We are rapidly approaching a significant milestone for the University of Florida College of Medicine. The 50 th anniversary of our medical school will be celebrated with a number of events that we hope will capture the spirit and creativity of our school over the decades.

These events celebrate the vision of our founders, the continuing spirit of innovation that this visionary leadership inspired, and the continuity of goals and ideals that is embodied in programs developed by, and growth of, the College. Ideas for a nascent College of Medicine always included planning for an entire health center, planning that of necessity required interdisciplinary cooperation- a prescient dream whose wisdom is now illustrated by our growing numbers of centers and interdisciplinary research programs.

Early plans for cooperation between the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and the College of Medicine foreshadowed the current nationwide upsurge in medical humanities programs. Dr. George Harrell, the founding dean, believed that the art of medicine was as important as the science and his goal of educating the health team to care for patients in their communities predated community health programs, while his focus on patient-centered care found expression in the Harrell standardized patient center. An early focus on research excellence brought to the College faculty whose work kept- and keeps- it on the cutting edge of technology and discovery.

These events will also recognize and thank the many different groups who make and have made the College of Medicine rise to the top and excel in its teaching, research and clinical missions. From Faculty & Staff Appreciation Day on November 4, 2005 to the Medical Student Luncheon on September 8, 2006, the 50 th Anniversary Celebration will recognize staff, administrators, alumni and current students, faculty, researchers, and friends. The events also will highlight the history of the College of Medicine, examine its future and enjoy its current success.

I invite all of you to share in this celebration of our history and future.

C. Craig Tisher, M.D.
Dean, College of Medicine.