FSU Launches Clinical Catalyst to Bridge Gaps in Healthcare

Florida State University (FSU) recently inaugurated its first Clinical Catalyst during the 2025 Discovery Days, an initiative aimed at fostering collaboration between local clinical providers and researchers. The event sought to address pressing challenges in health and healthcare through evidence-based solutions.

Stacey S. Patterson, Vice President for Research at FSU, emphasized the potential for collaboration within the community. “There’s so much opportunity in this community for collaboration,” she stated. “We have all the parts. This is just the first step in bringing everyone together.”

The event featured a panel discussion on the significance of collaboration between researchers and clinicians. Notable participants included Dr. Gilbert Chandler from the Tallahassee Orthopedic Clinic, Professor Andrew Kozel, Taylor Higgins, Assistant Professor at the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering, and Amy Huber, Associate Professor of Fine Arts.

During the discussions, twelve clinicians from various regional practices shared two-minute presentations on the challenges they encounter. Topics ranged from mastectomy garments and misinformation about pregnancy on social media to complications arising from pacemakers and post-surgery strokes. Other issues discussed included trauma referrals from rural areas, emergency room visits, same-day triage, team-based care, the impact of Parkinson’s disease on driving, and end-of-life care.

Dr. Chandler notably highlighted the importance of engaging with university collaborators to enhance patient outcomes. He has previously worked with FSU faculty, including Kozel, to explore how patients manage pain following injuries or surgeries. “It starts with why?” Chandler remarked. “Why is this occurring in such a manner? How can we do things differently? How do we need to shift in how we approach people and treat patients?”

Participants and audience members engaged in discussions following the presentations, exploring potential collaborations and strategies to address the challenges faced by providers.

Through its health initiatives, FSU aims to broaden its healthcare portfolio. Patterson expressed her hopes for expanding such events, facilitating regular interactions between clinicians and researchers to tackle healthcare issues.

At the conclusion of the event, Patterson announced the establishment of five awards, each valued at up to $50,000, to support collaborations formed during the Clinical Catalyst. “It’s an exciting thing to bring people together and start those conversations,” she said.

The inaugural Clinical Catalyst signifies a promising step towards uniting healthcare providers and researchers, fostering an environment conducive to innovation and improvement in health services.