Honoring UF Medicine’s inspiring women
Students, staff share stories about women they admire at the UF College of Medicine
March 7, 2024 — “We must have perseverance and, above all, confidence in ourselves. We must believe that we are gifted for something and that this thing must be attained.”
These words from Nobel Prize-winning physicist and chemist Marie Curie represent but a few of the qualities embodied by the female faculty, staff, learners and trainees at the UF College of Medicine. Every day, women at UF Medicine enter the office, clinic or lab to make life better for patients, colleagues, the next generation of medical professionals and their communities.
In honor of International Women’s Day on March 8 and Women’s History Month, celebrated annually in March, community members shared women who inspire them at UF Medicine. Read their submissions below:
Kirsten Freeman, M.D., assistant professor, division of cardiovascular surgery
“She is the best mentor I could ask for. Immediately after interview day, she took me under her wing as I expressed my interest in cardiothoracic surgery. Dr. Freeman is always willing to teach and loves sharing the world of surgery with any medical student interested. She dedicates so much time toward mentorship while balancing the demands of an intense career, research, leadership positions, family and being faculty here! I feel incredibly blessed to have her as a mentor, as she is truly one of a kind.”
- Lindsey Brinkley, medical student, class of 2026
Brittney Roth Manning, associate director of clinical research
Department of health outcomes and biomedical informatics
“I’ve been inspired by many women in the College of Medicine, including our senior associate dean for Research, Dr. Azra Bihorac, my former department chair, Dr. Betsy Shenkman, and our amazing dean, Dr. Jennifer Hunt. But I am nominating Brittney Roth Manning, a remarkable staff leader in the department of health outcomes and biomedical informatics. Brittney consistently executes projects with reliable excellence, provides warm support for her staff and brings a positive attitude to work each day. Beyond her professional achievements, Brittney embraces her role as a mom and active member of her extended family. On International Women’s Day, I want to recognize Brittney as a staff member working diligently in a high-performing unit and also living a full life outside of work.”
- Katie Blackburn, senior project manager, College of Medicine Office of Research
Breann Garbas, DHSc, PA-C, clinical assistant professor, UF School of Physician Assistant Studies
“I am lucky enough to call Dr. Garbas my faculty adviser. One of the many reasons she inspires me is her commitment to her patients. As a longtime women’s health and Equal Access Clinic provider, her passion for underserved patients motivates me. Aside from instilling how to be a great patient advocate, she is also my biggest cheerleader. When I am down, she reminds me that she believes in me. With her in my corner, I know I can achieve my goals in medicine.”
- Bevin Amezcua, PA student, class of 2025
“In celebration of Women’s History Month, I wanted to give a shoutout to my amazing adviser Dr. Garbas! Dr. Garbas is the epitome of intelligence and dedication. It is so evident how hard she works for her students and patients as a mentor/physician assistant. Not only is she an absolute powerhouse in her profession, but she also brings a unique charm and wit to everything she does. Her humor during our lectures adds a lighthearted touch to our heavy learning curriculum, turning even the most challenging moments into memorable experiences. Her unwavering support and ability to create a safe space for us to learn and grow is invaluable.”
- Jessica Hakim, PA student, class of 2025
Jennifer Light, M.D., retired emergency medicine physician
“Dr. Light was the first attending I ever worked with as a resident. Our relationship evolved from teacher and student to peer to trusted mentor and friend. She showed me an unrivaled work ethic and joy for clinical medicine that I try and emulate every day and every shift. She’s now retired and living her best life with her family. I miss her wisdom and enthusiasm for emergency medicine.”
- Brandon R. Allen, M.D., FACEP, associate professor, department of emergency medicine
Shelley Collins, M.D., senior associate dean for undergraduate medical education and professor
Department of pediatrics
“She’s always so incredibly positive and supportive. She’s been there for me when I needed her and is a great listening ear. Having someone as encouraging as her made medical school a lot better!”
- Lucie Moore, medical student, class of 2024
Sarah Allbright, first-year medical student, class of 2027
“I first crossed paths with Sarah at our alma mater’s pre-med club. Sarah’s not just wise; she’s incredibly warm and approachable. Thus, she was someone everyone in the club gravitated toward. Even as our paths diverged, she always extended her support with whatever professional path I was embarking on. When I decided to pursue a career in medicine again, she helped me refine my MCAT study schedule and remain confident through the chaos of the application cycle. Her ability to provide guidance with such kindness and compassion is beyond inspiring — it’s life-changing. Without mentors like Sarah, I would not have been able to realize my dream of being accepted to medical school. I have no doubt she will continue to lift others higher throughout her career, just as she has done for me.”
- Taylor Duffy, pre-med student, University of Central Florida
Raina Carter, administrative specialist, human resources
“I would like to share that my experience working with Raina Carter has inspired me in multiple ways! I’ve worked with Raina for over six years in multiple roles. She is more on the quiet side, which is the opposite of my personality or tendency. She relies on her expertise to provide accurate information and guidance about all the inner workings related to the College of Medicine’s residency programs, as well as graduate assistant and fellowship appointments. Her patience, calm demeanor and thoroughness is greatly appreciated both from me as her colleague, and from the college units that she serves. Not only do I admire her professional approach, but it is also something that I seek to emulate as I progress in my career.”
