TEACHERS WHO INSPIRE

Since 1969, each graduating class presents the Hippocratic Award to a faculty member annually.

Established by the UF College of Medicine class of 1969, the Hippocratic Award is presented annually by each graduating class to a faculty member who represents the ideal role model and embodies professionalism, humanism and teaching prowess. The word “Hippocratic” refers to the Greek father of modern medicine, Hippocrates, who was known for his teaching and contributions to medicine.

Award recipients were initially recognized on a plaque in front of UF Health Shands Hospital near a sycamore tree given to the College of Medicine by the Greek minister of agriculture in 1969. This tree, known as the Hippocratic tree, was a cutting from a tree under which Hippocrates taught medicine on the Greek island of Kos, according to legend.

Several years ago, the College of Medicine permanently moved the award ceremony to Wilmot Gardens and transplanted a cutting from the original tree. Today, the gardens include the sapling from the Hippocratic tree and a new display for the plaques, with a plaque for each new recipient added annually.

Faculty spotlight

2021 hippocratic award winner

Ana Turner, M.D.

During a ceremony held May 5, students from the class of 2021 selected Ana Turner, M.D., as the 2021 Hippocratic Award recipient. Turner is an assistant professor and clerkship director for the department of psychiatry at the UF College of Medicine – Jacksonville. Students say she is a fierce advocate for marginalized populations and she "has truly gone above and beyond to inspire, teach and shape” them.

*Denotes a UF College of Medicine graduate