In this video, USF Health epidemiologist Jason Salemi, PhD, explains how he creates and uses online dashboards to show the effects of COVID-19 in Florida.

Using data from the Florida Department of Health, Dr. Salemi creates online charts and tables to give the public updated, easy-to-understand information about the pandemic.

The dashboard, available at covid19florida.mystrikingly.com, is interactive and lets visitors break down data on COVID-19 case numbers and deaths into dozens of visualizations. For instance, visitors can view newly reported cases by county or age group as well as see changes over several days or weeks.

The dashboard has attracted nationwide attention. Dr. Salemi says he was inspired to create the dashboard as a way to provide reliable information and combat misinformation he said he saw regularly spread about the disease on the internet and elsewhere.

USF Health epidemiologist Dr. Jason Salemi pictured in his office near the computer he uses to gather and distribute data on COVID-19.

TGH and USF sign founding document that will create a new organization dedicated to world-class patient care, education and research

Tampa, FL (July 23, 2020) — Tampa General Hospital and the University of South Florida today announced the formation of a new clinical affiliation, a significant milestone that will further solidify one of the largest academic medical centers in Florida and build upon their longstanding relationship and commitment to improving health care in Tampa Bay.

The enhanced affiliation enables the two organizations to align administrative and clinical practice areas into a new organization, an effort mirrored across the country as most top-ranked medical schools and hospitals move towards integrated models that bolster both academics, research and clinical care. TGH’s Board of Directors and the USF Board of Trustees previously approved the new organization, which will be jointly governed by both organizations.

The new USF and TGH focus means Tampa Bay’s best health care providers are well-positioned to deliver the cutting-edge care and innovative treatments that are a hallmark of academic medicine.

The new affiliation will benefit patients across Tampa Bay by enabling the region’s only academic medical center to provide seamless, comprehensive care for patients, said John Couris, TGH President and CEO, and Steven C. Currall, President of USF.

“This is a great day for health in Tampa Bay,” Couris said. “TGH, USF and our private practice physicians have always had the most success when working together to improve health in Tampa Bay. Now that we are more strategically aligned, we can create a powerhouse that delivers world-class health care on the west coast of Florida.”

TGH and USF have worked closely together for nearly 50 years, since the opening of the medical school in the early 1970s. This new endeavor builds on this long-standing relationship and will enable the two organizations to advance more quickly and broadly on a variety of strategic goals.

“Strengthening and expanding upon the affiliation between the University of South Florida and Tampa General Hospital presents extraordinary benefits and new opportunities for education, health care and research in the Tampa Bay region and beyond,” Currall said. “Our joint vision is to become one of the nation’s most outstanding academic medical centers.”

The ultimate beneficiary of this agreement is the community, as physicians from both groups are coming together to provide tightly coordinated, seamless patient care.

“As the only academic medical center in the region, USF and TGH are uniquely positioned to offer premier, nationally ranked, academically productive sub-specialty programs to enhance our residency and medical student training efforts, as well as increase academic support funding for research and enhance our growing ability to recruit top talent,” said Dr. Charles J. Lockwood, senior vice president for USF and Dean of the Morsani College of Medicine. “We are stronger together and we’ll offer an environment full of collaborative clinical care and research opportunities for the future physicians of Florida.

The new affiliation also will benefit the private practice physicians on staff at Tampa General Hospital by offering purchased services and management services through the new company.

“Our private practice physicians are integral partners to Tampa General Hospital and USF, and providing them the opportunity to participate in this partnership in a way that benefits their practices was a cornerstone to our agreement,” Couris said.

Next steps include launching a national search for an executive to lead the new organization and implementing clinical integration.

USF recently held a big meeting about exploring the very small.

In November, the USF Health Taneja College of Pharmacy hosted the 12^th annual NanoFlorida International Conference on the USF campus.  The three-day conference, which included keynote addresses by USF President Steven Currall and Tampa Mayor Jane Castor, was centered around future developments in the field of nanotechnology.

Participants pose for a group photo during the NanoFlorida International Conference.

“Nanotechnology is to work in the smallest scale possible, called nanoscale,” explained USF Health professor Shyam Mohapatra, PhD, director of the Center for Education and Research in Nanobioengineering and conference chair of the International Academy of Nanotechnology.

For comparison, one nanometer is one-millionth the diameter of single strand of human hair, Dr. Mohapatra said.

USF President Steven Currall gave a keynote address during the NanoFlorida International Conference in the Marshall Center on USF campus.

Nanotechnology is being studied in a wide range of sciences, including chemistry, engineering and medicine. The technology is already being used in many industries and products people use every day. For example, nanotechnology has helped reduce the size of cell phones from the unwieldy devices of yesteryear to the advanced computers that now fit in your pocket.

But it’s not just consumer goods where nanotechnology is making a difference. USF Health Taneja College of Pharmacy is looking at how the technology can help better deliver medication to patients.

