Dr. Dipen J. Parekh Elected to Research!America Board of Directors
The UHealth CEO and University of Miami Miller School of Medicine leader joins the national nonprofit’s board, strengthening ties between academic medicine, research advocacy and public policy.
Dipen J. Parekh, M.D., chief executive officer of UHealth — University of Miami Health System and executive vice president for health affairs at the University of Miami, was elected to the Board of Directors of Research!America, a national nonprofit alliance that advocates for science, discovery and innovation to achieve better health for all.
“It is a tremendous honor to join the Board of Directors of Research!America, an organization that plays such a vital role in elevating science, discovery and innovation as national priorities,” Dr. Parekh said. “Its work to advance medical and public health research has never been more important, and I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute alongside such distinguished leaders.”
Dr. Parekh was one of six new members elected to the board in April 2026. Each will serve a three‑year term, joining a group of leaders representing the breadth of Research!America’s alliance, which includes academic medical centers, professional societies, patient organizations, philanthropy and industry.
Elevating Science as a National Priority
Research!America was founded more than 35 years ago to strengthen the role of medical and public health research in national policy and public awareness. Its Board of Directors helps guide strategic priorities and ensures that the organization reflects the full scope of the medical and health research enterprise.
In announcing the new board members, Research!America leadership emphasized the importance of bringing together leaders with deep experience in academic medicine, public health, industry and advocacy to strengthen the organization’s national impact.
Leadership at UHealth and the Miller School of Medicine
Dr. Parekh’s election reflects his longstanding leadership in academic medicine, clinical innovation and health system transformation at UHealth and the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. He was appointed executive vice president for health affairs at the University of Miami and CEO of UHealth in June 2025, leading South Florida’s only academic health system at a time of continued growth and national recognition.
In these roles, Dr. Parekh oversees the clinical, research and educational missions of UHealth, with a focus on integrating academic medicine with high-quality, patient-centered care. Dr. Parekh is also founding director of the Desai Sethi Urology Institute, the inaugural Magnier Endowed Chair in Urology and the Victor A. Politano Endowed Chair in Urology.
“We share Research!America’s commitment to translating research into better health for our communities,” Dr. Parekh said. “Aligning academic medicine, clinical care and policy advocacy is essential to accelerating innovation and ensuring that scientific advances meaningfully improve lives.”
Research!America’s New Board Members
Dr. Parekh joined five other leaders elected to the Research!America Board of Directors:
• Brett Giroir, M.D., board chair, OncoNano Medicine, and former U.S. assistant secretary for health
• Raj Panjabi, M.D., senior partner, Flagship Pioneering
• Joanne Pike, DrPH, president and CEO, Alzheimer’s Association
• Megan Ranney, M.D., M.P.H., dean, Yale School of Public Health
• Brandon Staglin, M.S., co‑founder and chief advocacy and engagement officer, One Mind
Tags: board of directors, Department of Urology, Desai Sethi Urology Institute, Dr. Dipen Parekh, urology