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A Legacy in Medicine: The Journey of Dr. Douglas Barrett and USF

By Paul Guzzo, University Communications and Marketing

The image holds tremendous significance in the chronicles of Dr. Douglas Barrett and the University of South Florida (USF). Captured on campus over fifty years ago, this photograph encapsulates the humble beginnings of a vibrant medical institution.

A Glimpse into History

The picture depicts USF’s campus as it was in the early 1970s, viewed from the nearby James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital. The landscape reveals scrub pines and sand, alongside Walter Afield, the founder of the USF Department of Psychiatry, standing beside a charming hand-painted wooden sign that states, “Site of Medical Center, University of South Florida.” This sign marked a transformative moment, heralding the future construction of what would become the USF Medical Center.

Dr. Douglas Barrett was a pioneer at USF.

The site of the original USF Medical Center.

“It’s a picture I carry with me and use whenever I give a presentation,” Barrett, a proud member of the charter class of the USF College of Medicine—later named in honor of Frank and Carol Morsani after their remarkable $20 million endowment in 2011—reflects. “This image exemplifies that great things can emerge from modest beginnings.”

Barrett emerged as a nationally acclaimed pediatrician and academic leader. His illustrious career saw him ascend to the role of senior vice president at the University of Florida’s J. Hillis Miller Health Science Center and chair of the UF Department of Pediatrics.

Celebrating a Milestone: 70 Years of Excellence

This year, USF proudly commemorates its 70th anniversary, a landmark occasion that recalls December 18, 1956—the date when state authorities sanctioned the establishment of the university. The campus laid its foundations in 1960, welcoming its inaugural medical class in 1971.

Today, the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine stands as Florida’s premier medical school, consistently ranking among the nation’s top medical institutions. It has become a linchpin for both USF and the Tampa Bay region.

Dr. Charles Lockwood, the executive vice president of USF Health and dean of the Morsani College of Medicine, states, “We’re dedicated to training the next generation of physicians, ensuring they are truly world-class. These future doctors will enhance the quality of care for patients. Reflecting on our progress, it’s remarkable. We have advanced rapidly and with unparalleled enthusiasm compared to nearly any other medical school in the country.”

A Vision Becomes Reality

The USF medical school began as an ambitious dream before materializing into a purposeful reality, as its charter class entered without a dedicated building—merely a sign promising future developments.

By 1974, a four-story Medical Center was completed, featuring student and faculty laboratories, a library, cafeteria, and other essential support services—all constructed on the same sandy site depicted in that cherished photograph. Today, the medical school proudly calls the bustling Water Street area in downtown Tampa its home.

The newly completed USF Health Morsani College of Medicine facility, inaugurated in January 2020, boasts a contemporary 13-story design, accommodating more than 1,450 students, 2,300 full-time faculty members, and over 800 residents and fellows. This high-tech facility is equipped with advanced classrooms, clinical and research laboratories, a sizable 400-seat auditorium, and leased space for the affiliated Tampa General Hospital.

This modern establishment stands as a testament to the college’s ascendancy.

The annual research funding awarded to USF Health Morsani College of Medicine surpasses $380 million. The institution houses world-class institutes and centers including the Byrd Alzheimer’s Center and Research Institute, the Neuroscience Institute, the Heart Institute, the Virology Institute, and the Center for Aging and Brain Repair. Furthermore, USF has forged partnerships with Moffitt Cancer Center and Tampa General Cancer Institute, asserting itself as the headquarters for the Global Virus Network.

“USF has undoubtedly made its mark,” asserts third-year medical student Sarah McCrackin. “Recognition is growing nationally, and it’s fascinating to witness our evolution.”

The Yearning for a Medical School

The ambition to establish a state medical school in Tampa dates back to 1947. However, at that time, a state university didn’t exist in the region, leading to the establishment of Florida’s first medical school at the University of Florida in 1956.

As the 1960s unfolded, the state’s population burgeoned, and with the establishment of USF, the Florida Legislature recognized the need for a second state medical institution—again considering Tampa as the ideal location. In 1971, the legislature formally sanctioned the creation of the USF School of Medicine.

