From Dr. Kira Zwygart, associate dean of the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine Office of Student Affairs regarding the Class of 2027 White Coat Ceremony:

Dear class of 2027,

I just want to let you know that given the timing of hurricane Idalia and its projected path, the location of the Convention Center on the water, as well as the closure of the Tampa airport, we will need to move the date of the White Coat Ceremony.

The Convention Center has given us a couple of alternate dates based on availability for the next few months, ranging from next week to early October. We are actively exploring all options and taking into account your academic calendar along with major events scheduled for the downtown Tampa area.

We anticipate making a determination within the next 24 hour as we continue to work closely with University leadership and the Convention Center to make the best decision possible. 

We notify you as soon as a decision is made.

Dr. Zwygart

Family medicine, considered the oldest and broadest subspecialty of medicine, plays a critical role in maintaining community health and access to care. In fact, 90 percent of primary care doctors are family physicians, providing care of a wide range of ailments and conditions from newborns to seniors.

Eric Coris, MD

Eric Coris, MD, professor and chair of the Department of Family Medicine in the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine, said that family physicians significantly enhance overall health outcomes, particularly for patients from underserved populations.

Aspiring doctors echo this sentiment. Kirtan Patel, a fourth year Morsani College of Medicine student, emphasizes his commitment to the community: “Free clinic work is crucial. It provides a place for the underinsured and uninsured in the community to receive medical care.”

However, the United States – and especially a state like Florida — faces a severe shortage of primary care doctors, posing a serious healthcare challenge. The Association of American Medical Colleges estimates that the country will need an additional 55,000 primary care physicians over the next 10 years to keep up with demand.

To counteract this shortage, USF Health and Tampa General Hospital are joining forces to offer a Family Medicine residency position starting in July 2025. Dr. Coris underlined the necessity of these residency programs, saying, “These programs play a pivotal role in strengthening the health care infrastructure, nurturing a new generation of physicians and facilitating enhanced patient care.”

Patel added, “Family Medicine is the specialty geared toward primary care and preventative care.”

Kirtan Patel studies recently at the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine in downtown Tampa.

Family medicine training includes care for pediatric patients, adults, and pregnant women. The field often attracts medical students and residents passionate about serving their communities, which is key in addressing healthcare disparities and enhancing community health.

“Making a difference in the community is a powerful feeling,” Patel said. “The more family medicine physicians we can train and graduate, the better for any community as a whole.”

The goal remains clear: cultivate family medicine physicians through effective residency programs, enhancing access to care and reducing healthcare disparities.

The family medicine residency program will be a key addition to the nation’s fastest-rising medical school in primary care over the past decade, as recognized by U.S. News & World Report Academic Insights.

Excitement, anticipation, a few tears of joy were all part of the experience at the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine and Heart Institute today as the medical students of the Class of 2027 celebrated their first official day of class.

Edwing Daniel, PhD, USF Health Morsani College of Medicine assistant dean of admissions.

The admissions team, led by Edwing Daniel, PhD, sorted through more than 5,500 applicants to select 182 of the best and brightest candidates representing a wide variety of backgrounds including (unique prior careers).  This cohort of students represents another academically strong class and the most diverse yet, with a record 23% from those groups traditionally underrepresented in medicine (URM).  The life experiences and previous careers of the class are equally diverse with students who were NCAA athletes, weightlifters, gardeners, and musicians.

Charles J. Lockwood, MD, MHCM, executive vice president of USF Health and dean of the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine.

Charles J. Lockwood, MD, MHCM, executive vice president of USF Health and dean of the Morsani College of Medicine, gave a presentation on the book The Obstacle is the Way, which provides a framework for turning obstacles into opportunities.  He said whether in medical school or as a practicing physician, obstacles will be a mainstay in health care.  Knowing how to navigate those obstacles will be the difference between success and failure in medical school, and positive patient outcomes as a physician.

“Life is tough. Medical school is really hard. There are a lot of obstacles ahead of you.  You’re going to embrace them.  When you do, you’re going to be incredibly successful,” said Dr. Lockwood to his newest medical students.  “You’re entering, truly, one of the most noble of professions.  We have a joyous job. But it’s also one of the hardest jobs you can imagine.”

