From the Chairman

Choices! You have just made one that will largely define your life - a career in Pediatrics. Congratulations, but now you have another defining choice to make - which of the many pediatric residency programs will best prepare you for the specific career you envision? This can be a tough one! There are 208 pediatric residency programs currently accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education, including seven in the great state of Florida. As you sort through electronic and printed program material, speak with advisors, and interview at selected programs, you can be overwhelmed with information. To simplify your decision, I advise you to consider the following four items. Although sometimes overlooked, I maintain that these are core elements that identify those programs most likely to prepare you for a career in pediatrics:

#1. . Look for Residents who are excited to learn. Look for residents that amaze you, not only with the knowledge they have, but also with their pursuit of more.

#2 Look for science. What new information is coming forth from the faculty? Is it a university program? Is it a major research university? If you see yourself as a doctor and not as a scientist, look again. More than any specialty, Pediatrics, over the time of your career, will be the prime-mixing place for science and medicine. You will surely see more scientific advances benefit Pediatrics than any other area of medicine. To understand this, to be prepared for this, to be part of this, find a pediatric residency program integrally involved with science.

#3. Look for people who are energized and interested in sharing what they know.

#4. If you have a spouse or children, find a residency where they will be comfortable, safe, and happy. For the next few years (any maybe beyond) you will have less than optimal family time. Find a nice location for your training, where your family members will be happy. Don't ignore this one

How does the University of South Florida pediatric residency program measure up? Actually, pretty well. I know of no pediatric program with our momentum toward increasing NIH funds, and increasing the number of pediatrician-scientists on campus. We have a new USF research building at All Children's Hospital dedicated exclusively to pediatric science and we have seven endowed chairs in the department. We attract excellent students to become our residents. Some are drawn by the desire to work at a children's hospital plus a large general hospital, in the same training program. Most who rank us highly have considered the natural attractions and comfortable climate of this beautiful area of the country. My own family has found this to be a very friendly community with good schools, safe neighborhoods, and a comfortable not-too-fast pace of life.

If you are a very good to outstanding medical student, and the items mentioned above are important to you, I invite you to interview with us. Obviously, I hope you rank us very high on your match-list, but wherever you obtain your pediatric education, I bid you welcome to the field of Pediatrics, and wish you a long and most rewarding career.

Robert M. Nelson, M.D.
    Pediatric Chairman


Read our Vision Statement

From the Program Directors

Our USF Pediatric and Medicine-Pediatric Residency programs are a blend of great residents, engaged faculty, cultural diversity, robust educational environments, challenging variety of patients with medical conditions from simple to complex, flexibility, collegiality, and a supportive, caring staff. Our goal is to ensure both your professional and personal growth and success while here at USF, while at the same time meeting all the ACGME educational and work hour requirements. We welcome your visit, and encourage you to explore our program and the beautiful Tampa Bay area.

-- Valerie Panzarino, MD (Director)
-- Sharon Dabrow, M.D. (Associate Director)
-- Jennifer Casatelli, MD. (Associate Director)

- Laura Haubner, MD (Associate Director)
- Kate Campbell, MD (Associate Director)

From the Chief Resident

The University of South Florida provides a unique training experience. Residents play an active role in diagnosing and managing patient care in addition to teaching and supervising other residents and students. The patient populations of All Children's Hospital and Tampa General Hospital provide extensive exposure to common diagnoses as well as the more complex cases and rare diseases of childhood.

The attending physicians are available at all times for teaching and guidance. Education and patient care are the priorities of our program and are accomplished daily through teamwork, a supportive environment, and a comprehensive lecture series. The resident education is well rounded from working at the different hospitals, clinic sites, rural health centers, and private pediatric offices.

Attending to our pediatric patients and their families continues to be challenging and rewarding. We invite you to learn more about our program and look forward to meeting you.

Dionne Skervin, M.D., Chief Resident

The University of South Florida is committed to the principles of equal educational and employment opportunities without regard to race, color, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, religious creed, national origin, disability or age, as provided by law, and in accordance with the University, respect for personal dignity. The University is committed to the employment and advancement of qualified disabled veterans and veterans of the Vietnam era. These principles are applied in the conduct of University programs and activities, personnel and student actions, and the provision of facilities and services.