Dipen J. Parekh, M.D., Honored as Inaugural Magnier Endowed Chair in Urology
UHealth—University of Miami Health System CEO Dr. Dipen J. Parekh was awarded the Magnier Endowed Chair in Urology, one of the highest honors in academic medicine.
The University of Miami Miller School of Medicine celebrated a landmark moment with the investiture of Dipen J. Parekh, M.D., as the inaugural Magnier Endowed Chair in Urology. The ceremony, held at Britto Palace in Miami on Jan. 12, recognized Dr. Parekh’s extraordinary contributions to urologic oncology, surgical innovation and academic leadership, and honored the philanthropic vision of donor John Magnier.
A Gathering of Leaders and Visionaries
Surrounded by hundreds of Dr. Parekh’s colleagues, friends and family, including many watching from his native India, Joseph J. Echevarria, president and CEO of the University of Miami, set the tone for the evening, highlighting Dr. Parekh’s leadership and dedication to the field of medicine.
“Dr. Parekh leads with uncommon clarity, humility and purpose,” said President Echevarria, who is also the president of UHealth—University of Miami Health System. “He is a physician who never loses sight of the patient and a leader who understands how innovation, teamwork and compassion come together to redefine what is possible in medicine. This chair recognizes not only his extraordinary accomplishments, but the future he continues to build for UHealth and the communities we serve.”
Stuart Miller, chair of the UHealth Board of Directors, emphasized the transformative impact of endowed chairs on advancing medical research and patient care.
“An endowed chair is one of the highest expressions of a university’s values. It represents trust in a leader and confidence that today’s investment will shape tomorrow’s breakthroughs,” said Miller, who is also a member and past chair of UM’s Board of Trustees. “As the Magnier Endowed Chair in Urology, Dipen is the embodiment of what an endowed chair stands for—excellence at the highest level of his field, transformative leadership and mentorship, an innovative spirit focused on what’s next and an impeccable work ethic that elevates those around him.”
Honoring a Global Innovator
Dr. Parekh is chief executive officer of UHealth, executive vice president for health affairs at the University of Miami and founding director of the Desai Sethi Urology Institute (DSUI). A globally recognized urologic oncologist, health care innovator and academic leader, Dr. Parekh has led groundbreaking clinical trials and performed more than 6,000 robotic urologic cancer procedures worldwide. His leadership has been instrumental in establishing advanced robotic surgery programs and elevating the DSUI’s international prominence.
Since joining the University of Miami and UHealth in 2012, Dr. Parekh has held a series of leadership roles: chair of the Department of Urology, executive dean for clinical affairs, director of robotic surgery, chief clinical officer and chief operating officer at UHealth.
In 2025, he was appointed to his current position while also serving as holder of the Victor A. Politano Endowed Chair in Urology, professor of urology at the Miller School and founding director of the Desai Sethi Urology Institute.
Dr. Parekh thanked the Magnier family for strengthening the institute and for supporting research that will impact patients not only here, but all over the world.
“The Magnier Endowed Chair in Urology provides the flexibility for its recipients to dream bigger, to think broader and serve the community with purpose, excellence, dignity, empathy and humility,” said Dr. Parekh. “To the entire Magnier family, our health system and medical school are eternally grateful for your generosity, your friendship, your kindness.”
Philanthropy in Action
President Echevarria recognized Magnier, renowned owner of Coolmore Stud and a leader in international business and philanthropy, for his generosity and belief in the importance of supporting innovative leaders like Dr. Parekh.
“Endowments support people who combine excellence with integrity and vision,” said President Echevarria. “Dr. Parekh exemplifies that rare balance. This endowed chair is about backing leadership that dares to think boldly, serves with humility and leaves a lasting impact. The Magnier family’s investment will help accelerate discoveries and inspire generations of physicians and scientists to come.”
Catalysts for Innovation in Urology
The Magnier Endowed Chair ceremony was made possible through the generosity of the Desai Sethi Foundation, whose visionary philanthropy established the Desai Sethi Urology Institute in 2022. The DSUI positions the Miller School as a global leader in urologic research, clinical care and education.
Under the leadership of Dr. Parekh, DSUI has attracted top physician-scientists, accelerated breakthrough advances in robotic surgery and fostered multidisciplinary collaboration to address the toughest challenges in medicine. The foundation’s commitment not only enabled the creation of a world-class destination for urologic care, but also continues to empower innovation, expand access and inspire excellence.
The Power of Endowments
The evening concluded with the presentation of the chair. Joel H. Samuels, UM executive vice president for academic affairs and provost, and Henri R. Ford, M.D., M.H.A., dean and chief academic officer of the Miller School, joined Echevarria, Magnier and Miller on stage. Together, they placed the University of Miami medallion on Dr. Parekh, symbolizing the trust and responsibility bestowed upon him as the chairholder.
“This honor is not mine alone. It is a tribute to the extraordinary teamwork and vision that define our University of Miami family,” said Dr. Parekh. “My heartfelt thanks go to our colleagues, mentors, donors and friends whose support has made this milestone possible. Together, we are building a legacy of innovation, compassion and excellence that will transform lives for generations to come.”
Tags: Department of Urology, Desai Sethi Urology Institute, Dr. Dipen Parekh, endowed chair, urology