- Matt Glicco, senior human resources business partner
Alice Rhoton-Vlasak, M.D., interim chief, division of reproductive endocrinology and infertility
“If you mention the name Dr. Alice Rhoton-Vlasak around the UF College of Medicine or the Gainesville community, chances are someone nearby will have a story to tell about how much she has powerfully impacted their lives. Dr. Rhoton-Vlasak has been a physician, mentor and educator at UF for over 30 years as a reproductive endocrinologist in the OB-GYN department. I’ve had the great pleasure to learn from her first as one of my medical school professors and subsequently as my incredible mother-in-law. Alice has a beautiful passion for gardening that extends far beyond the lovely flowers in her yard — over the years she has helped grow families, cultivate student/resident careers, support local small businesses and advocate for our community, all while inspiring and encouraging others along the way. Dr. Rhoton-Vlasak is a true leader and exemplifies all the qualities Women’s History Month aims to celebrate.”
- Lindsey Palm-Vlasak, Ph.D., medical student, class of 2024
Linda Lange, D.O., resident, department of anesthesiology
“During Women’s History Month, I would like to honor Linda Lange, D.O., a remarkable anesthesia resident and recipient of the United States Navy Health Professionals Scholarship. Beyond her achievements, she has been a steadfast mentor and friend throughout my medical school journey, generously sharing her wisdom and time. Her guidance has been invaluable, reflecting her dedication not only to her profession but also to uplifting those around her.”
- Agurah Humphreys, medical student, class of 2024
Jordan McKean, M.D., resident, department of surgery
“Dr. McKean’s drive to continually challenge herself inspires me. A lot of people don’t think of a woman when it comes to a surgeon, but my daughter and her female colleagues are showing that women can do all the hard things in life. I am in awe of what they do every day. I hope Dr. McKean inspires some young girl to challenge herself and do those hard things in life.”
- Kim Mesner McKean, parent
Mary Vallianatos, director of operations and strategy, Quality and Patient Safety Initiative
“The impact of Mary Vallianatos on my life and career cannot be overstated. As the former chief of staff within the College of Medicine, Mary was much more than a boss to me; she was and continues to be an unwavering mentor and guide. Her unique ability to recognize and nurture the strengths in others ignited a passion in me for strategic thinking and innovative problem-solving. Under her mentorship, I felt empowered to think outside the box and contribute meaningful, impactful ideas to the college in ways I had never imagined before. Her belief in my potential led me to enroll in an M.B.A. program, a step that, while I am still in the midst of it, has already started to enhance my understanding of what I can achieve. Mary’s influence has instilled in me a newfound sense of empowerment and a belief that I can indeed make a significant impact. Her mentorship has been transformative, inspiring me to see beyond conventional boundaries and to embrace the possibilities that lie ahead.”
- Richanne Lamb, SHRM-SCP, assistant director of people strategy
Richanne Lamb, SHRM-SCP, assistant director of people strategy
“When I think of women who have inspired me greatly, many come to mind, specifically in this college. I find myself reflecting on the remarkable women who have influenced this college, in every mission and aspect. Although throughout my personal career one name stands out—Richanne Lamb.
Richanne has been a colleague of mine, consistently, for more than 10 years, as we began our journey outside of the University of Florida. She quickly became a crucial mentor in my personal and work life, and someone whose impact on my journey in HR within the College of Medicine continues to be profound. Her creativity, resilience and unwavering commitment to excellence have not only shaped our organization but have also shaped me as a professional.
To Richanne and all the incredible women who continue to inspire us every day, thank you for your courage, your strength and your relentless pursuit of excellence. May we continue to celebrate and uplift each other!”
- Jenna Glendinning, M.S., SHRM-SCP, assistant director, health care administration, department of emergency medicine
“Richanne’s support and mentorship have been pivotal in shaping my wife’s career in COM HR. Without her guidance, my wife wouldn’t have reached the heights she has today so quickly. My family’s prosperity owes a lot to Richanne’s guidance and mentorship. Her recent accomplishments, culminating in her role as assistant director working directly with college administration on strategic initiatives, reflect her ongoing commitment to excellence. From her tenure as a senior project manager in the dean’s office to her current endeavors, Richanne continues to lead initiatives that drive the growth and success of the college.
In Richanne Lamb, we’ve found not just a supervisor or mentor, but a lifelong friend who has our backs no matter what. Her influence extends far beyond the workplace, shaping the trajectory of our lives, for which we’ll always be grateful.”
- Michael Glendinning, M.S., project manager, department of community health and family medicine
Tammy Williams, M.H.A., chief operating officer
“On International Women’s Day, I’d like to share something I admire and appreciate in Tammy Williams: her strength. Strength, as she personifies it, transcends the mere, commonly associated, physical ability; it’s her unwavering resolve. In moments of adversity, she keeps her reserve, reassuring us that the tide will turn. In moments of uncertainty, she is decisive. In Tammy, I find a leader from whom we can draw strength and confidence. Grateful to be part of her team.”
- Juan Parada, J.D., M.B.A., administrative fellow, office of finance and administration