Leading Breast Cancer Care Through Academic Medicine And Research

Tampa General Hospital (TGH), in partnership with the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine at the University of South Florida, exemplifies the power of an academic health system – a unique blend of high-caliber clinical care and pioneering research. This approach not only distinguishes Tampa General as a premier health care provider but also directly impacts its breast cancer care, ensuring patients receive cutting-edge treatments rooted in the latest scientific discoveries.

An academic health system like Tampa General is more than just a hospital; it’s a hub of innovation where expert faculty, graduates, residents, interns and students collaborate to push the boundaries of medical science. This synergy leads to breakthroughs in cancer treatment, enhancing patient outcomes significantly.

Tampa General’s commitment to academic medicine is evident in its robust clinical research initiatives. Through the TGH-USF Health Joint Office of Clinical Research, the hospital coordinated a record 269 clinical trials in 2023-2024 – a 30% increase from the previous year. This expansion includes a dedicated Phase 1 Clinical Research Unit at the TGH Cancer Institute, which focuses on early-phase clinical trials for innovative cancer therapies, including those targeting breast cancer. These trials provide patients access to the newest treatments that are not widely available, often representing their best hope for recovery.

“Our mission at Tampa General is to integrate the latest in clinical research directly into patient care,” said Dr. Abraham Schwarzberg, executive vice president, chief of oncology and president of the Tampa General Provider Network (TGPN), and vice president of clinical and translational research, TGH-USF Health Joint Office of Clinical Research. “By doing so, we are able to offer our breast cancer patients more than just standard care; we provide them with access to the forefront of medical science.”

Tampa General’s integration of academic medicine with clinical practice has also positioned it as a statewide leader in health care. Its extensive network of partnerships with community hospitals and physicians’ groups across Florida allows the hospital to disseminate advanced cancer care practices beyond its primary location, effectively transforming it into an academic-regional health system. This network not only broadens the reach of its clinical trials but also ensures that innovations in breast cancer treatment are accessible to a more diverse patient population.

Tampa General is committed to advancing the field of breast cancer treatment through academic medicine. With ambitious goals for expanding clinical trials and research capabilities, Tampa General continues to lead the way in offering patients the most innovative and effective treatments available.

Through its dedication to academic excellence and clinical research, Tampa General is not just treating breast cancer; its redefining the future of cancer care, providing hope and healing to countless patients across Florida.