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Four UF COMJ faculty members assume newly created leadership positions

Four faculty members at the University of Florida College of Medicine – Jacksonville are stepping into newly created leadership positions at the college. Leon L. Haley Jr., MD, MHSA, dean of UF COMJ and CEO of UF Health Jacksonville, announced the appointments Monday, Jan. 14.

Assistant dean for faculty affairs – Kelly Best, MD 

Kelly Best, MD, an associate professor of obstetrics and gynecology, has been named assistant dean for faculty affairs. In this role, she will provide advice to faculty on clinical, research and educational portfolios as it relates to promotion and tenure. She will also work with college mentors and department leadership on effective mentoring for assistant- and associate-level faculty to facilitate successful promotion and tenure.

Associate dean for inclusion and equity – Madeline Joseph, MD

Madeline Joseph, MD, a professor of emergency medicine, has been named associate dean for inclusion and equity. In this role, she will work with clinical department leadership and deans to integrate equity and inclusivity into research, academic programs, clinical practice and community health. Joseph will collaborate with the UF chief diversity officer and other equity and inclusion leaders across the university. She will work closely with UF Health Diversity Council leadership in Jacksonville to bridge opportunities between the hospital and the colleges of Medicine, Nursing and Pharmacy.

Medical director of community health – Ross Jones, MD, MPH

Ross Jones, MD, MPH, an assistant professor of community health and family medicine, will serve as medical director of community health. In this role, he will partner with and engage the community to improve overall health and well-being. In addition, he will explore innovative ways of delivering health care to the community.

Director of Work-Life Center – David Chesire, PhD

David Chesire, PhD, an associate professor of surgery, has been named director of the new Work-Life Center. Chesire, who specializes in trauma psychology, will promote wellness, employee engagement and resilience among all campus employees through prevention programs, educational outreach, program evaluation and comprehensive mental/behavioral health programs designed to serve the unique needs of health care providers and employees. 

“Congratulations to these faculty members on their appointments,” Haley said. “This is an exciting time for our organization as we continue to move medicine forward and achieve our vision to be the region’s most valued health care asset.”

Featured Faculty

Kelly A. Best, MD, FACOG

Kelly A. Best, MD, FACOG

Associate Professor
Program Director, Obstetrics and Gynecology Residency

David J. Chesire, PhD

David J. Chesire, PhD

Associate Professor
Director, Center for Healthy Minds and Practice

Ross E. Jones, MD

Ross E. Jones, MD

Associate Professor
Medical Director, UF Health and Family Medicine - Elizabeth G. Means Center; Medical Director, Total Care Group; Medical Director, Community Health

Madeline M. Joseph, MD

Madeline M. Joseph, MD

Professor
Associate Dean for Faculty Advancement and Engagement