Delivering Connections
Natalia Echeverri, M.D. ’15 took a bold leap in 2011, entrusting her medical dreams to the Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, which had just graduated its inaugural class in 2013. Rooted in Miami with her husband, she applied only to local schools, believing FIU’s innovative vision would shape her unique path.
Now, as chief of Obstetrics and Gynecology at South Miami Hospital, practicing with South Miami OBGYN Associates, Echeverri, 40, delivers more than babies—she fosters profound connections, serving the community that raised her and nurturing lifelong bonds with FIU alumni.
Echeverri’s journey is one of serendipity, resilience and the enduring support of her FIU network. Initially deterred by the demanding lifestyle of a doctor, she pursued a master’s in international administration. But a medical mission to Haiti after the 2010 earthquake reignited her passion.
“That trip solidified that my heart was in medicine,” she recalls. “I told my husband I’d give it one shot.”
FIU welcomed her, launching her medical journey.
At FIU, Echeverri found more than education—she found a family. Balancing motherhood she had her first child as a second-year student and her second as a fourth-year—she leaned on her classmates.
“They carried me,” she says. “They tutored me at home while I was breastfeeding, stayed up late when I was struggling. I wouldn’t be a doctor without them.”
Professors like Dr. Emery M. Salom guided her toward OB/GYN, ensuring she thrived despite her demanding dual roles. Echeverri’s choice of OB/GYN reflected her desire for a career that fit her life as a wife, mother and friend.
“I wanted to be present,” she says.
OB/GYN blended surgery, patient care and women’s empowerment, echoing her upbringing at Carrollton School of the Sacred Heart. Today, her practice thrives on FIU’s holistic approach. The school’s signature Green Family Foundation NeighborhoodHELP program taught her to see patients beyond diagnoses, addressing social and financial barriers.
“FIU showed us how to treat the whole person,” she notes.
Echeverri maintains deep ties with her medical school peers. In a lively group chat with five FIU classmates—now a general surgeon, ER physician, cardiologist, orthopedic surgeon, and herself, an OB/GYN—they share everything from birthday celebrations to professional consultations.
Adding to this connection, Echeverri has delivered the babies of three women in the group, including a memorable moment with Carolina Orbay, M.D. ’15.
“She showed up at my office in labor, still planning to operate!” Echeverri laughs. Wheelchair in tow, she rushed Orbay to the hospital, where her husband, Fernando Aran, M.D. ’15—also a classmate—barely made it for their daughter’s birth.
In all, Echeverri has delivered about 10 babies of FIU Medicine alumni. These moments highlight the trust and camaraderie built at the college.
“Delivering my colleagues’ babies is humbling. We studied together, pulled all-nighters, and now I’m part of their milestones.”
– Dr. Natalia Echeverri
For Echeverri, FIU’s alumni network isn’t just professional—it’s a heartfelt lifeline shaping her career and community.