Becoming a doctor once felt like a distant dream for Dr. Ronscardy Mondesir, a recent graduate of the Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine. But after earning his medical degree this spring, he began a urology residency in July—turning that dream into reality. Urology is one of the more competitive specialties in medicine, making his match a notable achievement.
“It’s surreal. It’s everything I’ve worked for,” he said.
Mondesir grew up in Haiti, often spending time in the pharmacy where his mother worked. He saw the challenges of the country’s health care system and learned of lives lost from conditions he didn’t yet understand. His mother nurtured his curiosity by introducing him to Doctors Without Borders, an international organization that provides emergency medical care in crisis zones. It was while working with them that he witnessed a urologist save a child’s life, an experience that ignited his passion and shaped his future career.
When he was 16, Mondesir moved to Miami with his two brothers while his parents stayed in Haiti. He excelled academically, earning scholarships at Miami Dade College and FIU Honors College. To help with expenses, he worked as a Walmart cashier and later as a math tutor. Due to the daunting cost of medical school—84% of young doctors graduate with an average debt of more than $200,000, according to the Association of American Medical Colleges—Mondesir considered nursing instead. But his parents encouraged him to follow his dream, promising their support every step of the way.
Four years ago, on his birthday, Mondesir received a life-changing gift when Dr. Albert and Debbie Taño selected him as the first recipient of their full-tuition scholarship to the College of Medicine, a scholarship created to support students with financial need who show exceptional promise. The Taños are long-time supporters of the college and the university. Dr. Taño is a FIU Board of Trustees member, and Debbie is a FIU Foundation Board member.
“It’s incredible to see Ronscardy’s success,” said Dr. Taño, a neonatologist and co-founder of KIDZ Medical Services. “I’m so proud of his dedication and hard work. It takes someone who is focused, driven, and fully committed. He’s been all those things and more.”
The Taño Scholarship lifted a huge financial weight off Mondesir’s shoulders and allowed him to focus on academics, advocacy, mentorship, and community service, embracing every opportunity to grow into a well-rounded, compassionate physician. “They weren’t just supporting my education. They were investing in the future.”
Mondesir hopes to pay it forward. “One promise I can make is that I will continue to work to ensure their commitment lives on through me and the lives I am blessed to touch as a physician.”
The urology residency is a five-year training program. Then, Mondesir hopes to return to Miami and practice in the city that embraced him as a young immigrant with a “burning dream” of becoming a physician.