“The whole notion of pharmaceutical nanotechnology is to take a molecule and make it even smaller so we can deliver (medicines) into parts of the body that normally we can’t get into,” said Kevin Sneed, PharmD, FNAP, FNPHA. Dr. Sneed is senior associate vice president, USF Health and dean of the USF Health Taneja College of Pharmacy.

Kevin Sneed, PharmD, FNAP, FNPHA, talks to dignitaries during the NanoFlorida International Conference. Dr. Sneed is senior associate vice president, USF Health and dean of the USF Health Taneja College of Pharmacy.

For instance, researchers are studying how nanotechnology can assist the treatment of brain cancers and brain disorders.

“Lots of medications cannot get into the brain when taken orally or otherwise,” Dr. Sneed said, “By making them smaller, now we can transport them into the brain.”

The Taneja College of Pharmacy is embracing pharmaceutical nanotechnology by offering a master’s in science degree in pharmaceutical nanotechnology – the first such degree in the state of Florida.

“We had an opportunity to build a pharmaceutical or drug delivery program,” Dr. Sneed said. “Nanotechnology was very futuristic, and we wanted to be a very futuristic, very innovative, very transformative pharmacy program.”

About 50 students are currently enrolled in the pharmaceutical nanotechnology degree program.

Shyam Mohapatra, Distinguished USF Health Professor, Director of Center for Education and Research in Nanobioengineering in the Morsani College of Medicine and Associate Dean Graduate Program in the Tanjea College of Pharmacy and Conference Chair of the International Academy of Nanotechnology, opens the NanoFlorida International Conference.

During the NanoFlorida International Conference, participants attended a number of plenary sessions discussing advances in nanotechnology and its use, and students from USF and other major colleges presented 138 research posters for judging.

Sonali Kannaujia (left) and Liguan Li, a graduate student and a PhD candidate both studying electrical engineering, look at their poster presentation before the start of judging during the NanoFlorida International Conference. The USF students created a Wireless Interrogated MEMS Capacitive Intraocular Pressure Sensors to help with the treatment of Glaucoma.

The NanoFlorida International Conference is organized by the Florida Association for Nanotechnology, a society composed of basic and translational nano-bio technologists who use a variety of nanoscale sciences and technologies to better understand the way the nano-bio systems function.

Video, photos and article by Allison Long, USF Health Communications & Marketing

The 30 students of the charter class of the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine Physician Assistant Program before their graduation banquet Wednesday evening.

On the evening before graduation, the charter class of the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine Physician Assistant Program gathered at the USF Research and Innovation galleria room to celebrate the two-year journey from applicant to physician assistant.

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

USF Health Senior Vice President and Morsani College of Medicine Dean Charles J. Lockwood, MD, MHCM, told the group how proud and excited he is for the graduating class.

“Tonight’s commencement dinner represents the culmination of hard work and dedication, the realization of a dream over the past two years and the beginning of a successful career,” Dr. Lockwood said. “You are pursuing one of the fastest growing careers in the medical field and you are going to play an indispensable role in delivering excellent, cost-effective care.”

Todd Wills, MD, assistant dean and program director.

Todd Wills, MD, assistant dean and program director reflected on the path these inaugural students have taken to get where they are.

“It was just two short years ago when we welcomed 30 students to the USF Health Rotunda before the start of orientation,” Dr. Wills said. “As you each begin your careers in health care over the next weeks and months, remember that the confidence our program has in you is more than justified and we can’t wait to see what comes next.”

A highlight of the evening came when select students and staff received several awards based on academic excellence, clinical performance.  Additionally, four students were inducted into MCOM’s chapter of the the Association of Physician Assistant Programs Pi Alpha National Honor Society.  Those selected showed significant academic achievement, leadership, research, community service and a high standard of character and conduct among PA students and graduates.

First student inductees:

– Kathryn Rudibaugh, MPAS

– Shannon Aurelius, MPAS

– Brittany Bianchi, MPAS

– Mollie Pleasenton, MPAS

(L-R) Shannon Aurelius, MPAS, Brittany Bianchi, MPAS, Larry Collins, MPAS, PA-C, ATC, Kathryn Rudibaugh, MPAS, Mollie Pleasenton, MPAS.

After the student inductions, Larry Collins, MPAS, PA-C, ATC, associate professor and associate program director, became the first faculty member to be inducted into the honor society.

Other award recipients:

Highest Didactic Year GPA: Brittany Bianchi, MPAS

Highest Clinical Year GPA: Shannon Aurelius, MPAS

Outstanding Pre-clinical Instructor, selected by the students as the most positive impact on their pre-clinical education: Dr. Todd Wills.

Outstanding Clinical Preceptor, selected by the students for having the most positive impact on their clinical education: Meredith Plant, MD

The PA’s PA, given to the student chosen as best exemplifying the characteristics of a PA they would choose to care for them and their family: Katie Lucas, MPAS

Katie Lucas, MPAS, center, received the PA’s PA awarded to the student chosen as best exemplifying the charastics of a PA they would choose to care for them and their family.

