UF pediatricians promoted

Two faculty members in the University of Florida College of Medicine’s department of pediatrics have been promoted. Dr. James Sherman was appointed associate chairman of pediatrics. Dr. Gary Visner was named chief of the department’s pediatric pulmonary diseases division.

In his new position, Sherman will direct academic affairs and educational programs for the department. He also will be involved in special projects. Sherman, a professor of pediatrics, took over the position Feb. 7. He succeeds Dr. Richard Bucciarelli who now heads government relations for the UF Health Science Center.

Visner, an associate professor of pediatrics, assumed Sherman’s former role overseeing the administrative affairs of the pediatric pulmonary diseases division and the work of seven faculty members and three fellows.

In his new role, Visner will work to increase research into lung inflammation, including cystic fibrosis, and will work to enhance UF’s pediatric lung transplant program. He also hopes to help establish a multicenter research group in pediatric lung transplantation and develop a state or regional asthma center through Children’s Medical Services.

Both men will report to Dr. Douglas Barrett, chairman of the department of pediatrics.