The UCF College of Medicine was praised for its use of emerging technology to enhance learning and as an example of a “new excellence” in health education at this week’s annual meeting of the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) in Denver.
In his opening remarks to almost 4,000 academic medicine leaders, AAMC President and CEO Dr. Darrell Kirch applauded colleges and teaching hospitals that were breaking free of the tyranny of old, established procedures and were instead defining new ways to educate doctors for the 21st century.
Dr. Kirch shared with the audience his experience of visiting the UCF College of Medicine’s Harriet F. Ginsburg Health Sciences Library and praised the library’s motto of providing information “anywhere, anytime, on any device.”
Library Director Nadine Dexter was in the audience and said she was “thrilled” by the praise. “To have our library’s hard work and outstanding efforts be recognized is a humbling experience,” she said. “I am honored and delighted.” Nadine also thanked Associate Dean Julia Pet-Armacost and Dean Deborah German for their support in the library’s efforts to integrate mobile technology with library resources and the curriculum.
Dr. Kirch’s praise was just one example of how the College of Medicine was shining at the event. The college featured a display with photos, brochures and even videos at the AAMC exhibit hall. Staff members Dale Voorhees and Andrea Berry joined students Sarina Amin, Jennifer Bazemore, Paul Mahle and Elona Rrapo in presenting posters on a variety of programs. The programs highlighted included the college’s student course feedback system, diversity efforts, the anatomy curriculum, learning systems and the use of mobile technology.
“It was a great experience being able to share some of our amazing tools and resources with students across the country,” Jennifer explained.
The AAMC represents all 135 accredited US and 17 accredited Canadian medical schools and nearly 400 major teaching hospitals and health systems.