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USF Health Honors a New Group of Doctors

Allison Long — Fri, 06 May 2022 22:54:06 +0000

A few tears and thunderous cheers filled the Mahaffey Theater in St. Petersburg, Fla., on May 6 as families, friends, staff and faculty watched the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine Class of 2022 take the final step from medical students to doctors.

Morsani College of Medicine (MCOM) Dean and USF Health Senior Vice President Charles Lockwood, MD, MHCM, congratulated the graduates on being “a unique class” that completed their four-year medical school journey during a time marked by political strife, economic turmoil and the COVID-19 pandemic. Lockwood also stressed the importance of becoming physicians in a world that continues to evolve and is now dominated by what he called “a cruel and wholly unnecessary war.”

Charles Lockwood, MD, spoke on Friday, May, during the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine class of 2022 graduation.

“In the 21st century, health is not global, not local—dynamic, not static—and medical knowledge is accelerating at an unimaginable rate,” he said. “It falls to determined and bold individuals such as yourselves to meet these current challenges and the ones that lie ahead of you.”

The Class of 2022 includes 166 graduates, of which 159 were expected to participate in Friday’s ceremony.

John Couris, President & CEO of Tampa General Hospital, received Dean’s Award on Friday, May, during the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine class of 2022 graduation ceremony at Mahaffey Theater.

The 2022 Deans Award was presented to John Couris, president and chief executive officer of Tampa General Hospital. Lockwood praised Couris as an instrumental advocate for the partnership between USF Health and Tampa General, which has resulted in the newly formed USF Tampa Physician Group.

“John has had a transformative effect on the organization, prioritizing innovation by launching new programs, embracing state-of-the-art technologies, and embracing patient safety, outcomes and satisfaction,” Lockwood said. “We at USF Health are incredibly grateful for his friendship and continuing partnership.”

This year’s honorary degree recipient was world-renowned infectious disease expert Claire Pomeroy, MD, chief executive officer of the Albert and Mary Lasker Foundation and professor emeritus at the University of California-Davis. Her leadership roles have included being president of the Center for AIDS Research, Education and Services (CARES); chair of the Council of Deans of the Association of American Medical Colleges; and fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science. Her work as an infectious disease physician has been focused on addressing social determinants of health, strengthening public health infrastructure, and caring for the underserved.

Claire Pomeroy, MD, waved to the crowd after receiving her honorary degree on Friday, May, during the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine class of 2022 graduation ceremony.

Echoing Lockwood, Pomeroy emphasized to the students that their knowledge and skills as physicians would be needed in a world dealing with the pandemic, racial injustice and the Russian attacks on Ukraine.

“You will go on to practice medicine at a time in which these upheavals have laid bare the imperative to reform our healthcare systems and achieve our profession’s mission of creating better health for all,” she said. “As you accept your diploma today, I urge you to also accept the charge to lead us in the change our nation needs.”

Prisca Alilio, MD, who was chosen by her classmates to deliver the class farewell speech, said her experience working in the hospitals at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic helped her understand that more is needed to succeed as doctors.

Prisca Alilio,MD, spoke on Friday, May, during the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine class of 2022 graduation ceremony at Mahaffey Theater in St. Petersburg, Fla.

“Though the pandemic threatened the safety of our communities and had us part with loved ones prematurely, we scheduled and rescheduled to take Step 1, donned our N95s and joined our dedicated care teams in the hospitals and clinics,” she said. “Our reward is a sacred one: to join the ranks of a profession entrusted to render service to humanity with full respect of the dignity of man.”

Alilio was also chosen by the other medical students to receive the Doctor’s Doctor Award, along with fellow senior medical students Britton McGlawn-McGrane, MD, and Charles Jang, MD.

Before the ceremony concluded, Karim Hanna, MD, recipient of the student-elected 2022 Osler Award, which recognizes the most outstanding role model, delivered the charge speech to the students. Hanna challenged the students to be more than just doctors.

Karim Hanna, MD, spoke on Friday, May, during the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine class of 2022 graduation ceremony at Mahaffey Theater in St. Petersburg, Fla.

“Let’s be doctors who chase compassion, not competition,” she said. “By carrying our MD, we are saying we are prepared to co-suffer, we are prepared for discomfort. We will provide help, hope and love to those in need. I will seek out these opportunities. That is what makes us physicians.”

The graduating class of the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine class of 2022 was photographed during the ceremony at Mahaffey Theater in St. Petersburg, Fla.

Class of 2022 Award Recipients:

Donn L. Smith Award: Awarded to the top performing CORE student.

William Steele Fisher, MD and Chang-woo Jang, MD

Morsani College of Medicine Dean’s Award: Awarded to the top performing SELECT student.

Stuart Polk, MD

Luther McEachern Memorial Award: Awarded to the senior medical student who excels academically and exhibits outstanding service the school.

Nat Jones, MD

Doctor’s Doctor Award: Student-selected award presented to s senior medical student(s) who they would choose as their personal for family’s physician:

Britton McGlawn-McGrane, MD; Charles Jang, MD; Prisca Alilio, MD

Carol M. Petrucelli, MD, Award for Outstanding Student in Dermatology:

Caroline Gerhardt, MD

Charles E. Aucermann, MD, Excellence in Family Medicine: Vincent VanBerkum, MD

Outstanding Contributions to Sports Medicine: Grace Benmhend, MD

Outstanding Sennior Student in Psychiatry: Alex Dolan, MD

Outstanding Student in Consultation/Liaison Psychiatry:

Jack Lyden, MD and Katherine Ammon, MD

Chairman’s Award for Scholarly Activity: Alex Dolan, MD

MCOM Dept. of Surgery Outstanding Student Award: Logan Prager, MD

Dr. Laurie Woodard Community Advocate Award: Nadia Mohammed, MD

Charles Lockwood, MD, (left) and Bryan Bognar, MD, hooded Catherine Blackburn, MD, on Friday, May, during the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine class of 2022 graduation ceremony.

Roy H. Behnke, MD, Award for Excellence in Internal Medicine: Alicia Darwin, MD

Laennec Award for Excellence in Clinical Medicine: Lauren Strang, MD

Florida ACP Student Award: Maria Kocab, MD

Lawrence Kahana Award for Outstanding Physical Diagnosis Skills: Daniel Wind, MD

Internal Medicine Chairman’s Award: Andrew Matar, MD

Award for Outstanding Achievement in Molecular Medicine: Zachary Makovich, MD

Award for Outstanding Achievement in Neuroscience: Vineet Nadkarni, MD

Award for Outstanding Achievement in Immunology and Infectious Disease: Daniel Martin, MD

Award for Outstanding Achievement in Physiology: Joshua Shultz, MD

The USF Health Morsani College of Medicine commencement book.

Brown Farrior Award for Excellence in Otolaryngology: Shreni Shaw, MD

Senior Student Excellence in Neurology: Byron Cheon, MD; Sage Hewitt, MD; Grace Kim, MD;

Vineet Nadkarni, MD; Sathvik Shastry, MD

Outstanding Academic Achievement (Highest Score on Neurology Exam):

Lauren Strang, MD; Steele Fischer, MD

Outstanding Achievement in Pharmacology: Charles Jang, MD

Christopher P. Phelps Award for Excellence in Anatomy: Eric Taylor, MD

John U. Balis Award for Excellence in Pathology and Laboratory Medicine: Steele Fisher, MD

Award for Outstanding Achievement in Pre-clerkship Clinical Medicine:

Alicia Darwin, MD, and Michael Mortellaro, MD

Graduates take advantage of the beautiful weather on Friday, May, after the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine class of 2022 graduation ceremony in St. Petersburg, Fla.

