Jan. 25, 2024 — Although decades have passed since Avis Chen Boulter, M.D. ’85, earned her medical degree from the University of Florida College of Medicine, she continues to find ways to stay connected to the institution that gave her much more than an education.

Dr. Chen, who recently retired from her position as a pediatric anesthesiologist at Nemours Children’s Health in Jacksonville, aims to enhance the medical school experience for UF students and strengthen connections among alumni through her role as a newly elected member of the Medical Alumni Association Board of Directors. The board, which works to advance the causes of medical education while fostering a spirit of cordiality and fellowship among graduates, includes alumni representatives from the medical school, School of Physician Assistant Studies, graduate programs and residency and fellow training programs, as well as faculty and students. The board meets twice a year, with members elected to a four-year term.

With a strong passion for helping others and giving back, Dr. Chen found she can contribute to her alma mater in more ways than one.

While helping organize her class reunion’s slideshow in 2015, Dr. Chen brought attention to the fundraising efforts of the UF College of Medicine for the construction of the new George T. Harrell, M.D., Medical Education Building. After her class successfully reached their fundraising goal, the school expressed gratitude to Dr. Chen for assisting the college in their fundraising. Her medical school class was granted naming rights for a classroom in the new building.

“They were just so happy and it was so easy to do,” she said. “It was rewarding to help out the school that has really afforded me my whole career.”

Throughout the years, Dr. Chen has also volunteered with the College of Medicine by participating in mock interviews to prepare the students applying for residency in anesthesiology. She enjoys teaching and mentoring medical students, residents and fellows.

“I love doing mock interviews,” Dr. Chen said. “You can critique the students and tell them how they can improve.”

When Dr. Chen was accepted into the Medical Honors Program, a seven-year B.S./M.D. educational program at UF, in the 1980s, it was important for her to keep her other passions alive.

During her studies, Dr. Chen, who grew up dancing ballet, took her talents to the stage and won the Miss University of Florida pageant. She later competed in Miss Florida USA, placing in the top 10. To this day, she still is active in many types of dance including ballet en pointe, Russian character, Latin and flamenco. She participates in “The Nutcracker,” dance recitals and occasional dance projects or competitions in her community.

As a double Gator, proud alumna and mother to another College of Medicine graduate, Alexis Boulter, M.D. ’19, Dr. Chen said she is filled with gratitude for the university that forever changed her life.

“I love my alma mater,” she said. “I want it to do well, and I want to help it reach even greater heights.”