University of South Florida Morsani Program

The University of South Florida Morsani Program in Emergency Medicine is part of the growing Department of Emergency Medicine, which recently attained independence within the Morsani College of Medicine as of April 2024. This shift reflects the program's commitment to excellence in emergency medical education, patient care, and research, tailored to uplift the resident experience and the surrounding community.1

The residency program, established in 2003, features a comprehensive three-year training model accommodating 30 residents. It is primarily hosted at Tampa General Hospital (TGH), a prestigious Level 1 trauma and regional burn center with over 120,000 adult visits and nearly 20,000 pediatric visits every year. TGH boasts over 1,000 beds and a highly active emergency department (ED) that facilitates a diverse clinical exposure essential for developing competent emergency medicine physicians.1

Curriculum Overview

The curriculum emphasizes both rigorous training and personal feedback, ensuring that residents develop into skilled, confident clinicians ready to take on high-stress, high-acuity situations. Residents are trained in critical care from the outset, experiencing a wide spectrum of emergency cases while partaking in didactics that emphasize core competencies in emergency medicine.1

Rotations and Training Sites

Training takes place primarily at TGH, complemented by rotations at affiliated free-standing emergency departments, such as the TGH Brandon Healthplex. This access to various facilities allows residents to engage in prehospital and EMS care delivery across the City of Tampa and surrounding regions.1

Research Opportunities

The program offers robust research opportunities with a dedicated research team facilitating projects in emergency medicine and acute care. Residents can be involved in a range of studies, receiving support for both clinically-focused and social science research.1

Fellowship Programs

USF provides extensive fellowship options in various sub-specialties, including EMS, ultrasound, simulation, global health, and administration. These fellowships offer further training opportunities under experienced faculty, ensuring residents can tailor their careers to specific interests within emergency medicine.1

Community Engagement and Cultural Competence

The program values cultural competency and community engagement, endeavoring to reflect the diverse population of Tampa. This commitment extends beyond the classroom, with residents encouraged to engage in initiatives that cater to health disparities and social determinants of health.1

Visa Support and Competitiveness

The residency program is open to international medical graduates and offers substantial visa support. It is typically able to sponsor J-1 visa types, fostering a diverse learning environment that enriches the resident experience.1

Application Requirements and Competitiveness

The program is known for being competitive, continually attracting applicants due to its comprehensive training and supportive faculty. While previous rotations or experiences in emergency or acute settings are valued, applicants may not face strict policies regarding maximum failed STEP exams provided they demonstrate a commitment to improvement and readiness for residency training. Additional application requirements may include signifying graduation year and relevant clinical experiences.1

Residency Life and Well-being

USF Morsani emphasizes the importance of resident wellness and engagement, creating an environment that fosters collaboration and personal growth among residents. They actively promote a supportive work culture that prioritizes both professional development and personal well-being, encouraging feedback from residents to improve the program continually.1

Conclusion

The USF Morsani Emergency Medicine Program represents a dynamic and robust training opportunity, poised at the forefront of Emergency Medicine education and practice. With its commitment to fostering excellence in clinical care and academic pursuits, the program prepares residents for impactful careers in the fast-paced environment of emergency medicine.