Dr. Cheong Recognized for Excellence in Geriatric Psychiatry

Currently, Dr. Cheong serves as a Staff Physician in the Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center (GRECC) at the Malcom Randall VA Medical Center.

The Jack Weinberg Memorial Award in Geriatric Psychiatry, created in 1983 in honor of Jack Weinberg, M.D., recognizes a psychiatrist who has shown exceptional leadership or made significant contributions in the fields of clinical practice, education, or research I geriatric psychiatry throughout their career.

Dr. Cheong has always had a strong desire to work for the VA “As I have never served in the military, I wanted to be part of the VA because it’s my small way of contributing to the military effort and to say “thank you” to those who serve on all our behalf’s. I am so proud to be part of a healthcare organization that is dedicated to the welfare of all Veterans as the motivation regardless of income, gender, age, race, or religion.”

Dr. Cheong is a highly respected educator who has received many awards for her work in academic psychiatry. She is dedicated to improving medical education and is actively involved in training future physicians. In addition to her teaching roles, Dr. Cheong has held various leadership positions in national academic and professional organizations, helping to shape programs and initiatives in the medical field.

When asked how she felt receiving this award, Dr. Cheong said “This is an award that I have known about and followed since I was a resident in psychiatry training, even before I had completed my fellowship training in geriatrics., “Several of the past awardees have mentored me over my career and remain valued colleagues and heroes. To be a recipient of this award is a bit surreal I am both honored and deeply humbled with this recognition.”

For more information on the Malcom Randall VA Medical Center, please visit https://www.va.gov/north-florida-health-care/locations/malcom-randall-department-of-veterans-affairs-medical-center/.