Focusing on patients as people as well as the data of their lab tests and medical histories is the foundation of true patient care.

This advice, shared with USF Health’s newest medical students and their families at this year’s White Coat Ceremony, was offered by Charles J. Lockwood, MD, MHCM, executive vice president of USF Health and dean of the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine.

“Patient care is not simply the endpoint of genetic sequences, lab tests or complex diagnostic and treatment algorithms,” Dr. Lockwood said. “It is also an appreciation that your patients are living, breathing people with hopes and dreams, fears, and anxieties, all of which are magnified when they are sick.”

The 182 students representing the Morsani College of Medicine Class of 2027 received their first white coats during the White Coat Ceremony held Sept. 5 at the Tampa Convention Center.  This cohort of students represents another academically strong class and the most diverse yet, with a record 23% of students identified as traditionally underrepresented in medicine, including 15% who are Black, one of the highest percentages among medical schools not affiliated with a historically Black college or university.

Charles Lockwood, MD, MHCM, USF Health executive vice president and Morsani College of Medicine dean.

Dr. Lockwood also thanked the students’ family and friends for their support of the students as well as donors to the event, who contributed more than $175,000 toward the Class of 2027 scholarship fund.  He called on the students to recognize that part of donning their white coats is making a commitment to pursuing a career of life-long learning.

“The physician’s life is a noble one,” Dr. Lockwood said. “But it’s not an easy one.  There will be times when you’re overwhelmed, when you’re frustrated, when you doubt your abilities. These challenges will never abate.  They will span your career.  But the passion and perseverance, grit, and determination that got you here today will see you through.  So keep your eyes on the higher purpose you serve.”

Peter Chang, MD, vice president of Healthcare Design for Tampa General Hospital

Peter Chang, MD, is vice president of Healthcare Design at Tampa General Hospital, MCOM’s primary teaching hospital and clinical partner as well as the primary sponsor of the White Coat Ceremony.  Dr. Chang, an MCOM Class of 2008 graduate, told the new students how he felt when he got his white coat and offered them some encouraging words.

“Today marks a momentous occasion in the beginning of your career as a physician, a day you will remember for the rest of your life — as I did mine. It’s hard to believe that I would be on this stage as a USF medical student 20 years ago,” said Dr. Chang. “I can’t wait to hear about the amazing future you guys will hold and the amazing things you will achieve.”

Ashley Mason, Morsani College of Medicine Class of 2024.

Ashley Mason, a Class of 2024 MCOM student, also spoke.

“This white coat represents a chance to meet people in their most vulnerable moments in life and take time to offer compassion and empathy,” she said. “Importantly, this compassion and empathy occurs not just when in clinic, but with every interaction you have during your lifelong career in medicine.”

Students selected Jennifer Costa, MD, assistant professor of Family Medicine, for the second consecutive year as the faculty member they wanted to address the class. Dr. Costa explained the importance of giving back to their communities throughout their medical careers.

“Your white coat is your portal to humanity and yet also it is a call to action.  We ask that while you’re wearing it, you bear witness to the human experience,” Dr. Costa said. “We chose you to be here because you have proven to be the type of person that does not back down when faced with adversity.  We ask that with your white coat on, you be the type of person who fights for those who can’t fight for themselves.”

Following Dr. Costa’s remarks, students came up in groups to have their first white coats placed on their shoulders by the physician educators who will help guide them during medical school.

Bryan Bognar, MD, MPH, FACP, vice dean of Educational Affairs and chair of the MCOM Department of Medical Education, led the students as they recited the Oath of Commitment, dedicating themselves to a career of life-long learning, community service and patient care.

The memorable evening ended with families and friends congratulating the newest medical students and commemorating the occasion with hugs, happy tears and pictures with the students wearing their new white coats.

Class Profile:

182 Students: 126 Core, 56 SELECT

Median GPA: 3.91

Median MCAT: 518

52% Male, 48% Female

23% Under-represented in medicine

Residency: 47% Florida, 53% Out of State

More photos from the event:

Story by Freddie Coleman.  Photos by Ryan Rossy and Freddie Coleman

From Dr. Kira Zwygart, associate dean of the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine Office of Student Affairs regarding the Class of 2027 White Coat Ceremony:

Dear class of 2027,

I just want to let you know that given the timing of hurricane Idalia and its projected path, the location of the Convention Center on the water, as well as the closure of the Tampa airport, we will need to move the date of the White Coat Ceremony.

