1. Reproduction and Development

The emphasis on genetic, anatomic, and functional aspects of reproduction and development builds upon the background of the COM founding faculty. There is need for such an emphasis in South Florida. Strong faculty recruitment in basic sciences further provides expertise for novel advances and for collaborative efforts.

2. Environmental Health

Environmental hazards are a major concern to the citizens of South Florida. Toxicants are relevant to both civilian and military populations. Collaborative efforts are underway between the COM and the FIU College of Public Health and the FIU College of Engineering and Computing. A key focus is on early detection of toxicants.

3. Community Health

A mission of the FIU COM is to break down traditional boundaries impeding medical school involvement in the community. The FIU curriculum seeks to inculcate medical students with cultural sensitivity. Placing students in households should also improve care. Research by the COM seeks to validate the efficacy of this program with respect to health information, health care, and health economies. Concurrently, social determinants and disease having greatest impact on the community will receive research emphasis, in particular HIV and environmental hazards.

Within Academic Affairs, the Department for Research, Data, and Information provides the resources, faculty, and support for the evaluation of research programs and activities within the COM. Opportunities exist at all levels, basic science as well as applied and community participatory research.