The Florida Department of Health issued the following news release:
Stephen Tebes, M.D., of Tampa, has been selected as the recipient of the Florida Board of Medicine Chair's Recognition Award. Tebes was honored with the award at the Board's bimonthly meeting at Sirata Beach Resort and Conference Center in St. Petersburg Beach this past weekend.
'Dr. Tebes is a true testimony of dedication and perseverance,' Florida Board of Medicine Chair Mammen P. Zachariah, M.D., said. 'Despite enduring his own day-to-day cancer battle, this skilled practitioner continues to care for other cancer patients with enthusiasm and humor.'
Tebes, who specializes in gynecologic oncology at Tampa General Hospital, was diagnosed with a rare cancer at age 28. He is currently 31 years old, and though his cancer is at a life-threatening stage, Tebes continues to work 10 to 12 hour days at the hospital.
Tebes was chosen for his outstanding contribution and service to the people of Florida and the medical profession in his dedicated treatment of cancer patients.
Zachariah added, 'Tebes sets the highest standard for caring, self-sacrifice and courage. He merits the highest commendation from his fellow physicians.'
'You can't change the cards you've been dealt,' Tebes stated in a June 22, 2006 St. Petersburg Times news article. 'You can only change your attitude.'
The Florida Board of Medicine protects the health and safety of Florida's residents and visitors by establishing requirements for licensure and through diligent discipline of practitioners who violate practice acts defined by Chapters 456 and 458, Florida Statutes and 64B-8, Florida Administrative Code. The legislative intent of the practice act is to ensure that every physician practicing in the state of Florida meets minimum requirements for safe practice. The Board's responsibility is to ensure that physicians who fall below minimum competency or who otherwise present a danger to the public are disciplined or prohibited from practicing in the state. The Board also establishes and monitors continuing education of physicians to ensure their knowledge and skills remain current, oversees the regulation of physician assistants, electrologists, dietitians, nutritionists and physician office surgery centers.Contact: Thometta Cozart, 850/245-4111.
Thometta Cozart, 850/245-4111.