The new medical students will receive their first white coat during the Class of 2027 White Coat Ceremony Aug. 31.

Class Profile:

182 Students: 126 Core, 56 SELECT

Median GPA: 3.92

Median MCAT: 518

52% Male, 48% Female

23% Under-represented in medicine

Residency: 47% Florida, 53% Out of State

More Images:

Story by Freddie Coleman.  Photos by Freddie Coleman and Ryan Rossy.

The USF Health Morsani College of Medicine Class of 2023 held their graduation ceremony at the Straz Center for the Performing Arts May 11.

Cheers and tears of joy filled the Straz Center for the Performing Arts in Tampa as students of the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine Class of 2023, along with their families and friends, brought a four-year medical school journey to an end during a commencement ceremony May 11.

The 179 senior medical students of the Class of 2023 represented a transitional period for the Morsani College of Medicine. The group was the last to begin medical school at the USF Health main campus location in north Tampa. They finished medical school in the new Morsani College of Medicine and Heart Institute in downtown Tampa. Additionally, they were one of few graduating classes to experience medical school before, during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Rhea Law, JD, president of the University of South Florida. 

Kicking off the ceremony was Rhea Law, JD, president of the University of South Florida and an alumna of USF. In her address to the students, she urged the students to be in a state of constant reflection and display perseverance as they work toward their goals in health care.

“Before you walk across the stage, I encourage you to reflect on your ‘why?’ Why did you choose the University of South Florida for your medical education? Why did you choose to become a health care professional?” said Law.  “I urge you to keep pursuing your goals and never underestimate yourselves. You can accomplish anything you set your mind to.”

Charles J. Lockwood, MD, MHCM, executive vice president of USF Health and dean of the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine. 

Charles J. Lockwood, MD, MHCM, executive vice president of USF Health and dean of the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine, next addressed the students. He complimented the class on their perseverance and their unique perspective on how crucial patient-centered health care is during and after a pandemic.

“You had front-row seats to observe that those who practice medicine are vital to preserving our society.  Your own education was disrupted, access to research impaired, and despite the demands of learning your craft, you volunteered countless hours at COVID test sites and clinics,” Dr. Lockwood said. “You’ve arrived here today because your sustained commitment to the noble goal of becoming a physician and your resilience has paid off. I speak for all of USF Health when I say we could not be prouder of you.”

Stephen Liggett, MD, vice dean of research for the Morsani College of Medicine and associate vice president for research at USF Health, was designated a Distinguished Professor by Charles Lockwood, MD, MHCM, executive vice president for USF Health and dean of the Morsani College of Medicine. 

Read Dr. Lockwood’s complete remarks here. 

Following his remarks, Dr. Lockwood named Stephen Liggett, MD, a USF Health Distinguished Professor.  He is the vice dean of research for the Morsani College of Medicine and  associate vice president for research at USF Health.  The designation is given to senior staff and faculty who have distinguished themselves within and outside of USF Health.  Dr. Lockwood said Dr. Liggett exemplifies all three of USF Health’s missions: research, clinical care, and education.

Jane Castor, mayor of the City of Tampa, received the 2023 Dean’s Award from Charles Lockwood, MD, MHCM, executive vice president of USF Health and dean of the Morsani College of Medicine. 

Dr. Lockwood also presented Jane Castor, mayor of the City of Tampa, with the 2023 Dean’s Award for her swift actions taken to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in Tampa.  Additionally, Dr. Lockwood commended her for her “sure and steady hand” as he described her leadership through other public health crises including access to vaccinations, and actions taken before, during and after Hurricane Ian.

“Never become complacent. Always stay curious. Treat every one of your patients as if they were a family member. Wherever your life’s journey takes you, remember you always have a home here in the city of Tampa,” Castor said in her address to the students. “No one arrives in the position you’re in without the assistance of others and that rings true for the Dean’s Award as well. I accept that with a great deal of gratitude. But also with the understanding of all of the hands that went into our community and region being able to navigate the pandemic as successfully as we did.”

Following Mayor Castor’s remarks, Bryan Bognar, MD, MPH, FACP, vice dean for educational affairs at the Morsani College of Medicine and chair of the Department of Medical Education, welcomed the newest member of the MCOM Academy of Distinguished Educators, Vinita Kiluk, MD. Dr. Kiluk has distinguished herself as both a clinician and educator.  She is a pediatrician and co-course director for Doctoring 3.

