About PCOMS
Awards - Nominations Now Accepted
Annually we recognize distinguished healthcare leaders with our Physician of the Year Award, Distinguished Service Award and Lifetime Achievement Award during our December Holiday Dinner. Nominations are open to all PCOMS members. Please submit your nominations no later than October 23, 2026 by emailing executivedirector@pcomsociety.com or admin@pcomsociety.com
2026 Awards
Nominate Your Peers
This is the criteria for the PCOMS Award Nominations for 2026.
Please email the completed form to executivedirector@pcomsociety.com or to admin@pcomsociety.com.
All nominations should be received by October 23, 2026.
PCOMS Physician of the Year Award
This award is given to an osteopathic physician who has made a significant contribution to the osteopathic community in the past year. The candidate must be a Florida-licensed osteopathic physician in good standing.
PCOMS Distinguished Service Award
This award is given to an individual in recognition of outstanding accomplishments in scientific, professional, osteopathic education or service to the osteopathic profession or citizens of Florida at a state or national level. This is the highest honor that PCOMS can bestow upon an individual. The award is not limited to physicians.
PCOMS Lifetime Achievement Award
This award is given to an osteopathic physician who has made a significant contribution to the osteopathic community over the span of his/her lifetime. The candidate must be either a Florida licensed osteopathic physician in good standing or a retired osteopathic physician.
2025 Distinguished Service Award
Joseph J. Namey, Jr., DO, MACOI, FACP
The Pinellas County Osteopathic Medical Society recognizes Joseph J. Namey, Jr., DO, MACOI, FACP with the Distinguished Service Award.
Dr. Namey’s distinguished career has elevated the standards of osteopathic medicine, strengthened the fabric of our medical community, and advanced the health and wellbeing of countless patients across Florida and the nation.
For more than three decades, Dr. Joseph J. Namey has embodied the highest ideals of our profession. He has earned the respect of colleagues, trainees, and community leaders through his clinical mastery, academic rigor, and unwavering commitment to compassionate care and community service as evidenced by being recognized by his peers as a Master Fellow of the American College of Osteopathic Internists and Fellow of the American College of Physicians.
As the Founding Program Director of the Internal Medicine Residency at HCA Healthcare/USF Morsani College of Medicine, Dr. Namey built a program that continues to shape the next generation of physicians. His earlier leadership as Program Director at NSU Sun Coast Hospital and his service as Clinical Professor of Medicine, Nova Southeastern University KC Patel College of Osteopathic medicine, reflect a lifelong dedication to medical education, mentorship, and the advancement of the practice of medicine that will reverberate for years to come.
His scholarly activity represented by peer reviewed publications and presentations have spanned more than three decades, including American Heart Association publications, national, State, Specialty Societies conference presentations, peer-reviewed case reports, and ongoing research collaborations. His work has illuminated rare diseases, complex clinical presentations, and innovative approaches to patient care.
Dr. Namey’s service to the community is equally extraordinary. His leadership roles include: Chairman, HCA Largo Hospital Board of Trustees, Medical Control Board, Pinellas County EMS Representing the PCOMS for over 30 years, Board of Directors, Clearwater Free Clinic, Advisory Council, Pinellas County Sheriff’s Department, Chairman, State Smoking for Health Coalition, President, American Heart Association – Florida Affiliate, Lifetime Board member of the American Heart Association – Florida.
His advocacy has shaped public health policy, strengthened emergency medical systems, and contributed to landmark initiatives including the Florida Clean Indoor Air Act, Good Samaritan Act, Youth Tobacco Access Bill, and the multistate Tobacco Settlement of 1998 and initiative for Automatic External Defibrillator Legislation. His leadership in ACLS education included development of an ACLS Training Manual for Experienced Providers resulting in significant impact to physicians, EMS other healthcare providers and most importantly patients across the region.
Throughout his career, Dr. Namey has been honored with numerous awards, including the EmCare Southern Division Medical Director of the Year, Patient Choice Award, Compassionate Doctor Recognition, and multiple distinctions from the American Heart Association. These honors reflect not only his clinical excellence but also his humanity, integrity, and devotion to patient-centered care.
With deep appreciation for his exceptional achievements, visionary leadership, and enduring legacy of service, the Pinellas County Osteopathic Medical Society proudly presents this Distinguished Service Award to Joseph J. Namey, Jr, DO, MACOI, FACP.
In honor of a lifetime of contributions that have strengthened our profession, enriched our community, and inspired generations of physicians.
2025 Lifetime Achievement Award
Linda P. Tripodis Murray, DO, FAAFP, CPI
The Pinellas County Osteopathic Medical Society proudly recognizes Linda P. Tripodis Murray DO with the PCOMS Lifetime Achievement Award for her exceptional dedication to medicine, her distinguished leadership in clinical research, and her unwavering commitment to patient care, medical education and community service.
Dr. Tripodis graduated from the University of South Florida Cum Laude with a BA Biology. She received her D. O. degree from Nova Southeastern University; Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine and was a member of the Sigma Sigma Honor Society. Upon graduation served an internship at Sun Coast Hospital followed by a Family Medicine Residency at Orlando Health and is a Diplomat of the American Board of Family Medicine.
For more than three decades, Dr. Tripodis Murray has exemplified the highest ideals of our profession. As a Principal Investigator and Medical Director at Synexus Clinical Research, she has led more than 350 clinical trials, advancing therapeutic knowledge across a remarkable breadth of specialties — from endocrinology and cardiology to dermatology, infectious disease, vaccines, and women’s health. Her work has contributed meaningfully to scientific progress and most importantly improved patient care on a national and global scale. She is a Certified Physician Investigator and a member of the Association of Clinical Research professionals.
Her passion for education has shaped generations of physicians. As a Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of South Florida and a longstanding community preceptor for USF and LECOM, she has guided medical students and residents with skill, compassion, and a deep commitment to osteopathic philosophy. Her mentorship in clinical skills, injections, suturing, and patient-centered care has left an enduring imprint on the profession.
Dr. Tripodis Murray’s scholarly contributions include peer-reviewed publications in vaccine development and diabetes technology, reflecting her dedication to advancing evidence-based medicine.
Her leadership extends beyond the clinic and classroom into the community, where she has served as Sunday School Teacher, Chair of the Scholarship Committee for AHEPA and the Daughters of Penelope, Advisor to the Maids of Athena, and President of the Pan-Icarian Brotherhood Helios Chapter.
Her recognition as Penelope of the Year further reflects her service, character, and cultural stewardship.
Throughout her career, she has embodied integrity, compassion, and excellence — hallmarks of the osteopathic profession and the values of PCOMS. Her contributions have strengthened our community, elevated our profession, and inspired colleagues, students, and patients alike.
When queried as to her most important accomplishments she noted was her family and recently being blessed with their first granddaughter.
The PCOMS is proud to recognize Linda Tripodis Murray, DO, FAAFP, CPI with the PCOMS Lifetime Achievement Award.
2025 Lifetime Achievement Award
Jennifer S. Hayes, D.O., FACOOG
The Pinellas County Osteopathic Medical Society recognizes Jennifer S. Hayes, D.O., FACOOG with the Lifetime Achievement Award.
A distinguished osteopathic physician whose career reflects exceptional clinical expertise, visionary leadership, and unwavering dedication to advancing women’s health.
Dr Hayes graduated from Florida Southern College with a BS and received her DO degree from The Nova Southeastern University- Karen C Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, followed by an internship and residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Riverside hospital, Trenton, MI. Her program provided training at Oakwood Hospital with training in Neonatology, Gynecologic Pathology, Urology and Reproductive endocrinology followed by a subspecialty training at Hutzel Hospital, Detroit MI in Gynecologic oncology, Maternal-Fetal Health, Gynecologic Surgery. She has completed additional training as fellow in Aesthetic Gynecological Surgery and has completed advanced training in DaVinci Robotics, Advanced Gynecologic Aesthetics, Endocrinology, minimally invasive Hysterectomy.
She is Fellow of the American Osteopathic College of Obstetricians and Gynecologist. Dr. Hayes has been an esteemed member of PCOMS for over 30 years and was previously honored as Physician of the Year in recognition of her outstanding contributions to patient care, surgical innovation, and community education.
Her professional journey—spanning four decades—demonstrates a rare combination of clinical mastery, academic engagement, and pioneering work in both gynecologic and aesthetic vulvovaginal surgery.
As Medical Director of the Visionary Centre for Women, Dr. Hayes has built a respected practice known for excellence in gynecology, minimally invasive surgery, and advanced cosmetic gynecology. Her fellowship training, extensive advanced procedural certifications, and national and international speaking engagements underscore her commitment to staying at the forefront of her field. She has served as a Master Proctor and Epicenter Surgeon for Intuitive Surgical, helping train and mentor surgeons in robotic gynecologic techniques—an invaluable contribution to the profession.
Dr. Hayes’s service to the osteopathic community extends far beyond her clinical practice. She has served on the PCOMS Board of Governors, held multiple hospital committee appointments, contributed to clinical research, is frequently invited lecturer for national, state and specialty societies and has educated medical students, colleagues and community. Her work reflects the highest ideals of osteopathic medicine: compassion, innovation, excellence, whole-person care, and lifelong learning.
