More than 200 participants from 22 states and two foreign countries gathered Nov. 21-23 in Tampa to attend the first Leadership Symposium on Digital Media in Health Care, hosted by USF Health in conjunction with Apple Inc.

Stephen K. Klasko, MD, MBA, CEO for USF Health and dean of the College of Medicine, headed the steering committee for this cutting-edge symposium. The event, assembled by academic leaders from distinguished universities, showed how innovative digital learning environments are enriching curriculums at their institutions and providing ever-growing online communities with increased access to wellness information.

“This leadership program is part of a national conversation on how to leverage electronic media, such as iTunes U and mobile devices, to better educate, our students, our patients and ourselves,” said Dr. Klasko, who welcomed deans, faculty, health and information technology professionals, and students to the symposium.

Miguel Young, senior manager of iTunes U for Apple, with Dr. Klasko

Dr. Klasko kicked off the symposium with his talk on “Embracing the Digital World: Healthcare in the New Millennium.” In addition, he moderated a Sunday panel discussion, “The Students – What Do They Want from Digital Media?”

Michael Hoad, vice president of communications for USF and associate vice president of communications for USF Health, moderated a panel discussion on the topic “Unraveling the DNA of Digital Media: The Effective Use of Digital Media in Medical Education.

At the symposium’s virtual poster session, Don Hilbelink, PhD, professor of Pathology and Cell Biology, along with graduate research associate Summer Decker and Jonathan Ford, master’s student in anatomy, presented a demonstration of 3-D computer modeling of human anatomy the team has developed. The “virtual” anatomy has applications for medical education and surgical simulation.

A reception at the USF Health Carol and Frank Morsani Center for Advanced Healthcare on Saturday evening showcased state-of-the-art digital technology at the ambulatory center.

Attendees heard how digital technology can be incorporated into student, patient and health profession education.

Michael Hoad, vice president of communications for USF, moderated a session on the effective use of digital media in medical education.

Audience members were able to electronically send their questions and comments to speakers as well as ask questions from the floor.

Don Hilbelink, PhD, professor of Pathology and Cell Biology at USF Health, demonstrated the 3-D computer modeling used to help teach medical students human anatomy.

By Anne DeLotto Baier, USF Health Communications
Photos by Eric Younghans, USF Health Communications