Medical Parents Association Welcomes the Class of 2021
The Medical Parents Association (MPA) held an orientation dinner August 9 to welcome the Class of 2021 – and their proud parents – to their first year at the University of Miami Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine.
Dean Edward Abraham, M.D., speaks to parents and incoming freshmen at the Medical Parents Association orientation dinner.
“I can tell you from first-hand experience that your daughter or son stands on the threshold of an incredible adventure,” said Vicky Egusquiza, M.D. ’87, whose three sons have attended the Miller School. Along with Ani Martinez, BGS ’15, and Lourdes Sanjenis, M.D., MBA ’96, Egusquiza is co-president of the MPA. “Over the next four years, the knowledge and skills they learn here will build a strong foundation for rewarding careers in medicine.”
An estimated 190 incoming freshmen and their family members turned out for the orientation, which was held in the Grand Ballroom of the Donna E. Shalala Student Center at UM’s Student Center Complex.
Following a reception and dinner buffet, medical education leadership provided an overview of the four-year program, beginning with Edward Abraham, M.D., Dean and Chief Academic Officer of the Miller School.
“I joined the Miller School probably for the same reason you selected it for your medical education – unmatched opportunity,” said Abraham, who is also physician executive of the University of Miami Medical Group. “At my core, I am an academic physician. I am driven by a passion for making a difference in our understanding, prevention, and treatment of disease. And I can see from the faculty, staff, trainees, and students already here that this is a shared goal.”
Alex J. Mechaber, M.D.’94, senior associate dean for undergraduate medical education, told the students they were joining a medical center that is one of the largest in the country and, as a result, can provide them the opportunity for tremendous clinical experiences.
Alina Sanchez, past-president of the MPA, and two of the current co-presidents, Vicky Egusquiza, M.D. ’87, and Ani Martinez.
“We are very proud of our medical school and its students,” said Mechaber, who is also a professor of medicine and the Dr. Bernard J. Fogel Endowed Chair. “We have made concerted efforts over the past years to ensure we are bringing in a diverse class of students, one that will be able to care for a diverse population.”
Members of the medical school faculty also highlighted the outstanding caliber of students accepted this year to the Miller School. The incoming class has an average GPA of 3.70, as well as MCAT scores that rank nationally in the 86th percentile. There were 8,081 applicants for 148 spots in the M.D. program and 51 in the M.D./M.P.H. program. Fifty-eight percent of the class are women, and 51 percent of the students are minorities. Nearly half – 49 percent – are non-Florida residents.
Richard Weisman, Pharm.D., associate dean for admissions and enrollment, said the numbers speak well for the Miller School.
“Virtually every student we accepted had choices,” said Weisman, who is now in his 18th year handling admissions. “Eighty-six percent were accepted at two or more medical schools, and 51 percent were accepted at three or more schools. Those figures help us gauge the job we are doing, as well as our programs at the Miller School.”
With admission to medical school comes new demands. Hilit F. Mechaber, M.D. ’95, the associate dean for student services, told parents her office is prepared to help students with any needs they may have, from academic and personal counseling to career guidance and health services, including physical and mental health.
After reassuring the parents, she encouraged the students to be aware of the gamut of resources available, and not be afraid to ask for help.
“We want you to know it is okay to need additional support,” she said. “Starting medical school is a life-changing transition, and we want you to reach out to us if you need us. We are here to help.”
Alex J. Mechaber, M.D. ’94, talks about class diversity during the orientation program.
Ana Campo, M.D., associate dean for student affairs, also spoke about the range of assistance available through her office. She oversees many of the administrative operations of the medical education programs, including enrollment, grades and records, promotions, discipline, and institutional compliance.
“Over the next four years, we will be there to support your kids, and we hope to make this an incredible experience,” Campo said.
One of the MPA’s roles is providing assistance to the Mitchell Wolfson Sr. Department of Community Service (Wolfson DOCS). Executive Directors Nikesh Doshi, M.D. candidate, Class of 2018, and Stephanie Ioannou, M.D. candidate, Class of 2018, offered an overview of the student-run organization, which hosts nine health fairs each year to provide health screenings and educational services to underserved populations in Broward, Miami-Dade, and Monroe counties.
Family members were urged to volunteer for at least one of the annual fairs, in addition to the other MPA events, such as the John G. Clarkson Freshman Pinning Ceremony, the Dean’s Cup, and Match Day. By lending their time at events or donating needed items, family members can become a vital link in the medical educational experience.
“Our volunteers work tirelessly to put on events, like tonight’s orientation, to keep you informed and support student programs and activities,” said Martinez.
Tags: Class of 2021, Dean Edward Abraham, Medical Parents Association, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine