Dr. Kerwyn Flowers, who became a part of the Florida State University College of Medicine in 2017 and has held the position of Director of Rural Medical Education since 2019, has been named dean of the Tallahassee Regional Campus.

Dean of the College of Medicine, Dr. Alma Littles, made this announcement in a communication to students, faculty, and staff.

“Having served as Director of Rural Medical Education and leading the curriculum committee while overseeing the third- and fourth-year medical education program, Dr. Flowers is exceptionally qualified to embrace this new position,” Littles remarked. “Throughout her time at the College of Medicine, she has earned the admiration of students, patients, and faculty alike.

“She boasts a proven history of exemplary patient care and exceptional reviews from her students. I am confident she will maintain her outstanding leadership and mentorship for the students, staff, and faculty at the Tallahassee Regional Campus.”

Flowers is well-acquainted with Tallahassee and the Big Bend area. The Quincy, Florida native obtained her bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Florida A&M University and graduated from the Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine. She completed her Family Medicine Residency at Akron City Hospital in Ohio before returning to private practice in North Florida and South Georgia.

Her enthusiasm for the role stems from her commitment to regional education and the broader influence that community involvement can facilitate in her new position.

“This inner zeal for regional education originated with a spark, being part of one of FSU’s initiatives,” said Flowers, who engaged in an outreach program during high school. “I value our mission and our deep commitment to being responsive to the community needs of the underserved and rural populations.”

Before she joined the College of Medicine in the Department of Family Medicine and Rural Health, Flowers was part of the faculty at Floyd Medical Center in Rome, Georgia. There, she educated residents and medical students and held the role of Director of Osteopathic Medical Education. Additionally, Flowers has strengthened her leadership abilities through fellowships in Academic Medicine at Northeast Ohio Medical University and Faculty Development at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

In her role at the College of Medicine, she practices family medicine and instructs within the framework of direct patient care. She has served as the faculty advisor for the FSU Student Chapter of the Florida Rural Health Association and has overseen the College’s Rural Learning Experience trip for the last two years.

“I’ve occupied roles where I mentor students since the onset of my academic career, and I cherish that dynamic of imparting knowledge to the next generation,” Flowers shared. “I see this position as being a mentor not only to students but also to faculty and staff…fostering a collaborative culture between the faculty and myself to explore ways to enhance each other.”

As one of the College of Medicine’s six regional campuses, where students acquire clinical experience within the community, the Tallahassee Regional Campus hosts about 40 third- or fourth-year medical students and 10 physician assistant students annually.

Flowers succeeds Dr. Sandeep Rahangdale, who has directed the Tallahassee Regional Campus for the past eight years and has taken a leave of absence from the College of Medicine to engage in public health outside the region.

The post Flowers appointed dean of Tallahassee Regional Campus appeared first on Florida State University News.