Dr. Stephanie San Martin ’19 embodies the transformative power of the partnership between FIU and Nicklaus Children’s. Born and raised in West Kendall, San Martin’s path to becoming an attending physician at Nicklaus Children’s began with her deep-rooted connection to her community.
“Growing up here, I always wanted to give back to South Florida,” she says.
After earning her undergraduate degree at the University of Florida and a master’s in Boston, San Martin returned home to attend Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine. Drawn to the college’s focus on social determinants of health and its innovative NeighborhoodHELP program, she found a unique opportunity to engage with local families.
“Following a household over years gave me a real perspective on how environment impacts health,” she recalls. “It shaped how I approach patient care.”
San Martin’s passion for pediatrics solidified during her clerkship at Nicklaus Children’s, where she was inspired by the hospital’s patient population and collaborative culture. After graduating, she completed her pediatric residency, served as chief resident and trained as a pediatric hospital medicine fellow at Nicklaus. In August 2025, she became an attending physician, caring for children admitted to the hospital’s general pediatric floors.
“Nicklaus exposed me to both routine and complex cases, making me a stronger clinician,” San Martin says. She values the hospital’s role as a regional hub, serving 70% of Miami-Dade’s children and patients from the Caribbean. Her work with FIU medical students, through lectures and rotations, allows her to mentor the next generation, a role she cherishes as an alumna.
As a mother to her toddler daughter, Olivia, and expecting her second child, San Martin brings a personal perspective to her practice.
“Being a parent has deepened my empathy for families,” she says.
Through the FIU-Nicklaus partnership, she sees a future where South Florida leads in pediatric care, training compassionate physicians like herself to serve the community she calls home.