UF division chief named to new honorary for women physicians

The University of Florida College of Medicine’s internal medicine division chief has been named to a new national honorary for women physicians.

Rebecca R. Pauly, M.D., an associate professor of medicine, was one of the first six Florida inductees to Local Legends, a project launched in July 2003 to recognize American women physicians who have demonstrated exceptional commitment, originality, innovation or creativity. The project is sponsored by the National Library of Medicine and the American Medical Women’s Association.

Pauly, who has led the UF department of medicine’s internal medicine division since 1998, is perhaps best known for her medical education efforts, which include directing the Essentials of Patient Care two-year course curriculum. Pauly was nominated for Local Legends by Rep. Cliff Stearns, approved by a selections committee from the association and inducted Feb. 6 at the American Medical Women’s Association annual meeting in San Diego. The project will produce a Web site, documentary DVD and traveling exhibit celebrating the inductees.