Basic Science Chairs Award for Outstanding Achievement in the Basic Sciences: Lane Polk, MD

Tampa General Hospital Medical Staff Basic Science Award: Lauren Strang, MD

Tampa General Hospital Medical Staff Clinician’s Award: Lilla Kis, MD

Tampa General Hospital Medical Staff Humanitarian Award:

Claire Bethel, MD and Lauren Holt, MD

Tampa General Hospital Foundation Scholar’s Award: Brennan Ninesling, MD

Tampa General Hospital/USF Global Emerging Disease Scholar: Kimberly Menezes, MD

Phillip T Gompf Award for Excellence in Infectious Disease: Brennan Ninesling, MD

ACOG Robert G. Nelson Award for Outstanding Achievement in OB/GYN as a third-year medical student: Lilla Kis, MD

Anna Lauchnor, MD, received her Navy lieutenant insignia from her grandfather on Friday, May, during the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine class of 2022 graduation ceremony at Mahaffey Theater in St. Petersburg, Fla.

ACOG James M. Ingram, MD Award for Outstanding Achievement in OB/GYN:

Lauren Holt, MD

USF Department of OB/GYN James M. Ingram, MD Award: Melissa Chan, MD

Dept. of Pediatrics Outstanding Medical Student Award: Olivia Hardy, MD

FCCAAP Luther W. Holloway Award: Catherine Blackburn, MD

Lewis A. Barness, MD Award: Brennan Ninesling, MD

Marck Manuals: Steele Fisher, MD; Charles Jang, MD; Linda Lu, MD; Anastasia Jermihov, MD

AMWA Glasgow-Rubin Certificate of Commendation for Academic Achievement:

Alicia Darwin, MD; Caroline Gerhardt, MD; Anastasia Jermihov, MD; Lilla Kis, MD;

Linda Lu, MD; Shruti Kulkarni, MD; Jordan McDonald, MD

Outstanding Contributions to Student Life Award: Prisca Alilio, MD

Thomas and Elizabeth Flannery and William and Mary Tibbels Scholarly Award:

Brennan Ninesling, MD

Florida Gamma Chapter of Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society

Lauren Allen, MD	Caroline Gerhardt, MD	Louis Leon, MD	Brennan Ninesling, MD
Michele Bohlman, MD	Chang-woo Jang, MD	Linda Lu, MD	Rachel Patten, MD
John Cheng, MD	Anastatia Jermihov, MD	Luke Maglich, MD	Stuart Polk, MD
Alicia Darwin, MD	Nat Jones, MD	Daniel Martin, MD	Shreni Shah, MD
Long Di, MD	Joshua Kalter, MD	Andrew Matar, MD	Cody Spence, MD
Lauren Duncanson, MD	Zoe Kinkead, MD	Jordan McDonald, MD	Lauren Strang, MD
William Fisher, MD	Shruti Kulkarni, MD	Michael Mortellaro, MD	Eric Taylor, MD
Matthew Fitzsimons, MD	Michael LaVere, MD	Vineet Nadkarni, MD

Graduates listened on Friday, May, during the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine class of 2022 graduation ceremony.

Gold Humanism Honor Society

Prisca Alilio, MD	Olivia Hardy, MD	Frank Lee, MD	Ceyda Sablak, MD
Grace Benmhend, MD	Lauren Holt, MD	Catherine Levitt, MD	Shalini Setty, MD
Claire Bethel, MD	Madeline Hooper, MD	Jack Lyden, MD	Vinceent VanBerkum, MD
Catherine Blackburn, MD	Lilla Kis, MD	Nitisha Mehta, MD	Jhuliana Vivar, MD
Emily Eischen, MD	Maria Kocab, MD	Kimberly Menezes, MD	Jake Wasserman, MD
Caroline Gerhardt, MD	Ashley Kunnath, MD	Rachel Patten, MD	Rosalie Zurlo, MD

Graduates laugh on Friday, May, during the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine class of 2022 graduation ceremony at Mahaffey Theater in St. Petersburg, Fla.

Robert A. Good Honor Society

Estelle Cervantes, MD	Long Di, MD	Frank Lee, MD	Michelle Row, MD
John Cheng, MD	Lauren Holt, MD	Muling Lin, MD	Nichlas Russo, MD
Tiffany Cheng, MD	Nat Jones, MD	Jordan McDonald, MD
Byron Cheon, MD	Joshua Kalter, MD	Ahmed-Zayn Mohamed, MD
Alicia Darwin, MD	Dennis Kirichenko, MD	Thrisha Potluri, MD

Anastasia Jermihov, MD, kisses her boyfriend after the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine class of 2022 graduation ceremony.

Photos & Video: Allison Long

Story: Freddie Coleman & Allison Long

MCOM graduates 173 new doctors in socially distant ceremony

Fredrick J. Coleman — Fri, 07 May 2021 21:20:06 +0000

The medical students of the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine Class of 2021 officially became doctors in a socially distant ceremony at the Mahaffey Theatre, St. Petersburg, Fla., May 7.

Graduation may have looked a little different this year. But the end of the four-year medical school journey was just as gratifying for the Class of 2021 USF Health Morsani College of Medicine medical students. As the world continues to recover from a pandemic, 173 of the country’s newest doctors graduated in a socially distanced ceremony at the Mahaffey Theatre in St. Petersburg, Fla. May 7.

The ceremony wasn’t filled with the typical pomp and circumstance and VIPS that have become synonymous with MCOM ceremonies. And friends, families and loved ones watched the ceremony outside of the theater or via live stream through MCOM and USF Health social media channels, rather than fill theater seats for in-person views . COVID-19 has undoubtedly changed the way of the world and emphasized the more vital role innovative doctors will play in the effort to heal the world.

Charles J. Lockwood, MD, MHCM, USF Health senior vice president and MCOM dean.

“COVID-19 has underscored that in the 21^st century, health is global not local; dynamic not static; and that medical knowledge is accelerating at an unimaginable rate. Health care will never be the same,” said USF Health senior vice president and MCOM dean, Charles J. Lockwood, MD, MHCM, during his remarks to the class. “While I do not want to dwell on the challenges presented by COVID-19, I do want to recognize your remarkable determination in overcoming those challenges. Your resilience has paid off, and I speak for all of USF Health when I say that we could not be prouder of you.”

Jasmina Ehab, MD, selected by her fellow class of 2021 graduates to deliver remarks, also acknowledged the resilience and compassion of her classmates. She recalled when Hurricane Irma shut down the state of Florida when they were only a couple of months into their first year of medial school. It was through those trying times the class of 2021 grew stronger together.

Jasmina Ehab, MD, was chosen by her fellow graduates to deliver a speech to her fellow classmates.

“Although we didn’t know each other well, all of us opened our homes to one another. We shared our food; we shared our resources. Many of us stayed with each other’s families in other states. Not only did we exhibit this sense of family early on, but this experience was the landscape for our relationships, moving forward. We became each other’s keepers, we relied on one another and from that point on we knew that we were always going to be there to help each other,” she said. “I have never been prouder of us as a class than when we held each other, supported one another and cried with each other. When one of us hurts, we all hurt. That’s what makes us unique, that’s why we have this unbreakable bond, this is what makes us family.”

