College of Medicine

Dr. Teter Gets NIH Grant For Cholera Research - 11/20/2012

Dr. Ken Teter of the Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences has been awarded a $351,959 grant from the National Institutes of Health to study how the cholera toxin enters a host cell -- research that could lead to more effective treatment of the life-threatening disease. The project is titled “A Novel Mechanism for Toxin Export from... Read More...

COM Wins Business Collaboration Technology Award - 11/20/2012

Finance director Steve Omli and the College of Medicine have been recognized for using a company’s innovations in business collaboration technology to improve the efficiency of the college’s budget processes. “We are honored to accept this award for our work with Adaptive Planning,” Steve said. “Their software has allowed us to improve the way we do... Read More...

A Giving Heart - 11/13/2012

Luis Reichard saw the devastation that Hurricane Sandy and a follow-up storm did to his hometown of Rockaway, N.Y. And so the systems administrator for the College of Medicine’s IT Department took time from a medical leave for cancer treatments, collected donations of warm clothing, non-perishable food, blankets and toiletries and headed north to help. After... Read More...

“Beat Every Medical School In The World” - 11/13/2012

The UCF College of Medicine “beat every medical school in the world” in a recent online academic medicine poster competition from Cureus, The New e-Journal of Medicine. UCF submitted 70 posters on topics ranging from transplantation to public health, beating out medical schools from Stanford, University of Washington, Vanderbilt, Harvard, Johns Hopkins, Yale and Case Western.... Read More...

Burnett School Alumni Honored At Black & Gold Gala - 11/13/2012

A pediatric cardiologist who protects children’s hearts and a veterinarian who treats our four-legged friends at a state-of-the-art practice in Oviedo were College of Medicine honorees at the UCF Alumni Association’s annual Black & Gold Gala on November 1. The Gala honors UCF alumni for their professional achievements and dedication to serving the community. This year’s College... Read More...

Dr. Bég Speaks To Community About Arthritis - 11/13/2012

Imagine being a first-time mother whose hands and knees ache when she eases out of bed during the night to care for her baby.  Or a young adult struggling with swelling and stiffness on the job. Or an 86-year-old man who daily slips into a heated pool to swim away the pain of arthritis. Dr. Shazia... Read More...

Dr. Asmar Named To National Kidney Foundation Florida Board Of Directors - 11/13/2012

Dr. Abdo Asmar, a nephrology specialist at UCF Pegasus Health, the College of Medicine’s physician practice, and assistant professor of medicine, was elected to the Board of Directors of the National Kidney Foundation (NKF) of Florida. The NKF of Florida, now in its 29^th year,... Read More...

Communicating Via The Cloud - 11/13/2012

A doctor at the College of Medicine is taking to dinner a colleague who doesn’t eat dairy or meat. She turns to her iPhone and summons the voice-activated assistant Siri: “Where is the nearest vegan restaurant?” She gets a detailed answer and can even make a reservation through Open Table. That is only one of the... Read More...

Happy Halloween COM Style - 11/13/2012

The UCF College of Medicine celebrated Halloween with a bake sale to benefit United Way and pumpkin carving to help first-year M.D. students practice their surgical skills. An October 31 harvest/Halloween bake sale included pumpkin cookies, spiced cakes and yogurt-fruit parfaits. Proceeds went to the United Way’s 4^th Annual Critical Needs Drive to benefit the Child... Read More...

M.D. Program Awards Honor Teamwork - 10/29/2012

It takes a team to train health leaders for the 21^st century, and the UCF College of Medicine honored a broad range of accomplishments on October 25 in the inaugural M.D. Program Awards ceremony. Honorees included regular and volunteer/affiliated faculty, M.D. students and for the first time staff, thanks to recommendations from the college’s Staff Recognition... Read More...

Lake Nona: The Smart City - 10/29/2012

One day in Lake Nona,  sensors connected to a network may be able to tell you if there are parking spaces at your favorite shop, send health information to your doctor, or turn street lights on and off depending on pedestrian traffic. The UCF College of Medicine, its community partners and networking powerhouse Cisco Systems have... Read More...

Students, Faculty Join Medical Society - 10/29/2012

The UCF College of Medicine‘s 280 M.D. students, along with its faculty physicians, have joined the Orange County Medical Society. The Society, founded in 1908, is one of the 44 medical societies chartered by the Florida Medical Association. Deborah German, M.D., UCF Vice President for Medical Affairs and Dean of the medical school, said the student... Read More...

Burnett School Undergrad Researches Across The Globe - 10/29/2012

University of Central Florida senior Adrienne Showman knows the joys of discovery – whether working in a lab or studying abroad. A molecular biology/microbiology major at the Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, Adrienne spent 10 weeks in Germany during the summer as part of the... Read More...

Science And Art Of Simulation - 10/29/2012

The seasoned doctor inserted a needle between two vertebrae in the lower back to remove a sample of cerebrospinal fluid as the resident watched.   Roles reversed with the next patient, and it was the resident’s turn to perform what she had just witnessed. That system of sink-or-swim training on real patients was common for generations of... Read More...

October’s New Colleagues - 10/29/2012

Meet your new UCF College of Medicine colleagues who joined us in October. Nichole Fletcher joined the college on October 1 as an office assistant in the Human Resources Department.  She will be assisting the HR team with faculty and staff recruitment efforts as... Read More...

Diversity Drives Excellence - 10/15/2012

Diversity and inclusion are more than counting the number of people in a medical school who are of different backgrounds. Diversity is at the cornerstone of providing health care to all, said Dr. Marc Nivet, chief diversity officer for the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC). Dr. Nivet spoke to UCF College of Medicine faculty,... Read More...

Dr. Khaled Receives Cancer Grant - 10/15/2012

During National Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, everyone from runners in the streets to NFL players on the field dons pink to support the fight against the disease that is expected to kill 39,510 women in the United States in 2012. As heartening as those efforts are, there is another show of force going on... Read More...

Harness Treats Infant Hip Dysplasia - 10/15/2012

When you give your car the once-over, you always check the tires. They speak volumes about whether the vehicle is aligned and will drive straight without a struggle. Doctors always check a baby's hips for much the same reason -- to prevent trouble from a dislocated joint down the road. Thanks to a $340,474 grant from... Read More...

UCF Pegasus Health Expands To Include Endocrinologist - 10/15/2012

UCF Pegasus Health, the College of Medicine’s physician practice, has added endocrinologist Dr. Angela Mazza, who specializes in treating Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, thyroid and other endocrine disorders. Dr. Mazza, who is board certified in internal medicine and endocrinology, will also serve as an assistant... Read More...

Tour Medical City, RUNNONA! - 10/15/2012

The UCF College of Medicine will be the starting point for RUNNONA, an October 27 race through medical city that’s proceeds will support the Tavistock Foundation. The 5K course will begin at the college’s Tavistock Green and go past the Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute, the Orlando VA Medical Center  and the Nemours Children’s Hospital. The 5K... Read More...

