Medical Parents Association Welcomes Parents of the Class of 2028
Parents and family members of Miller School students gathered to learn about everything that lies ahead over the four-year medical journey and how they can support their students.
Every year, the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine’s Medical Parents Association (MPA) hosts an orientation. It’s not for the incoming students. It’s for their parents and family members and provides an overview of everything that lies ahead over the four-year medical journey and how parents can support their students.
The families met with each other and Miller School faculty members at the Christine E. Lynn Rehabilitation Center on the Miller School campus on August 22 to learn about the medical education curriculum, clinical programs, student affairs, community service and diversity programs and other aspects of life at the Miller School.
“This has been a dream come true for our daughter, Isabella,” said Anna Guanche, M.D., whose husband, Carlos, is a Miller School alum from the Class of 1987.
“When I was a student here in the ’80s, this campus was already amazing. But now it has become this modern, state-of-the-art facility,” said Carlos Guanche, M.D. ’87. “Isabella came to visit the campus on her own and she loved it. She loved the people she met and that led to her coming to the Miller School.”
Welcoming the Parents
Tanya Lawer-Garcia, M.D. ’96, kicked off the program with a welcome to the families.
“We can tell you that the Miller School is a phenomenal institution,” said Dr. Lawer-Garcia, who, along with her husband, Nelson Garcia, M.D. ’96, is co-president of the MPA, a volunteer organization that serves as a liaison to the faculty and administration representing medical students and their parents and families. The couple are also Miller School parents. Their child, Michael, is in his fourth year at the Miller School.
Henri Ford, M.D., M.H.A., dean and chief academic officer of the Miller School, welcomed parents with words of gratitude and affirmed that the Miller School was an ideal destination for their children.
“Parents, I want to thank you for entrusting us with the task of helping your children become physician leaders who will be empowered to transform lives and inspired to serve our global communities,” Dean Ford said. “I believe that is the fundamental underpinning of the Miller School education and we take this very seriously.”
Class of 2028 By the Numbers
For a spot in the Class of 2028, the Miller School received more than 9,000 applications and matriculated 235 students. This year’s class boasts the highest G.P.A. in school history, 3.83, and an average MCAT score of 515.
Sixty-five percent of the new class comes from the state of Florida, 60% are women, 66% are minorities and 24% are minorities underrepresented in medicine.
“I want to congratulate each of you here today,” said Latha Chandran, M.D., M.P.H., M.B.A, executive dean for education and policy, founding chair of the Department of Medical Education and Bernard J. Fogel Chair in Medical Education at the Miller School. “I know each one of you made an incredible commitment to the success of your children. We are happy to have them and, along with your support, I know they will be successful.”
NextGenMD’s Novel Approach
Gauri Agarwal, M.D. ’00, associate dean for curriculum, provided an overview of NextGenMD, the Miller School’s innovative curriculum.
NextGenMD takes a novel approach to integrate practical application and self-directed learning in three interconnected disciplines — foundational science, clinical care and health systems science — while emphasizing key attributes of professionalism and communication skills.
The curriculum is designed to foster real-world application, including integrated clinical clerkships, foundational sciences, opportunities for scholarly pathways and dual degrees and expanded time for career exploration and training.
“We want your students to see patients early so that by year three and four, they can begin those specializations or even graduate early,” said Dr. Agarwal.
A Plethora of Programs and Resources
The orientation served as an opportunity to learn about the Miller School’s commitment to diversity. Nanette Vega, Ed.D. ’20, assistant dean for belonging and inclusive excellence, introduced her office’s work to create a welcoming and equitable learning experience throughout medical school.
“At the Miller School, we believe that belonging is more than a buzzword. It is built into the fabric of everything we do here,” Dr. Vega said. “Why is it important? Medicine is an understanding of people, diseases and creating an environment where everyone feels valued and included.”
Hilit Mechaber, M.D. ’95, senior associate dean for student affairs, shared the many resources available to students for dealing with the inevitable challenges that will arise during their training.
“One of the hardest things for our medical students to recognize is that sometimes they will need help, and there is no shame in asking for that help,” said Dr. Mechaber. “All of our resources are available for them so that they don’t feel alone, they don’t feel isolated and they know we are all here to support them.”
The parents also had an opportunity to take part in a Q&A session with student leaders from key volunteer student groups.
Dr. Lawer-Garcia encouraged parents to join the MPA and help their students achieve their goals.
“The Medical Parents Association has plenty of opportunities to assist our students,” she said. “We are comprised entirely of volunteer family members just like you. We will be looking forward to your participation and we would love for you to join us.”
Get Involved
• Email Rachel Cameau to learn about more ways to support the Miller School.
Tags: Dean Henri Ford, Dr. Gauri Agarwal, Dr. Hilit Mechaber, Dr. Latha Chandran, medical education, Medical Parents Association, medical students, orientation