Bri Anne McKeon, MD, FACOG, assistant dean for clinical curriculum at the Morsani College of Medicine, led the students in the Oath of Hippocrates. USF President Rhea Law conferred the Doctor of Medicine degree to the class, signifying their official transition from medical student to doctor.

One by one, students came center stage to be presented their academic hoods by Milind Kothari, DO, FAAN, and Marna Greenberg, DO, MPH.

After all students received their hoods, a special group of students took center stage for a different type of ceremony; a military commissioned officer promotion ceremony. Air Force Capts. Ana Capati-Fernandez, MD, Tyler Palbicke, MD, Emma Weiland, MD, and Army Capt. Erik Este, MD, were welcomed by a thunderous ovation from the crowd in recognition of their commitment as doctors and as military officers. After reciting the Oath of Office, family members came on stage to pin their new rank on their shoulders.

Left to right: Air Force Capt. Ana Capati-Fernandez, MD, Army Capt. Erik Este, MD, Air Force Capts. Tyler Palbicke, MD, and Emma Weiland, MD, recite the Oath of Commissioning prior to being promoted.

Paige DeBlieux, MD, co-president of the Class of 2023, was voted on by her classmates to deliver the farewell speech. Her message was one of hope and comradery. “Cling to your principles and ideals. Seek contentedness where you are. When others are choosing the route of selfishness, I hope that you cling to what is right. Meet failure and disappointment with courage. Failure and disappointment are necessary to experience success and fulfillment.”

Deborah DeWaay, MD, FACP, associate dean of undergraduate medical education for the Morsani College of Medicine, delivered the charge speech to the students. “It doesn’t matter what culture you’re from, what religion or lack thereof you practice, what part of the world you live, wherever you live, life and balance have never gone together. Life is messy, and fantastic,” she said to the class.

The new doctors will take the next step in their careers when they begin their residencies July 1.

More photos from the ceremony:

Story and photos by Freddie Coleman, video by Allison Long, USF Health Office of Communications.

For senior medical students at the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine, it’s the day they’ve been waiting four years to celebrate.  One by one, the class of 2023 opened envelopes that told their futures during Match Day 2023.

The USF Health Morsani College of Medicine Class of 2023.

MCOM has proven time and time again there is no medical school in the country that celebrates Match Day like MCOM.  Friends, families, husbands, wives, and even a few pets gather at Ulele, a popular restaurant on the Hillsborough River.  This year’s theme was “Luck of the Match,” a perfect theme considering the day.

Charles Lockwood, MD, MHCM, USF Health executive vice president and Morsani College of Medicine dean, kicked off the event by telling the families and friends the importance of the day. “This is an incredibly important moment for them.  It sets the stage for the next stage of their career, and they’ve worked incredibly hard to get here.”

Charles Lockwood, MD, MHCM, USF Health executive vice president and Morsani College of Medicine dean.

At MCOM, it pays to be last place.  The long-standing tradition is that every student who gets called to the stage has to donate one dollar to a pot of money.   The last student to be called to read their match will go home with the pot of money.  This year’s lucky winner was Lauren Linkowski, who is headed to the University of Pennsylvania for residency.

Lauren Linkowski.

The national match process is handled through the National Residency Match Program (NRMP).  Students apply and interview for residencies with institutions across the country, then rank their preferences.  Match Day is when students learn which residency programs chose them and where they will train for the next three to seven years.

Match Day is held simultaneously at all medical schools across the country to reveal where senior medical students will spend their residency years, the first stop in their journey as doctors.

Nationally, 42,952 certified applicants applied for 40,375 residency positions. More information about national statistics can be found at https://www.nrmp.org/match-data-analytics/residency-data-reports/

MCOM Match Day by the numbers: http://bit.ly/3ZV91gD

• 180 students graduating.
• 44% will participate in residency programs in Florida.
• 36 will participate in residency program at MCOM.
• 34% entering a primary care residency.
• 7 will participate in residency programs Lehigh Valley Health Network.
• 3 will graduate to become military doctors.