Steven Currall, PhD, University of South Florida System President.

The most important, and most welcomed remarks came from University of South Florida System President, Steven Currall, PhD. His words were few, but impactful ending with “I confer upon each of you the doctor of medicine degree,” officially marking the transition from student to doctor.

The impact of graduating from medical school in the wake of uncertain and trying circumstances was not lost on the class. One graduate described his fellow graduates and their journey with one word: resilient. The Class of 2021 will use resilience as they move on to residency this summer.

More images from the ceremony:

Charles J. Lockwood, MD, MHCM, USF Health senior Vice President and MCOM dean, presented the 2021 Dean’s Award to recently retired Tom Whalen, MD. Dr. Whalen served as executive Vice President and chief medical officer at the Lehigh Valley Health Network in Penn. He has played an instrumental role in strengthening the ties between USF Health and LVHN.

Mathia Nittmann, MD, Class of 2021 recipient of the Donn L. Smith Award.

Timothy Koo, MD, Class of 2021 recipient of the Morsani College of Medicine Dean’s Award.

Karim Hanna, MD, chosen by the class to deliver the charge to the class. Dr. Hannah is also a Class of 2014 MCOM alum.

Pre-ceremony celebration:

Post-ceremony excitement:

Photos and story by Fredrick J. Coleman. Video by Allison Long.

MCOM welcomes nation’s newest doctors, bids farewell to USF President Genshaft

Fredrick J. Coleman — Sat, 11 May 2019 00:19:32 +0000

The USF Health Morsani College of Medicine Class of 2019.

More than 1,000 friends and family of USF Health senior medical students packed The Mahaffey Theatre to welcome the nation’s newest doctors and bid farewell to University of South Florida System President Judy Genshaft.

During her speech to the students and families, she spoke about the path they took to get where they are and the path that lies ahead.

University of South Florida System President Judy Genshaft.

“Take a moment to recognize the magnitude of what this ceremony means. Today you join a new community of health care professionals that contributes to the advancement of our society through a commitment to making life better,” Dr. Genshaft said.

During the ceremony, MCOM Dean and USF Health Senior Vice President Charles J. Lockwood, MD, MHCM, shared how appreciative he is of the support Dr. Genshaft has given USF Health and MCOM. He would later highlight how proud he is of the new doctors and how they will help shape health care for the future.

Morsani College of Medicine Dean and USF Health Senior Vice President Charles Lockwood, MD, MHCM.

After his speech, Dr. Lockwood and Dr. Genshaft presented the USF Honorary Degree to Harlan Krumholz, MD, world renowned cardiologist and health care researcher at Yale University and Yale-New Haven Hospital, who also served as guest speaker at the ceremony. After receiving the degree Dr. Krumholz, spoke to the group about what new doctors can bring to health care organizations.

“Your responsibility on this path is to always remember what the experience is for patients, to see through their eyes, and to protect their interests and promote their welfare,” he said. “You have skills, power, and influence – all of which will grow as your career progresses. Use them wisely to make the world better.”

Harlan Krumholz, MD, USF Honorary Degree recipient for the ceremony.

To show his appreciation, Dr. Lockwood presented Dr. Genshaft and her husband Steven Greenbaum with the MCOM Dean’s Award for their tireless efforts and contributions to improve USF Health’s footprint in the region and across the country.

“Health and medicine are just who we are. It’s our sweet spot, it’s our specialty. I am so proud of the advancements of our medical school and our university,” Dr. Genshaft said after she and Greenbaum received their award. “We have the best medical students in the state of Florida.”

Then the students recited the Oath of Hippocrates, led by Deborah DeWaay, MD, associate dean of the Office of Educational Affairs. Dr. Genshaft conferred the Doctor of Medicine degrees to the students and, as each name was recited by Kira Zwygart, MD, associate dean for the MCOM Office of Student Affairs, students received their academic hoods and diplomas, officially marking the end of their medical school journey.

Students recite the Oath of Hippocrates before being hooded.

Dr. Anne Laverty, who delivered the student speech for the ceremony, gave heart-felt remarks that challenged her classmates to remember their oath and always be the hope their patients need.

Anne Laverty, MD, MCOM Class of 2019 alumnus.

“I hope we can be kind when the day has not been kind to us. That we can be good to ourselves, as we will inevitably be challenged throughout our careers and lives,” she said. “I’m so happy and proud to have learned with and from each of you. Be well and do good.”

Before the event ended, James Goodreau, MD, presented the Charge to the Graduates.

James Goodreau, MD, delivering the Charge to the Graduates.

“You have survived the four-year trial by fire known as medical school. We’re sorry to see you go, but you are ready to move on to bigger and better things,” said Dr. Goodreau. “Face your past without regret, learn from your mistakes, handle your present with confidence. You are ready to take the next steps in your training. Face the future without fear. Don’t just enter the future, create the future.”

Other images from the day:

Patrick Mullen, MD, with Drs. Judy Genshaft and Charles Lockwood.

Ariel Crocker, MD, being hooded during the ceremony.

Dr. Judy Genshaft and her husband Steve Greenbaum after receiving the MCOM Dean’s Award.

MCOM’s newest military doctors take the Oath of Commissioning before being promoted.

Story and photos by Fredrick J. Coleman. Video by Torie Doll

Students celebrate milestones at 2019 USF Health Commencement Ceremony

Admin — Wed, 08 May 2019 15:32:14 +0000

Video and article by Allison Long.

Photos by Freddie Coleman.

The arena erupted in cheers and applause as USF System President Judy Genshaft walked toward the stage for this year’s USF Health Commencement Ceremony – and one of her final commencement exercises.

The May 2 graduation ceremony was among her final as USF President and the students, friends and families at the Yuengling Center on the USF Tampa campus all showed their gratitude for her 19-year tenure.

The USF Health’s Morsani College of Medicine, College of Nursing, College of Pharmacy and College of Public Health were represented at the 2019 Spring Commencement held in the Yuengling Center.

“These ceremonies are especially significant for me as this is my last time presiding over commencement as USF President,” Genshaft said, as she welcomed everyone to the ceremony. “Over my 19 years as president I’ve had the honor and the privilege of graduating over 210,000 USF students.”

The 2019 USF Health Commencement featured students graduating with bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees representing USF Health’s Morsani College of Medicine, College of Nursing, College of Pharmacy and College of Public Health. The Morsani College of Medicine will also hold an MD commencement ceremony on May 10.

Dr. Charles J. Lockwood spoke to the graduates and their families at the 2019 Spring Commencement.

In addition to acknowledging the significance of Genshaft’s contributions to USF, the evening ceremony also offered two other milestones: the graduation of the charter class of the Physician Assistant program in the Morsani College of Medicine, and the graduation of the charter class of the Genetics Counseling program in the College of Public Health.

Zachary Ulshafer, Physician Assistant Program graduate, gave the student welcome at the 2019 Spring Commencement.

Kyle Holsted, a 2019 physician assistant graduate, understood the importance of being in the charter class. “It’s nice to set the foundation for USF Health and for the P.A. (physician assistant) program,” he said.

Audrey Heimler received an honorary doctorate in public health for her pioneering work in genetic counseling, and David Eddy, MD, received the President’s Fellow Medallion. Dr. Eddy is a professor for the USF Institute for Advanced Discovery and Innovation.

