USF Health Morsani College of Medicine and Heart Institute Archives - USF Health News https://hscweb3.hsc.usf.edu/blog/tag/usf-health-morsani-college-of-medicine-and-heart-institute/ USF Health News Fri, 09 Dec 2022 14:06:08 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.5.3 Class of 2026 medical students receive first white coats https://hscweb3.hsc.usf.edu/blog/2022/09/08/class-of-2026-medical-students-receive-first-white-coats/ Fri, 09 Sep 2022 03:51:10 +0000 https://hscweb3.hsc.usf.edu/?p=37078 Friends and families filled the Straz Center for the Performing Arts in Tampa to officially welcome the 177 newest USF Health Morsani College of Medicine (MCOM) students during […]

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The USF Health Morsani College of Medicine Class of 2026 White Coat Ceremony.

Friends and families filled the Straz Center for the Performing Arts in Tampa to officially welcome the 177 newest USF Health Morsani College of Medicine (MCOM) students during the Class of 2026 White Coat Ceremony.

This cohort of medical students represent MCOM’s most academically competitive and one of the most diverse cohorts in college history.  The class had an average MCAT score that ranked in the 95th percentile* nationally, a record high 3.91 average GPA*, and 18% of students come from groups that have traditionally been considered underrepresented minorities.

Special guests for the momentous occasion included:

  • Rhea Law, University of South Florida system president
  • John Couris, Tampa General Hospital president and chief executive officer
  • Frank Morsani, namesake and long-standing supporters to MCOM, USF Health, and the University of South Florida

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

Kicking off the ceremony was Charles J. Lockwood, MD, MHCM, USF Health executive vice president and MCOM dean.  He spoke to students about what it means to be a physician and remembering to always hold on to your motivation to be a doctor.

“The physician’s life is a noble one, but it is not an easy one.  There will be times when you’re overwhelmed, frustrated, and doubt your abilities. They will span your career.  But, the passion and perseverance, grit and determination that got you here will see you though.  So, keep your eyes on the higher purpose.” said Dr. Lockwood. “Patient care is at the center of all we do.  You have chosen a career in medicine because of your desire to help people and you must never lose sight of that motivation.”

Elham Yousef, MD, Tampa General Hospital associate chief medical officer and vice president of medical affairs.

Following Lockwood was Elham Yousef, MD, TGH associate chief medical officer, vice president of medical affairs, and nationally recognized expert in patient safety.  Her remarks focused on the high expectations of wearing the white coat.

“The expectations of the white coat are enormous as you are privileged to care for other humans during the most difficult and vulnerable times of their lives and their families’ lives.  The privilege comes with the great responsibility of professionalism, ethics, and integrity.  In return, you will get the deepest and greatest satisfaction of your lives,” said Dr. Yousef. “I will take great pride in seeing you in the hallways of Tampa General Hospital.  Your journey will continue, and you will continue to accomplish much more in the future as you serve in the role as physician and become true difference-making doctors.

David Dunning, executive director of the James A Haley Veteran’s Hospital and Clinics in Tampa.

David Dunning, executive director of the James A Haley Veteran’s Hospital and Clinics in Tampa, took the stage after Yousef.  The JAH is currently celebrating their 50th anniversary and long-standing partnership with USF Health.  Dunning emphasized to the students that the VA is available to help them throughout their medical school journey.

“The journey you are undertaking is not one you are doing alone.  There are 5,600 of the most dedicated health care professionals in the world at the Tampa VA and more at our partner facilities, and we stand ready to support you every step of the way,” said Dunning.  “Remember, the joy is in the journey, not the destination.”

Jody Wellcome, MCOM fourth-year medical student.

The class also heard from fourth-year medical student, Jody Wellcome.  She gave advice to the students that she has accumulated over her four years of medical school.

“You are all incredibly brilliant with so much to offer.  But not one of you nor your journeys are the same.  While there are plenty of people and resources at your disposal, remember that medicine is not a ‘one size fits all’, said Jody Wellcome.  “You have a whole community behind you ready to lend a helping hand.  Be mindful of one another, take care of each other, and celebrate each other.”

