Biomedical Workforce
Recommendation
To expand the supply of the workers needed for a vibrant biomedical research enterprise in Florida, the Advisory Council recommends that the Legislature preserve existing funding for science education programs in both basic/life and clinical sciences, especially those that target younger students. Keeping medical school operating budgets at robust levels constitutes the best approach for success in this regard, as many of the most impactful programs are administered by medical schools.
The Advisory Council also recommends that the Legislature expand the Florida Health Service Corps to include professionals trained in the life sciences as well as the clinical sciences to incentivize the retention of talented biomedical scientists while keeping costs to state government low.
The Advisory Council also recommends that the Legislature devote particular attention to preserving and expanding existing means of increasing enrollment by ethnoracial minority students in scientific education programs. These efforts must begin with adequate funding for science and health education in schools serving Florida's minority populations and continue with educational enrichment programs that ensure minority students are competitive in applying to life science degree programs. Supporting organizations such as the Florida Alliance for Health Professions Diversity will assist with this process by assuring that universities are working together in implementing best practices and developing new programs, as needed.
The New Florida Initiative's broad-ranging focus on scientific training and careers is an excellent start in this regard. To enhance the impact of the New Florida Initiative to its fullest potential, the Advisory Council recommends that the Legislature and the Executive Branch explore opportunities for expanding this program to other levels of education, beginning with early elementary.
