USF medical school dean Stephen Klasko estimates it would cost $300-million to build the 200-bed teaching hospital he wants on the Tampa campus, but he vowed to the Times editorial board this afternoon that he will not seek state money for it.
Lawmakers would have to OK proposed legislation that exempts some state universities including USF from getting certificates of need to build such hospitals, a change the Florida Hospital Association opposes.
Klasko said he is "optimistic" about the proposal's chances of passing, and said if it happens USF would use donations and, most likely, a partnership with an existing university hospital to make the USF hospital a reality. He said the University of Pittsburgh is one possibility.
"They've talked to us about a partnership, and that's part of our desire to start a hospital," Klasko said.
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It is essential that a respected medical school and health system have a dedicated facility on campus to provide high quality specialty care, train medical students and residents, and to conduct clinical research. Godspeed, Dean Klasko!
Posted by: George | February 27, 2008 at 09:39 AM
Relax, February 26, it was a joke.
Posted by: The Omniscient One | February 26, 2008 at 01:23 PM
What does opening a hospital on camous have anything to do with sports and the school's football team??
Posted by: | February 26, 2008 at 09:57 AM
It is absolutely ridiculous that the legislature would allow this to happen at a school that hasn't won a national championship!
Posted by: Bernie Machen | February 25, 2008 at 05:28 PM