JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — UPDATED STORY: New leadership at UF Health Jacksonville’s Department of Pediatrics after internal investigation
Action News Jax’s Ben Becker has obtained an internal UF Health investigative report that details troubling allegations against a prominent local pediatrician.
The report identifies Dr. Barbara Knox as the subject of multiple serious complaints made by UF Health Jacksonville employees.
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According to the findings, Knox fostered a hostile work environment through alleged bullying, racist behavior, and verbal abuse.
A UF spokesperson said that Knox submitted her resignation, effective August 15.
The internal investigation found that Knox “mismanaged” her team and contributed to ongoing “unrest” within the First Coast Child Protection Team -- a specialized group she was appointed to lead.
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The document is dated March 31 and Becker asked why it took three months for it to be made public. A spokesperson said:
“The University of Florida’s Office of Public Records receives an average of 300 requests a month. The requests are processed in the order in which they are received.
“Once the documentation for a request has been compiled, attorneys from the Office of General Counsel assist with the legal review of potentially responsive records prior to any production to ensure compliance with federal and state laws. This ensures both the prompt disclosure of non-exempt public records and the appropriate protection of sensitive information.”
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This is not the first time Knox has faced scrutiny. She has a reported history of similar workplace misconduct allegations during previous tenures in Wisconsin and Alaska, raising further questions about oversight and accountability in her hiring.
A UF spokesperson said the university does not typically comment on personnel matters.
