A message from Valerie Riddle, MD '89, Associate Dean for Alumni Engagement 

Well, hello September and hello to all of you! Who would have expected us to still be in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic now – 18 months after the lockdowns began? But here we are.  I hope that, by the time this reaches you, we will be seeing a brighter light at the end of the tunnel – one signaling that we are on our way out of the pandemic toward the dull roar of a virus that is kept at bay by an immune population. It has been an exhausting journey – thank you to each one of you who has endured. Whether your role has been front and center taking care of sick and dying patients, or behind the scenes in a supporting role, you have done it with grace and courage amid controversy and confusion, and we are grateful to you all. 

On a more upbeat note, we welcomed the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine Class of 2025 in July and celebrated with them as they received their first White Coat, all of which were sponsored by our generous donors, including many alumni. Thank you! It was also an opportunity to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the incoming Charter Class, who began their journey as first year medical students in September 1971.                        

We also introduced and celebrated our 2021 Distinguished Physician Alumni award recipients, Dr. Deborah Humphrey (Internal Medicine ’95) and Dr. Richard Brilli (MD ’76) at the State of the College and Alumni Awards Presentation on September 9th.                        

Coming up is Alumni Weekend on October 22 and 23 – we look forward to seeing as many of you as possible there! Don't forget to grab your early bird tickets before prices increase on September 30.