Michael Patete, MD, an otolaryngologist from Venice, has received the Award of Distinguished Service at the 2025 Florida Medical Association (FMA) Annual Meeting. Dr. Patete has practiced privately for over three decades and is recognized for his advocacy work for both physicians and patients. He previously served as the FMA’s 144th President between 2020 and 2021 and has held leadership positions with the FMA PAC, Sarasota County Medical Society (SCMS), and SCMS PAC.
Diana Twiggs, MD, a family medicine physician from Fernandina Beach, was honored with 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 supplies. She also motivates others to support related volunteer activities and communicates regularly with her congressional representative regarding funding efforts. Dr. Twiggs works with Baptist Health Emergency Resources Group and is a former president of the Florida Academy of Family Physicians.
Joshua Lenchus, DO, of Fort Lauderdale, received the Gerald L. Schiebler, MD Advocate for Medical Students Award for his support of medical students’ concerns. “Dr. Lenchus, who served as the FMA’s 146th President from 2022 to 2023, has consistently demonstrated a willingness to understand medical students’ unique concerns and struggles, making him an invaluable mentor and advocate.” Currently he is Medical Director for Aetna’s Florida market in the southeast region; previously he was Associate Program Director at Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami from 2007 to 2016 and led the Florida Osteopathic Medicine Association.
Angeli Maun Akey, MD, an internal medicine specialist based in Gainesville who practices integrative and holistic medicine, was also recognized at this year’s meeting. Dr. Akey founded North Florida Integrative Medicine as well as Ageless Medical Solutions and Palm Beach Institute of Preventive Medicine; she also co-founded FIRRIMup Doctors. She is frequently invited to speak at national and international medical conferences and co-edited “Fascia, Function, and Medical Applications,” which was nominated for a British Medical Association award in 2021.
Madeline Joseph, MD, a pediatrician specializing in pediatric emergency medicine from Jacksonville, was another honoree recognized during the annual event.
