Message from The Dean

At Florida Atlantic University's Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine, we stand at the threshold of transformation. Our vision is bold yet clear: to evolve from our strong foundation as a community-based medical school into a leading academic health system that advances healthcare through excellence in education, research, and clinical care.

Our mission extends beyond training the next generation of physicians – we aim to transform healthcare delivery in South Florida and beyond. We will achieve this through our commitment to innovative medical education, groundbreaking research, and exceptional patient care. By fostering an environment that encourages scientific discovery and clinical excellence, with a focus on evidence-based care, we prepare our learners to become not just skilled physicians, but healthcare leaders who will shape the future of medicine.

The strength of our college lies in our collaborative spirit and clinical partnerships. Our relationships with regional healthcare providers create invaluable opportunities for our students and trainees while addressing critical challenges facing our patients and community. Through these partnerships, we combine academic excellence with real-world experience, ensuring our graduates are well-prepared to meet the evolving healthcare needs of our diverse population.

True excellence thrives when we work together. At FAU, where our strong sense of community defines us, I'm often reminded of a favorite saying: "It's the name on the front of the jersey that matters most, not the one on the back." Our success depends on the collective dedication of our faculty, staff, learners, researchers, and clinical partners. Together, we will strive to address our future healthcare needs by harmonizing all of our resources with a focus on our core missions.

I am honored to lead this exceptional community as we build our college's promising future together. Your commitment to excellence, your passion for discovery, and your dedication to improving healthcare make our ambitious vision achievable. Let us embrace this opportunity to transform medical education and healthcare delivery, knowing that our collaborative efforts today will impact countless lives tomorrow.

Lewis S. Nelson, M.D.

Dean and Chief of Health Affairs
Schmidt College of Medicine
Florida Atlantic University