Status: Closed — this petition is no longer accepting signatures.
Final supporters
We understand two new academic specialists will be hired for the UF MD-PhD program. We are writing this letter in strong support of Skip Harris to maintain his role as program coordinator.
Skip has been fundamental to the success and innovation of the UF MD-PhD program. He is greatly involved in every aspect of our education from conceptualization to execution. Skip largely developed the leadership training program, has facilitated countless faculty-scholar mentoring relationships, and coordinates efforts for the clinical research practicum, fall and spring symposiums, along with our monthly educational dinners. All of this he has accomplished while recruiting new students and organizing interviews for students from across the country. It is truly admirable how much time and effort he has invested into our program. It is no surprise that two individuals are required to complete his job.
Skip has been in this role for several years. He knows the MD-PhD program, and more importantly, he knows us. Being in a program for eight years comes with many changes. It has been very reassuring to know that Skip is always available to guide us through each transition. Because Skip has led so many MD-PhD students through their education, he understands the unique aspects of physician-scientist training. No other job applicant would have this experience. However, perhaps Skip’s greatest quality is how much he cares for our success and the overall mission of the MD-PhD program. This isn’t just a job for Skip. He is deeply invested in the MD-PhD program and truly wants each one of us to succeed so that we can help as many patients as possible. He constantly reminds us why we are pursuing this career: to ultimately improve the lives of patients and their families.
As MD-PhD scholars, we would be deeply disappointed if Skip were no longer a part of this program. His departure would be a major loss for the MD-PhD program, and translate to the loss of a great mentor and friend for many of us. Please rehire Skip Harris as part of the MD-PhD leadership that we so greatly respect and depend upon.
More like this
Ensuring Excellence at NDNU
Dr. Bazett-Jones Tenure
Updates
May 6, 2019
I have been overwhelmed by the messages you all have shared about the impact Skip has had on your lives. This momentum belongs entirely to the people who took the time to speak up for him. I am currently working on getting our concerns in front of the right leadership team and your words provide the backbone for those conversations.
8 Comments
Skip is an essential part of the UF MD-PhD program and I wouldn't be where I am today without his support and care. During my transfer process, Skip worked tirelessly to resolve all administrative and academic issues.
Skip is part of the reason that UF made such a good impression on me during my interview. No other COM I went to had a program coordinator so invested in recruiting students that fit.
Skip is an outstanding employee that works hard, is a team player and respects the chain of command. He deserves to keep his job.
My first day at UF as an Undergraduate transfer, I visited the MD-PhD office because I knew that is the program I wanted to get into. From the moment I walked in, I was inquired and challenged regarding my aspirations and motivations. I was given a book on patient advocacy, and eventually even offered a reference for a research position with UF faculty mentors. Skip did all of this for me because he believed in the program and my ability to achieve in it. Skip is a large part of why the UF MD-PhD program is as successful as it is today. Since I was an undergrad, he has been the main interface I have had with the program. He went out of his way on several occasions to invite me and build me up as a student. If it wasn't for his commitment and passion for his work, I would likely not be in this program at UF. He deserves our support, as he has always given his. Skip is an invaluable asset that our program would be wise to value.
Without Skip, I am certain I would never have joined UF’s MD-PhD Training Program. The moment he read my application, he hand delivered it to the Program Director, Dr. Stephen Hsu, and reached out to me personally to offer his support in the application process. He has been offering his support even since—during my interview at UF, while considering offers at Harvard & Washington University in St. Louis, even after my acceptance and throughout my seven years in the program. I have heard “Is there anything I can do for you?” from Skip more than any other person in the College of Medicine. He has never let me down when I request his help—whether it be for special accommodations when presenting at our annual retreat, travel assistance for a conference, or a discrepancy in my paystub. Skip is always there for me. Of all Skip’s qualities, I most appreciate how he will drop everything in an instant to lend an ear. Countless times in the past several years, I have come into his office, sat in the chair across his desk, and taken up at least an hour of his time to vent my stresses and frustrations of being in medical school. He has never made me feel he has anything more important to do than give me his undivided attention. For these reasons, I offer my highest support for Skip Harris to remain a part of the MD-PhD Training Program. He is the backbone and glue of our program, and all of his students know this.
Skip has been integral to our UF experience and is a major reason why many of us chose to attend UF. There are few others that care about our success as much as Skip does.
Skip has a wealth of knowledge that will keep the program running smoothly. He has demonstrated a history of advocacy on behalf of the students and holds a theoretically aligned vision for a student-centered program as espoused by the UF-MSTP grant.
Share Petition
Don't stop at signing, share the petition link with friends to multiply our impact
Copy link or share directly
Status: Closed — this petition is no longer accepting signatures.
Final supporters
We understand two new academic specialists will be hired for the UF MD-PhD program. We are writing this letter in strong support of Skip Harris to maintain his role as program coordinator.