Also, the College of Public Health featured several award-winning students:

King O’Neal Scholars: Ved Patel, Kaelan Skinner and Jessica Zelitt
Golden Bull awardee: Whitney Fung.

USF System President Judy Genshaft and Merritt Martin, USF Alumni Association chair, presented College of Public Health graduate Ved Patel with a King O’Neal Scholar award.

And the College of Nursing also featured several award-winning students:

King O’Neal Scholars: Loretta Bayer, Laura Rouco and Carly Stagg
Outstanding Graduate: Roberto Velasco

College of Nursing graduate Loretta Bayer received a King O’Neal Scholar award from Genshaft and Martin.

The USF Health commencement ceremony was one of several Spring commencement exercises across the USF System. With approximately 7,500 degrees expected to be conferred, the 2019 class represents the largest in USF System history. The class features graduates from 50 states, 109 nations and 57 students with a cumulative 4.0 GPA.

USF Health graduates celebrate milestone at commencement ceremony

Vjollca Hysenlika — Sat, 06 May 2017 16:02:21 +0000

It was an unforgettable night for USF Health students at the 111^th USF Commencement Ceremony – marking the end of a chapter and the beginning of a new journey.

More than 450 students walked across the big stage on May 5 at the USF Sun Dome to receive their doctoral, master’s and bachelor’s degrees in front of their peers, professors, friends, families, USF leaders and distinguished guests.

USF Health students graduate at the 111^th USF Commencement Ceremony on May 5 at the USF Sun Dome.

“Today, you join a community of scholars that spans the world; a community that has sought truth through knowledge,” said USF System President Judy Genshaft. “It’s a community that for centuries has chosen a relentless pursuit of possibilities. A community that treasures the value of differences and diversity of thought.”

USF System President Judy Genshaft addresses the Spring 2017 USF Health graduates.

In its third year, the USF Health Commencement brought together students from College of Pharmacy, College of Nursing, College of Public Health, Morsani College of Medicine’s Biomedical Sciences Graduate and Postdoctoral Programs and School of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Sciences. This year, USF College of Pharmacy graduated its largest class to date.

The USF Health graduates were among 5,700 students to graduate in Spring 2017 from across the USF System. The diverse group of students came from 50 states and 106 nations.

Students celebrate their milestone before walking across the big stage.

During the ceremony, President Genshaft honored outstanding students who overcame odds to successfully complete their degrees.

Giovanna Middlebrook, a student from the USF College of Pharmacy, was recognized for her courage to overcome adversity after moving to the United States from Bolivia with her mother when she was 6 years old. When she arrived to the United States, she did not speak English, so the transition was not easy. Despite those challenges, she successfully completed the Doctor of Pharmacy degree.
Kyle Watterson, doctoral student in the health services research program at the College of Public Health, donated bone marrow through the Be The Match Foundation to honor his late father-in-law – one of his biggest supporters. While in the PhD program, Watterson taught various physical therapy, policy and management classes. He was also the recipient of numerous student research awards from the College of Public Health and the Morsani College of Medicine.
Jin Wei, who graduated with his PhD in medical science from Morsani College of Medicine, is thankful to USF for providing him the proper education and training to foster his career in cardiovascular research. While in the program, Wei received numerous cardiovascular research awards from USF and other research organizations.
Jennifer Kirlangitis, a registered nurse for almost 30 years, came to USF to pursue the registered nurse to bachelor of science in nursing (RN-BS) program from College of Nursing. While raising four children and working full-time as a nurse, Kirlangitis graduated with top honors.

Excited students gear up for a memorable commencement ceremony.

Charles J. Lockwood, MD, senior vice president for USF Health and dean of the Morsani College of Medicine, joined President Genshaft in congratulating all the graduates for their outstanding academic achievement.

“We’re incredibly proud of all our students for accomplishing this incredible milestone,” Dr. Lockwood said. “Over the course of the last few years, they’ve really learned to work together interprofessionally as a team including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, physical therapists and public health experts. So, this is a valuable and unique aspect of the education they receive here at USF Health.”

Charles J. Lockwood, MD, senior vice president for USF Health and dean of the Morsani College of Medicine, honors students who graduated with top honors.

During the event, Dr. Lockwood recognized students who consistently met the highest level of academic performance. One of them was Mary Alao, a student in the bachelor’s of science program at the College of Public Health. She received the King O’Neal award for graduating with a 4.0 GPA. She was one of 34 students in the USF System Spring 2017 graduating class to receive such recognition.

President Genshaft and Dr. Lockwood presented the USF Honorary Degree to Julio Frenk, MD, PhD, president of the University of Miami. Dr. Frenk is a well-known physician from Mexico, who has helped transform health care for many decades.

President Genshaft and Dr. Lockwood presented the USF Honorary Degree to Julio Frenk, MD, PhD, president of the University of Miami. Donna Petersen, ScD, dean of the USF College of Public Health and interim dean of the College of Nursing, assists with the ceremonial hooding.

Prior to joining University of Miami, Dr. Frenk was the dean of the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and the T&G Angelopoulos professor of Public Health and International Development, a joint appointment with the Harvard Kennedy School of Government.

From 2000 to 2006, Dr. Frenk served as the Minister of Health for Mexico. While there, he pursued an ambitious agenda to reform the nation’s health system. He also introduced a program of comprehensive universal coverage, known as Seguro Popular, which expanded access to health care for more than 55 million uninsured Mexicans. He was also the founding director-general of the National Institute of Public Health in Mexico, one of the leading institutions of its kind in the developing world.

Dr. Frenk addresses the Spring 2017 graduates after receiving the USF Honorary Degree.

“Whether you are receiving a degree from the colleges of medicine, pharmacy, nursing or public health, you have made an existential commitment to improving the human condition through your unique blend of knowledge, skills, strength and your compassionate care,” Dr. Frenk said in his address to the Spring 2017 USF Health graduates after receiving his honorary degree from USF.

As part of the USF Commencement tradition, PhD student Lecia Brown, who migrated to United States from Jamaica at 9 years old, was selected to give the student address at the ceremony. Brown completed her PhD in medical sciences with a concentration in neuroscience at the Morsani College of Medicine. During her speech, she told fellow graduates that standing up at the podium was a big honor and privilege.

Lecia Brown, PhD student in the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine, addresses fellow graduates.

“Graduates, you are at the top, but your journey is just beginning,” said Brown, who started LAMB Foundation, a nonprofit organization that provides scholarships to children in Jamaica. “You can transform your success into tools to enable someone else’s success. This may be your last degree, but the truth is, no matter where you are on this path, never stop dreaming and chasing your dreams.”

USF College of Pharmacy students celebrate their big day.

Story by Vjollca Hysenlika and photos by Sandra C. Roa, USF Health Communications and Marketing

Graduating medical students become physicians during memorable commencement ceremony

Vjollca Hysenlika — Thu, 20 Apr 2017 21:39:06 +0000

Persistence and determination paid off for the Class of 2017 at the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine.

After four years of hard work and rigor, the senior graduating medical students became doctors — accepting their academic hoods and diplomas in front of friends, family, USF leaders and guests during the commencement ceremony on April 20 in the Carol Morsani Hall at the Straz Center for Performing Arts.

The 2017 USF Health Morsani College of Medicine’s 43rd Commencement Ceremony was held at at the Straz Center for the Performing Arts.

