News Summary
The Working Bulls Sick Clinic at the University of South Florida has reopened after a three-year closure, providing accessible healthcare for staff and faculty. Located in the Student Health and Wellness Center, the clinic aims to alleviate challenges employees face in obtaining medical care during work hours. Offering quick visits for minor illnesses, the clinic enhances USF’s commitment to the health and wellness of its workforce while also accommodating various insurance plans and self-pay options.
Tampa, FL – The Working Bulls Sick Clinic at the University of South Florida (USF) Tampa has reopened for staff and faculty after being closed since 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The clinic, which originally opened in 2011, relaunched this August in the Student Health and Wellness Center building near the Yuengling Center. This initiative aims to improve access to healthcare for USF employees who face challenges in obtaining medical care during work hours.
Executive and medical director of the Student Health and Wellness Center Joseph Puccio highlighted that many staff and faculty members struggle to access off-campus urgent care services, which often involve long wait times and the inconvenience of traveling. This situation can complicate follow-ups and access to medical records, making the reopening of the clinic a crucial development for the university community.
The clinic is designed to provide quick visits for common illnesses such as colds, flu, and other minor health concerns. Faculty and staff can take advantage of both appointment options and walk-in services, making it a convenient alternative to more comprehensive doctor visits. This approach aims to allow employees to receive timely care when they are unwell, without the need for extensive scheduling.
Puccio clarified that the clinic does not replace the comprehensive services provided by USF Health but serves as an immediate care option for employees. The reopening aligns with USF’s commitment to the health and wellness of its workforce. While the clinic is restricted to staff and faculty, USF also offers primary and mental health services to students at discounted rates.
Information regarding the clinic’s reopening has been distributed across the campus through flyers and direct announcements from supervisors, ensuring that all staff and faculty are aware of the available services. Early usage statistics for the clinic have been described as “modest,” but there are expectations for increased demand during the colder months when seasonal illnesses are more prevalent.
The clinic operates from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., with plans to extend hours to 5 p.m. if there is substantial demand. Faculty and staff will be billed in the same manner as they would be at a typical physician’s office, which includes co-pays and insurance fees. The clinic accepts various major insurance plans such as Cigna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and United Healthcare, and also accommodates self-pay patients to enhance healthcare access for employees prioritizing their health.
The establishment of the clinic reflects a broader view of campus health services, acknowledging the vital role employees have in supporting the student body. The clinic partners with USF Health’s Department of Family Medicine, allowing for quicker treatment plans and more efficient referrals to additional health services. It is anticipated that this initiative will improve access to healthcare services for the entire USF community, benefiting both students and employees alike.
This reopening comes at a time when USF has seen a significant increase in enrollment, welcoming nearly 7,000 new students this fall, representing a 14% rise from the previous year. As the university grows, ensuring accessible health services for both staff and students is increasingly important, making the clinic’s availability a timely addition to USF’s health offerings.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
USF Tampa Reopens Working Bulls Sick Clinic for Employees
Additional Resources
- USF Oracle: USF Reopens Clinic for Staff and Faculty
- New York Post: USF Basketball Coach Amir Abdur-Rahim Dead at 43
- WESH: USF Basketball Coach Dies
- 83 Degrees Media: USF Health and TGH Bring Healthcare to Communities
- Gainesville.com: Former Florida Basketball Standout Discusses Connection with Late USF Coach Amir Abdur-Rahim
Author: STAFF HERE TAMPA WRITER
The TAMPA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERETampa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Tampa, Hillsborough County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Gasparilla Pirate Festival, Florida State Fair, and Tampa Riverfest. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce and United Way Suncoast, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and technology that power the local economy such as BayCare Health System, Grow Financial Federal Credit Union, and KnowBe4. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HERESTPetersburg.com, and HERETallahassee.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
