History of the College of Medicine

Sandy D'Alemberte

As president of Florida State University in 2001, he took on the medical education establishment when it tried to block this innovative new medical school – and he won.

Ocie Harris, M.D.

He came here after a distinguished career at the University of Florida, helped hire key people and ultimately became dean. Interviewed in April 2010. (40m:13s)

Mollie Hill

She knew hundreds of physicians all over the state from her tenure with Capital Medical Society and was instrumental in establishing the regional campuses. Interviewed in May 2010. (22m:16s)

Myra Hurt, Ph.D.

She rejuvenated the Program in Medical Sciences and spearheaded the move to create the College of Medicine, where she was the first acting dean. Interviewed in March 2010. (32m:41s)

Alma Littles, M.D.

She was head of the Tallahassee Memorial Hospital Family Medicine Residency Program before she accepted a top leadership role here. Interviewed in May 2010. (36m:03s)

Charlotte Maguire M.D.

She was a trailblazing female physician and the benefactor whose generosity helped to launch the College of Medicine. Interviewed in March 2010. (18m:53s)

Paul McLeod, M.D.

As the first dean at a regional campus, he anxiously wondered: What if the community physicians say they just don’t have time to teach our third- and fourth-year students? Interviewed in May 2010. (11m:54s)

Lorna Stewart, M.D.

One of the first two students admitted into the College of Medicine, she experienced the highs (and occasional lows) of starting a brand-new medical school. Interviewed in January 2010. (15m:43s)

Lorna Stewart's Video Diary of a Medical Student

Stewart, from the inaugural Class of 2005, often carried a video camera with her and captured glimpses of life at a new medical school.

From Ideas to Outcomes: The Story of the FSU College of Medicine

This 24-minute video follows the journey from the Program in Medical Sciences, to a fledgling medical school housed in trailers, through the obstacles surrounding accreditation, to recognition as one of the country’s most innovative medical schools. (24m:31s)

Defining the Century: Florida State University and the Future of Health Care

Darrell Kirch, president and CEO of the Association of American Medical Colleges, was the keynote speaker at our main anniversary celebration. Excerpt: “You have the most focused mission statement I’ve ever seen for a medical school. And you’ve been relentless in every one of your programs to line up your activities with that mission statement.” (Oct. 7, 2010, 47m:06s)

The Patient-Centered Doctor

After his keynote speech, Darrell Kirch spoke briefly with FSU Headlines about health care in the United States and about the part that the College of Medicine is playing. (Oct. 7, 2010, 2m:40s)

Congratulations from Orlando

Mayor Buddy Dyer sent his best wishes by video. Excerpt: “You’ve proven that the vibrant medical community of Orlando can serve as an excellent stage for medical education.” (October 2010, 1m:25s)

The Creation and Accreditation of the First U.S. Medical School of the 21st Century: A President’s Perspective

FSU President Emeritus Sandy D’Alemberte recalled how it all began, with additional remarks from state Sen. Durell Peaden, Myra Hurt, Charlotte Maguire, Ocie Harris, Alma Littles, Mollie Hill, Ken Boutwell, Margaret Lynn Duggar and members of the inaugural Class of 2005. (April 2010, 58m:41s)

“From Ideas to Outcomes” Lectures

This special series of Grand Rounds lectures focused on what various College of Medicine departments, divisions and campuses had achieved in the 10 years since the medical school’s creation – and what might lie ahead.