The Convention Center has given us a couple of alternate dates based on availability for the next few months, ranging from next week to early October. We are actively exploring all options and taking into account your academic calendar along with major events scheduled for the downtown Tampa area.

We anticipate making a determination within the next 24 hour as we continue to work closely with University leadership and the Convention Center to make the best decision possible. 

We notify you as soon as a decision is made.

Dr. Zwygart

Irene Davis, PhD, PT, FACSM, FAPTA, FASB, professor in the USF Health School of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Sciences, is trying to understand the intricate relationship between lower extremity mechanics and overuse injuries in runners. With a focus on transforming the way runners experience pain and preventing injury, Dr. Davis and her team are researching gait retraining for injury prevention. 

Subject crossing the force plate at a constant velocity to test the three-dimensional components of force being produced on their joints.

At the heart of their research is a force plate used at the center of an elongated runway. This allows individuals to simulate a complete running cycle, starting from acceleration, and crossing the force plate at a consistent velocity. The force plate captures not only vertical forces but also forces in all three dimensions, offering a clearer picture of the intricate nature of the forces exerted when landing. This three-dimensional analysis provides a comprehensive understanding of how alignment and mechanics contribute to the risk of injury.

Reflective markers attached to a subject’s body which supply data with a multi-dimensional perspective on joint movement. Essential for understanding the mechanics involved in running.

To access this data, the research team attaches reflective markers to the subjects’ bodies, which are then tracked by multiple cameras. These complex algorithms decipher the markers’ movements, enabling the researchers to see the angles at the ankle, knee, and hip joints. This approach supplies a multi-dimensional perspective on joint movement, essential for understanding the mechanics involved in running.

The integration of force plate data and marker tracking empowers the team to calculate joint loads and torques, giving a complete picture of the forces experienced by various joints during a runner’s gait cycle. This holistic approach enables Dr. Davis and her team to identify problematic mechanics and design interventions that could alleviate pain and reduce the risk of injury. 

By applying their findings, her team is pioneering an innovative approach to runner rehabilitation. Through a series of sessions involving real-time feedback and targeted practice, the research team has started receiving results. A notable example is a study focused on addressing knee pain, in which participants underwent a tailored gait retraining program. Participants experienced improvements in their alignment and mechanics, easing the persistent pain that they have dealt with for years. 

This groundbreaking research challenges the traditional notion that gait patterns are fixed and unalterable. By bridging the gap between scientific understanding and medical practice, Dr. Davis and her team have proven that gait retraining is not only possible but also effective in alleviating pain and preventing future injuries. The success of their interventions underscores the transformative potential of multidimensional biomechanical analysis in sports medicine. 

The researcher is analyzing data provided by the force plate.

In a field where innovation meets application, Dr. Davis and her team are revolutionizing the way we think about running mechanics and their impact on injuries. This has not only raised awareness but also instilled hope for countless runners who want to run free of pain. Dr. Davis hopes that science and medicine can work hand in hand to reshape runners’ lives.

“We hope our clinic and our research will offer injured runners a solution so they are able to continue to run pain-free,” Dr. Davis said. “We really have pioneered this idea of retraining gait patterns.”  

Story, photos, and video by Ryan Rossy.

The USF Health School of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Sciences (SPTRS) is taking strides to expand its research efforts and contribute significantly to the improvement of patient care and the advancement in the movement sciences, particularly in physical therapy and athletic training. With a vision to make lives better, the school is focused on internal and external collaborations, securing grants, and conducting research that addresses critical questions using scientific methods. 

Guided and supported by the school’s leadership, SPTRS faculty are committed to increasing their research footprint by attracting new faculty members, obtaining additional grants, and generating research with widespread implications. They aim to create a significant impact on patients, their families, and society, said Dave Russ, PT, PhD, associate professor and assistant director of research at SPTRS.

