New school wants to give 1st class free ride

The University of Central Florida seeks to raise $6.4 million for 40 students.

By Myrle Croasdale, AMNews staff. July 9, 2007.

Deborah C. German, MD, got a full scholarship plus living expenses when she went to medical school. As dean of the University of Central Florida College of Medicine, she wants to do the same for her inaugural 2009 class.

"I never had to worry about whether I would be able to pay back the debt," said Dr. German, a rheumatic and genetic diseases specialist. "That made all the difference in choosing the career I wanted [in medicine]. I want that for these students."

To do this, school administrators need to raise $6.4 million to bankroll the initial class of 40 students. Two area businessmen have stepped forward, so far, each contributing one $160,000 scholarship. The scholarships will cover students' $20,000 annual tuition bill, along with $20,000 a year for living expenses.

Dr. German said there were no plans to tie requirements to the scholarships, such as mandating that graduates practice in central Florida for a set length of time.

"We haven't given that any thought yet," she said. "We're not in the mode of recruiting. We are simply trying to build the fund."

The school is seeking accreditation by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education. Eventually, the school plans to expand each class to 120 students.