Who we are, and how we help you succeed throughout your four year medical journey.
gET TO KNOW THE osa directors
Director of Learning Environment: Phase 1
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.
DIRECTOR OF LEARNING ENVIRONMENT: Phase 2/3
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.
gET TO KNOW THE osa Manager
Manager, Academic Support Services
LaNya Lee
LaNya oversees operations of the Office of Student Affairs, provides general support to all medical students, administratively assists the Medical College Council, and manages the subscriptions for UWorld and other student resources.
*Notary
gET TO KNOW THE osa staff
Academic assistant II
Kristen Seymour, M.Ed.
When you visit the OSA office, Kristen will be the first person you will encounter, and if you lose or break your Fobs, Gator1 IDs, or medical student overlays, she can provide new ones for you. Kristen also assists the Learning Specialist with appointment management and tutor time reporting!
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.
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.
VSLO Program Coordinator
Jessica Franco
Jessica assists fourth-year medical students applying for away rotations at institutions nationwide. She provides access to the Visiting Student Learning Opportunities (VSLO) platform and offers support throughout the application process. Additionally, Jessica supports both international and national students rotating at UF-Gainesville, helping them meet all requirements, communicating with various departments that accept students, and ensuring they have an exceptional experience at our site.
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.
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
Financial Aid Coordinator II
Bill Barnes
Bill 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.
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.