Name, MD/DO + any additional degrees: Michael Gerber, MD

College/University: Georgia Tech

Medical School: McGovern Medical School at UT Health

Hometown: Peachtree City, GA

Clinical and Research Interests: Lung transplantation and Immunology

What were you looking for in a residency program? 

I was looking for a program that had strong emphasis on complex patient care, resident autonomy, good leadership and well known faculty.

What are the strengths of the UF program? 

The strengths of our program start at the top with great leadership and vision by the Chair, Dr. Upchurch, and by the program director, Dr. Sarosi. They have really put resident training first and dedicated this program to making well trained surgeons who can become leaders in surgery. We have a great mix of faculty who are experts in their fields that teach us how to operate and give us autonomy even at the junior level. UF does not have many fellows, so the residents are the ones operating on complex, sick patients. And the wide variety of research from thoracic surgery, surgical oncology, trauma and sepsis, pediatric surgery and vascular surgery provide resident opportunities to learn and establish themselves in those fields. But perhaps the biggest strength of the program and what really makes UF special is the congenial relationship between the residents and between the residents and faculty.

What do you like best about living in Gainesville?

Gainesville is a fantastic college town. The university provides opportunities for us to go to sporting events including UF Surgery sponsored tailgates for football games. There is also UF basketball, baseball, soccer, gymnastics, softball, etc. There are plenty of great things to do on weekends, whether it going to the springs or beach to cool off, or going down to Disney World and Universal studios for an action packed weekend. There is always time for fishing or scalloping too! Hiking and biking trails are all around Gainesville with plenty of opportunities to see gators!

List of hobbies/interests:

Soccer, golf, kickball, softball, hiking, home improvement projects