South University and Calvary Clinic Join Forces for Vital Cancer Care Access

In a remarkable display of dedication to patient care, South University (SU) has forged a vital partnership with the Calvary Community Clinic in Tampa, Florida, leading to life-saving cancer treatment for an uninsured patient. This collaboration brings together faculty members from the SU Tampa Physician Assistant (PA) program and the clinic, which serves underrepresented communities.

Dr. Karen M. Wilcox, Assistant Dean of Graduate Programs in SU's College of Health Professions, made a significant discovery during a routine examination at the Calvary Community Clinic. While volunteering her time on Fridays, she identified a suspicious mass in the patient, prompting immediate action. Realizing the situation's urgency, Dr. Wilcox reached out to a trusted colleague, David Johnson, PA-C, who specializes in Orthopedic Oncology at the Moffitt Cancer Center.

This connection proved to be pivotal. Through their established network, the patient was quickly enrolled in Moffitt's Charity Care program. Dr. Johnson and his team facilitated a thorough oncology evaluation for the patient, which included essential laboratory tests, biopsies, and advanced imaging such as CT scans and a full-body PET scan. The diagnosis revealed an uncommon form of B-cell Leukemia localized to the tumor, necessitating both inpatient and outpatient chemotherapy treatments.

Thanks to this swift response and the collaborative effort, the patient is now in remission and residing near family in Sarasota, Florida. Dr. Johnson expressed pride in their ability to make a difference: "At South University, our goal extends beyond mere instruction; we aim to instill a sense of commitment in our students to advocate for those in critical need. When Karen reached out, there was absolutely no hesitation in mobilizing our resources to support her. This is the culture we strive to foster—one that empowers each student who walks through our program door."

This initiative highlights the substantial impact of SU's longstanding partnership with Calvary Community Clinic, which dates back to 2015. Catering to uninsured individuals, the clinic operates with the support of volunteer clinicians dedicated to offering free healthcare services to the Tampa Bay area. The collaboration exemplifies how educational institutions can leverage their resources to address local healthcare needs.

Dr. Wilcox emphasized her enriching experience at South University, noting, “The academic and clinical relationships I've fostered during my tenure have been invaluable. Our extensive network of Physician Assistants enables us to change lives for patients when they require it the most.”

South University continues to expand its influence in health education across its 11 campuses. Offering a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies, the program focuses on equipping students with both hands-on clinical training and community-oriented learning opportunities.

As part of its mission, South University is steadfast in its commitment to shape not only well-trained healthcare professionals but also compassionate advocates ready to respond to the needs of the communities they serve.

For more information about South University and its programs or to learn about getting involved with Calvary Community Clinic, please visit the respective websites.