The class of 2023 will complete their medical school journey at their graduation ceremony May 11 at the Straz Center for the Performing Arts.

More images from Match Day 2023:

The Taneja College of Pharmacy has enhanced its foundational, didactic, and experiential curriculum to accommodate the diversity of students entering pharmacy school, many with diverse backgrounds in study, work, and life experiences. The curriculum includes components that allow students to pursue their passions, become workforce-ready, and pursue nontraditional pharmacy career paths.

As the USF Health Taneja College of Pharmacy’s (TCOP) new 30,000-square-foot home in downtown Tampa continues to progress, plans include a Maker Space/Creativity Lounge, a space that will connect students, faculty, and staff with leaders and innovators to promote creativity as part of professional development.

“The key to this vision is the ITEHC Academy (Innovation, Technology, and Entrepreneurship in Healthcare). What originally started as a student-developed organization has grown to become the foundation for initiatives focused on advancing our student’s creativity, innovative and disruptive mindsets. It is now the pinnacle of the pillars and strategic plan of the USF Health Taneja College of Pharmacy,” said Kevin M. Olson, MBA, PharmD, CPh, assistant professor at the USF Health Taneja College of Pharmacy and director of the ITEHC Academy.

To help elevate and advance pharmaceutical education further, the new space will include virtual and augmented reality, a multitaction video wall, CAD drawing software, 3D printing, and holographic technology.

The space will allow various student groups, such as ITEHC, to develop innovative ideas and prototypes for health-related devices.

“Envision a space where students, faculty, staff, and community partners can come together and collaborate, a space where they can discover new ways of creating value that will advance pharmacy practice, differentiate pharmacist career opportunities, and reshape the future of pharmacy and health care,” Dr. Olson said.

Story and video by Ryan Rossy, USF Health Communications and Marketing

Rendering of the Student Commons outside the Creativity Lounge.

Rendering of the Creativity Lounge.

This year’s top stories highlight USF Health as an academic medical center.  Stories of patient gratitude, innovative research and development, and affirmation that the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine is truly the fastest rising medical school in the country.

Take a look at the top USF Health stories of 2022.

1. USF Health and Weill Cornell Medicine earn funding to further develop artificial intelligence that uses voice to diagnose disease. 

2. A USF Health patient had very few answers to her condition until she met with Dr. Jolan Walter.

3. Congratulations to our USF Health physicians who made the 2022 list of the country’s top doctors. 

4. The USF Health Morsani College of Medicine is on the rise faster than any medical school in the country. 

5. A USF Health psychiatry expert explains how the COVID-19 pandemic led to an increased number of patients with Social Anxiety Disorder.

6.  No medical school in the country does Match Day like the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine. 

7. USF Health and Tampa General Hospital neurosurgeons are the first in Tampa Bay to offer game-changing ultrasound. 

8. USF Health was awarded $3.2 million to develop blood tests designed to detect Alzheimer’s Disease. 

9. Researchers begin to unlock how gut and oral microbiomes are linked to brain health in older adults. 

Hariom Yadav, PhD, (standing) and Shalini Jain, PhD, were recently recruited to research on the gut-brain connection (gut-brain axis) in relation to cognitive function.

10. Take a look at all of the USF Health physicians who made the Tampa Magazine list of Top Doctors in 2022. 

The new home of The USF Health Taneja College of Pharmacy (TCOP) continues to progress and the PharmD program prepares to move into the state-of-the-art USF Health Downtown Facility. The 30,000-square-foot home will expand USF Health’s interprofessional educational initiatives, technology, and creative learning development.

TCOP will be located on the 11th and 12th floors with a spectacular view of the Water Street Tampa urban development district that overlooks Tampa Bay. Pharmacy students and faculty will get to enjoy amenities throughout the building such as The Florida Blue Health Knowledge Exchange Wall, Greenbaum Student Center, on-site coffee bar, small group learning rooms, and the Experiential Learning Lab.

“I am giving the students the best view; we want to make sure students have a home away from home,” said Kevin B. Sneed, PharmD, dean of the Taneja College of Pharmacy and senior associate vice president for USF Health.