“Our primary goal is to produce research that goes beyond mere accreditation requirements,” Dr. Russ said. “We aspire to explore real questions and apply strong scientific methods to address them.” 

USF Health’s strategic location in the growing Tampa Bay region plays a pivotal role in SPTRS research pursuits. The area’s diverse population mirrors that of the entire United States. This provides a unique opportunity to collaborate with clinical partners, local hospitals, and the community, which enables the school to produce research findings that are generalizable and applicable to the broader U.S. population. 

“Our presence in Tampa Bay allows us to work closely with our clinical partners and the community to tackle diverse research topics,” said Doug Haladay, PT, DPT, PhD, MHS, professor and director of the USF Health School of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Sciences and associate dean of the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine. “Despite the variations in subject matter, we share one common vision… to make lives better.” 

The research produced by SPTRS faculty benefits patients directly and contributes to the advancement of the physical therapy and athletic training professions. Not only does their research advance the professions, but they are able to bring that research into the classroom for their students to ensure they are being taught contemporary practices and evidence. The school prides itself on its ability to have a collaborative environment, where interdisciplinary partnerships with different departments and colleges strengthen potential research projects and grant applications. The athletic training faculty have a strong partnership with USF Health Sports Medicine and Athletics and are continually working to share research findings and collaborate on best practices to support our USF athletes and teams.

Furthermore, the school is proud of its ability to secure research funding from many sources, ranging from local foundations to nationally funded initiatives, including the prestigious National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Department of Defense (DOD). This diversified funding approach enables researchers to explore a wide array of topics and pursue programmatic research that can drive significant improvements in patient outcomes.

Research milestones at USF Health School of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Sciences: 

• Growth in Peer-Reviewed Publications: Over the last three years, the USF Health School of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Sciences has experienced a substantial 76% increase in peer-reviewed publications.
   
• Engagement in Professional Presentations: The school’s faculty members actively participate in more than 32 professional presentations annually, sharing their research findings with the wider academic and healthcare communities both nationally and internationally.
   

• Surging Research Expenditures: The school has experienced an impressive 33% increase in research expenditures from 2019 to 2023.
   
• Funding from DOD and NIH: Several projects have been awarded funding from esteemed organizations such as the Department of Defense (DOD) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH).  

As the USF Health School of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Sciences continues to expand its research endeavors, its focus on producing impactful, evidence-based research continues to contribute to the betterment of society striving for its vision of making lives better.

Story, photos, and video by Ryan Rossy.

Excitement, anticipation, a few tears of joy were all part of the experience at the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine and Heart Institute today as the medical students of the Class of 2027 celebrated their first official day of class.

Edwing Daniel, PhD, USF Health Morsani College of Medicine assistant dean of admissions.

The admissions team, led by Edwing Daniel, PhD, sorted through more than 5,500 applicants to select 182 of the best and brightest candidates representing a wide variety of backgrounds including (unique prior careers).  This cohort of students represents another academically strong class and the most diverse yet, with a record 23% from those groups traditionally underrepresented in medicine (URM).  The life experiences and previous careers of the class are equally diverse with students who were NCAA athletes, weightlifters, gardeners, and musicians.

Charles J. Lockwood, MD, MHCM, executive vice president of USF Health and dean of the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine.

Charles J. Lockwood, MD, MHCM, executive vice president of USF Health and dean of the Morsani College of Medicine, gave a presentation on the book The Obstacle is the Way, which provides a framework for turning obstacles into opportunities.  He said whether in medical school or as a practicing physician, obstacles will be a mainstay in health care.  Knowing how to navigate those obstacles will be the difference between success and failure in medical school, and positive patient outcomes as a physician.

“Life is tough. Medical school is really hard. There are a lot of obstacles ahead of you.  You’re going to embrace them.  When you do, you’re going to be incredibly successful,” said Dr. Lockwood to his newest medical students.  “You’re entering, truly, one of the most noble of professions.  We have a joyous job. But it’s also one of the hardest jobs you can imagine.”

The new medical students will receive their first white coat during the Class of 2027 White Coat Ceremony Aug. 31.

