Leon L. Haley, Jr., M.D., M.H.S.A., died July 24, 2021, as the result of a tragic accident. The loss of Dr. Haley has been profoundly felt by his family, friends, colleagues, the medical community, and the ABEM Board of Directors, of which he was a member since 2017.
Dr. Haley was an inspiring member of the ABEM family, and his death leaves a void that cannot be filled. He was a great contributor to the Board and will be remembered for his calm demeanor, his breakthrough insights, and his thoughtful presence—and all with a quick and infectious smile. His many achievements in health care are remarkable—from academic activities to promoting diversity and inclusion to leading the charge against COVID. Dr. Haley was always at the forefront of our specialty and his local medical community. Unquestionably, he made the world a better place.
Dr. Haley was a dedicated volunteer to both community and medical organizations. He volunteered to ABEM for many years, including as an oral examiner; served on the boards of the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education and the Society of Academic Emergency Medicine; and as a member of the American College of Emergency Physicians, the American College of Healthcare Executives, the American College of Physician Executives, and the National Association of Health Services Executives.
Following residency training at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit and receiving a Master’s Degree in Health Services Administration from the University of Michigan, he joined Emory University, where he eventually served as Senior Vice President for Medical Affairs and Chief of Emergency Medicine Affairs. He then joined the University of Florida at Jacksonville as the first African American to hold the position of Dean of the Medical School and soon thereafter was appointed CEO of University of Florida Health.
Dr. Haley was a leader in promoting COVID and was the first person in Florida to receive a vaccine. The day before his death, he toured the units at the hospital, personally administering vaccines. Following his death, UF Health Jacksonville held a vaccine rally in his honor, at which 152 people were vaccinated.
Dr. Haley is survived by his three children.
The Board is honoring Dr. Haley’s memory by creating the Dr. Leon L. Haley, Jr., Bridge to the Future of Emergency Medicine Academy.
