Photography by Rayni Shiring/University of Pittsburgh
Stephanie Gonzalez has been appointed as the associate dean for admissions and financial aid, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine (UPSOM), effective July 14.
In this critical leadership role, she will oversee the full spectrum of the MD admissions process—from recruitment through matriculation—as well as provide strategic oversight of financial aid policies and practices. This role plays a pivotal part in shaping the incoming class of future physician leaders and ensuring that admissions and financial aid strategies are aligned with the school's mission and values.
Gonzalez joined the School of Medicine 24 years ago as a faculty member in the Department of Emergency Medicine. A graduate of Wayne State University School of Medicine, she completed her emergency medicine residency at the Detroit Medical Center. She subsequently spent time at Virginia Commonwealth University Health System, where she helped build the foundation for the inaugural emergency medicine residency class.
After joining UPSOM, she served on the admissions committee, first as an interviewer, then as a committee member, and eventually on the executive subcommittee. During her tenure here, Gonzalez became an educator, beginning as a small-group facilitator and later becoming director of the specialty care clerkship. She led the development of the professional enrichment course program from its inception and served as faculty advisor for multiple student interest groups.
Gonzalez is particularly interested in early student mentoring and plays a key role in community engagement through summer programs with local nonprofits and establishing an innovative program for premedical students to obtain longitudinal clinical experience with a faculty mentor.