University of Florida's health science center unveils plan to add 300 academic jobs over next 5 years
Gainesville Sun
October 31, 2010
Officials from the University of Florida Health Science Center and Shands Healthcare unveiled an ambitious five-year plan Thursday that would add 300 faculty positions and cost $580 million, with the goal of placing the Health Science Center among the top 10 percent of national academic health care facilities.
The strategic plan is aimed at putting patient care and safety in the forefront, strengthening ties to the community and boosting the status of the six-college Health Science Center.
It also will be a boost to the community, creating new faculty slots and bringing new jobs and dollars into Gainesville.
The plan, in the works for the past nine months, was unveiled by Dr. David Guzick, senior vice president for health affairs and head of the UF&Shands health system.
Initiatives in research, education and patient care are expected to total $580 million, Guzick said.
Here are some of the changes that are in the works:
Primary-care offices will be located at several sites, including new facilities for residents in east Gainesville. The UF Family Practice on Southwest Fourth Avenue will be relocated on the east side, but a specific site has not been selected.
Many specialty practices will be relocated to the health park on Northwest 39th Avenue, with easy access from Interstate 75.
Space within Shands UF will be reconfigured. Expect to see a fourth-floor pediatric oncology unit, along with additional space for neuromedicine and cardiovascular services on the first floor.
