USF Health Division of Infectious Disease & International Medicine

The 2025 Philip T. Gompf Award for Excellence in Infectious Diseases

The Philip T. Gompf Award for Excellence in Infectious Disease was established in honor of my son, Philip. In 2009, he lost his fight against amoebic meningitis. Since then, this award has been given to a graduate who exemplifies the qualities that I saw in him. He was intellectually curious, passionate about the greater good, and an outstanding scholar.

The recipient of this year’s award has excelled academically, demonstrating a strong interest and curiosity about infectious diseases, global health, and research from the beginning of medical school. He eagerly sought out opportunities to understand how research could enhance our knowledge of clinical disease and used his medical expertise to contribute to several infectious disease research projects. His work includes coauthoring manuscripts on COVID-19, vector-borne infections, and Staphylococcus aureus drug resistance. He also engaged in a research project on COVID-19 and CKD in Thailand during the summer of 2022 and volunteered at our USF Health Care clinic that serves refugees, where he operated the Food as Medicine program. Joshua is excited and grateful to start his next chapter as a general surgery resident at Louisiana State University of Medicine – New Orleans. In the future, he plans on pursuing a vascular surgery fellowship and returning home to Tampa to practice as an attending surgeon.

This award comes with a $1,000 check from the USF Foundation Philip T. Gompf Memorial Fund. Many thanks to our donor, Raymond C. Rude Foundation, for their generous support.

It is my honor to present the Philip T. Gompf Award for Excellence in Infectious Disease to Dr. Joshua Alvior.

I am very grateful to Dr. Menenzes, his mentor, my esteemed colleague, and faithful supporter of this award, for presenting the award this year on my behalf. 🙏

Sandra G. Gompf MD FACP FIDSA

It’s that time of year! We’re looking forward to selecting our next Outstanding Infectious Diseases Fellow at VA! Winner to be announced at Graduation in June…☺️

Measles: The Comeback Nobody Wanted Podcast Episode · Contagion: An Infectious Diseases Podcast · 04/02/2025 · 43m

We’re excited to welcome our new Infectious Disease Fellows and extend congratulations to our now-senior Fellows on their first year of extraordinary growth. Here’s to your success and fulfillment on this journey!
Have a great first day!
James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital USF Health Division of Infectious Disease & International Medicine USF Department of Internal Medicine

Happy Pride Month!

Observed each June across the nation and at USF, LGBTQ+ Pride Month, often shortened to Pride Month, affirms the vital roles members of this community play in modern American society. The acronym has grown over time to include the broad spectrum within the group who are Le***an, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, or Q***r.

In contrast to LGBTQ+ History Month, this observance focuses on support and visibility in the present and future. Join us in celebrating Pride at the University of South Florida. ❤️🧡💛💚💙💜

Listen to the inaugural USF Health Contagion podcast on water-related infections, introduced by Dr. Richard Oehler, hosted by Drs. Vivian Vega and Jackie Sherbuk! https://is.gd/tFie2Y

Farm Animals Are Hauled All Over the Country. So Are Their Pathogens. (Gift Article) Tens of millions of farm animals cross state lines every year, traveling in cramped, stressful conditions that can facilitate the spread of disease.

☺️

Measles is more than just the infection of a few unvaccinated people. "researchers show that the measles virus wipes out 11 percent to 73 percent of the different antibodies that protect against viral and bacterial strains a person was previously immune to — anything from influenza to herpesvirus to bacteria that cause pneumonia and skin infections." That contributes to higher mortality for months to years after a measles infection. Measles is among the most contagious viruses known, more than Ebola or COVID-19. Before widespread immunization, measles killed an average of 2.6 million people every year. The vaccine is highly effective and safe.

https://vimeo.com/370147762