Bri Anne McKeon, MD, MCOM Obstetrics and Gynecology assistant professor.

Last to speak was Bri Anne McKeon, MD, MCOM Obstetrics and Gynecology assistant professor.  She spoke to the students about the meaning of the white coat and the responsibility that comes with it.

“Today’s white coat ceremony welcomes you into your medical training.  You’ve worked hard to get here.  If you do it right, you will continue to work hard to fill the responsibility and privilege given to you,” said Dr. McKeon.  “You are now part of a community of medical students, residents, and attendings who have come before you and will walk with you as you are on this journey.”

Her words were the perfect transition to the highlight of the ceremony.  Small groups of students were called center stage for preceptors, teachers and mentors put their first white coat on their shoulders, officially making them part of the USF Health family.  To wrap up the ceremony, Deborah DeWaay, MD, FACP, MCOM associate dean for Undergraduate Medical Education, led the students in the Oath of Commitment.

Groups of student received their first white coats in front of friends and family.

Fun facts about the class of 2026:

177 students – 121 CORE, 56 SELECT

54% Female, 46% Male

18% Under-represented minorities

Undergraduate Education:  58% Out of State, 42% In State

3.91 average GPA*

518 median MCAT score (95th percentile nationally)*

Primary Undergraduate Majors:  50 – Biology, 23 – Biomedical Science, 13 – Biochemistry and Neuroscience (tied)

More photos from the event:

 

*This story was updated with more current info that includes MCAT scores, national percentile ranking, and GPAs.

Story and photos by Freddie Coleman, USF Health Communications and Marketing



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MCOM and Heart Institute home to future of medical libraries https://hscweb3.hsc.usf.edu/blog/2022/06/14/mcom-and-heart-institute-home-to-future-of-medical-libraries/ Wed, 15 Jun 2022 02:39:10 +0000 https://hscweb3.hsc.usf.edu/?p=36575 When the new USF Health Morsani College of Medicine and Heart Institute opened in 2020 as a medical school of the future, it was equally important to include […]

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The Florida Blue Health Knowledge Exchange, located in the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine and Heart Institute features an interactive MultiTaction wall.

When the new USF Health Morsani College of Medicine and Heart Institute opened in 2020 as a medical school of the future, it was equally important to include a library meant for the future, as well.

Thus, The Florida Blue Health Knowledge Exchange (FBHKE) was born.

Located on the second-floor mezzanine, the Knowledge Exchange is nearly completely digital –with no shelves lined with books – that expands the research and education support of the Shimberg Library, located at the USF Health campus in north Tampa.

Some of the features of the Knowledge Exchange are a large-scale video visualization wall for multimedia presentations, an executive reading room, computers available to the public, an IT help desk, and space for technology demonstrations and recording lectures.

Distance learning students, and staff across multiple USF Health campuses can take advantage of the digital database as well.  The state-of-the art, world-class library features more than 4,500 online research journals and 4,500 electronic books, including the New England Journal of Medicine, the oldest and one of the most prestigious peer-reviewed medical journals.

Library specialists like Courtney Bates-Walker are there to help students, staff and physicians navigate the futuristic library.

The 5,000-square-foot space is also available to Taneja College of Pharmacy students, Heart Institute researchers, USF Health and Tampa General Hospital physicians and patients, and the downtown and greater Tampa community.  Dedicated research librarians play several roles within the library and college, and often go into lecture halls, collegia spaces, and other study areas to meet with students.

“This is truly a place made to support discovery, engagement and collaboration,” said Rose Bland, assistant vice president of the USF Health Libraries and assistant dean at MCOM. “Resources are available 24/7, so we are available whenever our students and faculty are.  Libraries are changing for what students need today so, while there are some quiet spaces, the Knowledge Exchange is meant to be a place where people meet and collaborate.”

