The Judy Genshaft Honors College is known for academics, but it’s also a place where lifelong connections are made. For Honors alumni Patrick and Savanah Mullen, a relationship that began over tutoring has grown into a lifelong partnership, marriage, and now a shared medical practice.
A Place for Connection
Savanah Mullen was initially drawn to the University of South Florida by its 7-Year B.S./M.D. Program. For Patrick, the campus’ modern appeal and growth-oriented culture helped solidify
his decision. Patrick also enrolled in the 7-Year B.S./M.D. Program shortly after
beginning his first year at USF — a move that, in addition to offering an accelerated
path to medical school, placed him in many of the same classes as Savanah.
Needing help with chemistry assignments first brought the two into contact. Within
a month, both said they knew they would one day marry.
During their time at USF, the Mullens were deeply involved in campus life. Both lived in the Honors Living Learning Community during their first year, forming close connections with Honors peers while residing in what was then the newest residence hall, Juniper Poplar Hall.
Savanah also served as an Honors ambassador, assisting students and faculty at the
front desk in the Honors College’s former home in the John and Grace Allen Building.
Patrick worked as a resident assistant and later volunteered as an instructor for
the Honors College’s MCAT preparation course while he was a second-year student at
the USF Morsani College of Medicine.
Returning to the Honors College to help the younger students initially felt like a
daunting task as a busy medical student, but Patrick said he benefited from the boost
of confidence that came with leading a classroom.
“It really helped take me from that impostor syndrome of ‘I have no idea what I'm
doing in medical school’ to now ‘I have 25 kids in the Honors College that want to
be exactly like me,’” Patrick said.
Defining Success
Honors advising played a key role in helping the Mullens set priorities and map out a future that met both their individual and shared goals.
Savanah ultimately pivoted from the M.D. track to pursue a physician assistant degree
after conversations with her Honors advisor helped her recognize her priorities around
personal life and direct patient interaction. Patrick, who discovered a passion for
teaching, also questioned whether a traditional medical path would allow him to balance
instruction with clinical care.
Encouraged by their advisors to pursue paths aligned with their goals, Savanah and
Patrick were able to stay local and continue building on their relationship after
graduation. Savanah enrolled in Barry University’s physician assistant program, while
Patrick continued on the 7-year medical track to earn his M.D. at USF.
After graduating from medical school, Patrick taught at the University of North Carolina
School of Medicine, where he was later promoted to help develop curriculum. Still,
the couple felt drawn back to clinical work — and closer to home.
Patrick said the timing was far from ideal, but the decision felt right.
“Being that we were pregnant with our second child and had good careers, we thought,
why not give up everything, sell our house, move back to Florida, and start a new
practice?” Patrick said.
Starting a New Chapter
The Mullens moved to Sarasota to launch Precision Health and Aesthetics alongside longtime friend Dr. Zyad Asi, a fellow USF Morsani College of Medicine alum.
The practice follows a concierge model that prioritizes preventive care, precision
medical solutions, and increased access to providers.
Working together has improved the couple’s work-life balance, allowing them to spend
more time together while fully trusting their professional partnership. Patrick focuses
on data-driven, preventative medical care, while Savanah leads aesthetic consultations
and conservative, balanced enhancements that increase her clients' confidence.
“With Savanah, I know I can fully trust my partner,” Patrick said. “We have that ultimate
trust in the person that you work with, that they are amazing at what they do, and
they give their all to it.”
“It’s the same with marriage — fully trusting that the other person is doing their
best,” Savanah said.
The Mullens have also remained committed to supporting the next generation of Honors
students. They recently hired USF Sarasota-Manatee Honors graduate Angela Perez Cruz
as part of their support staff, a connection Savanah said felt especially meaningful.
“We know anyone from the Honors College would be a great fit for us,” Savanah said.
Lifelong Connections
What began as an Honors connection has grown into a marriage, a medical practice,
and an ongoing commitment to mentorship. For the Mullens, the Honors College was not
only where they met, but where they learned how to build a life centered on personal
connection and care.
Savanah said she looks back on her Honors experience with gratitude — not only for
meeting her husband, but for finding a sense of belonging at a large university.
“Getting the opportunity to connect with a smaller group of people, rather than being
a fish in a very large pond, was something I was grateful to have,” she said.
Patrick said his Honors experience culminated at graduation, when he reflected on
the success of his peers and the paths ahead of them.
“At graduation, we got to see the people we worked hard alongside and where they were
headed,” he said. “You never get lost along the way — there’s always that lifelong
connection.”
The couple returned to the Honors College last fall to attend the Judy Genshaft Honors College Alumni Society kickoff event. Returning to the campus where they met was a special memory for both Patrick and
Savanah, especially since their children were able to experience it alongside them.
“We were able to show our toddler, ‘This is where mom and dad went to school,’” Patrick
said.
“It was surreal; this is where it all started,” Savanah said.
Interested in staying connected? Join the JGHC Alumni Society to get involved in mentorship opportunities, community service initiatives, and professional networking among Honors alumni.