USF Health faculty, staff and students are making an enduring impact across the state and nation through their commitment to research, education, patient care and community service. Congratulations to the outstanding Bulls recognized this quarter for their achievements.
Faculty
John Clark, PharmD, an associate professor at the USF Health Taneja College of Pharmacy, received the Florida Society of Health-System Pharmacists Anna Thiel Meritorious Service Award. The award is given out annually to a Florida pharmacist who is recognized for their devotion and dedication to FSHP by being extensively involved for an extended period.
Gary Cohen, PhD, athletic training director of clinical education at the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine School of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Sciences, was named Educator of the Year by the Athletic Trainers’ Association of Florida. The award recognizes an athletic trainer who serves as a college or university faculty member in a teaching or administrative role with a professional or post-professional athletic training program.
Eric Coris, MD, professor and director of Primary Care Sports Medicine in the USF Health Department of Family Medicine, was named the Dr. Robert Cade Sports Medicine Person of the Year from the Athletic Trainers’ Association of Florida. The award recognizes individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the athletic training profession, aligning with the legacy of Robert Cade, MD, a pioneering physician and inventor of Gatorade.
Ambika Eranki, MD, assistant professor in the USF Health Department of Internal Medicine’s Division of Infectious Disease, was named a Fellow of the Infectious Diseases Society of America. Fellowship is awarded to distinguished clinicians, scientists and public health experts whose careers reflect scientific excellence, compassionate care, leadership and service at the local, regional, national and international levels.
Racha Khalaf, MD, assistant professor and chief of Pediatric Gastroenterology at the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine, was named to the Tampa Bay Business Journal 40 Under 40. The award recognizes rising stars in local businesses who have distinguished themselves in their companies, communities and industries.
Karla Maldonado, DrAP, was selected for the Consortium of Universities for Global Health Academic Partnership Mentor-Mentee Program for the 2026–2027 academic year. The program brings together nurses, physicians, researchers, educators and administrators from around the world to foster professional development and advance global health initiatives.
John Maye, PhD, professor and program director for the Advanced Pain Management Fellowship with the USF Health College of Nursing, received the 2026 Helen Lamb Outstanding Educator Award from the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology. The award is presented to a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist for significant contributions to the education of nurse anesthetists and the advancement of educational standards in the profession.
Pushpak Taunk, MD, assistant professor in the USF Health Division of Diseases and Nutrition, was named a Fellow of the American College of Gastroenterology. Fellowship is awarded to members who demonstrate exceptional professional accomplishments and expertise in gastroenterology, pediatric gastroenterology, gastrointestinal surgery, gastrointestinal radiology or gastrointestinal pathology.
Camille Thelin, MD, director of the Women’s GI Health Program at the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine, was named a Fellow of the American College of Gastroenterology. Fellowship is awarded to members who demonstrate exceptional professional accomplishments and expertise in gastroenterology, pediatric gastroenterology, gastrointestinal surgery, gastrointestinal radiology or gastrointestinal pathology.
Kunal Vakharia, MD, a neurosurgeon in the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine Department of Neurosurgery, was named to the Becker’s Hospital Review list of 20 Neurosurgeons to Know. The list recognizes neurosurgeons for their impact on the field through innovation, research and leadership.
Tianyu Zhao, PhD, professor and vice chair of Medical Physics, Radiation Oncology at USF Health, was named a Fellow of the American Association of Physicists in Medicine. Fellowship is for members who have made exceptional contributions to the medical physics community through research, education and leadership.
More than 100 USF Health physicians were named to Tampa Bay Magazine’s 2026 Top Doctors list. The annual list is based on an anonymous survey of more than 13,600 physicians, who were invited to nominate peers they consider the best in their respective specialties.
Staff
Joan Bailey, director of the USF Health Financial Aid Office, was recognized as a USF Health Culture Champion. Bailey received a USF Health Culture Coin during the Student Success Roundtable in August.
Jennifer Newcomb, communications and marketing administrator for the USF Health Department of Internal Medicine, was recognized as a USF Health Culture Champion. She was presented her USF Health Culture Coin in July.
Raena Steffen, physical therapist at the University of South Florida Student Health and Wellness Center, was named the Clinical Athletic Trainer of the Year by the Athletic Trainers’ Association of Florida. The award recognizes an athletic trainer practicing in a clinical setting for their professionalism, dedication to patients and actions that advance athletic training and the mission of the ATAF.
Students
Natasa Billeci, a PhD candidate at the USF Health College of Nursing, received the BrightFocus Foundation’s 2026 Alzheimer’s FastTrack Workshop Travel Award. She will travel to Washington, D.C. for a collaborative learning experience designed to advance researchers’ knowledge, expertise and visibility in Alzheimer’s disease research.
Sarah McCrackin, fourth-year medical student at the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine, was recognized as a USF Health Culture Champion. McCrackin received a USF Health Culture Coin during the Student Success Roundtable in August.