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, conducting innovative clinical studies that advance patient care where it matters most—at the point of urgent and emergent need.

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.

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.