UCF College of Medicine Dean, is honored as Central Florida Woman of the Year. Deborah German, the Vice President for Health Affairs at the University of Central Florida (UCF) and the founding dean of the esteemed UCF College of Medicine, has been recognized as the Central Florida Woman of the Year for 2023 by the Women's Executive Council of Orlando, a well-deserved tribute to her enduring dedication to advancing medical education and promoting student achievement.

The Women's Executive Council of Orlando has a pivotal mission to inspire and acknowledge the accomplishments of women leaders and students who contribute to the betterment of the Central Florida community.

Deborah German, Dean Of The UCF College Of Medicine, Accepts This Prestigious Award

On the 12th of October, Deborah German graciously accepted this prestigious award and took a moment to reflect on her remarkable journey. In 2006, she arrived in Orlando with a vision to establish a world-class medical school, anchoring the burgeoning Medical City, located just minutes away from one of the world's busiest airports. Her goal was to create a global center for medical research, patient care, and education that would be accessible to everyone.

Deborah German's exceptional leadership at the UCF College of Medicine has resulted in the graduation of more than 1,000 physicians. Her vision and unwavering commitment have led to a remarkable milestone in U.S. medical education history. Through generous community donations, the college extended full four-year scholarships to the entire charter class of 2013. Consequently, the UCF College of Medicine has experienced remarkable growth, boasting one of the fastest-growing graduate medical education programs in the state, with 550 residents and fellows participating in UCF-HCA Healthcare programs spanning from Orlando to Pensacola.

Gaining National Recognition

Significantly, the UCF College of Medicine has gained national recognition for its inclusion of the Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, offering undergraduate, master's, and doctoral programs. This school is at the forefront of research in areas such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases, infectious diseases, and neurodegenerative diseases. UCF Health, the medical school's physician practice, plays a crucial role in providing primary and specialty care to patients across the community, with locations in East Orlando and Lake Nona.

Furthermore, the college has launched a clinical trials program to drive translational medical research and recently formed a partnership with NASA to undertake groundbreaking space medicine research, which will benefit both space travelers and individuals on Earth.

The Growth Continues

The growth story continues with the inauguration of UCF Lake Nona Hospital in 2021, a collaboration between the College of Medicine and HCA Healthcare. This development has accelerated the training of UCF medical and nursing students. Simultaneously, the UCF Lake Nona Cancer Center, a pioneering model for cancer research and patient care, commenced its services, contributing to the establishment of UCF's new Academic Health Sciences Center in Lake Nona. This comprehensive center is home to UCF's Colleges of Health Professions and Sciences, Medicine, and Nursing, as well as Student Health Services.

Looking ahead, UCF aims to centralize many clinical training programs in Medical City, fostering interdisciplinary medical education, research, and patient care. A significant step in this direction is the groundbreaking of a new UCF College of Nursing building scheduled for January 2024, located adjacent to the medical school in Lake Nona.

Let’s Congratulate Our Central Florida Woman Of The Year

Deborah German's inspiring journey and accomplishments are a testament to the strength of pursuing one's dreams without fear. At the 2023 Women's Executive Council of Orlando awards banquet, she encouraged community leaders and attendees to pursue their aspirations without hesitation, viewing mistakes as valuable lessons that lead to a brighter future. Under her leadership, the UCF College of Medicine continues to shape the future of medical education and healthcare in Central Florida and beyond.

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