FCAAP NAMES 2021 CHAPTER AWARD WINNERS
Tallahassee, FL (July 6, 2021) – Through the Florida Pediatric Foundation (FPF), the Florida Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics (FCAAP) has named the 2021 recipients of its two prestigious Chapter awards.
“The Florida Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics is proud to honor Dr. Judith Schaechter with the Audrey Lincourt Schiebler, RN, FAAP, and Gerold Schiebler, MD, FAAP, Advocacy Award and honor Dr. Mark Bleiweis with the Phillip O. Lichtblau, MD, Award,” said FCAAP President Lisa Gwynn, DO, MBA, MSPH, FAAP. “Dr. Schaechter and Dr. Bleiweis have led exceptional careers in pediatrics, and it is a privilege to honor their work with the Chapter’s highest recognitions. We thank them both for their dedication to Florida’s children and families.”
The Audrey Lincourt Schiebler, RN, FAAP, and Gerold Schiebler, MD, FAAP, Advocacy Award is given annually to a physician who has worked beyond the profession, educated local and state legislators, and diligently advocated to improve the health and welfare of Florida’s children.
Judith Schaechter, MD, MBA, FAAP
Judith Schaechter, MD, MBA, FAAP has been selected as the 2021 recipient of the FCAAP Audrey Lincourt Schiebler, RN, FAAP, and Gerold Schiebler, MD, FAAP, Advocacy Award. Dr. Schaechter is a former member of FCAAP’s Board of Directors and is currently a Health Policy Fellow with the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation in Washington, DC, where she works with the U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions. She is a practicing general pediatrician, educator, child health leader, and policy analyst, and will serve as President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the American Board of Pediatrics, beginning Jan. 1, 2022.
The Philip O. Lichtblau, MD, Award is given annually to a pediatric surgeon or pediatric surgical specialist who has contributed significantly either regionally or statewide to the Children’s Medical Services Program.
Mark Steven Bleiweis, MD
Mark Steven Bleiweis, MD has been selected as the 2021 recipient of the FCAAP Philip O. Lichtblau, MD, Award. Dr. Bleiweis currently serves in multiple leadership roles at University of Florida, including Director of the Congenital Heart Center, The William G. Lassiter Jr. and Aneice R. Lassiter Professorship, and Professor in the Departments of Surgery and Pediatrics at the University of Florida College of Medicine; Chief of Pediatric Cardiovascular Surgery at UF Health Shands Children’s Hospital; and Surgical Director at the Adult Heart Transplantation Program.
“It’s an honor to accept this award in the name of a physician whose legacy is a reflection of not only his medical acumen, but the kindness and respect he showed to his patients, families, and fellow health care providers,” said Dr. Bleiweis. I could not have done it without the help of our incredible team, which US News and World Reports named Florida’s No. 1 pediatric hospital this year. On this 15th anniversary of the UF Health Congenital Heart Center, our children’s hospital’s pediatric cardiology and heart surgery program reached an all-time high ranking at No. 7, and I look forward to the milestones to come.”
Both awards will be presented to the winners as part of the Chapter’s award ceremony during FCAAP’s annual conference, The Future of Pediatric Practice 2021, set for September 3-5 at Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club Resorts. The full agenda and event details can be found at bit.ly/FPP2021-Home.
About FCAAP
Through its more than 2,500 members, the Florida Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics promotes the health & welfare of Florida’s children and supports pediatricians & pediatric specialists as the best qualified providers of their healthcare. Learn more by visiting www.fcaap.org.
About FPF
The Florida Pediatric Foundation, Inc. is the 501(c)(3) charitable foundation of the Florida Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics (FCAAP). Through the Florida Pediatric Foundation (FPF), FCAAP supports state-wide and community health care programs that benefit children, adolescents, and young adults. FPF supports quality improvement projects designed to improve pediatric healthcare in the state. Learn more by visiting www.fcaap.org/foundation.
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CONTACT:
Melanie Range
Director of Communications & Events
Florida Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics
mrange@fcaap.org
850-224-3939
