08/26/2026
👩🏫✨ Celebrating Women Who Lead, Inspire & Make a Difference ✨👩⚕️
🗳️ We’re incredibly proud to share that Dr. Ilaria Gadalla, the Dean of Health Professions and Associate Professor at South University, has been nominated for the Women of Worth Awards (WOW Awards) 2026 – Education Award presented by the Central Palm Beach County Chamber of Commerce. 🏆
This recognition celebrates exceptional women who demonstrate professional excellence, visionary leadership, and a commitment to making a lasting difference in their communities, qualities Dr. Gadalla embodies every day through her dedication to our students, faculty, and the future of healthcare education.
As a leader, educator, and mentor, Dr. Gadalla continues to inspire those around her and help prepare the next generation of healthcare professionals to lead with knowledge, compassion, and purpose.
Please join us in congratulating Dr. Gadalla on this well-deserved nomination! 🎉👏
We’re so proud to see one of our own recognized among the extraordinary women helping shape the future of Palm Beach County. 🌟
ℹ️ About Dr. Gadalla:
Dr. Ilaria Gadalla joined South University in January 2016 and founded the South University, West Palm Beach Master of Science in Physician Assistant program. A native of New Orleans, she brings more than 18 years of clinical experience as a Physician Assistant in Hospital Medicine, Cardiology, Nephrology, and outpatient Internal Medicine. She earned her Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies from Albany Medical College and completed her Doctor of Medical Science at the University of Lynchburg. Prior to becoming a Physician Assistant, Dr. Gadalla worked as a Respiratory Therapist and earned a Bachelor of Science in Cardiopulmonary Science from Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center in New Orleans.
Dr. Gadalla was nationally recognized by the Society of Hospital Medicine in 2020 with an Award of Excellence in Clinical Leadership for Nurse Practitioners and Physician Assistants. She also co-authored the Hospital Medicine NP/PA Practice Integration and Optimization Statement, which supports clinicians and administrators in advancing high-quality care for hospitalized patients.
Her leadership experience includes service across multiple national and professional organizations. She was nominated by the Physician Assistant Education Association (PAEA) to serve as a Commissioner on the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant. She also serves as an Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Anesthesiologist Assistant Site Visitor and member of the Standards Revision Committee.
Dr. Gadalla has been recognized as a Fellow in Hospital Medicine, served as Southeast Florida Division Advanced Practice Providers Director for the Society of Hospital Medicine (SHM), and was the first Physician Assistant appointed to the Hospitalist Editorial Board. She has also served as chair of the SHM NP/PA Executive Council and contributed to committees with SHM, PAEA, the American College of Cardiology, Palm Beach County Medical Society, and the South Florida Hospital and Healthcare Association.
Dr. Gadalla continues to serve her local community as a Hospitalist and volunteer clinician. Outside of her professional work, she enjoys the ocean and traveling with her family to soccer tournaments. 🧡