Following the presentations, Kevin Allison, MPAS, and Elisabeth “Libby” Kusiak, MPAS, delivered a heartfelt charge to their classmates.

Class co-presidents Elisabeth “Libby” Kusiak and Kevin Allison.

“We hope you can all reflect and think about how this program and your classmates have changed you and shaped you into the person you are today and into the provider you want to be. This is not goodbye, but hello to new beginnings,” said Kusiak. “It has been an honor to serve as your class co-president and I can honestly say I know we are all going to make outstanding providers.”

To conclude the event, Larry Collins announced the start of a scholarship foundation to help future MCOM PA students and contributed $1,000 to the foundation.

“Think about all of the future PAs and be sure to pay it forward,” he said.

The 30 charter PA students will graduate May 2 during the USF Health graduation at the Yuengling Center.

For Bianca Arboleda, who was born in Florida and raised in Puerto Rico, getting into medical school was quite the journey.

Arboleda, who wants to become an obstetrics and gynecology doctor, faced many cultural and language barriers before coming to USF. But, she never gave up.

“I always knew I wanted to become a doctor,” Arboleda said. “So, I am beyond grateful to be an MD student at USF. Every obstacle I encountered along the way, gave me the courage to do better and study harder to make my dream a reality.”

Bianca Arboleda receives her white coat.

Arboleda was one of 173 medical students to take the oath of commitment and receive the coveted white coat in front of families, friends, guests and USF Health leaders – marking the beginning of a remarkable journey into the MD program at the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine (MCOM).

Charles J. Lockwood, MD, MHCM, senior vice president for USF Health and dean of the Morsani College of Medicine, poses with a group of students from Class of 2021.

The White Coat Ceremony, held this year on Sept. 1 at the Tampa Convention Center, is an annual event that welcomes students to the prestigious MD program at USF Health MCOM.

“This is a surreal experience, I’m in medical school,” said Cannon Nelson, who came to USF from Salt Lake City, Utah, and wants to become a pediatric neurosurgeon. “To us, the white coat is the symbol of transition, responsibility and commitment to a greater cause that’s bigger than any of us. It took a lot of work to get here, so being a part of this event today makes it all worth it.”

Cannon Nelson, student in the Class of 2021, is excited to celebrate the big day with his entire family, who flew in from Salt Lake City, Utah.

The Class of 2021 brought in the most selective medical student cohort in the history of the program — with an average MCAT score of 514 — placing it among the top 25 of all medical schools in the country.

This group of students was selected among more than 6,400 applicants – also a record number — giving them a less than three percent chance of getting into the program.

“It feels absolutely amazing to be among such a talented group of students,” said Katie Reming, student from the class of 2021, who wants to go into internal medicine. “No matter how challenging the road ahead may be, I feel so incredibly grateful for this opportunity and to be surrounded by such supportive faculty, staff and fellow students.”

During the event, Charles J. Lockwood, MD, MHCM, senior vice president for USF Health and dean of the Morsani College of Medicine, welcomed the students to the MD program with an inspirational speech about the future of health care and the challenges the field faces ahead.

Dr. Lockwood speaks to students, families and guests. 

“The future of our nation’s health care belongs to those who are unafraid to challenge the status quo, unafraid to think deeply about problems and unafraid to embrace change,” Dr. Lockwood said. “Decades from now, when people look back on this time in health care, my hope is it will be said of all of you that you were the forward-thinking generation of physicians who did not postpone addressing these great challenges – you embraced them. Your generation leveraged tools such as precision medicine, the mining of ‘big data’, cutting edge tissue imaging, and telehealth to improve health while lowering costs.”

This year, the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine Scholarship Fund –the beneficiary of funds raised to sponsor the white coats — was the most successful and largest white coat sponsorship program of all medical schools in the U.S., raising more than $100,000 towards the Class of 2021 scholarships.

“I’d like to thank our faculty, staff, alumni and members of the MCOM Alumni Society Board for their unwavering support in sponsoring white coats for this year’s class,” Dr. Lockwood said. “We are committed to increasing scholarship funding and I’m deeply grateful to all of you who have donated to our White Coat Scholarship fund – you are supporting an amazing group of students.”

Offering the keynote address was Sion “Bill” Carter, MD ’87, chair of the MCOM Alumni Society, who told the new students “The white coat you receive today welcomes you into the community of medicine and signifies your commitment to the long road of training ahead. But most importantly, this ceremony is meant to emphasize the humanistic side of medicine at a time when headwinds can dehumanize its practice.”

Sion “Bill” Carter, MD ’87, chair of the MCOM Alumni Society, gave the keynote address at the event.

City of Tampa Mayor, Bob Buckhorn spoke to the new students during the ceremony and welcomed them to the city of Tampa.

City of Tampa Mayor, Bob Buckhorn.