Skip has been fundamental to the success and innovation of the UF MD-PhD program. He is greatly involved in every aspect of our education from conceptualization to execution. Skip largely developed the leadership training program, has facilitated countless faculty-scholar mentoring relationships, and coordinates efforts for the clinical research practicum, fall and spring symposiums, along with our monthly educational dinners. All of this he has accomplished while recruiting new students and organizing interviews for students from across the country. It is truly admirable how much time and effort he has invested into our program. It is no surprise that two individuals are required to complete his job.
Skip has been in this role for several years. He knows the MD-PhD program, and more importantly, he knows us. Being in a program for eight years comes with many changes. It has been very reassuring to know that Skip is always available to guide us through each transition. Because Skip has led so many MD-PhD students through their education, he understands the unique aspects of physician-scientist training. No other job applicant would have this experience. However, perhaps Skip’s greatest quality is how much he cares for our success and the overall mission of the MD-PhD program. This isn’t just a job for Skip. He is deeply invested in the MD-PhD program and truly wants each one of us to succeed so that we can help as many patients as possible. He constantly reminds us why we are pursuing this career: to ultimately improve the lives of patients and their families.
As MD-PhD scholars, we would be deeply disappointed if Skip were no longer a part of this program. His departure would be a major loss for the MD-PhD program, and translate to the loss of a great mentor and friend for many of us. Please rehire Skip Harris as part of the MD-PhD leadership that we so greatly respect and depend upon.
Updates
May 6, 2019
I have been overwhelmed by the messages you all have shared about the impact Skip has had on your lives. This momentum belongs entirely to the people who took the time to speak up for him. I am currently working on getting our concerns in front of the right leadership team and your words provide the backbone for those conversations.
8 Comments
Skip has been the heartbeat of the MD-PhD program. He has tirelessly given his all to the students of this program in the 8 years I have been at UF. He is a selfless person who cares about the success and well being of every MD PhD student he comes in contact with. He surely has had a positive impact on my life. The UF MD PhD would be amiss to dismiss such a vital component of our program.
Skip is an essential part of the UF MD-PhD program and I wouldn't be where I am today without his support and care. During my transfer process, Skip worked tirelessly to resolve all administrative and academic issues.
Skip is part of the reason that UF made such a good impression on me during my interview. No other COM I went to had a program coordinator so invested in recruiting students that fit.
Skip is an outstanding employee that works hard, is a team player and respects the chain of command. He deserves to keep his job.
My first day at UF as an Undergraduate transfer, I visited the MD-PhD office because I knew that is the program I wanted to get into. From the moment I walked in, I was inquired and challenged regarding my aspirations and motivations. I was given a book on patient advocacy, and eventually even offered a reference for a research position with UF faculty mentors. Skip did all of this for me because he believed in the program and my ability to achieve in it. Skip is a large part of why the UF MD-PhD program is as successful as it is today. Since I was an undergrad, he has been the main interface I have had with the program. He went out of his way on several occasions to invite me and build me up as a student. If it wasn't for his commitment and passion for his work, I would likely not be in this program at UF. He deserves our support, as he has always given his. Skip is an invaluable asset that our program would be wise to value.
Without Skip, I am certain I would never have joined UF’s MD-PhD Training Program. The moment he read my application, he hand delivered it to the Program Director, Dr. Stephen Hsu, and reached out to me personally to offer his support in the application process. He has been offering his support even since—during my interview at UF, while considering offers at Harvard & Washington University in St. Louis, even after my acceptance and throughout my seven years in the program. I have heard “Is there anything I can do for you?” from Skip more than any other person in the College of Medicine. He has never let me down when I request his help—whether it be for special accommodations when presenting at our annual retreat, travel assistance for a conference, or a discrepancy in my paystub. Skip is always there for me. Of all Skip’s qualities, I most appreciate how he will drop everything in an instant to lend an ear. Countless times in the past several years, I have come into his office, sat in the chair across his desk, and taken up at least an hour of his time to vent my stresses and frustrations of being in medical school. He has never made me feel he has anything more important to do than give me his undivided attention. For these reasons, I offer my highest support for Skip Harris to remain a part of the MD-PhD Training Program. He is the backbone and glue of our program, and all of his students know this.
Skip has been integral to our UF experience and is a major reason why many of us chose to attend UF. There are few others that care about our success as much as Skip does.
Skip has a wealth of knowledge that will keep the program running smoothly. He has demonstrated a history of advocacy on behalf of the students and holds a theoretically aligned vision for a student-centered program as espoused by the UF-MSTP grant.
Share Petition
Don't stop at signing, share the petition link with friends to multiply our impact
Petitions like this
Other petitions you might want to support
Scan to share
Anyone who scans this can sign the petition.
Skip has been the heartbeat of the MD-PhD program. He has tirelessly given his all to the students of this program in the 8 years I have been at UF. He is a selfless person who cares about the success and well being of every MD PhD student he comes in contact with. He surely has had a positive impact on my life. The UF MD PhD would be amiss to dismiss such a vital component of our program.