UF College of Medicine

09/10/2026

“In 2025, I was honored by selection into the first group of Wake Forest University School of Medicine Pro Humanitate Faculty. The achievement was not mine; I am simply a connecting link. The tribute belongs to my medical origins at the University of Florida College of Medicine, my teachers there and my inspirational classmates from the Class of 1974.”

Before passing, K. Patrick Ober, M.D., wrote about the influence of the UF College of Medicine on his medical career. Read his words in the latest edition of Florida Physician magazine:
https://floridaphysician.med.ufl.edu/2026/05/22/pro-humanitate-connections-patrick-ober/?utm_source=FB&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=FP_summer_2026

09/10/2026

University of Florida College of Medicine alumnus Lawrence J. “Larry” Lieberman, M.D. ’64, was known not only for his clinical excellence but also for his extraordinary commitment to teaching. He mentored medical students and residents, encouraged nurses pursuing advanced careers and regularly taught classes on interpreting electrocardiograms. With his office next door to the hospital, he would often walk over to help staff review difficult EKGs, particularly in units where cardiologists were not routinely present.

“He loved working with hospital staff,” said Betsy Lieberman, his wife of 37 years. “He wanted everyone to learn. He encouraged people to ask questions and call him whenever something didn’t seem right. Teaching was just part of who he was.”

Following Larry Lieberman’s passing in May 2024, Betsy Lieberman established the Lawrence J. Lieberman, M.D., and Betsy L. Lieberman Medical Scholarship, an endowed fund that will provide lasting scholarship support for UF College of Medicine students.

The Lieberman scholarship ensures future medical students will have opportunities that might otherwise be out of reach. At a time when the cost of medical education continues to rise, endowed scholarships help relieve financial burdens, allowing students to focus on becoming compassionate physicians and future leaders in healthcare.

Learn more about the Liebermans and hear from other Gator alumni on why they're choosing to support the next generation of healthcare professionals and medical scientists at https://news.drgator.ufl.edu/2026/07/29/gator-alumni-scholarship-legacy/.

09/09/2026

UF Health is poised to have the nation’s largest fleet of mobile stroke treatment units, with a fourth unit expected to arrive in early 2027.

The newest unit would serve Palm Beach, bringing specialized stroke care directly to patients before they reach the hospital.

The UF Health Mobile Stroke Program would work alongside Palm Beach Fire-Rescue and local hospitals, using onboard CT imaging, stroke medications and access to a stroke specialist through telemedicine to help patients receive treatment sooner.

The Palm Beach Town Council approved moving forward with contract talks for the proposed pilot program. A final agreement still requires council approval.

Read more about the proposed expansion: https://ufhealth.org/news/2026/palm-beach-town-council-approves-contract-talks-with-uf-health-to-provide-residents-fast-access-to-advanced-mobile-stroke-treatment

09/09/2026

From New Zealand to Ireland, University of Florida School of Physician Assistant Studies alumni are helping to advance the PA practice across the globe.

Two Class of 2011 alumni, Alexandra Kayat, MPAS, and Jacyn Rohan, MPAS, paved paths for generations of PAs to come. See how these Gators did it at https://floridaphysician.med.ufl.edu/2026/05/29/alumni-spotlight-pa-grads-alexandra-kayat-and-jaclyn-rohan/?utm_source=FB&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=FP_summer_2026. 🐊🌏

09/09/2026

Last spring, the University of Florida College of Medicine inaugural Seeding Start-Ups event took place on an organic farm out in North Central Florida.

May Khanna, Ph.D., the college’s assistant dean for entrepreneurship and innovation, decided to teach researchers how to pitch their start-ups at Frog Song Organics.

“What happens on a farm?” she asked. “You go from a seed to something that gives you fruits. That’s what you want from a start-up: to develop an idea and take it all the way.”

Learn more about Seeding Start-Ups and how Khanna fosters an entrepreneurial culture at the UF College of Medicine: https://floridaphysician.med.ufl.edu/2026/05/29/innovation-corner-planting-an-entrepreneurial-seed/?utm_source=FB&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=FP_summer_2026

09/08/2026

As Gina Tran dissected the body in front of her, the heavy aroma of formaldehyde stinging in her nose, she imagined the life her donor had led. Occupation, age and cause of death — these were the few bits of information the physician assistant students were provided about the donors before beginning their intensive training in the anatomy lab, said Tran, vice-president of the University of Florida School of Physician Assistant Studies Class of 2028.

In a ceremony held Aug. 27 in the George T. Harrell, M.D., Medical Education Building, students and anatomy faculty had an opportunity to honor the individuals who provided the future medical professionals a deeper understanding of the human body.

“Thank you for your sacrifice,” Tran said. “And thanks for being my first patient.”

Learn more about the body donor ceremony and the impact on our PA students' education at https://news.drgator.ufl.edu/2026/08/31/my-first-patient/.

09/08/2026

For Maurice Swanson, Ph.D., a professor in the University of Florida College of Medicine Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, mentorship begins with one goal: to spark excitement. Read more in our latest issue of Florida Physician magazine: https://floridaphysician.med.ufl.edu/2026/05/29/teachers-who-inspire-maurice-swanson-phd/?utm_source=FB&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=FP_summer_2026.

09/08/2026

This year’s is Sept. 21-25. Celebrate the achievements of our faculty, staff, students and trainees with a week of events, from award receptions and the State of the College address to free food and coffee. Join the festivities: https://med.ufl.edu/comweek/.

09/07/2026

With dozens of medals and victories throughout her storied career, Leanne Wong, M.S., the former Florida Gators gymnast and two-time Olympic alternate, is a legend both in Gainesville and around the world.

But she has a relatively new accomplishment to add to her already impressive resume: published author in The Annals of Thoracic Surgery, an achievement celebrated with her mentors at the UF Health Congenital Heart Center.

“I’d already done behavioral research, but this was on another level,” Wong said. “Medicine is a long and challenging route. Learning from other people’s journeys is incredibly important, and I’m thankful for the opportunities I’ve had to grow and learn with the Congenital Heart Center over the last two years.”

Learn more about Wong and her journey to medicine at https://news.drgator.ufl.edu/2026/08/31/leanne-wong-balancing-act/.

09/04/2026

The 2026 issue of our Florida Physician magazine celebrates the accomplishments of 10 University of Florida College of Medicine alumni. Learn more about what our Gator grads are up to at https://floridaphysician.med.ufl.edu/2026/05/29/news-notes-summer-2026/?utm_source=FB&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=FP_summer_2026.

Celebrating the achievements of UF College of Medicine alumni