For her exemplary professionalism, leadership, and dedication to advancing women’s health and osteopathic medicine, the Pinellas County Osteopathic Medical Society is proud to recognize Jennifer S. Hayes, D.O., FACOOG, with the PCOMS Lifetime Achievement Award. She stands as a model of clinical excellence and a valued member of our osteopathic community.
Honor Roll
Past Recipients
Physicians and community members honored by the Pinellas County Osteopathic Medical Society since 1994.
Physician of the Year
30 recipients · 1995–2025- 1995 E. Dale Brandt, DO
- 1996 Robert Kudelko, DO
- 1997 Paul Cohen, DO
- 1998 Robert Fedor, DO
- 1999 John Killinen, DO
- 2000 Mark Varidin, DO
- 2001 Randy Shuck, DO
- 2002 Jeffrey Grove, DO
- 2003 Allen Finkelstein, DO
- 2004 Gregory James, DO
- 2005 Anthony Ottaviani, DO
- 2006 Lee Shettle, DO
- 2007 Bridget Bellingar, DO
- 2008 Andrew Gross, DO
- 2009 John DeCosmo, III., DO
- 2010 Michael Markou, DO
- 2011 Richard Cottrell, DO
- 2012 Frank Armstrong, DO
- 2013 Samuel Gubernick, DO
- 2014 Arthur Berman, DO
- 2015 Lee Ann Brown, DO
- 2016 Jennifer Hayes, DO
- 2017 Nicholas Okeson, DO
- 2018 Scott Ray, DO & Tonya Hawthorne, DO
- 2019 Susan Zito, DO
- 2020 Kerry Chamberlain, DO
- 2021 Tracie Leonhardt, DO
- 2022 Gene DiBetta, Jr., DO
- 2023 Michael Hadley, DO
- 2024 Stacy Chase, DO
- 2025 Not yet listed
Distinguished Service Award
30 recipients · 1994–2025- 1994 Carolyn Carr
- 1996 Philip Shettle, DO
- 1997 Richard Misischia, DO
- 1998 Mabel Costine
- 1999 Kenneth Webster, Ed.D.
- 2000 Kenneth Webster, Ed.D.
- 2001 Jeffrey Collins
- 2002 Robert Fedor, DO
- 2003 Ronald Knaus, DO
- 2004 Randy Shuck, DO
- 2005 Frank Miles, DO
- 2006 Robert Kudelko, DO
- 2007 Jeffrey Grove, DO
- 2008 Gregory James, DO
- 2009 Tonya Hawthorne, DO
- 2010 Andrew Gross, DO
- 2011 Anthony Ottaviani, DO
- 2012 Bridget Bellingar, DO
- 2013 Allen Finkelstein, DO
- 2014 Roger Schwartzberg, DO
- 2015 Larry Feinman, DO
- 2016 Lee Shettle, DO
- 2017 Jerome Koser, DO
- 2018 Richard Rodriguez, DO
- 2019 Michael Markou, DO & Lee Ann Brown, DO
- 2021 Jeffrey Jensen, DO
- 2022 Lee Ann Brown, DO, FAAPMR
- 2023 Arthur Berman, DO & Mark Stine, DO
- 2024 Eugene DiBetta, DO
- 2025 Joseph Namey, DO
Lifetime Achievement Award
28 recipients · 1996–2025- 1996 Plato Varidin, DO
- 1997 Eugene DeLucia, DO
- 1998 Alan Snider, DO
- 1999 John DeCosmo, II., DO
- 2000 E. Dale Brandt, DO
- 2001 Paul Cohen, DO
- 2002 John Killinen, DO
- 2003 Paul Kimberly, DO
- 2004 Philip Shettle, DO
- 2005 Russell Patterson, DO
- 2006 Charles Carr, DO
- 2007 George Coupe, DO
- 2008 B.R. Haley, DO
- 2009 Robert Kudelko, DO
- 2010 Paul Kudelko, DO
- 2011 Samuel Pettina, DO
- 2012 Samuel Barker, DO
- 2013 Anthony Ottaviani, DO
- 2014 Ronald Knaus, DO
- 2015 Robert Fedor, DO
- 2016 Allen Finkelstein, DO & Carmen Damiani, DO
- 2017 Roger Swartzberg, DO
- 2018 Ken Webster, Ed.D.
- 2019 Jerome Koser, DO
- 2021 Larry Feinman, DO
- 2022 Gregory James, DO, MPH, FACOFP, Distinguished
- 2023 Gregory Garvin, DO
- 2024 Not yet listed
- 2025 Jennifer Hayes, DO & Linda Murray, DO
Presidential Award
5 recipients · 2017–2024- 2017 Bridget Bellingar, DO
- 2020 Stacy Chase, DO
- 2021 Bridget Bellingar, DO & Nick Okeson, DO
- 2024 Gregory James, DO
- 2024 Jeffrey Grove, DO
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