“Keeping pace with the rapidly evolving world of health data and technology is critical in today’s healthcare environment,” said Pat Geraghty, Florida Blue chief executive officer, in 2017 after giving a $1 million gift to support the Knowledge Exchange. “The Florida Blue Health Knowledge Exchange is aptly named as it will serve that goal by facilitating more information sharing and collaboration among students, health professionals and entrepreneurs.  USF and the Tampa Bay community are well positioned to be a center of health knowledge and learning.  We are very proud to be a part of this public facility, which aligns so closely with our own mission of helping people and communities achieve better health.”



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Topping off celebrates milestone in construction of new USF Health Morsani College of Medicine and Heart Institute https://hscweb3.hsc.usf.edu/blog/2018/11/14/topping-off-celebrates-milestone-in-construction-of-the-usf-health-morsani-college-of-medicine-and-heart-institute/ Thu, 15 Nov 2018 00:08:43 +0000 https://hscweb3.hsc.usf.edu/?p=26689 //www.youtube.com/watch?v=R-yUgH33P2A On a warm, breezy November day, an 800-pound white beam was slowly lifted skyward by a construction crane, marking another milestone in USF’s history – the topping […]

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//www.youtube.com/watch?v=R-yUgH33P2A

On a warm, breezy November day, an 800-pound white beam was slowly lifted skyward by a construction crane, marking another milestone in USF’s history – the topping off of the 13-story USF Health Morsani College of Medicine and Heart Institute in downtown Tampa.

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A construction crew hoisted the 20-foot long, 800-pound beam into the air and and placed it on top the 13-story Morsani College of Medicine and Heart Institute building in downtown Tampa.

Below, as the USF Fight Song played on, a crowd of university and community leaders, elected officials, faculty and medical students – with cell phone cameras aimed skyward — watched the ascent of the beam bearing a green USF Bulls topiary and gently flapping flags on either end.  Many had earlier signed the steel beam at the Nov. 14 topping-off celebration, an event traditionally held when the last beam is placed, signifying completion of the building’s exterior structure.

The beam was placed at the top of the 13-story, 395,000-square-foot building shortly before noon, culminating the morning’s topping-off program held under a tent in Water Street Tampa, a $3-billion real estate development by Strategic Property Partners (SPP), the joint venture of Jeff Vinik and Cascade Investments, LLC.   USF Health’s iconic building, scheduled to open in late 2019, is a key anchor for SPP’s transformative downtown waterfront district.

From left: Calvin Williams, USF System vice president for administrative services; USF System President Judy Genshaft; and Dr. Charles Lockwood, senior vice president for USF Health and dean of the Morsani College of Medicine.

“Today we are celebrating a momentous occasion — the topping-off of one of the most significant projects ever to be completed in USF System history,” said USF System President Judy Genshaft.

“This project belongs to all of us, and would not be possible if it were not for the incredible support of visionary Tampa Bay and state leaders.  It is staggering in its impact — in terms of academic, research and economic significance.”

Guests gathered under a tent set up in the heart of Water Street Tampa for the topping-off celebration.

Once complete, the building will house more than 1,800 students, faculty, researchers and staff — equipping them with world-class labs, technologically advanced lecture halls and learning spaces, and research facilities to help shape the next generations of physicians and pioneer new discoveries for cardiovascular health.

The new state-of-the-art hub for medical education and research is located in close proximity to USF’s primary teaching hospital, Tampa General Hospital, and its world-class Center for Advanced Medical Learning and Simulation (CAMLS) facility.  It will be a key driver of economic activity for the Tampa Bay area by helping to generate a substantial increase in research grant funding, attract new biotechnology companies to the region and position USF to move up in the U.S. News & World Report rankings.

Dr. Lockwood signs the beam before the topping-off celebration in Water Street Tampa.

Charles J. Lockwood, MD, senior vice president for USF Health and dean of the Morsani College of Medicine, said the new building has been designed with a new generation of physicians and other health professionals in mind – and is already attracting top talent.  USF’s incoming class of medical students in fall 2018 was its most competitive ever, with the highest median MCAT score in the state of Florida, according to the Association of American Medical Colleges.