Teenagers Connect With Medicine, Surgery - 10/01/2012

As they learned recently about surgery, brains and beating hearts at the UCF College of Medicine, teenagers from Orlando’s Memorial Middle School took a step closer to their dreams. The educational experience launched the college’s Health Explorers program, designed to inspire middle school children from medically under-served areas to get excited about careers in health. Health... Read More...

Meet Your New Colleagues - 10/01/2012

The UCF College of Medicine welcomed these new colleagues in September: Neffisatu Dambo Neffisatu J. C. Dambo joined the College of Medicine on September 4 as an OPS Graduate Assistant in the Office of Diversity and Inclusion.  A Ph.D. graduate student in the UCF Department of... Read More...

Med Student Wins American Heart Association Scholarship - 10/01/2012

UCF College of Medicine second-year M.D. student Michelle Kim has been awarded a 2012 Student Scholarship in Cardiovascular Disease and Stroke from the American Heart Association for research that could lead to improved treatment of heart failure. The $2,000 grant will support Michelle’s research project on a... Read More...

Leisure Reading Books On Sale - 10/01/2012

The Harriet F. Ginsburg Health Sciences Library is 98 percent electronic, but that’s the place you’ll want to be to snap up some good deals on an “original digital reader – a print book where you actually turn a paper page with your fingers. The library is holding its first Fall Book Sale to raise funds... Read More...

Combination Therapy Could Better Fight Pancreatic Cancer - 10/01/2012

Two College of Medicine researchers have been awarded a grant to develop a combination therapy that for the first time uses a polyamine transport inhibitor (PTI) to prevent chemotherapy resistance by pancreatic cancer cells. The College of Medicine’s Dr. Otto Phanstiel and Dr. Deborah Altomare will use the $289,000 grant from the US Army Medical Research... Read More...

Dr. Masternak, Team Win Multiple Awards - 10/01/2012

At the Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, Dr. Michal Masternak and his team have scored the equivalent of a hat trick in sports. Dr. Masternak’ s lab racked up three accolades in September: a Polish Ministry of Health 2012 team award for research conducted by Dr. Masternak and colleagues from Poland; a supplemental grant from the... Read More...

Library Exhibit Highlights African-American Surgeons - 10/01/2012

The eyes pull you into their journey of blazing trails and improving health care for the African-American community. The determined, confident faces that gaze from six stand-alone panels are part of an exhibit at the Harriet F. Ginsburg Health Sciences Library titled “Opening Doors: Contemporary African-American Surgeons,” which celebrates their contributions to medicine and medical education.... Read More...

Jazz On Tavistock Green - 10/01/2012

The College of Medicine and the Lake Nona YMCA will hold “Jazz On A Green” Saturday, October 20 from 5 to 9 p.m. on the college’s Tavistock Green. Featured performers are Ken Navarro, a Contemporary Jazz guitarist and composer first recognized as a solo artist in 1990 with his song “Try Again” from his debut CD... Read More...

New COM Colleagues - 09/17/2012

Starting in this week’s edition, COMmunique will include a feature on new hires at the UCF College of Medicine. Please welcome these new colleagues, who joined us in August. Mary Hallowell joined the College of Medicine on August 3 as the coordinator of events and... Read More...

Dr. Li Receives NSF Grant - 09/17/2012

With a grant from the National Science Foundation, Dr. Xiaoman Li of the Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences has accepted a big task with a tiny protagonist: deciphering the genetic blueprint of a community of microbes. The potential payoff: New ways to diagnose and treat diseases. The $373,945 grant, titled “Computational Inference of Microbial Community Structure from... Read More...

Two M.D. Students Win National Service Scholarship - 09/17/2012

Two UCF College of Medicine M.D. students have received highly competitive National Health Service Corps Scholarships, for their commitment to helping communities in need after they graduate and complete their training. Scholarship winners are second-year students Heather McKently and Ram Sharma who must commit to... Read More...

College Walks, Raises Money For Heart Disease - 09/17/2012

The UCF College of Medicine raised more than $2,800 for heart disease, helping the September 15 Orlando Heart Walk raise a total of $1.2 million for research and treatment of America’s leading killer of men and women. UCF was a major participant in the walk, raising a total of $36,060.04 and registering 303 walkers. UCF Provost... Read More...

Dr. Fernandez-Valle Honored For Mentorship - 09/17/2012

Dr. Cristina Fernandez-Valle, a newly promoted professor at the Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, recently received UCF and national recognition for the mentoring of young scientists. Dr. Fernandez-Valle, a specialist in neurodegenerative diseases, was one of three UCF faculty members to be honored with the Women’s Research Center’s inaugural 2012 Women of Distinction: Excellence in Mentoring Award. The new... Read More...

In Memory Of Philanthropist Al Burnett - 09/11/2012

Al Burnett, a highly respected entrepreneur and philanthropist and one of the University of Central Florida’s strongest supporters, passed away Friday at his summer home in Maine. The legacy of Al Burnett and his wife, Nancy, includes a $10 million donation that established what is now the Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences and laid the foundation... Read More...

Recommendations For Preventing The West Nile Virus - 09/07/2012

The Florida Department of Health has confirmed 19 human cases of West Nile virus (WNV) in 2012, most recently last week in Hillsborough County. The peak transmission period is July through October. The virus continues to pop up throughout the United States, including a severe outbreak in Texas. What precautions should we be taking for ourselves,... Read More...

Dr. Daniell Named Journal Editor - 09/04/2012

Dr. Henry Daniell, Pegasus Professor and holder of the Trustee Chair at the College of Medicine’s Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, has been named editor in chief of the prestigious international publication, Plant Biotechnology Journal. Dr. Daniell is recognized around the globe for his work using genetically engineered plants to provide cures to diseases such as... Read More...

Galloway Foundation’s Sustaining Gift - 09/04/2012

The UCF College of Medicine thanks the Galloway Foundation for its 2012 scholarship donation of $120,000. The foundation is the only donor to fund a full scholarship in each of the college’s first four M.D. classes. “The Galloway Foundation is an amazing partner,” said Charles Roberts, the College of Medicine’s assistant vice president for development. “The... Read More...

American Heart Association Event Highlights Burnett School Research - 09/04/2012

Heart disease research is such a part of Dr. Sampath Parthasarathy’s life that his recent presentation at the American Heart Association Education & Research Salon was aptly titled, “My Heart is an Open Book.” Dr. Parthasarathy holds the Florida Hospital Endowed Chair in Cardiovascular Science at the UCF College of Medicine’s Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences.... Read More...

College Of Medicine Fights Heart Disease - 08/31/2012

Imagine the impact if we reduce death and disability from cardiovascular diseases and stroke by 20 percent by the year 2020! That’s the goal of the American Heart Association’s Heart Walk on Saturday, September 15 at Orlando’s Loch Haven Park. And the UCF College of Medicine is participating. The college’s goal is to raise $5,000 and... Read More...

