Dr. Michelle F. Wallen, DO, MS, FACOEP, is a founding faculty member of the Orlando College of Osteopathic Medicine (OCOM) and serves as Medical Director (Chief) of the Emergency Department at UCF Lake Nona Hospital. She has played a role in developing OCOM’s curriculum and was appointed the inaugural Chair of ACE( Assessment and Competency Enhancement) for board preparation. Nationally, Dr. Wallen was selected as National Faculty for the Clinical Department of Emergency Medicine at the National Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners and was awarded fellowship of the American College of Osteopathic Emergency Physicians (ACOEP).

At OCOM, she has served as Course Director for Learning Consolidation, Clinical Skills, and Emergency Medicine. An active member of the Research Committee, Dr. Wallen mentors students on research projects, national conference presentations, and peer‐reviewed publications. She is also the faculty advisor for the Emergency Medicine Interest Group, Wilderness Medicine, Radiology Interest Group, and the American Medical Women’s Association (AMWA).

Prior to her medical career, Dr. Wallen served in the U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Navy, and most recently the U.S. Army Reserves, where she was honorably discharged as a Major in the Medical Corps with the 301st Field Hospital. After completing residency at the Cleveland Clinic, she practiced in an academic emergency medicine setting, teaching and mentoring medical students and residents. In 2017 she relocated to Orlando with her husband and three sons and joined the Emergency Department at Osceola Regional Medical Center, where she continued her work in graduate medical education, assisting with didactics, simulation training, and research.

Dr. Wallen is committed to clinician wellness and serves on the ACOEP Wellness Committee. She previously served on the National Wellness Committee for Envision Healthcare. She is also an advocate against workplace violence toward healthcare workers, has published research on the topic, and has presented nationally on this high-priority topic.

Through her clinical practice, leadership, and teaching at OCOM and in hospital settings, Dr. Wallen is dedicated to advancing medical education and mentoring learners at all stages. She is passionate about preparing future physicians to be knowledgeable, skilled, and compassionate clinicians and looks forward to continuing to support and inspire OCOM students as they advance in their careers.