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Hundreds of faculty, staff and students celebrated the Sept. 27 official launch of USF Health, an enterprise dedicated to making life better by improving health in the wider environment, in communities and for individuals.

The first USF Health Convocation culminated more than a year of work by 200 faculty, staff and students who worked in focus groups, in committees and on initiatives advancing the integration of the Colleges of Medicine, Nursing and Public Health and School of Physical Therapy.

"We've talked about new levels of quality, service, safety and the continuum of care," Stephen Klasko, MD, MBA, dean of the College of Medicine and vice president for USF Health said to the audience that filled the USF Health Auditorium. "Most importantly, this celebration is a recognition that all our resources and strengths need to be shared to improve the health of our population."

Patricia Burns, PhD, RN, FAAN, dean of the College of Nursing; William "Sandy" Quillen, PT, PhD, director of the School of Physical Therapy; and Donna Petersen, MHS, ScD, dean of the College of Public Health, spoke about the impact of USF Health in research, education and healthcare. Teaching and learning together sets the stage for health professionals to practice together – collaboration essential for solving increasingly complex health problems. 

Keynote speaker Michael McGinnis, MD, MPP, senior scholar at the Institute of Medicine, said the solutions to health problems will not be found solely behind clinic doors, in laboratories, at the hospital bedside, or in classrooms. "As we've gained a clearer understanding of how health and disease are determined for individuals and societies… we've begun to realize the solutions will not be found independently, but through communication and partnerships.

"Never lose sight of the possible," Dr. McGinnis said. "USF Health has the potential to chart a new course… the vigor and leadership to change how health is taught in your community, in Florida and to set the pace for how health is taught at the national level."

USF's strategic initiatives to enhance diversity were addressed by Ted Williams, PhD, associate vice president for USF Diversity and Equal Opportunity and associate dean at the USF College of Medicine. Cynthia Selleck, DSN, ARNP, director of the USF Area Health Education Center, spoke about accomplishments and plans of the USF Health Diversity Initiative.

The convocation concluded with comments by USF Provost Renu Khator, PhD, who said USF Health's collaborative focus on the full continuum of health helps position the university as it strives to become a top 50 public research university.

Following the convocation, participants enjoyed a picnic lunch sponsored by the Diversity Planning Committee in the grandiose new lobby greeting visitors to USF Health.