Interview with Dean of UCF College of Medicine

Session 13

Today, I talk with Dr. Deborah German, the Dean of the University of Central Florida College of Medicine (UCF COM). UCF COM was the first allopathic medical school to be built from the ground up in the U.S. in almost 30 years.

In this episode, Dr. Deborah German and I discuss Lake Nona Medical City, the types of students UCF is looking for, and having the passion to really do what you love.

Listen to this podcast episode with the player above, or keep reading for the highlights and takeaway points.

What is the UCF College of Medicine Looking for in Students?

Striving for excellence
A heart for medicine
Pioneering, entrepreneurial spirit
Spirit of inquiry and curiosity about medicine
Leadership
Professionalism
Willingness to put themselves aside for the needs of another

All About Lake Nona Medical City

7,000 acres of land (700 of which becomes the new medical city)
Adjacent to the Orlando International Airport
Approved in 2006, the medical school serves as an anchor along with other partners:
- Nemours Children’s Hospital
- Veterans Affairs Medical Center (second largest VA hospital)
- Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute
- University of Florida Academic and Research Center
- University of Central Florida Health Sciences Campus

UCF College of Medicine Current Progress

UCF doing better than half of the medical schools across the country on USMLE
Students doing international trips
New online medical journal Cureus
UCF winning global competition for student research for medical students, residents, and graduate students
Full accreditation

UCF College of Medicine is already doing better than half of medical schools across the country on USMLE scores.Click To Tweet

Curriculum at UCF College of Medicine

Integrated curriculum
Clinical work starting in the first year
Basic and clinical science throughout all 4 years
Research required of every student (in the first two years)
Use of technology to assist education for students
- simulation, virtual patients, standardized patients, live patient interaction, assessment system

UCF College of Medicine Admissions

Admitting 120 medical students in the fall

Reasons for the Rise of New Medical Schools

To address health care needs nationally
- Scarcity of physicians
Economic driver for communities

3 Categories of Dreamers that Lay the Foundation of UCF College of Medicine

Mother Teresa: Taking care of people
Nobel Prize Winners: Curing cancer, eliminating obesity, or eradicating infectious diseases
Surgeon General: Global health, healthcare reform, and health disparities

Dr. Deborah German’s Advice to Premeds Struggling with Poor Grades

You have to show that you’re committed to medical school and the rigorous academic load that comes with it. And that commitment has to come across in your grades from the last couple of years.

You have to show with your grades that you are committed to medical school and the rigorous academic load that comes with it.Click To Tweet

If you need to, consider taking a Master’s degree in the hard sciences (like an SMP) to further demonstrate that you’re prepared for and capable of handling a rigorous course load.