“This is your day, your stage and a testament of your tireless determination over the past four years,” said Charles J. Lockwood, MD, senior vice president for USF Health and dean of the Morsani College of Medicine, during the ceremony. “I know how hard you all have worked to get here — studying into the wee hours, worrying about exams, learning how to navigate hospital labyrinths, master presentations and how to keep up with medical knowledge that doubles every 73 days.”

Charles J. Lockwood, MD, senior vice president for USF Health and dean of the Morsani College of Medicine, makes opening remarks at the commencement ceremony.

The Class of 2017, which included 164 graduates, received their doctor of medicine degrees – marking the beginning of their lifelong journey in pursuing the art and science of healing.

USF System President Judy Genshaft congratulates the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine Class of 2017.

“Today you join a community of health care professionals that spans every continent of the world; a community that contributes to the advancement of our society through a commitment to making life better,” said USF System President Judy Genshaft.

During the ceremony, Dr. Genshaft presented a USF Honorary Degree to Victor J. Dzau, MD, president of the National Academy of Medicine. Dr. Dzau, who was the guest speaker at the commencement ceremony, received the distinguished USF degree for his extraordinary leadership in academic medicine, translational research, health care innovation, national health policy and global health.

President Genshaft and Dr. Lockwood present the USF Honorary Degree to Victor J. Dzau, MD, president of the National Academy of Medicine.

Dr. Dzau, chancellor emeritus and the James B. Duke Professor of Medicine at Duke University and former president and CEO of the Duke University Health System, is an internationally renowned physician scientist and pioneer of gene therapy for vascular disease. His groundbreaking work has focused on the molecular and genetic mechanisms of cardiovascular disease and the development of gene and stem-based therapies to regenerate tissue damage from heart attack and heart disease.

After receiving the Honorary Degree, Dr. Dzau delivered an inspirational commencement address –bringing graduates and attendees to their feet.

Special commencement guest speaker, Victor J. Dzau, MD, president of the National Academy of Medicine.

“You are among the most valuable contributions that USF will make to our society,” Dr. Dzau said. “You are the future leaders we need right now to help tackle big challenges. We need you to do the research and to make those great leaps forward. We need you to provide your patients with the best available evidence-based care. And now, more than ever, we need you to share that evidence – and yes, to defend it — beyond the walls of the clinic or the laboratory. We need you to make sure that research and medical advances are benefitting not just some of us, but all of us.”

John A. Brabson, Jr., the chairman of the Tampa General Hospital Board of Directors, was also honored with the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine Dean’s Award. Brabson received the award for his tireless work to strengthen the relationship of USF Health Morsani College of Medicine and TGH, USF Health’s primary teaching hospital. The long-time partnership helps advance the reputation of both institutions.

Dr. Lockwood honors John A. Brabson, Jr., the chairman of the Tampa General Hospital Board of Directors, with the Dean’s Award.

Then, the students recited the Oath of Hippocrates, led by Bryan Bognar, MD, vice dean of the Office of Educational Affairs for the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine. Following the Oath of Hippocrates, Dr. Genshaft conferred the Doctor of Medicine degree to the students, and as each name was recited by Kira Zwygart, MD, professor and associate dean for MCOM Student Affairs, students walked to center stage to receive their academic hoods and diplomas.

As part of a long college tradition, graduate Robert S. Ackerman, MD, was selected to provide the Farewell from the Class. Dr. Ackerman told his fellow graduates that becoming a doctor is a privilege and an honor of a lifetime.

Robert S. Ackerman, MD, delivered the Farewell from the Class.

“Today is awesome. Really, really awesome,” said Dr. Ackerman. “No other day in our lifetimes will rival the emotions of today. Becoming a doctor is a special privilege we can only dream of and for it to become a reality today is purely superb. For us, this is the culmination of four years of studying PowerPoints, reading EKGs, retracting incisions, answering question banks, delivering babies. While today the medical student tag drops off and the white coat lengthens a few inches, it’s not without appreciation of the time and effort that went into it.”

Dr. Ackerman also told his fellow graduates and attendees that medical school is unlike any other experience. He said, he and his classmates shared a special bond unlike any other as they went through their journey of becoming doctors.

“Remember what we shared together,” Dr. Ackerman said. “This is the closest group of classmates this school has seen, and our friendships will only grow stronger with time. Appreciate the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine, appreciate USF, and come back to visit the roots you laid in Tampa. We’re leaving today, but we’re never gone.”

Before the 2017 MCOM Commencement came to an end, Steven C. Specter, PhD, associate dean for Alumni Relations and director of MD Career Advising, presented the Charge to the Graduates. Dr. Specter told students to read, reflect, treat every person with respect, show compassion and always remember to stay connected to USF.

“Doctors, congratulations. You have reached the goal, the MD degree you set out to achieve when you entered medical school,” said Dr. Specter. “After 38 years, I could not be more strongly connected to USF and this prestigious USF Health Morsani College of Medicine. I bought into the philosophy that USF means ‘you stay forever.’ My wish for you is that you come to love this institution, because it set you on a course that results in your success. Give back what you can, when you can, for as it has been stated, ‘When you help others you can’t help helping yourself.’”

Steven C. Specter, PhD, associate dean for Alumni Relations and director of the MD Career Advising, presented the Charge to the Graduates.

From left, graduates Cady Welch, MD; Alec Chaleff, MD; Michael Carr, MD; and Kathleen McFadden, MD; pictured with Dr. Lockwood (center). During the commencement breakfast, the four graduates were recognized for their exceptional academic achievements as USF medical students.

The special military promotions ceremony took place after the commencement ceremony. Seven new physicians — Navy Lieutenants Kevin Bobeck, Phillip Castrovinci, Emily Wilson, Shaunn Hussey, William Rallya, Reid Wilson, and Army Capt. Paloma Irizarry — took the Oath of Commission as military officers.

Graduates read the Oath of Hippocrates.

Graduates greeted by faculty, friends and family after commencement ceremony.

Graduates celebrate their big moment with friends and family.

Story by Vjollca Hysenlika, and photos by Eric Younghans and Frederick Coleman| USF Health Communications and Marketing

Empowered and hopeful, 172 new physicians graduate from the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine

Sarah Worth — Fri, 22 Apr 2016 15:56:55 +0000

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The largest class in the history of the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine filled the stage of the Carol Morsani Hall in the Straz Center for Performing Arts April 21 as graduating seniors accepted their academic hoods and diplomas.

The USF Health Morsani College of Medicine Class of 2016.

The Class of 2016’s 172 graduates, along with university and community leaders, stood before friends and family and officially became doctors.

“Today we celebrate truly great traditions in the profession of medicine, the hooding of our new physicians and the taking of the Hippocratic oath, ceremonies with deep historical roots that are as moving today as when I received my own doctoral hood and took the Hippocratic oath 35 years ago,” said Charles J. Lockwood, MD, dean of the Morsani College of Medicine and senior vice president for USF Health.

“This commencement marks an end as well as a beginning, as each of you commit yourselves to the lifelong pursuit of the art and science of healing.”

Dr. Charles Lockwood, senior vice president for USF Health and dean of the Morsani College of Medicine.

Because of his impact as an internationally renowned medicinal chemist and physician who has distinguished himself through his humanitarian commitment and passion to eradicate infectious diseases, Jean-Francois Rossignol, MD, PhD, was presented with an honorary degree.