“Medical knowledge is doubling every 73 days, so how do you prepare students for a world like that?” Dr. Lockwood said.  “You don’t memorize textbooks anymore; you have to be able to curate knowledge, understand it and apply it appropriately at the point of care.

“This building will be an extraordinary gem for the community and medicine in general. We will push the boundaries of medical knowledge and keep pace with its rapid expansion.”

Among those attending the celebration were university benefactors Frank and Carol Morsani, for whom the USF medical college is named. Frank Morsani told those in the audience that they had the unique opportunity of a lifetime to be part of the city of Tampa’s transformation over the last two decades.

USF benefactor Frank Morsani was among the speakers. USF’s medical college is named after Frank and his wife Carol.

“Not only is today a celebration of this university and medical school but, ladies and gentlemen, it’s a celebration for this community and city,” Morsani said. “Carol and I hope that this school of medicine will continue the transformation and philanthropy necessary for the growth of our community.”

Then with his voice choking back emotion, he added: “As we stroll hand in hand into the sunset of our lives, we are proud, honored and humbled to have this school of medicine as our legacy.”

First-year medical student Tampa Hutchens represented his fellow students at the podium, sharing their enthusiasm for the new downtown MCOM and Heart Institute.  They will be among the first occupants of the building when it opens.

First-year USF medical student Tampa Hutchens represented his classmates at the podium.

“My classmates and I are extremely happy about this new building, the resources it will have to offer, and the chance to pioneer our medical education with new facilities that enhance our research and learning experiences  — not to mention the view,” said Hutchens, who received his bachelor’s degree in biomedical sciences from USF and was “so excited” to be accepted to medical school here.

“The Morsani College of Medicine stands ready to transform its students into the kind of medical professionals we want to see in our clinics, in our hospitals and in our time of need – the compassionate, talented, patient-centered people who will improve the health of Tampa Bay and its surrounding communities.”

The event included the unveiling of a rendering of USF Health Heart Institute Weatherford Family Atrium in honor of Will Weatherford, former Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives, and his family.

Will Weatherford with wife Courtney (right) near the rendering of the USF Health Heart Institute Weatherford Family Atrium unveiled at the topping-off celebration.

Weatherford played a key role in helping champion the relocation of the MCOM and Heart Institute downtown and secure initial funding for the building, and he remains an advocate for the project.  “Our family feels blessed and honored to play a small role in the incredible transformation of our community and of this university, and in this real estate project that will forever change the way downtown Tampa looks,” he said.

Representatives from SPP and Skanska, the firm building the MCOM and Heart Institute in Water Street Tampa, also spoke at the topping-off celebration. (The project’s architect is HOK.)

James Nozar, chief executive officer for Strategic Property Partners, spoke on behalf of Jeff Vinik. The new MCOM and Heart Institute building is a key anchor of Water Street Tampa, the $3-billion real estate development by SPP, the joint venture of Vinik and Cascade Investments, LLC.

Water Street Tampa will be the world’s first WELL-certified district, and the Morsani College of Medicine and Heart Institute are a vital part of that health and wellness initiative, said James Nozar, chief executive officer of SPP, who spoke on behalf of Jeff Vinik.

“The partnership with USF has been very important to SPP,” Nozar said. “It’s bringing all these great minds downtown to be part of the ecosystem we’re working to create here in Water Street Tampa. Having 2,000 or so students, faculty and researchers downtown is an incredible opportunity…  A lot of of the office tenants and retail people we’re speaking with are interested in being near that. We’re designing residential facilities with that in mind.”

Tracy Hunt (right), vice president of operations for Skanska U.S.A, with USF Foundation CEO Joel Momberg, who served as master of ceremonies for the event.

“Our team’s mission is to deliver a state-of-the-art building that will benefit the Tampa Bay community for years to come,” said Tracy Hunt, vice president of operations for Skanska U.S.A. “As strong as the steel (reinforcing the building) is, the building’s real strength is all of you.”

What they said:

Bryan Bognar, MD, vice dean of Educational Affairs for the Morsani College of Medicine, watches as the beam is lifted to the top of the new building.

