UCF Ocala would like to congratulate the Class of 2020, our inaugural residency class. In the past three years, the program has grown from seven to 21 residents and has seen hospital expansion with a new emergency department at Ocala Regional, two new free-standing emergency departments, and a new designation as a comprehensive stroke center. We’re very thankful for the enthusiasm, work and dedication of the inaugural class in shaping the program into a great place to learn and work. Ocala has two new faculty members from the class: Lee Barker, DO and Samyr Elbadri, MD. Dr. Elbadri is staying on as core faculty and simulation director for the residency program. Michael Ferras, MD is starting his EMS fellowship at VCU in Richmond, VA. Joe Gibney, MD is working in Washington, D.C.; Jason Lippert, MD is working Nashville, TN; Nick McCauley, MD is working in Milwaukee, WI; and Vir Singh, MD is working in Brownsville, TX, where he will also serve as associate faculty for UT Rio Grande Valley. We are proud of the new graduates and wish them all the best in their careers (and in passing the boards).

We’re excited to start the new academic year and welcome our new residents and faculty. This year, Caroline Smith, MD, Nicholas Titelbaum, MD, and Aaron Umansky, MD will serve as chief residents. Nathan George, MD will hold most of the power in the residency program in his role as scheduling chief. This year’s leadership plans to emphasize scholarly activities and resident wellness. We continued our intern boot camp this year with simulation and procedure workshops led by the second- and third-year residents. We’re excited for the program to continue to grow along with our new class. ■