Derek Covington, MD
Assistant Professor of Anesthesiology
Director, Undersea & Hyperbaric Medicine Clinic
I came to UF because I wanted a high-powered academic medical center with high-acuity cases, great physicians, and excellent resources for patients, research, and education.
I especially like the variety of my clinical assignments. The chance to work in the several locations and in different areas of medicine — including pediatrics, vascular, orthopedics, preoperative, and even undersea medicine — allows me to interact with a lot of different people and keeps me interested. I just don’t know what other place would allow me such flexibility and such a refreshing variety.
I also wanted a town that was livable, not overwhelming in terms of traffic, population, or housing. Gainesville has fit the bill. There’s excellent food, entertainment, and athletics. And as an avid cave diver, the world-renowned springs around here were certainly a draw. It’s quite a sweet spot here in north central Florida!
