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Greetings!
It is an exciting time for USF Health and the Morsani College of Medicine (MCOM), as we celebrate our recent recognition as a Tier 1 Research Medical School by U.S. News & World Report. This distinction reflects the extraordinary achievements of our faculty, staff, and learners across the College. Under the visionary leadership of Dean Dr. Charles Lockwood, USF Health has become a national leader in research that improves lives and advances the future of medicine.
At CAMLS, we are proud to contribute to this momentum through our support of research in surgical innovation, transplant medicine, and emerging technologies in healthcare education and training. Our unique infrastructure and multidisciplinary teams have enabled us to be a hub for innovation, from extended reality and AI-enhanced learning to complex procedural training and human performance research.
We’ve also demonstrated the power of creative collaboration. We’ve successfully secured competitive federal grants—including NIH SBIR Phase II and DoD STTR Phase II awards—and we are committed to continuing this trajectory. These collaborations have allowed us to turn ideas into real-world solutions that benefit patients, providers, and systems alike.
Looking ahead, we see great potential to expand our research enterprise by strengthening alliances with the Department of Defense, industry leaders, and government agencies. Together with Tampa General Hospital and the exceptional clinical researchers at USF Health MCOM, we aim to grow our grant portfolio and deepen our impact. While we recognize the growing competition for NIH and NSF funding, we remain focused, forward-looking, and optimistic. By staying at the forefront of innovation and collaboration, CAMLS is well positioned to continue leading in this evolving landscape.
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Thank you for being part of our journey.
Sincerely,
Haru Okuda, MD, FACEP, FSSH
Executive Director, USF Health CAMLS
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CAMLS Without Walls Brings Life-Saving Training to Apalachicola
CAMLS Without Walls is bridging the gap in healthcare by delivering lifesaving training to frontline providers. Our team recently traveled to Apalachicola, Florida, to deliver Obstetrical Transitions of Care: Interdisciplinary Practices for Rural Providers — a hands-on course designed to strengthen maternal care in rural communities.
In collaboration with the Florida Center for EMS, we brought simulation-based training and interdisciplinary teamwork directly to local providers, helping them build the skills needed to respond to critical maternal health situations.
This training was made possible through a generous philanthropic donation, and we are deeply grateful for the community support that helps us expand access to high-impact education in underserved areas.
| | | International Collaboration | |
Our Executive Director, Dr. Haru Okuda, was honored to meet with stakeholders in Panama, including Minister of Health Dr. Fernando Boyd, to support the development of a national simulation program. He toured their impressive new 15,000 ft² simulation center and presented the CAMLS Coin in recognition of this growing partnership.
Special thanks to Gilma Espinosa (CREASS) and Lordes Cortes (Ministry of Health) for your leadership and hospitality. We look forward to collaborating with CREASS to advance simulation-based healthcare training in Panama and Latin America!
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Congratulations to Dr. Haru Okuda on receiving the 2025 USF Global Advocacy Award!
A visionary leader in healthcare education, Dr. Okuda has expanded USF’s global impact through strategic partnerships with institutions across Latin America, Asia, Europe, and the Caribbean. His work has led to new simulation centers, international training exchanges, and groundbreaking interprofessional programs that are transforming patient care worldwide. Under his leadership, CAMLS remains a global hub for hands-on, simulation-based learning. We’re proud to celebrate this well-deserved recognition!
| | Simulation & Beyond: CAMLS Educational Updates | |
At CAMLS, our commitment to improving healthcare through lifelong education and training starts with our own team. Our staff recently completed hands-on CPR and AED training, led by CAMLS faculty member, Dr. Frederick Slone.
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Our simulation team recently developed custom task trainers to support hands-on training for kidney biopsies, tailored specifically for USF Nephrology. These innovative tools help enhance procedural skills in a controlled, risk-free environment—another example of how CAMLS supports specialized clinical education through simulation.
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This spring, CAMLS was honored to join the Florida High Tech Corridor in celebrating the outstanding undergraduate and graduate students who participated in The Corridor’s Matching Grants Research Projects during the academic year. At a luncheon held on April 30, the achievements of these students—whose research spans high-impact, industry-connected projects—were recognized by USF leadership and The Corridor team. At CAMLS, we’re especially grateful for The Corridor’s continued support of our NIH SBIR initiatives and the invaluable role USF students play in advancing our research mission. Their contributions are helping to drive innovation and strengthen the future of healthcare technology in Florida and beyond.
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| August 18, 2025 | Advanced Trauma Operative Management (ATOM) | September 27, 2025 | Fundamentals Critical Care Support (FCCS) | October 27, 2025 | Advanced Surgical Skills for Exposure in Trauma (ASSET) Course |
January 9-11, 2026 | Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery Course & Cadaver Lab (MIGS)
This cadaver based, hands-on educational course is designed for Gynecologic Surgeons who desire to advance their skills and knowledge in laparoscopic surgery. This activity is designed to meet the educational needs of Obstetricians, Gynecologists, Gynecologic Surgeons and sub-specialists, OB/GYN residents and fellows.
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We are excited to spotlight William Coleman, our dedicated Conference and Events Coordinator and a proud Certified Meeting Professional (CMP)!
With a strong passion for creating seamless and impactful experiences, William brings both expertise and energy to every event he coordinates. From high-level healthcare conferences to hands-on simulation trainings, he ensures every detail is carefully planned and executed with precision.
As a CMP, William upholds the highest standards in event management and is always seeking innovative ways to elevate the attendee experience. His commitment to excellence, professionalism, and collaboration makes him an invaluable part of our team.
Whether he's liaising with vendors, organizing logistics, or ensuring events run smoothly from start to finish, William’s calm demeanor and problem-solving mindset help make every event a success. Thank you, Will, for your hard work and the passion you bring to everything you do!
| | Bring Your Next Meeting or Conference to CAMLS | Now is the perfect time to book your next corporate meeting or conference at CAMLS. With customizable spaces and state-of-the-art technology, CAMLS offers the ideal setting to bring your team together and make your next event a success. Secure your preferred dates while they’re still available! | | | | | |