Welcome

Welcome Applicants to the Class of 2029!

The Admissions Welcoming Committee (AWC) is dedicated to providing the same warm and inviting atmosphere to prospective students, alumni, and visitors as we do our friends here in the Gator nation. Through collaborative efforts and teamwork, the AWC aims to enrich the community of the University of Florida College of Medicine by supporting and enhancing the establishment of student connections. AWC welcomes the leadership and diversity of backgrounds, interests, experiences, and ideas of its members, which is essential for showcasing the aspects of the University of Florida College of Medicine that allow this community to flourish. With this in mind, AWC provides a platform for students to share their medical school experience, as well as what it means to be a Gator Doc, to all those who may find themselves in the Swamp.

As your big day approaches, we along with the rest of the committee would like to welcome you wholeheartedly. Congratulations on all you have accomplished thus far, now please allow us to show and share with you our UFCOM family.

~Arissa, Carmelina, Lilli, Odelia, and Jennifer 

 


Arissa Adhikary

Arissa Adhikary arissaadhikary@ufl.edu

Hi everyone! My name is Arissa Adhikary, a first-year medical student at UFCOM. I’m originally from Land O’ Lakes, Florida, and I graduated from the University of Florida in 2023 with a Bachelor’s in Public Health and a minor in Health Disparities in Society. After graduation, I took some time to work at an ophthalmology clinic in Gainesville, where I was constantly inspired by patient stories. I am passionate about fostering community, building trust, and empowering others with the tools they need to advocate for their health. I’m currently exploring different specialties, with a special interest in ophthalmology and psychiatry. Outside of medicine, I enjoy trying new hobbies, exploring local food spots, and spending time with loved ones. One of my favorite ways to recharge is through time outdoors, whether it’s walking trails or discovering something new about Gainesville. What drew me to UFCOM is the welcoming and supportive atmosphere. From day one, I could feel how genuine and dedicated everyone was to creating a culture of growth and connection. From my first interactions with students and faculty, I was struck by how genuine everyone was and their commitment to fostering a culture of growth and connection. Whether you’re joining us for Swamp Social or want to chat about life at UFCOM, please don’t hesitate to reach out. I can’t wait to get to know you all and share what makes UFCOM so special. Go Gators!

Undergrad: University of Florida

 

 


Carmelina Gorski

Carmelina Gorski carmelina.gorski@ufl.edu

Hello! My name is Carmelina Gorski and I’m in the UF COM Class of 2028. I grew up in Delray Beach, Florida, and I went to the University of Florida for undergrad. I graduated in 2024 with a degree in Biochemistry and a minor in Spanish, and I started medical school here just a couple of months later. During undergrad, I did research here at UF in the Center for Translational Research in Neurodegenerative Disease, and a short project with the Mayo Clinic Department of Anesthesia. In my free time, I love to go to the beach, go for runs and walks with friends, travel, golf, and try new restaurants. I’m a big Gators fan, so during football season I love to tailgate, and I enjoy traveling to away games with friends as well. Specialty-wise, I am interested in anesthesiology, but I’m not fully decided yet – I’m keeping an open mind!

From my experiences with UF COM as an undergrad, I was already familiar with the community and culture prior to interviewing, but my interview experience showed just how friendly and supportive the faculty and students are. The feeling of community and overall philosophy of UF COM is a huge reason I chose to stay here for medical school. I am so thankful I ended up here, surrounded by amazing classmates, teachers, and opportunities. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out! Go Gators and hope to see you all soon!

Undergrad: University of Florida


Lilly Lamb

Lilly Lamb lamb.lilian@ufl.edu

Hello, prospective Gator Docs! I’m Lily Lamb, a first-year medical student hailing from Live Oak, FL. I am also a proud graduate of Florida State University where I earned a degree in Behavioral Neuroscience, was a Scholar in the FSU College of Medicine Honors Medical Scholars Society, and Chapter President of FL Zeta Phi Delta Epsilon Medical Fraternity. When I’m not studying, I’m cheering on the Philadelphia Eagles and FSU Seminoles or cooking up one of my famous meal-prepped lunches. I’m also a huge movie buff, loving everything from dazzling movie musicals to gripping sci-fi stories. My current professional interests are women’s health, gynecologic surgery, and oncology. Growing up, UF Health was a beacon of excellence and compassionate care for my county when we had very few physicians to call our own. UF COM-trained physicians made a difference in my own life and within the rural small town I call home. When it came time to think about where I wanted to do medical school, UF COM was a natural choice and an institution I am proud to call home. UF COM Interview Day was unlike any other – incredibly personal, informative, and genuinely fun! I knew almost immediately that this was a place where I could grow as a future healthcare professional and as a person. Once starting medical school, I was eager to join AWC to help future students have the same exciting and fulfilling experiences I was afforded through the interview process. AWC is thrilled to be part of your interview at UF COM; we cannot wait to show you how amazing our institution and Gator Doc family are. Congratulations again!

Undergrad: Florida State University

 


Odelia Tiutyama

Odelia Tiutyama odelia.tiutyama@ufl.edu

Hi everyone! My name is Odelia Tiutyama, and I am a first-year medical student from Sarasota, Florida. I attended the University of Florida for undergrad, where I studied basic biological and medical sciences as part of the Medical Honors Program. Throughout undergrad, I had the opportunity to do research in neurocognition, psychosocial factors, and substance use. I’m still incredibly interested in these topics and hope to pursue psychiatry as a specialty. When I’m not studying, I’m either planning a trip or traveling. If I’m not doing either of those, I enjoy cooking, spending time outdoors, or watching reality shows with my roommates. 

From the moment I applied to UFCOM, I could see how much the school values its students and its well-rounded approach to medicine. The emphasis on empathy, connection, and patient-centered care, combined with the supportive and collaborative environment, has made my experience incredibly rewarding. The sense of community cultivated at UFCOM has made it feel like home, and I’m so grateful to be a part of this amazing school and call my classmates my friends. I’m so excited to share my experiences with you and help you learn more about the incredible opportunities and community at UFCOM. Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions!

 Undergrad: University of Florida 

 


Jennifer Wen 

Jennifer Wen jenniferwen@ufl.edu

Hi everyone! My name is Jennifer Wen, and I am a current MS1 at UFCOM. I grew up in Tallahassee, Florida, and I attended MIT for undergrad, where I majored in biological engineering and minored in brain and cognitive sciences. After graduating, I spent my gap year working as a surgical technician for a Mohs surgeon in the Boston area. I’m still pretty undecided on what specialty I want to pursue, but I’m leaning towards something more procedure-oriented, like interventional radiology or surgery. In my free time, I love to read, do pilates and yoga, watch movies, try new restaurants, visit art museums, and spend time with my friends and family. 

What I remember most about my interview at UFCOM was the emphasis on medicine being both an art and a science, and I think that UFCOM teaches us how to unite these concepts in the best and most humanistic of ways. Even though it’s only my first year here, I can already tell that my classmates and I are on the road to becoming the skilled and compassionate physicians that we hope to be, and it’s all because of our wonderful UFCOM community. From the friendships that I’ve made since meeting my classmates at orientation to the role models that I’ve found in our teachers and faculty members, my experience with every individual here has been one of support and camaraderie. I’m so excited for all of you to learn more about our medical school, and I’m looking forward to meeting you soon!

 Undergrad: Massachusetts Institute of Technology 

 


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