The FIU Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine and Nicklaus Children’s Health System have joined forces to revolutionize pediatric health care, education and research in South Florida. This dynamic partnership merges FIU’s cutting-edge research with Nicklaus Children’s unmatched clinical expertise, promising to transform the lives of children and families across the region and beyond.

As South Florida’s leading public research university, FIU brings an innovative spirit and robust research infrastructure to the table. Nicklaus Children’s, the region’s only specialty-licensed children’s hospital, serves 70% of Miami-Dade’s children and boasts the Southeast’s largest pediatric teaching program. Together, they’re forging a powerhouse alliance that will deliver faster diagnoses, pioneering treatments and a new generation of highly skilled pediatric specialists.

“This partnership is a game-changer for pediatric health care,” said Matthew A. Love, president and CEO of Nicklaus Children’s Health System. “By combining FIU’s research innovation with Nicklaus Children’s clinical excellence, we’re not just treating illnesses — we’re creating a future where every child has access to world-class care and life-changing therapies close to home.”

Dr. Juan C. Cendan, dean of the Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, shares this vision. “At FIU, we’re driven by community-focused innovation. Partnering with Nicklaus Children’s allows us to train physicians who understand the needs of South Florida’s families while advancing research that will lead to transformative cures.”

Training Tomorrow’s Pediatric Heroes

Education is at the heart of this alliance. Each year, around 120 FIU medical students complete pediatric clerkships at Nicklaus Children’s, gaining hands-on experience in a world-class environment. The expanded partnership will enrich these opportunities, ensuring future physicians are equipped to meet the unique challenges of pediatric care in South Florida’s vibrant communities.

Dr. Stephanie San Martin ’19, an FIU alumna and attending physician at Nicklaus Children’s, is a living testament to the partnership’s potential impact.

“As an FIU student, I found my calling at Nicklaus Children’s,” she said. “The training I received here gave me the tools to make a real difference in children’s lives. This collaboration is building a legacy of compassionate, skilled doctors who will serve our community for decades.”  Cendan emphasized, “Our students aren’t just learning medicine — they’re learning to care for South Florida’s children with empathy and expertise. This partnership ensures our graduates are ready to lead in pediatric care and research.”

Tackling a National Crisis

The partnership comes at a critical time. With a projected shortage of 13,000 pediatric specialists by 2037, FIU and Nicklaus Children’s are stepping up by expanding graduate medical education programs, including residencies and fellowships. Their goal? To train more pediatricians and attract top physician-researchers to South Florida, addressing the needs of the 15 million American children with rare diseases and other complex conditions.

One of the partnership’s most exciting advancements is rapid whole genome sequencing (rWGS), a cutting-edge tool that slashes diagnostic wait times for complex conditions from months to days. By tailoring treatments to a child’s unique genetic profile, this technology is a lifeline for families on grueling “medical odysseys.”

“This partnership is a beacon of hope for families battling rare diseases. It’s setting a standard for the nation.”

— Rep. Adam Anderson, a state representative whose son Andrew died of a rare disease at age 4.

 “With rapid whole genome sequencing, we’re delivering answers and hope faster than ever,” said Love. “This isn’t just about diagnosing conditions—it’s about personalizing care to save lives.”

Cendan added, “Precision medicine is the future, and we’re bringing it to South Florida. No child should face an undiagnosed or untreated condition due to a lack of expertise or resources.”

A National Model Rooted in Compassion

The partnership is already making waves with initiatives like the Sunshine Genetics Act, inspired by State Representative Adam Anderson’s personal loss of his son to Tay-Sachs disease. Anderson’s advocacy led to the Andrew John Anderson Rapid Whole Genome Sequencing Program and the Sunshine Genetics Consortium, which brings together FIU and research partners Nicklaus Children’s, the University of Miami, Florida State University, the University of Florida and the University of South Florida.

The Sunshine Genetics Act has established the new consortium as well as a five-year genetic newborn screening pilot program. Florida’s leading physicians and scientists will engage in collaborative research that uses personal genetic information to diagnose, treat and prevent diseases.

“This partnership is a beacon of hope for families battling rare diseases,” Anderson said during a visit to Nicklaus Children’s. “It’s setting a standard for the nation.” By uniting academic and clinical excellence, the collaboration is tapping into the $100 billion genomic research industry, attracting corporate investment and research grants to fuel innovation. It’s a blueprint for addressing complex health challenges nationwide.

A Vision for the Future

As the partnership grows, FIU and Nicklaus Children’s are poised to draw top talent—like recently hired Dr. David Kalfa, a world-renowned pediatric cardiac surgeon—to secure transformative funding and develop groundbreaking therapies. With support from state leaders, private partners and the Sunshine Genetics Consortium, they’re positioning South Florida as a global hub for pediatric innovation.

“This is just the beginning,” said Cendan. “We’re building a future where South Florida leads the way in pediatric care, where families find hope and where children thrive.”

Love echoed, “Our vision is bold but achievable. Together, we’re creating a legacy of healing, discovery and hope for generations to come.”

This partnership isn’t just changing health care—it’s rewriting the future for South Florida’s children, one breakthrough at a time.