USF Morsani College of Medicine
COMPAC
Who are the College of Medicine Peer-Advisory Council (COMPAC)?
First and foremost, COMPAC is here for you, the incoming MS1/PT1 class. We are a student run organization whose interest is to ease your transition into the Morsani College of Medicine (and Tampa in general) and make it enjoyable. The way we do this is providing you with information about school and daily Tampa living, pairing you with your Big Sibling in your Collegia, and selling you awesome USF MCOM gear only available in our store. All procedes from our store is then funneled back to you through free festivities during your first few months here. These events include Welcome BBQ's, Social Soirées, Beach Trips, the Scavenger Hunt (the most popular COMPAC event), and much more! We hope that by the end of all these activities you will have had a chance to meet everyone in your class and settled into the med school and Tampa life.
The Faces of COMPAC
Matt Mancao
Co-Chair
Hometown: Pensacola, FL
Undergrad: University of Miami
Program: SELECT MD
*Begin dirtiest southern accent* I'm a home-grown, 100% organic Floridian from the whitest (in more ways than one) beaches and bluest waters the Gulf Coast of Florida has to offer. *Stop accent* I really don't have one, but you can't talk about good ol' Pensacola without it. I spent every other weekend in Orlando going to the parks growing up. And I know them like the back of my hand. If you know Florida geography at all you'd realize that the Orlando-Pensacola trip is 14 hours round trip. Because of this, I don't mind traveling long distances in cars, and in fact I thoroughly enjoy driving on road trips. After my time in the real South Florida, I did a victory lap at the grad school here at MCOM called the MSP3, so now I am a master at all of the Sciences. I spend my here in Tampa trying all the best foods or making them, so if you have any questions about that, let me know.
Drew Benz
Co-Chair
Hometown: Johns Creek, GA
Undergrad: University of Georgia
Program: CORE MD
My name is Drew Benz and I am from Johns Creek, Georgia (essentially Atlanta). As such, I went to the University of Georgia – the home of the best college town and university in the nation. Maybe that’s self-proclaimed, but at least we’re better than Florida…GO DAWGS. I currently live right across the street from Busch Gardens just south of campus. As far as hobbies go, it’s nice to go to Busch every so often, but I also like to workout at the campus rec center and toss around the pigskin. If you go to Busch Gardens, get the cinnamon pretzels. They’re phenomenal. On the weekends, it’s nice to hit up the beaches or go out in Soho. If I could give you any advice for 1st year, it’d be to have fun and not take things too seriously; that’s what the rest of your life is for. Have a great summer, looking forward to meeting y’all in the fall!
Nic Werbeckes
Co-Chair
Hometown: Cheeseland
Undergrad: University of Wisconsin
Program: SELECT MD
‘Ello folks, I’m Nic Werbeckes and I’m an addict. Learning is my primary fix so med school is workin’ out well for me. But don’t worry I’m not that guy who can’t shut up or keep his hand down in class. My background in dietetics provided me with a great deal of practice keeping my mouth shut around friends with poor eating habits. I’ll never hassle you about eating too much especially when it comes to the three primary food groups in my home state: beer, brats, and cheese. When I’m not satisfying my craving for connections, I’m either reading, enjoying nature, caring for my new puppy, or a combination of the three. Welcome to USF Health!
Andrew Lai
Co-Chair
Hometown: Tampa, FL
Undergrad: Boston University
Program: SELECT MD
Everything in moderation is amazing, but I can put away food like it's the end of the world. I'm a huge nerd, but you won't know unless we have a conversation longer than 5 seconds. When I'm not practicing musical instruments or math problems, I'm outside frolicking in Tampa's only nature trail (which is mostly paved), frolicking in the beach water (which feels like waves of warm cat pee), or frolicking on Busch Gardens roller coasters. I love New England, and the Yankees suck (feel free to disagree, but you're wrong). My most recent life achievement: Running on the Tampa airport tarmac. Legally.
