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University of Florida (UF) veterinary college [Gainesville, Florida (USA)] honors donors, holds official dedication of new Small Animal Hospital  – November 1, 2010  … In his introduction of David Guzick, M.D., Ph.D., senior vice president of health affairs and president of the UF & Shands Health System, Hoffsis noted the uniqueness UF enjoyed by virtue of being a part of such a major health center, and said the veterinary college faculty, and ultimately, hospital patients, benefited from the collaborations this synergy makes possible.  Guzick said Hoffsis was one of the first people who insisted on meeting with him  after his hiring in 2009, “so that I would see the importance of having a veterinary center here at UF.” He added that two key areas stood out for him with the new small animal hospital project: philanthropy, and the project’s tie-in to the concept of one health.  “We have learned that we dont just have a world-class facility here; we have a best-in-class facility here,” Guzick said. “Lets put this in context. These haven’t exactly been the best of times in Florida, but in the last several years, people have come forward and said, ‘this is important.’”  After private gifts were raised, advocacy from the UF trustees, leveraged by the Legislature for an additional $47 million, “was really important,” Guzick said.  Furthermore, the pathophysiology of diseases is similar in animals and humans, Guzick said.   “There truly is this ‘one health’ idea, and what better place to spearhead that idea on campus than right here,” he said. “Dr. Michael Schaer said to me earlier this evening, ‘This is a shooting star.’ Grab hold of it, and, congratulations.  …  Please read entire article attached.  Provided by Sarah Carey.