Our History
USF Health & Education International Foundation
In its search for global academic opportunities for it students and faculty, USF Health found a marvelous opportunity in the country of Panama in Central America. USF Health leadership discovered that not only is Panama superior in its international and global initiatives in the region, but offers tremendous opportunities for education and research in almost every field, rich culture, social and economic diversity, booming economy, political stability and close proximity to the U.S.
In 2006, USF Health (then formally called the University of South Florida Health Sciences Center) established a permanent presence in Panama´s City of Knowledge. The USF Health presence in Panama is represented through a private, non-profit foundation called the USF Health & Education International Foundation.
Mission & Vision
Vision: To be the premier hub for U.S. international academic activities in Panama and throughout Latin America.
Mission: To expand education, research, training and professional development opportunities for students and faculty from USF and partner higher learning/research institutions, while promoting sustainable capacity building and education in Panama and the Latin American region.
Background of the City of Knowledge
Among the Foundation’s neighboring organizations at the City of Knowledge are:
- International Red Cross
- Organization of American States
- Nature Conservancy
- Organization of Iberoamerican States (OEI)
- UNESCO
- Regional UN House
- PanAmerican Health Organization’s (PAHO) Disaster Management offices
- Peace Corps offices
- INDICASAT
- Save the Children Foundation
- many other regional headquarters
"Creating greater access to continuing professional education, the International Foundation’s programs has a far reaching effect across the Americas. Continuing professional education is now more accessible to health professionals in private, public and non-profit health sectors than ever before through the Foundation’s courses, conferences, leadership development programs and other approaches."