“This is an exciting time for USF, an exciting time for Tampa and an exciting time for all these young people,” Mayor Buckhorn told the crowd. “This is a city that’s risen from the worst recession since the Great Depression. This is the city of hope, the city of destiny and a city where young people are flocking to. For those of you who will spend four years with us, you are in the midst and part of an amazing renaissance American city. We want you to make Tampa your home when you complete this journey. I promise you this that you’re going to learn to love this place.”

Rose Tillis, a current fourth-year medical student and president of the MCOM student council, spoke to the new students about humanism in medicine and the responsibility of wearing the white coat.

“All of you have a gift,” Tillis said. “It’s a gift of intellect, compassion, motivation and determination, and a decent amount of stubbornness. That’s how you got here. But that gift comes with the responsibility to give back. And that’s what you’ll learn while you’re here. You have the ability to change the trajectory of your patients’ lives, just by walking with them in the hallway. That’s what this white coat represents, and that is the responsibility that comes with it.”

The Class of 2021 also received a copy of “On Doctoring,” a compilation of poems, fiction and essays edited by John Stone, a physician writer, and USF Health’s Lois Nixon, MPH, PhD, professor in the Division of Medical Ethics and Humanities. The books are provided by the Arnold P. Gold Foundation.

To conclude the special evening, the new students recited the Oath of Commitment — a promise they make to the health care profession and their patients.

“This is an important milestone in the journey of becoming a physician,” Reming said. “In some ways it’s celebratory, recognizing that all of the hard work involved in getting to this point has paid off. At the same time, I think it also symbolizes a transition from living life as a regular member of society, to becoming part of the health care profession, which necessitates a higher standard of behavioral expectations, has ethical implications and includes social responsibilities.”

Ameyo Jereen, student from the Class of 2021, is excited to finally wear her white coat.

“This is a celebration of the start of a difficult but rewarding journey in which we will learn intricate details about our bodies, our minds and our society,” said Ameyo Jereen, student from the Class of 2021, who wants to go into neuroscience. “I am very excited and honored to partake in this ceremony to mark the start of this wonderful journey.”

Arboleda celebrates this important milestone with her parents and siblings.

Among the Class of 2021 medical students receiving a white coat was Madeline Carney, shown here as a baby held by her mother Nancy Murphy at Murphy’s USF College of Medicine graduation ceremony in 1996. As she was walking off stage with her new white coat, the now young adult Carney shared a hug with Associate Vice President and MCOM Obstetrics and Gynecology Professor Dr. Catherine Lynch. “I haven’t seen you in a while, I delivered you,” Lynch told her.

Story by Vjollca Hysenlika and photos by Eric Younghans, Sandra C. Roa and Frederick Coleman, USF Health Communications and Marketing

It’s an exciting time at USF Health. Colleges across health disciplines celebrated the new fall semester, welcoming more than 1,600 new students to different programs.

In this blog post, we break down the numbers from each USF Health college, school and program including Morsani College of Medicine, College of Nursing, College of Public Health, College of Pharmacy and School of Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation Sciences.

USF College of Nursing

The USF College of Nursing welcomed 678 students this fall, an impressive increase in undergraduate and graduate programs.

The college enrolled 395 students in the graduate programs — including 225 new students in the master’s programs, 50 students in the CRNA program, 112 students in the Doctor of Nursing Practice, eight students in the PhD program and 30 students in the pain management certificate.

The college has also enrolled 253 students in the undergraduate program, with 150 students in the RN-BS program, 82 students in the upper division sequence and 21 in the veteran to bachelor’s program (VCARE).

USF College of Nursing’s RN-BS students for Fall 2017.

USF College of Pharmacy

USF College of Pharmacy enrolled 126 students in the college’s PharmD and Masters of Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology programs.

This fall, the college welcomed its seventh group of 101 students to one of the top PharmD programs in the country. The college’s masters of pharmaceutical nanotechnology enrolled 25 new students.

The new group of PharmD students, class of 2021. 

Morsani College of Medicine

Morsani College of Medicine welcomed 174 students to its prestigious MD program. Forty-eight of those students are in the SELECT program, which recruits and develops students with the intellectual perspective, empathy, creativity and passion to change patient care, the health of communities and the medical profession.

USF Health Morsani College of Medicine celebrates the new Class of 2021 at the Tampa Museum of Art.

Biomedical Sciences Graduate and Postdoctoral Programs

The MCOM’s Biomedical Sciences Graduate and Postdoctoral programs enrolled 280 students this fall.

Of the 17 matriculates in the medical science PhD program, five come from underrepresented ethnic groups in the life sciences. The average GPA is 3.49.

