Several thousand people visited the College of Medicine’s Community Open House on Sunday to get a rare, behind-the-scenes look at where UCF is training the next generation of doctors.
Central Florida residents took tours of the college’s high-tech classrooms, labs and library, and enjoyed sports on the Tavistock Green. They also met doctors from UCF Pegasus Health, the new outpatient medical facility where College of Medicine physician-educators begin treating patients Nov. 7.
Other open house events included interactive educational experiences, bounce houses for children, soccer, caricature artists and animal balloon crafters. The Orlando Repertory Theatre’s Power Chords singing ensemble performed and “The Big Red Bus” from Florida’s Blood Centers was on hand for people wishing to donate blood. The UCF cheerleaders and Knightro were on hand and the City of Orlando Fire Department brought a fire engine for children to enjoy.
The event’s principal sponsor was Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida. Additional major sponsors included the Edyth Bush Charitable Foundation, OUC – The Reliable One, Balfour Beatty Construction and Akerman Senterfitt.
“The Open House was delightful,” said Dr. Deborah German, vice president for medical affairs and dean of the College of Medicine. “It was a wonderful opportunity for the community to see the medical school that belongs to us all.”