Jane Bigelow
Co-Chair
Hometown: Skillman NJ
Undergrad: Lafayette College
Program: SELECT MD
I was born in New York City, and grew up in New Jersey. I have one older sister, and excluding one incident where she opened my bedroom window in the winter while I slept in my crib, we’ve been extremely close my entire life. As far as how I arrived at USF…One brisk fall day as a junior in college my stomach began to growl, and I stumbled upon a lunch meeting in our biology building where a medical school admissions officer was talking about this crazy “select” thing and a school far far away called USF. About 4 years later I moved into an apartment in north Tampa with a girl named Kaila Schultz. My timeline doesn't add up you say? I see you’re paying attention young grasshoppers – I volunteered as an EMT in my hometown, lived in Guatemala to learn Spanish, and traveled to several other central and south American countries during the 2 years between undergrad and med school. My hobbies include skiing, travel, hiking, reading and woodworking. I love the sense of community that USF fosters, and the variety of ways you can get involved here. I’m looking forward to meeting all of you, welcome to USF!
Arlene Shi
DPT Co-Chair
Hometown: Hong Kong, China
Undergrad: University of Florida
Program: Doctor of Physical Therapy
I was born in New York City, but I grew up in Hong Kong. I always miss the city life and all the wonderful food. Fun fact: I speak three different dialects in Chinese. I lived in Winter Haven, Florida since I was nine. I played clarinet for three years in middle school, which my family described as endurable “noise.” I used to be athletic, until I got hit in the face in every sport I played. I don’t think I have much luck with that. I moved away when I started my undergraduate degree at the University of Florida in the College of Public Health and Health Professions. Now, I’m proud to be a BULL. I love traveling. I’ve been to different provinces in China and attended my first wedding ever in Singapore. I have an obsession with Netflix. I will watch the entire series within weeks when I’m not studying. I also love food. I think you’re more likely to see me at a restaurant than the gym. In Tampa I live in Tampa Palms. I am interested in working in Geriatrics or Oncology Rehab. I’m a fan of boba tea cafés. I think I’ve been to all the boba tea places in the Tampa region. I take advantage of the Florida weather and go to the beach whenever I’m free to see the sunset and walk around downtown St. Petersburg. I got an annual pass to Busch Garden, where I go to scream out all my stress. JK, I’m just a fan of roller coasters. I like to change my environment when I’m studying. I’ve studied at the Marshall Center, main campus library and various cafés. I try to keep up with all the lectures and give myself enough time to prepare for the exam. Aside from medical school material, I meet up with classmates to practice and stay consistent with our schedule to prepare for our practical. Every study session must involve CAFFEINE.
Jamie Dolley
DPT Co-Chair
Hometown: Toronto, Canada
Undergrad: Florida Gulf Coast University
Program: Doctor of Physical Therapy
I was raised in an igloo with a pet beaver in the frigid Toronto, Canada. Once my maple syrup supply was consumed I decided to move to sunny Florida where I completed my undergraduate degree in exercise science at FGCU. After hearing that USF DPT school offers a interdisciplinary curriculum I decided to head to Tampa and become a bull fan. When I'm not studying I enjoy retail therapy or eating. I am a fan of bobba but I only have 3 bobba cards in my wallet. Does this mean Julian is the king of bobba? I currently live at the Jade at Tampa Palms. I am interested in Geriatrics & Neurological Physical Therapy. I enjoy spending my Saturday morning in St. Pete's farmers market and then heading over to the Salvador Dali Museum (free for USF students). I have also found escaping from school and going to Lettuce Lake is a relaxing relief. Night life? Me never... But if I must Soho, Ybor (G-bar), and St. Pete. For my undergraduate degree I went to Florida Gulf Coast University for Exercise Science. Whenever I have time off of school I am constantly trying to travel the world. One of my coolest travel experiences was camping for a month in South Africa. I like to study by myself and review with groups before exams. Physical therapy exams and practicals are very hands on.