“What a great honor to be presented with this prestigious award,” Dr. Rossignol said. “I’m very touched and very proud of it and looking forward to spending more time with USF.”

Accepting the Honorary MD Degree is Dr. Jean-Francois Rossignol.

Taking the opportunity to be the first to address the graduating class as physicians, James Gern, MD, greeted the group.

“Good morning doctors,” Dr. Gern said.

He then went on to help the students see themselves by offering them a reflective look at questions he posed the group weeks before: What is one of your best memories from medical school? What is a challenge that you overcame in the last four years? And what is a current and important challenge to the medical profession and/or delivery of quality health care? Grouping the student responses by the themes that emerged, Dr. Gern shared with all some of the highs and lows, from post-exam celebrations and pranks and frog gigging on the Hillsborough River at night, to maintaining balance between work and life and overcoming prejudice and staying happily married, to trying to remain patient-centered and remembering compassion and eliminating health disparities.

Commencement guest speaker and Distinguished Physician Alumnus Awardee, Dr. James Gern.

“As you enter the next step in your training, try to find something you care deeply about,” Dr. Gern urged the group. “And listen to your patients; smile and ask why the young mother seems unnecessarily worried about her child. And finally, remember to balance your medical career and home life; devote time to relationships, your family, your children. Be a soccer coach. Be a soccer player. Maintain a positive mindset. And go frog gigging on the Hillsborough River. Once again, congratulations on your graduation.”

Jeff Vinik accepts the Dean’s Award from Dr. Lockwood.

Jeff Vinik accepted the Dean’s Award in recognition of his inspired vision for downtown Tampa and his generous gesture of making sure the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine and the USF Health Heart Institute are part of that vision.

“Dr. Lockwood and Dr. Genshaft, I’m so honored to receive this award,” Vinik said. “I’m proud of the many things that we have accomplish, but there is nothing I’m more proud of than our partnerships – and that’s with an ‘s’ on the end – with the University of South Florida. We at the Lightning are almost soul mates with the University of South Florida. Our objectives – quality outcomes, major community advocacy, major community participation – we’re all working together to make this Tampa Bay community a better place. It’s such a pleasure to work with the people at USF and equally a pleasure to work on this College of Medicine.

“The school is in design right now and construction will get under way in 2017. We hope that in 2019 there is a great new medical school building and a great new heart institute. We commit to USF and USF Health; we do not take our responsibility lightly of having the college come downtown. We commit to create an engaging and vibrant 24/7 district, where students and faculty of the USF med school will want to be, helping them recruit and retain the highest quality students and graduates. I’m very thankful for this award and look forward to many years ahead with USF and having more partnerships and working together to make this a better place.”

Jeff Vinik.

Then, in unison, the students recited the Oath of Hippocrates, led by John Curran, MD, professor of pediatrics, associate vice president for Faculty and Academic Affairs at USF Health, and senior executive associate dean for Faculty and Academic Affairs at the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine. Following that, USF System President Judy Genshaft conferred the Doctor of Medicine degree for the students in toto and, as each name was recited by Kira Zwygart, MD, associate professor and associate dean for MCOM Student Affairs, students walked to center stage to receive their academic hoods and diplomas.

USF System President Judy Genshaft.

Dr. Zwygart introduced everyone in the Carol Morsani Hall to the now graduated Class of 2016, which was followed by a roar of applause.

Dr. Kira Zwygart.

In the tradition of the college, a student is chosen among classmates for providing the Farewell From the Class and this year that student was Neil Manimala. Harking back to the group’s first semester together, Dr. Manimala recalled the postponement they had for their first exam because of a hurricane.

“The hurricane did come, but I think you’d agree that it never really went away over the last four years,” Dr. Manimala said. “The most important thing that brought us here today is that tiny thing called hope. Class of 2016! Hope is like a mustard seed – one of the smallest of all seeds, it is a speck in the palm of your hand. But plant that little seed in the right soil and tend it. Let it grow, and it can become one of the greatest of trees – a tree that cannot be shaken by any wind or storm, not even by a hurricane.”

Dr. Neil Manimala provided the Farewell From the Class.

He reminded his fellow graduates that the storm can also provide clarity for why they became physicians.

“Our hope allows us to find solidarity,” Dr. Manimala continued. “It’s that mustard seed so firmly planted in each of our hearts that brings us together, and I pray it will bring you each closer to those you treat. That hope is holding the hand of your beloved patient as he realizes his time on earth is coming to an end, as he tells you that all he wants is to go home and tend his garden, to be with his family – that even when the prognosis is poor, there could still be dignity.”

He then carried his metaphor forward, offering a parallel to the future that was ahead.

“We sometimes talk about doctors who have a God complex, putting up walls of elitism and detachment,” he said. “I submit to you today that yes, we should try to imitate God. But even when you can have it all, with all the knowledge and power, all the privilege and prestige, it’s alright to be weak – to shed a tear with your patients, to let love break down the barriers that separate us. It’s okay to be on the losing end, to know what it means to be poor and in debt, to be overworked, and to have no voice. It’s when you’re small, just like a mustard seed, when you see the true power of your community – the gift of the family that allows you to grow.”

Listen to Dr. Neil Manimala’s entire speech here.

https://hscweb3.hsc.usf.edu/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/2016-Class-farewell-speech-Neil-Manimala.mp3

The final offering for the 2016 MCOM Commencement was the Charge to the Class, this year by Steven C. Specter, PhD, associate dean for Alumni Relations and director of the MD Career Advising. He, too, was chosen by the class to provide culminating words of encouragement and promise for what was to come for this group of 172.

Dr. Steven Specter congratulates graduates along the Faculty Path of Honor.

Dr. Specter urged the group to remember two words across their careers: be happy.

“Keep these two words with you throughout your careers, throughout all aspects of your lives,” he told the new doctors, and then added his own ideas for how they could succeed in being happy. “Make a set of basic rules to live by and apply them to your patients, colleagues, families and friends consistently. The first is attitude – each day you get to choose your attitude, pick a positive productive demeanor and think about this when you rise in the morning. Make time to play, even at work. Nothing will put your patients, staff, colleagues and family at ease more than a lighthearted spirit. Actively seek to improve the day for each person you encounter in your day, and that includes yourself. Pay attention to your patients when you ask them a question; don’t be thinking of the next question – be in the moment with your patients. My final point is to empower your patients and everyone with whom you share your work and your life.”

Dr. Specter emphasized this last point.

“You must tell a patient both why they should be taking an action to improve their health as well as what they must do,” Dr. Specter said. “Making them an empowered partner also will enhance compliance. You will have healthier, happier patients and, in turn, you will be happy.”

And with that, 172 new physicians stood and marched out of the Morsani Hall, passing between lines of faculty as they applauded the graduates, and into their new lives as healers.

With graduating students is Dr. Michael Schoenberg, president of the MCOM Faculty, who carried the College’s mace.

Dr. Bryan Bognar, vice dean of MCOM Educational Affairs.

MCOM Class of 2016.

Dr. John Curran led the recitation of the Hippocratic Oath.

Alexandra Printz receives her academic hood.

Carol Morsani Hall was filled with family and friends.

Dr. Matthew Widner with his son Luca amid the swirl of celebration.

