USF Health Internal Medicine residents finished sixth in the nation out of 40 teams competing this April in “Doctor’s Dilemma” (Medical Jeopardy) at the American College of Physicians annual meeting in San Diego. That was up from a 9th place finish last year.

The three residents — Dr. Brian Coe (applying to a cardiology fellowship), Dr. Robert Ledford (starting as an attending physician at Tampa General Hospital in July), and Dr. Kellee Oller (applying to a gastroenterology fellowship) — were recognized by the Florida ACP Chapter at a reception in San Diego. In addition to their strong national showing, the USF resident team has won three state titles, including the competition in November at the Florida ACP conference in Fort Lauderdale.

L to R:  USF internal medicine residents Dr. Kelle Oller, Dr. Brian Coe and Dr. Robert Ledford with one of the ACP Medical Jeopardy state title trophies.

“I will win a (resident’s) national title for USF Health,” said the team’s “coach” Dr. Jose Lezama, associate professor of medicine and chief of medicine at James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital. “There is another new generation ready to launch this upcoming academic year. It will happen!”

Dr. Lezama is well-known as the confident coach of both internal medicine residents and medical students who participate in the annual Medical Jeopardy competitions sponsored by ACP. Under his leadership, USF teams have racked up five state titles and medical students (including Coe and Oller, who later moved onto the resident team) won a coveted national championship in 2009.

Dr. Jose Lezama, team “coach