Childhood Ambition Leads to Medical School Reality
The Class of 2028 will make its formal entry into the medical field at the John G. Clarkson White Coat and Freshman Pinning Ceremony on August 23. Follow along as we highlight members from the incoming class.
As a child in Azerbaijan, Vagif Kazimli considered doctors heroes and was inspired by the care they provided to his sick relatives. Now, as a first-year student in the M.D./M.B.A. Class of 2028 at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, he hopes to bring that same compassionate care to his patients, coupled with a business mindset.
“The challenging history and health care needs in my home country have fostered a deep respect in me for the medical profession,” Kazimli said. “Witnessing the impact doctors had inspired me to pursue a career where I could make a meaningful difference in people’s lives.”
The Miami Difference
At 14, Kazimli moved with his family from Azerbaijan to Chicago. During this transition, he learned English and, driven by his commitment to education, graduated from high school in three years. This acceleration led to an early start to his undergraduate studies in biomedical engineering at the University of Miami.
During his undergraduate years, he was accepted into the Medical Scholars Pathway Program (MSP), which guaranteed him a spot at the Miller School if he continued to meet specific requirements.
“I believe it’s always a good idea to do what you love,” Kazimli said. “Biomedical engineering taught me transferable skills in medicine. The MSP program also relieved much of the stress of applying to medical schools, allowing me to stay at the University I had grown accustomed to and where I wanted to pursue medical school.”
A Transformative Experience in Kenya
After Kazimli’s freshman year at UM, he supplemented his experience in the MSP program with a medical mission to Kenya.
Fluent in Azerbaijani, English, Russian and German, Kazimli was able to communicate effectively with a diverse range of people. He shadowed physicians and worked on fundraising efforts for cataract surgeries that supported more than 100 procedures. The humbling experience further deepened and fueled his passion for medicine.
“Going to Kenya was one of the best decisions I’ve made, aside from attending medical school,” Kazimli said. “This experience allowed me to reflect and understand the hardships faced in other countries. I want to go back there in the future, but this time as a physician, to further give back.”
Dual-Degree Mindset
Now 20, Kazimli is set on beginning his medical school career, but with an additional component —pursuing an M.B.A. The dual-degree track paired well with his goal of one day starting a private practice or being in a leadership position in a health care organization. He recognizes that doctors must make critical health decisions for patients while also considering the financial implications of care.
“Starting a private practice is essential if you see issues in the medical system, as it allows you to address them directly,” Kazimli said. “My goal is to make the best decisions for patients, ensuring they remain financially stable while receiving the best care. These dual-degree skills are crucial to me becoming a great physician.”
Kazimli is also working on Student Zone with the Whitetulip Health Foundation. The organization helps high school students, many of whom moved to the U.S. later in life, pursue medical careers.
“I’m very excited to begin this next part of my career,” Kazimli said. “I got a great sense of the class during orientation and can’t wait to go on this journey with my cohorts. The White Coat Ceremony will symbolize our achievement in reaching medical school, as we proudly bear the responsibility of becoming physicians and all the hard work it took to get here.”
Tags: John G. Clarkson White Coat and Freshman Pinning Ceremony, M.D./M.B.A. program, medical education, medical students