Class Profile:

182 Students: 126 Core, 56 SELECT

Median GPA: 3.92

Median MCAT: 518

52% Male, 48% Female

23% Under-represented in medicine

Residency: 47% Florida, 53% Out of State

More Images:

Story by Freddie Coleman.  Photos by Freddie Coleman and Ryan Rossy.

John Sinnott, MD, will step down July 1 from his role as chair of the Department of Internal Medicine in the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine.

Dr. Sinnott will continue service as the James Cullison Professor of Medicine.  Harry Van Loveren, MD, chair of the Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair, will serve as the interim chair as a national search for a new chair of Internal Medicine takes place.

Dr. Sinnott leaves behind a legacy as a renowned physician and dynamic teacher and mentor.  During his 10-year run as chair of USF Health’s largest department, he has ushered in a culture that has helped the department achieve unprecedented growth and achievement. Three internal medicine specialties are nationally ranked among the top 50 for Tampa General Hospital by U.S. News and World Report. The department has accumulated $46.4 million in NIH funding, placing them 35th nationally by the Blue Ridge Institute for Medical Research.

“It is difficult to tally Dr. Sinnott’s many contributions to the Morsani College of Medicine in his 40 years on our faculty and as an outstanding leader, physician, teacher and advocate,” said Charles J. Lockwood, MD, MHCM, executive vice president of USF Health and dean of the Morsani College of Medicine. “He is a tireless advocate of the Morsani College of Medicine and its mission. …We are deeply grateful for all that Dr. Sinnott has done for USF Health, the Morsani College of Medicine, his colleagues, his students, and his patients.”

Dr. Sinnott was only the third person in the college’s history to be the chair of Internal Medicine. As the largest department within the Morsani College of Medicine, his success came from his trust and confidence in all of his division directors and vice chairs.  When he first stepped into the role of department chair, one of his priorities was to continue to build on the successes of Allan Goldman, MD. Dr. Sinnott’s priority as department chair was to continue investing in faculty development and being patient-centered, he said. Having a patient-centered approach to their key missions of research, clinical and academic excellence was the catalyst to the department’s rise in national prominence and increase in the number of community-based programs established by internal medicine physicians.

“One thing I’m particularly proud of is a legacy of supporting parts of humanity that are often left behind,” Dr. Sinnott said, referencing the USF BRIDGE Healthcare Clinic, the department needle exchange program and other clinics for underserved populations started by physicians within the department. “We’re at a stratospheric level when it comes to teaching.  I have some of the best teachers in the world.  I love our commitment to absolute quality.  That quality is why I never stay awake at night worried about physicians making mistakes.  That quality is what has resulted in the rise in patients for the Morsani College of Medicine.”

Lynette Menezes, PhD, assistant vice president of USF Health International, with John Sinnott, MD, former USF Health Department of Internal Medicine chair.

Dr. Sinnott will continue to work with Lynette Menezes, PhD, assistant vice president of USF Health International. Starting July 1, Dr. Sinnott will take additional roles in that program. The program is committed to enhancing the health of populations worldwide through an interdisciplinary collaboration between the USF Health colleges and its international partners.  Drs. Sinnott and Menezes started the program in 2006.  According to the program’s 2020-2021 annual report, program participants took part in 92 collaborations across 38 countries.

Dr. Sinnott said his first step in his new role is listening, so that he gains an understanding about where the program is and where he wants to take the program, which has experienced great success under the leadership of Dr. Menezes.  In the future, he hopes to treat international patients who come to USF Health from their home countries, and continue to expand collaborative relationships to allow physicians to travel abroad and treat patients.

Dr. Sinnott’s interest in international medicine was sparked in the mid 1990s, as he began working with doctors who had immigrated from Latin America.  Additionally, Korea began pioneering advanced imaging technology, and France started to become a world leader in molecular biology. His interest in health care developments across the world helped him track medical innovations in other countries’ health care systems during the COVID-19 pandemic.

A specialist in infectious diseases, Dr. Sinnott became one of the resident COVID-19 experts who regularly spoke to media outlets during the pandemic.  In addition to the interviews with local, regional and national media outlets, he regularly kept in contact with his international colleagues to get a firm understanding of what was working for them and what wasn’t. The relationships between USF and its international colleagues were essential to the sharing of information.