The program also welcomed 263 students to its various master’s degrees and concentrations, including:

• 150 in the Master of Science in Medical Sciences
• 29 in the Master of Science in Medical Sciences, Health Sciences concentration (100% online)
• 15 in the Master of Science in Medical Sciences, Aging & Neuroscience concentration
• 26 in the Master of Science in Medical Sciences, Anatomy concentration:
• 10 in the Master of Science in Medical Sciences, Women’s Health concentration
• 7 in the Master of Science in Medical Sciences, Molecular Medicine concentration
• 4 in the Master of Science in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology
• 2 in the Master of Science in Biotechnology
• 20 in the Master of Science in Advanced Athletic Training

Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation Sciences

The USF School of Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation Sciences welcomed 52 Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) students to its class of 2020 this fall.

USF College of Public Health

USF College of Public Health welcomed 295 students to their undergraduate and graduate programs.

The college enrolled a record number of 31 new students into its DPH program this fall.

The college also brought in 171 students in the master’s in public health program, 14 students in the MSPH program, nine students in the master’s in health administration, 58 students in the BS program and 12 in the PhD program.

New USF COPH students attend fall 2017 orientation.

Stay tuned, more to come…

USF Health faculty, students, staff and local and state leaders celebrated the extraordinary work and legacy of John S. Curran, MD, professor of pediatrics, associate vice president of USF Health, and senior executive associate dean for faculty and academic affairs at the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine, during a special ceremony on June 29 at USF.

Children help Dr. Curran unveil the new name of Children’s Medical Services, John S. Curran, MD, Children’s Health Center.

During the event, USF Health honored Dr. Curran for his outstanding contributions as a pediatrician and leader, by naming the Children’s Medical Services building, the John S. Curran, MD, Children’s Health Center. The special recognition was authorized by USF Board of Trustees at their June 8 meeting.

(L to R). Edmund Funai, MD, chief operating officer at USF Health, vice dean for administration at Morsani College of Medicine and senior vice president for strategic development at the USF System, and Dr. Curran listen to Roberta K. Burford, JD, associate vice president for Strategic Health Operations at USF Health, read the USF BOT Resolution before unveiling the new name of the Children’s Medical Services.

“Consider this special token of our appreciation for the many years of passionate service as a developer of innovative programs, exemplar as a physician educator, and, most of all, as an advocate for Florida’s children,” said Edmund Funai, MD, chief operating officer at USF Health, vice dean for administrational at the Morsani College of Medicine and senior vice president for strategic development at the USF System, after unveiling the new sign of the Children’s Medical Center. “Because of your guiding hand, we are all better positioned for the future, and we have all benefitted from your hard work, activism, leadership and friendship.”

Dr. Curran greets USF Health faculty, staff, leaders and friends outside John S. Curran, MD, Children’s Health Center.

Celeste Philip, MD, surgeon general and secretary of the Florida Department of Health, also honored Dr. Curran for his impact on health outcomes across the state of Florida.

“We’re grateful to Dr. Curran for his contributions to children’s medical services and the state’s department of health,” said Dr. Philip during the celebration. “I’m impressed by his desire and motivation to continue to help improve health outcomes in our state until the very end. He may be leaving for a short period, but we’re certain he will be back in some capacity. That speaks to how much he means to our state and all of his contributions. That is who he is and that is what he stands for.”

Gene Earley, deputy director of the Hillsborough County Healthcare Services, honored Dr. Curran for his tremendous impact on the Hillsborough County Health Care Plan, which he helped develop more than 20 years ago.

Gene Earley, deputy director of the Hillsborough County Healthcare Services, presents Dr. Curran a plaque for his contribution to Hillsborough County Health Care Plan.

“Hillsborough County Healthcare Services Department is thankful to Dr. Curran for his many years of outstanding services to Hillsborough County,” said Earley. “Your professionalism, leadership, commitment, dedication and passion has significantly improved the Hillsborough County Health Care Plan and health provided in Tampa and nearby counties. Your dedication to duty has improved the quality of health care services provided to the residents of Hillsborough County.”

The Board of County Commissioners of Hillsborough County also recognized Dr. Curran’s tremendous career by declaring Thursday, June 29, 2017 as Dr. John S. Curran Day.

Hillsborough County Commissioner Sandra Murman presents the county’s proclamation to Dr. Curran. 

“I am overwhelmed at the great outpouring of love and affection that you have given me for a fairly long career here at USF Health Morsani College of Medicine,” Dr. Curran said.  “I’ve been overwhelmed by your support, but I’ve always had great interest in helping those who couldn’t help themselves. I’m not the wizard. I just have been blessed with the opportunity to bring people to work together to help people in our community. And I am not going to rest. I will continue to be an advocate for those in need.”

Dr. Curran with his wife Christine, and daughters Heidi, far right, and Heather.

William Sappenfield, MD, professor and chair of the Department of Community and Family Health at the USF College of Public Health, signs guest book for Dr. Curran.

*****

John Curran, MD — an influential pediatrician and inspirational leader and pioneering child health advocate who advanced public policy to benefit some of Florida’s most vulnerable patients – is retiring after 45 years of service at the University of South Florida.

Dr. Curran, who is a professor of pediatrics, associate vice president of USF Health, and senior executive associate dean for faculty and academic affairs at the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine, has helped transform health care through his long-term dedication and commitment to children’s health.