Following graduation, nine new physicians took an oath to serve as part the military promotions ceremony. From left are Ben Fedeles, Tyler Paul, Keith Groshans, Cameron Paterson, Seth Grubb, Dr. Richard Mayers, who officiated, Joshua Stramiello, Melissa Rosas, Alvancin Louis, and Pete Silverman.

Multimedia by Sandra C. Roa, photos by Eric Younghans, USF Health Office of Communications.

To the Class of 2013: Join us on that noble journey

Lisa Greene — Fri, 10 May 2013 22:55:18 +0000

Members of the Class of 2013 with Dr. Dennis Ledford and the ceremonial mace

Run faster. Reach higher. Push forward to do the impossible to help patients, the graduating students of the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine’s Class of 2013 were told at Friday’s commencement ceremonies.

“You’ve trained to be physicians, and you have a bold opportunity to care and to welcome and to share love in a way that only a few can,” Dr. Peter J. Pronovost, one of the world’s leading patient safety advocates, told the class. “You have chosen medicine and your time is now. You see, medicine needs you.”

Dr. Pronovost, MD, PhD, FCCM, has been named one of the 100 most influential people in the world by Time magazine and received a MacArthur Foundation “genius grant” in 2008. The senior vice president for patient safety and quality at Johns Hopkins University, Dr. Pronovost regularly addresses the U.S. Congress on patient safety issues.

Dr. Pronovost addresses graduates

Dr. Pronovost was blunt with graduates as he laid out the failings of today’s healthcare system.

“Let me share the challenges that are waiting for someone like you to take on,” he told them. “You possess unprecedented skills to relieve suffering, yet you are also entering a health system weighed down by profound problems. Medicine as it’s practiced today often ignores the patients values and input.

“Medicine today leaves preventable harm as the third-leading cause of death. Medicine today wastes up to 30 percent of healthcare spending, nearly a trillion dollars a year, for procedures and treatments of no benefit to patients. Medicine today leaves physicians often worried more about regulation than what is best for patients.”

But problems can be fixed, he told them. Dr. Pronovost spoke of how Dr. Charles Paidas, now the College of Medicine ‘s vice dean of Clinical Affairs and Graduate Medical Education, had saved a toddler girl injured by severe burns when he worked with Dr. Pronovost at Johns Hopkins a dozen years ago. Sadly, the girl later succumbed to a preventable central line blood infection. Dr. Pronovost described his feelings as the girl’s mother asked him if safety changes had been made.

“If I didn’t feel ashamed, I’d know there was a hole in my soul,” he said.

But then Dr. Pronovost and his colleagues went to work to prevent these infections. They created checklists of best practices, developed better reporting, and improved other procedures. They expanded their mission to other hospitals, “each of which has an infection rate so low it was once considered impossible,” he said.

Dr. Paidas and Dr. Pronovost before commencement ceremonies

Dr. Pronovost pointed to how fast the sport of running changed after Roger Bannister – a doctor, he pointed out – broke the four-minute mile in 1956. A dozen more did it the next year, and even more the year after. Today, the nation’s best high school students regularly break that barrier.

“After this first famous run, the human body didn’t suddenly evolve,” he said. “The only thing that changed is what people believed they could do.

“For runners, Bannister showed the way. For your corner of medicine, you can show the way too.”

Dr. Pronovost was eloquent as he called upon the graduates to work for better, safer medicine.

“Come join us. Do the great good thing for someone else that the world says cannot be done. Over 200,000 patients die from medical mistakes each year. We could fix that. Join us on that noble journey.

“Patients today are suffering harm and disrespect that doesn’t have to be. We could fix that. Join us on this noble journey. Nearly a third of our healthcare spending goes for therapies that do not get patients well. We could fix this. Join us on this noble journey.

“Today, graduates, enjoy your celebrations. Tonight, reflect on why you joined this noble profession and consider your dreams. Tomorrow, get running. Open your eyes to that four-minute impossibility. When you find it, you’ll know it.”

Others called on the graduates to work for better medicine as well.

“I encourage you to find a way to care for you patients…to love your patients,” said Dr. Michael Flannery, professor and former director of the residency program for Internal Medicine, as he delivered the charge to the class. “To love your patients, you have to love yourself.”

Dr. Michael Flannery challenges the class

Dr. Stephen Klasko, dean of the College of Medicine and CEO of USF Health, congratulated the graduates.

“You begin a career filled with creativity, passion and yes, optimism,” he said.

Rhea Law, Esq., former chair of the Board of Trustees, received an honorary MD degree at Friday’s commencement. Dr. Klasko presented Dean’s Awards to philanthropists Tom and Lauren Pepin, as well as to Dr. Larry Howard, of Hudson Ventures, and his father, Robert Howard.

Rhea Law, Esq., receives an honorary MD

The Class of 2013 chose classmate Dr. Joshua Robertson to deliver the farewell speech for the class.

“Today we celebrate change, a crossing over from student to practitioner,” he told them. “Today we become physicians. We’re in the business of human. And at times we can feel the burden of cure.

The new Dr. Joshua Robertson gives the class farewell speech

“What we must be is willing to do is enter into the struggle of our patients. Enter into what they go through, day in and day out, under our care. We can promise, we can hold ourselves to a commitment, to a willingness, to a vigilance, to fight for the care of our patients. …And that way we honor the oath we have taken today and we honor the patients we serve.”

– Photos by Eric Younghans, USF Health Communications

Public Health graduates more than 135 new practitioners

Natalie D. Preston — Wed, 08 Aug 2012 20:36:08 +0000

After years of educating, nurturing, and leading by example, the University of South Florida (USF) College of Public Health welcomed more than 135 new practitioners to the field. In a college ceremony held on Friday, August 3, faculty and staff recognized the academic achievements of the Class of 2012 and thanked families for their support.

Like the field of public health, the eager new graduates are unwavering in their quest to improve the overall well-being of all human beings. They are committed, engaged in their communities, and believe in a better tomorrow. They are the Class of 2012.

Public health never takes a day off

Bethany (Masters) and Jarrett Brunny married over spring break in March of 2010. Their firstborn, Tai, was born during winter break in January 2011. Determined not to put their dreams on hold, Bethany enjoyed two long weeks of maternity leave before returning to her studies in the college.

Jarrett, Tai, and Bethany (Masters) Brunny

As if earning a master of public health degree in health education and raising an infant son weren’t enough of a challenge, in 2011 the couple founded The Brunny Institute. Through a holistic approach to community health, the 501(c)(3) non-profit focuses on methodology and application, rather than on one specific health condition.

“Our mission is to enhance quality of life in the communities we serve,” Jarrett Brunny said. “We are thankful to the USF COPH community for the excellent academic, research, and service opportunities we had while students there. And, for the relationships—both professional and personal—that were formed.”

Public health is a force of social responsibility

Harry Santil, MD has lots of reasons to be hopeful. Harielle, his first child, was born in May 2003 with encephalocele, a condition where part of her skull did not close completely, causing a tumor to develop behind her head. Santil, his wife Ketsia, and Harielle moved to the United States in December 2003 seeking treatment at All Children’s Hospital in St. Petersburg.

The surgery was a success.

Harielle, Ketsia, Eben, and Harry Santil

Determined to give back, the family settled in Lakeland. Harry volunteered at a hospital teaching Creole and English. He collaborated with local Haitian leaders to create Compassion Action for Haitians, Inc. and led the organization on two Haitian relief missions after Hurricane Jeanne in 2004 and the earthquake of 2010.

