Welcome to the winter edition of Academic Matters, the quarterly newsletter of the University of Florida College of Medicine – Jacksonville. I’m proud of your dedication and the collaboration you’ve shown over the last several months as the community faced another COVID-19 surge due to the omicron variant. Your commitment remains unmatched, and I can’t thank you enough for your hard work and perseverance as we overcome challenges to provide high-quality patient care. COVID-19 case numbers are declining and I know whatever comes next, we will be ready to tackle it together.

While the fight against COVID-19 continues and has become part of our everyday lives, we have continued to do great work to move medicine forward.

The UF Health Jacksonville Leon L. Haley Jr., M.D., Brain Wellness Program opened in November 2021 and provides a comprehensive care approach to veterans who are affected by post-traumatic stress or traumatic brain injuries. The first cohort of three veterans graduated from the program in December 2021 and the second class of four veterans graduated in February 2022. We hope to expand efforts for all patients affected by these conditions in the community, including athletes and first responders.

COMMITTING TO DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION

Our efforts around inclusion, diversity, equity and access continue to be a priority. We have joined a new Collective Action Initiative on Advancing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, which is a national effort by the Association of American Medical Colleges. As part of this effort and in concert with the College of Medicine in Gainesville, we will conduct a comprehensive review of institutional policies, practices, procedures and programs that impact our climate and culture and identify strengths and areas for improvement related to diversity, equity and inclusion across many domains.

Additionally, in this edition, Madeline Joseph, M.D., associate dean for inclusion and equity, provides an update on a new policy that prohibits discrimination and harassment of employees by patients and visitors on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, marital status, national origin, age, disability political opinions or affiliations, genetic information and veteran status.

ADVANCING PATIENT CARE 

Meanwhile, Pradeep Kadambi, M.D., M.B.A., senior associate dean for clinical affairs, shares the latest on plans for UF Health East and the unique services we’ll be offering. Other articles in this edition include key takeaways from our hospital’s latest visit from The Joint Commission and an overview of an interesting research study that will have a larger impact on health equity and care for pancreatic cancer patients.

Exciting strides continue to be made at our college and throughout the UF Health enterprise. I’m honored to serve as dean and will continue to champion innovation, discovery and excellent patient care; support our faculty and staff; and ensure trainees and students experience the best teaching and clinical environment possible.