“Health care is a global initiative and the University of South Florida is a global university,” he said. “I feel that our international programs have had reciprocal benefits for our student and international partners. Our students and physicians have the opportunity to gain a multitude of perspectives of how different countries practice medicine. Our international students and physicians who spend time with us are able to take some of our best practices back to their countries.”

Dr. Sinnott said he is a person who truly bleeds green and gold.  He earned his master’s degree at USF and attended residency and fellowship at USF Health after he graduated from the University of South Alabama’s medical school. Between his graduate education, residency and fellowship, as well as his faculty service, he has been a presence at USF Health for approximately 45 years, he said.  He’s held several high-level leadership roles within the college, including director of the Division of Infectious Disease, and co-director of the Interdisciplinary Program in Allergy, Immunology and Infectious Disease.

His interest in spending his career at USF stemmed from the dedication of College of Medicine leaders to developing future leader. Dr. Sinnott always felt that he was able to advance within the organization.  He is known for a humble and warm presence that extends into all aspects of his life, accompanied by a firm belief that no one gets where they are without tremendous support.

“I want to thank my students, my trainees, my faculty, my directors and people in senior administration,” Dr. Sinnott said. “What I am today is a product of all these people’s efforts.  This is not my success; this is very much their success.  USF has provided me with a career beyond my wildest dreams.  If you’re going to pick an institution to stay with, USF is the place to stay.”

What others have to say about Dr. Sinnott:

“As a teacher and mentor, Dr. Sinnott is unmatched.  For him, every interaction is a teaching moment for the mentor and the mentee, each learning from each other. Always an innovator, Dr. Sinnott continues to be extremely creative, brimming with new ideas and always being one step ahead of a new innovation.  He taught me about ChatGPT before I could get around to it. As the founding associate dean of international, Dr. Sinnott expanded the global footprint of USF tremendously and inspired me and many other faculty to choose global health as a career path. He has continued to support countless students, residents, fellows and faculty engaged in global activities.  It’s been an honor to work with him and I look forward to his continued support and engagement in our global efforts at USF Health.” – Lynette Menezes, PhD, assistant vice president of USF Health International

“John, I speak for many in thanking you for your friendship and support professionally and personally.  You’ve had such a profound impact on the lives of so many. My experience began one summer on a tennis court in 1967.  Besides tennis, you taught us the joy of reading, respect for others and an open mind.  You challenged us to set high expectations and, with hard work, to exceed them. Over the years, this story has been repeated…changing the lives of countless others.  You have received many awards…even having the award for the best clinical teaching faculty named after you.  The best news is that your contributions are continuing.” – Douglas Holt, MD, FACP, FIDSA, professor of medicine, USF Health Department of Internal Medicine

The USF Health Taneja College of Pharmacy (TCOP) partnered with the Florida Education Fund for a unique opportunity for masters-level students that aims to address the underrepresentation of African American, Hispanic, and female masters-level student populations in STEM related programs and careers.

Called the McKnight Graduate NANO-STEM Fellowship, this new program is based in TCOP and provides recipients with a $15,000 stipend toward their tuition as they pursue their Master of Science in Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology.

“Over the next seven to 10 years, there is going to be a dire need for STEM graduates in the country,” said Shyam Mohapatra PhD, MBA, TCOP graduate programs associate dean. “The Florida Education Fund has always been at the forefront of advancing educational opportunities for historically underrepresented groups.  This is a perfect match for us since we just achieved a STEM designation.”

Three stipends will be awarded annually to applicants who are:

• African American, Hispanic and/or female
• U.S. citizen or permanent resident with proof of Florida residency
• Accepted into the TCOP Master of Science in Pharmaceutical Technology program
• A fulltime student with intent to pursue a PhD in a STEM field at a university in Florida

Applicants must submit the following in addition to their online application:

• Resume or curriculum vitae
• Official transcripts from each institution attended
• Three letters of recommendation from individuals who can speak to the applicant’s academic potential
• Completed Florida residency affidavit

Recipients must agree to the stipulation in the award agreement that requires them to present their research at McKnight conferences, regularly update their program directory information, and complete periodic surveys as requested by the FEF.

