Dr. Maria E. Padilla is an Associate Professor of Medical Education and the Executive Associate Dean for Academic and Student Affairs of Nova Southeastern University Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Allopathic Medicine (NSUMD) in Fort Lauderdale, FL. In her current role she provides strategic leadership over eight different units that include admissions, student affairs, curricular affairs, undergraduate medical education curriculum, Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME) accreditation and quality improvement, faculty affairs, community engagement and belonging, and graduate program development. As the dean appointed Faculty Accreditation Lead, Dr. Padilla led the efforts for a successful first Full Accreditation of the NSUMD program by the LCME for the maximum number of years allowed for new medical education programs.

Dr. Padilla received a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Biology from Tufts University in Medford, MA. She received her MD degree magna cum laude from the University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine and completed an internship, residency, and a year as Chief Resident in Pediatrics at the University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine in San Juan, PR. Prior to joining NSUMD, Dr. Padilla served for five years as the Associate Program Director for the Pediatrics Residency Program of the University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine. Dr. Padilla obtained a Master of Science in Medical Education Leadership from the University of New England and transitioned to a leadership role in undergraduate medical education as the Curriculum and Faculty Development Director for the University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine, a position that placed her in charge of the undergraduate medical education program. As part of this role, she was involved in designing, implementing, and revising curricula, and ensuring their alignment with accreditation standards and educational best practices.

Dr. Padilla is board certified in general pediatrics. She has a special interest in student support and education as well as in medical education program evaluation and accreditation. Dr. Padilla has received numerous teaching awards including having been elected to the prestigious Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society by medical students of the University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine. Dr. Padilla has served as a member of the board directors of the Broward County Medical Association (BCMA), and has recently been appointed as a professional member of the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME) and as a member of the Board of Directors of the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP).