Message from the Medical Alumni Association President

We spend our time on causes that are important to us. Several years ago, while I was the Director of Medical Student Education for the Department of Anesthesiology, the MAA president asked me to attend a board meeting. I realized at that meeting that many of our former graduates were still involved and giving back to the school that granted us the education to progress in our career. I then decided that I wanted to return to the next MAA event, and the next, and so on. I have been an active member of the MAA for many years, and I have seen firsthand the positive impact that the organization can have on both current students and alumni. Now as I start my term as President, I don’t see it as the culmination of my involvement, but just another step in giving back. I am excited to build upon the great work of my predecessors and to find new ways to engage and support our alumni community. I hope as President to inspire others to do the same for the sake of our students and institution.

My vision for the MAA is to strengthen the connection between our alumni and the Miller School of Medicine, and to provide meaningful opportunities for our alumni to contribute to and participate in the school's continued success. I believe that the MAA can play a crucial role in fostering a sense of community and camaraderie among our alumni, and in supporting the professional and personal growth of our current students. I also see the MAA as a valuable resource for alumni, providing networking opportunities, continuing education, and other resources to help them thrive in their careers.

Miller School alumni can make a significant difference for current medical students in a variety of ways. First and foremost, they can serve as mentors and role models, sharing their experiences and insights with students and helping them navigate the challenges of medical school and the transition to residency and beyond. Alumni can also provide valuable career guidance and support, helping students explore different specialties and practice settings, and connecting them with job opportunities and other resources.

Additionally, alumni can support the Miller School's educational and research initiatives through contributions, volunteering their time and expertise, and advocating for the school within their own professional networks. By staying engaged with the school and supporting its mission, alumni can help ensure that the Miller School continues to attract top-quality students and provide them with the best possible educational experience.

The MAA has a long-standing commitment to supporting the Miller School's community-based health programs. Through initiatives like the Mitchell Wolfson Sr. Department of Community Service (DOCS), the MAA has provided alumni to help students engage in meaningful service-learning projects that address the health needs of underserved communities in Miami and beyond.

Looking ahead, I see the MAA playing an even more pivotal role in supporting student leadership and initiatives focused on improving health access and outcomes for underserved populations. By leveraging the expertise and connections of our alumni network, the MAA can help connect students with community partners, secure funding and resources, and provide mentorship and guidance as they work to address pressing health disparities.

Miller School alumni should get involved in supporting the school's future for a number of compelling reasons. First and foremost, by staying engaged with the school, alumni can play a direct role in shaping the next generation of physicians and medical professionals. Through mentorship, volunteering, and financial contributions, alumni can help ensure that the Miller School continues to attract and develop the best and brightest students, and that these students are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and resources they need to make a meaningful impact in their communities.

Additionally, supporting the Miller School's future helps to strengthen the reputation and impact of the institution as a whole. As the school continues to innovate and push the boundaries of medical education and research, the contributions of its alumni will be crucial in driving this progress forward. By investing in the school's future, alumni can take pride in their association with a world-class institution that is making a tangible difference in the lives of patients and communities.

Ultimately, supporting the Miller School's future is not just about giving back, but about ensuring the continued excellence and impact of the institution that has played such a formative role in the lives of its alumni. By getting involved, alumni can contribute to the school's ongoing success and leave a lasting legacy for generations to come.