Honoring a Legacy of Support and Innovation
In recognition of his family’s generosity, the main lobby of the Minimally Invasive Surgical Training and Education Center (MISTE) was dedicated in honor of the late George Sabga Sr.
For the Sabga family, supporting the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine is more than tradition. It is a deeply cherished family legacy.
In recognition of their generosity, the main lobby of the Minimally Invasive Surgical Training and Education Center (MISTE) located on the Miller School campus was dedicated on September 26 in honor of the late George Sabga Sr., a Parkland, Florida real estate investor who passed away in 2022.
“What’s happening in surgical oncology today is truly transformative, reshaping how we train the next generation of surgeons,” said Alan Livingstone, M.D., professor of surgery and chair emeritus of the DeWitt Daughtry Family Department of Surgery, home to the MISTE Center. “Training future physicians, especially surgeons, is demanding and costly. The Sabga family’s support ensures we can continue this critical work and make a lasting impact on patients and the medical community alike.”
A Friendship That Spans Generations
Sabga Sr. shared a close friendship with Dr. Livingstone that spanned more than 40 years. Together, they celebrated life’s milestones, traveled the world and created lasting memories with the entire Sabga family.
A steadfast advocate for Dr. Livingstone’s work, Sabga Sr., along with his brothers, Joseph and Emile, supported research and numerous initiatives at the Miller School. Today, the next generation of the Sabga family proudly carries forward that legacy with a generous gift supporting the MISTE Center and an established endowment fund.
George was a truly extraordinary man. This gift is a lasting legacy that will touch the lives of surgeons and patients for generations to come. We are deeply grateful for the Sabga family’s vision and support.
Dr. Laurence Sands
At the dedication, Dr. Livingstone warmly recognized the many family members in attendance, including several who traveled from Trinidad to honor the occasion.
“There are few individuals who truly make a difference in the world, and George was one of them,” said Dr. Livingstone. “He would be incredibly proud of his family’s continued commitment. Their support ensures that his legacy and his influence on future physicians will live on. I am profoundly grateful.”
The MISTE Center: Advancing Surgical Excellence and Innovation
The MISTE Center is a cutting-edge education and training facility where surgeons master the latest minimally invasive techniques to meet the growing demand for safer, more precise alternatives to traditional open surgery.
For patients, these advanced procedures mean less post-operative pain, faster recovery and minimal scarring. Beyond education, the center is a dynamic hub for research and development in laparoscopic and minimally invasive surgery.
“This is where residents build the foundation of their surgical skills,” said Laurence R. Sands, M.D., M.B.A., professor and chair of the DeWitt Daughtry Family Department of Surgery. “By the time they enter the operating room, they are not just technically prepared. They are confident and capable of delivering the highest level of patient care.”
In recognition of the Sabga family’s generosity, the lobby of the MISTE Center, located on the eighth floor of the Rosenstiel Medical Science Building, will be named the George Sabga MISTE Center Lobby. A commemorative plaque honors George Sabga Sr., with the inscription: In loving memory of George Sabga, beloved brother, partner, husband, father, grandfather, and uncle.
“George was a truly extraordinary man,” said Dr. Sands. “This gift is a lasting legacy that will touch the lives of surgeons and patients for generations to come. We are deeply grateful for the Sabga family’s vision and support.”
Following the ceremony, guests toured the MISTE Center and experienced firsthand the groundbreaking technology and forward-thinking programs that drive its mission.
“My father would have been filled with pride to see education, innovation and compassion come together in this extraordinary space to help those in need,” said George Sabga Jr. “These were the values closest to his heart. Dr. Livingstone is an extraordinary physician and it is our honor to support his work.”
Tags: DeWitt Daughtry Family Department of Surgery, Dr. Alan Livingstone, Dr. Laurence Sands, minimally invasive surgery, Minimally Invasive Surgical Training & Education Center, philanthropy