Meanwhile, the downtown facility will provide incredible opportunities for its students and enhance its innovative education and research programs. With the expansion of interprofessional education, the new building will support community outreach activities that are part of the college’s mission. As a result, USF Health Taneja College of Pharmacy will be able to build on its previously successful community outreach programs.

The downtown facility is also close to the USF Health CAMLS (Center for Advanced Medical Learning and Simulation), where pharmacy students will be able to participate in first-class simulation training. “The move to downtown will give USF Health pharmacy students more training opportunities than ever before,” Dr. Sneed said.

Gresham Smith is the firm designing the new space. Several of the classroom technologies and innovative educational initiatives that are already in place for the Morsani College of Medicine will be incorporated into the design of TCOP’s space.

In the future, the space will include: 

• Clinical learning center: An innovative environment for learning advanced compounding techniques and honing clinical skills. Also, continuing education programs will be offered to pharmacists and other health– care professionals in this space.
   
• 120-person classroom: A space designed to be flexible and lend itself to various modes of learning. The classrooms will also feature a hologram of guest speakers, teachers, and health– care professionals that will be able to teach the class, which will create an innovative and futuristic learning environment for students.
   

• Collaborative ‘maker’ space/Creativity Lounge: This area provides a unique space in which student groups, such as ITEHC (Innovation, Technology, and Entrepreneurship in Healthcare), can develop innovative ideas and prototypes for health-related devices.
   
• Pre-function space: An event space, to celebrate award functions, banquets, achievements, and noteworthy events. 

As part of their professional development, the space will provide students, faculty, and staff with opportunities to connect with leaders and innovators. Students will be prepared for the workplace because the college is incorporating career-oriented didactic and experiential components into the foundational pharmacy curriculum.

The new space plans also include innovative technologies such as, virtual and augmented reality, a multitaction video wall, CAD drawing software, 3D printing, and holographic technology for virtual collaboration to help elevate and advance pharmacy education further.

“I wanted a space where people would begin to unlock their imagination and creativity, so we are going to have CAD drawing software, 3D printers, and virtual and augmented reality. When you walk in, you will have everything you need to invent something.” Dr. Sneed said. “To be able to start fresh in a development like Water Street Tampa is exciting, and I am looking forward to making our move.”

Here are some renderings of the future space designed by Gresham Smith:

Story and video by Ryan Rossy, USF Health Communications and Marketing

The Department of Internal Medicine room at the Gallery of Specialties.

Expert physicians, professors, department chairs and division chiefs from the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine came to the downtown campus Sept. 14 to speak to students about their specialties during the first ever Gallery of Specialties.

The round-robin style event, organized by the Department of Medical Education, was the first full-student event held in the downtown campus since it opened in 2019.  Students had the option to visit three of the specialties, sit in on their information sessions and participate in a question and answer session.

Haywood Brown, MD, USF Health Morsani College of Medicine professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology and vice dean of Faculty Affairs, speaking with second-year medical student Janae Cornwall.

“This event represents everything we wanted to do with this building,” said Bryan Bognar, MD, MPH, FACP, vice dean and chair of the MCOM Department of Medical Education. “The ability to flex the space, create intimate settings for the doctors to speak to students, and have all the students be here at one time is truly beyond anyone’s wildest dreams.”

Across the four-year medical school journey, each student will narrow down what they plan to specialize in, and eventually apply for residencies in that specialty.   The event offered students an inside look at what it takes to be competitive in certain specialties, what it takes to be successful in their specialties, and with whom they will likely be working if they decide to pursue residencies at USF Health.

Summer Decker, PhD, Morsani College of Medicine professor and director of 3D Clinical Applications for the USF Health Department of Radiology speaking with two medical students interested in pursuing radiology as a specialty.

Some USF Health leaders, experts, and world-renowned doctors took time out of their schedules to pass on their knowledge and passion for their specialties, including Charles Lockwood, MD, MHCM, USF Health executive vice president, MCOM dean and international expert in obstetrics and gynecology..

“This is a great event.  They are getting to meet the experts, ask questions they wouldn’t normally get to ask, and truly get an in-depth understanding of how to navigate applying for residencies in the specialties,” Dr. Lockwood said.

