Bridging Gaps in Care: Jordyn Williams’ Journey to Pediatric Public Health and Match Day
We’re highlighting our Class of 2025 students in advance of Match Day on March 21. Stay connected with the Miller School of Medicine on social media for more student profiles and to follow along for live Match Day coverage.
During her training at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Jordyn Williams focused on breaking down health access barriers to better serve South Florida’s diverse communities. Now, as she approaches Match Day and prepares for a career in pediatric public health, she aims to do the same for the most vulnerable patients and their families.
“I’ve always had a passion for bridging health care gaps and contributing to a more equitable and just care system,” Williams said. “Health is intricately connected to multiple spheres of everyday life, and the field of public health explores that.”
A Fascination with Science
Williams became interested in medicine at a young age. She was fascinated by the science that made it possible for her family to welcome her twin siblings, born via IVF with a surrogate. In college, she studied biochemistry and health and medical sciences at the Georgia Institute of Technology.
“I was blessed to engage in many fun work, internship and shadowing opportunities, namely with the Georgia Aquarium, Johnson & Johnson’s Ethicon, The Kids Specialists pediatric office and Just for You Women’s Healthcare,” Williams said. “I was also a chemistry tutor for the Office of Minority Educational Development and a peer mentor with the school of chemistry and biochemistry.”
Following graduation, Williams set her sights on the Miller School because of the opportunities that the school and city have to offer.
“Miami is a beautiful and vibrant city. I was confident I would gain exposure to a well-rounded and diverse patient population from numerous areas of the world,” she said. “Additionally, I liked the opportunity to couple my medical training with my public health education, completing both degrees in four years.”
M.D./M.P.H. Program
Williams was accepted into the Miller School’s M.D./M.P.H. dual-degree program designed for students interested in working with underserved and vulnerable patients. Students explore epidemiology, health disparities, health policy, health systems, community engagement, care interventions, care delivery and leadership at a population level.
“The M.D./M.P.H. dual-degree program has been so invaluable to me that I cannot imagine my medical education without it,” she said. “It taught me a broader perspective that I carry with me in every patient interaction. It gave me a robust toolkit to address concerns in various communities and encouraged my vision for health care reform.”
Williams has already been recognized for her altruism, empathy and compassion. In 2024, she became the first recipient of the Jacobo Wajner, M.D., Humanism in Medicine Award, which celebrates these attributes in physicians in training.
During her medical school journey, Williams volunteered with the Mitchell Wolfson Sr. Department of Community Service program and other student-led initiatives to provide care to underserved communities. As co-chair of the Student National Medical Association’s community outreach programs, she coordinated weekend educational activities for underprivileged middle school students, was involved in undergraduate mentoring and participated in the pre-med hotline that helps underserved students meet their academic goals.
“The field of public health allows me to step back from the nitty-gritty details of medicine to see what health looks like in different populations and communities,” Williams explained. “That allows me to find where we can diminish disparities. As a pediatric public health physician, I would like to consistently be involved in community engagement, health education, social determinants of health and improving access to care. I’m excited to apply what I’ve learned in the program as a physician.”
How does Williams feel about Match Day?
“I’m excited to step into this next season of life,” she said.
Tags: DOCS, Match Day, Match Day 2025, medical students, Miller School of Medicine, Mitchell Wolfson Sr. Department of Community Service, student leadership