“This is a once-in-a-generation transformational moment. In my 30 years with USF, this moment is a bit surreal. We’ve been saying that this place is a diamond in the rough. Well, now it’s in full view – cut, polished and brilliant.”
-Bryan Bognar, MD, MPH, FACP
Vice Dean for Educational Affairs USF Health Morsani College of Medicine

“I always hoped this day would come. It took a lot of people doing a lot of work, and who believed in the vision. This is truly a partnership that will reap benefits to USF and the City of Tampa for decades to come.”
– Bob Buckhorn, City of Tampa Mayor

City of Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn with USF medical student Liz Lafranchise and USF mascot Rocky D. Bull.

“This is definitely a game changer, certainly for top students and faculty for years to come.”
-Mark Moseley, MD
Chief Clinical Officer, USF Health and Chief Medical Officer, USF Health
Associate Dean for Clinical Affairs, Morsani College of Medicine

“To have seen this building come from an idea to where it is today is so gratifying. And the presence of this building here today is stunning.”
– Hal Mullis, USF Trustee

“It’s thrilling to see USF expand its footprint in such a meaningful way. It’s great to be a part of all of this. In all of the planning, it was critical to be inclusive. We planned this college of medicine for its occupants, but it’s really for all of USF Health. We are making sure we get in the building on time and that everyone has a voice.”
-Carole Post
Associate Vice President, USF Health
Chief Administrative Officer, USF Health
Chief Executive Officer, HPCC/CAMLS

Kevin Sneed, PharmD (right), dean of the USF College of Pharmacy, on a recent tour of the USF Health building under construction in downtown Tampa.

“This is not just about the medical school or the Heart Institute. It’s about every community that wants to build a workforce.”
-Kevin Sneed, PharmD
Senior Associate Vice President, USF Health
Dean, College of Pharmacy

“Now that we can see the building, we are even more excited to fill its space with our Heart Institute teams. The people we’re recruiting are very impressed with the whole project and eager to get to USF.”
Sam Wickline, MD
Professor of Cardiology, Director of the USF Health Heart Institute

The new Morsani College of Medicine and Heart Institute facility is scheduled to open in late 2019.

USF Health Morsani College of Medicine and Heart Institute by the numbers:

50 percent – Rise in USF medical school applications since the facility was announced

1,800 – Anticipated students, faculty, researchers and staff who will occupy the building

$2.35 to $2.60 — Amount that every $1 in National Institutes of Health (NIH) research funding adds to the local economy (Not including the potential for increased economic activity from biotech, pharmaceutical companies and USF start-ups)

31 – NIH funded cardiovascular faculty researchers to work at Heart Institute, more than half already recruited

$28 million – Projected increase in NIH research funding generated by the Heart Institute alone within five years.

$66 – $73 million – Expected yearly economic activity driven by the Heart Institute

47,000 tons – Amount of concrete used to build the facility, comparable to the weight of 155 Boeing 747 jets.

2.5 million linear feet – Amount of rebar used to reinforce the structure, equivalent to nearly 500 miles, or the approximate distance from Tampa to Atlanta.

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=TCaPVmOkbcg

A commemorative gift from the topping-off celebration included a piece of reinforcement steel like that used to reinforce the building’s auditorium, and reads: The Building’s Real Strength is You.

Learn more about the project and its progress at www.usf.edu/waterstreet, including a live feed of construction available here.

-Sarah Worth contributed to this story
-USF Health video by Torie M. Doll, and photos by Eric Younghans and Freddie Coleman, USF Health Communications and Marketing
-USF video, drone images, and additional photos by Ryan Noone and Sandra C. Roa, University Communications and Marketing

 



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New $1 million gift supports student center at USF in Water Street Tampa https://hscweb3.hsc.usf.edu/blog/2018/08/21/new-1-million-gift-supports-student-center-at-usf-in-water-street-tampa/ Tue, 21 Aug 2018 23:12:47 +0000 https://hscweb3.hsc.usf.edu/?p=25960 USF System President Judy Genshaft and her husband, Steven Greenbaum, have furthered their philanthropic tradition at the University of South Florida, giving $1 million to support the USF […]

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USF System President Judy Genshaft and her husband, Steven Greenbaum, have furthered their philanthropic tradition at the University of South Florida, giving $1 million to support the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine and Heart Institute building now under construction in Water Street Tampa. To honor the gift made this spring, the USF Board of Trustees has approved the naming of the Genshaft Greenbaum Student Center on the second floor of the new facility.

