“Residents Felt Like They Could Accomplish Anything:” Endowment Honors Miller School Gynecologic Surgeon, Teacher and Mentor
The Ira S. Karmin, M.D. Endowed OB/GYN Award Fund for Excellence in Education will support students and residents pursuing a career in obstetrics and gynecology.
To Ira Karmin, M.D., there was no more noble profession than medicine.
An assistant professor of obstetrics, gynecology and reproductive sciences at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Dr. Karmin specialized in minimally-invasive gynecologic surgery, such as complex hysterectomies for fibroids and ovarian cysts, and pelvic floor procedures.
“He could make a difference by restoring women to their healthiest and most productive selves,” said his wife, Randye Karmin, M.D., a gynecologist in Miami. “The place he felt most at peace and most comfortable was in the operating room.”
Dr. Ira Karmin, whose identity as a physician was so strong that he regularly wore scrubs outside the hospital, passed away in May while traveling in Italy with his family. He was 68.
To honor his legacy, Dr. Randye Karmin and obstetrician-gynecologist Kenneth Konsker, M.D., who trained under Dr. Ira Karmin, created an award in his name. The Ira S. Karmin, M.D. Endowed OB/GYN Award Fund for Excellence in Education will support students and residents pursuing a career in obstetrics and gynecology.
“A colleague, surgeon and teacher, Ira was a respected member of the University of Miami community,” said Henri R. Ford, M.D., M.H.A., dean and chief academic officer of the Miller School. “This endowed award ensures his legacy will touch generations of medical students.”
Dr. Konsker said Dr. Ira Karmin dedicated his professional life to teaching residents and medical students.
“He has committed to this throughout this career, enabling residents to become fine surgeons and people, as well,” said Dr. Konsker. “Not only was he a great surgeon, but he was also very kind and compassionate and cared about women’s health. His thought process and skills are embedded in me and have allowed my career to flourish because of his input.”
Raised in Great Neck, New York, Dr. Ira Karmin was affiliated with the Albert Einstein College of Medicine and the Mount Sinai School of Medicine, where he met his wife. He was a popular attending physician among residents and won more than a dozen faculty teaching awards.
“When Ira was the attending,” Dr. Randye Karmin said, “the residents felt like they could accomplish anything.”
The couple relocated to Florida, and Dr. Ira Karmin joined the Miller School in 2006. Among other leadership roles, he was chair of the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences from 2011 to 2018. During his tenure, the Karmins hosted gatherings for medical students at their Pinecrest home.
“He mentored so many young doctors,” Dr. Randye Karmin said. “Teaching was always a part of his core.”
When Ira was the attending, the residents felt like they could accomplish anything.
Dr. Randye Karmin
Even the Karmins’ two children called their father a great teacher, Dr. Randye Karmin said. Their son, Bradley, will graduate from Northeastern University this year with a degree in computer science. Their daughter, Shayna, is a freshman at Emory University on a pre-medical track.
The Karmin fund will support medical students and residents who are dedicated to obstetrics and gynecology.
“Ira’s influence on the careers and the skill development of young professionals has been critical,” Dr. Randye Karmin said. “He would love that, in his name, students and residents committed to the field would be recognized.”
Her vision is that the fund will eventually grow enough to support students and residents as they contribute to their field by presenting research at conferences or volunteering on medical missions to underserved countries.
“Seeing people provide financial support to the endowment is another testament to how profoundly he impacted so many lives,” Dr. Randye Karmin said. “It will be really nice to see this come to fruition in his memory.”