Congratulations to Dr. Puya Alikhani, David W. Cahill Professor of Neurosurgery and director of the Division of Spine Surgery at the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine, on becoming the first surgeon in the world to earn Surgical Review Corporation’s (SRC) Master Surgeon ine Surgery!
The distinction honors his years of dedication, surgical skill, clinical outcomes and patient care. Alikhani also serves as chief of neurosurgery at Tampa General Hospital, whose Neuro Spine Program earned SRC’s first-in-the-world Center of Excellence designation in Neuro Spine Surgery.
🔗: tgh.org/news/tgh-press…
The distinction honors his years of dedication, surgical skill, clinical outcomes and patient care. Alikhani also serves as chief of neurosurgery at Tampa General Hospital, whose Neuro Spine Program earned SRC’s first-in-the-world Center of Excellence designation in Neuro Spine Surgery.
🔗: tgh.org/news/tgh-press…
0
1
4
294
What drives the pursuit of safer pain relief? Meet Dr. Laura Bohn, whose work in molecular pharmacology at USF Health explores pathways that could lead to safer therapies.
Learn more: usf.edu/health/news/20…
Learn more: usf.edu/health/news/20…
0
1
4
239
USF Health retweeted
One More Surgery And One More Possible Skin Graft, And Then I Will Be Good To Go! Thank You @USFHealth Eye Institute! 🙏🏻
244
184
3,428
185,756
Did you know lung recovery after COVID-19 could hold clues to treating other lung diseases? 🫁
This #HealthyLungMonth, we’re highlighting research led by Dr. Herazo-Maya, director of the Ubben Center for Pulmonary Fibrosis Research and an associate professor at the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine.
His team is exploring why lung scarring improves in some patients after severe COVID-19 but progresses in those with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Understanding these differences could help guide future treatments.
Read more: usf.edu/health/news/20…
This #HealthyLungMonth, we’re highlighting research led by Dr. Herazo-Maya, director of the Ubben Center for Pulmonary Fibrosis Research and an associate professor at the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine.
His team is exploring why lung scarring improves in some patients after severe COVID-19 but progresses in those with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Understanding these differences could help guide future treatments.
Read more: usf.edu/health/news/20…
0
0
1
170
Congratulations to Dr. Racha Khalaf on being named to the Tampa Bay Business Journal’s 2026 40 Under 40! 👏
As inaugural chief of the division of pediatric gastroenterology, hepatology and nutrition at the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine, Dr. Khalaf has built a focused on expanding access and advancing care for children and families.
Join us in celebrating this recognition of her leadership and contributions to our community! Read more about Dr. Khalaf’s recognition: usf.edu/health/news/20…
As inaugural chief of the division of pediatric gastroenterology, hepatology and nutrition at the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine, Dr. Khalaf has built a focused on expanding access and advancing care for children and families.
Join us in celebrating this recognition of her leadership and contributions to our community! Read more about Dr. Khalaf’s recognition: usf.edu/health/news/20…
0
2
9
690
A vision for growth with limitless possibilities ahead. Dr. Charles Lockwood reflects on how far the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine has come and the discovery, innovation and impact driving what comes next.
Explore more: health.usf.edu/medicine/point…
Explore more: health.usf.edu/medicine/point…
0
2
3
334
Breast reconstruction is a personal decision, and knowing your options can help.
This #BreastCancerAwarenessMonth, Dr. Lauren Kuykendall, a plastic surgeon and associate professor with USF Health, shares three things she wants patients to know:
✅ You have options, including plants or your own tissue.
✅ You can discuss reconstruction at any point.
✅ The choice is yours. Your care team can help you make an informed decision based on your needs and goals.
Drop a 💗 in the comments if you found this helpful, and share it with someone who could benefit!
This #BreastCancerAwarenessMonth, Dr. Lauren Kuykendall, a plastic surgeon and associate professor with USF Health, shares three things she wants patients to know:
✅ You have options, including plants or your own tissue.
✅ You can discuss reconstruction at any point.
✅ The choice is yours. Your care team can help you make an informed decision based on your needs and goals.
