Two USF Health physicians were among the recipients of the Greater Temple Terrace Chamber of Commerce’s first annual Medical Hero Awards.

Richard F. Lockey, MD, Distinguished University Health Professor and director of Allergy and Immunology at USF and James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital, won in the Specialist category.  David L. Vesely,  MD, PhD, a professor of medicine and molecular pharmacology and physiology at USF Health and research scientist at USF and the James A. Haley Veterans’  Hospital in Tampa, won in the Researcher category. 

USF Health’s Dr. Richard Lockey, left, and Dr. David Vesely were among the winners of the inaugural Medical Hero Awards presented Feb. 10 by the Greater Temple Terrace Chamber of Commerce.

The winners in each of six categories — Physician, Dentist, Mental Health Professional and Chiropractor as well as Physician and Researcher — were selected from nearly 100 entries.   Criteria used in the judging process were excellence, innovation, community education, professional services and quality improvement. 

The awards were presented Feb. 10, 2011, at a chamber-hosted dinner at the T. Pepin Hospitality Centre in Tampa.  Nicole Johnson, executive director of Bringing Science Home at USF Health and Miss America 1999, served as emcee for the event.

The Medical Hero Award event was established to provide a meaningful way to recognize  health care professionals in the business community who have demonstrated excellence within the health care industry and honor them for their many contributions to the vibrancy of their community.

Eric E. Coris, MD, associate professor of family medicine and director of Primary Care Sports Medicine at USF Health, was a finalist in the Physician category.  Stephen K. Klasko, MD, MBA, CEO for USF Health and dean of the College of Medicine, was a finalist in the Researcher category.