Welcome to the Research Section of the USF Health Department of Emergency Medicine

The University of South Florida Health Morsani College of Medicine Department of Emergency Medicine Research Section is a leader in acute care and emergency medicine research. We strive to conduct innovative and rigorous investigations designed to advance patient care. We invite you to learn more about us, our mission and vision, and our numerous programs. Please consider how we might collaborate. We would love to hear from you.

Notable features of the Research Section

• Research leadership experienced in performing multiple types of research designs from concept, execution, analysis to publication
• Well-trained, highly motivated research team comprised of research coordinators, research assistants and research nurses
• Research staff present in the emergency department 24 hours/day, 7 days/week to conduct studies and perform follow-up
• Research faculty accomplished in designing and conducting research, collaborating with multi-disciplinary teams, and disseminating research findings
• Structured programs in research education, career advancement, and knowledge promotion and dissemination

Our Mission 

Our program supports a fully integrated, 24/7 research operation embedded directly within the emergency department. Dedicated research professionals work alongside clinical teams around the clock to identify eligible patients, enroll participants, and implement study protocols efficiently and ethically. This continuous presence allows studies involving drugs, devices, and procedures to be initiated at any time, without disrupting clinical care.

Through strategic use of the electronic medical record and close collaboration with frontline clinicians, USF Health Emergency Medicine Research ensures streamlined patient screening and enrollment while minimizing the operational burden on busy emergency department staff. This model enables high‑quality data collection and supports rapid study startup and execution.

Our Vision 

Our vision is to be a nationally distinguished emergency medicine research program that advances innovative clinical science, promotes translational discovery, and improves health outcomes. We strive to shape the future of emergency care across critical intersecting areas of research inquiries while leveraging strategic interdisciplinary partnerships and community engagement. We ultimately aim to catalyze new approaches to deliver quality care, enhance health access, and influence policy and practice.

USF Health and Tampa General Hospital Working Together 

The program works in close partnership with Tampa General Hospital and the Tampa General Hospital Office of Clinical Research, providing the infrastructure needed to conduct studies not only in the emergency department, but throughout a patient’s hospital stay when appropriate. This collaboration allows research teams to enroll and follow patients across service lines, supporting comprehensive acute care research from arrival through admission.

Education and Professional Development 

Education and mentorship are central to the mission of the Department of Emergency Medicine. Faculty, residents, students, and research staff are actively engaged in a wide range of scholarly activities—from introductory research experiences to leadership roles in complex clinical trials. This environment fosters innovation, professional development, and meaningful contributions to the future of emergency and acute care medicine.