Normal Aging Or Memory Loss? - 08/31/2012

If you’re spending more time hunting for lost keys than you did last year, don’t panic. As you age, slight memory loss can be expected under certain conditions, says Dr. Mariana Dangiolo, College of Medicine assistant professor who specializes in geriatric medicine at UCF Pegasus Health, the college’s physician practice. In fact, approximately 60 percent of... Read More...

Medical Students Trained In “Stethoscope Of The Future” - 08/28/2012

Second-year medical students at the College of Medicine are making room in their little black bags for the “stethoscope of the future” – ultrasound technology. For the first time in the Practice of Medicine-2  module, students recently trained to use ultrasound machines during thyroid exams. That prepares them for a medical world where the role of... Read More...

Quilt’s Theme Is Compassionate Bedside Manner - 08/28/2012

The quilt hanging in the reception area of the College of Medicine’s Clinical Skills and Simulation Center quietly but powerfully tells its story in hues of black and gold, each stitch revealing the care and compassion of its maker – standardized patient Kathleen Hale. Gently turn up the lower right corner of the quilt, and an... Read More...

Dr. Singla Authors Stem Cell Textbook - 08/20/2012

Dr. Dinender Singla, an associate professor at the Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, can add “first-time textbook author” to his list of credits with the publication of “Stem Cell Biology Basic Concepts to Frontiers, Students Edition.” “My goal was to create a textbook in simple language that undergraduates and graduates can understand,” said Dr. Singla, who... Read More...

Burnett School Welcomes 22 New Graduate Students - 08/16/2012

The UCF College of Medicine’s Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences welcomed 22 new Ph.D. and Master’s students during its 4^th Annual Graduate Research Colloquium August 16. As part of the event, biomedical sciences students presented research posters on topics that included reducing plaque in the brains of Alzheimer’s disease patients, earlier detection of pancreatic and ovarian... Read More...

College Seeks FIRE Research Mentors - 08/16/2012

The UCF College of Medicine welcomed 100 new medical students this summer and many chose UCF for its innovative curriculum, including the Focused Inquiry and Research Experience (FIRE) program. This two-year course gives students the opportunity to pursue research related to their medical studies and eventual career choices. While some students choose projects in traditional... Read More...

Biology-Engineering Partnership Could Heal Diseased Hearts - 08/16/2012

A patient with a diseased heart may one day be able to “grow” a replacement organ from adult stem cells harvested from his own body, thanks to research being conducted by two University of Central Florida scientists. Dr. Kiminobu Sugaya of the Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences and Dr. Aristide Dogariu of the College of Optics... Read More...

College Updated On National Testing Changes - 08/15/2012

Scores on the U.S. Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) tell students if their knowledge and skills are sharp and tell medical-education programs if they are focused on the right subject areas. College of Medicine faculty attended a recent workshop at the Lake Nona campus to learn about changes to the USMLE, which is sponsored by the Federation... Read More...

The Week That Was - 08/14/2012

During their first week of medical school, the College of Medicine’s first-year M.D. students conquered a scrubs relay race and water balloon toss, received iPads for interactive learning and joined student interest groups for specialties such as pediatrics, academic medicine and women’s studies. And now it’s class time. After August 6’s traditional White Coat Ceremony, 100... Read More...

Check Out Cafe Menu Online - 08/08/2012

Hungry? You can now check out the College of Medicine’s Café’s daily menu online by clicking on this link. As the new school year begins, Café manager Karina Ortega said the eatery is adding new features based on customer feedback, including:

• Later hours for full service meals. Stay tuned for details.
• A new after-hours system. You will... Read More...

College Has 4 Inductees in UCF Millionaires Club - 08/06/2012

Swimmer Michael Phelps knows how to go for the Olympic gold, but when it comes to winning research funding, the College of Medicine has its own superstars who have made a splash – three repeat recipients and a first-timer are this year’s inductees into the University of Central Florida Millionaires Club. With this year’s honor, Burnett... Read More...

College Welcomes Class Of 2016 - 08/06/2012

The UCF College of Medicine welcomed 100 new M.D. students Monday at the traditional White Coat Ceremony, which recognizes first-year doctors-in-training as colleagues dedicated to patient care. “We wish you much personal and professional growth as you begin your journey to medical expertise and greater service to humanity,” UCF President John Hitt told the students in... Read More...

3-D App Is Unique For Medical Education - 08/06/2012

Dr. Juan Cendan, the College of Medicine’s assistant dean for simulation, placed the flat image of a skull on the table and pointed his smartphone at the likeness.  Without uttering so much as an “abracadabra,” he created a 3D depiction of the cranium on his phone’s screen out of the static image. Although the demonstration appeared... Read More...

Monitoring Rural Countries’ Medical Care: There’s An App For That - 08/06/2012

A mobile system that manages patients’ medical records with iPads hums throughout a small town in the Dominican Republic this week, thanks to the ingenuity and can-do attitude of a few UCF College of Medicine students. The system started as a research project for third-year medical student Bobby Palmer of Avon Park, Fla. When Bobby graduated... Read More...

Adopt-A-Senior Program Gains More National Recognition - 08/02/2012

The College of Medicine’s “Adopt-a-Senior” program has been selected as an inspirational student community service by the American Medical Student Association (AMSA). The association highlighted the program on its inspiration exchange http://www.amsa.org/AMSA/Homepage.aspx and will also recognize the UCF program at its upcoming annual meeting. Under the Adopt-a-Senior program, UCF medical students are paired with senior... Read More...

Visit Highlights Health IT In Academic Medicine - 08/01/2012

The CEO of a national partnership working to accelerate the use of electronic health records visited the College of Medicine July 26 to see how the medical school is educating students with the latest technology. Kate Berry, CEO of the National eHealth Collaborative (NeHC), joined leaders from InfoComm International, the association serving the professional AV communications... Read More...

College Holds Mock Accreditation Visit - 07/23/2012

Two nationally recognized health leaders participated in a mock accreditation exercise for the UCF College of Medicine recently as the medical school prepares for a decision on its full accreditation. The Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME), the nationally recognized accrediting authority for medical degree education programs in the U.S. and Canada, has awarded UCF provisional... Read More...

Head Bump Can Cause Permanent Damage - 07/23/2012

Central Florida life offers many benefits, including year-round opportunities for outdoor physical activities. The benefits of physical activity are unquestionable, but unfortunately, injuries may come with the territory. Each year, approximately 300,000 sports-related concussions occur in the United States. They can be caused by any bump or blow to the head or other parts of the... Read More...

