Guzick defines integration vision

September 29, 2009

Building blocks.

They represent new beginnings, and strong, long-lasting foundations — especially relevant as we establish new homes for important components of UF and Shands HealthCare. Soon we will open three major buildings: the Shands Cancer Hospital at UF, the Biomedical Sciences Building and the Emerging Pathogens Institute. More than just bricks and mortar, the facilities represent our commitment to offering the best medical treatments, to improving scientific and scholarly research collaboration and to ensuring excellence in education across the health sciences.

They open their doors at a time when we are implementing our vision of an integrated academic health center, bringing together the Health Science Center and Shands such that the whole is greater than its parts. In doing so, we’ll better position ourselves to define our niche in the marketplace, maintain our national leadership status in the realms of research and education and continue to excel in delivering topnotch patient care. This strategic synergy will propel us forward.

I’m excited about what we will accomplish. The building blocks are in place. Let’s move ahead together.

David S. Guzick, M.D., Ph.D.
UF Senior Vice President for Health Affairs
President, UF&Shands Health System