Florida's State Capitol Showcases Health Care Innovation with Sam Garrison and Tampa General Hospital

Innovation in Health Care: A Focus on Florida

On February 12, 2025, the Florida State Capitol turned into a vibrant platform for a discussion centered on health care innovation, featuring Representative Sam Garrison. This event marked the presence of key stakeholders from Tampa General Hospital (TGH) and USF Health Morsani College of Medicine, emphasizing Florida's commitment to technological advancements in health care. The event, part of We Are TGH Day, aimed to showcase breakthroughs that are revolutionizing patient care across the state.

Representative Garrison articulated the significance of pro-business policies in Florida that have transformed the state into a hub for innovation. "Florida's robust commitment to family and economic opportunities has positioned us not just for tourism but as a leader in healthcare innovation," he stated. Garrison highlighted hospitals like TGH as pivotal players in marrying cutting-edge research and technology to optimize patient care.

The discussion, aptly named "Florida The Destination for Innovation," spotlighted the Sunshine State's burgeoning reputation as a leader in world-class medical care. John Couris, TGH’s president and CEO, joined Garrison on stage to emphasize that Florida’s status as a paradise isn't just about its beaches but also its advancements in health care. "Tampa General is pioneering the latest research and technologies to ensure the highest quality care for all our patients," said Couris, reinforcing the notion that Florida is a tourist destination and an innovation leader.

The Future of Health Care: Technology's Role

The focus of the discussion turned toward the technological initiatives the TGH is embracing to shape the future of health care delivery. Keynote speaker Scott Arnold, the executive vice president and chief digital officer at TGH, shared insights into the creation of the hospital’s Innovation Center situated within the Tampa Medical and Research District. This center will be a collaborative space where innovators from various sectors will work together to enhance health care solutions. Arnold mentioned, "We are collaborating with advanced technology firms to conceive next-generation systems that redefine health care delivery."

In conjunction with these advancements, Dr. Nishit Patel, vice president of medical informatics at USF and a TGH faculty member, shed light on the importance of elevating patient experiences. He emphasized operational transparency through integrated managed services, allowing patients secure access to their medical data and facilitating virtual communication with their health providers. Dr. Patel is also leading the