Joseph Camps, M.D., PIMS 1979
Specialty: Urology and Urology Oncology
Current practice/academic involvement: Chief of Surgery and Vice President of Academic Affairs, Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare
The thing I appreciate the most about my PIMS medical education at FSU:
I am proud of the training and discipline learned at Florida State University, which allowed me to be competitive at University of Florida, University of North Carolina, and the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. I was a member of the second graduating class of the PIMS program at Florida State University. I appreciate the relationships built with my colleagues at FSU and have great collaboration with my colleagues and the teaching staff currently.
PIMS faculty member(s) who were influential to me and why:
Dr. Bud Berringer and Dr. Robley Light were instrumental in my development, and I am grateful for their contributions to my career. I learned great lessons in my training and development which resulted in high performance in surgery and medical care. I learned to appreciate the value of honesty, trust, work, and that outcomes do matter.
Geden Franck, M.D., College of Medicine Class of 2014
Specialty: Sports Medicine
Current practice/academic involvement: Head Sports Medicine Physician, Memorial Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Center, Hollywood, Fla.
The thing I appreciate the most about my FSU medical education:
What I treasure most about my time at FSU College of Medicine is the unwavering focus on patient-centered care. FSU didn’t just teach me to be a physician—it taught me to be a healer. The diverse rotations in Immokalee, Orlando, Thomasville and beyond exposed me to varied communities and healthcare challenges, allowing me to learn from doctors who exemplified integrity, innovation, and compassion. These experiences deeply influenced how I run my practice today—always considering not just the injury, but the person behind it. I’ve carried the lessons of empathy, adaptability, and excellence into every facet of my work.
The things I am most proud of in my health care career:
My greatest pride comes from the relationships I’ve built with my patients. Each recovery story, each athlete who steps back onto the field stronger, is a testament to the trust and dedication we share. I’m proud not only of the medical interventions I’ve been able to provide but of the human connection that forms the foundation of my practice. Beyond the clinic, I’m equally proud of the impact I’ve made through mentorship, education, and community service. Guiding the next generation of healthcare professionals and being a role model in my community means everything to me. To touch lives both in the exam room and in my community is truly my greatest accomplishment.
An FSU College of Medicine faculty member who was influential to me (and why):
The FSU College of Medicine is a place where mentorship and community shine, and I was fortunate to be guided by several influential figures. Dr. Eron Manusov was like a second father to me, always pushing me to think critically and embrace every learning opportunity. He wasn’t just a research advisor—he was a life mentor who taught me the value of hard work and kindness. Dr. Helen Livingston and Dr. Myra Hurt provided me the space and opportunity to grow through the Bridge program, allowing me to build confidence and leadership. Dr. Thesla Anderson was my steady anchor, always there for advice, and Dr. Patrick Graham’s generosity and humility reminded me that true greatness lies in service to others. Even without a deep personal connection, Dr. Alma Littles inspired me with her sheer brilliance and leadership—showing me that no goal is too high if you remain committed to excellence.
The thing I like best about being a physician:
On a professional level, the best part of being a physician is witnessing the transformation in my patients' lives. Seeing an athlete take their first steps toward recovery or watching someone return to their passion after an injury is a powerful reminder of the privilege I have in this profession. What brings me even more joy, however, is the ability to impact lives on a personal level. I’m not just treating injuries; I’m nurturing resilience, building confidence, and empowering people to reclaim their lives. Every day, I get to contribute to something greater—whether it's supporting the next generation through mentorship, leading community health initiatives, or being a pillar of strength and guidance in my patients' toughest moments. That, to me, is the essence of being a physician.
Shoshana Hallowell, M.D., College of Medicine Class of 2010
Specialty: Robotic General, Breast and Bariatric Surgery
Current practice/academic involvement: McLaren Lapeer Region Hospital, Lapeer, Mich.
The thing I appreciate the most about my FSU medical education:
One thing I appreciated the most about my FSU College of Medicine education was the close-knit and supportive community. From day one, the faculty, staff, and fellow students fostered an environment that felt collaborative rather than competitive. I was sick with malaria between my first and second year after a medical mission trip to Ecuador in the summer. I had to take two weeks off of classes as I was hospitalized. However my classmates were so supportive, They came to visit me in the hospital, brought me notes from class and helped me study so I wouldn't fall behind. The comradery of my classmates was exceptional and the relationships made during those years have lasted a lifetime.
