Forward Momentum
Key updates from the Office of the Dean.
Welcome to the Winter edition of Academic Matters, the quarterly newsletter bringing you the latest updates from the UF College of Medicine – Jacksonville.
I hope you had the opportunity to join me and college leadership for our 2025 State of the College Webinar on Feb. 5. This event allowed faculty, residents, fellows, medical students, and staff to hear updates from all branches of our institution – education, research, faculty engagement, clinical affairs and more. In this forum, attendees also had the opportunity to ask questions and receive on-the-spot feedback on priorities for the college. I challenge you to stay informed and involved as we move medicine forward as Northeast Florida’s premier academic health center.
In addition, Stephen Motew, MD, MHA, FACS, president and CEO of UF Health, and members of his executive cabinet, shared an update on the clinical enterprise during a webinar held January 30.
Leon L. Haley Jr., MD, Emergency Department and Trauma Center
In November, a ceremonial groundbreaking was held for the Leon L. Haley Jr., MD, Emergency and Trauma Center at UF Health Jacksonville. This $90 million facility will increase our emergency and trauma bed capacity from 78 to 125 and will span 35,000 square feet. Our emergency medicine faculty are on the frontlines of this long-awaited project and I am excited for our residents and fellows to train in this expanded facility, delivering care to our neighbors in need of medical assistance.
Dr. Haley was a tremendous blessing to our organization and the Jacksonville community. He was instrumental in the development of the emergency center before his untimely passing. To honor his legacy, we unveiled a professionally commissioned painting of him, which now proudly hangs outside the Dean’s Office.
The UF College of Medicine — Jacksonville commissioned a painting of former dean and CEO of UF Health Jacksonville, Leon L. Haley Jr., MD.
A Night for Heroes
The annual A Night for Heroes banquet will celebrate our amazing faculty and trauma services that provided leading-edge care to this year’s patient, Milo Sidlo, who suffered significant injuries while playing soccer. In this issue you will hear his remarkable story and learn how our faculty contributed to his care and recovery.
Milo Sidlo, a senior at West Nassau High School stands for photo in his soccer uniform.
Expanding and Improving Stroke Care
As part of a new telehealth service, UF Health Jacksonville now offers 24/7 coverage, with stroke specialists available around the clock to consult with staff at UF Health Flagler Hospital in St. Johns County. The telehealth program, which went live Jan. 1, aims to support the existing stroke care efforts at UF Health Flagler Hospital.
In this issue, Ramon Bautista, MD, MBA, a UF professor and chair of the department of neurology, shares updates on how the UF Health Comprehensive Stroke Program is building a robust stroke care network across Northeast Florida.
Gator Giving Day 2025
Mark your calendars for Gator Giving Day on Thursday, Feb. 20. Because of your generosity we raised
$18,222 in 2024, an increase from the more than $17,000 raised in 2023. With your support, we also exceeded our goal of 225 gifts, with 235 contributions. Gator Giving Day impacts our faculty, residents, and fellows by supporting initiatives that are vital to the growth and development of our campus. Your contributions support us in our mission to heal, to comfort, to educate, and to discover.
Thank you for all you do for your patients, students, and faculty. It is my pleasure to work alongside you.
Linda R. Edwards, MD, FACP
Dean, UF College of Medicine – Jacksonville
