Recognize Excellence in Psychiatry: Nominate a Colleague Today!

Who has inspired you? The Florida Psychiatric Society (FPS) is now accepting nominations for several prestigious awards to honor members who have made outstanding contributions to the field of psychiatry. Our organization's success thrives on the dedication of our members who advance both practice and theory, demonstrate leadership, and create a sustainable impact in the psychiatric field.

This is your opportunity to acknowledge those colleagues who have made a difference in your life and in the psychiatric community.

At the bottom of this page, you’ll find a list of ways to nominate an FPS member. You can select one or more physicians for one or more categories. Please submit a separate nomination form for each nominee and award category. Nominations will be reviewed by the Programs and Meetings Committee, and recipients will be recognized at the FPS Spring Meeting.

Award Categories

Practitioner of the Year Award

This award is presented to an FPS member who has projected a positive and accurate image of psychiatry through clinical practice. Eligible activities include, but are not limited to:

• Participation in formal educational activities aimed at professional groups, patient advocacy organizations, and the public.
• Active involvement with patient advocacy groups (e.g., National Alliance on Mental Illness, Mental Health America, Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance, ChADD).
• Contributions to the Florida Medical Association and county medical societies.
• Engagement in legislative affairs, local or state political activities, or service on advisory boards and community organizations.
• Other initiatives that promote awareness of mental illnesses, advances in treatment, and recovery support.

Past Recipients:

2024 Recipient: Barbara Gracious, MD
2023 Recipient: Louis Solomon, MD

2022 Recipient: Sushil Puskur, MD

2021 Recipient: Daniel Castellanos, MD

2020 Recipient: Caryn Schorr, MD
2018 Recipient: Debra M. Barnett, MD
2017 Recipient: Jacqueline A. Hobbs, MD

2015 Recipient: Ryan Hall, MD

2014 Recipient: Stefan Pasternack, MD
2013 Recipient: David Gross, MD
2012 Recipient: R. Scott Benson, MD
2011 Recipient: Phillip W. Cushman, MD

2010 Recipient: John T. Bailey, DO

Friendship Award

The Friendship Award is given to an FPS member who has promoted appropriate treatment of persons with mental illnesses and/or substance use disorders to other organizations. Eligible activities include, but are not limited to:

• Participation in civic organizations.
• Involvement with charitable or religious organizations.
• Service on hospital committees or boards.
• Sharing examples of best psychiatric practices.
• Mentoring aspiring psychiatrists.

Past Recipients:

2024 Recipient: David Tobolowsky, MD
2023 Recipient: Ludmila De Faria, MD

2022 Recipient: Audrey La Noce, DO

2021 Recipient: Bruce Saltz, MD
2020 Recipient: Ethan Kass, DO, MBA
2018 Recipient: Ryan C.W. Hall, MD

2017 Recipient: S. Reddy Pasem, MD

Public Service Award

This award recognizes an FPS member who has educated the public about psychiatry or has demonstrated exemplary public service. Eligible activities include, but are not limited to:

• Presentations or participation in public educational forums or community events.
• Establishing media contacts (online, print, radio, television).
• Supporting national, state, or international humanitarian efforts.
• Promoting awareness of the role of psychiatry in society.
• Initiating activities to promote psychiatry.

Past Recipients:

2024 Recipient: Andrew Migliaccio, MD

2022 Recipient: Colleen Bell, MD

2021 Recipient: Abbey Strauss, MD
2020 Recipient: Cassandra Newkirk, MD
2018 Recipient: Joseph E. Thornton, MD

How to Nominate a Colleague

Choose one of the following methods to nominate an FPS member:

1. Fill out the online submission form below.
2. Download the Nomination Form (PDF) and email it to tucker@floridapsych.org.
3. Fax the form to the Florida Psychiatric Society at 850-224-8406.
4. Mail the form to:
   Florida Psychiatric Society
   521 East Park Avenue
   Tallahassee, Florida 32301
5. Submit a form on-site at any FPS meeting for the following year.

We look forward to receiving your nominations and celebrating the extraordinary efforts of our members!