carolyn Carter
- Dipankar Gupta
- Arwa Saidi
Clinical Excellence Awardees:
- Michele Lossius (2023)
- Marie Berg (2024)
- Thao Vu (2025)
- Molly Posa (2025)
Rising Star Awardees:
- Nancy Joseph (2024)
- Molly Posa (2024)
2025 Promotions:
- Frederick Fricker – Emeritus Professor Status
- Donald Novak – Emeritus Professor Status
- Jen Co-Vu – Promotion to Professor
- Diego Moguillansky – Promotion to Professor
- Joseph Philip – Promotion to Professor
- Carmen Astudillo – Promotion to Associate Professor
- Silvia Delgado – Promotion to Associate Professor
- Laura Jacobsen – Promotion to Associate Professor
- Lara Nicolas – Promotion to Associate Professor
- Leandra Woolnough – Promotion to Associate Professor
Service Awardees
| Name | Service Years | Division |
|---|---|---|
| Kayla Mandolini | 5 | CHILD HEALTH RESINSTITUTE |
| Anna Swygert | 5 | PEDS-ADMINISTRATION |
| Elizabeth Gonzalez | 5 | PEDS-DEI |
| Mackenzi Coker | 5 | CHILD HEALTH RESINSTITUTE |
| Darrice Montgomery | 5 | PEDS-HEMATOLOGY |
| Angelina Bernier | 10 | PEDS-ENDOCRINOLOGY |
| Alexandra Stern | 10 | PEDS-GENERAL |
| Silvia Delgado | 10 | PEDS-PULMONARY |
| Paul Castillo | 10 | PEDS-HEMATOLOGY |
| Daniel Stewart | 10 | PEDS-GASTROENTEROLOGY |
| Ruchita Kachru | 10 | PEDS-GENERAL |
| Alycia Scheller | 10 | PEDS-ADMINISTRATION |
| Bilal Khodr | 10 | PEDS-GENERAL |
| Candis Vinson | 10 | PEDS-DEI |
| Curt Fudge | 15 | COGNITAL HRT CTREXCELLENCE |
| Stephanie Ryan | 15 | PEDS-GENERAL |
| Mariny Coleman | 15 | PEDS-CHILDPROTECTION TEAM |
| Anne Dove | 15 | PEDS-HEMATOLOGY |
| Emily Mak | 15 | PEDS-ADMINISTRATION |
| Matthew Fletcher | 20 | PEDS-ADMINISTRATION |
| Juan Roig | 20 | PEDS-NEONATOLOGY |
| Nan Li | 25 | PEDS-NEONATOLOGY |
| Connie Nixon | 35 | COGNITAL HRT CTREXCELLENCE |
Welcome New Faculty & Staff
Endocrinology
Shivani Berry, MD
General Pediatrics
Chau Nguyen, DO
Hematology/Oncology
Joshua Dajac, MD
Nephrology
Rasha Aly, MD
Education Update
Fellowship Bound Residents
Congratulations to our residents who have matched into fellowship programs! We’re proud of their accomplishments and excited to see them continue their training in the next stage of their careers.
Kelly Davis, MD
Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, UNC Children’s Hospital
Megan Goldammer, MD
Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, UF Health
Jenna Knafo, DO
Emergency Medicine, John Hopkins
Michael Meuth, MD
Gastroenterology, University of Nebraska
Taylor Rouviere, MD
Pediatrics Hospital Medicine, UF Health
Anagha Sadasivan, DO
Emergency Medicine, John Hopkins
Congratulations to Matthew Coghill for receiving the Lead Award for Compassionate Care!
This well-deserved recognition reflects his unwavering commitment to patient-centered care, empathy, and kindness in every interaction. Dr. Coghill exemplifies what it means to lead with compassion, making a meaningful difference in the lives of patients, families, and colleagues alike. We are grateful for the care he provides and proud to celebrate this achievement.
ABP Board Pass Rate 2025
- Excellent outcomes in board performance, with a board success rate of 89%.
- Thank you to all the faculty for their dedication and to the supportive educational environment.
- A special thank you to Dr. Nancy Joseph and all the faculty who participated in the Board Review Course last Spring
Applications and Match DAY 2026
MATCH DAY MARCH 20th 2026
- Over a thousand applicants
- 290 Interviewees for categorical peds
- 35 Interviewees for Child Neurology
- Second looks
- Thank you to:
- All the faculty, Chiefs, and residency Ambassadors
- Mari Ellen Chapov, Tyre Johnson, Kendall Steadmon and Zach Gohsman
Save the Date
UF Pediatric Housestaff Graduation
Saturday, June 13, 2026 from 10:00am-12:00pm at the G. Edwards Evans Champions Club
Pediatrics Clerkship Update
Pediatrics Clerkship Rotation 5 is now underway, marking another milestone in our six‑rotation academic year. As part of our continuous commitment to educational excellence, the clerkship team is focusing on enhancing the clinical learning environment and supporting a strong, professional culture for our students. These efforts align with ongoing collegewide initiatives to foster an even more positive learning experience.
UF COM Faculty Wellness Update
Art & Mindfulness Session
This series of guided meditations is inspired by art in the Harn collections and led by expert facilitators with years of experience. Take a break from your regular schedule to slow down, experience stillness, and re-charge. Forty-five minutes of guided meditation is followed by an art spotlight tour. Open to all levels, no prior experience necessary.
Place: Harn Museum
Date: Saturday, January 31
Time: 10am-11am
Cost: FREE
RSVP: Not required– just show up!
WIMS & Wellness Monthly Seminars
January presentation: “Shaping Your Next Normal”
Mallory Rubek, MS, MCHES
Thursday, January 8, 2026
12:00pm-1:00pm
Medical Student Talent Show
Saturday, January 10 @ 7-9pm
Family Friendly
Tickets $5 at the door
Venmo, Zelle, or cash
*All proceeds benefit Equal Access Clinic*
Faculty Mind-Body Medicine Group
Introducing a small-group interactive learning experience for COM faculty to develop skills in mind-body medicine for personal wellbeing and patient care:
Monthly meetings (January-June)
6 meetings total (~90min each)
Up to 10 participants
Time & Location: TBD based on interest/availability
WIMS & Wellness Faculty Book Club
Pick up our next book selection:
“What’s Next is Now”
Are you concerned about what the future holds? Rather than bracing for what happens next, Dr. Frederik G. Pferdt argues that you can be making what happens next!
Discussion begins January 21 @12pm
Faculty Lounge (M-125 ) or Zoom