Perspectives Winter/Spring 2018

Dr. Pallavi Patel College of Health Care Sciences 5 (continued on next page) O N SEPTEMBER 25, 2017, Nova Southeastern Univer- sity announced the largest philanthropic gift in its history from Tampa-area cardiologist Dr. Kiran C. Patel, M.D., and his wife, pediatrician Dr. Pallavi Patel, M.D. The commitment from the Patel Family Foundation includes a $50-million gift and an additional $150-million real estate and facility investment in a future 325,000-square-foot medical education complex that will be part of NSU’s new Tampa Bay Regional Campus in Clearwater, Florida. The gift will significantly expand its programs in osteopathic medicine and health care sciences and provide scholar- ships for emerging health care professionals. The renamed Dr. Pallavi Patel College of Health Care Sciences (PCHCS) graduates more than 1,200 health care professionals each year, helping to fill a critical need in communities nationwide. The college offers 29 diverse programs, such as anesthesiologist assistant, athletic training, audiology, exercise and sport science, medical and cardiovascu- lar sonography, occupational therapy, phy- sician assistant, physical therapy, respiratory therapy, and speech-language pathology. Students in all programs across NSU’s eight campuses and online will benefit from the increased opportunity for scholarships. “We gratefully embrace this tremendous gift and opportunity,” said the college’s dean, Stanley H. Wilson, Ed.D., PT, CEAS, at the unveiling ceremony. “This transforma- tional commitment will advance health care in Florida and internationally, with a particular focus on multicultural and underserved communities.” PCHCS students and faculty and staff mem- bers are leading a variety of initiatives and events that serve those most in need. For example, the Fort Myers Physician Assistant (PA) Program provides health screenings, community resources such as a mammogram bus and dental care, free bicycles for trans- portation, and other resources for migrant workers in Immokalee, Florida. The Jacksonville PA faculty members and students lead a similar initiative for the underserved in their surrounding community. Many of the students and faculty members participate in international medical outreach trips and community education and screen- ings throughout Florida. Service is part of the college’s fabric. “I feel it is more important than ever to ad- vance the current state of health care,” said Dr. Kiran C. Patel. “It is rare for someone to have the opportunity to impact the world in this way, and, as an immigrant to the United States, I am particularly honored to be able to make a difference in people’s lives around the world. I believe NSU is the future of multi- disciplinary medical education. Together, we will be able to capitalize on an opportunity that will be beneficial to millions of human lives, many right here in Florida, and many others across the globe.” “We firmly believe that the best gift anybody can give to anyone is the gift of education. Once you educate people, you transform their lives, their family’s lives, society, and our country.” —Dr. Kiran C. Patel, M.D.