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When physicians from throughout Orange County don tuxedos and glitzy gowns next month they will be doing more than celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Orange County Medical Society—they also will be helping ease the financial burden of 40 future physicians.

“That is really the basis of our evening,’’ said Melanie Boscan, executive director of the Orange County Medical Society.

It was a little more than a year ago that University of Central Florida Dean Deborah German shared an innovative vision for the up-and-coming College of Medicine—proposing a first-of-its-kind initiative to raise $6.4 million to cover the first 40 students’ tuition, and living expenses for all four years of the medical degree program. It would be a way for the college to make a name for itself and to attract some of the brightest students from around the state and country to the charter class. So far, more than half of the scholarships are completely funded.

Pending preliminary accreditation the college will begin instruction leading to the M.D. degree in fall 2009, eventually graduating 120 medical students each year. The college, along with its medical library, will be located at the UCF Health Sciences Campus at Lake Nona.

The proceeds of a silent and live auction held at the Orange County Medical Society’s centennial gala will be given to the UCF College of Medicine tuition fund-raising campaign. Many of the auction items will be donated by local medical practices. The gala will be held Saturday, June 7, at the Rosen Shingle Creek Hotel on Universal Boulevard in Orlando beginning with a cocktail reception at 6 p.m. and followed by a dinner at 7:30 p.m.

“It’s an exciting community involvement initiative for everyone in Central Florida, and for the physicians here in Central Florida who know the burdens of medical school,” said Boscan. “This is our chance to give back.”

The Orange County Medical Society, one of 44 component medical societies chartered by the Florida Medical Association, was formed May 6, 1908, by 10 Central Florida physicians. Today, many of its more than 850 members advocate for the highest quality of health care. Issues supported this year include legislation that would make seat belt violations a primary offense in Florida and legislation that would require health insurers to cover an annual screening for prostate cancer for men over 40.

In February, Dr. Robert L. Rothbard was sworn in as the 100th president of the Orange County Medical Society. Rothbard is a partner with Cardiology Consultants and has a history of distinguished service to the medical society, including serving as the chairman of the Orange County Medical Political Action Committee and as a delegate to the Florida Medical Association House of Delegates.

To help with the remaining UCF College of Medicine scholarships, contact Charles Roberts, assistant vice president for development, College of Medicine at 407-823-4539 or cwrobert@mail.ucf.edu.



May 2008

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