FSU College of Medicine dean to lead Florida Medical Association as president

Florida – Dr. Alma Littles, dean of the Florida State University College of Medicine, is preparing to take on a historic new role as the next president of the Florida Medical Association, becoming the first medical school dean in the organization’s history to serve in the position.

Littles will be installed as the 150th president of the Florida Medical Association on Aug. 1 during the association’s annual conference in Orlando. Her appointment marks a significant milestone not only for the FMA but also for FSU Health, Florida State University’s integrated academic health system.

Founded in 1874, the Florida Medical Association represents more than 20,000 physicians across the state. The organization works on issues involving healthcare policy, education, economics, and medical ethics. As president, Littles will lead the FMA Board of Governors, which is responsible for establishing policies for the organization, while also serving as its main representative and ambassador.

Littles said she views the new position as both an honor and a responsibility, emphasizing that her role will focus on serving physicians as well as the patients and communities who rely on them.

“While assuming this role is one of the greatest honors of my professional career, I am humbled by the opportunity and mindful of the responsibility,” Littles said. “I see this role as an opportunity to serve — not only physicians — but also the patients and communities who depend on us.”

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During her one-year term, Littles plans to focus on several major healthcare priorities, including strengthening Florida’s physician workforce, supporting medical education, improving residency training, and encouraging physician retention. She also wants to promote physician well-being and leadership development at a time when healthcare professionals continue to face growing demands.

A board-certified family medicine physician, Littles said one of her goals is helping doctors continue providing safe, effective, and compassionate care while navigating changes in the healthcare system. She also plans to address the increasing role of technology, including artificial intelligence, in medicine.

“This advocacy will include supporting physicians, residents and students as we all navigate the very necessary implementation of AI and other emerging technologies, while maintaining the human connection at the heart of the patient-physician relationship,” Littles said.

Her election also highlights the expanding role of FSU Health in addressing healthcare challenges throughout Florida. Through partnerships involving clinical care, education, and research, FSU Health has focused on issues such as improving access to healthcare, developing the physician workforce, and encouraging medical innovation.

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As part of her presidential responsibilities, Littles selected two individuals to join the FMA Board of Governors. Her choices were Jeremy Slaga, FSU’s vice president and chief clinical operations officer overseeing FSU Health, and Andrea Friall, M.D., an obstetrics and gynecology physician who serves as chief medical officer of Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare in Tallahassee.

FMA Chief Executive Officer Chris Clark praised Littles’ leadership and said her historic appointment reflects the importance of the relationship between the organization and Florida’s medical schools.

“Anyone who has worked with Dr. Littles knows that the superlatives are well-deserved,” said FMA Chief Executive Officer Chris Clark. “She’s a remarkable person and a consistently remarkable physician leader. The FMA has always valued having close relationships with Florida’s medical schools. So, the fact that Dr. Littles is the first medical school dean to serve as FMA President in our organization’s 151-year history is especially meaningful.”

Littles’ connection with the FMA stretches back decades. She joined the organization while still a medical student and has previously served as FMA president-elect, vice president, and secretary before taking on the presidency.

Throughout her career, Littles has been a strong advocate for improving healthcare access, particularly in rural communities and areas facing shortages of primary care physicians. She has encouraged healthcare professionals to practice where their services are needed most and has promoted preventive medicine as a key part of improving public health.

Her leadership experience extends beyond the FMA. Littles is a former president of the Florida Academy of Family Physicians and was named Florida Family Physician of the Year in 1993. She is also a Fellow of the American Academy of Family Physicians and a member of several professional organizations, including the American Medical Association and the Florida Alliance for Health Professions Diversity.

Over the years, Littles has received numerous awards recognizing her contributions to medicine and education. She was named one of the 25 Women You Need to Know in Tallahassee in 2010 and was recognized by Black Health Magazine in 2014 as one of the nation’s Top 15 Most Influential African American Medical Educators. That same year, she received the Outstanding Physician of the Year Award from Capital Medical Society.

In 2019, Littles received the Elizabeth Blackwell Award from the American Medical Women’s Association and was also honored with the organization’s Director’s Award for Outstanding Faculty.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Littles has focused heavily on supporting patients, students, and fellow healthcare providers. She has worked on initiatives related to physician and student wellness, including efforts to reduce burnout among medical professionals. She serves on wellness committees for the Capital Medical Society and the Florida Academy of Family Physicians and previously chaired the FMA’s Wellness Committee.

Littles also served for eight years as vice chair of Florida’s Physicians Workforce Advisory Council, which was chaired by the state surgeon general. She contributed to the 2019 textbook Contemporary Challenges in Medical Education and has remained active in national medical leadership, including serving as chair of the American Medical Association’s Academic Physicians Section and as an AMA delegate.

Currently, Littles serves as vice chair of the Council of Florida Medical School Deans, continuing her work to strengthen medical education and healthcare leadership throughout the state.

Her upcoming presidency of the Florida Medical Association represents another chapter in a career dedicated to improving healthcare, supporting future physicians, and expanding access to quality medical services across Florida. As the first medical school dean to lead the association, Littles is expected to bring a unique perspective connecting medical education, patient care, and healthcare policy.