In addition to financial relief, McKnight Fellows are also more likely to:

• Become competitive applicants for doctoral programs and their post-graduate careers
• Receive additional resources and gain exposure to invaluable professional networks
• Engage in unique opportunities related to pharmaceutical nanotechnology

All applicants must have all documents submitted to the FEF July 15, 2023.  For more information and instructions on the application process visit https://fefonline.org/gnsf.html

Moving an entire clinic can be a very daunting and cumbersome task, especially when you have to get it ready for patients only a few days later.  The staff and faculty of the USF Health Physical Therapy Center managed that process recently when they relocated the clinic to its new home.

Matt Lazinski, PT, DPT, OCS, associate professor and director of the clinic, and his team didn’t miss a beat when it came to patient care.  The team continued to see patients until noon June 16 and began packing the clinic at 1:00 p.m.  By 3:00 p.m., a moving company starting packing all of the therapy tables, and heavy machines.  The first load of machines arrived at their new home by 5:00 p.m. and the clinic team immediately began organizing the space.  Dr. Lazinski and his team worked through the weekend to make sure the clinic was ready to see patients by Monday.

Dr. Lazniski said there are some key upgrades that come with moving to a more modern space:

• A first-floor location means easier access for patients with mobility issues
• Bigger treatment rooms
• More efficient and functional space
• Televisions to assist in patient education
• Co-located with USF Health family medicine providers

“Moving over the weekend was for our patients so we aren’t canceling appointments,” Dr. Lazinski said. “My team has been great.  This has been a long time coming with a lot of starts and stops and they’ve been very patient throughout the process.  I can’t say enough good things about my team.”

The new clinic is located at 3500 E. Fletcher Ave. Suite 100 in the University Professional Center.

Additional photos:

The USF Health Morsani College of Medicine Class of 2023 held their graduation ceremony at the Straz Center for the Performing Arts May 11.

Cheers and tears of joy filled the Straz Center for the Performing Arts in Tampa as students of the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine Class of 2023, along with their families and friends, brought a four-year medical school journey to an end during a commencement ceremony May 11.

The 179 senior medical students of the Class of 2023 represented a transitional period for the Morsani College of Medicine. The group was the last to begin medical school at the USF Health main campus location in north Tampa. They finished medical school in the new Morsani College of Medicine and Heart Institute in downtown Tampa. Additionally, they were one of few graduating classes to experience medical school before, during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Rhea Law, JD, president of the University of South Florida. 

Kicking off the ceremony was Rhea Law, JD, president of the University of South Florida and an alumna of USF. In her address to the students, she urged the students to be in a state of constant reflection and display perseverance as they work toward their goals in health care.

“Before you walk across the stage, I encourage you to reflect on your ‘why?’ Why did you choose the University of South Florida for your medical education? Why did you choose to become a health care professional?” said Law.  “I urge you to keep pursuing your goals and never underestimate yourselves. You can accomplish anything you set your mind to.”

Charles J. Lockwood, MD, MHCM, executive vice president of USF Health and dean of the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine. 

Charles J. Lockwood, MD, MHCM, executive vice president of USF Health and dean of the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine, next addressed the students. He complimented the class on their perseverance and their unique perspective on how crucial patient-centered health care is during and after a pandemic.

“You had front-row seats to observe that those who practice medicine are vital to preserving our society.  Your own education was disrupted, access to research impaired, and despite the demands of learning your craft, you volunteered countless hours at COVID test sites and clinics,” Dr. Lockwood said. “You’ve arrived here today because your sustained commitment to the noble goal of becoming a physician and your resilience has paid off. I speak for all of USF Health when I say we could not be prouder of you.”

Stephen Liggett, MD, vice dean of research for the Morsani College of Medicine and associate vice president for research at USF Health, was designated a Distinguished Professor by Charles Lockwood, MD, MHCM, executive vice president for USF Health and dean of the Morsani College of Medicine. 

Read Dr. Lockwood’s complete remarks here. 

