UF pulmonologist Block appointed permanent chairman of department of medicine

University of Florida pulmonologist Edward R. Block, M.D., has been appointed permanent chairman of the UF College of Medicine’s department of medicine, effective March 1, following a successful 10-month term as interim chairman.

Block, known for his pioneering research on lung endothelial cell biology, was appointed by UF College of Medicine Dean C. Craig Tisher, M.D. Block has been a member of the department’s faculty since 1975 and in 2001 was promoted to distinguished professor of medicine in recognition of his outstanding service to UF. He is a previous recipient of the UF College of Medicine Faculty Research Prize in Clinical Science and a UF Research Foundation professorship and a current recipient of the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute’s MERIT award (1998-2008).

In his new role, Block plans to build the department by strengthening its 10 clinical divisions and emphasizing cancer treatment and cardiac-care efforts in cooperation with Shands HealthCare. He also hopes to establish a geriatrics division in cooperation with the Malcom Randall Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Gainesville.