The Sepsis and Critical Illness Research Center (SCIRC) is proud to announce that Philip A. Efron, MD, has been named the recipient of the Shock Society Scientific Achievement Award, one of the highest honors recognizing outstanding contributions to research in shock, trauma, and critical illness.
This prestigious award recognizes Dr. Efron’s sustained and impactful contributions to the fields of sepsis, trauma and hemorrhage, and critical care research. His work has been instrumental in advancing the understanding of immune dysregulation following critical illness, particularly in the areas of persistent inflammation, immunosuppression, and the development of chronic critical illness.
As Director of SCIRC and Executive Director of Surgery for the UF Health Critical Care Organization, Dr. Efron leads a multidisciplinary program focused on improving both survival and long-term recovery after sepsis. His research integrates clinical investigation with translational and mechanistic approaches, leveraging genomics, immunology, and precision medicine to better define patient endotypes and therapeutic targets.
Dr. Efron currently leads multiple major federally funded research programs, including an R35 award focused on pathological myeloid activation after sepsis and trauma, and a multi-project RM1 program investigating dysfunctional myelopoiesis and myeloid-derived suppressor cells in sepsis pathobiology. These efforts continue to position SCIRC at the forefront of discovery in critical illness and immune dysfunction.
“This recognition reflects the collective efforts of an exceptional team of collaborators, trainees, and staff who are committed to advancing the science of critical illness,” said Dr. Efron. “Our work is focused not only on improving survival, but on helping patients recover and regain their quality of life after sepsis. There is still much to be done, and we remain committed to pushing the field forward.”
Under Dr. Efron’s leadership, SCIRC has grown into a nationally recognized center, fostering collaboration across multiple colleges at the University of Florida and supporting the development of the next generation of surgeon-scientists and biomedical researchers.
The award will be formally presented at the Shock Society Annual Meeting during the Dinner and Awards Banquet on June 3, 2026, at the Bellagio Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada.
SCIRC congratulates Dr. Efron on this well-deserved honor and celebrates his continued leadership in advancing the care and outcomes of critically ill patients.