M.D. Orientation: Class of 2029 Readies for the Noble Profession of Medicine
The Miller School offers helpful resources and insights to 202 future physicians
After reviewing thousands of applications and conducting hundreds of interviews, the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine teams welcomed the 202 members of the Class of 2029 to orientation, marking the beginning of their path as future physicians.
Over several days, the Miller School’s newest M.D. class learned about the academic program that will equip and mold them into physicians. Faculty and leaders took the time to introduce themselves while sharing invaluable resources and insights to help the students make the most of their medical school experience.
“What an exciting time for you all to fulfill your greatest dream of becoming a physician,” said Henri R. Ford, M.D., M.H.A., dean and chief academic officer of the Miller School. “Medicine is a noble, significant and impactful profession. We are honored to shape you into leaders who will transform medicine, improve the health of humanity and lead health systems.”
A Place of Transformation
The Class of 2029 will be surrounded by opportunities and resources to help them succeed in medical education, as explained by Latha Chandran, M.D., M.P.H., M.B.A., executive dean for education and policy and the Bernard J. Fogel Chair in Medical Education.
“You all came here with a feeling of wanting to help others, and this institution will allow you to make a difference,” Dr. Chandran said. “We are always looking at how we can be at the cutting edge. Stay true to what you believe in, as we are constantly amazed at the quality of our students.”
Dr. Chandran emphasized the University of Miami’s investment in research, citing the $30 million investment in basic science with an emphasis on neurosciences and aging. The Miller School excels in setting students up with research opportunities: 94% of Miller School students are advancing a research project with a faculty member and 84% have submitted a paper for publication, compared to the national average of 66%. Most recently, the medical campus has introduced its Office of AI in Medical Education as a response to the ever-changing scope of health care.
“I chose the Miller School for its immersive work with underserved communities and exceptional match rate,” said Sam Wimmer, an M.D./M.B.A. candidate in the Class of 2029. “I found my desire to be a physician through my work as a clinical researcher at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. Medicine, unlike any other career, allows one to use empathy, physiology and cutting-edge research to lead a family through their most emotional days offering solutions and a better life.”
Class of 2029 by the Numbers
The Class of 2029 is made up of 55% women and 45% men, hailing from 34 states and representing 17 countries. Impressively, 89% of the class speaks more than one language, for a total of 17 languages. The students come from 68 different undergraduate institutions. Biology was the most common major, followed by neuroscience and biochemistry.
“You are all here because our admissions committee is determined to find good doctors who will make caring physicians,” said Louis Pizano, M.D., M.B.A., professor in the DeWitt Daughtry Family Department of Surgery and associate dean of admissions at the Miller School. “Keep in mind, you were selected to be here for these reasons.”
Dual degrees continue to be a driving factor for medical students to choose the Miller School. The Class of 2029 has 46 students in its M.D./M.P.H. program, 25 students pursuing M.D/M.B.A. degrees and 11 candidates in the M.D./Ph.D. program.
“I was drawn to the Miller School for its emphasis on innovation in both clinical care and research,” said Isha Chekuri, a new M.D./M.B.A. candidate. “The school has a dedication to developing well-rounded physicians who are not only clinically excellent, but also socially conscious, compassionate and adaptable. I want to be in a place that not only challenges me intellectually but also shapes me into a more empathetic, service-driven physician.”
Tools for Success
As faculty gave their welcome and insights into various mechanisms of support for the students, such as student affairs, academic societies and wellness initiatives, they each emphasized the importance of mental health.
“This is a new environment, and it’s natural for a sense of responsibility and stress to accompany you,” Dean Ford said. “It’s important for you to achieve balance and recognize that there is support for you in place.”
Aidan Kunju, an M.D. candidate in the Class of 2027 and the Miller School Student Government Executive President, assured the class they are not alone as they navigate through medical school.
“Uncertainty can be one of the hardest parts of being a medical student,” Kunju said. “We are starting this career with unpredictability as we see patients at their most vulnerable. I want you to build connections with your peers and embrace the journey. Our goals in student government are to make the student experience better, build engagement and find purpose.”
The Class of 2029 will take their formal entry into the medical field at the University of Miami White Coat and Pinning Ceremony on August 22. Stay tuned as we highlight members from the incoming class leading up to the event.
Tags: Dean Henri Ford, Dr. Latha Chandran, Dr. Louis Pizano, M.D./M.B.A. program, M.D./M.P.H. Program, M.D./Ph.D. program, medical education, medical students