Block awarded high UF honor

University of Florida President Charles Young recently recognized the exceptional achievements of College of Medicine faculty member Edward R. Block, M.D., with one of the university’s highest honors.

Block, a professor of medicine and chief of research for the North Florida/South Georgia Veterans Health System, was awarded the title of distinguished professor for his achievements in teaching, research, professionalism and public service. College of Medicine Dean Kenneth I. Berns nominated Block for the award, which took effect July 1, 2001. The distinction is accompanied by a 9 percent raise.

“You richly deserve this recognition for you are one of the university’s most outstanding and dedicated faculty members,” Young said in letter to Block. “Over the years, your service to the university has been of inestimable value to the students, faculty and administration.”

Block joined the College of Medicine faculty in 1975 and has worked with the VA since 1977. During his 26-year career, he has made several breakthroughs in pulmonary research, including contributing to the discovery of a promising treatment for maintaining normal pulmonary blood pressure levels in people with lung diseases. He has authored more than 100 peer-reviewed journal articles and sits on the editorial board of two research journals.

Three faculty members from other UF colleges also were named as distinguished professors this year. They join 25 others at UF, including seven from the Health Science Center, who have been awarded the title since its inception in 1997.