The Retirement of Dr. José Medina

Frank A. Catalanotto, D.M.D., Dean

Dr. José Medina, considered the founding dean of the University of Florida College of Dentistry, retired Dec. 31, 1999. Medina has served the university for 32 years in various positions. He was dean of the college from 1969 to 1973. Also considered the father of operative dentistry, Medina has worked more than 50 years of his life in dentistry.

Medina has served as a professor of clinical dentistry at UFCD since 1974. Numerous state, national and international dental societies and organizations have recognized him for his contributions to the profession. Among his countless honors is the Presidential Medallion from the University of Chile, the first ever given to a foreign dentist.

Medina has served on numerous committees at UF. He was chair of the university wide Campus Planning and Land Use Committee as well as being a member of the Health Science Center Planning and Building Committee. In addition, he was HSC assistant vice president for facilities planning and operations.

An active community leader, Medina has worked with the Boy and Girl Scouts of America and the Trinity Methodist Church. Since 1948, he has been a commissioned officer of the U.S. Public Health Service.

Medina has participated in many studies and evaluations and has been extensively published in a large number of scientific publications.

Medina received his doctor of dental surgery from the Baltimore College of Dental Surgery at the University of Maryland in 1948. Prior to coming to the University of Florida, Medina was a professor and assistant dean of operative dentistry at his alma mater.

A party to thank Medina for his contributions to the University of Florida has been scheduled for May 12, 2000 from 4-8 p.m. at University Center Hotel. Please share this information with your faculty.