Who we are, and how we help you succeed throughout your four year medical journey.


gET TO KNOW THE osa directors

Dr. Diane Howell

DIRECTOR OF LEARNING ENVIRONMENT

Diane Howell, M.D.

Dr. Howell attended the University of Florida during her undergraduate and medical studies. After completing her chief residency, pediatrics residency and serving on faculty at UNC Chapel Hill in North Carolina, she joined the University of Florida's pediatrics department. Dr. Howell serves as the director for the Introduction to Clinical Practice course. She loves serving in her community, church and spending time with her family.

Meredith

Director of Learning Environment

Meredith C. Thompson, M.D. FACEP

Dr. Thompson attended the University of Florida for her undergraduate degree (Go Gators!) and completed her medical training and residency education in Emergency Medicine at the University of Virginia. She serves as Director of Undergraduate Medical Education, Clerkship Director, and residency core faculty member for the Department of Emergency Medicine.


gET TO KNOW THE osa Manager

Lee

Office Manager

LaNya Lee

LaNya runs the office of student affairs, provides support to all medical students, coordinates the International Medical Student Education Program, and manages the subscriptions for Udemy and other students’ resources.


gET TO KNOW THE osa staff

Carl

Event Planner

Meghan Carl

If you like parties, great events, and good food, Meghan is the person that you need to be friends with. Meghan plans all the OSA events, advises students planning events, and if you visit the OSA office, Meghan will be more than happy to help you with any question you may have.

Chichester

COM Registrar

Denise Chichester

Denise's many years of experience in the College of Medicine allow her to do a wide range of activities. Denise registers students for all classes, writes the letters of good standing (non-VSLO) and enrollment verification, does the verification of medical education and M.D. degrees, and will help you out with licensure applications.

Franco

receptionist

Jessica Franco

When you visit the OSA office, Jessica will be the first person you encounter! If you lose or break your Fobs, Gator1 IDs, or medical student overlays, Jessica can provide new ones for you. Jessica is also the program assistant for the Student Advocacy Committee.

Gorske

Learning Specialist

Jim Gorske, M.Ed.

If you need advice on how to survive medical school, Jim is available for individual learning, test-taking, and time management strategy appointments. Jim also coordinates the College of Medicine Tutoring Program and facilitates academic accommodations for students registered with the university’s Disability Resource Center. Finally, Jim serves as a staff representative on the Student Advocacy Committee.

Griffis

Senior Electives Manager

Beth Griffis

As a fourth-year medical student, you will need Beth's assistance to schedule your classes or provide a letter of good standing for VSLO LOGS. Beth also coordinates the Domestic Visiting Student Learning Opportunities program.

Han

Student Assistant

Xiaomei Hai

Xiaomei supports the learning specialist role and does different administrative tasks.

Atia

Academic Program Specialist I

Atia Khan

With a wide range of experience and excellent communication skills, Atia oversees annual MSPE preparation, organizes annual drug screens for MS1s and MS2s, and coordinates student meetings on behalf of both the Associate Dean and Assistant Dean for Student Affairs.

 

*Notary

Kreinbihl

Financial Aid Coordinator I

Joanne Kreinbihl

Joanne guides medical students on their financial aid journey and debt management, offering advice and processing the financial aid. You can make one-on-one meetings in person by phone or via Zoom.

Vincent

Assistant Director of Financial Aid

Vincent Wilson-McCoy

Vincent guides medical students on their financial aid journey, financial aid advising and processing — the best way to do this is through the one-on-one meetings in person by phone or via Zoom.