July 20, 2022 — Cups brimmed with caffeine, smiles spread among learners and trainees and Alberta provided a photo-op.

Behind the Opus Coffee counter, Colleen Koch, M.D., M.S., M.B.A., dean of the UF College of Medicine, and David R. Nelson, M.D., senior vice president for health affairs at UF and president of UF Health, donned custom aprons and chatted with students as they served lattes and teas.

In partnership with Opus Coffee, the UF College of Medicine hosted its second annual Orange and Brew event July 18 at UF Health Shands Hospital and July 20 at the UF Health Heart & Vascular and Neuromedicine hospitals, inviting students, postdocs, residents and fellows to enjoy a complimentary drink and interact with the College of Medicine community.

“This represents a wonderful opportunity to welcome in the new academic year for our UF College of Medicine housestaff and learners,” Koch said.

Attendees sipped their drinks, swapped stories with leaders and peers and snapped photos with Gator mascot Alberta, who made a cameo at Monday’s event. Aside from receiving a complimentary coffee or tea, attendees also entered a raffle for the chance to take home an Opus Coffee gift basket, with winners to be announced in early August.

Orange and Brew not only gave College of Medicine students, residents, fellows and postdocs the morning pep they needed but also embodied the people-centric culture the College of Medicine aims to foster.

“It’s nice to see the administration from the college coming out to support us,” said fourth-year medical student Sarah Masten as she enjoyed a latte at the UF Health Shands Hospital Opus Coffee location on Monday. “It’s a good community event.”