Heidi von Harscher has been named assistant dean for the Office of Women in Medicine and Science at the Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine.

Dr. von Harscher is a licensed psychologist who has dedicated her career to mentoring students and wellness programs. She is an associate professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, serves as director of Medical Student Support Services, and as the student Ombudsman.

In this new leadership role, von Harscher will ensure that HWCOM’s efforts in achieving gender equity align with the University’s initiatives and strategic plan. She will advocate for the recruitment and retention of a diverse faculty of women and medical students and promote their career and leadership advancement. She also will work with faculty, staff, and students to ensure that gender equity goals are fully considered and implemented in all facets of our medical school.

Von Harscher joined HWCOM in 2009 as founding director of Counseling and Wellness in the Office of Student Affairs. Her pioneering contributions include developing a neuropsychological testing program, an APA accredited pre-doctoral internship program, and administering the psychological services center for FIU students at the Biscayne Bay Campus. Her focus is to educate and treat our medical students on empathy, burnout, neuropsychology, spirituality, mindfulness, resiliency, and teambuilding.