A Village Helps Groom Tomorrow’s Health Leaders - 07/23/2012

The old adage that “it takes a village to raise a child” certainly fits for the College of Medicine’s Health Leaders program, a partnership designed to increase the diversity of students in medical education and better prepare those youngsters to enter health care professions. A recent summer camp for these students showed the reach of... Read More...

Board of Medicine Honors Anika Mirick - 07/23/2012

The Florida Board of Medicine honored charter class M.D. student Anika Mirick with its Chairman’s Recognition Award for exemplifying the professionalism, moral character, compassion and intellect “essential to the future leaders of our medical profession.” Anika, who is entering her fourth year at the UCF College of Medicine, received the award at the Board’s June meeting. “This... Read More...

A Good-Will Science Ambassador - 07/23/2012

University of Central Florida graduate Martin Sterlicchi likes to solve problems – whether it’s in a lab or a village in Togo, West Africa, as a Peace Corps volunteer sharing his love of science with the help of his former professor, Dr. Antonis Zervos of the Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences. In June, Martin and other... Read More...

With Thanks To All - 07/23/2012

The UCF College of Medicine said a collective thank-you to faculty and staff for their contributions with a Faculty and Staff Appreciation event on July 20. “Our College of Medicine is reaching many milestones, and we rarely find time in our busy schedules to say ‘thank-you,’ said Dr. Deborah German, vice president for medical affairs and... Read More...

Sandra Major Receives HR Honor - 07/23/2012

Sandra Major, human resources coordinator for administrative services at the College of Medicine, has been recognized for achieving a high level of expertise in the field. She has earned the Professional in Human Resources (PHR) certification from the HR Certification Institute (HRCI), an internationally recognized certifying organization for the human resource profession.   The certification demonstrates mastery... Read More...

College Team Raises $2,217 For Cancer Society - 07/09/2012

A beaming Wandy Cruz-Velázquez proudly displays the certificate from the American Cancer Society praising the “outstanding dedication” of the College of Medicine’s 2012 Relay for Life team. The College of Medicine team raised $2,217 through sponsorships of team members and by the sale of word jars, water and fruit, and “Penny Wars,” which contributed $187. Pennies... Read More...

High School Students Test Drive Medical School - 07/09/2012

High school students from Orange and Osceola counties will be working in the DNA and microbiology laboratories at the Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences as part of the College of Medicine’s first summer camp for teens debuting this month. Students from Jones High School’s medical arts magnet program and students nominated by Osceola high school principals... Read More...

Regional Extension Center Receives Additional Funding - 07/09/2012

The College of Medicine’s Regional Extension Center (REC), which is helping local physicians adopt and use electronic health records, has received an additional $812,000 in federal funding to expand its efforts. In addition, the REC received $150,000 from the state to help local dentists use electronic records to improve patient care in medically underserved areas. As... Read More...

Medical, Nursing Students Join To Serve - 07/09/2012

UCF medical and nursing students will travel to San Francisco de Macoris, Dominican Republic for an international medical service mission July 28 to August 4, to provide care and help address the medical needs of the impoverished region. The goal of the trip is to create sustainable services, said Dr. Judy Simms-Cendan, the College of Medicine’s... Read More...

Medical School Seeks Preceptors - 07/09/2012

Know a physician who is a great teacher? An inspirational mentor? The UCF College of Medicine is looking to identify more preceptors for first- and second-year students. With the new class of 100 enrolling in August, the college will have 180 students in the Community of Practice aspect of the Practice of Medicine modules. And... Read More...

College Welcomes Library Leaders From New Medical Schools - 07/09/2012

Library leaders from around the country gathered at the UCF College of Medicine in June to share ideas about how new health sciences libraries can grow and support their medical schools. “The library is the heart and soul of research and patient care. It gives us knowledge to create innovative ideas,” Dr. Deborah German, vice president... Read More...

Steve Omli Receives Community Engagement Award - 07/09/2012

Steve Omli, the College of Medicine’s director of business and finance/auxiliary services, has been recognized for his efforts to automate and streamline the college’s budget processes. He received the best community engagement award at a conference held last month in Chicago by the company Adaptive Planning for users of its cloud-based, corporate management software. “The software makes... Read More...

Be Hurricane Ready - 07/09/2012

As you breeze through the corridors at the College of Medicine, the furthest thing from your mind may be a hurricane. Events and operations coordinator Kailyn Potter wants to change that before the next storm threatens Central Florida, as Tropical Storm Debby did in late June. Slow down on your rush to your cubicle or... Read More...

Student’s Family Gift Honors Dr. Samsam - 06/25/2012

A gift in honor of Dr. Mohtashem Samsam will help teach future human anatomy students at the UCF College of Medicine’s Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences. Dr. Wayne and Heidi Garcia of South Pasadena, FL, along with their daughter Jacqueline, (class of 2011) presented an anatomical model to Dr. Samsam and a class of his human-anatomy... Read More...

Faculty Receive Inaugural Research Grants - 06/25/2012

Thirteen faculty members received $260,000 in grants in the College of Medicine’s first competitive research grant program. The $20,000 individual grants will fund pilot studies in basic and clinical sciences and medical education and are designed to help investigators pursue innovative research ideas that may lead to external funding. Dr. Deborah German, vice president for medical... Read More...

Transforming Health And Health Care - 06/25/2012

Academy Health, a national organization dedicated to improving the quality, accessibility and value of health care, met at the College of Medicine June 22 to discuss improving care through innovation, evidence-based medicine and community outreach. “Transforming Health and Health Care: Focus on Florida” included physicians, educators, health care providers, economists, local, state and federal health leaders,... Read More...

High-Tech Libraries - 06/25/2012

Medical librarians need to join the technology discussion or be left behind. That’s the challenge Nadine Dexter, director of the College of Medicine’s Harriet F. Ginsburg Health Sciences Library delivered to delegates at the Florida Health Sciences Library Association (FHSLA) convention in Orlando. She delivered the keynote address on “Emerging Technologies in Medical Libraries” at... Read More...

“Partnership For Patients” - 06/20/2012

An interprofessional educational team from the UCF, the University of Florida pharmacy program and the VA Medical Center Orlando was one of 34 selected groups invited to participate at the first meeting of the Interprofessional Education Collaborative (IPEC), a new national organization focused on better integrating the education of nurses, physicians, dentists, pharmacists, public health... Read More...

Partner Physicians Visit White House To Laud Electronic Health Records - 06/20/2012

Two Central Florida doctors who are leaders in the UCF Regional Extension Center’s (REC) effort to adopt electronic health records gathered at the White House Tuesday for a conference on how technology can help improve patient care. Dr. Amish Parikh and Dr. Marvin Hardy were among approximately 80 health information technology pacesetters from across the country... Read More...

Bridging 1,000 Miles - 06/19/2012

Dr. Luis Esmurdoc of the Dominican Republic wants to bridge the 1,000 miles between his country and the University of Central Florida College of Medicine with an interchange of students, service and ideas. As the assistant rector of international affairs at Universidad Católica Nordestana (UCNE), Dr. Esmurdoc visited the COM campus on June 12 and 13.... Read More...