John Curran, MD, professor of pediatrics, associate vice president of USF Health, and senior executive associate dean for faculty and academic affairs at the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine.

“Dr. Curran has been an invaluable member of our faculty and has offered his expertise and service well beyond our university to include local, regional and national health care efforts,” said USF System President Judy Genshaft. “His passion for putting the children of this state first and assuring their access to quality health care is truly impressive. As a founding faculty member of our medical school, an accomplished pediatrician, and a tireless advocate for child health, Dr. Curran will forever have a prominent place in this university’s history.”

“We’re forever grateful to Dr. Curran’s exemplary service to the Morsani College of Medicine, USF, Tampa Bay, Florida and beyond,” said Charles J. Lockwood, MD, MHCM, senior vice president for USF Health and dean of the Morsani College of Medicine. “Dr. Curran’s incredible efforts to improve perinatal health have contributed to saving the lives of thousands of babies. His distinguished career has been vital to the Morsani College of Medicine’s rise to prominence. We’re blessed to have such an outstanding physician, teacher, servant leader and child advocate on our faculty.”

Dr. Curran reads to children at the USF Health’s Children’s Medical Services in 2008.

Dr. Curran began his career at USF in 1967. Since then, he’s made a tremendous impact on faculty, students and staff in various positions and capacities. Dr. Curran is one of the founding faculty members of the Morsani College of Medicine. In 1972, he helped establish the USF Division of Neonatology and the USF neonatology fellowship program.

As a faculty member and leader, Dr. Curran made significant contributions to the Department of Pediatrics at the Morsani College of Medicine. As a result, he was named the acting chairman of the department from 1987 to 1990. Under his leadership, the department became one of the largest and most innovative departments at USF.

“In his four decades of service to USF, Dr. Curran has held many roles and influenced the medical community throughout Tampa Bay, but no contribution is greater than his work with children,” said Patricia Emmanuel, MD, professor and chair of the Department of Pediatrics at the Morsani College of Medicine. “He has impacted the lives of thousands of children across the state. There is no child born with a chronic condition that is not touched by his legacy. The department of pediatrics is honored and thankful for his leadership and service.”

Following his role at the Department of Pediatrics, Dr. Curran joined the Dean’s office in various positions as the executive associate dean and associate dean for academic affairs overseeing all education programs. During that time, Dr. Curran also started the general pediatrics program in downtown Tampa and integrated Children’s Medical Services (CMS) case management with pediatric subspecialty services. He also helped develop innovative ideas for faculty development and promotion.

“Dr. Curran was notable for consistently giving sage advice,” said Steven C. Specter, PhD, associate dean for Alumni Relations and director of MD Career Advising. “He was always direct and honest, and I always knew he could be counted on if asked for help. USF loses one of the brightest, most influential faculty members in its 46-year history.”

Dr. Curran also held various positions at Tampa General Hospital (TGH) serving as the founding director of the neonatal intensive care unit from 1972 to 1987, and the chief of pediatrics at TGH from 1992 to 2001.

During his outstanding career, Dr. Curran expanded his service beyond the university and into the community locally, regionally and nationally. He was one of the core architects and passionate advocates for the Children’s Medical Services program in Florida — creating an exceptional network of pediatric medical specialists across the state to provide care and services for children with chronic conditions.

He was also one of the founders of the nationally award-winning Hillsborough County Health Plan for families that can’t afford traditional insurance coverage. His commitment towards the project for more than 20 years has been critical to the long-term success of the program. To this day, that program continues to provide primary and specialty care to thousands of uninsured individuals every year.

More recently, Dr. Curran co-founded and co-directed the Florida Perinatal Collaborative (FPQC) with William Sappenfield, MD, professor and chair of the Department of Community and Family Health at the USF College of Public Health.  FPQC’s evidence-based statewide initiatives are helping to transform the quality of care for pregnant women and newborns.

L to R: USF leaders of the Florida Perinatal Quality Collaborative include Linda Detman PhD, Department of Community and Family Health at the Chiles Center for Healthy Mothers and Babies; William Sappenfield, MD, MPH, director of the Chiles Center; and Dr. Curran, executive director of the FPQC.

“Dr. Curran’s leadership was instrumental in convening stakeholders in 2010 to agree to the establishment of FPQC — facilitating cooperation across maternal and infant health disciplines with a history of working in silos,” said Dr. Sappenfield. “Under his direction, the FPQC has worked with hospitals and health care providers across the state to reduce early elective deliveries, respond to obstetric hemorrhage and severe new-onset hypertension, reduce neonatal catheter associated blood stream infections, improve teamwork and delivery room processes during the first hour of life for very low birth weight and premature infants and increase the feeding of mother’s own milk to very low birth weight infants. Dr. Curran is passionate about improving the quality and safety of health care and he really set the course for the FPQC.  Simply put, the FPQC, and its success in improving the quality of health care for Florida’s mothers and infants, would not exist without him.”

