Three UCF College of Nursing graduate students were the sole recipients of the Florida Medical Directors Association’s (FMDA) 2009 Careers in Long-Term Care Awards. Award presentations were recently held during the “Best Care Practices in the Geriatrics Continuum 2009” conference at the Buena Vista Palace Hotel in Orlando, Fla.

Kathe Hypes, MSN, GNP, a candidate for a doctoral degree in nursing practice, was named the first-place winner and received an educational grant in the amount of $2,000.

The other two winners, finishing in second and third place respectively, were Herma Baker, MSN, FNP-BC; and Marva Edwards-Marshall, MSN, ARNP-BC. Both are candidates for doctorates in nursing practice, and they too received educational grants.

FMDA President Hugh Thomas, DO, FAAFP, CMD, was delighted with the outcome.

“We are very proud to be able to sponsor such a worthwhile program,” said Dr. Thomas. “It provides an opportunity for up-and-coming physicians, as well as nurse-practitioner and physician-assistant students to share research results, best practices, and outcomes with their colleagues at our annual conference.”

Chairing the Careers in LTC Awards Selection Committee was Naushira Pandya, MD, CMD, associate professor and chair, Department of Geriatrics, Nova Southeastern University College of Osteopathic Medicine in Fort Lauderdale.

“We are thrilled with the commitment shown by Kathe Hypes, Herma Baker, and Marva Edwards-Marshall, in advancing long-term care and geriatrics,” said Dr. Pandya. “In recognition of this award, their dedication to providing care to the elderly does not go unnoticed and their efforts undoubtedly improve the health care and quality of life for our seniors.”

The Careers in LTC Awards Committee ranked each applicant according to the quality and relevance of his or her abstract and poster submission. This unique program is open to all medical residents and fellows who are in geriatrics, family practice, and internal medicine in Florida, and who are interested in practicing in long-term care and geriatrics. In addition, nurse-practitioner and physician-assistant students who are interested in practicing in long-term care and geriatrics are also eligible to apply.

These awards were presented in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., on Oct. 31 at FMDA’s 18th annual conference, “Best Care Practices in the Geriatrics Continuum 2009.”

Republished from an FMDA press release dated Nov. 30, 2009.