Florida State University College of Medicine Interim Dean Alma Littles, M.D., was honored with the Gerold L. Schiebler, M.D. Advocate for Medical Students Award at the annual meeting of the Florida Medical Association (FMA) in Orlando recently.

Littles has received many awards and accolades, but this one is especially meaningful for two reasons: Members of the FMA Medical Student Section, which includes students from all the medical schools in Florida, select the recipient; and she has a personal connection to Schiebler.

“This is among the most significant and special recognitions I’ve received because it came from students – validation that the work I am privileged to do every day makes a difference,” Littles said. “And the fact that it has my med school pediatrics attending’s name on it is even more special.”

Littles has been involved in medical education since 1989, when she began precepting medical students and residents in her rural practice in Gadsden County. Earlier this week, the Gadsden County Board of County Commissioners issued a proclamation honoring Littles for her service and commitment to rural medicine.

A board-certified family medicine physician, she joined the faculty of Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare’s family practice residency program in 1996 and became program director in 1999. In the early 2000s, she was instrumental in the founding and opening of FSU’s medical school.

Throughout her career as a practicing physician, medical educator and organized medicine leader, Littles has remained committed to improving access to care for underserved patients.

She has held many leadership positions, including being a past president of the Florida Academy of Family Physicians. She also serves as secretary of Florida Medical Association and was elected vice chair of the Council of Florida Medical School Deans earlier this year.