Kaila Schultz
Light Blue Collegia
Hometown: Boca Raton, FL
Undergrad: Florida State University
Program: CORE MD
Born in London, Ontario Canada to two professional ballroom dancers, I spent much of my childhood competing in national ballroom championships. When I was in middle school, my family decided to do something so incredibly atypical of Northern immigrants - we moved to Florida. I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Nursing from FSU. I spent the next 4.5 years working as an RN at Holy Cross Hospital in South Florida. So if you have a boo boo, I got you. I am forever humbled for the experiences nursing has given me, but I couldn’t help to ask myself, “How can I help more?” I decided to change how I serve, now why I serve. Here at USF, I am on the executive board for the American Medical Woman’s Association and Women in Surgery Interest Group. I’m a huge fan of indie music (my hips don’t lie). I was addicted to hokey pokey but I turned myself around. I am outgoing and as my brother would say, uncomfortably friendly. I spread smiles like the plague so if you see me around, don’t hesitate to come over and say hi. If you’re having a bad day, ill squeeze the schnitzel out of you until you can’t help but laugh flowers and rainbows. Welcome to USF!
Kavian Toosi
Yellow Collegia
Hometown: Scottsdale, AZ
Undergrad: Arizona State University
Program: CORE MD
Haiiiiiii. So I spent my entire life in Arizona before moving out to Florida for medical school, and I absolutely love Tampa and USF. Some things I enjoy include dogs, Pacsun, and Sweet Baby Ray's Honey BBQ sauce. The only thing I hate in this world is pickles. My hobbies include working out, going to the beach, and eating. I currently live in North Tampa, which I would recommend for any incoming student because of the close proximity to Busch Gardens. I'm hoping to go into Emergency Medicine - if you are as well, we'll likely be best friends. K, BAI FELICIA.
Anthony Clark
Red Collegia
Hometown: Fort Lauderdale, FL
Undergrad: Boston College
Program: CORE MD
Hey! I’m Anthony Clark. I grew up in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. I played hockey since the age of three and could always be found at an ice rink all the way through high school. Hockey was a big part of my life as I got to travel all over the country to compete against different teams. Some other hobbies of mine include going to the beach, hanging with friends, and horse racing. I graduated from Boston College in 2014. Tampa has been a warm welcome as the weather in Boston and I did not agree. I live in Lodge at Lakecrest, which is great since it is closer to Busch Gardens and the Yuengling Factory than school.
Melanie Kaplanek
Pink Collegia
Hometown: San Diego, CA
Undergrad: University of Southern California
Program: SELECT MD
Raised in sunny San Diego, making the transition to Florida was a lot easier than I had expected (although I do miss the Mexican food and still don't fully understand the concept of tropical rain on a daily basis). I am pretty laid back, and am equally happy either vegging out, eating pizza/drinking wine and binge-watching House of Cards or being active, doing yoga, and running around with our IM Flag Football team. Nothing makes me laugh harder than a good pun or play on words so get at me with those. I am also in the Navy HPSP program, so if you are HPSP, are considering it, or just want to know more about it feel free to reach out!
Ricky Scheuerle
Dark Blue Collegia
Hometown: Austin, TX
Undergrad: Auburn University
Program: CORE MD
Howdy y'all. Since you are reading this bio, then this moment marks the commencement of your journey into the jungles of Medical School. My name is Ricky "Bobby" Scheuerle (pronouced Surely) and I am from the great state of Texas. I currently live in South Tampa, where there is food and drink aplenty and there is nay a dull moment because of the multitudes of adventures awaiting you. Most people consider me a hipster, but that's too mainstream, I don't use labels. I prefer to refer to myself as amateur marine biologist. You show me a fish and I can name it. In my spare time I enjoy making homemade bread in my bread machine while drinking the homemade coffee from Buddy Brew out of a denim covered mason jar while listening to Keith Urban on a record player while wearing denim on denim on denim.
Zach Christopher
Green Collegia
Hometown: Rural New Jersey
Undergrad: Arizona State University
Program: CORE MD
I grew up in a small town in rural New Jersey and moved to Iowa when I was 12. When I was 15 my family moved to the scalding deserts of Phoenix, AZ. I finished high school there and graduated from Arizona State University as a biology major. In my free time I love playing soccer, water sports, hiking, going to the beach, video games, and watching football. I am a HUGE ASU football and Pittsburgh Steelers fan! I had a couple heart surgeries as a kid, and that really inspired me to pursue a career in surgery. I am the Intramural Chair, so some of you will probably see me if you join our sports teams — which you should totally do because it’s a great break from school. If you see me on campus feel free to say hello and ask me any questions you have! Welcome to USF!
