Ellen Daley, PhD, is living a researcher's dream. She and her colleagues stand on the forefront of a veritable medical milestone and a major public health initiative — a newly approved vaccine that will prevent the certain strains of cancer-causing HPV and, in turn, can virtually eradicate cervical cancer.

"The Food and Drug Administration's approval was great news! This is a grand slam," said Daley of the FDA's June 8 approval of Merck's HPV vaccine, Gardasil. "This kind of breakthrough should go down with other medical milestones, like the polio vaccine, and antibiotics."

Dr. Daley's research on the psychosocial aspects of HPV, or human papilloma virus, have been federally funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Cancer Institute.

Tampa, FL (June 22, 2006) – Chris Sullivan, one of the founders of Outback Steakhouse, has given $2 million to USF Health Dermatology to create The Neil Alan Fenske MD Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery Chair at the University of South Florida. The state will match his gift to create a $4 million endowment that supports the advancement of dermatological initiatives.

Mr. Sullivan was recognized for his generosity at a reception hosted June 14 by USF President Judy Genshaft and Stephen K. Klasko, MD, MBA, vice president for USF Health and dean of the College of Medicine.

"USF Health is focused on superior quality, education, and service to patients" Dr. Klasko said. "Certainly, Dermatology has been a leader in this area and a chaired position will further demonstrate our excellence in this specialty."

The USF Division of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, under the leadership of Neil A. Fenske, MD, is nationally recognized for its expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of general skin disorders. Mr. Sullivan's gift is instrumental in transforming the division into a department, which will take effect July 1, 2006. Dr. Fenske will assume the chair position in July.

Dr. Fenske is a widely-recognized expert on skin cancer, aging, and psoriasis. "The skin is the largest organ of the body and the first to show signs of aging" said Dr. Fenske, professor and division director of USF Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery. "The population growth, especially elderly retirees, coupled with the intense sun exposure in this region constantly increases the need for dermatological care."

Dr. Fenske will use the endowed chair to facilitate USF Health's long-term research goals, enhance educational outcomes for students and residents, and increase access to quality care for area patients and referring community physicians.