The foundation has been laid. A decade ago, the first Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine graduates entered the medical field as clinicians. Since then, our researchers have investigated solutions to some of the most pressing global health challenges. And the college has offered care to more than 3,500 patients living in our most vulnerable communities.
Dean, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine
Senior Vice President for Health Affairs, FlU
Today, I am proud to say that FIU Medicine is entering a new era, where we are seeing the fruits of the collective hard work of our students, professors, scientists, and administrators. We are hearing from our community that our physicians are providing excellent care. I recently received a letter from a patient who thanked the college for providing an education that trains physicians to take a holistic approach, considering patients’ emotions and home situations. “By listening and acting upon my fears of leaving the hospital, thus enabling more extensive testing, a very positive outcome was achieved from what could have been a tragedy,” wrote the sender. In the following pages, you will learn about more alumni who are serving our community as envisioned in our original mission.
Our researchers also are producing groundbreaking work — from battling HIV and drug-resistant bacteria to working with the FIU Center for Translational Science, led by Stephen Black, a leader in the field of pulmonary vascular disease, who was recently reappointed to the Biomedical Research Advisory Council, a group that provides analysis and guidance to the Florida surgeon general on the direction and scope of the state’s biomedical and cancer research programs.
As we mature in the field of medical education, we are also perfecting our curriculum. The StepUp Curriculum introduced last year builds on the college’s already successful community based model with a more integrated, experiential, and clinically immersive education. The result: a medical school experience that prioritizes student well-being and helps students make connections across the curriculum.
Finally, our successes have led to a partnership with Baptist Health South Florida that promises to greatly enhance our students’ clinical preparedness and revolutionize care in South Florida.
We are energized about this next chapter in FIU Medicine. I hope you will celebrate with us and help us thank the generous donors who have helped fuel many of our successes.
Dr. Juan C. Cendan
Dean, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine
Senior Vice President for Health Affairs, FlU