Nancy Li
Purple Collegia
Hometown: Denver, CO
Undergrad: University of Colorado Boulder
Program: CORE MD
True: I was born in the Forbidden City, China.
False: I use chopsticks really well.
(True: I'm probably the least skilled person at them)
True: I have a RBF.
Also true: 99.9% of the time, I am actually really happy!
True: I either spend my time studying in Florida or hiking, climbing, camping, or skiing in Colorado.
False: I am pro-status at any of the things listed above.
True: If you see me jamming out in the car, it's probably to Taylor Swift.
False: I am embarrassed when I get caught.
True: I like to bake cookies.
Also true: It only seems to happen around test time.
True: USF has some of the best people you will ever meet!
Also true: Welcome Class of 2019!
End bio.
Jordan Davies
Black Collegia
Hometown: Centerville, UT
Undergrad: Brigam Young University
Program: SELECT MD
Hi, my name is Jordan Davies. I was born in Centerville, UT. I did undergrad in Neuroscience at BYU, graduating in 2013. I took a year off before med school and worked at Myriad Genetics while my wife finished her nursing degree. We live up in Tampa Palms and welcomed our first boy, Liam, into the world in March. I enjoy soaking up the great weather Tampa has to offer at the beach, playing IM soccer, and any other random pick-up game. I am currently interested in many different surgery specialties and pediatrics. Lastly, I am an Air Force HPSP student, if any of you have questions about that. I look forward to getting to know you better, and helping in anyway I can.
Josh Cohen
Orange Collegia
Hometown: West Palm Beach, FL
Undergrad: University of Florida
Program: SELECT MD
I'm a born and raised Floridian who doesn't like long walks on the beach. My hobbies include eating, sleeping and being walked by my dog. Before med school, I spent a year designing features for an electronic medical record with a box of crayons. Now that I'm here, I enjoy binge watching Netflix when I'm not pretending to study. My goal is to be a hospital administrator so that I can make the final decision on what color to paint the walls.
Julian La
DPT Co-Chair
Hometown: Lancaster, PA
Undergrad: Temple University
Program: Doctor of Physical Therapy
I was born and raised in a small town called Lancaster, Pennsylvania (the hometown of the Amish mafia). I went to Temple University for my undergraduate degree and majored in Kinesiology with a minor in Chinese. I’ve always been active and involved in various organizations, especially Greek life. I chose USF because of its location in Florida and unique program. I’m from the North so it was a really smart decision to get away from the harsh winters and travel to somewhere more adventurous and exotic (well to me it is)! I’ve been exploring all of Florida this past year during breaks. I went to Miami and Key West with some classmates and it was quite the experience. I’m an avid traveler. I have traveled to 15 different states and 3 countries so far. In addition, I’m traveling to California and Washington this summer. I’m a tea fanatic; I have spent more money on boba tea this year than you can imagine. You may wonder how boba tea is a hobby. It is for me! I have tried boba tea in various places and Los Angeles is the best I’ve had. I have 6 different boba tea café stamp cards in Tampa alone.
Julian gets two...
I love working out in the gym and spend about 4-5 times a week there. I also love reading about exercise and sports nutrition. Many classmates and I like to explore SOHO and Ybor’s nightlife whenever we have time (aka right after an exam). I also enjoy going to Clearwater and St. Petersburg beaches for the perfect Florida sunshine. My favorite beach in Florida is Siesta Key, which claims to be the #1 beach in the nation. I’m always out studying in different places. My studying environment can vary from lively boba tea places and downtown Tampa to silent libraries and study rooms on campus. My study method includes previewing the PowerPoint slides, watching the lectures, then discussing them afterwards with other classmates. We usually do that while drinking boba tea. Fun fact: Half of my class is addicted to boba tea because of me. No matter how much there is to study, I try to devote some time at the end of the day to de-stress, whether it be going to the gym, eating dinner with friends, or watching funny videos online. I currently live in Village Oaks here in Tampa. I am currently interested in Orthopedic/Sports Physical Therapy.