Dr. Joe Lezama is a "double Gator," having obtained an undergraduate degree in microbiology and cell science and his MD degree from the University of Florida in 1997. He completed his internal medicine residency at the University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine in 2000 and then joined the faculty of USF Internal Medicine where he has taught internal medicine residents and medical students for the last 24 years. Dr. Lezama served as the Associate Chair of Medicine from 2006 through 2011 until transitioning that year to his present role as Vice Chair of Education . Dr. Lezama was instrumental in establishing one of the nation’s first Patient Safety and Quality Improvement fellowships at USF nearly fifteen years ago. The program has graduated close to 20 trainees who have gone on to leadership roles throughout the country. His group gained national recognition from the Institute for Safe Medication Practices in 2014. As Medical Director of the Coordinating Center for Operation Haiti Relief, the State Surgeon General acknowledged Dr. Lezama for his community leadership in emergency management. His educational accolades include more than 30 awards and recognitions, including three-time winner of “Teacher of the Year” for the USF College of Medicine and seven-time winner of “Teacher of the Year” for the Department of Internal Medicine. He was inducted into the University of Florida College of Medicine Wall of Fame in 2020 and selected by the American College of Physicians for the Laureate Award in 2021. He was elected to the Mastership level of the American College of Physicians in October 2023.
