#United States #Tampa #Tampa General Hospital #Cancer Institute #Usha Menon

Tampa General Hospital Appoints Dr. Usha Menon

Tampa General Hospital (TGH) Cancer Institute has exciting news! Dr. Usha Menon, a prominent figure in cancer research and community outreach, has been appointed as the associate director of community outreach and engagement. This new role emphasizes the growing partnership between TGH and the USF Health system, aimed at revolutionizing cancer care and enhancing community health programs.

Dr. Menon, who also serves as a dean and distinguished university health professor at the USF College of Nursing, brings decades of rich experience in behavioral science and cancer prevention to her new position. Her expertise lies in creating culturally tailored, evidence-based interventions designed to improve cancer screening and outcomes particularly in vulnerable populations. With her leadership, Tampa General aims to strengthen its community partnerships and expand cancer care access throughout Tampa Bay.

Dr. Eduardo M. Sotomayor, vice president and director of the TGH Cancer Institute, expressed optimism about Dr. Menon's appointment. He highlighted it as a significant advancement towards their goal of achieving NCI-designation within the decade. "Her historical commitment to enhancing health outcomes ensures that we can close gaps in education and reach more families across our state, especially in underserved rural areas," he noted.

The collaboration between TGH and the USF Health system is vital for providing comprehensive care. Charles J. Lockwood, MD, executive vice president of USF Health, reiterated the significance of this partnership, emphasizing how it enhances resources to tackle complex health challenges within the region. Dr. Lockwood voiced his delight about Dr. Menon's involvement in improving outreach and access to high-quality cancer care across Tampa Bay and beyond.

Dr. Menon's research is grounded in the Health Belief Model and the ConNECT Framework. The Health Belief Model outlines how personal health beliefs can influence health behavior, while the ConNECT Framework fosters behavioral medicine to improve health outcomes for various populations. Currently, she spearheads a Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA)-funded initiative, the Mo-Bull Nurse Medical Clinic, which delivers mobile primary care to underserved areas in Tampa Bay while training future nursing professionals.

At USF Health, her innovative approach resulted in securing $40 million in legislative funding to counteract Florida's nursing shortage and establishing various outreach clinics for community healthcare needs. Her exemplary work placed the USF College of Nursing among the top nursing programs in Florida, showcasing her commitment to education and community health.

Dr. Menon expressed her excitement about the potential to integrate clinical innovations with community empowerment at TGH. She stated, "The TGH Cancer Institute is setting a national example for accessible and patient-centered cancer care. I am eager to help the communities in our 15-county service area access necessary medical support."

Notably, she has led significant national healthcare initiatives, including the NIH's All of Us Precision Medicine Initiative, aiming to promote personalized medicine across various demographics, while also working on projects funded by the National Cancer Institute to enhance colorectal cancer screening in underserved communities.

Dr. Menon's role at the TGH Cancer Institute signals a transformative approach to healthcare, reinforcing TGH's standing among the top cancer centers nationwide. Recognized for its cutting-edge treatments and advanced diagnostic technologies, the TGH Cancer Institute is acknowledged by U.S. News & World Report as one of the leading cancer centers in the country.

Tampa General Hospital, with its extensive offerings, including Level I trauma care and comprehensive burn units, partakes in enhancing community health initiatives. With a commitment to inclusive healthcare, Tampa General operates as a safety-net hospital, ensuring that all patients receive the critical care they require, regardless of their ability to pay. It also ranks high for excellence in significantly diverse medical specialties according to the latest U.S. News & World Report.

As Dr. Menon steps into her new position, her vision is set not only on elevating the cancer care services at TGH but also on fostering collaborations that can reshape health outcomes for individuals throughout Florida. Her leadership promises to drive forward innovative cancer care in the community, solidifying Tampa General Hospital’s legacy as a leader in academic medicine and community health.

For more information on the TGH Cancer Institute and its services, visit TGH Cancer Institute.