The University of South Florida College of Medicine (COM), which includes the School of Physical Therapy, along with the Colleges of Nursing and Public Health, comprise the University of South Florida Health Sciences (HSC). The Health Sciences Center is based on the Tampa campus of the University of South Florida (USF), which, with over 43,000 students on four campuses, is one of the largest metropolitan universities in the Southeast and among the 20 largest universities in the United States. USF was designated as one of the state’s Research I institutions in 1998, largely because of its strength in health sciences research. In august 2006, USF Health was selected as the 20th and final member of the Institute for HealthCare Improvement, the first such member to include the powerful combination of medicine, nursing and public health.
The COM was established by the Florida Legislature in 1965, and enrolled its charter class in 1971. The College offers doctoral programs in Medicine (MD), Medical Sciences (PhD), and Physical Therapy (DPT) and is fully accredited by the Liaison Committee for Medical Education. Several dual degree programs are also available, including the MD/PhD, MD/MBA, and MD/MPH. Multiple Masters Degree programs are offered.
Since its establishment, more than 2600 students have graduated the COM with the Doctor of Medicine Degree, 197 students have received degrees in Medical Science; and 100 students have received Master of Science degrees in Physical Therapy. Additionally, approximately 500 physicians enroll in resident physician training at USF-affiliated programs each year, selecting among our 45 American Council on Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) accredited residencies and 21 fellowship programs. The majority of those who complete medical education and/or residency training at USF remain in the state to care for its citizens. The Tampa Bay community has been substantially enriched by USF educated health professionals and by the patient care and outreach programs of the Colleges of Medicine, Nursing and Public Health.
The USF Physicians Group (USFPG) includes approximately 400 physicians and approximately 125 other practitioners, including advanced registered nurse practitioners and physical therapists. Specialties include anesthesiology, emergency medicine, family medicine, oncology, internal medicine, neurology, neurosurgery, obstetrics and gynecology, ophthalmology, otolaryngology, pathology, pediatrics, physical therapy, physical medicine and rehabilitation, psychiatry, radiology and surgery.
Scientific discovery and the application of knowledge are valued endeavors at the COM, with learners at all levels having the opportunity to participate in research activities. College faculty are involved in interdisciplinary research in fields including cancer; brain disease and repair, such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases, and stroke; aging studies; cardiovascular disease; children’s health; patient safety; cell therapy; and infectious diseases and biodefense. Research space is available on the College campus, at the adjacent Moffitt Research Center and at the Children’s Research Institute in St. Petersburg.
The COM is proud of its history of serving the community and the State in terms of education, service and research. Through creativity, innovation, passion and clear vision, the COM strives to build on these past successes and develop even greater strength in the future.
Blueprint for Strategic Action
Today, the College’s mission and mandate have grown, as evidenced by innovation in education, enhancement of patient care and advancement of targeted research. As a result, the College is critical to the strategic planning of the University as a whole and, in fact, must lead the University to achieve its aspirations in research prominence. The College is also critical to the success of USF Health, the inter-professional collaboration of medicine, physical therapy, nursing and public health. The College has mapped out a Blueprint for Strategic Action to ensure that its creativity, passion and innovation are applied toward strategic growth.
The Blueprint for Strategic Action articulates five initiatives:
- Creative Educational Models based on a competency driven approach using an integrated methodology to teach the foundations of medicine while carefully developing and assessing clinical skills.
- Entrepreneurial Academic Initiatives leading to the development of creative and innovative models for patient care with collaboration among University physicians, community physicians and hospitals and health care systems.
- Research Really Matters as demonstrated by the commitment to focused resources, recruitment and direction to achieve national prominence.
- True Integration focusing on interdisciplinary opportunities and initiatives across departments and Colleges within USF Health and across the University.
- National Prominence as demonstrated by recognition of innovative educational practices and quality patient care, achievement of competitive, peer reviewed research funding and publications, and identification of the College as a role-model in multi-disciplinary and inter-disciplinary endeavors.
Administrative Officers
Faculty Council
Student Council
