FIU Medicine honorees Patricia Junquera (blue suit), and Heidi von Harscher (red blazer), joined by university and college leadership. From left: El Pagnier Hudson, senior vice president for human resources; Juan C. Cendan, FIU Medicine dean; and President Jeanette Nuñez.
The Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine (FIU Medicine) proudly recognizes two faculty members who have been honored with 2026 FIU Service and Recognition Awards, reflecting the college’s commitment to excellence, innovation, and impact across education, research and patient care.
Florida International University recognized FIU Medicine faculty members Heidi von Harscher and Patricia Junquera at the 2026 FIU Service and Recognition Awards for their leadership, dedication and lasting impact on students, research and patient care.
Heidi von Harscher, Ph.D.
FIU Torch Award Winner
The FIU Torch Award recognizes individuals who embody the university’s core values—truth, freedom, respect, responsibility and excellence—through ethical leadership and service.
For more than three decades, von Harscher has championed student well-being at FIU. As founding director of counseling and wellness at FIU Medicine, she created programs that help students manage the academic and personal demands of medical school.
As student ombuds for all FIU Medicine students, von Harscher offers a trusted, confidential space where students can seek guidance and support. She also mentors and advises students through several organizations, including the American Medical Women’s Association, the Student Professionalism and Ethics Committee, and the Wellness, Health, Outreach, Love and Expression organization.
Patricia Junquera, M.D.
FIU Presidential Excellence Award Finalist
Junquera, who chairs the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health at FIU Medicine, was named a 2026 FIU Presidential Excellence Award finalist, recognizing her leadership in advancing institutional excellence through innovation, program development and scholarly achievement.
Junquera leads and contributes to research addressing some of today’s most complex neurological and behavioral health conditions. Working with Baptist Health, she co-leads a clinical trial focused on Alzheimer’s disease, along with studies on pain management, dementia, and other psychiatric conditions. She also co-leads NIH-funded research examining chronic pain in individuals with HIV.
Patricia Junquera, M.D., receives her award on stage.
Beyond research, Junquera helped launch FIU Medicine’s Behavioral Health Integration Program, partnering with pediatric primary care physicians and families to better address conditions such as depression, anxiety, ADHD and autism in children and adolescents.
She also has a clinical psychiatry practice at the FIU Health Faculty Group Practice, where she has expanded access to advanced treatments for patients with treatment-resistant depression.
Get the latest FIU Medicine news—subscribe to Pulse, our monthly newsletter.