UF welcomes 135 medical students to the Class of 2028
Students from 12 states and 42 undergraduate institutions represented
Photo by Charles Poulton
Aug. 1, 2024 — The University of Florida College of Medicine welcomed 135 medical students to the Class of 2028 during orientation week from July 29-Aug. 1. Incoming students met their new peers, immersed themselves in the college’s resources, and learned tips from current students about how to set themselves up for success. Soon, they will officially begin their studies as they prepare for future careers as physicians.
UF M.D. Class of 2028 by the numbers
A symbol of patient care
Isabel Devore-Suazo, right, a member of the UF M.D. Class of 2028, received her first stethoscope during medical school orientation, with a special surprise: her stethoscope was gifted to her by Joseph Millian, M.D. '82, a Jacksonville-based internist whose office Devore-Suazo worked in for three years before applying to medical school.
Photo by Styliana Resvanis
On their first day of orientation, the medical students received their very first stethoscopes, symbolizing the beginning of their journey toward providing excellent patient care. The stethoscopes are generously purchased by alumni who were once in the new students’ shoes.
“The stethoscope is one of the most important symbols of patient care,” said Shireen Madani, M.D. ’01, the associate dean for student affairs at the College of Medicine. “It requires you to get close to a patient. We hope when you cross the stage at graduation, you will remember the people whose lives you have impacted, and the stethoscope is a symbol of that.”
Meet a few faces from the UF M.D. Class of 2028
Photo by Styliana Resvanis
Connor Griffiths
Miami, Florida
Works with a professor in the College of Public Health and Health Professions to determine common foot dimensions of people with Down syndrome after being inspired by the experiences of his brother, who often got blisters from shoes that weren’t wide enough
In his words: “Throughout my childhood, I grew up with my older brother, Michael, who has Down syndrome, and we have been close ever since. Doctors both in my family and outside have made a major difference in Michael’s life and have made him into the strong and healthy man he is today. I learned how significant of an impact doctors can have on people’s lives through my shadowing, volunteering, and medical assistant work with vulnerable populations, and this further demonstrated why being a doctor is the right choice for me. When people are suffering due to problems with their health, it is often extremely difficult to proceed forward with their lives. Doctors can have the greatest impact and autonomy in helping them and their families solve these most difficult problems, and as a result, this is a meaningful way I think I can sacrifice for and serve others. I look forward to learning from the amazing professors at UF, making new friends in the incoming class, and beginning to serve the Gainesville community through my new knowledge of medicine.”
Photo by Styliana Resvanis
Gissel Garcia
Miami, Florida
First-generation college graduate who has worked as a Spanish interpreter and care coordinator with the UF Mobile Outreach Clinic and helped develop Care Scan, a website consolidating community resources for patients with limited access to care
In her words: “I know medical school will be a challenging time, but I welcome that. I think for many of us, it will be a period of real growth where we encourage and help to build one another up. This profession pushes us on the path of continuous learning, so that we may in turn better serve those around us. I am beyond excited to start this journey alongside my classmates, and I look forward to that feeling of community that the UF College of Medicine fosters for us as students.”
Photo by Styliana Resvanis
John Mitchell
Tallahassee, Florida
Former Florida Atlantic University football player who went on to join the Seattle Seahawks
In his words: “As a budding athlete, the occasional bump or bruise usually warranted a welcome to sports culture — ‘Tough it out; you’ll be OK; rub some dirt on it!’ However, I wanted to know what was really happening within my body. Thus, all things related to biology and health were incredibly interesting to me. Later, learning that doctors are masters in these subjects is what ultimately confirmed my decision to pursue medicine. I am interested in learning more about injury prevention, surgical procedures, and pre and postoperative care for injured athletes. I’m so excited for this journey! I’m looking forward to meeting so many new, like-minded people, embracing the challenges, a fresh start in a new city, and becoming the best possible version of myself while learning to treat others.”
