Media contact:  Anne DeLotto Baier, USF Health Sciences Public Affairs, 813-974-3300 or abaier@hsc.usf.edu

USF names Dr. Enrico Camporesi new anesthesiology chair   Tampa, FL (Feb. 1, 2005)-      Enrico Camporesi, MD, has been appointed chair of the Department of Anesthesiology and associate dean for Clinical Practice at the University of South Florida College of Medicine, Stephen Klasko, MD, MBA, dean of the college and vice president for Health Sciences announced today. Dr. Camporesi will begin full time at USF no later than May

Dr. Enrico Camporesi, MD

One of the pioneers of hyperbaric research for diving accidents, Dr. Camporesi has been professor and chair of anesthesiology at the State University of New York (SUNY) Upstate Medical University in Syracuse since 1989.  He is a major figure in anesthesiology education, research and service, and will assist USF in ensuring a top-quality residency program.

            "Enrico Camporesi is one of the most respected anesthesiologists in America. He brings talent, experience and cutting-edge research to our community," Dr. Klasko said.

"Because of Dr. Camporesi's extensive experience in clinical practice development, I've also asked him to take an associate dean role in clinical practice operations. He will work with the Vice Dean for Clinical Affairs and the Executive Director of the USF Physicians Group to move our practice group into an era that will require increased efficiency, productivity and flexibility.  He clearly understands the research underpinnings of good education and clinical practice, and I look forward to his help in building excellence."

            "The University of South Florida is in a metropolitan area with a growing population, a thriving business community and high-tech companies," Dr. Camporesi said. "There are great opportunities for a Health Sciences Center to enhance its clinical and research programs in such a vibrant environment."

Born in Milan, Italy, Dr. Camporesi received his MD from the University of Milan and moved to the United States in 1972. He joined Duke University as a professor of anesthesiology in 1984, becoming director of research for anesthesiology and medical director of Duke's Hyperbaric Center. In 1990, he brought a hyperbaric medicine program to Central New York at SUNY Upstate, where he also developed subspecialty units in cardiac anesthesia, pediatric anesthesia and critical care anesthesia and built a foundation of successful research in the anesthesiology department.

Dr. Camporesi has received international recognition for his scientific work in applied physiology, hyperbaric medicine and anesthesia. He is the author of seven books, edited several major journals of undersea medicine, and published 178 peer-reviewed articles and chapters. He is the past president of the Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society.

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Responding to demand from Tampa's community leaders, the University of South Florida College of Medicine was established by the Florida Legislature in 1965. Part of the USF Health Sciences Center, doctors and researchers were awarded $116.6 million in grants and contracts last year. Providing advanced medical care, USF Physicians Group at the College of Medicine is the largest doctor group in West Central Florida offering expert medical care throughout Tampa Bay's finest hospitals such as Tampa General Hospital, James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital, Moffitt Cancer Center and All Children's Hospital. With a reputation for training high performing clinical physicians, the College is proud that more than half of its physician-graduates remain in Florida to practice medicine.