A Salute To Courage - 06/19/2012

Six combat veterans opened this month’s Silver Spurs Rodeo by performing in an equestrian therapy drill team, thanks in part to the UCF College of Medicine. The veterans, who suffered injuries in Iraq and Afghanistan, wore their combat fatigues as they put their horses through their moves at the Silver Spurs Arena. As the ceremony closed... Read More...

Dr. Davey Is President Of American Board Of Pathology - 06/08/2012

The College of Medicine’s Dr. Diane Davis Davey is the 2012 president of the American Board of Pathology, which is responsible for certifying pathologists across the United States. As part of her duties, Dr. Davey presides over all Board of Trustees and Executive Committee meetings and organizes the board’s strategic planning discussions.  In addition to her... Read More...

First-Year M.D. Student Wins National Honor - 06/08/2012

Teresa Martin-Carreras, a first-year student at the UCF College of Medicine, is a 2012 American Medical Association (AMA) Foundation Minority Scholars Award recipient, one of only 13 medical students nationwide to receive the honor. Teresa will receive a $10,000 scholarship in recognition of her scholastic achievement and commitment to the elimination of health care disparities. Teresa said... Read More...

Burnett School Faculty Members Honored For Commitment To Learning, Teaching - 06/08/2012

Two faculty members from the College of Medicine’s Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences have been recognized for their exemplary commitment to learning and teaching at UCF. Dr. Mohtashem Samsam, an assistant professor, received a Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) award. Dr. Robert Borgon, an assistant professor, is the winner of a UCF Teaching Incentive Program... Read More...

UCF Presentations Highlight Excellence In Medical Education - 06/08/2012

Heavy-hitters from the University of Central Florida’s College of Medicine recently shared their expertise in medical education at the 2012 Southern Group on Educational Affairs (SGEA) conference. Dr. Julia Pet-Armacost, associate dean for planning and knowledge management; Dr. Matthew Gerber, director of knowledge management; Andrea Berry, director of faculty development; and Nadine Dexter, director of the... Read More...

MedWAR Winners! - 06/08/2012

A College of Medicine student team placed third out of 29 teams at the recent 12^th annual Southeast Regional Medical Wilderness Adventure Race (MedWAR), a competition that combines wilderness medicine with adventure racing. In placing third, M.D. students Jon Beilan, Steven Bright, Ashley Curry and Luke Lin had the best finish ever in College of Medicine... Read More...

Economic Development Through Partnership - 05/29/2012

Business and community leaders gathered at the UCF College of Medicine May 16 and pledged that public-private partnerships must thrive to develop Central Florida’s economy during these tough economic times. The East Orlando Chamber of Commerce presented “BOLDLY Building Our Future,” an event that included a panel discussion on strategic steps the community can take to... Read More...

‘Firing Up’ Students About Health Careers - 05/29/2012

The UCF College of Medicine is partnering with Osceola County high school students to help increase diversity in medical education.  “We’re trying to fire up students about health careers,” Dr. Lisa Barkley, the college’s assistant dean for diversity and inclusion, said of the May 11 Pipeline Research Symposium at the Lake Nona campus. Five students from... Read More...

Burnett School Launches New Website - 05/29/2012

The College of Medicine’s Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences has a new website with more interactive features, a cutting-edge design and a news feed that continuously updates to reflect the latest happenings at the school. The project was a team effort that included Burnett School Technology Manager Craig Anderson, College of Medicine Communications Coordinator Matt Vaccaro... Read More...

Support Student Medical Mission Trip To Peru - 05/24/2012

College of Medicine M.D. students will join forces with a group of physicians, physical therapists and physician assistants for a two-week medical mission trip to Peru in June. And they need your help. The students will join the medical professionals and fellow students from two Peruvian medical schools to serve the people of Cuzco and Quillabamba.... Read More...

Burnett School Students Earn Research Week Honors - 05/24/2012

An interest in infectious diseases, an affinity for long hours in the lab, and a grandfather’s struggle with Alzheimer’s disease are some reasons that inspired nine award-winning students from the UCF College of Medicine’s Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences. Seven undergraduate and two graduate students from the Burnett school were recognized during 2012 Research Week in... Read More...

Partnership Hat For Dr. Payer - 05/24/2012

Partnership wears many hats at the University of Central Florida, and recently, that community interaction hat was an authentic Stetson. Guenevere Rae, Health Sciences Laboratory Coordinator for Stetson University, presented the hat to Anatomy Professor Andrew Payer in appreciation for the opportunity he provided Stetson health students to learn at the College of Medicine’s Anatomy Lab. During... Read More...

Introducing Health Sciences Library iMacs - 05/22/2012

Rosella Rowell couldn’t wait for the yellow ribbon to be cut at the six new iMac stations at the UCF College of Medicine’s Harriet F. Ginsburg Health Sciences Library. “The iMacs are more eye-catching and have better flexibility” than PCs on the main UCF campus, said Rosella, a master’s student in healthcare administration. She had traveled... Read More...

New Nano Technique Determines Aggressiveness Of Prostate Cancer - 05/22/2012

One in six men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during his lifetime, the second leading cause of death among men in the United States. It’s a serious problem and current diagnostic tests aren’t very specific. But a team that includes a researcher from the... Read More...

Cendans Are Musical Team - 05/21/2012

Call them the musical dynamic duo. On May 11, Dr. Juan Cendan, the College of Medicine’s assistant dean for simulation, and his son Aaron performed at Winter Park High School’s “Night of Percussion.” The father-son team performed “Ney Rosauro’s Toccata and Divertimento” for classical guitar and vibraphone. Theirs was the first ever parent-child performance at the... Read More...

Moving Together For A Cure - 05/14/2012

Arthritis is the leading cause of disability in America, and on Saturday, a team of the College of Medicine’s new physicians group (Pegasus Health) helped lead a walk in downtown Orlando to find a cure. Dr. Shazia Bég, who specializes in rheumatology at the new faculty practice, was medical honorary chair of the Orlando 2012 Arthritis... Read More...

Dr. Samsam is Keeper of the Creed - 05/14/2012

Dr. Mohtashem Samsam of the UCF College of Medicine’s Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences has been recognized with the Keeper of the Creed /Scholarship award for his exemplary commitment to learning and teaching at the University of Central Florida. The yearly honor goes to select undergraduate students and UCF faculty or staff who represent one of... Read More...

Dr. Dangiolo Wins First UCF Gerontology Award - 05/14/2012

The UCF College of Medicine’s Dr. Mariana Dangiolo is a winner of the first Richard Tucker Gerontology Applied Research Grants for her work incorporating geriatrics into Anatomy Lab for first-year medical students. Thanks to the efforts of Dr. Dangiolo and M-3 students Christina Hsu, Malgorzata Krzyszczak, Reid Green, and Edward Sanchez, the 17-week lab now includes... Read More...

