Michael Patete, MD, an otolaryngologist based in Venice, has been recognized with the Award of Distinguished Service at the 2025 Florida Medical Association (FMA) Annual Meeting. Dr. Patete has worked as a private practice physician for over three decades and is known for his advocacy efforts on behalf of physicians and patients. He previously served as the FMA’s 144th President from 2020 to 2021 and has also held leadership roles as Past President of the FMA PAC, Sarasota County Medical Society, and the SCMS PAC.
Diana Twiggs, MD, a family medicine physician from Fernandina Beach, received the Harold S. Strasser, MD Good Samaritan Award. Since Russia began its invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Dr. Twiggs has made multiple trips to Poland and Ukraine to deliver humanitarian aid and transport donated supplies. She encourages others to support volunteer initiatives and regularly communicates with her congressman about funding issues. Dr. Twiggs works with Baptist Health Emergency Resources Group and is a Past President of the Florida Academy of Family Physicians as well as the 2023 FAFP Family Physician of the Year.
Joshua Lenchus, DO, 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 is recognized for his commitment to understanding medical students’ challenges and providing mentorship. He currently serves as Medical Director for Aetna’s Florida market in the southeast region and was Associate Program Director at Jackson Memorial Hospital’s internal medicine program in Miami from 2007 to 2016. Dr. Lenchus is also a Past President of the Florida Osteopathic Medicine Association.
Angeli Maun Akey, MD, an internist specializing in integrative and holistic medicine from Gainesville, was acknowledged for her work founding North Florida Integrative Medicine and Ageless Medical Solutions as well as co-founding FIRRIMup Doctors. She is a frequent speaker at medical conferences nationally and internationally and co-edited “Fascia, Function, and Medical Applications,” which was nominated for a British Medical Association award in 2021.
Madeline Joseph, MD, specializing in pediatrics and pediatric emergency medicine in Jacksonville, was also among those honored at this year’s meeting.
“Dr. Patete is a tireless advocate for physicians and patients, and he has dedicated countless hours to organized medicine at the state and county level.”
“Since the beginning of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Dr. Twiggs has traveled to Poland four times and into Ukraine three times, delivering humanitarian aid and transporting donated supplies.”
“Dr. Lenchus…has consistently demonstrated a willingness to understand medical students’ unique concerns and struggles, making him an invaluable mentor and advocate.”
“Dr. Akey is…a sought-after speaker for medical conferences nationally and internationally…”