Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, (HWCOM) at FIU is a community-based, twenty-first-century medical school located in Miami, Florida, with an innovative medical education curriculum. Our college was established in 2006, enrolled its first medical students in 2009, and was granted full accreditation by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME) in 2013. By working collaboratively to respond to the health needs of patients and communities, our college is preparing students to become socially accountable physicians, scientists, and health professionals who can serve the South Florida community.
The doctor of medicine degree curriculum at HWCOM emphasizes the social determinants of health—both in the traditional classroom setting and in the community classroom—through team-based, household-centered care. Through the Green Family Foundation Neighborhood Health Education Learning Program (NeighborhoodHELP™), our students participate in longitudinal, interprofessional, service-learning experiences that enable them to translate classroom learning into practical applications.
Our educational programs continue to expand, consistent with our strategic priorities. A Ph.D. in Biomedical Sciences program was launched in 2012, an international graduate certificate program in 2014, a Master in Physician Assistant Studies program in 2015, and a Graduate Certificate in Molecular and Biomedical Sciences program in 2016. Additionally, we sponsor a residency training program in internal medicine accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education and have launched an academic and clinical affiliation with Baptist Health to expand GME opportunities in South Florida.
Our growing research enterprise conducts basic, applied, translational, clinical, and interdisciplinary research that leverages South Florida’s diverse demographics, improves the health of the South Florida community, and aligns with national global health trends. Conducted by our faculty, residents, and students, this research is inspired by and responds to the health needs of people living in South Florida.