USF Health-University of South Florida

After more than a decade of visionary leadership, Stephen Liggett is stepping down from his role as Senior Associate Vice President for Research for USF Health, leaving behind a legacy that helped transform our research enterprise.

Under his leadership, USF Health research funding reached new heights, Research Day grew into one of the nation’s largest celebrations of scientific discovery, and a culture of collaboration and innovation flourished. While transitioning from this leadership role, Dr. Liggett will continue advancing science through his own laboratory research and mentorship.

Thank you, Dr. Liggett, for your dedication to shaping the future of research at USF Health. Read more: https://www.usf.edu/health/news/2026/liggett-steps-down-usfh-06042026.aspx

University of South Florida has appointed Janice C. Zgibor, PhD, as the new dean of the USF Health Taneja College of Pharmacy. A pharmacist and epidemiologist, Zgibor has served at USF for more than a decade and brings more than 20 years of academic leadership experience to the role.

“Dr. Zgibor brings a distinctive combination of pharmacy expertise, population health scholarship and proven academic leadership,” said Dr. Charles Lockwood, executive vice president of USF Health and dean of the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine. “Her deep knowledge of USF Health and the Taneja College of Pharmacy, together with her commitment to student success, research growth and faculty achievement, positions her perfectly to build on the college’s strong foundation and expand its impact across all its key mission areas.”

Since March 2025, Zgibor has served as special advisor to the interim dean of the Taneja College of Pharmacy, working with faculty to strengthen academic programs and enhance student success, board exam preparation and career readiness.

“The Taneja College of Pharmacy has a group of incredible faculty members who are deeply committed to the college, their students and their success,” Zgibor said. “I am excited to work alongside them to harness the college’s tremendous potential and build on its very strong foundations.”

Congratulations to Dr. Zgibor on this honor and we cannot wait for you to welcome our students to the Taneja College of Pharmacy.

Learn more: https://www.usf.edu/health/news/2026/usf-names-new-dean-of-the-taneja-college-of-pharmacy.aspx

Many women and newborns among Florida's 23.6 million residents have limited access to direct medical and obstetrical care, especially those living in rural communities. But a unique program at USF Health is working to change that reality.

Thanks to a grant from the Florida Department of Health, faculty and simulation experts from the Florida Perinatal Quality Collaborative at the USF College of Public Health, CAMLS and the Florida Center for Emergency Medical Services are joining forces to bring high-fidelity obstetric emergency training to rural care teams across Florida.

What began as a pilot in Apalachicola has grown into a statewide initiative reaching 16 rural counties, helping nurses, physicians and first responders prepare for obstetrical emergencies when every second counts.

This work is helping strengthen emergency maternity care across Florida, ensuring healthcare teams have the training and confidence to support mothers and babies when it matters most.

🔗 Read the full story: https://www.usf.edu/health/news/2026/usf-health-expands-emergency-maternity-care-training-in-floridas-rural-counties.aspx

A new FDA-approved inhaled insulin is changing the landscape of diabetes care for children and adolescents, offering a needle-free option at mealtimes. Dr. Henry Rodriguez, Clinical Director of the USF Health Diabetes & Endocrinology Center, contributed to early studies that helped support this breakthrough in treatment.

Read more:

FDA approves inhaled insulin for kids with diabetes, USF plays role in some of the early studies The FDA has approved inhaled insulin, Afrezza, for children 6 and older, giving doctors and families a new tool to manage diabetes with fewer injec...

Researchers from USF Health-University of South Florida have been awarded a $1.8M grant from the Florida Cancer Innovation Fund to support a preclinical study of a promising new liver cancer drug.

In addition to evaluating the drug’s efficiency, researchers will also examine how it works alongside GLP-1s.

🔗 Learn more: https://ow.ly/oLWs50ZbYMv

“It's impossible to learn that which you think you already know.” — Epictetus

This Stoic principle reflects a core truth in academic medicine: humility is where learning begins. In a field where medical knowledge and technology are constantly evolving, the most effective physicians remain lifelong learners — willing to question assumptions, embrace uncertainty and grow through challenge.

Stoicism reminds us to focus on what we can control: our discipline, our mindset, and our commitment to continuous improvement. In the same way, academic medicine is built on lifelong learning across education, research, and clinical care.

At USF Health, this mindset shapes how we prepare the next generation of physicians and scientists. Read more:

How Stoicism can help us learn — throughout our lives University of South Florida

What began as pregnancy-related symptoms revealed a brain tumor at the base of the skull.

A multidisciplinary team led by Dr. Siviero Agazzi, Professor, Vice Chairman and Fellowship Director at the USF Health Department of Neurosurgery and neurosurgeon at Tampa General Hospital, used a carefully staged approach, combining surgery and targeted radiation to treat the tumor while prioritizing both mother and baby.

This reflects academic medicine in action, where expert teams and innovation come together to care for complex cases and improve outcomes for patients and families.

Read full story:

She was pregnant and had a brain tumor. How would doctors handle care? When Mallory McLean experienced debilitating nausea and dizziness, she thought it was a symptom of her pregnancy. Then doctors found the tumor.

Heart care among the nation’s best. ❤️

Tampa General was named one of America’s Best Hospitals for Specialized Care by Newsweek in seven specialties, including Cardiac Care. This recognition reflects the advanced treatments and cutting-edge technology delivered through our TGH Heart & Vascular Institute in academic partnership with USF Health-University of South Florida.