Reaching Out For Huntington’s Disease - 05/11/2012

Imagine living with the knowledge that one day, a twitch of the hand could be the start of a downward spiral, causing you to lose control of your bodily functions, scream uncontrollably, forget who you are and eventually die. That’s the reality 150,000 Americans experience each day because they have Huntington’s disease, referred to as “the... Read More...

Burnett Students Shine At Symposium - 05/11/2012

The College of Medicine’s Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences held its seventh annual Graduate Research Symposium May 7, a chance for Master’s and Ph.D. students  to present their research in public as they would at national and international conferences. Students presented on topics such as infectious disease, cancer, cardiovascular disease, bacterial genetics, neurodegenerative disease, metabolic disease... Read More...

Librarian Wins State Scholarship - 05/11/2012

Library staff member Natasha Fortune has been awarded a 2012 Florida Library Association Scholarship for graduate students. Natasha, who handles interlibrary loan services for the College of Medicine’s Harriet F. Ginsburg Health Sciences Library, received the $2,000 Minority Award during the FLA’s conference in Orlando last month. Each year the FLA awards three $2,000 scholarships, one... Read More...

Horses And Heroes - 05/03/2012

On weekends, they’re rodeo horses, but for three hours every Thursday, Jake, Seemore and Willie are four-legged counselors to American heroes. The three quarter horses are part of a partnership spearheaded by the UCF College of Medicine that is using horses to help physically and mentally disabled veterans. The medical school is working with Heavenly Hoofs,... Read More...

Little Chapter, Big Heart - 04/30/2012

The College of Medicine’s chapter of the Student National Medical Association received the “Little Chapter, Big Heart” award at the organization’s Annual Medical Education Conference April 4-8 in Atlanta. The SNMA is the oldest and largest student-run organization focused on the needs and concerns of medical students of color. As M.D. student Mertalaine Mulatre explained, “Diversity... Read More...

Students Honor Faculty, Staff At Hygeia Banquet - 04/30/2012

Faculty and staff members were honored at the UCF College of Medicine’s third annual end-of-year Hygeia banquet at the Royal Plaza Hotel at Disney’s Lake Buena Vista. In addition to the awards, the M.D. student event featured dinner, dancing, cocktail attire and a silent auction of items including original artwork by medical students. In Greek mythology,... Read More...

Our Doctors Pitch Too! - 04/27/2012

Faculty physicians at UCF Pegasus Health not only teach and care for patients in the community. They can pitch! Dr. Abdo Asmar, a Pegasus Health nephrologist, demonstrated his baseball skills by throwing out the first pitch April 17 as the UCF Knights defeated Florida Atlantic 12-3 at Jay Bergman Field. Pegasus Health, the College of Medicine’s... Read More...

Partnership Spirit Excites White House - 04/24/2012

A science and technology team from the White House met at the UCF College of Medicine recently to discuss how partnerships at medical city are bolstering Orlando’s economy. Dr. John Holdren, director of President Obama’s Office of Science and Technology Policy and his team met with officials from UCF, Lake Nona, the Orlando VA Medical Center,... Read More...

Burnett School Athletes Win Top Scholar Awards - 04/23/2012

Three scholar-athletes enrolled in the College of Medicine’s Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences undergraduate program have earned honors for their academic prowess. Zoe Hayes, Tory McCutcheon, and Kyle Cox – who are all pursuing a biomedical sciences degree -- received Conference USA... Read More...

Moving Together To Beat Arthritis - 04/23/2012

Faculty physicians at UCF Pegasus Health, the College of Medicine’s new clinical practice, invite you to join them for the 2012 Orlando Arthritis Walk on Saturday, May 12 at Lake Eola Park downtown. Pegasus Health rheumatologist Dr. Shazia Bég is the Medical Honorary Chair for the event. Dr. Bég is board certified in internal medicine and... Read More...

New Doors Opening In Heart Research - 04/16/2012

Sesame oil has been known for more than 2,500 years, but now it is inspiring new ideas for the treatment of heart disease. Dr. Sampath Parthasarathy, who holds the Florida Hospital Endowed Chair in Cardiovascular Sciences at the College of Medicine’s Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, talked about his research into the healing traits of sesame... Read More...

Using Nanotechnology To Hunt For Hidden Pathogens - 04/16/2012

Two UCF researchers, including a professor at the College of Medicine’s Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, have developed a novel technique that may give doctors a faster and more sensitive tool to detect pathogens associated with inflammatory bowel disease, including Crohn’s disease. The new nanoparticle-based technique also may be used for detection of other microbes that... Read More...

Founders’ Day Honors Dedication To Excellence - 04/16/2012

Three College of Medicine faculty members and a graduating Molecular and Microbiology major, were honored at UCF’s annual Founders’ Day Honors Convocation. “The achievements we recognize today confirm the merit of the past efforts of our founders and demonstrate that our dedication to excellence continues,”... Read More...

Story-Sharing Leads To Empathy - 04/16/2012

Encouraging communication between patients and their physicians is the goal of a College of Medicine student organization and recently the group – called Narrative Medicine at the COM – recently held a story-sharing event featuring Dean Deborah German. Dr. German demonstrated the use of storytelling in medical practice by highlighting the benefits of listening to a... Read More...

Penny Wars Support Relay For Life - 04/16/2012

Each year the American Cancer Society helps thousands of people nationwide who are battling cancer and the group’s annual Relay for Life helps honor cancer survivors and remember those who lost their lives to the terrible disease. You can help support the College of Medicine Relay for Life team and raise money to benefit the American... Read More...

Believe And Give - 04/16/2012

There’s still time to make a gift to the 2012 UCF Faculty & Staff Campaign. The theme of this year’s giving program is “I Believe.” You can designate your donation to support specific projects. College of Medicine projects include general scholarship funds for both the M.D. and Burnett School. You can also contribute to specific locations... Read More...

Research On FIRE - 04/09/2012

First- and second-year medical students celebrated the spirit of independent research during the third annual I-Module Focused Individualized Research Experience (FIRE) Mini-Conference at the UCF College of Medicine March 19 and 20. As part of the two-year FIRE module, students presented their proposals and final posters for grading by faculty members and peers. Awards went to... Read More...

Library Ranks Top Apps - 04/09/2012

Overwhelmed by the avalanche of iPad apps out there? The College of Medicine’s Harriet F. Ginsburg Health Sciences Library threw out a lifeline at its Info Expo on March 29. Medical informatics librarian Michael Garner shared his 10 most useful apps for the college’s staff and faculty members during the lunch-and-learn session. The list included creative... Read More...

