“When someone has built up a life ledger full of meaningful experiences, the prospects of serious illness and death often do not seem so threatening.” DOCTOR GATOR | 9 Honoring a role model Maureen Novak, MD, was honored May 3 by the UF College of Medicine class of 2017 with this year’s esteemed Hippocratic Award. Established by the class of 1969, the award is presented to a UF College of Medicine faculty member who embodies humanism, professionalism and teaching prowess. The Hippocratic Award is widely considered one of the highest honors a graduating class bestows on one of its teachers. Novak, associate dean for medical education, also received the award in 2011. During a ceremony held at UF’s Wilmot Gardens, associate dean for student affairs Patrick Duff, MD, explained that the “small, respectable tree” standing near the plaque honoring past Hippocratic Award recipients bears roots from the same tree under which Hippocrates taught his students medicine in ancient Greece. The tree was a gift from the Greek minister of agriculture. Fourth-year medical student Christian Reintgen, MD '17, outlined why Novak was chosen for the second time. “She represents respect, mindfulness and humanism,” he said. “She’s acted as guide, advocate, teacher and friend to all of us students.” Jeremy Collado, MD ’17, called Novak an advocate for her students. “She’s one of the most caring, compassionate and responsive educators out there,” he said. “Anytime you need advice or help, even after hours, within minutes she will respond and solve your problems or offer advice. She’s the first person the students turn to.” UF College of Medicine Dean Michael L. Good, MD, said Novak serves as a role model for her students. “To be recognized by your students, that is indeed what it's all about," he said. “Some people deny it. She was never in denial. For her it was 'I have it, and I have to deal with it.' She dealt with it.” — Desmond Schatz, MD, medical director of the UF Diabetes Institute, discusses actress Mary Tyler Moore’s Type 1 diabetes experience with National Public Radio, Jan. 26. Moore died Jan. 25 at age 80. “We know that men are often compelled by stereotypes to act tough and manly, so they may be reporting less pain than they really feel. By the same token, women may be encouraged to report pain.” — Roger Fillingim, PhD, director of the UF Pain Research and Intervention Center of Excellence, speaking with TIME Health on the cultural expectations of chronic pain, April 4. PHOTOS BY — James Lynch, MD, a UF professor of medicine, with Richard Gunderman, asking, “Can a dying patient be a healthy person?” in The Conversation, Feb. 8. “She's the first person the students turn to.” Graduating student Christian Reintgen presents Dr. Maureen Novak with the 2017 Hippocratic Award during a ceremony at UF Wilmot Gardens in May. PHOTO BY MINDY C. MILLER By TYLER FRANCISCHINE — Jeremy Collado, MD ’17
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