Following his remarks, Dr. Lockwood named Stephen Liggett, MD, a USF Health Distinguished Professor.  He is the vice dean of research for the Morsani College of Medicine and  associate vice president for research at USF Health.  The designation is given to senior staff and faculty who have distinguished themselves within and outside of USF Health.  Dr. Lockwood said Dr. Liggett exemplifies all three of USF Health’s missions: research, clinical care, and education.

Jane Castor, mayor of the City of Tampa, received the 2023 Dean’s Award from Charles Lockwood, MD, MHCM, executive vice president of USF Health and dean of the Morsani College of Medicine. 

Dr. Lockwood also presented Jane Castor, mayor of the City of Tampa, with the 2023 Dean’s Award for her swift actions taken to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in Tampa.  Additionally, Dr. Lockwood commended her for her “sure and steady hand” as he described her leadership through other public health crises including access to vaccinations, and actions taken before, during and after Hurricane Ian.

“Never become complacent. Always stay curious. Treat every one of your patients as if they were a family member. Wherever your life’s journey takes you, remember you always have a home here in the city of Tampa,” Castor said in her address to the students. “No one arrives in the position you’re in without the assistance of others and that rings true for the Dean’s Award as well. I accept that with a great deal of gratitude. But also with the understanding of all of the hands that went into our community and region being able to navigate the pandemic as successfully as we did.”

Following Mayor Castor’s remarks, Bryan Bognar, MD, MPH, FACP, vice dean for educational affairs at the Morsani College of Medicine and chair of the Department of Medical Education, welcomed the newest member of the MCOM Academy of Distinguished Educators, Vinita Kiluk, MD. Dr. Kiluk has distinguished herself as both a clinician and educator.  She is a pediatrician and co-course director for Doctoring 3.

Bri Anne McKeon, MD, FACOG, assistant dean for clinical curriculum at the Morsani College of Medicine, led the students in the Oath of Hippocrates. USF President Rhea Law conferred the Doctor of Medicine degree to the class, signifying their official transition from medical student to doctor.

One by one, students came center stage to be presented their academic hoods by Milind Kothari, DO, FAAN, and Marna Greenberg, DO, MPH.

After all students received their hoods, a special group of students took center stage for a different type of ceremony; a military commissioned officer promotion ceremony. Air Force Capts. Ana Capati-Fernandez, MD, Tyler Palbicke, MD, Emma Weiland, MD, and Army Capt. Erik Este, MD, were welcomed by a thunderous ovation from the crowd in recognition of their commitment as doctors and as military officers. After reciting the Oath of Office, family members came on stage to pin their new rank on their shoulders.

Left to right: Air Force Capt. Ana Capati-Fernandez, MD, Army Capt. Erik Este, MD, Air Force Capts. Tyler Palbicke, MD, and Emma Weiland, MD, recite the Oath of Commissioning prior to being promoted.

Paige DeBlieux, MD, co-president of the Class of 2023, was voted on by her classmates to deliver the farewell speech. Her message was one of hope and comradery. “Cling to your principles and ideals. Seek contentedness where you are. When others are choosing the route of selfishness, I hope that you cling to what is right. Meet failure and disappointment with courage. Failure and disappointment are necessary to experience success and fulfillment.”

Deborah DeWaay, MD, FACP, associate dean of undergraduate medical education for the Morsani College of Medicine, delivered the charge speech to the students. “It doesn’t matter what culture you’re from, what religion or lack thereof you practice, what part of the world you live, wherever you live, life and balance have never gone together. Life is messy, and fantastic,” she said to the class.

The new doctors will take the next step in their careers when they begin their residencies July 1.

More photos from the ceremony:

Story and photos by Freddie Coleman, video by Allison Long, USF Health Office of Communications.

The Class of 2023 Gold Humanism Honor Society Inductees at CAMLS May 9.

Students, staff, faculty and their families gathered at the Center for Advanced Medical Learning and Simulation to honor the newest inductees of the Barness-Behnke Chapter of the Gold Humanism Honor Society.  27 students, 7 residents and 4 faculty members earned their place in this prestigious group.

The Gold Humanism Honor Society is a community of medical students, physicians, and other leaders who have been selected by their peers for their compassionate care.  It reinforces and supports the importance of the human connection in healthcare, which is essential for the health of patients and clinicians.