Shortly after the relief missions, Santil began taking courses toward a master of public health degree in public health practice. Meanwhile, he advocated for health on councils with the Polk County School System and the County Commissioners.

“Public health equips all those who are working in the field with the necessary tools to build partnerships within communities in order to empower the people to take ownership of their own health destiny,” Santil said. “Working with people is my passion and one of my greatest satisfactions is to see communities make positive changes when the appropriate strategies are put in place.”

Ultimately, Santil envisions working with a U.S. international development agency to put his public health knowledge and skills into practice back home in his native country of Haiti. In the interim, he will become certified in public health (CPH) and continue with his academic journey toward a doctorate.

Public health is a source of hope

Donna Haiduven, PhD, an assistant professor in the Department of Global Health and the recipient of the college’s 2012 Outstanding Professor Award, was among selected speakers who addressed the graduates. In her remarks, Dr. Haiduven shared a commencement quote from Michele Bachelet, United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Executive Director of UN Women.

“I urge you to follow your passion. Seek challenges and adventures. Be generous with your spirit and your time. Be generous with your listening and understanding. Be generous with your curiosity and your compassion. Be generous in your service to others. Life offers you a thousand chances… all you have to do is take one.

So take the chance to make our world a better one-today and every day in every moment and with every person you encounter. Be generous and, believe me…what you receive in return will exceed your expectations—and also the expectations of those around you!”

To view pictures from the college ceremony, click here.

Story by Natalie D. Preston, College of Public Health.

New Gallery of Scholarship spotlights senior medical student capstone projects

Sarah Worth — Fri, 04 May 2012 18:23:11 +0000

Fourteen graduating medical students showcased their capstone projects May 3 as part of the inaugural Gallery of Scholarship, held before the annual USF Morsani College of Medicine’s Student and Faculty Awards Ceremony.

The poster presentations summarized their work in the college’s Scholarly Concentration Program and offered a glimpse into their scholarly experiences while at the Morsani College of Medicine.

Started in 2007, the Scholarly Concentration Program provides medical students with an elective minor, of sorts, in one of 10 areas, providing them with opportunities for academic endeavors in areas of special interest. The concentrations are: Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Business in Medicine; Health Disparities; Health Systems Engineering; International Medicine; Law and Medicine; Medical Education; Medical Humanities; Medicine and Gender; Public Health; and Research.

There are 43 graduating seniors in the program this year, all of whom produced capstone projects and received certificates of completion at the annual Student and Faculty Awards Ceremony that followed the Gallery of Scholarship.

Among the 14 who presented their work at the inaugural Gallery of Scholarship — where they shared their scholarly pursuits with faculty, staff, friends, and family members — was Sarah Pullen, whose study looked at empathy levels among medical students.

“I knew about the program before I entered USF and was very interested in participating in it,” said Pullen, who will conduct her residency in psychiatry at the University of Washington in Seattle. “The Scholarly Concentration Program gave me a chance to get to know faculty better and to pursue my interest in health disparities. It was a great, warm, supportive environment.”

USF graduating medical study Sarah Pullen (right), a scholarly award winner, with family friends.

At the awards ceremony, Pullen was presented with the Thomas and Elizabeth Flannery and William and Mary Tibbels Scholarly Award. Dr. Michael Flannery, whose family members are named in the award, presented it to Pullen.

The Scholarly Concentration Program allows for self-directed learning, enhances interactions between students and fosters relationships between students and faculty. Each concentration includes elements of course work, practical application, and scholarly presentation.

“The concentrations allow students to gain valuable early experience in various fields of study,” said Susan Pross, PhD, director of the college’s Scholarly Concentration Program. “Students are using these concentrations to delve deeper into their area of speciality, as well as trying out areas they’ve just always wanted to know about. The program has become a great recruiting tool because it adds so much value to their education and, as a result, to their careers.”

Susan Pross, PhD, director of the Morsani College of Medicine's Scholarly Concentration Program

The 14 students presenting their capstone projects in the Gallery of Scholarship were:

Margaret Elisa McQueen: “Designing a Regulated Market Solution to Eliminate Organ Shortages: The Case of Kidney Transplantation.” Mentor: William G. Marshall Jr., MD, MBA, Finance and Administration, Department of Psychiatry.

Sarah A. Pullen: “Empathy Study: Does Participation in Health Disparities Scholarly Concentration Affect Empathy of Medical Students?” Mentor: Desiree Rivers, PhD, USF Department of Family Medicine.

Lauren E. Mullinax and Tanvi R. Patel: “Trouble in Paradise: An Eye-Witnessed Account of Pediatric Health Problems Exacerbated by Sociocultural Circumstances of Panama’s Ngobe-Bugle Tribe.” Mentors: Eduardo C. Gonzalez. MD, USF Department of Family Medicine

Matthew C. DuMouchel: “Occupational Hazards of Immigrant Agricultural Workers.” Mentor: Deanna Wathington, MD, MPH, USF College of Public Health.

William G. Carson, III: “Treatment of Type II Endoleaks with Ethylene-Vinyl-Alcohol Copolymer (Onyx).” Mentors: Kamal Massis, MD and Bruce Zwiebel, MD, Department of Vascular and Interventional Radiology.

Dana M. Cruite: “Enhancing the Degeneration of ABeta Amyloid in APP+PS1 Mice Using rAAV Vector Expression of Neprilysin and Insulysin.” Mentor: David G. Morgan, PhD, USF Health Byrd Alzheimer’s Institute.

Nicholas C. DeVito: “Patterns of Metastases and Correlation with Prognosis in Solitary Fibrous Tumor Hemangiopericytoma at Moffitt Cancer Center. Mentor: Anthony Conley, MD, Sarcoma Program, Moffitt Cancer Center.

Jennifer M. Eatrides: “Axillary Ultrasound in Breast Cancer and MRI in Surgical Planning of Breast Cancer.” Mentors: M. Catherine Lee, MD, Nazanin Khakpour, MD, FACS and John Kiluk, MD, FACS, Comprehensive Breast Program, Moffitt Cancer Center.

R. Evans Heithaus, Jr.: “The Impact of a Fundamental of Laparoscopic Surgery and Virtual Reality Training Program on Surgical Performance: A Blinded Randomized Validation Trial.” Mentor: Steve Goldin MD, PhD, USF Department of Surgery.

Clara H. Kraft: “Phosphorylation Dynamics Regulate Hsp27-mediated Rescue of Neuronal Plasticity Deficits in Tau Transgenic Mice.” Mentor: Chad Dickey, PhD, USF Department of Molecular Medicine

Harry Lomas, IV: “Post Chemoradiation SUV is Highly Predictive of Disease Free Survival and Overall Survival in Esophageal Cancer.” Mentor: Ravi Sridhar, MD, PhD, Radiation Oncology, Moffitt Cancer Center.

Andrew M. Pepper: “Evaluation of Expandable Endoprostheses in Pediatric Musculoskeletal Oncology.” Mentor: G. Douglas Letson, MD, USF Department of Orthopaedics, Sarcoma Program, Moffitt Cancer Center.

Erika S. Reese: “Comparing BMI, FAST Score and Energy Expenditure in Division I Intercollegiate Female Athletes.” Mentor: Eric Coris, MD, USF Department of Family Medicine.

Story by Sarah A. Worth, photos by Eric Younghans, USF Health Office of Communications.