Nicole M. Iovine, M.D., Ph.D., named chief epidemiology officer for UF Health Shands

Nicole M. Iovine, M.D., Ph.D., is taking on an expanded leadership role as epidemiology officer in chief for the UF Health Shands hospital system.

Iovine joined University of Florida Health in 2009 as an assistant professor in the College of Medicine’s division of infectious diseases and global medicine. From 2012 to 2014, she served as the director of the College of Medicine’s Antimicrobial Stewardship Program. She has also held a dual appointment with the Malcom Randall Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Gainesville. Since 2014, she has been the hospital epidemiologist for UF Health Shands, guiding the hospital’s Infection Control department and collaborating across the hospital system and College of Medicine.

Iovine said an abiding interest in how microorganisms affect people has driven her throughout her career, calling it an honor to help safeguard patients’ well-being.

“As an epidemiologist, I have the privilege of caring for and positively affecting the health of hundreds of patients. One of the best things I can do as a physician is prevent disease,” she said.

In her new role that begins Jan. 7, Iovine will continue to collaborate with hospital and medical staff while leading the hospital system’s infection control and safety efforts. She will also work closely with Michele Lossius, M.D., on infection prevention and mortality reduction. Lossius has been appointed chief quality officer for UF Health Shands effective Jan. 7.

“Dr. Nicole Iovine’s wealth of experience and skills makes her an ideal fit to take on broader leadership responsibilities. During her time at UF Health, she has proven herself in challenging roles that are crucial to patient care and well-being,” said Ed Jimenez, CEO of UF Health Shands.

Prior to joining UF Health, Iovine held hospital appointments at New York University, Bellevue Hospital and the New York Harbor VA Medical Center in New York. She has a doctoral degree in microbiology from New York University and she completed her medical degree, internal medicine internship and infectious disease fellowship at NYU. She is board-certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine in both internal medicine and infectious disease, and is a fellow of the Infectious Disease Society of America.

Iovine’s research expertise includes the clinical manifestations, epidemiology and genetics of influenza viruses, and a focus on understanding the innate defenses against and best treatment options for multidrug-resistant Gram-negative infections and similar diseases.