M.D./Ph.D. Student Embraces Commitment to Patient Service

The health disparities Daniel Groso witnessed in his hometown inspired him to go to medical school, so he can help underserved communities.

Medcal student Daniel Groso with Dr. Dipen Parekh

Daniel Groso, a first-year M.D./Ph.D. candidate at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, always knew research would be a large component of his medical career. After he earned his biology degree from the University of Florida, Groso spent a year in the Fred Hutch Postbaccalaureate Scholar Program, where he built a solid foundation in research principles.

Now, as Groso begins his dual-degree program in the Miller School’s Medical Scientist Training program, he is driven to address health inequalities while pursuing his passion in genetics research.

Why do you want to become a physician?

Seeing the impact of health disparities in the small town I grew up in inspired me to make a difference in underserved communities. As a physician-scientist, I aim to address these inequities by leveraging the transformative power of translational medicine to bring scientific discoveries from bench to bedside.

Why did you choose the Miller School and what do you hope to get out of your experience here?

I chose the Miller School of Medicine for its ideal location, emphasis on community health initiatives and strong breadth of translational genetics research. Miami’s rich cultural diversity drives the work that we do, fostering both professional and personal growth.

Medical student Daniel Groso with Sebastian, the UM mascot
“This year marks the beginning of a lifelong journey that I feel incredibly honored and privileged to embark on,” says Daniel Groso.

I look forward to collaborating with the outstanding UM medical and scientific community to make a meaningful impact on human health as an M.D./Ph.D. student.

What does this new start mean to you?

This year marks the beginning of a lifelong journey that I feel incredibly honored and privileged to embark on. It symbolizes the sacrifices my family made when they immigrated to the U.S. from Cuba, in light of immense hardship. It also represents a commitment to using my training and experiences to serve patients from all walks of life.

Which type of research are you interested in doing and why?   

I’m interested in studying genetics, cancer and neurological disorders. The idea that even the smallest changes in our DNA can lead to disease both alarms and fascinates me. By uncovering these changes and understanding how they work, we may be able to develop more effective therapies for currently incurable conditions. This hope motivates me to push forward.

What kind of physician do you aspire to be?

Above all else, I aspire to be a physician who advocates for patients in every possible way. To me, this means ensuring that every patient can receive the best possible care and resources, regardless of their background or socioeconomic status.

While I’m still exploring my clinical specialty interests, I know that I want to combine my passion for genetics research with my practice as a physician-scientist. By doing so, I hope to support patients not only through diagnosis and treatment but also by shifting the paradigm with discoveries and advancements.


Tags: health disparities, medical education, medical students