Dr. Curran received numerous awards during his career. He was awarded the Distinguished Service Award from USF for his service and devotion to USF and the entire Tampa Bay community. He also received the Abraham Jacobi Award from the American Medical Association, the Lifetime Healthcare Hero Award, the Lawton Chiles Perinatal Award from the March of Dimes, and the Frederick A. Reddy, M.D. Memorial Award from the Hillsborough County Medical Association.

“Dr. Curran’s enthusiastic service has directly benefited our nation’s children by facilitating the development of legislation and programs that have improved pediatric health care delivery,” Dr. Lockwood said. “I am immensely grateful to Dr. Curran and his service. His legacy will be carried on by many USF medical students, residents and faculty who have benefitted from his compassionate leadership, wisdom and encouragement.”

Prior to joining USF, Dr. Curran served in the U.S. Air Force as a physician and chief of newborn services at the USAF hospital in Wiesbaden, West Germany. He entered the military reserves in 1972, but rejoined active duty during the Gulf War in the early 1990s. Dr. Curran achieved emeritus status from the Society of Air Force Flight Surgeons — receiving two Air Force Outstanding Medical Mobilization Augmentee awards. He retired as a full colonel in 1992 after 26 years of service.

Dr. Curran speaks after receiving recognition from Florida legislature for his work in 2007.

There is no doubt, Dr. Curran is a trailblazer and a champion of USF and USF Health. His legacy has impacted generations and will continue to transcend for many years and decades to come.

To celebrate his outstanding career and thank him for his tireless service, USF Health will hold a Dr. John S. Curran building designation ceremony with faculty, staff, leaders and friends at 3 p.m., Thursday, June 29 in the Children’s Medical Services (CMS) lobby, followed by a reception in the USF Health rotunda. In case of rain, the festivities will be held in the USF Health rotunda.

USF College of Nursing professor, John Clochesy, PhD, collaborates with engineers on virtual technology to help patients manage their own health.

Dr. Clochesy teamed up with researchers and engineers at University of Central Florida and Case Western University to design an interactive video game technology to help improve patient care.

John Clochesy, PhD, professor and senior assistant dean of the PhD program at the USF College of Nursing.

“The virtual support technology helps patients and caregivers become members of the team that manages their own health,” said Dr. Clochesy, who is also the senior assistant dean of the PhD program at the USF College of Nursing. “Interactions with health care providers are sometimes difficult, but if we give people a chance to practice in the virtual world without putting themselves at risk, maybe they would do better. The technology allows people to experience, learn from that experience and take whatever they learn into the clinical setting.”

Dr. Clochesy and his team created several virtual support technologies. The most recent versions are being evaluated in two different randomized controlled trials.

For the first study, Dr. Clochesy teamed up with Vicki Loerzel PhD, associate professor at UCF, to create a virtual game to help older adults manage their cancer symptoms. The study helps cancer patients better manage chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. This trial, which studies 66 participants, will be completed in 2018.

This version of the virtual game helps older adults manage their cancer symptoms.

For the second study, Dr. Clochesy partnered with Ronald L. Hickman, Jr., PhD, associate professor at the Case Western Reserve University, to help educate caregivers of chronically critically ill patients. This trial aims to help caregivers make informed decisions about critically ill patients at the end of life. This study is planned to be completed in 2020.

This version of the game aims to educate caregivers of the chronically critically ill patients.

The virtual support is developed using an avatar-based decision support technology fit for various digital platforms and devices. The risk-free technology helps improve self-management of chronic illness and health outcomes.

“Patients can learn in a virtual reality focusing on real-life events,” Dr. Clochesy said. “The game goes through different situations in various locations and settings where patients and caregivers can learn and practice at the same time. For example, after cancer patients go through chemotherapy, they are presented scenarios where patient-like avatars go into a drug store to get their medication or interact with pharmacists. The game also presents questions on the screen and asks the patients if they’re thirsty or if they need to take their medication – allowing the patient to not only watch but also interact.”

The two studies are funded by grants from National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR), a part of the National Institutes of Health. The researchers have also previously received funding from American Nurses’ Foundation, a program created by Sigma Theta Tau International.

The virtual support technology is not new. Dr. Clochesy and his team of interdisciplinary researchers initially developed the technology in 2009. Their previous studies were focused on an electronic self-management resource training platform called eSMART to help teach people how to better communicate with their health care providers.

The various adaptations of eSMART have shown significant improvements for people suffering with depression and high blood pressure. Since these studies began, Dr. Clochesy and his team have published more than 10 studies in major publications nationwide.

Dr. Clochesy hopes the new version of the virtual game shows similar improvements on cancer patents and decision makers for critically ill patients.

“Chronic illness is costing a fortune in this country,” Clochesy said. “The majority of the care is done by patients and families themselves. But, if they don’t do it well, they end up in the hospital — spending a lot of money. So, if we can teach people to better take care of themselves, we can have better health outcomes and we can also control health care costs.”

