Page 27 - Winter 2024 Bulletin

In Memoriam
Charles E. Cernuda, M.D., 83, passed away on November 3, 2024. A Tampa native and graduate of H. B. Plant High School, he practiced internal medicine and pulmonary disease in Tampa from January 2, 1974, until retiring May 15, 2012.
Dr. Cernuda served in the U.S. Air Force Medical Corp as a pulmonary disease special- ist in 1972 and 1973. He was a retired Fellow of
the American College of Physicians, a Fellow of the American College of Chest Physicians, and an Emeritus member of St. Joseph’s Hospital medical staff. He was Medical Director of the Adult Intensive Care Unit, Pulmonary Lab & Respiratory Therapy Department at St. Joseph’s from 1974 to 1997. He also served as Chief of Staff of St. Joseph’s Hospital. He became the first president of St. Joseph’s Physicians Associates, Inc. in 1986 and later served as its Executive Director from 1991 to 2004. He was also active at Centro Asturiano Hospital serving as Medical Director and Vice Chief of Staff of the Pulmonary Lab and Respiratory Therapy Department.
He also was on numerous medical-related boards of directors includ- ing St. Joseph Physicians Health Center Organization, Inc., St. Joseph’s Home Health Services, Inc., BayCare Health Network, Inc., and Florida Independent Physicians Association Region No, 6, Inc., serving as its first president. He was a member of the Hillsborough County Medical Association and served three years on the Board of Censors, serving as its chairman from 1981-1982.
In his retirement, he enjoyed traveling with his wife Mary, and with their frequent travel companions, Bruce and Barbara Edgerton. He loved reading, especially spy novels and American history. For years he looked forward to summer vacations with his family, a tradition he continued in his retirement. However, he repeatedly said what he missed most in retirement were the friendships and relationships he had developed with his patients.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Mary McElroy Cernuda, with whom he would have celebrated their 57th anniversary later in the month; his three daughters, their spouses, and his eight grandchildren.
Donations may be made to St. Joseph’s Hospital Foundation, the American Cancer Society, or the Alzheimer’s Association.
In Memoriam
Neil Alan Fenske, MD, FACP, passed away Saturday, October 19, 2024, after a courageous battle with leukemia. He was a founding profes- sor of the USF Health College of Medicine.
Dr. Fenske’s academic journey began with a Bachelor of Arts in Biology, graduating cum laude from Gustavus Adolphus College in 1969. He obtained his Doctor of Medicine from St.
Louis University School of Medicine in 1973. He completed his resi- dency in dermatology at the University of Wisconsin Center for Health Sciences. He was board-certified in both dermatology and dermatopa-
HCMA BULLETIN, Vol 70, No. 3 – Winter 2024
thology. Following the lure of the sea and sun he became the founding residency program director at the University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine Division of Dermatology. His deep commitment to academic medicine helped shape the next generation of dermatologists. He trained over 100 residents in dermatology and was highly regarded and respected for his clinical acumen and teaching.
At the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine, he held many sig- nificant roles, including professor of Pathology and Cell Biology, profes- sor of Oncologic Sciences, director of the USF Cosmetic & Laser Center, and senior member of the Cutaneous Oncology Program at the H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute.
Dr. Fenske’s accolades include multiple awards from esteemed or- ganizations, including the Distinguished Alumni Citation in Medicine from Gustavus Adolphus College and recognition from the American Academy of Dermatology Leadership Circle, The International Associa- tion of Dermatologists, and National Psoriasis Foundation. Dr. Fenske was a recipient of the inaugural Gustavus Adolphus College Sesquicen- tennial Award recognizing 150 graduates who made a significant impact on the life of the college. Dr. Fenske was a long-time member of Shriners International of Tampa Bay, as well as The Jesters (a spinoff organization of the Shriners). He was a member until his illness required his resigna- tion.
Outside his professional life, family always came first. Dr. Fenske was known for his kindness, humor, and love of all things Gasparilla, espe- cially as a member of Ye Mystic Krewe. Community engagement was an integral part of his life. Dr. Fenske was an ardent supporter of USF athletics. He was an inaugural member of the booster club and a ma- jor donor to the Iron Bulls. He was also on the committee that brought football to USF.
He is survived by Robyn Fenske, his beloved wife of 47 years, who by his side supported him and his career. His footprint in dermatology will endure for generations, a testament to his passion and vision.
In honor of Dr. Fenske’s legacy, the family kindly requests that dona- tions be made to The Neil Alan Fenske, MD, Founding Chair, Endowed Lectureship in Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery (SEARCH fund #256182)
Summer 2024 Directory Updates
HCMA’s Annual Membership Directory has been mailed to all physi- cian members and is posted on www.HCMA.net under the “Members” listing. We try our best to keep members’ information updated but ask for your assistance. Please review your listing. You can update your pro- file at any time by logging into the HCMA website.
Please note the following update to the Summer 2024 Annual Membership Directory:
Syed Zaffer, MD
Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (updated) 13020 Telecom Parkway North, Temple Terrace 813.978.9700
Personal News
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