The origins of neurosurgery at the University of South Florida in Tampa Bay

Academic neurosurgery in Tampa, Florida, had a recent expeditious beginning, ultimately leading to the foundation of the University of South Florida (USF) neurosurgery residency under the tutelage of Dr. David W. Cahill in 1987. In this paper, the authors summarize the important events and people who have made USF neurosurgery possible. Through faculty interviews and literature review, a summary of the history of USF neurosurgery was developed and confirmed by multiple sources. While the USF neurosurgery program is still young, it has made significant regional and national contributions to the field during the couple decades under the guidance of Dr. David Cahill and then Dr. Harry van Loveren. Presented is an account of the faculty, sites, trainees, and important events spanning the history of USF neurosurgery.