As the Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine continues to carve its place in medical education, research and clinical care, a powerful narrative emerges—one of transformation, collaboration and a bold vision for the future.
This year, the FIU Medicine magazine embraces a theme that captures FIU’s evolution: laying the foundational pieces for a comprehensive continuum of care, from infancy to geriatrics, that serves South Florida and beyond. This is not just a story of institutional growth but a testament to FIU’s commitment to addressing the diverse health needs of our community through strategic partnerships, innovative research and a steadfast dedication to training the next generation of physicians.
Joint faculty hires further illustrate the strength of these alliances. Dr. Makoto Hashimoto brings cutting-edge robotic surgery skills to South Florida, a recruitment made possible through the combined efforts of FIU and Baptist Health. Similarly, at Nicklaus Children’s, pediatric heart surgeon Dr. David Kalfa and cardiologist Dr. Shyam Sathanandam have joined the ranks, drawn by the opportunities afforded by university affiliation.
These hires enhance clinical care and elevate FIU’s academic and research profile. At the Miami VA and Leon Medical Centers, the search for a new leader in geriatric research and education promises to further strengthen our geriatric care initiatives.
These early wins are more than isolated achievements; they signal the beginning of a transformative era for FIU Medicine. By fostering collaborations that attract top talent and drive innovation, we are enhancing the quality of care available to our community. These partnerships create a stronger bond for our students, ensuring access to diverse patient populations and clinical experiences critical to their training.
Bridging Gaps in Care
One of the most compelling aspects of FIU’s vision is its potential to address critical gaps in health care, particularly for patients transitioning from pediatric to adult care.
Survivors of childhood disorders, such as leukemia or cystic fibrosis, often face a fragmented health care system as they age out of pediatric care. There’s no clear roadmap for managing this growing group of now-adults who overcame serious illnesses in childhood survived something terrible when they were little. FIU’s unique position creates an opportunity to build programs that address this transition, ensuring continuity of care for these vulnerable patients.
This focus on continuity extends to the community, where FIU’s presence is increasingly felt. From the elderly patients at Leon Medical Centers who benefit from interactions with FIU students to the families seeking care at Baptist Health and Nicklaus Children’s, the community is beginning to see FIU Medicine as a trusted partner in health.
Architectural rendering of the new academic medical center by Stantec.
On the Horizon
Looking ahead, FIU Medicine is poised to amplify its impact through increased research funding and a new state-of-the-art medical education building in clinical partnership with Baptist Health. The $160 million allocated by the state, the largest in FIU’s history, will create a centerpiece for medical education and community engagement. This facility, aligned with our aspirations to climb the NIH research rankings, reflects a commitment to excellence in education and discovery.
Yet, the true measure of FIU’s success lies in its ability to serve the community. Whether through training physicians who understand the unique needs of South Florida’s diverse population or pioneering research into rare diseases, FIU Medicine is building a legacy of care that transcends generations. We’re not at “mission accomplished,” but the pieces are now in place.
This magazine invites you to explore the stories of transformation unfolding at FIU Medicine. From the joint hires redefining clinical care to the students gaining hands-on experience across our partner institutions, each narrative reflects our commitment to building a healthier future. We invite our community—students, faculty, alumni, and partners—to join us in this journey. Together, we can bridge gaps, innovate care and ensure that FIU Medicine remains a beacon of hope and healing for all.
Dr. Juan C. Cendan
Dean, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine
Senior Vice President for Health Affairs, Florida International University