Testimonials

Assistant Professor of Anesthesiology

Michael Franklin, DO

"I was initially drawn to UF for a variety of reasons, including a friend from residency who I admired. He completed a cardiothoracic fellowship at UF and had a wealth of positive things to say about the program and the department. Additionally, one of my mentors at my previous institution had worked at UF as an attending physician, and another of my mentors completed his residency here. I had so many people in my corner speaking so highly of UF that I felt like I couldn’t go wrong, and that proved true. I decided to stay after my fellowship in cardiothoracic anesthesiology because I wanted to get the most out of my fellowship training and grow as a cardiothoracic anesthesiologist. With such a range of highly complex cases here, I have the opportunity to continuously hone my skills while contributing to our educational mission. Wonderful faculty mentors and a supportive community mean I never lack for a colleague to bounce ideas off of, and I can seek a second opinion when the need arises. I like Gainesville because of the convenience and affordability. I’m able to work on the types of complex clinical cases often seen in larger metropolitan institutions, while also having the benefits of a spacious yard and easy commute. Plus, Jacksonville, Tampa, or Orlando make for easy weekend getaways."

Michael Franklin

Professor of Anesthesiology; Associate Chair, Faculty Affairs and Professional Development

Brenda Fahy, MD, FCCP, MCCM

"UF has a long history of critical care excellence, which is my subspecialty expertise. At UF, I have the opportunity to work with a very talented, extremely collegial faculty. We’re leaders in simulation and innovation. I enjoy the environment of inquiry as well as the opportunity to teach the next generation of physicians. I’ve had many opportunities to serve the specialty, including serving on the Board of Directors of the American Board of Anesthesiology as one of 12 physician directors and its President for 2018-19. I have also served on the Board of Managers of the American Board of Anesthesiology (ABA) International, which allowed me to travel to Singapore twice. I enjoy living in a college town with an abundance of activities and resources. Gainesville is a wonderful place to live!"

Brenda Fahy, MD

Assistant Professor of Anesthesiology

Cole Dooley, MD

"During my residency interviews at UF, I was amazed by the very warm staff and family-type environment here. Coming from Illinois, the chance to wear shorts in January was also really appealing. I left for a fellowship in Pediatric Anesthesiology and decided to return to UF as faculty because of the outstanding clinical practice. I had numerous mentors here whose advice I relied on. I trusted that the faculty and staff at UF would help me continue to grow into a successful attending anesthesiologist. When I suffered a personal tragedy with the death of my daughter in 2018, the support I received from nursing staff, operating room staff, faculty, and quite honestly hospital-wide was humbling. The caring culture here is truly unique. UF has afforded me the opportunity to pursue what is important to me, including focusing on my passion for providing high-quality medical care for children with some of the most complex conditions, participating in medical mission trips, receiving support for research opportunities, and engaging in professional development opportunities like leadership courses. The department emphasizes helping faculty and staff grow as professionals. Through the opportunities and support provided here, I have been able to grow to where trainees and colleagues seek me out as a resource. This type of empowering environment is second to none."

Cole Dooley, MD

Professor of Anesthesiology; Chair, Pain Medicine Division

Rene Przkora, MD, PhD

u201cI arrived at UF from Texas in 2014 to take over our Multidisciplinary Pain Medicine Fellowship. My vision was to make it one of the most comprehensive Pain Medicine fellowships in the nation with a focus on advanced interventional pain management therapies. I believed that UF was the right place to achieve this goal, having known UF and Gainesville since completing my Anesthesiology residency here. Not only did we surpass our vision, but we also established the largest Pain Medicine Division in the history of UF, reflecting UFu2019s supportive and stimulating environment that provides superior patient care and outstanding education for the next generation of healthcare providers. The funding we have received from the National Institutes of Health is another reason that this is a fantastic time to be at UF in Gainesville, a growing and vibrant city. Looking forward, our next exciting milestone is the creation of the UF Pain Institute, combining comprehensive clinical care, education, research, and advocacy for our patients and community.u201d

Doctor Przkora working at Ayers Pain Clinic

Assistant Professor, Pain Medicine

Sanjeev Kumar, MD

u201cI originally joined UF Health Jacksonville in 2014 and came to Gainesville in 2016. I was working in private practice in Rhode Island and missed the interactions with fellows and residents that make academic medicine so rewarding. I was drawn to joining the premier academic medical center of the Southeast and wanted a warmer climate, so UF was a natural choice. Academic medicine keeps me motivated to enhance my knowledge of the latest pain procedures because itu2019s vital to stay one step ahead of the residents and fellows. UF has offered me numerous unique opportunities, including grants to hone my clinical skills and new avenues to pursue research. The Pain Medicine Division here performs almost all of the advanced procedures that any pain division could do, including the most advanced endoscopic spine decompression procedures. We are at the top of our profession and attract the best and brightest trainees. As a father of young children, I have found Gainesville to be a great place to raise children and enjoy the cityu2019s young feel.u201d

Doctor Sanjeev Kumar performing a pain procedure

Assistant Professor; Critical Care Medicine Division

Amanda Frantz, MD

u0022After deciding to pursue medicine as an undergraduate, UF offered support and opportunities that helped me find my way. When applying for an adult Critical Care Medicine training position, I immediately knew after my interview that I was coming back to UF for my fellowship.n nThe familial work environment and world-renowned Critical Care Medicine Division were the driving forces in my return to Gainesville. Academic medicine keeps me on my toes. The students and residents are eager to learn and excited to provide patient care. Being surrounded by forward-thinking people who want to change medicine for the better makes UF stand out among other academic programs. My coworkers motivate me to be a better physician.n nGainesville has grown in the past decade. After living in larger cities, I enjoy Gainesvilleu2019s cost of living, tolerable traffic, and outdoor activities.u0022

Dr. Frantz teaching a basic skills seminar

Associate Professor; director, cardiothoracic anesthesia fellowship

Edward McGough, MD

u0022I was a resident in our department in the 1980s as well as a Critical Care Medicine fellow, and then I left academics to work in private practice. When the time came to change jobs, UF allowed me to create a job with ample flexibility that catered to my interests in cardiovascular anesthesia. I found a niche doing critical care in a cardiac-only ICU, which is unique, as well as cardiac anesthesia with fellows. Teaching and interacting with the residents and fellows is a lot of fun; they bring so much energy and keep everything interesting and enjoyable.nnThe breadth of what goes on at UF makes it unique. In one location, we have pediatrics, adults, and a VA. We have a huge diversity of care that is hard to find somewhere else. You can find a niche because we have so many different choices. Being in a university town allows you to access diversity; UF brings together a broad array of people with a depth of interests that you wouldnu2019t necessarily find in private practice.u0022

Dr. McGough teaching a resident