Five Florida physicians were recognized for their contributions to medicine at the 2025 Florida Medical Association (FMA) Annual Meeting. The awards highlighted achievements in service, humanitarian efforts, advocacy, and education.
Michael Patete, MD, an otolaryngologist from Venice, received the Award of Distinguished Service. Dr. Patete has been in private practice for over 30 years and is known for his advocacy on behalf of physicians and patients. He served as the FMA’s 144th President from 2020 to 2021 and has held leadership positions with the FMA PAC and Sarasota County Medical Society.
The Harold S. Strasser, MD Good Samaritan Award was given to Diana Twiggs, MD, a family medicine physician from Fernandina Beach. Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Dr. Twiggs has traveled multiple times to Poland and Ukraine to deliver aid and supplies. She encourages support for volunteer and fundraising efforts related to the conflict and maintains communication with her congressman about funding needs. Dr. Twiggs works with Baptist Health Emergency Resources Group and is a Past President of the Florida Academy of Family Physicians.
Joshua Lenchus, DO, of Fort Lauderdale was honored with the Gerald L. Schiebler, MD Advocate for Medical Students Award. Dr. Lenchus served as FMA’s 146th President from 2022 to 2023 and currently acts as Medical Director for Aetna’s Florida market in the southeast region. His previous roles include Associate Program Director at Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami and Past President of the Florida Osteopathic Medicine Association.
Angeli Maun Akey, MD, based in Gainesville, was also recognized at the meeting. Dr. Akey founded North Florida Integrative Medicine and Ageless Medical Solutions and co-founded FIRRIMup Doctors. She frequently speaks at medical conferences both nationally and internationally and is co-editor of a textbook that received a nomination from the British Medical Association in 2021.
Madeline Joseph, MD, a pediatric emergency medicine physician from Jacksonville, was among those honored as well.
