Debra "Debbie" Taño
Bio
Debbie Taño earned her Bachelor of Science in nursing at Hunter College in 1983. After graduating from nursing school, she practiced in adult and pediatric ICU for many years. Together with her husband, Dr. Albert R. Taño, they established the Albert and Debbie Taño Medical Simulation Center a world-class multidisciplinary training and research facility part of the Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine. The center's mission is to develop transformative medical simulation curricula for our students and community. We advance clinical skills training using a hands-on approach that emphasizes deliberate practice and mastery of competencies through simulation technology. The center focuses on producing educational research that demonstrates enhanced student performance, improves patient safety, promotes continuous quality improvement, and advances the use of technology in medical training. Additionally, we seek to enhance continuing and interdisciplinary medical education by partnering with our community affiliates and allied health partners.Debbie has been involved with the Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine in the planning and fundraising for the medical school through various philanthropic events and efforts. She is also the co-founder of the Albert E. Dotson Sr. Premedical Program. The Dotson premedical program is for FIU undergraduate students interested in a medical career. This program is designed to equip a diverse group of students with the knowledge, skills, and attributes required to apply to medical school. Through community engagement and mentorship, the program caters to the specific needs of each student, fostering their personal and academic growth to help them achieve their full potential.
Debbie is also a member of the Baptist Health Foundation in South Florida where she sits on the Event and Fundraising Committee.
Debbie is a proud parent of four children, three of whom are FIU and Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine alumni.