“The Gold Humanism Honor Society signifies an adherence to the shared belief that we must strive for excellence in both compassionate, humane care, and scientific rigor to be our best in this most noble of professions.  Today, we celebrate your collective passion for such excellence which bodes well for you and for the future of medicine,” said Kira Zwygart, MD, MCOM Office of Student Affairs associate dean.

Charles Lockwood, MD, MHCM, USF Health executive vice president and MCOM dean was also in attendance to welcome the new inductees as well.

“Compassion and empathy for our patients are the heart and soul of medicine.  They should be at the core of being a physician and the faster medical technology evolves, the tighter should be our hold on humanity.  That is what we celebrate tonight,” said Charles Lockwood, MD, MHCM, USF Health executive vice president and MCOM dean.

The class of 2024 Gold Humanism Honor Society inductees at CAMLS May 9.

Before the induction ceremony, one senior medical student and one faculty member received a Leonard Tow Humanism in Medicine Award.  This award is given annually to those who:

• Demonstrate compassion and empathy in the delivery of care to patients and illustrated professional behavior by example.
• Are approachable and accessible.
• Welcome opportunities for teaching and one-on-one mentorships.
• Exhibit enthusiasm and skill in professional and personal interactions, show respect for everyone with whom they came in contact, and demonstrated cultural sensitivity in working with patients and family members.
• Understand the patients’ needs for interpretation of complex medical diagnoses and treatments.
• Make an effort to ensure patient comprehension and showed respect for the patient’s viewpoint.
• Remain personally committed to reflection and objective self-evaluation of their own skills.
• Display competence in scientific endeavors.

This year’s Tow Humanism recipients were:

• Jennifer Costa, MD, USF Health Department of Family Medicine associate professor
• Cathy Garcia Torres, MCOM class of 2023

One-by-one, student and faculty inductees were called to the front to acknowledge their induction.  Inductees from the class of 2023 received their medallions they will wear at graduation. Class of 2024 inductees received lapel pins.  SELECT inductees joined the festivities virtually from their new event room at the Lehigh Valley Health Network.

The class of 2023 will complete their medical school journey May 11 at their graduation ceremony.

Faculty Inductees:

Amy Brown, MD

Milind Kothari, DO

Abby Letcher, MD – Lehigh Valley Health Network

Fred Slone, MD

Resident Inductees:

Priyanka Atit, DO

Alisa Chanchenchop, DO – Lehigh Valley Health Network

Sukjoo Cho, MD

Anthony DeSantis, MD

Heather Galon, MD

Jean-Claude Guidi, DO

Jennifer Heibig, DO – Lehigh Valley Health Network

Class of 2023 Inductees (inducted junior year):

Alex Adams, Lara Alexander, Sheon Baby, Alec Bigness, Noureddeen Bitar, Ana Capati-Fernandez, Reinaldo Claudio; Paige DeBlieux, Lucas Djavaherian, Jeffrey Farooq, Cathy Garcia-Torres, Hannah Goldman-Daleo, Arianna Gutierrez, Emma Hale, Ahmad Harb, Hannah Hedriana, Madeline Hooper, Caitlyn Johnson, Michelle Karn, Dao Le, Lauren Linkowski, Sylea Lowery, Megumi Mori, You Jeong Park, Aisha Remy, Divya Sirdeshpande, Grace Wei, Emma Weiland, Demi Zhu

Class of 2024 Inductees:

Iman Awan, Sabrina Awshah, Vayda Barker, Karina Bowers, Jessica Cobb, Sarah Cool, Beatriz Dunoyer De Segonzac, Zeegan George, Monique Girgis, Andrew Grover, Lila Gutstein, Bailey Hamner, McKenzi Heide, Anna Hemminger, Sejal Jain, Grace Johnson, Rosalie Mattiola, Doniya Milani, Irene Nguyen, Kedar Patel, Apoorva Ravichandran, Amornrat “Joy” Swangkum, Monica Stevens, Suzana Tom, Alexandra Varnum, Carrie Wang, Berwin Yuan

More photos from the event:

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