In addition, the emphasis on small group learning, patient-centered care, and mentorship that FSU COM provided allowed me to build strong relationships with my professors and peers. This not only helped me grow academically but also personally, as I developed a deep sense of empathy and a commitment to serving diverse patient populations. The hands-on, community-based training prepared me exceptionally well for residency and beyond, equipping me with both the clinical skills and the human touch that define a great physician.
The things I am most proud of in my health care career:
The thing I am most proud of in my healthcare career is turning my own breast cancer diagnosis at a young age into a catalyst for positive change. Facing this challenge firsthand inspired me to start a nonprofit organization dedicated to educating clinicians and the community on the critical aspects of breast cancer, including understanding breast density, recognizing risk factors, and advocating for individualized screening based on risk stratification. By sharing my story and knowledge as a breast surgeon, I've been able to raise awareness and promote early detection, ultimately helping others navigate their own journeys with greater confidence and understanding.
Myra Hurt, Ph.D., First Acting Dean, FSU College of Medicine
(Inducted posthumously)
What did/does the College of Medicine mean to Dr. Hurt and your family?
The Florida State University College of Medicine was many things to Myra Hurt. First, it was a dream. Dr. Hurt had a vision of a medical system that worked for the people of Florida, of patient-centered care that was within anybody's reach, whether they lived in the city or in a rural area. The College of Medicine was a way of making that dream a reality. To bring the plan for a new medical school to fruition, Dr. Hurt had to overcome many challenges, but she gave her all to her mission to bring the project to life.
Often, Dr. Hurt said that creating the medical school was harder than giving birth. She called the medical students her babies, but the medical school itself was her baby, too. She gave it life, and nurtured it carefully. It was a true labor of love, and Dr. Hurt put everything she was into ensuring its success.
The creation of the College of Medicine meant that sometimes, Dr. Hurt didn't get home until late at night. She was tireless and determined, but she was still present with her family, and we all knew that the work she was doing was important and remarkable. The family shared her vision and knew that if anyone could create the first new medical school in many years, it would be her. Sometimes, when I stand in the courtyard and look up at the buildings of the college, I feel amazed by her accomplishment. Even today, 24 years later. We were and are and always will be, so proud of her.
Submitted by the family: Dr. Julian Hurt, Paul Aldridge (Paula), Lilly Hurt Lewis (Jason) and Samantha Hurt Buckley (Quinton)
Daniel Van Durme, M.D., Faculty, FSU College of Medicine
(Inducted posthumously)
What did/does the College of Medicine mean to Dr. Hurt and your family?
To be truthfully honest, when Dan first heard about a College of Medicine at FSU, he was against it. Given the amount of money it was going to cost to build such a place, he thought the other colleges of medicine in the state could use that money more than financing something entirely new. When he came to FSU to interview for the position of Chair of the Department of Family Medicine and Rural Health, it was to see what was actually going on at FSU. After the first day of interviews, he came home and said “I think I found my home.“ He was so excited about the realities of the FSU College of Medicine: to make doctors who would take care of everybody. To concentrate on elderly, underserved, and rural health was something that spoke to Dan’s soul. And so Dan became one of the primary voices for the College.
Dan loved the fact that FSU College of Medicine became such a beacon for students that wanted to really take care of PEOPLE. He was energized everyday by the enthusiasm that the students and faculty showed for being more concerned with the people and not the disease. One of his proudest moments was when the clinic on Roberts Road opened. To be able to serve the population that the school was formed to serve and see the difference it made in the neighborhood and the surrounding areas was incredibly satisfying. As the months went by, especially during COVID, Dan was so grateful for having a place where he could make a difference in the lives of so many people.
Dan considered himself a servant leader, and I truly believe he was. His belief was simply this: if we take care of everybody, regardless of race or financial status or sex or any of the other ways to define people, we can make the world a better place. That was always his goal: to serve his Lord and the people the Lord put in his way. As his family, we could not be more proud of who he was. We thank everybody at FSU for all your love, support, and your belief in what Dan stood for.
Submitted by Pat Van Durme on behalf of their family