New school wants to give 1st class free ride

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.

According to the Assn. of American Medical Colleges, this is the first scholarship drive of its kind. Dr. German said that besides the appeal of offering students the opportunity to enter medical practice debt free, the scholarships are a way to attract high-achieving students who will set the tone for future classes.

At the same time the medical school is campaigning for funds, it is looking to hire up to 25 faculty members by year's end. Construction of the medical campus at Lake Nona is under way, with temporary classrooms and offices in the Central Florida Research Park in Orlando.

When finished, the campus also will be home to the UCF Burnett College of Biomedical Sciences, the Burnham Institute of Medical Research and a veterans hospital.