The first USF Medical Center, located on the main campus [Photo courtesy of USF Tampa Library].

The USF Health Morsani College of Medicine facility in downtown Tampa [Photo by Fredrick Coleman, USF Health].

By the time, Barrett had already embarked on his journey at USF, enrolling in 1968 to pursue a bachelor’s degree in chemistry.

“While I was there, I gained hands-on experience working in the Morton Plant Hospital’s laboratory in Clearwater,” Barrett recounts. “This experience allowed me to glimpse what the medical field entailed, leading me to conclude that a career in medicine would be exhilarating.”

Choosing to remain at USF to join its nascent medical college was certainly a gamble, Barrett acknowledges. Established medical schools existed at the University of Florida and University of Miami, and many encouraged him to opt for one of those.

Ultimately, it was his USF professors who swayed him.

“I engaged in cancer research during my chemistry degree, which allowed me to collaborate with some truly dynamic professors—many of whom would join the charter faculty,” Barrett explains. “The thrill of creating something new was invigorating. Plus, I realized that we would be using brand new resources—new microscopes, lab coats, and more—rather than outdated items from earlier cohorts.”

In many ways, he was spot on.

The Early Pioneers

The charter class, comprising 24 students selected from an impressive pool of over 400 applicants, indeed received new resources, but they were taught in borrowed spaces.

Due to the absence of a designated medical school building, the charter class conducted their classes in what local newspapers dubbed a “one-room schoolhouse” on the fourth floor of the Science Center building. Students participated in lectures while seated on folding chairs, which were then stacked aside for lab sessions.

Barrett never wavered in his choice of USF.

“There was a palpable sense of enthusiasm within our group,” he reminisces. “We felt like pioneers, akin to a family. With only 24 students in our charter class and about the same number of professors, we were assured of receiving substantial personal attention in our education, contributing significantly to our eventual success.”

Their camaraderie extended beyond academics, fostering connections that heightened the experience.

During breaks, students would tape tongue depressors to beaker poles, employing a petri dish for a makeshift puck, and enthusiastically engaged in floor hockey within their shared space.

“We were in it together,” Barrett recalls. “We enjoyed playing football and handball as a group. On occasion, even our dean and associate dean would join us for handball games. These relationships truly played a pivotal role in our success.”

In a significant gesture, former Tampa Mayor Dick Greco and civil rights advocate Moses White guided the charter class on a tour of the city’s underprivileged neighborhoods.

“They wanted to instill in us the understanding of our privileges, urging us to remain cognizant of patients from diverse walks of life,” Barrett reflects. “It was a remarkable experience—one possible only at USF during that era.”

The Foundation is Laid

In March 1972, construction commenced on the site where the iconic photograph was taken.

While the charter class did not occupy the newly constructed building, each student graduated in December 1974 with a piece of its legacy.

“They presented each of us with a brick—an authentic brick—from its foundation, accompanied by a small plaque featuring our name,” Barrett fondly recalls. “I continue to cherish mine.”

This gesture carried profound symbolism; the initial 24 graduates weren’t merely earning degrees; they were also foundational components of USF’s medical future.

Now, USF Health occupies vibrant skylines instead of sandy lots. Yet the image of that sign deeply embedded in Barrett’s memory continues to resonate.

“We felt immense pride in all that we had accomplished,” Barrett affirms. “I still carry that pride with me.”

The Role of AI legalese decoder

In navigating the complexities of medical education and the associated legal landscape, many students and professionals may face challenges interpreting legal jargon in agreements or policies affecting their education or practice. The AI legalese decoder serves as an invaluable resource in this context. It simplifies complex legal documents, ensuring that users can easily grasp essential information without getting lost in convoluted language.

By utilizing this resource, both current students and graduates can ensure they understand their rights and responsibilities, enabling them to focus on their education and healthcare pursuits without unnecessary legal confusion. It empowers individuals to make informed decisions in their career paths, just as USF did in its formative years.

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