Tampa General Hospital Administrator Named USF Alumni Of The Year

Tampa FL

26 July, 2021

9:59 AM

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TAMPA, FL — Steven Chew, Tampa General Hospital's senior administrator of neurosciences, orthopaedics and infectious diseases, has followed a distinguished path since earning his master's degree in 2009 from the University of South Florida College of Public Health (COPH). Now that same path has led to a new career highlight: 2021 recipient of the coveted USF COPH Outstanding Alumni Award. The award recognizes COPH graduates who improve the public's health to an exceedingly high degree – and continue to make a significant domestic or global impact in two or more of the following areas: leadership, research, teaching, scholarship and mentorship of health professionals; as well as impact on the community, college, university or society. The honor represents a memorable step in the health care journey for Chew, a Cherry Hill, N.J. native, who first was introduced to public health during high school while working in physician practice offices. He later graduated from Rutgers University, cum laude, in less than four years with a degree in biology and a minor in organic chemistry. It was at USF that the foundation of his career was truly forged, leading to his first job at Tampa General Hospital 12 years ago as a financial contract specialist. Following that role, he moved to surgical services and hospital operations, and his current senior administrative leadership role. "We are so proud of Steven's recognition from the USF COPH. He has consistently been a standout leader throughout his career at Tampa General. When our organization was on the front lines needing to respond to the COVID pandemic, Steven executed with flying colors. He demonstrated outstanding leadership and mentoring skills by guiding the teams on critical initiatives that provide focused care for infectious diseases patients." said Sherri Lewman, vice president, service lines, Tampa General. Chew's excellence in leadership can be seen in supporting the opening of Tampa General's Global Emerging Diseases Institute (GEDI). Through a generous donation, the hospital opened the first institution of its kind in Florida to treat patients suffering from COVID-19 and other infectious diseases. Chew was the executive lead in guiding the establishment of the GEDI in 2020. A collaboration between Tampa General and USF Health Morsani College of Medicine, the team includes expert physicians and clinical team members from both organizations who support the institute's care, ranging from inpatient clinical care and outpatient clinics, to teaching and research. Chew also led the development and implementation of the TGH Prevention Response Outreach (TPRO) program, which provides COVID-19 expertise and recommendations to organizations looking to protect both their employees and patrons as well as helping them to manage their operations with strict safety protocols. TPRO's clients have included some of the largest companies and organizations in Tampa Bay and beyond, from the Florida State Senate, to the Florida Aquarium, to the Tampa Bay Lightning, and Hillsborough County Public Schools. "I want to sincerely thank USF, especially the College of Public Health, for this amazing and prestigious honor," Chew said. "I remember being a student over a decade ago and being part of these ceremonies and have actually seen some (of these awards) on my colleagues' desks. I've wondered what it would be like, and what you had to do just to be considered for nomination. To be given this award is incredible." Chew stresses that public health is constantly adapting and evolving with new technology and interventions, better outcomes, and less invasive techniques. And in every facet of the job at Tampa General, his focus is squarely on what is best for the patient, supported by top-tier teams at every level. "It's always a team effort – there's always a team that's doing it with you," he said. "It's not just about relying on them but being a big support for them as well. That is vitally important. You won't get anywhere by yourself – you have to do it in collaboration and coordination with everyone else." This press release was produced by Tampa General Hospital. The views expressed here are the author's own.