Dr. Rebecca Toonkel has been named senior associate dean of Academic Affairs at the Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine.
In her new role, Dr. Toonkel will oversee the success and strategic leadership of all academic programs at the College, including the M.D., Master in Physician Assistant Studies, Ph.D. in Biomedical Sciences, Graduate Certificate in Molecular and Biomedical Sciences, International Student programs, and Graduate Medical Education.
Working closely with each program’s leadership, she will provide guidance, coordination, and essential resources to support continued success. Additionally,
Dr. Toonkel will lead efforts to develop and implement new academic initiatives, technologies, and services, fostering quality, continuity, innovation, and integrity in academic and student-focused matters.
Since joining FIU in 2013, Dr. Toonkel has made significant contributions as a course director and instructor in multiple courses, assistant dean for Academic Advising, assistant dean for Curriculum and Clinical Medicine, and medical director of the Albert and Debbie Tano Medical Simulation Center. Most recently, she served as associate dean for Curriculum and Medical Education.
Dr. Toonkel is board-certified in internal, pulmonary, and critical care medicine. She graduated from Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and completed postgraduate training at Columbia University Medical Center and the University of Miami/Jackson Memorial Hospital.