Drop a 💗 in the comments if you found this helpful, and share it with someone who could benefit!
0
0
1
258
A heart valve that could grow with a child could mean fewer surgeries and more time simply growing up.
Researchers in USF’s Department of Medical Engineering, a joint program of USF Health and the College of Engineering, are developing living heart valves designed to integrate as patients grow.
Still in early laboratory development, the technology could one day reduce repeated replacement surgeries for children born with heart defects.
🔗: usf.edu/news/2026/usf-…
Researchers in USF’s Department of Medical Engineering, a joint program of USF Health and the College of Engineering, are developing living heart valves designed to integrate as patients grow.
Still in early laboratory development, the technology could one day reduce repeated replacement surgeries for children born with heart defects.
🔗: usf.edu/news/2026/usf-…
0
0
2
192
Excellence without limits. The USF Health Morsani College of Medicine is advancing medical discovery and innovation with real-world impact through research that offers new hope for patients.
Follow along as we share the people and stories behind the work.
Learn more: health.usf.edu/medicine/point…
Follow along as we share the people and stories behind the work.
Learn more: health.usf.edu/medicine/point…
0
0
2
205
Restoring movement. Building independence. Moving lives forward. 🤘
This #NationalPhysicalTherapyMonth, we’re highlighting the USF Health School of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Sciences and its commitment to educating future clinicians who will advance the profession and physical therapy.
This #NationalPhysicalTherapyMonth, we’re highlighting the USF Health School of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Sciences and its commitment to educating future clinicians who will advance the profession and physical therapy.
0
1
6
308
When a baby can’t cry, how can we tell they’re in pain?
USF Health researchers and Tampa General Hospital are studying whether AI can help identify signs of pain in NICU newborns through facial expressions, movement and vital signs. The goal is to give nurses another tool to help them respond sooner.
Tampa Bay 28 recently visited the NICU to share the story.
Watch the feature ⬇️ tampabay28.com/news/anchors-r…
USF Health researchers and Tampa General Hospital are studying whether AI can help identify signs of pain in NICU newborns through facial expressions, movement and vital signs. The goal is to give nurses another tool to help them respond sooner.
Tampa Bay 28 recently visited the NICU to share the story.
Watch the feature ⬇️ tampabay28.com/news/anchors-r…
0
0
2
188
How does the brain help your body respond when you’re cold?
A new USF Health study identifies the first known function of a little-studied brain region that helps coordinate appetite, heat production and energy use.
The findings offer a new direction for studying metabolic tps://t.co/S6Y5JxD2yx
A new USF Health study identifies the first known function of a little-studied brain region that helps coordinate appetite, heat production and energy use.
The findings offer a new direction for studying metabolic tps://t.co/S6Y5JxD2yx
0
0
2
189
This #SIDSAwarenessMonth, Dr. Jasmine Patterson of Muma Children’s Hospital at TGH and USF Health shares the ABCs of safe sleep and recommendations to help protect babies.
Watch this Tampa General Hospital video for practical tips on creating a safer sleep environment for your little one.
Watch this Tampa General Hospital video for practical tips on creating a safer sleep environment for your little one.
0
0
2
165
USF Health is helping advance research, education and care for patients living with lymphatic diseases.
With support from a new $150,000 University of South Florida grant, the Center for Lymphatic Education and Research will be established through USF Health. The initiative was developed by Jerome Breslin, PhD, vice chair for research in the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine Department of Plastic Surgery, in collaboration with department chair Nicholas J. Panetta, MD, FACS.
The multidisciplinary center will bring together experts across medicine, engineering, artificial intelligence, public health, business and education to advance lymphatic research and develop new approaches to diagnosis and treatment.
🔗: tgh.org/news/tgh-press…
With support from a new $150,000 University of South Florida grant, the Center for Lymphatic Education and Research will be established through USF Health. The initiative was developed by Jerome Breslin, PhD, vice chair for research in the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine Department of Plastic Surgery, in collaboration with department chair Nicholas J. Panetta, MD, FACS.