Conceptual rendering of the student center named in honor of USF System President Judy Genshaft and her husband Steven Greenbaum. The center is located on the second floor of the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine and Heart Institute building now under construction in Water Street Tampa.

The Genshaft Greenbaum Student Center encompasses the public concourse of the building, welcoming visitors and connecting a 400-seat auditorium, 100-seat café, the Florida Blue Health Knowledge Exchange, and a USF Health bookstore.

“Co-locating our medical school and heart institute in the vibrant urban area of Tampa is attracting more top-tier students,” said Genshaft. “This world-class learning, research and training environment will better prepare our future doctors, power new discoveries, and have a lasting impact on our community.”

The new 13-story building will allow approximately 1,800 students, faculty and staff to work and study along the downtown waterfront as a key anchor of Water Street Tampa. The move brings the medical school closer to its primary clinical sites Tampa General Hospital, CAMLS and the USF Health South Tampa Center.

“On behalf of the board, I want to thank President Genshaft and her husband Steve, who – through their consistent giving – have changed the trajectory of student success, the brand, faculty, and the standard of excellence at the University of South Florida,” said Board of Trustees Chair Brian Lamb upon the board’s approval of the naming of the student center in the couple’s honor on June 12.

Steve Greenbaum and USF System President Judy Genshaft

“Their tremendous generosity and leadership is so inspirational to all of us at USF Health, and ensures that our students will have the best resources and facilities,” said Dr. Charles Lockwood, senior vice president of USF Health and dean of the Morsani College of Medicine. “I am truly grateful for President Genshaft and Mr. Greenbaum’s gift.”

Genshaft and Greenbaum also gave $1 million to support the USF Football Center, where the Genshaft Greenbaum Plaza will be named in their honor. Over the past 18 years Genshaft has served as president of the University of South Florida, the couple has become one of the System’s top donors, making major gifts to a number of areas including scholarships, graduate fellowships, and study abroad.

“Once again, Judy and Steve have set an amazing example through their personal philanthropy,” said USF Foundation CEO Joel Momberg. “I can’t think of another university president anywhere who has built such an impressive legacy of leadership and giving.”

-Story by Davina Gould, USF Health Development and Alumni Relations



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Economic Development: USF in Water Street Tampa creates ripple effect https://hscweb3.hsc.usf.edu/blog/2018/07/13/economic-development-usf-in-water-street-tampa-creates-ripple-effect/ Fri, 13 Jul 2018 20:45:25 +0000 https://hscweb3.hsc.usf.edu/?p=25601 Emails are coming in about biotech start-ups, applications are pouring in from high-caliber students, powerhouse researchers are inquiring about opportunities, research funding has gone up, property values are […]

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The new USF Health Morsani College of Medicine and Heart Institute, shown here under construction in June 2018, will open late 2019.

Emails are coming in about biotech start-ups, applications are pouring in from high-caliber students, powerhouse researchers are inquiring about opportunities, research funding has gone up, property values are on the upswing, and condos and apartments are rising across the urban core.

These are tangible upticks attesting that something big is happening in Tampa – even while that something is still under construction.

The USF Health Morsani College of Medicine and Heart Institute is building a new facility in the heart of burgeoning downtown Tampa and will be a primary anchor in the $3 billion real estate development – Water Street Tampa – by Strategic Property Partners, the joint venture between Jeff Vinik and Cascade Investment, LLC.

From left, USF System President Judy Genshaft, Frank and Carol Morsani, and Dr. Charles Lockwood, senior vice president for USF Health and dean of the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine, were among those who recently toured the construction site for USF in Water Street Tampa.

