UM School of Medicine Names Juanita Simmons as Assistant Director of Financial Assistance

Simmons will Work Closely with Director of Student Financial Planning to Provide Students with Financial Aid and Wellness Services

Donna L. Parker, MD, Senior Associate Dean for Undergraduate Medical Education at the University of Maryland School of Medicine (UMSOM), along with Kerri Thom, MD, MS, Associate Dean for Student Affairs, announced today that Juanita Simmons, BS, has joined the school’s Financial Aid and Wellness Office as Assistant Director of Financial Assistance.

Well-equipped with over eight years of experience in financial aid administration, Simmons has an abundance of experience in all financial aid processes, from accessing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to disbursement and refunds. She possesses a deep understanding of federal aid, Maryland state aid, institutional awards, and Veteran Education benefits.

“The financial pressures on students who pursue a career in medicine are greater than ever before,” said Dr. Parker. “I am confident in Ms. Simmons’ ability to help give students the knowledge and financial assistance they need to make sound decisions that put them on the path to reach financial independence.”

As Assistant Director, Simmons will work closely with Sofia Cascio, MBA, Director of Student Financial Planning at UMSOM, to provide financial aid and wellness service to medical students. Simmons will thoroughly assess students’ financial aid concerns and provide guidance to solving their inquiries.

“Ms. Simmons and I will work collaboratively in collecting financial aid and wellness information to share with students. We also partner on special projects to ensure students’ financial aid needs are met and will conduct outreach when needed,” said Ms. Cascio. “Working as a team is vital to our ability to provide exceptional service and knowledge to our medical students.”

The School’s ability to operate as a pioneer in providing financial services within the University System of Maryland is a direct result of students’ request for one-on-one counseling and real-time solutions to address their financial needs.

“In partnership with the University Student Financial Assistance Office, we are thrilled to be able to meet students right where they are -- in the halls of their learning environment,” said Dr. Thom.  “Medical students can now come to one convenient location, to get advice regarding everything from financial aid to financial wellness and planning, directly from experienced professionals working specifically toward their needs.”

Simmons will be instrumental in helping to eliminate the overwhelming process of securing financial aid and obtaining financial literacy resources.  

“The financial aid process can be a challenging and sometimes overwhelming experience for many students. With all the terms, processes, and confusing requirements, students need experienced professionals who are passionate and patient while helping students with this endeavor,” said Ms. Simmons. “I am looking forward to helping UMSOM students understand their aid options and reach their financial goals.”

Prior to joining UMSOM, Simmons served as the Associate Director of Financial Aid at the University of Baltimore. She earned her undergraduate degree in Education from State University of New York (S.U.N.Y) College at Cortland and is currently pursuing her MBA at the University of Maryland Global Campus.  

SOM Financial Aid and Wellness will continue to work in partnership with the Central Financial Aid Office to help medical students with all aspects of the financial aid process; however, the processing of financial aid and awarding thereof will remain with the Central Financial Aid Office.

About the University of Maryland School of Medicine

Now in its third century, the University of Maryland School of Medicine was chartered in 1807 as the first public medical school in the United States. It continues today as one of the fastest growing, top-tier biomedical research enterprises in the world -- with 46 academic departments, centers, institutes, and programs, and a faculty of more than 3,000 physicians, scientists, and allied health professionals, including members of the National Academy of Medicine and the National Academy of Sciences, and a distinguished two-time winner of the Albert E. Lasker Award in Medical Research. With an operating budget of more than $1.3 billion, the School of Medicine works closely in partnership with the University of Maryland Medical Center and Medical System to provide research-intensive, academic, and clinically based care for nearly 2 million patients each year. The School of Medicine has nearly $600 million in extramural funding, with most of its academic departments highly ranked among all medical schools in the nation in research funding. As one of the seven professional schools that make up the University of Maryland, Baltimore campus, the School of Medicine has a total population of nearly 9,000 faculty and staff, including 2,500 students, trainees, residents, and fellows. The combined School of Medicine and Medical System (“University of Maryland Medicine”) has an annual budget of over $6 billion and an economic impact of nearly $20 billion on the state and local community. The School of Medicine, which ranks as the 8th highest among public medical schools in research productivity (according to the Association of American Medical Colleges profile) is an innovator in translational medicine, with 606 active patents and 52 start-up companies. In the latest U.S. News & World Report ranking of the Best Medical Schools, published in 2021, the UM School of Medicine is ranked #9 among the 92 public medical schools in the U.S., and in the top 15 percent (#27) of all 192 public and private U.S. medical schools. The School of Medicine works locally, nationally, and globally, with research and treatment facilities in 36 countries around the world. Visit medschool.umaryland.edu