The University of South Florida issued the following news release:
The University of South Florida will recruit immediately for a new residency training program in orthopedic surgery, the national accrediting body has ruled. The decision brings orthopedic residency training back to Tampa Bay after 15 years.
'This represents the Tampa Bay region and USF Health deciding to create a remarkable collaboration and become a national leader in health care,' said Stephen K. Klasko, MD, MBA, USF's vice president for USF Health and dean of the college of medicine.
'It's an unprecedented level of support by 8 hospitals and 40 surgeons-a stunning collaboration.
'It shows how USF Health can be the unifier as we move to the forefront in advanced health care and education,' Dr. Klasko said. 'Bringing world class leaders in obstetrics, cardiology, public health, and now orthopedics, is changing the dynamics for health in this region.'
In the Fall of 2006, Dr. Klasko recruited Robert Pedowitz, MD, PhD, from San Diego as chair of USF's new Department of Orthopaedic Surgery.
Since then, Dr. Pedowitz worked with program director Doug Letson, MD, to create an alliance of 40 surgeons and 8 hospitals focused on applying for, and receiving, the orthopedic residency.
'I'm impressed by the way the leaders of the key organizations stepped up to support this program,' Dr. Pedowitz said. 'These include the USF Board of Trustees and its chair, Rhea Law, as well as President Judy Genshaft.
'This never would have happened without that level of support.'
