When CNN came to USF last week for the nationally televised U.S. Senate and Gubernatorial debates,  USF Health faculty members tapped as media experts were left with little to say about the candidates’ take on major health care issues. 

Dr. Stephen K. Klasko, CEO for USF Health and dean of the College of Medicine, and Dr. Jay Wolfson, distinguished service professor of public health and medicine, were available for media interviews immediately following the debates in a Spin Zone area outside the Marshall Center Ballroom.  But most  journalists present gravitated to USF’s economic and political science experts.

That’s because neither the Senate candidates — Charlie Crist, Kendrick Meeks and Marco Rubio — nor the Gubernatorial candidates — Rick Scott and Alex Sink — really addressed Florida’s substantive healthcare problems, including the 4 million Floridians who lack health insurance.  Most of the their comments, and the moderators’ questions, were focused on the economy and jobs.

Amy Mariani of USF Health Communications interviews Dr. Stephen K. Klasko (above) and Dr. Jay Wolfson (below) following the CNN-televised Senate and Gubernatorial debates.

Dr. Klasko attended the Debate Watch Party televising the Senate debate on Oct. 24, while Dr. Wolfson attended the Gubernatorial Debate Watch Party on Oct. 25.  USF medical students accompanying Dr. Klasko were Courtney Bovee and Mark Halsey. Dr. Wolfson was joined by USF medical students Meaghann Bernardy, Wilfredo Herrera, David Sindler and Anna Wouters.

USF medical students Courtney Bovee and Mark Halsey weigh in on the Senate debate.

Video production by Amy Mariani, USF Health Communications
Photos by Aimee Blodgett, USF Communications