Second National Award For M.D. Leaders - 04/02/2012

For the second year in a row, the UCF College of Medicine’s chapter of the American Medical Student Association has won a national award for its efforts to inspire future physician leaders. The college received its second Paul R. Wright Chapter Success Award at the AMSA National Convention in Houston March 8-12. The award is given to chapters who... Read More...

Burnett School To Graduate Record Number - 04/02/2012

UCF will hand out a record number of undergraduate degrees to College of Medicine Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences majors this spring. The 234 Bachelor of Science degrees reflect a 21 percent increase from the spring 2011, reinforcing the fact that the biomedical sciences major is the second-most popular at UCF. The excellence of the Burnett... Read More...

A Heart For Service - 04/02/2012

As a child in her native Nigeria, third-year medical student Uchechi Anumudu watched in wonder as her mother, a nurse, cared for patients and made them feel better. It was there that the seed to help people was planted in Uchechi’s heart. Reflecting  that passion to make a difference, especially in women’s health care,  Uchechi  was... Read More...

Caring For Kidneys - 04/02/2012

One out of nine Americans suffers from chronic kidney disease, and on March 25, 600 people – including UCF Pegasus Health physicians and College of Medicine students and staff members – participated in a 5K walk to raise money to fight the disease. Pegasus Health was a platinum sponsor of the National Kidney Foundation 2012 Orlando... Read More...

Jazz On The Tavistock Green - 04/02/2012

Enjoy a night of jazz Saturday, April 21 as the College of Medicine and the Lake Nona YMCA host “Jazz on a Green” to benefit scholarship programs. The event runs from 4 to 9 p.m. on the Tavistock Green. Performers are renowned jazz guitarist Ken Navarro... Read More...

Join Health And Medicine Leaders At TEDMED - 04/02/2012

Interested in gathering with a community of people who are passionate about the future of health and medicine? TEDMED is a diverse group of leaders who are coming together April 10-13 to explore the issues, challenges and innovations that will shape the future of health and medicine. The event will include 1,300 people from 300 medical... Read More...

Open Sesame - 03/19/2012

Learn about the heart healing aspects of sesame oil at the next Luminary Series Presentation April 11 by Dr. Sampath Parthasarathy, holder of the new Florida Hospital Endowed Chair in Cardiovascular Sciences at the College of Medicine’s Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences. Dr. Parthasarathy, Ph.D., MBA, is an internationally known cardiovascular scientist who also serves as... Read More...

UCF Regional Extension Center Honors 8 Vanguards - 03/19/2012

A UCF College of Medicine team that is helping local physicians adopt electronic health records (EHR) honored eight doctors on February 27 as Meaningful Use Vanguards (MUVers) for their efforts in improving patient care by adopting paperless systems and reaching meaningful use in the move toward an electronically-enabled healthcare system. Dr. Deborah German, vice president for... Read More...

M.D. Students Hold Teddy Bear Clinic - 03/19/2012

The first-grader at Moss Park Elementary School giggled and said that teddy bears don’t have brains. But he and his classmates learned the furry companions and UCF medical students have a lot of heart. The College of Medicine’s M-2 Student Council sponsored a Teddy Bear Clinic March 2 at the elementary school in Lake Nona to... Read More...

Public Services Library Gains Special Certification - 03/19/2012

Shalu Gillum, public services librarian at the College of Medicine’s Harriet F. Ginsburg Health Sciences Library, has received special certification to help the community find health information. Shalu recently completed her Consumer Health Information Specialization training, earning a level 2 certification from the Medical Library Association. The nonprofit, educational group has more than 4,000 health sciences... Read More...

Believing In What You Do - 03/19/2012

The 2012 Faculty & Staff Campaign runs through April 3. Please consider making a gift, regardless of the amount, to the employee giving campaign. Last year, the UCF community committed more than $547,000 to support university programs, including those at the College of Medicine. The theme of this year’s giving program is “I Believe.” You can designate... Read More...

“You Have Touched Our Lives Forever” - 03/19/2012

With thanks for lessons about life, death and generosity, UCF College of Medicine M-1 students held a send-off ceremony February 29 for their first patients. The ceremony, a medical school tradition, ends the 17-week anatomy lab and offers students, faculty and staff members the chance to say thank you to people who willed their bodies... Read More...

Two COM Students Honored With Order of Pegasus - 03/05/2012

Two College of Medicine students are among 25 UCF students who have been awarded the 2012 Order of Pegasus, the university’s most prestigious student award. Sarina Amina, an M-3 M.D. student and Alana Persaud, an undergraduate in the college’s  Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, were recognized for... Read More...

Suicide for Cancer Cells? - 03/05/2012

By digging into the complicated life of cell death, Rebecca  Boohaker hopes to uncover alternatives to chemotherapy that ravages a patient’s body. A doctoral student at the College of Medicine’s Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, Rebecca was recently awarded the Rudy J. Wodzinski Memorial Endowed Scholarship for learning, creative problem solving and scientific inquiry. She will... Read More...

Curing Malaria Through Sealife - 03/05/2012

Dr. Debopam Chakrabarti  of the College of Medicine’s Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences has been awarded a two-year, $410,000 grant to study how marine microorganisms can be used to disarm malaria. “There is a great need to develop new therapies,” said Dr. Chakrabarti, who landed... Read More...

A Celebration of Diversity - 03/05/2012

The College of Medicine’s heritage spans the globe and at Multicultural Day on February 3, students, faculty and staff members celebrated and shared their diverse backgrounds. Participants dined on foods from across the world, were entertained by music and dancing and even dressed in costumes to reflect their heritage. They also placed a pin to mark... Read More...

Combining Science, Meditation - 03/02/2012

Dr. James Austin is a master of science and meditation. He invited students into both worlds during his talk on “Zen, the Brain, and Meditating Selflessly” at the UCF College of Medicine on February 28. As he signaled for the lights to be dimmed, Dr. Austin encouraged audience members to inch forward in their seats, fix their... Read More...

Beacon of Partnership - 03/02/2012

Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer took his State of the City address on the road this week, holding the annual event at the UCF College of Medicine. The mayor chose the college to highlight Lake Nona’s medical city as a model of public-private partnerships that create economic development. The mayor noted that once completed, medical city will... Read More...

“Dr. G” Judges, Praises Student Autopsy Reports - 02/20/2012

Dr. Jan Garavaglia, chief medical examiner for the Orange-Osceola Medical Examiner’s Office and star of the Discovery Health Channel’s “Dr. G: Medical Examiner,” took her forensic expertise to the UCF College of Medicine February 13 as she helped judge autopsy reports done by 80 first-year M.D. students. The reports are done at the completion of... Read More...

Walking For A Healthy Heart – With Your Doc - 02/20/2012

Almost 110 walkers laced up their tennis shoes and joined faculty physicians from UCF Pegasus Health on Valentine’s Day for the clinical practice’s inaugural “Walk with a Doc.” Walkers spent their lunch hour walking a mile around the main UCF campus to improve their health and to meet College of Medicine physicians who see patients at... Read More...

