Dr. Judith Simms-Cendan, MD

Our December Physician Highlight features Dr. Judith Simms-Cendan, MD. Dr. Simms-Cendan is one of our most beloved physician volunteers at KNIGHTS Clinic, as she is a role model and mentor for our students both in clinic and in the classroom. She graduated from the University of Florida College of Medicine and completed her OB/GYN residency there. She then remained on the UF faculty until 2010, when she joined UCF. Currently, Dr. Simms-Cendan is a Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the Director of International Experiences at the UCF College of Medicine, and the co-Director of the International Education Longitudinal Curricular program. Her work in international medicine has led to trips to Ethiopia and Peru, and she is the advisor for the global health medical student interest group, MedPACt. For KNIGHTS, she serves as a Faculty Advisor for the students, where she assists with faculty recruitment, research, organization, and fundraising.

Alongside her contributions to UCF, she directs the only clinic in central Florida focused on Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology, which opened in 2010 at Winnie Palmer Hospital. She is also a part of the North American Society of Pediatric Adolescent gynecology, having served on the Board of Directors, and as co-Chair of the Education Committee and as the 2017 annual meeting chair. She has written clinical guidelines and other publications in her specialty, and is on the ACOG Adolescent Committee and involved in writing Committee Opinions in Pediatric Adolescent Gynecology.

But it is not just her accolades and accomplishments that make her such an important part of KNIGHTS and the UCF community. Dr. Simms-Cendan has a genuine passion for her practice and her compassion and empathy have resonated with countless students. We got a chance to catch up with her and have her share some thoughts about KNIGHTS Clinic and our patient population.

How did you get involved with KNIGHTs Clinic? 

“I worked with the founding students to help establish the KNIGHTS clinic. I have been a Faculty Advisor since its founding. I have believe that Student Run Free clinics validate the reason we go into medicine, to serve through improving patient’s health.”

Why do you think it is important to give back as a physician? 

“We are privileged to get to practice medicine and to teach. There are so many who need care that find it unaffordable, or who have been in settings that are cold and impersonal. Providing care to these individuals is almost always met with such warmth and gratitude that it lifts the spirits of the busiest physician.”

Thank you for your amazing service and dedication to our students and the underserved community Dr. Simms-Cendan! Stay tuned for future highlights!