The American Academy of Pediatrics Uniformed Services Chapter East selected Lt. Allison Wessner, of Naval Hospital (NH) Jacksonville's Pediatrics Clinic, as its 2017 Pediatrician of the Year.

"Lt. Wessner is an outstanding physician who is committed to her patients and Navy Medicine," said Capt. Michael Sullivan, Naval Hospital Jacksonville director for medical services. "She excels as a clinician, leader and teacher, and embodies the spirit of this Pediatrician of the Year Award."

Since arriving at NH Jacksonville in June 2015, Wessner has performed in numerous leadership roles such as acting Pediatrics Department head, regional director of pediatric advanced life support training for NH Jacksonville and NH Guantanamo Bay, regional Florida newborn screen physician coordinator, and an instructor for S.T.A.B.L.E. (neonatal post-resuscitation management course).

Wessner has instructed more than 40 Family Medicine residents on inpatient and outpatient pediatric rotations, has taught pediatric advanced life support to more than 100 providers, oversaw the 24/7 provider watch for neonatal resuscitation, and provided orientation of the first neonatal nurse practitioner at the hospital.

"She has been recognized as one of our most exceptional and productive physicians, and her willingness to take on additional challenging tasks clearly sets her apart," said Sullivan.

NH Jacksonville's priority since its founding in 1941 is to heal the nation's heroes and their families. The command is comprised of the Navy's third largest hospital and five branch health clinics across Florida and Georgia. Of its patient population (163,000 active and retired Sailors, Soldiers, Marines, Airmen, Guardsmen and their families), about 85,000 are enrolled with a primary care manager and Medical Home Port team at one of its facilities. To find out more or download the command's mobile app, visit www.med.navy.mil/sites/navalhospitaljax.

For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy.

For more news from Naval Hospital Jacksonville, visit www.navy.mil/.