Debra Perina, MD, FACEP
Dr. Debra Perina, emeritus professor of Emergency Medicine at UVA Health, has been honored with a prestigious national award from the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP). Each year, only one member receives the John G. Wiegenstein Leadership Award, named after the ACEP’s founder and first president. This award recognizes an individual’s career, dedication, impact, and leadership following a national review.
Dr. Perina, a founding faculty member of UVA Health’s Department of Emergency Medicine, dedicated over 26 years to serving the greater Charlottesville community, treating more than 100,000 patients before achieving emeritus status in 2021. She played a key role in establishing the UVA Ground Transport Program, providing critical care to the most severely ill and injured patients across Virginia. Additionally, Dr. Perina helped create the modern EMS board certification process for EMS physicians and established the first EMS Fellowship program in Virginia. Her contributions to the medical field and leadership in academia have been remarkable.
Congratulations, Dr. Perina!