Alina M. Alonso, MD and Robert Parkes, MD,

West Palm Beach, FL--Two Florida Department of Health in Palm Beach County Doctors were named "Heroes in Medicine" by the Palm Beach County Medical Society. This annual awards program recognizes people in our community who make a difference in health care.

Alina Alonso, MD, Director received the 2016 Palm Beach County Medical Society’s Heroes in Medicine "Hero of the Year" award as well as a "Physician Hero" award. Dr. Robert Parkes, Medical Director Epidemiology and Communicable Disease, also received recognition for his work in Health Care Prevention and Wellness.

Dr. Alonso has made a significant difference in the health of Palm Beach County residents throughout her career. After accepting her award and receiving a standing ovation, Dr. Alonso said, "I am honored to have received this award from my peers. But we all know that real heroes are our patients we help every day."

Under her leadership she oversees the only public health department in the U.S. that is based on preventive medicine residency. She is widely recognized as a preeminent public health physician, and also serves as a Clinical Assistant Professor at Nova Southeastern University and an Affiliate Assistant Professor at Florida Atlantic University.

In addition to the oversight and hands-on daily management of the Department of Health, she serves on numerous boards of health-related organizations, including the Health Care District Board of Commissioners and the Lakeside Health Advisory Board, which oversees Lakeside Medical Center. Throughout her career she has pursued the provision of superior care and is committed to building collaborative efforts and partnerships.

Dr. Parkes oversees the Epidemiology and Communicable Disease Divisions of the Department of Health and received a Hero of Medicine award in the Health Care Prevention and Wellness category. Dr. Parkes and his team have been instrumental in preventing and guiding the prevention of numerous outbreaks including, Bacterial Meningitis, Norovirus, Tuberculosis, Pertussis (Whooping Cough).