Written by Kristian Thomas
In observance of Women in Medicine Month, leadership at UF Health Jacksonville and the University of Florida College of Medicine – Jacksonville would like to recognize our female physicians and health care workers who lead in excellence every day.
The American Medical Association established Women in Medicine Month to recognize the growing number of women in medicine and encourage women and girls to enter the medical field.
Throughout September, we highlighted 10 UF Health employees whose contributions significantly impact medicine and health care.
Fern Webb, PhD, is an associate professor in the UF Department of Surgery – Jacksonville and co-director of the UF Center for Health Equity and Engagement Research.
“I grew up in a family where I saw my parents helping others. I learned at an early age I wanted to do the same. I fell in love with medicine when I took my first graduate course in epidemiology, which ignited my love for population health and the study of epidemiology. As an epidemiologist, I enjoy contributing to research specifically designed to increase our knowledge about cancer, diabetes, wellness and mental health. I have been conducting community-engaged research for more than 20 years now, even before it was recognized as a key strategy for the effective conduct of evidence-based research. My advice to women in this field is, write down your immediate and long-term goals and visit them often. Form relationships with other women and men who can provide mentorship and support regarding your goals and life in general. Celebrate your accomplishments and appreciate your experiences. Remember, you have value even when others seek to devalue you!”
Fern Webb, PhD
Suparna Krishnaiengar, MD, is an assistant professor and associate program director in the UF Department of Neurology – Jacksonville.
“I was a little over 3 years old and my maternal aunt who had just completed medical school had come to spend time with us. Awed by her, an innate interest sparked in me. I knew I wanted to be a physician like her! It was a steadfast, unchanging single-pointed ambition to pursue health care as a profession. Fortunately, my hard work paid off and I was able to get admission to a prestigious medical school, the first allopathic medical school to be established in India, right out of 12th grade. That set the foundation for the rest of my career. Most of my work at UF COMJ is clinical and I work as a neurologist, but my subspecialty training is in epilepsy and reading electroencephalograms (EEGs). I developed and established a program which is the first of its kind in Jacksonville in January 2022 and named it the ‘Pregnancy in Epilepsy Program (PEP).’ This is one of the roles I enjoy the most as I consider it as my service to this unique population. In addition, my role as an associate program director of the neurology residency program enables me to make a more significant contribution to education.”
Suparna Krishnaiengar, MD
Carol Motycka, PharmD, serves as assistant dean and clinical professor at the UF College of Pharmacy’s Jacksonville campus.
“My dad is a pharmacist and always inspired me. He was so good with his patients and truly loved helping them. It was an inspiration to me. As the Jacksonville campus dean for the College of Pharmacy, I have spent 20 years developing and continually evolving our campus. Watching students grow over their four years on campus is truly the most enjoyable part of my position and is what inspires me every single day. Raising three children while managing a demanding career can feel overwhelming at times. I constantly remind myself that what I am doing is making a big difference not only in the lives of the students, but in the eyes of my children as well.”
Carol Motycka, PharmD
Robin Moorman Li, PharmD, is a clinical associate professor and assistant director of the UF College of Pharmacy’s Jacksonville campus.
“I felt that becoming a pharmacist offered me a wonderful opportunity to help improve patients’ understanding of current disease states, the medications prescribed to help manage them and help patients recognize they do have the power to take control of their health by adopting healthy lifestyles and improve overall adherence to therapies. I have the opportunity work with very talented faculty to teach amazing Gator pharmacy students in a variety of classes and work with them directly in student led organizations. The medical field has such a wide range of opportunities. If you enjoy working with people and have a desire to make a difference, find the area you have a passion for and there will be a place in the medical field that is a great fit for you. Making a positive impact in a person’s life is so rewarding. The medical field offers opportunities to do just that about every single day.”
Robin Moorman Li, PharmD
Susan Hendrickson, MS, is division director for quality and patient safety officer for UF Health Jacksonville.
“I have always wanted to be a nurse. I like helping people reach their full potential. Good health is an essential element needed to reach goals and achieve dreams. My career path has allowed me to work with diverse populations in a variety of settings, all with a goal of helping people to achieve improved health outcomes. Currently, I work at all levels of the organization from the front line to administration which allows me to see how all the pieces come together to provide a healing experience for our patients. I like teaching and mentoring people on the tactics of improving performance and seeing them reach the goals they have set for themselves and their departments.”
Susan Hendrickson, MS
Rita James, MHA, is vice president of ambulatory care services at University of Florida Jacksonville Physicians Inc.
“I was the first in my family to go to college and went to a very large high school and did not have any career guidance. I initially went to college to be a medical technologist because I thought it would be interesting. After realizing that’s not what I wanted to do, I went on to get my bachelor’s in business and ultimately master’s in health care administration. I gradually worked my way up in health care administration. I have been fortunate to work at University of Florida Jacksonville Physicians for 25 years. As the vice president of ambulatory services for 25 years, I have enjoyed working with others and identifying and implementing positive change. I’ve had the opportunity to work with great team members to grow and enhance the clinic system. As I near retirement and look back, I am very proud of all we have accomplished.”
Rita James, MHA
Patrice Jones, DNP, is vice president and chief nursing officer at UF Health Jacksonville.
Cindy Rogers, MHA, serves as director of operations at UF Health Wildlight.
Maria Gutierrez, MD, is an assistant professor in the UF Department of Medicine – Jacksonville.
Bernadette Belgado, PharmD, is the director of pharmacy at UF Health Jacksonville and a clinical associate professor at the UF College of Pharmacy Jacksonville campus.