Nov. 12, 2024 — As dawn broke over campus Nov. 1, University of Florida College of Medicine students, postdocs, and housestaff greeted the day with a special treat: the fourth annual Orange and Brew, an early morning community celebration where learners and trainees could gather and meet with leadership while sharing a light breakfast from Opus Coffee. 

Complete with complimentary coffee and tea, muffins, and a raffle outside of the Harrell Medical Education Building, the event fostered connections and camaraderie among the attendees, creating a vibrant atmosphere filled with laughter and conversation. Participants took a moment to pause from their busy schedules, with some stopping by before rounds at the hospital while others gathered for a pick-me-up before a challenging exam. 

In addition to enjoying the refreshments and company of their peers, attendees took a moment to share their experiences and aspirations with Jennifer Hunt, M.D., M.Ed., interim dean of the College of Medicine, David C. Bloom, Ph.D., the Hazel Kitzman Professor in Genetics and interim associate dean for graduate education, and Stephen J. Motew, M.D., M.H.A., FACS, president and system CEO of the UF Health clinical enterprise. 

“It was such a joy to spend time with our students, postdocs, residents, and fellows at Orange and Brew, sharing coffee, muffins, and meaningful conversations,” Hunt said. “Hearing about their hopes and dreams for the future reminded me of the incredible passion and potential in our College of Medicine community. I’m grateful to Opus Coffee for helping make this gathering special and to everyone who joined us — it’s these connections that truly enrich our journey in medicine.” 

View photos and a short video from the community gathering below.