A Rising Star in Biomedical Sciences - 02/20/2012

Dr. Oscar Ruiz, the first student to graduate from UCF’s biomolecular sciences Ph.D. program, has received the Rising Star Award from the UCF Alumni Association. The professional achievement award honors UCF graduates who are under the age of 35. Currently, Dr. Ruiz is a biological scientist at the fuels and energy branch of the Air Force Research... Read More...

Psychiatrist’s Message: Embrace Life, “Don’t Be Mean” - 02/20/2012

From musicians to astronauts to patients, geriatric psychiatrist Dr. Josepha Cheong knows something about leaning into life – not away from it. “It helps to make human connections … know the people around you,” Dr. Cheong told students at the UCF College of Medicine on February 7 in a visit sponsored by Students in Academic Medicine... Read More...

Knowledge over Stigma - 02/20/2012

The cartoon from “The New Yorker” magazine summed up the topic of personality for Dr. John Oldham:  A woman turns to her male companion and asks: “Why are you the way you are?” As he showed that cartoon to the UCF College of Medicine, Dr. Oldham, president of the American Psychiatric Association (APA), said, “We all... Read More...

“Walk With A Doc” On Valentine’s Day - 02/07/2012

 Celebrate Valentine’s Day with a healthy heart!

Quick, Healthy Cooking That Saves The Planet - 02/06/2012

For the second year, UCF College of Medicine M.D. students have received a “green” gift and a lesson in environmental responsibility from Tupperware Brands. On January 31, Yolanda Londoño, vice president, global social responsibility, of the Orlando-based company, presented the 80 M-1 students with reusable tote bags filled with a selection of Tupperware products. Students also... Read More...

Dr. McClelland Honored - 02/06/2012

Dr. James J. McClelland, a College of Medicine volunteer faculty member, who studied microbiology at UCF, was honored with the college’s selection for the UCF  Professional Achievement Award at the annual Alumni Association’s Black & Gold Gala. Dr. McClelland is an internist and infectious disease specialist who received a Bachelor of Science degree with a specialty... Read More...

COM Chef Promotes Local Foods - 02/06/2012

Chef Waldron Kelly’s career is like a bowl of soup – built one ingredient at a time, then simmered to create a hearty blend that stirs the senses. Waldron is a familiar sight to hungry patrons at the UCF College of Medicine Café, slicing pizza fresh out of a brick oven, dishing up tasty mushroom and... Read More...

“House Of God” Author Speaks at College - 02/06/2012

Dr. Stephen Bergman brought a medical conversation he began more than 30 years ago about how young physicians were trained to the University of Central Florida School of Medicine on January 31. The event was sponsored by the American Medical Student Association (AMSA), American Medical Association (AMA) and the Biomedical Ethics in Medical Education (BEME). Using the... Read More...

“Taking Care of People Like You and Me” - 02/06/2012

UCF Knights basketball fans heard about the College of Medicine’s new clinical practice during a radio interview with Dean Deborah German during the January 28 game between UCF and Southern Miss. Dr. German talked about UCF Pegasus Health, which opened in November and serves patients 16 and up across Orlando. “At Pegasus Health, College of Medicine... Read More...

“Information and Inspiration” at Zora Festival - 02/06/2012

The UCF College of Medicine shared “information and inspiration” at the annual Zora Neale Hurston Festival honoring the historic town of Eatonville January 27-29. The college set up a display of materials -- from health tips to recipes to information for young people wanting to be doctors -- in the festival’s Health Village. M.D. students in... Read More...

Family Creates Nancy Lee Burnett Graduate Fellowship for Burnett School - 01/23/2012

Family Creates Nancy Lee Burnett Graduate Fellowship for Burnett School   The children of longtime UCF supporters Al and Nancy Lee Burnett have donated $28,000 for a graduate fellowship at the College of Medicine’s Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences to honor the memory of their mother. The fellowship took on... Read More...

Students Excel in Marathons and Mudders - 01/23/2012

From back-to-back marathons to an extreme obstacle course, UCF College of Medicine M.D. students cranked up their stamina, mental grit and teamwork at the Walt Disney World marathon in January and the Tough Mudder competition in December. M-2 student Jennifer Bazemore put her endurance to the test by competing in Disney’s marathon weekend. She tackled Goofy’s... Read More...

Student Research Provides Hope to Kidney Transplant Patients - 01/23/2012

UCF College of Medicine M-3 student Virgil Secasanu was part of a team that presented information about new options for kidney transplant patients at the American Society of Transplant Surgeons’ 12^th Annual symposium in Miami on January 12-15. Also attending was Dr. Michael Angelis, a volunteer faculty member at the UCF College of Medicine who is... Read More...

Festival to Highlight College’s Diversity - 01/23/2012

The UCF College of Medicine will hold its third annual Multicultural Celebration February 3 in the medical education building’s atrium. Native food, traditional dress, music and dancing are some of the ways different cultures will be celebrated, said M-1 student Morgan Stines, one of the event organizers. “There will also be a trivia game and a large... Read More...

East Orlando Chamber Learns “Putting Patients First” from Pegasus Health - 01/23/2012

Members of the East Orlando Chamber of Commerce learned how College of Medicine doctors at UCF Pegasus Health are “putting patients first.” Pegasus Health, the college’s new faculty practice, was invited to speak at the January meeting of the chamber at... Read More...

A Healthy 2012 From UCF Pegasus Health - 01/09/2012

It is the start of a new year and everyone is making New Year resolutions. The College of Medicine’s Drs. Abdo Asmar, Maria Cannarozzi and Leonardo Oliveira, who treat patients at UCF Pegasus Health, view wellness options as a menu. They suggest you work with your doctor to pick and choose healthy options that will... Read More...

Join Us at Zora Festival! - 01/09/2012

The UCF College of Medicine will participate January 27, 28 and 29 at the annual Zora Neale Hurston Festival honoring the historic town of Eatonville. The Zora Festival, one of Central Florida’s largest festivals, draws more than 70,000 people to the Eatonville community, one of the first incorporated black towns in America. The festival celebrates... Read More...

New Source of Stem Cell Generation Pioneered at College of Medicine - 01/09/2012

A process that prompts a single gene to generate millions of supercharged stem cells, which can then turn into any kind of cell a body needs to repair itself, has been patented at the University of Central Florida thanks to work by Dr. Kiminobu Sugaya, a professor at the College of Medicine’s Burnett School of... Read More...

Provide Feedback, Squash Bugs - 01/09/2012

UCF College of Medicine faculty and staff members and students now have the opportunity to provide feedback on the college’s new open source website, thanks to a new “MedBugs” feature designed by Communications Senior Programmer Analyst Justin Sisley. The bug tracking system is only available to internal College of Medicine users. It is available at bugs.med.ucf.edu... Read More...