The technology appears promising. So, Dr. Clochesy hopes to eventually take the virtual support game to health facilities or home health agencies to help improve patients’ quality of life and help reduce health care costs.

Story and photos by Vjollca Hysenlika, USF Health Communications. 

The USF Health Morsani College of Medicine class of 2019 gathered for its student clinician ceremony at USF’s Center for Advanced Medical Learning and Simulation (CAMLS) on June 9. The ceremony marks the students’ official transition from the classroom into clinical training, and the halfway point of their journey to become medical doctors.

Members of the USF Morsani College of Medicine’s class of 2019 have officially reached the halfway point of their medical school journey.

The students celebrated the milestone during a student clinician ceremony on Friday, June 9, at USF’s Center for Advanced Medical Learning and Simulation (CAMLS) in downtown Tampa.

“Today’s ceremony signifies the importance of trust, accountability, collaboration and communication in doing the job,” said Charles J. Lockwood, MD, MHCM, USF Health senior vice president and Morsani College of Medicine dean.

Charles J. Lockwood, MD, MHCM, USF Health senior vice president and Morsani College of Medicine dean, speaks during the class of 2019’s student clinician ceremony.

During the ceremony, students honored five teaching residents with Humanism and Excellence in Teaching awards. Receiving the honor were:

Tanner Wright, MD – general surgery

Adam Fusick, MD – psychiatry and neurology

James Lee, MD – maternal newborn/inpatient pediatrics

Jacqueline Young, MD – internal medicine

Bailee Oliff, MD – general surgery

At the conclusion of the ceremony, students recited the Oath of Commitment, reaffirming their vows as medical students.

To conclude the student clinician ceremony, members of the USF Morsani College of Medicine’s class of 2019 recite the Oath of Commitment, reaffirming their oath as medical students.

“It’s very exciting to know that we’ve already gone through so much and we only have a little bit more to go,” said Catherine Divingian, a third-year medical student at MCOM.  “We’re learning how to function more as physicians and learning where we fit in as working members of the medical team.  I’m excited for what the future brings.”

Photos by Ryan Noone

For USF Health medical students, the transition from classroom to clinic begins at USF’s Center for Advanced Medical Learning and Simulation, where earlier this week, members of the class of 2019 practiced diagnosing and treating actors playing patients with a variety of ailments.

“Getting into the clinical setting and being there is a big step,” said Vinita Kiluk, MD, an assistant professor of pediatrics at USF’s Morsani College of Medicine and co-course coordinator. “Now they have to learn how to manage their time, be efficient when they’re seeing their patients and still be patient-centered. Then they have to go home and study.”

A group of third-year medical students interview a post-surgery patient to identify issues that are causing his ailment. The student deliberated in a different room following the interview to make a diagnosis.

The week-long Introduction to Clerkship course is designed to ease students into direct patient care, and highlight the importance of following hospital protocols procedures, by having them diagnose and prescribe treatments to actors playing patients in need of medical attention.

The course was divided into segments such as Basic Life Support, Clerkship Visits and Introduction to Hospitals, each of which was designed to familiarize students with the types of patient care scenarios and settings they will likely encounter in their medical careers.

During Introduction to Hospitals, students reviewed a fictional medical chart and conferred with one another before meeting with the “patient,” played by an actor, to learn more about his or her lifestyle, previous medical history and family medical history. After deliberating with an instructor, the students made their diagnoses. Once the instructors approved the diagnoses, the students met with the patients again to recommend future actions, such as lifestyle changes and medications.

Frederick Slone, MD, explains the path of a shock delivered to the heart during the Introduction to Clerkship course at CAMLS.

Among the scenarios during the course: a pediatric patient who displayed many of the symptoms linked to a middle-ear infection and a geriatric patient experiencing complications after surgery.

During each scenario, instructors constantly questioned and asked students to justify their diagnoses and treatment recommendations, thereby helping students develop the confidence they will need to succeed in a clinical environment.

“I love teaching this class. This is a great time to give the students little nuggets of information that they could use down the road,” said Deborah DeWaay, MD, FACP, co-coordinator of the course and associate dean of Undergraduate Medical Education at MCOM.  “This is also an important time to expose them to the professors and people who will help get them through the next two years of medical school.”

The Basic Life Support section is one of the courses the third-year medical school students must past in order to complete the Introduction to Clerkship course at CAMLS.

Student Catherine Divingian said she appreciated the challenges presented in the course and the real-world preparation it provides.

“It’s important for us as medical students to advocate for the patient and be sure the team is providing adequate care to the patient,” said Divingian.  “I’m very excited to be at this point in my education. I’ve learned so much from this course, and I’m happy to be part of it.”

The culmination of the week-long course will be today’s Student Clinician Ceremony at CAMLS, which officially marks the students’ transition into clinical training and the halfway point in their journey to become doctors.