For over six decades, the León family has been a cornerstone of health care and philanthropy in South Florida. Their journey began in 1964 with a modest clinic serving Cuban exiles. Today, his legacy encompasses a network of medical centers and transformative contributions to the Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine.
The Leon impact on FIU Medicine is profound. In 2008, Benjamin León, Jr., founder of Leon Medical Centers, was one of the early visionaries to invest in FIU’s nascent college of medicine, donating $10 million to establish the Benjamín León, Jr. Family Center for Geriatric Research and Education, one of the largest gifts from a Cuban American family to a U.S. university.
Long dedicated to serving those in need, particularly the aging community, the León family’s support of the Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine is helping advance innovative research and train compassionate physicians committed to building a healthier future for all.
The Benjamín León, Jr. Family Center for Geriatric Research and Education focuses on advancing translational epidemiology, geriatrics and gerontology, emphasizing active aging, frailty prevention and innovative health care delivery for older adults. It hosts the annual Leon Medical Centers Geriatrics Conference, connecting FIU faculty with geriatric physicians to address critical issues. Additionally, its seminar series on aging and health brings leading experts to campus, fostering dialogue and inspiring students.
The León gift also established the Leon Medical Centers Eminent Scholars Chair in Geriatrics. Through this endowed chair, FIU Medicine recently forged a groundbreaking partnership with the Miami VA Healthcare System to expand geriatric research and patient care, attracting top experts in the field.
Jennifer Martin, Ph.D.
This collaboration created a joint leadership role integrating clinical expertise, research innovation and academic excellence. Jennifer Martin, Ph.D., was appointed as the Leon Medical Centers Professor in Geriatrics and director of the Benjamin Leon, Jr. Family Center for Geriatric Research and Education, as well as senior psychologist and director of the Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Center at the Miami VA. A licensed clinical psychologist with nearly two decades of experience in geriatrics and veteran-centered research, Martin previously served as associate director for clinical and health sciences research at the Greater Los Angeles VA and as a professor of medicine at UCLA’s David Geffen School of Medicine. Her expertise spans geriatrics, behavioral sleep medicine and translational research.
“This unique role bridges two missions — delivering world-class care to veterans while advancing cutting-edge research and education in geriatrics through a prestigious academic partnership and endowed program,” said Dr. Juan C. Cendan, dean of FIU Medicine and senior vice president for health affairs at FIU.
Martin’s appointment is timely. Nearly half of U.S. veterans are 65 or older, and the number of those aged 85 and above is projected to rise significantly over the next decade. The demand for specialized geriatric care, long-term support and innovative approaches to healthy aging has never been greater.
Beyond the center, the León-FIU partnership provides FIU medical students with hands-on geriatric care experience at Leon Medical Centers across Miami-Dade County, which serve as teaching sites. Since the college’s founding, León has donated nearly half a million dollars in stethoscopes for incoming medical students — a practical gift that has equipped almost 2,000 students with an essential tool for their training.
León’s philanthropy extends beyond medicine. In 2024, he donated $10 million to FIU’s CasaCuba to support the construction of its new home, the Benjamín León Jr. Building, on FIU’s main campus. This Cuban American cultural and academic center will feature exhibition spaces, classrooms, and a forum for events. For León, who fled Cuba at 16, this project is deeply personal, preserving the exile experience for future generations.
Since arriving in South Florida, the León family has tirelessly addressed community needs. In 1964, León Sr., together with his son, founded Miami’s first pre-paid clinic to provide Spanish-speaking care for Cuban exiles—addressing a critical gap in the health system. Just six years later, the clinic received Florida’s first HMO license, positioning it as a pioneer in the nationwide HMO movement. In 1996, León Jr. built on that legacy establishing Leon Medical Centers, which now operates eight locations across Miami- Dade County, serving the region’s growing aging population.
Through the years, León has supported causes such as La Liga Contra el Cáncer and contributed to leading research and medical centers, including Johns Hopkins University and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. León has also invested in the future of health care by supporting Miami-Dade College’s Benjamin Leon Jr. School of Nursing. In 2025, President Donald Trump recognized his leadership in both philanthropy and entrepreneurship by nominating León as U.S. Ambassador to Spain and Andorra.