One student described the event as “It was an opportunity to reaffirm or reconsider the specialty I want to pursue. I know what I want to do and this was an opportunity to address some misconceptions and ask more in-depth questions so I have a clearer picture of what it takes to be a successful doctor in this specialty.”

Patricia Emmanuel, MD, chair of the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine Department of Pediatrics explainsher specialty to students during the Gallery of Specialties event.

“It’s great that so many leaders, division chiefs and chairs showed up to this,” said Haywood Brown, MD,  USF Health Faculty and Academic Affairs senior associate vice president,  Morsani College of Medicine associate dean of diversity, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology professor.  “This is the true testament to how invested they are in helping our medical students succeed.  Additionally, it’s great to figuratively ‘take off the executive leader hat’ and just speak to students about our specialties.  Before I became an executive, I was, and still am, a passionate OBGYN.”

Full list of specialties and representatives from the event:

Anesthesiology: Jason Hall, Stephanie Lewis, Nan Schwann, Jeffrey Weiss, Peter Wu

Dermatology: Cynthia Bartus, Basil Cherpelis, James Grichnick, Joshua Levin

Diagnostic Radiology: Summer Decker, Krishna Nallamshetty

Emergency Medicine: David Burmeister, Mama Greenberg, Enola Okonkwo, Shawn Quinn, Andrew Thomas

Family Medicine: Eric Coris, Eduardo Gonzalez, Drew Keister, Elizabeth Lawrence, Oliver Oyama, Sassnk Peramsetty, Kira Zwygart

General Surgery: Swaroop Bommareddi, Lucian Lozonchi, Michael Pasquale, Daniel Relles, Adham Saad, Murray Shames, Jason Weinberger

Internal Medicine: Brian Costello, Aryanna Jordan, Vandin Lalldass, Jose Lezama, Michelle Ouelette, Asa Oxner, Harold Paul

Interventional Radiology: Cliff Davis, Glenn Hoots, Jamil Shaikh

Med Peds:  Erika Abel, Patricia Emmanuel

Neurosurgery:  Walter Jean

Neurology: Alfred Frontera, Clifton Gooch, Milind Kothari, Megan Leary

OB/GYN: Christina Black, Amy Brown, Haywood Brown, Charles Lockwood, Catherine Lynch, Bri Anne McKeon, Stephanie Lynch

Ophthalmology: Swetangi Bhaleeya, Mitchell Drucker, John Jarstad, Masayuki Kazahaya, Mamta Patel

Otolaryngology/ENT: Kestutis Boyev, Mathew Mifsud, Tapan Padhya, Arjun Parasher, Abhay Sharma

Pathology: Anne Champeaux, Nicole Riddle

Pediatrics: Stephen Ford, Nathan Hagstrom, Kristen Pendergast, Meridith Plant, Kris Rooney

Plastic Surgery: Michael Harrington, Robert Murphy, Randolph Wojcik

PM&R: Clifton Gooch, Kristopher Kaleibe, Marissa McCarthy, Jeffrey Radecki

Psychiatry: Glenn Catalano, Daniel Fallon, Zeeshad Javid, Edward Norris, Deborah Sanchez

Radiation-Oncology: Jessica Frakes, Dennis Sopka

Radiology: Devang Gor, Errin Hoffman

Urology: Rafael Carrion, Justin Parker, Trushar Patel

Vascular Surgery: Mila Ju, Desiree Picone

More photos from the event: 

Story and Photos by Freddie Coleman, USF Health Communications and Marketing

The USF Health Morsani College of Medicine Class of 2026 White Coat Ceremony.

Friends and families filled the Straz Center for the Performing Arts in Tampa to officially welcome the 177 newest USF Health Morsani College of Medicine (MCOM) students during the Class of 2026 White Coat Ceremony.

This cohort of medical students represent MCOM’s most academically competitive and one of the most diverse cohorts in college history.  The class had an average MCAT score that ranked in the 95th percentile* nationally, a record high 3.91 average GPA*, and 18% of students come from groups that have traditionally been considered underrepresented minorities.

Special guests for the momentous occasion included:

• Rhea Law, University of South Florida system president
• John Couris, Tampa General Hospital president and chief executive officer
• Frank Morsani, namesake and long-standing supporters to MCOM, USF Health, and the University of South Florida

Charles J. Lockwood, MD, MHCM, USF Health executive vice president and Morsani College of Medicine dean.

