Leading with Purpose: Honoring Moffitt’s 2025 Advanced Practice Professionals

Each year, Moffitt Cancer Center honors the exceptional work of its advanced practice professionals (APPs) who are integral to delivering expert oncology care to patients and their families. This dedicated group includes physician assistants, advanced practice registered nurses, certified registered nurse anesthetists and anesthesiologist assistants. Together, they bring specialized knowledge, compassion and skill to support Moffitt’s mission. 

During the 20th Annual Advanced Practice Professionals Recognition Reception, the cancer center presented the APP of the Year Award, the Dr. Bryan McIver Physician/APP Team of the Year Award and five Awards of Excellence recognizing distinction in education, innovation, service and patient care. 

This year 164 nominations were received from patients, families and team members. The selection committee was comprised of clinical leadership, Moffitt Medical Group faculty, administration and past award winners. 

Meet this year’s recipients:  

2025 Advanced Practice Professional of the Year: Kevin Eaton 

Physician assistant Kevin Eaton, of the Acute Cancer Care Department, has been named the 2025 Advanced Practice Professional of the Year for his mentorship and dedication to improving patient care and team experience. 

APP of the Year Kevin Eaton poses with his children and Moffitt leadership.

Eaton began his career at Moffitt in 2011 and now serves as the APP supervisor for the Acute Cancer Care team. Known for his calm presence and problem-solving mindset, he is described by colleagues as a compassionate leader who embodies Moffitt’s core values in everything he does. 

Nomination letters highlighted Eaton’s dedication to continuous improvement, collaboration and education. One nominator wrote, “He’s always seeking opportunities for a better experience for our patients and our staff, whether stepping in to help with a busy clinic, mentoring new team members or improving workflows to make things smoother for patients.” 

Peers also praised Eaton’s ability to lead with empathy and integrity. “Kevin is constantly listening to feedback and quick to adapt changes that improve patient care,” one colleague shared. “His dedication to Moffitt’s mission is evident in everything he does.” 

2025 Dr. Bryan McIver Physician/APP Team of the Year: Jacques Fontaine, MD and Joe Garrett 

This year’s Dr. Bryan McIver Physician/APP Team of the Year Award honors Jacques Fontaine, MD and nurse practitioner Joe Garrett for their collaboration, excellence and compassionate patient-centered care. 

Jacques Fontaine, MD and Joe Garrett receive the Dr. Mclver APP Team of the Year.

The award is named in memory of the late McIver, a beloved Moffitt leader known for his mentorship and advocacy for APPs. It recognizes teams whose partnership enhances clinical outcomes and embodies the values of trust, innovation and teamwork that McIver championed. 

Colleagues describe Fontaine and Garrett’s collaboration as “a model of integrated care,” where trust and shared purpose define their daily work. Their patients benefit from seamless communication and expert surgical precision, and their peers are inspired by their humility and dedication. 

One nomination letter read, “Moffitt is exceedingly fortunate to have this team working together. Their patient-centered care is remarkable and their collaboration sets the standard for excellence in oncology.” 

Together, Fontaine and Garrett have built a partnership that strengthens clinical innovation, research and education while leaving a lasting mark on Moffitt’s culture of collaboration. 

Awards of Excellence Honorees 

Moffitt also recognized five APPs for their outstanding achievements across clinical care, innovation, service, education and advocacy: 

• Excellence in Clinical Care and Trials: Sarah Zhu, Inpatient Surgery, GI 

• Excellence in Education: Madison Nauman, Reconstructive Oncology 

• Excellence in Service and Professionalism: Asti Rego, Palliative Care 

• Innovations in Clinical Care: Rachel Rodriguez, Genitourinary Oncology 

• Excellence in Patient and Team Member Advocacy: Heather Bridge, Sarcoma 

From bedside to research bench, classroom to operating room, Moffitt’s APPs continue to lead with purpose. They guide patients through their most difficult moments, inspire colleagues through mentorship and education, and push the boundaries of discovery through clinical innovation. Every interaction reflects their commitment to healing and hope.