The multidisciplinary center will bring together experts across medicine, engineering, artificial intelligence, public health, business and education to advance lymphatic research and develop new approaches to diagnosis and treatment.
🔗: tgh.org/news/tgh-press…
0
0
3
191
Congratulations to the #USFHealth faculty, staff and students recognized for outstanding achievements in research, education, patient care and community service! 🏅
Meet our Summer 2026 Awards & Accolades honorees and help us celebrate their accomplishments ⬇️
Read more: usf.edu/health/news/20…
Meet our Summer 2026 Awards & Accolades honorees and help us celebrate their accomplishments ⬇️
Read more: usf.edu/health/news/20…
0
0
2
203
Could gene therapy offer new hope for dogs with dementia?
USF Health researchers are exploring a potential treatment to protect brain cells and slow cognitive decline in aging dogs. The research could also offer insights into Alzheimer’s disease in humans.
Read more: usf.edu/health/news/20…
USF Health researchers are exploring a potential treatment to protect brain cells and slow cognitive decline in aging dogs. The research could also offer insights into Alzheimer’s disease in humans.
Read more: usf.edu/health/news/20…
0
0
2
201
USF Health MD/PhD student Vincent Lok is exploring how the body’s immune system could offer new alternatives to conventional chemotherapy.
Through the partnership between the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine and Moffitt Cancer Center, Lok is studying dendritic cell ach that trains the immune system to identify and attack cancer cells. His research aims to expand the therapy’s potential use across a broader range of cancers, including metastatic cancers that can no longer be surgically removed.
“I wanted to not only study promising treatments but also see how they affect patients, and the collaboration between USF Health and Moffitt offered exactly what I was looking for,” Lok said.
His work highlights how USF Health’s integrated MD/PhD training connects scientific discovery with the potential to improve patient care.
Read more about his research: usf.edu/health/news/20…
Through the partnership between the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine and Moffitt Cancer Center, Lok is studying dendritic cell ach that trains the immune system to identify and attack cancer cells. His research aims to expand the therapy’s potential use across a broader range of cancers, including metastatic cancers that can no longer be surgically removed.
“I wanted to not only study promising treatments but also see how they affect patients, and the collaboration between USF Health and Moffitt offered exactly what I was looking for,” Lok said.
His work highlights how USF Health’s integrated MD/PhD training connects scientific discovery with the potential to improve patient care.
Read more about his research: usf.edu/health/news/20…
0
0
2
231
What if malaria could be stopped before it has a chance to hide in the body?
USF Health researchers have identified a promising vaccine target that could help block a malaria parasite from entering liver cells, where it can remain dormant and cause illness months or years later.
The discovery offers a new direction for developing a vaccine against this recurring form of malaria.
Read more: usf.edu/health/news/20…
USF Health researchers have identified a promising vaccine target that could help block a malaria parasite from entering liver cells, where it can remain dormant and cause illness months or years later.
The discovery offers a new direction for developing a vaccine against this recurring form of malaria.
Read more: usf.edu/health/news/20…
0
0
0
134
For patients with lupus nephritis, navigating care can mean coordinating multiple specialists, appointments and treatment plans, making an already complex disease even more difficult to manage.
USF Health is changing that! Launched in 2025, the Comprehensive Lupus Nephritis ogy and nephrology together to provide same-day, multidisciplinary care, helping patients receive coordinated care, support early detection and move quickly from diagnosis to treatment.
The clinic is a joint effort between USF Health and Tampa General Hospital, bringing together expertise and resources to support patients throughout their care.
Read more about this innovative approach to lupus nephritis care at the link in bio: usf.edu/health/news/20…
USF Health is changing that! Launched in 2025, the Comprehensive Lupus Nephritis ogy and nephrology together to provide same-day, multidisciplinary care, helping patients receive coordinated care, support early detection and move quickly from diagnosis to treatment.
The clinic is a joint effort between USF Health and Tampa General Hospital, bringing together expertise and resources to support patients throughout their care.
Read more about this innovative approach to lupus nephritis care at the link in bio: usf.edu/health/news/20…
0
0
1
302