Gladys Velarde, MD, an associate professor of medicine in the cardiology division at the University of Florida College of Medicine – Jacksonville, is the winner of this year’s Gifted Teacher Award from the Florida Chapter of the American College of Cardiology.

The award recognizes physicians who have devoted many years of “boundless energy” to teaching, helping their institutions and cities gain acclaim as places where learning among medical personnel and the general public is encouraged. Velarde received the award during the Florida chapter’s annual meeting Aug. 19 in Buena Vista. 

“I was shocked because I didn’t even know I was nominated for this award. I felt really touched by this,” Velarde said. “Teaching has been a special part of my career, if not a dominant factor. It’s such a privilege to be able to do that.”

Velarde is medical director of the Women’s Cardiovascular Program at the UF Health Cardiovascular Center – Jacksonville and director of the cardiovascular disease fellowship program at UF COMJ. She also spends time with internal medicine residents during their cardiology rotations and leads several public education initiatives, especially those pertaining to women’s heart health.

“Teaching isn’t just limited to the classroom,” she said. “You teach at the bedside. You teach in the community. You teach by the way you conduct yourself.”  

Velarde said she had great teachers and role models through the years and always feels an obligation to pay it forward. She believes being a good teacher is essential to being a strong physician. 

“I think the two roles are complementary,” she said. “Be engaged with the process. That involves being a good mentor for the people coming after you. And a good teacher is a good learner. Never stop learning.”

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Gladys P. Velarde, MD, FACC, FAHA

Professor
Medical Director, Women's Cardiovascular Heart Program; Program Director, Cardiovascular Disease Fellowship