When the project kicked off several years ago, talk was hot about the potential a medical school and cardiovascular research institute in the urban core would have on the entire region. Biotechnology, pharmaceutical, biomedical engineering, translational research, biomanufacturing – these are among the forward-thinking buzzwords that painted the vision.

But today, talk has shifted from potential to more tangible, offering stronger hints of the true ripple effect expected.

University and community leaders shared their insights on some early indicators of success, giving us all a glimpse of the economic impact ahead.


“What they’re saying …

Craig J. Richard, president and CEO, Tampa Hillsborough
Economic Development Corporation:

“I’m happy to say that, with the announcement that USF is building a medical school in downtown, it has certainly helped us in promoting Tampa’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. When I arrived on the scene a couple of years ago, there was already some buzz. Now the buzz has accelerated. It makes it easier for us as an organization and for our employers to attract top talent. Spin offs that could result from entrepreneurial collaborations at the medical school would have a beneficial effect on our life sciences, health care and technology industries.”

 

Judy Genshaft, USF System president:

“We are creating a world-class learning, research and training environment. We already know how much this exciting future appeals to the best and the brightest. Since this project was first announced in 2014, applications to our College of Medicine are up by 60 percent. And our incoming students have achieved the highest MCAT scores of all Florida universities. And our Heart Institute is attracting world-class experts. In addition to the outstanding research that will take place there, the Heart Institute is going to have a major economic impact – we expect it to drive between $66 and $73 million in local economic activity annually.”

 

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

“We’ve almost doubled the total research grant dollars that the medical school received since I arrived four years ago. Our national rankings have dramatically improved. I also get a sense of the excitement just from the emails I’ve been getting from folks who are very interested in this project, interested in relocating here … It’s really drawing attention nationally … The payoff of this project probably won’t be fully realized for a decade, but the immediate impact is significant. Every $1 of National Institutes of Health funding we can bring to the Heart Institute will generate about $2.60 in local economic activity. That will happen almost immediately. We’re talking about $72 million a year within the next five years being generated in the Tampa Bay area just from the research brought into the heart institute. But that doesn’t begin to measure the impact when we think about the creation of patents, licensing fees, biotech companies, whether we start them or they come in to be part of this project. With that, we’re talking about hopefully hundreds of millions of dollars of economic impact.”

 

Samuel Wickline, MD, director, USF Health Heart Institute:

“We are already attracting very qualified individuals who are doing very exciting things in many different areas in cardiac research … I’ve been talking to a number of individuals who are interested in getting ideas out of the bench and into clinical practice. It’s fairly early in the game right now.  Tampa hasn’t had those sorts of investment opportunities … I’ve been talking to a large swath of individuals who might be interested in providing those types of funds for biotech start-ups. The heart institute was meant to be that kind of an attractor.”

 

Bob Buckhorn, mayor, City of Tampa:

“I don’t have to sell often and hard because people now are talking about us. Tampa has become that place that everyone is talking about. Inevitably, when I go tell the story, they come to me and say ‘Hey, what’s going on down there?’ … People are like, ‘What in the heck are you people doing there, because all we hear about is Tampa?’ And I’m like, ‘Yeah, we are good. Come on down and see it.’ ”

 

 

Carol and Frank Morsani, for whom the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine is named, ride a golf cart en route to a construction site tour of USF in Water Street Tampa.

The new state-of-the-art facility housing the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine and Heart Institute is rising out of the ground at the corner of Meridian Avenue and Channelside Drive in downtown Tampa.

Frank Morsani in the emerging building, with downtown Tampa’s skyline in the background.

The new USF Health Morsani College of Medicine and Heart Institute will be a primary anchor for Strategic Property Partners’ $3 billion Water Street Tampa development.

Learn more about USF in Water Street Tampa by visiting usf.edu/waterstreet.

-Drone aerial photo by Sandra C. Roa and Ryan Noone, USF Communications and Marketing
-Construction site photos by Eric Younghans, USF Health Communications and Marketing 



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