Remembering Dr. Michael Flannery

After a difficult battle with COVID-19, Dr. Michael Flannery passed away on Sunday, December 6. During his more than 30 years at USF Health, Dr. Flannery built a towering legacy and left a lasting impact on his fellow faculty, residents, students, and patients.

Michael’s long relationship with the University of South Florida began during his undergraduate years and continued into medical school. Following his graduation from the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine in 1988, he served a residency in the Department of Internal Medicine. He stayed on the faculty where he excelled as both a researcher and clinician. He was appointed Associate Program Director and was a true role model for medical residents. Many of his protégés have said he was simply the best teacher they ever had. Michael led exemplary residency cohorts, taking a crucial role in expanding the residency class size and establishing a nationally recognized Board Review course. He also played a leading role in raising the USF internal medicine board passing rate to among the highest in Florida. In 2004, Dr. Flannery assumed the position as program director, and successfully oversaw ACGME reaccreditation and while facilitating new levels departmental growth during his decade in charge.

Throughout his career, Dr. Flannery was known for being both an exceptional teacher and clinician, and was frequently recognized by his colleagues and students for his extraordinary service. He was named the Roy H. Behnke Department of Internal Medicine Teacher of the Year on more than ten occasions! The Morsani College of Medicine MD Class of 2012 even named their class scholarship in honor of Dr. Flannery. He received both the Osler Exemplary Role Model and the American College of Physicians State of Florida Faculty Teacher of the Year awards. Dr. Flannery was also recognized as a Tampa Bay Health Care Hero for his instrumental role in creating the Saint Andre Free Clinic in Dade City to improve access and quality of care for underserved populations.  

Michael dedicated his life and career to helping others, and he was an inspiration to nearly all who knew him. He was a devoted family man, and a great father and a loving husband. He was also a huge Tampa Bay Lightning fan, rarely missing a game and frequently showing up on the big screen. His legacy lives on in the thousands of students and residents he trained who are now serving patients in Florida and across the nation. He will be sorely missed, and his contributions to USF Health, the Morsani College of Medicine and the Department of Internal Medicine will never be forgotten. We offer our deepest sympathies and sincerest condolences to his family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Francis J Flannery Internal Medicine Scholarship (Fund # 251530) by clicking here.