Kicking off the ceremony was Charles J. Lockwood, MD, MHCM, USF Health executive vice president and MCOM dean.  He spoke to students about what it means to be a physician and remembering to always hold on to your motivation to be a doctor.

“The physician’s life is a noble one, but it is not an easy one.  There will be times when you’re overwhelmed, frustrated, and doubt your abilities. They will span your career.  But, the passion and perseverance, grit and determination that got you here will see you though.  So, keep your eyes on the higher purpose.” said Dr. Lockwood. “Patient care is at the center of all we do.  You have chosen a career in medicine because of your desire to help people and you must never lose sight of that motivation.”

Elham Yousef, MD, Tampa General Hospital associate chief medical officer and vice president of medical affairs.

Following Lockwood was Elham Yousef, MD, TGH associate chief medical officer, vice president of medical affairs, and nationally recognized expert in patient safety.  Her remarks focused on the high expectations of wearing the white coat.

“The expectations of the white coat are enormous as you are privileged to care for other humans during the most difficult and vulnerable times of their lives and their families’ lives.  The privilege comes with the great responsibility of professionalism, ethics, and integrity.  In return, you will get the deepest and greatest satisfaction of your lives,” said Dr. Yousef. “I will take great pride in seeing you in the hallways of Tampa General Hospital.  Your journey will continue, and you will continue to accomplish much more in the future as you serve in the role as physician and become true difference-making doctors.

David Dunning, executive director of the James A Haley Veteran’s Hospital and Clinics in Tampa.

David Dunning, executive director of the James A Haley Veteran’s Hospital and Clinics in Tampa, took the stage after Yousef.  The JAH is currently celebrating their 50^th anniversary and long-standing partnership with USF Health.  Dunning emphasized to the students that the VA is available to help them throughout their medical school journey.

“The journey you are undertaking is not one you are doing alone.  There are 5,600 of the most dedicated health care professionals in the world at the Tampa VA and more at our partner facilities, and we stand ready to support you every step of the way,” said Dunning.  “Remember, the joy is in the journey, not the destination.”

Jody Wellcome, MCOM fourth-year medical student.

The class also heard from fourth-year medical student, Jody Wellcome.  She gave advice to the students that she has accumulated over her four years of medical school.

“You are all incredibly brilliant with so much to offer.  But not one of you nor your journeys are the same.  While there are plenty of people and resources at your disposal, remember that medicine is not a ‘one size fits all’, said Jody Wellcome.  “You have a whole community behind you ready to lend a helping hand.  Be mindful of one another, take care of each other, and celebrate each other.”

Bri Anne McKeon, MD, MCOM Obstetrics and Gynecology assistant professor.

Last to speak was Bri Anne McKeon, MD, MCOM Obstetrics and Gynecology assistant professor.  She spoke to the students about the meaning of the white coat and the responsibility that comes with it.

“Today’s white coat ceremony welcomes you into your medical training.  You’ve worked hard to get here.  If you do it right, you will continue to work hard to fill the responsibility and privilege given to you,” said Dr. McKeon.  “You are now part of a community of medical students, residents, and attendings who have come before you and will walk with you as you are on this journey.”

Her words were the perfect transition to the highlight of the ceremony.  Small groups of students were called center stage for preceptors, teachers and mentors put their first white coat on their shoulders, officially making them part of the USF Health family.  To wrap up the ceremony, Deborah DeWaay, MD, FACP, MCOM associate dean for Undergraduate Medical Education, led the students in the Oath of Commitment.

Groups of student received their first white coats in front of friends and family.

Fun facts about the class of 2026:

177 students – 121 CORE, 56 SELECT

54% Female, 46% Male

18% Under-represented minorities

Undergraduate Education:  58% Out of State, 42% In State

3.91 average GPA*

518 median MCAT score (95th percentile nationally)*

Primary Undergraduate Majors:  50 – Biology, 23 – Biomedical Science, 13 – Biochemistry and Neuroscience (tied)

More photos from the event:

*This story was updated with more current info that includes MCAT scores, national percentile ranking, and GPAs.

Story and photos by Freddie Coleman, USF Health Communications and Marketing