Rana Alissa, MD, associate professor in the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Florida College of Medicine – Jacksonville, has been elected president of the Florida Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics (FCAAP). In this new role, she will lead more than 2,700 members as they champion the health and welfare of Florida’s children while supporting pediatricians.
From the age of five, improving the lives of children has been Alissa’s passion and evolved into one of her career goals. As FCAAP president, she is honored to advance the mission further.
“Representing the pediatricians and children of the State of Florida as the FCAAP president means leading and uniting our voices to do what all pediatricians love to do: help our patients and advocate for them,” Alissa said.
Alissa’s journey in medicine began in 1997 at Damascus University in Syria, where she completed her medical degree. In 2010, residency would bring her to the UF College of Medicine – Jacksonville, where she completed her training and joined the Department of Pediatrics in 2013 as a faculty member. Alissa recently finished a training in Medical Informatics
Throughout her early training in the States she overcame language and cultural barriers to do what she loved most – provide care to our society's most innocent. A fervent advocate for quality improvement and patient safety, Dr. Alissa has published numerous research papers and garnered several teaching, research, and advocacy awards.
At UF, Alissa served as the medical director of UF Health Jacksonville’s Newborn Nursery for five years and currently oversees newborn nurseries at two UF campuses. Beyond UF, she sits on the board of directors for the Duval County Medical Society (DCMS) and actively encourages her peers to engage with local and national organizations. Prior to being elected president of the FCAAP, she served as the vice-president of the organization.
“The support and empowerment of our fellow physicians is crucial as we deliver high-quality care to our patients,” Alissa said. “Local and national organizations advocate for physicians and offer them resources, education, research, benefits, mentorship, and networking opportunities. More importantly, they offer well-being programs for physicians with a variety of helpful activities to alleviate the stress of our busy and demanding jobs so we can focus on the rewarding and fulfilling aspects of our noble profession.”
Since residency, Alissa has been an active member of the Florida Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Duval County Medical Society, continuously advocating for the advancement of pediatric care and pediatricians.
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