Mark Hudak, MD
Professor and Chief, Division of Neonatology
Associate Chair, Department of Pediatrics
Assistant Dean for Managed Care, UF College of Medicine-Jacksonville
UF neonatologist passionate about preemies
Mark Hudak, MD, division chief of neonatology and associate chair of the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Florida College of Medicine-Jacksonville, is one of the most accomplished academic researchers in neonatology in the state.
Hudak has devoted his time, talent and energy to the discovering of the latest treatments for premature babies. His research has resulted in publication in the New England Journal of Medicine and other prestigious journals.
In addition to the significant leadership role he plays in directing the division, he feels strongly that there are great opportunities for the faculty to participate in large-scale clinical research studies with the goal of improving the care of preterm babies.
Most recently, Hudak was selected to lead the northeast region of Florida in the National Children's Study, the nation's largest health study involving children. It's a long-range comprehensive NIH investigation into the interaction of genes and the environment and the relationship to children's health. More than 100,000 children throughout the U.S. will be observed from before birth until they turn 21. Approximately 3,600 children in Florida will be involved in the study.
Hudak was recruited by the UF College of Medicine-Jacksonville in 1995 as a professor and chief of the Division of Neonatology at Shands Jacksonville. He has also served as medical director of the NICU at Wolfson Children's Hospital. Hudak earned his medical degree and completed his pediatrics residency and neonatology fellowship at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in Baltimore, Md. After his fellowship, Hudak was on the faculty at Johns Hopkins for six years.
Today, in addition to his outstanding research efforts, Hudak is also an extremely busy leader and clinician. He and his team of 28 highly trained, board-certified neonatologists, neonatal nurse practitioners and physician assistants provide 24-hour care at Jacksonville's two Level III neonatal intensive care units at Shands Jacksonville and Wolfson Children's Hospital. Level III status is awarded by the state of Florida as the highest level possible for providing care to newborns.
This network of specialists provides care at other hospitals in Jacksonville. The division also actively consults on perinatal and neonatal issues for hospitals throughout North Florida, providing the most experienced on-site neonatal medical care and consultations in the region. About 14,000 neonates will be under the care of the UF neonatal group in the upcoming year.
Neonatologists like Hudak are trained specifically to handle the most complex and high-risk health problems of newborns. These babies face many complications, such as lung problems, heart disease, various surgical problems and metabolic conditions.
Hudak leads his team based on evidence that early intervention, education and community involvement can decrease the number of premature babies born. One of the primary problems that he and his team see is pregnant women with preexisting health problems such as hypertension, diabetes and certain infections. He said that if expectant mothers have healthier diets and exercise regularly, they would be much more prepared to carry a baby to term.
Thomas Chiu, MD, professor and chair of the Department of Pediatrics at the UF College of Medicine-Jacksonville, said Hudak is an exceptional faculty leader who has had an extremely positive impact on the Jacksonville campus and throughout the region.
"Dr. Hudak continues to bring to the Shands Jacksonville NICU state-of-the art techniques and knowledge about management of critically ill babies," added Chiu.
Hudak believes that it is the realization of saving lives that keeps physicians passionate.
"Every person who chooses to go into medicine has to have this value at their core."
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