COM Outlook - Winter 2016

26 Nova Southeastern University Renee Alexis , M.D., M.B.A., M.P.H., FACOG, associate professor and vice chair of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, received the 2014–15 NSU-COM Professor of the Year Award in October. The award is conferred upon a full-time faculty member who has served the university for at least 10 years, has achieved national and/or international prominence, and has earned a distinguished reputation through significant contributions to research and scholarship and exceptional instruction. Evidence of excellence was judged on scholarly productivity and in teaching/instruction. The accolade includes a one-year NSU Faculty Club membership and a $2,000 honorarium. Paula Anderson-Worts , D.O., M.P.H., associate professor of family medicine and public health, was named as one of South Florida’s Top Black Educators by Legacy South Florida . The publication, which is distributed through partnerships with the Miami Herald and the Sun Sentinel , provides people of color in South Florida’s professional community with insightful information on business, careers, politics, lifestyle, education, religion, culture, and social commentary. Barbara Arcos , D.O., associate professor and chair of the Department of Family Medicine, received a significant honor during the 35th Annual Florida Society of American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians (FSACOFP) Convention and Family Medicine Update, held July 29–August 2 in Orlando, when she was named as the recipient of the Educator of the Year Award. Established in 2006, the FSACOFP Educator of the Year is selected by the FSACOFP Board of Trustees to honor an individual who has significantly enhanced the academic credibility of osteopathic family medicine in the state of Florida by a sustained, long-term commitment to osteopathic family medicine in academic settings. Cyril Blavo , D.O., M.S., M.P.H.T.M., FACOP, professor and director of the Master of Public Health Program, was invited to be the keynote speaker at the University of San Francisco School of Nursing and Health Professions’ Population Health Sciences Day that was held on August 26. Blavo was selected based on his renowned background in medicine and public health and esteemed reputation as a global advocate for children. Joseph S. De Gaetano , D.O., M.S.Ed., FAAFP, FACOFP, professor of family medicine, was named Mentor of the Year by the Broward Health Medical Center Family Medicine Residency Program. The residents award the honor each summer to a faculty member who has been singled out as an exceptional educator, mentor, and role model for the academic year. On October 22, the college organized a farewell reception for Nadine Chipon-Schoepp , D.O., and Victor Jaffe , D.O., who served as assistant professors of family medicine and joined the college as faculty members in 2010. As they continue to build their careers, Chipon-Schoepp will be working in a private practice, while Jaffe has accepted a position at UnitedHealthcare. Faculty/Staff COMmunications Nadine Chipon-Schoepp (center) accepts well wishes from the college’s dean, Elaine Wallace, D.O., M.S., M.S., M.S. (left), and Barbara Arcos, D.O., chair of the Department of Family Medicine.