USF Division of Cardiovascular Services

I grew up in California and Oregon enjoying beaches and the mountains. After high school I began my medical career in the United States Air Force as a Medic, serving at home and abroad. From there I earned my Bachelor of Nursing degree from the University of South Florida. I practiced as a bedside nurse for 5 years while going back to school to earn my doctoral degree as a Nurse Practitioner, also from USF. I then joined the team hear at USF Internal Medicine and Pediatrics where I have been proudly serving this community since 2020.

Dr. Brian T. Collins is a board-certified radiation oncologist with significant clinical experience in treating breast and lung cancers. Regarded as a world-renowned expert in CyberKnife® radiotherapy technology, Dr. Collins specializes in cutting-edge radiation oncology techniques and tools.

Prior to joining Tampa General, Dr. Collins served as the medical director of the Department of Radiation Medicine and clinical director of the Proton Therapy Center at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital in Washington, D.C. He has a particular interest in treating central nervous system (CNS) tumors and previously led the Department of Radiation Medicine’s CNS program for more than 20 years. He also was an associate professor at Georgetown University School of Medicine.

Dr. Richard Jacobson is a surgical oncologist specializing in soft tissue and gastrointestinal cancers. He earned his medical degree from Rush Medical College and completed residency at the Rush University - John H. Stroger, Jr. Hospital of Cook County Integrated General Surgery program, where he served as administrative chief resident. He went on to complete a fellowship in Complex General Surgical Oncology at Moffitt Cancer Center, where he served as administrative chief fellow.

Throughout his training, Dr. Jacobson has been recognized for his research and patient care. He has numerous publications in academic surgical and oncology journals and has active grant funding for his research. He is building a basic/translational research program investigating the gut microbiome and its impact on cancer surgery, and microbiome-targeted prehabilitation for surgery. Dr. Jacobson remains committed to advancing the field of surgical oncology through innovation and leadership.