Florida A&M University (FAMU) has reaffirmed its ongoing commitment to training future healthcare professionals, following a recent memorandum of understanding signed by Florida State University (FSU) and Tallahassee Memorial Hospital (TMH). The agreement aims to transform TMH into an academic health center. In a joint letter, FSU and TMH stated that their “current partnerships with Florida A&M University and Tallahassee State College will continue and opportunities for future expansion will be encouraged.”
FAMU President Johnson emphasized the university’s central role in preparing students for careers in medicine, nursing, pharmacy, public health, and allied health fields. “Representation matters. The healthcare workforce of tomorrow must reflect the diversity of the communities it serves, and FAMU will continue to play a vital role in producing professionals who can reduce health disparities and deliver culturally competent care,” said Johnson.
President Johnson also highlighted FAMU’s longstanding partnership with TMH. To strengthen this collaboration further, Dr. Donald Palm, III was recently appointed as Executive Vice President for Health Sciences Enterprise and Research Innovation. According to Johnson, Dr. Palm’s leadership will enhance focus on key programs including the School of Allied Health Sciences, the School of Nursing, the College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Institute of Public Health (CoPPS-IPH), and Sponsored Research.
“Together, these programs represent FAMU’s commitment to producing nurses, pharmacists, physical therapists, healthcare administrators, and other professionals who understand and can effectively respond to the diverse needs of communities,” Johnson said.
The president also reflected on FAMU’s historical contributions to healthcare education. The university operated its own hospital from 1911 until 1971. Initially founded to serve patients with tuberculosis before expanding into a full-service facility in 1950, FAMU Hospital played a crucial role in providing care and nursing education to North Florida’s Black community during segregation. The hospital closed after federal desegregation policies shifted resources away in the 1960s but remains influential in shaping current initiatives.
Johnson stressed that collaboration among Tallahassee’s higher education institutions is essential amid national shortages of healthcare workers. “Together with FSU, TMH, and TSC [Tallahassee State College], FAMU is helping build a stronger, more integrated pipeline of healthcare talent,” he stated. He added that shared goals include experiential learning opportunities and clear workforce pathways for students.
The Tallahassee City Commission plans two public hearings on October 1 and October 22 regarding this partnership initiative. FAMU leaders will attend both events to support the collaboration efforts and listen to community feedback.
“Thank you for your continued support of FAMU and our students as we advance this important mission. With your support, we will continue to expand opportunity, advance equity in healthcare, and ensure that underserved communities have access to representative, compassionate, and high-quality care,” Johnson concluded.
