Just as there has been growth in our pathway programs , our Graduate Medical Education ( GME ) program continues to add value and educational opportunities throughout the state . Just a few months ago , GME added a Forensic Pathology Fellowship in Pensacola , in partnership with the District One Medical Examiner ’ s Office . According to the National Association of Medical Examiners , there is an extreme shortage of these medical professionals , with only about 800 board-certified forensic pathologists working nationwide . In addition , we added a transitional year residency program at our BayCare Health System site in Winter Haven , and our newest residency program here in Tallahassee is a partnership in psychiatry with Apalachee Center and Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare ( TMH ).
Our Ph . D . Program in Biomedical Sciences continues to build on its solid reputation . In 2024 , we admitted our largest class of 10 doctoral students . Each of our graduates contributes to the global strength of future scholars and scientific leaders and advances our understanding of some of the world ’ s most complex health-related issues .
Although annual reports recognize and celebrate past accomplishments , we always have our eyes on the future . The years ahead are filled with promise and exciting new ( and major !) initiatives for Florida State University and the College of Medicine . Working with TMH , the St . Joe Company , the Mayo Clinic in Florida and others , we are building FSU Health , a new health care ecosystem throughout North Florida . FSU Health will expand educational , clinical and research activities , and will include a new hospital , research facilities and medical office buildings in Panama City Beach , as well as a state-of-the-art academic health center in Tallahassee . Keep an eye out for us ! You ’ ll soon hear more about FSU Health , and I look forward to providing details in the months ahead .
Forging new partnerships to strengthen our educational programs and improve the student experience is paramount . I am pleased to report that in collaboration with the Mayo Clinic of Florida Division of Research , we created another research opportunity for our students . In addition to the summer research fellowships with our faculty at the central campus and the communities in and around our regional campuses , this provides a venue for our students to match with a Mayo Clinic mentor and receive hands-on experience conducting research projects . Focused areas of research include cardiology , neurosurgery , plastic surgery , nephrology , metabolism , pharmacology , radiology , and radiation oncology . Our first cohort of seven students arrived at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville this spring .
I am so proud of our students and alumni — and hope you join me in this sense of pride and accomplishment . Your support is vital to our success , whether it be through teaching and volunteering , in the form of a financial gift that helps us advance our mission , or simply telling your friends and neighbors about the impact we are having — you make a difference !
With Warm Regards ,
Alma B . Littles , M . D . Dean Florida State University College of Medicine