Dec. 18, 2018 — Julia Close, M.D., has been named the UF College of Medicine’s associate dean of graduate medicine education, as well as the designated institutional official for UF Health’s graduate medical education programs in Gainesville. In her new capacity, Close will oversee the UF College of Medicine’s 75 ACGME-accredited housestaff programs, which comprise approximately 760 residents and fellows.

Close has been a UF College of Medicine faculty member for 10 years. She most recently served as the assistant chief of medical service for the Malcom Randall VA Medical Center. She is an associate professor in the UF department of medicine division of hematology/oncology and the former director of the UF Hematology/Oncology Fellowship Training Program. Close began her medical training in 1997 at the UF College of Medicine, where she received her medical degree and completed a residency in internal medicine and a fellowship in hematology and oncology. She is a member of the UF College of Medicine Society of Teaching Scholars and the executive council of the UF College of Medicine Women in Medicine and Science group.

“The search committee selected Close due to her collaborative character as well as her administrative skills and experience,” said Joseph A. Tyndall, interim dean of the UF College of Medicine. “She also is a natural at mentorship and support.”

Nationally, Close serves as chair of the Veteran’s Health Administration Field Advisory Committee for Oncology. She was chair of the American Society of Clinical Oncology Professional Development Committee, the Program Director Subcommittee and Women in Oncology Work Group. As an editor for the European Society for Medical Oncology’s oncology curricular guidelines, her work is used in oncology training throughout Europe.

“As a preeminent institution, it is important for our college to leverage the outstanding educational opportunities at the University of Florida to expand our offerings in graduate medical education and distinguish the UF College of Medicine as a GME destination in the state of Florida,” Tyndall said. “I look forward to working with Close in helping to develop the future leaders of academic medicine.”